The rain had cleared as my bus emerged from Guadalajaras grey days, revealing lush jungle and distant blue skies. I was heading to Mexicos Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile Pacific coastline rivaling the Riviera Maya, stretching from historic San Blas to bustling Nuevo Vallarta.After months exploring Mexico City, Veracruz, Oaxaca, the Yucatan, and Isla Mujeres, Riviera Nayarit was my next adventure. With limited time, I focused on three standout beaches: surf-centric Sayulita, relaxed San Pancho, and

Guadalajara wasnt initially on my Mexico travel radar. My wishlist featured destinations like San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Copper Canyon, and Pacific Coast beaches such as Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, and San Pancho—places highlighted by travel bloggers during their winter escapes.However, Guadalajaras proximity to these beaches made it an ideal base. As Mexicos cultural capital in 2005, a vibrant university city with world-class art museums, a historic center, and murals by the renowned Jos

Chichén Itzá, one of Mexicos most iconic Mayan ruins and a New Seven Wonder of the World, spans 5 square kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage site features intricate temples, bathhouses, and sacred structures, including the striking Temple of the Jaguar. Jaguars, a recurring motif in Mesoamerican art, symbolize strength, confidence, and divinity. The complex is dominated by El Castillo, the grand pyramid with 91 steps ascending each of its four sides, constructed by the Maya between 600 and 9

Deep within the lush jungle of Chiapas, southern Mexico, the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque stand amid some of Mexicos most breathtaking landscapes. As you wander between towering temples in the humid tropical air, the haunting calls of howler monkeys echo from the canopy, revealing this as one of Mesoamericas most vital pre-Hispanic cities. Ascend the grand temples and the central Palace for panoramic views stretching endlessly into the verdant jungle.

Welcome to our weekly Hotel Tip of the Week series. Traveling full-time means weve tested countless accommodations. Amid budget options that disappoint, gems like this shine. We recommend only places weve personally experienced, proving budget travel can be comfortable and enjoyable. Wondering where to stay in Valladolid? Look no further! Weve highlighted this Mexican hostel in our Valladolid guide and our 33 favorite things about Mexico, but a dedicated review is overdue. Nestled on a peaceful

Nestled on Mexicos Yucatán Peninsula, Valladolid enchanted us during our stopover en route to Playa del Carmen. Though home to around 45,000 residents, this vibrant town retains the laid-back charm of a sleepy Mexican village. Pastel-hued colonial buildings frame its tranquil central square, where Mayan women in traditional huipiles sell exquisite handmade embroidery, dresses, and crafts. Famous for the breathtaking Cenote Zaci—a natural sinkhole in the town center—and its proximity to the iconi

Nestled along the popular Gringo Trail, the enchanting colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico, invites travelers to linger. Yet, allocate a morning for an unforgettable excursion to Sumidero Canyon, located just 48 kilometers (30 miles) east. Comparable to the Grand Canyon on a smaller scale, Sumidero Canyon offers breathtaking views from five scenic viewpoints along the rim, easily accessible by rental car. For a truly immersive experience, however, embark on a boat

Sumidero Canyon stretches between San Cristóbal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Chiapas, Mexico. Carved by the Grijalva River, this 35-kilometer wonder features sheer rock walls soaring up to 1,000 meters. Explore it via thrilling boat tours along the riverbed or by car at one of five scenic viewpoints. For the ultimate experience, opt for the boat ride to witness unparalleled vistas. Beyond the canyons drama, discover cascading waterfalls, ancient caves, and vibrant wildlife: around 400 c

After eight unforgettable weeks exploring Costa Rica, we bid farewell yesterday. Our final days unfolded in La Fortuna—a rare unvisited spot for us both. This choice exceeded every expectation. We trekked to the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall, unwound in the 5-star Tabacón Hot Springs thermal pools heated by Arenal Volcano, and drove the scenic route around breathtaking Lake Arenal. In Arenal Volcano National Park, we spotted diverse wildlife—including unnamed species—and marveled at the floral ab

Arriving through the security gate and up the winding driveway, surrounded by prehistoric-looking flowers and exotic grasses, we knew we were early for check-in. At 11 a.m.—just after breakfast, with guests departing and rooms being cleaned—we simply wanted to drop our bags and hike the base of Arenal Volcano in the national park. But entering the lobby of Mountain Paradise Hotel, we were instantly captivated by the warm, professional staff. Greeted with refreshing cold towels, we freshened up

Spending the past week in Berlin ranks among my best recent decisions. Id forgotten just how magical the summers are in this vibrant city (New York remains my top choice, with its unbeatable summer charm). Absent from Berlins warm weather for two years, I immersed myself fully, capitalizing on the outdoor-centric lifestyle of these months. As someone who thrives outdoors, it was pure bliss. My itinerary included writing at sidewalk cafés, sunset beers at the iconic Klunkerkranich rooftop bar (fe

I recently left Berlin for a quick trip home to visit loved ones and photograph a close friends wedding. Erfurt, my hometown, often feels distant after years away—a classic case of outgrowing ones roots. I rarely return unless family or friends draw me back, keeping visits brief.This time was different. Visiting in summer with a first-time guest refreshed my perspective on this understated gem. I wandered cobblestone streets lined with meticulously restored half-timbered houses, admired the impo

My summer Euro trip is in full swing, and Im thrilled with the fantastic weather. After Brighton, I headed to Berlin, embracing tourist mode to show a first-time visitor around. In Kreuzberg, I rediscovered why I love this city: beautifully restored pre-war buildings adorned with vibrant graffiti, even on doorways. I aimed for the striking Roa mural—one of my favorite street artists—though Ive photographed it many times before. This facade captures Berlins gritty-meets-pretty essence and the reb

After arriving in the UK from a scorching 100°F (38°C) New York day into a chilly 55°F (13°C) rainy morning, I worried my Brighton weekend—including the Pride Parade—might be washed out. Fortunately, the weather cleared by the time I reached Brighton by train. I headed straight to the beach to savor the blue skies and iconic pier. The pebble beach buzzed with families, couples, exchange students, and early Pride arrivals, all basking in the relaxed vibe. As a frequent visitor during my England

In my monthly round-ups, I reflect on the past four weeks of travel, successes and setbacks, updates on Globetrottergirls.com, and whats ahead. Where Ive Been Aside from a quick trip to New Jersey, I spent the entire month in New York City. Yet, in the city that never sleeps, standing still is impossible. I was so busy I didnt even turn on the TV for my favorite shows or crack open the books  Id been eager  to read . Overcommitting led to too many short nights, and Im feeling the burno

On the hunt for an affordable month-long base with sun, sand, and reliable Wi-Fi, we chose Lisbon—only to feel an uncanny sense of déjà vu. The resemblances to San Francisco are remarkable! Lisbon and San Francisco: Key Similarities As we explored Lisbons streets, the parallels to one of our favorite cities, San Francisco, became strikingly clear. Beyond geography and infrastructure, the similarities extend to transportation, culture, and lifestyle. Here are the standout connections we observed

San Francisco, built across a series of rolling hills, offers numerous elevated vantage points with stunning vistas of the city skyline and San Francisco Bay. Discover five of the best viewpoints for unforgettable panoramas: 5 Stunning Vistas Over San Francisco Telegraph Hill – Coit Tower Coit Tower crowns Telegraph Hill, delivering panoramic views from its 210-foot summit alongside vibrant murals inside. Even from the 284-foot hilltop base, youll overlook the entire San Francisco Bay, Golde

After falling in love with Amsterdam during my recent trip, Im excited to share 10 off-the-beaten-path recommendations. While classics like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are must-sees, these lesser-known spots and tips will help you experience the city like a local.For first-time visitors, also explore these curated itineraries:36 Hours in Amsterdam (Telegraph)How To Spend 48 Hours in Amsterdam (CultureTrip)10 Insider Tips for Amsterdam1. Explore Amsterdam’s Western IslandsDiscover th

Every November 2nd, during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Guatemala hosts vibrant kite festivals nationwide. We were thrilled to join the celebration in Chichicastenango, where kids and families alike go kite-crazy. The hilltop cemetery serves as the epicenter, drawing young and old to launch colorful kites into the sky in a mesmerizing tradition.

After five weeks exploring Guatemala, we sought beach bliss and discovered El Salvadors Pacific Coast—a surfers haven. El Tunco Beach stands out for its world-class waves, drawing global surfers year-round under hot, sunny skies. The vibe is welcoming and chill; we savored a perfect day watching rides and a breathtaking sunset from a beach bar.