Discover the Batu Caves, a triple attraction just outside Kuala Lumpur. These stunning limestone caves serve as one of the largest Hindu shrines outside India. Used for religious purposes since the 17th century, they were dedicated to Hinduism in 1890 with the first shrine built inside. Today, Hindu pilgrims from Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond visit, especially during the Thaipusam Festival in January/February. Over 1 million devotees undertake a 13 km pilgrimage from central Kuala Lumpu

We had successfully avoided scams during 18 months of nomadic travel through Mexico, Central America, and beyond—with only a minor ATM card cloning incident in Panama. That streak ended on our first day in Bangkok. Heres our detailed account to help you stay vigilant. Our confidence was shaken, and it took months to reflect objectively. After a long U.S. road trip, time in Europe, and Canada, we had grown complacent in safer environments, letting instincts override caution. We also overlooked pr

Discovering Thaipusam: A Sacred Hindu Festival Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon in January or February. Originating from Tamil Nadu in India and northern Sri Lanka, it is also vibrantly observed in Malaysia and Singapore, home to large Tamil populations. The name Thaipusam derives from the Tamil month Thai and the star Pusam, which is at its zenith during the festival. A Grand Procession of Coconuts and Spears The festival honors Lord Mur

This marks our seventh reflection on 100 days of nonstop travel. After 700 days on the road, what began as a trip has evolved into a true lifestyle—one we have no intention of abandoning anytime soon. These past 100 days stand out as some of our most vibrant and emotionally charged yet, fully immersed in the chaos, glamour, spice, color, highs, lows, shocks, and serenity of Southeast Asia. Countless Wow Moments Seven hundred days ago, we might have seen cage-diving with 200-pound tigers or ba

After accumulating several weeks in Bangkok across multiple recent visits—including one extended stay unexpectedly—it’s surprising that it hasn’t appeared in our Polaroid of the Week series until now. On my latest trip, I first noticed the city’s slogan, City of Life. While not particularly inventive, it rings true: Bangkok hums with energy at all hours. As my final Thailand stop before returning to Hong Kong, it merits a feature. I’ve relished every 2023 visit (save for German Embassy errands)

During a 12-hour layover en route to Hong Kong, I made the most of my time in Istanbul—a city I adore. Though Ive visited twice before and often prioritize new destinations, this trip reminded me why revisiting favorites is always worthwhile. Within an hour, I was already yearning for more time in this endlessly captivating city. Skipping iconic tourist spots like the Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque, I explored Istanbuls vibrant Asian side for the first time. Thanks to my friend Katie, I discovered

It wasn’t planned, but as my boat departed the bay from El Nido town and ventured into the archipelago, I realized I had saved the best for last. El Nido capped off my Philippines adventure perfectly. Approaching the towering limestone karst cliffs dotting the islets, I felt incredibly fortunate to witness this slice of paradise. El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago are hailed as one of Earth’s last unspoiled paradises. Gliding past pristine, deserted beaches, navigating emerald-green lagoons, sw

Ive returned to Thailand, and it feels incredible! After a brief stop in Bangkok, I continued my island-hopping adventure in the Gulf of Thailand.I finally explored Koh Tao, the smallest of the three iconic Gulf islands (alongside Koh Phangan and Koh Samui), which had topped my Thai islands list for years. Previously, during my Asia travels, Thai islands didnt captivate me as much as Southeast Asias other gems or the Caribbeans stunning shores Id known before.Yet Koh Tao exceeded expectations. W

Our visit to the Killing Fields begins in an unexpected way… Haggling for a Tuk-Tuk Ride to the Killing Fields The most surreal aspect of visiting the Killing Fields happens right at the outset. Like in many Southeast Asian cities, the day starts with negotiating the price of a tuk-tuk tour. But today, were heading to sites where thousands of Cambodians were tortured and murdered during the Khmer Rouge regime. For the driver, its just another day ferrying tourists: first to the Choeung Ek Kill

Mexico, only our second destination on this epic trip, unexpectedly stole our hearts. We extended our stay multiple times, ultimately spending 88 days and covering over 3,600 kilometers (2,370 miles) across this captivating country. Reliving those unforgettable moments, weve curated a stunning photo tour of our adventure through Mexicos diverse landscapes, cultures, and hidden gems: Upon landing in Mexico City, we were greeted by lively Mariachi bands and colorful folklore performances…

The best way to grasp the vast scale of Mexico City is from above. Ascend to the observation deck of Torre Latinoamericano, the iconic skyscraper in the historic center. Standing at 183 meters (597 feet) with 45 stories, its engineered to withstand the citys frequent earthquakes. Though no longer the tallest, it dominates the skyline and offers unparalleled vistas.The views are breathtaking by day and dazzling at night, weather permitting amid occasional smog.To the west lies Alameda Central, a

Central American death ceremonies masterfully balance profound sorrow with vibrant joy. Mourning unfolds through slow funeral processions, where hundreds dressed in black follow the hearse from church to cemetery, compelling even passersby to pause and reflect on lifes fragility. Cemeteries transform into lively hubs during Día de los Muertos celebrations. Families adorn freshly painted graves in vivid pink, turquoise, mint green, and yellow hues. Amid picnics, kite-flying atop tombs, and heart

Touching down in Montevideo, Uruguay, we city dwellers were thrilled. After six weeks traversing Patagonias barren landscapes and the lush Lake Districts of Chile and Argentina, we craved urban energy: culture, crowds, diverse cuisine, and art. Following memorable visits to Buenos Aires and Santiago, we held high hopes for our third South American capital. Jess even considered staying for weeks. Emerging from the sleek, modern airport to board our bus, we were sure Montevideo wouldnt disappoint

Isnt it fascinating how two people can experience the same event so differently? After an attempted robbery in Montevideo, Uruguays capital, we compared notes and decided to share our unique viewpoints in another installment of our She Said, She Said series. Well also address Uruguays safety for travelers. Jess starts: Jess said: One of the top lessons from our three years of travel is trusting my gut instinct—despite the second-guessing that often follows. On our first night in Montevideo, the

If youre a city lover, nothing beats the relief of arriving in an urban hub after weeks in the wilderness. After six weeks traveling from Valparaíso, Chile, through Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego, we flew into Montevideo, Uruguays capital, in under four hours. Trading wildlife for city energy, we craved a proper rest after enduring overpriced, basic hostels under $50/night. We needed an adult-friendly stay with home-like amenities at a fair price. Posada al Sur in Montevideos Ciudad Vieja delive

Expectations often lead to surprises, and Sucre, Bolivia, was no exception. We arrived with high hopes: tales of delicious vegetarian cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere, stunning architecture, and relief from the high altitudes of other Bolivian cities. At 2,810 meters (9,220 feet), Sucre was our only stop below 4,000 meters, promising easier exploration without constant breathlessness. Yet, despite its charms, our visit turned challenging—not due to the city, but our health. Sucre welcomed us with p

When visiting Sucre, Hostal CasArte Takubamba stands out as an exceptional choice. Our two-week stay here—much longer than planned due to illness—highlighted its comforts beyond just a place to sleep. Surrounded by bright white walls and vibrant art in a family-owned historic building, it blends Sucres colonial charm with a modern, artistic vibe. With 15 rooms—including doubles, singles, triples, and an 8-bed dorm—the hostel maintains a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Youll never feel crowded and ca

As passionate travelers and animal lovers, weve discovered that life on the road often leaves our legs covered in flea bites and mosquito welts—marks of irresistible encounters with stray dogs and cats whose tails wag or meows beckon us to stop and play. Just weeks ago, I sat alone on a quiet side street in Thailand with a beautiful gray kitten. My companion, Dani, had dashed to a market stall for meat to quiet his persistent meows. As I waited on the curb, the melancholic strains of a sitar dri

This summer, we transitioned from housesitting in Mexico—where we dodged Hurricane Ernesto—to our next gig in Costa Rica, arriving just in time for the long-anticipated “Big One.” The 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck intensely, lasting about 60 seconds—an eternity as the ground shook beneath us. Wed settled into the beach house the day before and joined the homeowners in a barefoot dash across the gravel driveway. For the next two months, were minding a surfer familys home from the U.S. We feel c

Since our last update, our housesitting stay at the beach house has turned dramatically more intense. The Dilemma: Stay or Evacuate? Hurricane Ernesto made landfall in Mexico last week as a Category 2 storm, striking just 20 miles north of our beach house. It tore through the jungle, downing power lines along its path. Yet the real tension built in the days leading up to the storm. As Tropical Storm Ernesto, speculation swirled: Would it intensify into a hurricane or weaken into a depression? A