After over a month on Colombias hot, humid coastline, arriving in high-altitude Bogotá was a refreshing shock. Coming from Santa Marta, the cooler mountain air felt invigorating. Id heard mixed reviews—many travelers spend just a few days here due to past concerns about safety—yet I quickly discovered its hidden gems. Teaming up with a local expert who knew the best salsa bars and vegetarian spots helped ease my initial unease.I shed my preconceptions fast. After nearly a week, I was hooked. A f

As avid coffee enthusiasts, we couldnt resist exploring Finca Filadelfia, a renowned coffee plantation just outside Antigua, Guatemala. Renowned for producing some of the countrys finest beans, this farm offered the perfect opportunity to uncover the meticulous process behind premium Guatemalan coffee. Upon arriving in Central America, we were disappointed by the subpar coffee compared to the rich, flavorful brews we enjoy at home, like Starbucks Guatemalan offerings. Tourist spots offered few

Asheville, North Carolina, is a thriving artistic hub. During our short visit, we discovered dozens of striking sculptures dotting the city. We later learned they form part of the Asheville Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile outdoor art walk launched in the early 1990s to elevate the citys image through public art. Visitors can follow the trail with a self-guided audio tour that unveils the stories behind each piece, celebrating Ashevilles rich history, culture, and people. Highlights include whimsical pig

After nearly two months back in Mexico, weve reaffirmed our love for this paradise—not just Mexico, but the Caribbean itself. Having explored beaches worldwide, nothing rivals the Caribbeans crystal-clear waters, wave-free calm, and powdery white sands. We cherish spots like Koh Rong in Cambodia or Samara in Costa Rica, yet the Caribbean delivers an unparalleled mix of stunning beauty and total relaxation. Though were leaving this idyllic Mexican playa next week, a return to the Caribbean Sea i

When we booked our Southeast Asia trip, we dreamed of months on tropical white-sand beaches—island-hopping, lounging in hammocks, and soaking up the sun.Reality differed: Since arriving in Thailand in October, wed visited few beaches beyond initial stops at Koh Lanta, Ko Phi Phi, and Phuket. Our itinerary focused on landlocked Laos and central and northern Thailand. In Malaysia, we explored Kuala Lumpur and the Cameron Highlands, far from coastal bliss.Local friends recommendations led us to Lan

This striking image of dozens of long-tailed boats lined up in Phi Phi’s Ton Sai Bay evokes an idyllic paradise—a secluded cove once home to just a few fishing families 50 years ago. It stands in stark contrast to the overcrowded tourist haven Phi Phi has become today. Rise early to capture this tranquility. While most tourists recover from all-night partying in bars converted from old fishermens huts, witness the calm as local fishermen depart in their long-tail boats to harvest the island’s f

Peering out from the café window, it feels like were in Madrid. A wide, tree-lined boulevard bustles with the fast pace of a capital citys financial district. Surrounded by a Spanish dialect just beyond my Central American accent, Im mostly confident Ive grasped the conversations correctly. The coffee break was essential after our 13-hour overnight flight. Energized, we stroll the pedestrian walkway in the microcentro of this vibrant city. The familiarity strikes again—in one word and a knowing

Discover Lisbons stunning Ponte 25 de Abril, often called the Golden Gate Bridges twin. Named after Portugals Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, it boasts Europes longest central span and ranks as the worlds 20th largest suspension bridge at 2,277 meters total length. Its foundations reach a record 80 meters (262 feet) below the riverbed to bedrock basalt. Built by the American Bridge Company—creators of San Franciscos Bay Bridge (not the Golden Gate)—it opened in 1966. The upper deck feat

Imagine having a full year to travel anywhere in the world. If you found yourself returning to one destination three times in five months, it must be special. Thats my story with Chiang Mai, Thailand. My affection grew gradually during our Southeast Asia adventures, leading to three visits in quick succession. My first trip was for the mesmerizing Loy Krathong lantern festival. After exploring Laos, I stayed a month. I thought it was goodbye, but I returned a month later for a housesitting oppor

Chiang Mai boasts over 30 fully vegetarian restaurants, making it a haven for plant-based diners. After extensively exploring them, weve honed in on our absolute favorites. Discover our top vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai below. The Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Chiang Mai Pun Pun Organic Cafe Pun Pun Organic Cafe is tucked behind the stunning Wat Suan Dok temple, west of the old city moat. Run by a Thai-American couple, this spot specializes in organic vegetarian fare. The extensive men

During a recent visit to Elephant Nature Park, located north of Chiang Mai, Thailand, we experienced the sanctuarys vital work firsthand. Home to over 30 rescued elephants previously mistreated by owners, the park was founded by Sangduen “Lek” Chailert. In a nation where elephants are often exploited for rides or street begging, Lek provides these animals a stress-free, natural life. Our day included feeding the gentle giants, observing their interactions with fellow elephants and mahouts (dedi

During our travels through Central America, weve encountered unusual market scenes—like baskets of live iguanas tied and ready to cook in León, or fried grasshoppers alongside the final squeals of pigs in Oaxaca. Yet nothing quite matched this discovery! Wandering through a vibrant market in Lucca, Tuscany, surrounded by fresh olives, global sea salts, and fragrant rosemary, we came upon a stuffed boars head proudly displayed at a delicatessen stall, nestled between olive oil and Chianti wine.

How far would you go for a day on a 7km stretch of nearly deserted white-sand beach? After searching in Thailand and nearly finding it in Malaysia, we discovered our ideal Southeast Asian beach in Cambodia: endless white sands, ankle-deep crystal-clear waters 100 feet offshore, and hardly a soul around. This gem is on Koh Rong, a small island two hours off Cambodias coast. Reaching it demands a one-hour semi-strenuous hike in intense April heat, culminating in a 75-meter near-vertical scramble u

As I plan my travels for the coming months, Ive identified the ideal winter destination: Thailand. This Land of Smiles perfectly matches my criteria for escaping Europes gray, chilly weather. Heres why Thailand stands out as the top choice for a winter getaway: 1. Ideal Weather Its no surprise that weather tops the list. Imagine boarding a flight in sub-zero temperatures and stepping off into tropical warmth. Thailands rainy season ends in late October or early November—right when winter grips

Sukhothai is renowned for its historic old city—the ancient ruins of the former Sukhothai Kingdoms capital. The modern town, about 10 miles east, mainly offers hotels but provides an authentic window into everyday Thai life. We wandered the morning and night markets, observed monks building new temples and repairing those damaged by last years severe floods, chatted with vendors, and tried exotic fruits wed never encountered before. This was a truly relaxed scene—no shouting or hard haggling. Fr

Travel expectations can sometimes overshadow genuine discoveries. After years of anticipation since late 2011, we set aside preconceptions to share our authentic first impressions of Thailand, the renowned Land of Smiles. Drawing from our firsthand travels, these observations—paired with intriguing facts—offer a fresh perspective for fellow adventurers. Our First Impressions of Thailand Thailand buzzes like a beehive with more motor scooters than weve ever seen... ...carrying entire families...

Despite our mixed feelings about Costa Ricas capital, as Jess noted last week, San José lacks the colonial charm of other Central American cities and doesnt quite deliver a modern, chic atmosphere. Yet, it boasts impressive street art—a passion weve long celebrated (see all our street art posts here). We discovered striking graffiti here last year, but this year uncovered even more.The German Goethe Institute launched a regional street art initiative called De Mi Barrio a Tu Barrio (From My Neig

Todos Santos Cuchumatán is a picturesque village in Guatemalas Western Highlands, where the Mam Maya people comprise the majority of the population. Its one of the rare places in Guatemala where both men and women proudly wear vibrant traditional clothing. The iconic red-and-white striped trousers paired with straw hats featuring blue ribbons define the distinctive style of Todos Santos residents.

You never know which overlooked detail during a hectic day might cause issues later. Our backpacks grew heavier as we crisscrossed one block in Mexico Citys beautifully restored Centro Histórico. Despite checking the address and map, the Chill Out Flat B&B seemed elusive amid the grand historical buildings—where could this cozy spot from online photos be hiding? A female security guard outside what looked like an office building watched us pass. On our second lap, I approached her with what

Weve raved about Mexicos welcoming people, vibrant traditions, and idyllic beaches, but nothing compares to our obsession with its street food. Unknowingly, over 88 days in the country, we developed a deep addiction. Crossing into Belize meant quitting cold turkey. As budget vegetarians, Mexican street food was perfect: affordable, flavorful, veggie-friendly, and serendipitous—our meals depended on the stalls we stumbled upon. From day one in Mexico City, our three-month street food spree delive