The Galapagos Islands have long been a dream destination for me. I envisioned remote islands with stunning volcanic landscapes, free-roaming giant tortoises, and marine iguanas. I pictured them largely uninhabited, where wildlife far outnumbered any human residents. Knowing a cruise was the best way to explore, I imagined sailing between islands, enjoying land excursions, snorkeling, and life aboard a yacht. Weeks ago, I finally flew to the Galapagos, eager to see how reality matched my dreams.

After spending a full month in Seattle, I delved deep into the city, far beyond its iconic Downtown core, Pike Place Market, and Olympic Sculpture Park. Seattle truly captivated me once I explored its outer neighborhoods, parks, and beaches. Below is my curated list of 35 standout places to visit in Seattle—highlighting exceptional coffee shops, speakeasy bars, markets, and neighborhoods. This selection reflects my personal tastes: craft beer, lush parks, panoramic views, vibrant areas, delectab

While Bourbon Streets open-container laws appeal to revelers sipping drinks on the go, this iconic strip was once the pulsing heart of New Orleans, alive with nightly celebrations. During our extensive trip to New Orleans, Bourbon Street was a must-see, but after enjoying overpriced Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s and watching tourists spill out of garish clubs, we pressed on—walking, cycling, and riding further afield. What we uncovered were neighborhoods as distinctive and vibrant as the city it

We paused for two nights in Boston en route from Quebec to New York, embarking on a whirlwind tour primarily along the iconic Freedom Trail—a 2.5-mile marked path connecting 16 historic sites. Highlights included the expansive Boston Common, a lush urban park; bustling Quincy Market with its array of food stalls; the North Ends "Little Italy," packed with authentic eateries; upscale Back Bay; and the marinas panoramic skyline views. We even crossed to Cambridge for a peek at Harvard Un

Our NYC-to-NOLA Great American Road Trip has taken us through New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. A hurricane forced a detour, skipping Virginia Beach, Wilmington, and Myrtle Beach for the mountains of North Carolina to Asheville and Charlotte. We rejoined the route in Charleston, South Carolina, and are now in Savannah, Georgia. Were embracing this on-the-road lifestyle and loving every moment. While deeper reflections will come later, here are our insightful observations from the

You dont need to travel far for extraordinary experiences. While the U.S. offers stunning landscapes, Canada just north of the border delivers equally captivating sights. These five destinations, easily accessible from American gateways, showcase Canadas diverse beauty, history, and adventure. Discover them below. 5 Must-Visit Canadian Attractions Near the U.S. Border 1. Derby Line–Stanstead Border Region Legend has it that surveyors drawing the U.S.-Canada border here were inebriated, resulti

Weve admired the giant steel flower on Buenos Aires postcards for years, and last week, we finally visited it in person.Named Floralis Genérica, this monumental sculpture was a gift to the city from architect Eduardo Catalano in 2002. Its now one of Buenos Aires most recognizable landmarks. Many locals, or Porteños, see it as a true city symbol: it once opened its petals at dawn and closed at dusk, but for the past few years, it has remained motionless—much like other aspects of urban life here.

In my monthly roundups, I reflect on the past four weeks of travels (or lack thereof), what succeeded and what didnt, updates on Globetrottergirls.com, and my plans ahead. Where Ive Been June was my slowest travel month since August 2014. I didnt venture beyond New York City—not even out of state, aside from a brief 30-minute detour spotting deer in New Jersey. Commuting between Manhattan and Brooklyn doesnt quite count as travel. Still, Ive been incredibly busy and feel the need to slow down.

This past week delivered glorious early summer weather to New York City, with average daily temperatures of 85°F (30°C). Balancing work with the outdoors was a challenge amid such ideal conditions. I made the most of every free moment, revisiting favorite parks including Prospect Park, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Washington Square Park. Highlights featured a cycling tour from Brooklyn to Harlem along the Brooklyn Bridge and Hudson River path, invigorating runs on the Brooklyn Bridge

After 19 months away, Im thrilled to return to Southern Arizona—one of my favorite destinations worldwide and the place Ive revisited most since starting full-time travel in 2010. Housesitting in Tucson again means quality time with my beloved dog, baking and cooking in a well-equipped kitchen, deeper exploration of the area, and indulging in authentic Mexican cuisine. Springs blooming cacti are spectacular, and I eagerly anticipate photographing the iconic saguaros in Saguaro National Park whi

Time has flown during our unforgettable year housesitting in Tucson. Our stay has ended, and we cherished one final day amid the stunning desert landscapes weve grown to love. Last week, friends Dave and Lauren stopped by during their Southwest road trip. We guided them through Saguaro National Park and embarked on a 3-hour hike in Sabino Canyon—braving the intense 102°F (39°C) heat!Now, were tracing their route on our own New Mexico road trip, starting tomorrow! Well miss our loyal dog, welcomi

Even after extended stays in Tucson, were continually uncovering exciting local gems. Last week, we drove south, just 20 miles from the Mexican border, to Tubac—a charming artist haven famed for its exceptional arts and crafts shops showcasing bronze sculptures, pottery, and hand-painted Mexican porcelain.Established in 1753 as a Spanish Presidio, a colonial military outpost along the historic Camino Real linking Mexico to Spanish California settlements. Like Tombstone and other southern Arizona

Weve returned to Tucson, Arizona, for the third time since falling in love with Southern Arizonas stunning desert landscapes during our first housesitting stay in 2010. We came back in 2011 and now in 2013, lured by sweet Miss Millie the dog, the beautiful home, and poolside relaxation.On one of our first days here, Miss Millie barked loudly—a rarity for her. Peering out the front door window, I spotted an unusual pig-like creature staring back. Far from aggressive, it sauntered to inspect a cac

When I first visited Tucson in 2010, downtown felt desolate. I ventured there just once or twice, finding scant eateries, coffee shops, or stores. Like many U.S. cities, retail exodus to suburban malls in the late 1970s left the core abandoned. Revival plans launched in the mid-2000s have yielded impressive results in recent years.Return trips reveal ongoing transformation: new coffee shops, bars, restaurants, facelifted buildings, and a revived tram route. This year, Ive explored downtown more

On our journey to Tombstone, Arizona, we visited Boothill Graveyard—a one-of-a-kind cemetery established in 1878 as the burial ground for the town’s earliest pioneers. This historic site holds the graves of over 300 resilient individuals who lived, fought, and died in the harsh desert frontier. Each tombstone, like John Heath’s shown above, tells a compelling story far more detailed than most modern markers—revealing not just the date of death, but often the cause, sometimes in poetic or humorou

Discover hundreds of thousands of majestic Saguaro cacti, Arizonas state flower, thriving around Tucson in the Sonoran Desert. Being enveloped by these towering giants daily feels surreal. Saguaros live 150-200 years and reach heights of up to 18 meters (60 feet). Saguaro National Parks East and West districts offer countless hiking trails to experience their splendor fully.

Travel setbacks tested me this year—I was nearly denied boarding my flight to the U.S. again. (Sound familiar?) Ill share full details in my upcoming monthly roundup as I process this significant hiccup. I finally arrived in Los Angeles, where a few days under the California sun helped me recharge before starting my housesit. Staying just one block from the beach in Santa Monica offered prime views of the Pacifics stunning nightly sunsets and ideal paths for invigorating promenade runs. Days wer

This week’s Polaroid drops early, with two more posts queued for the weekend—including my monthly round-up on Sunday! Hosting a visitor was the ideal excuse for a week of sightseeing, hiking, and road tripping. Sharing Arizona with a first-timer let me rediscover this stunning U.S. region through fresh eyes. Highlights included revisiting favorites like Saguaro National Park, exploring nearby Old West Tombstone (with its quirky cemetery) and artistic Bisbee, and cooling off atop Mount Lemmon—my

>> Last week, we took our dog Millie to Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains to escape the relentless Arizona heat of 109°F (43°C). The ascent to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) brought welcome relief for all three of us. Remarkably, the ecosystem shifts dramatically with elevation—from the cactus-studded Sonoran Desert at the base to a pine forest akin to Southern Canadas landscape at the summit.

We’re back in Tucson, Arizona! We first housesat here in May-June 2010 at the start of our world travels, and we absolutely love returning to care for the adorable Miss Millie. Last weekend, we explored Bisbee, a quaint town 90 miles south of Tucson. Though it feels like time has stood still in this incredibly charming spot, Bisbee is a progressive community. We timed our visit perfectly for their annual Pride weekend, joining a laid-back yet vibrant celebration. Home to fewer than 6,000 reside