During my four months in New York City last summer, I housesat eight times—all secured after I arrived. (Ill share tips for landing NYC housesits at the end.)I arrived specifically for one gig booked months earlier via MindMyHouse: I spotted the ad, sent a personalized application, and connected with the homeowners via Skype. We clicked, and I got the job. As noted in my July travel update, it fell through due to the owners health recovery—they canceled their trip, leaving me without the planned

As I touch down in Tel Aviv for a four-week adventure in Israel, bidding farewell to New York stirs bittersweet emotions. These four months reignited my passion for the city—a place where I healed a broken heart during an unforgettable summer. I departed only because my visa expired, leaving a piece of my heart behind. I wrapped up my NYC stay in style with a housesitting stint in a luxurious Chelsea apartment, mere steps from the High Line. Earlier summer visits were crowded, but proximity allo

‘Haven’t you heard about the turtle arribada in Ostional?’ our local host Christina asked when we expressed our dream of seeing sea turtles. We had heard it was possible in Costa Rica. “Hundreds of thousands of olive ridley turtles swarm the beach to lay their eggs, just a few miles up the road,” she explained. This phenomenon occurs four times a year, about ten days before the new moon from August to November, when massive groups nest simultaneously, depositing millions of eggs. We couldn’t b

We’re writing from the stunning shores of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, just three days into our two-month housesit. Here are views from around the property: The sun has cleared the morning clouds, and a refreshing sea breeze rustles through the palm leaves, cooling the hot, humid air. I alternate between typing and gazing at the shallow waters over the 200-meter barrier reef. Waves crash where the shelf drops into deep blue ocean. We can snorkel right from our backyard amid azure, cobalt, sapphir

Strolling through the vibrant streets of Indian towns, were greeted by an intoxicating array of aromas wafting from homes and eateries. Renowned worldwide for its bold flavors, Indian cuisine draws from native spices like cardamom, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon. We immersed ourselves in these sensory delights, browsing roadside spice shops brimming with fresh heaps. Though we couldnt visit Goas spice farms this trip, their abundance offers endless opportunities to witness these culina

I must admit, Im not the biggest fan of solo travel or hiking alone. I thrive on sharing those magical wow moments—like my first glimpse of Iguazú Falls, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting a Buddhist temple in Asia, or watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat—with my partner Jess. Hiking together always sparks our deepest conversations, whether were playing mountaineers or cave explorers. Jess had sat out a hike once before (when I tackled a volcano in Guatemala due to her ankle injury), but s

The world-renowned Iguazu Falls, voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011, are celebrated as the most spectacular waterfalls on Earth. While planning our South America adventure, we never imagined skipping them. Yet, from Rosario, Argentina, just one step away, we hesitated: After endless bus journeys, was a 24-hour ride to the falls for just two or three days—followed by another 20-hour trip to Salta—truly worthwhile? After much debate, we gained perspective: This was a once-in-a-lifeti

After debating whether to wear hiking shoes for what we anticipated as a straightforward day hike to a lagoon, Dani and I met our guide, Walter, outside our hostel in Alegria, El Salvador. This energetic young man paused sharpening his machete to greet us warmly with handshakes and friendly chatter, despite the imposing tool. We were thrilled for this excursion, arranged by Roberto, the welcoming owner of Entre Piedras hostel in the charming mountain village of Alegria. Following lackluster days

Welcome to the first installment of our Hotel Tip of the Week series. As full-time travelers logging countless hotel stays annually, weve uncovered standout budget accommodations amid the ordinary. Each week, we share personally tested recommendations. This week: Entre Piedras Hostel in Alegria, El Salvador. Tucked into the scenic mountain town of Alegria, this family-run hostel occupies a converted home. It masterfully blends homely warmth with professional hotel services, making guests feel

With travels to dozens of countries and hundreds of cities over the past five years, few destinations still catch me off guard. Yet, my ferry trip from Helsinki to Stockholm for a weekend escape revealed a Swedish capital full of unexpected delights. I fell in love with the city and am already planning a return. I detailed my full weekend in a separate article, but here are 10 surprising Stockholm facts and trivia: 10 Surprising Facts About Stockholm 1. Stockholm Spans 14 Islands While I knew w

If youre a travel enthusiast, youve likely heard the adage: Travel is about the journey, not the destination. This rings especially true for our three months crisscrossing Argentina by bus. While weve covered standout spots like Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, and Rosario in detail, the real magic unfolded en route—from north to south and everywhere in between.We traversed the country extensively by bus, crossing the Andes four times, shifting from lush meadows near Brazil to dusty salt flats by Bol

When I unexpectedly spent a weekend in Stockholm in January, it was a spontaneous city break. I hadnt planned a trip to Sweden, but Viking Lines daily ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm made a quick getaway to the Swedish capital irresistible.I knew little about Stockholm beyond Stieg Larssons vivid depictions in the Millennium Trilogy. Yet that was enough to draw me in—imagining strolls through trendy Södermalm, immersion in Fika culture, and discovering why its often called Europes prettiest cap

With two major posts dropping this weekend, Im sharing this weeks Polaroid a bit early. Ive finally visited Hong Kong—a destination on my bucket list for years. Now, Im wondering why I didnt come sooner! Ill return through here on my way back to Europe, so I took it easy this time. Arriving exhausted after my fifth country this month, I skipped the hikes and long sightseeing treks Id planned. The citys intensity—the crowds, noise, and energy—overwhelmed me for the first two days. It took time

While my recent visit to Helsinki scratched only the surface of this vibrant capital, it left me eager for more. Attending the MATKA travel conference in January limited exploration time amid short winter days—sunrise around 10 a.m. and sunset just six hours later. A side trip to Stockholm was unforgettable but further condensed my itinerary. This guide offers a concise overview for a weekend in Helsinki, highlighting key experiences in Finlands dynamic capital. The Quintessential Finnish Exper

Returning to Arizona is always a delight. This time, Im housesitting in the Catalina foothills neighborhood I adore, with a new dog companion and pool, amid unseasonably warm Tucson weather.I typically visit for a month of tranquility to tackle work projects uninterrupted by travel. This year, however, Ive been more social, forging new friendships, discovering Tucsons expanding restaurant scene, reconnecting with old friends over wine and cheese, and utilizing a spacious, well-equipped kitchen t

My hotel choices depend on the trip type and destination. In hot spots like Bangkok, I seek pools for cooling off. Beachside, I prefer proximity to restaurants and shops over isolated resorts. For city breaks, I prioritize central locations with comfortable rooms, hearty breakfasts, fast Wi-Fi, nearby dining, and coffee spots.The Radisson Blu Royal Helsinki exceeded these standards. Wi-Fi was lightning-fast. Breakfast was a lavish buffet with endless delicious options. Centrally located in the v

My love affair with Tel Aviv was brief but intense—like a perfect summer romance, where every moment is savored knowing it will soon end. Upon arrival, I didnt expect to leave with a heavy heart. I fall quickly for visually stunning cities like Antigua, Paris, or Buenos Aires. Others, like Berlin or Bangkok, take time to reveal their charms. Tel Aviv fell into the latter category at first—gritty and unpolished in spots. But after days of wandering its streets, the city cast its spell. It drew me

We arrived in Buenos Aires last Friday, knowing that Yerba Mate—a traditional herbal, caffeinated infusion—is immensely popular across South Americas southern countries. What surprised us was how ubiquitous it is: locals carry their mate everywhere in a cuia, the hollowed-out gourd used for drinking. For those accustomed to toting a large Starbucks coffee all day, the appeal is relatable—but Porteños take it further, balancing a small gourd in one hand and a giant Thermos of hot water in the ot

Buenos Aires pulses with rich urban culture, but to experience Argentinas iconic Gaucho traditions—much like American cowboys in the vast pampas—head to the Feria de Mataderos, a vibrant weekly folk festival on the citys western outskirts.Once the heart of Argentinas cattle trade at the turn of the 20th century—its name Mataderos means slaughterhouses in Spanish—todays Sundays are a joyous celebration. Watch folkloric dances in traditional attire, live folk music on stage, and crowds honoring Ga

Originally opened as the Teatro Gran Splendid theater in 1919, this iconic Buenos Aires landmark is now home to what many call the worlds most beautiful bookstore. It began as a grand theater, transitioned to a cinema in the 1930s, then closed and stood empty for decades.In 2000, the Ateneo bookstore chain acquired the property and meticulously renovated the historic venue into its flagship store in the city. Theater seats gave way to towering bookshelves, while the opulent interior—complete wit