New York to New Orleans Its an exciting week for GlobetrotterGirls, and were thrilled to share it with you! Nothing beats a classic summer road trip, so were kicking off our Great American Road Trip: NYC2NOLA 2011. Starting in New York City, well drive through Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Richmond, VA, and Colonial Williamsburg, then hit North and South Carolina, Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, before arriving in New Orleans by mid-September 2011. Well immerse ourselves in local culture, tradit

Welcome to our Hotel Tip of the Week series. As full-time nomads with over 500 nights in hotels worldwide, weve experienced the best and worst accommodations. We recommend only those that are comfortable, clean, offer great value, and treat guests like family. Every hotel featured on Globetrottergirls.com has been personally stayed in by us. The late afternoon summer sunlight filters over the beige couches in the lobby, casting a warm glow in this steel-surrounded Manhattan oasis. Our server dil

Every day in New Orleans draws us closer to contacting a real estate agent—were utterly smitten with NOLA! We hold immense reverence for the stunning landscapes of swamps, bayous, lakes, and the vibrant wildlife and people who thrive here, alongside deep admiration for the locals unique, eccentric culture. Our third day kicked off with a gospel brunch at the House of Blues. Though tourist-oriented, it had even the stiffest guests clapping and waving after indulging in classic Southern dishes

One of Malaysias charms lies in its seamless blend of modernity and tradition. Sleek shopping malls stand shoulder-to-shoulder with bustling fresh produce markets and vibrant clothing stalls. Fine dining at world-class restaurants one evening can give way to authentic street hawker fare the next—for just a dollar or two. This contrast extends to transportation. Weve glided on Kuala Lumpurs elevated monorail and lounged in spacious long-distance buses with extra-wide seats. Yet, in Penang and Ma

The word magical is often overused, setting unrealistically high expectations for destinations. After describing San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas as truly magical during our five-day stay, we arrived in Mérida on Mexicos Yucatán Peninsula anticipating something even grander. Yet, our initial stroll through the city center left us disappointed.Were we jaded travelers, or was San Cristóbal exceptionally beautiful? Seeking hidden gems, we asked our B&B host for recommendations beyond popul

Cambodia, along with neighboring Laos, was a French protectorate until 1954. French influences persist today in crumbling colonial houses with signature shutters, Khmer language borrowings, and daily fresh baguettes in bakeries and markets. Though rice or noodle soups are common breakfasts, many Cambodians start their day French-style: a baguette sweetened with condensed milk (not jam) paired with strong coffee. Yum!

This past week, weve embraced ultimate relaxation on Cambodias stunning south coast. Excited to explore Sihanoukvilles pristine beaches, we arrived at the exceptional Beach Club Resort—and instantly fell in love. The resorts serene vibe, sparkling pool, and expansive sun loungers proved too tempting to leave. Instead of beach-hopping, we lounged with cocktails poolside, declaring it one of our top stays in Southeast Asia so far. Finally, we ventured to Koh Rong island off Sihanoukvilles coast,

Last week, we returned to Malaysia and finally visited Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage City. We expected quaint Chinese temples, colonial relics from Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, picturesque shophouses, and vibrant trishaws like those in our favorite spot, Georgetown, Penang. What surprised us most were four massive golden and bronze statues of a bodybuilder—Datuk Wira Dr. Gan Boon Leong, Melakas most renowned figure. Born in 1937, he is Malaysias most decorated bodybuilder, with triump

As we bid farewell to Southeast Asia, we cherish memories of its delights: delectable cuisine, fresh coconuts, families on motorbikes, affordable beers and cocktails, breathtaking sunsets over oceans and rivers, lively night markets, thrilling tuk-tuk rides, childrens joyful smiles, verdant rice paddies, shimmering golden Buddha statues, and the gracious Buddhist monks. Encountered in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, these saffron-robed figures often brightened our days, chatting to practice Englis

Since arriving in India, weve experienced our share of ups and downs. Yet, one constant that always brings a smile to our faces is the incredible warmth and friendliness of the people weve encountered on our travels.Everywhere we go, were greeted with genuine smiles, excitement, and curiosity. In some remote areas, locals have never seen fair skin before—their eyes light up as they eagerly approach to ask where were from, what we think of India, and a host of other thoughtful questions. Weve bee

Renting a private houseboat for three days cruising through Keralas enchanting backwaters was the undeniable highlight of our India adventure. Choose a guided day tour with a group or charter your own vessel, complete with a skilled captain and personal chef who prepared delectable Indian cuisine four times daily. We spent our days gliding silently through the waterways, immersed in authentic village life unfolding along the shores. Well share a comprehensive guide on houseboat rentals in Kera

Indias religious diversity is immense. Hinduism reveres an estimated 330 million deities, reflecting its profound mythology—a vast pantheon thats challenging to fully grasp, especially for newcomers like us exploring Indian culture.The subcontinent is home to about 1.4 billion people, including roughly 1.1 billion Hindus and 200 million Muslims, underscoring Hinduisms dominance.During our first trip to India, we didnt commit every deity to memory amid countless temple visits, but the vivid color

In a poignant coincidence, shortly after learning about the white-winged dove at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, one collided with our window during our housesit in the Tucson foothills. During a guided talk at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, we discovered the fascinating reproduction process of the iconic Saguaro cactus. The docent explained terms like cactus bones, self-sterility, and the crucial role of the white-winged dove. The endangered Saguaro cactus flowers from May to June after

The vibrant floating markets of Bangkok, with their colorful produce on wooden boats gliding through canals, left a lasting impression. Hearing about entire floating villages in Cambodia compelled us to visit. We anticipated houses on stilts near the shore, but discovered something far more remarkable. Instead, we found a bustling community on Lake Tonle Sap, Southeast Asias largest freshwater lake, vast enough to resemble an inland sea. A 20-minute boat ride through a tributary brought us to th

Travelers frequently recommend hidden gem towns, but Bisbee in southern Arizona caught our attention after multiple rave reviews. We extended our Tucson-to-Tombstone road trip to explore this former copper mining hub, just 25 miles from Mexico, and were thrilled by its thriving artist community. Street art abounds—from graffiti and murals to elaborate outdoor installations, including an outdoor living room, customized art cars, a building reimagined as an art project, and standout pieces like th

Upon check-in at The Curtis—a DoubleTree by Hilton in Denver—we were greeted with warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, a signature welcome that instantly made us feel at home. This thoughtful touch sets the tone at all DoubleTree properties worldwide, though The Curtis stands out with its unique pop culture theme.Arriving late after a rehearsal dinner for a friends wedding, we were delighted by our floor: the Dance Floor, one of 13 themed levels inspired by pop culture. The elevator opened

Vibrant piles of bright green Mekong seaweed, massive fresh fish, heaps of tiny oranges, live toads, and barbecued rats—the markets of Laos delivered some of the most thrilling and colorful experiences weve witnessed across Southeast Asia. While wed heard rumors of fried rats in Thailand, it was Luang Prabangs morning market—catering to locals—that truly surprised us with stalls offering these unique treats. Live toads were also on display, clearly destined for the dinner table rather than as p

I have a soft spot for the cuter rodent species commonly spotted across the US, like squirrels—something my partner Jess doesnt quite share. But during our first trip to Colorado last fall, I was captivated by these furry little creatures popping their heads out of ground holes along roads in the Denver and Boulder areas.These turned out to be prairie dogs, a species Id never encountered before—and even Jess couldnt resist watching them! Theyre truly remarkable once you learn more. Prairie dogs

Embark on a Visual Journey Through Cambodias Bustling Markets As experienced travelers at GlobetrotterGirls, we prioritize exploring local markets in every destination. No depiction captures a Cambodian markets essence better than Loung Ungs vivid portrayal in her memoir First They Killed My Father: ‘I am in a Cambodian market where a pile of fish flaps on the dirt floor next to a mound of beef intestines, tripe, and chicken feet. A seller squats next to her goods, her mouth talking incess

Germany is renowned for its sausages and schnitzels, leading vegetarian travelers to wonder if theyll find suitable meat-free meals. However, beyond the bratwurst stands and pig roasts, youll discover plentiful vegetarian choices in both traditional German cuisine and widely adopted international favorites. Käsespätzle This southern Bavarian dish is essentially a German take on macaroni and cheese, featuring handmade egg noodles topped with baked Emmentaler cheese and crispy fried onions. Its ty