We’re based in the unassuming town of New Sukhothai in central Thailand, perfectly positioned for exploring Old Sukhothai—the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Planning a visit to these historic ruins? Check out our ultimate guide to Sukhothai Historical Park.) After exploring the modern town and finding little in the way of attractions, we had no idea we were about to experience one of our most memorable moments in Thailand right here. To avoid the mid

Please don’t rush to Todos Santos Cuchumatán… not to keep it solely for locals, but to protect this pristine Mayan village in Guatemalas Northern Highlands. Tucked away and known mainly for its famous Día de Todos Santos horse race on All Saints Day, this gem might have remained undiscovered otherwise. Though just 40 kilometers from Huehuetenango, the major transport hub, reaching Todos Santos is an adventure: a three-hour winding journey over the 3,500m Cuchumatanes mountain pass—Guatemalas h

Please don’t visit Valladolid – I’d like to keep this Yucatan treasure all to myself. What started as a quick stopover before our month in Playa del Carmen became one of our favorite spots in Mexico. Wed love for it to stay that way. This sleepy colonial town at the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula exudes authentic charm. Remarkably free from mass tourism despite its proximity to Chichen Itza and stunning cenotes, it evokes the magical realism of Latin American literature set in the late 19th or e

Lisbon emerged as one of our top travel destinations after an immersive three-week stay in Portugals vibrant capital. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here are 33 reasons why this city enchants visitors, including practical tips, local insights, and fascinating facts. 33 Highlights of Lisbon 1. Iconic Yellow Trams Resembling San Franciscos cable cars, Lisbons charming yellow trams provide efficient public transport across the citys hilly terrain. The historic No. 28 route is a tourist fav

We recently spent just over three weeks in Lisbon, Portugals vibrant capital—a city that swiftly became one of our top favorites in Europe. We immersed ourselves in its diverse neighborhoods, scaled the iconic seven hills, savored countless pastéis de nata (the legendary custard tarts), and unwound on nearby beaches. The colorful tiled façades, vintage yellow trams conquering steep inclines, abundance of authentic family-run eateries (with minimal chains), and the labyrinthine alleys of Alfama

Portugals vibrant capital, Lisbon, captivated us during our three-week stay. This cosmopolitan city blends rich maritime history with expansive sandy beaches and refreshing ocean breezes, offering the perfect mix of urban excitement and seaside relaxation. To fully experience Lisbons diverse charms, explore from multiple angles. Ascend its seven iconic hills for panoramic views of the Tagus River estuary meeting the Atlantic, or hit the road—by car, bike, or adventurous three-wheeled GoCar. Re

This is just like Eat Pray Love! exclaimed Jaime, the Breakaway Backpacker, as we pedaled from the bike rental shop in Puerto Viejo toward Costa Ricas stunning Caribbean beaches. Based on our firsthand experience, the ride was liberating, exhilarating, and deeply relaxing. We met Jaime in person the day before in Puerto Viejo. Fresh from landing in San Jose to kick off his solo year-long world trip, he hadnt biked in years but was eager for this coastal adventure along Costa Ricas Caribbean s

Central Americas coastline boasts some of the worlds most breathtaking beaches, blending pristine sands, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural experiences. Whether youre exploring for a vacation or considering a long-term stay in places like Costa Rica, these top five beaches offer unforgettable adventures backed by traveler expertise and local insights. Top 5 Best Beaches in Central America San Blas Archipelago, Panama The San Blas Archipelago features 378 islands off Panamas north coast, wi

Warning: This guide features indulgent, calorie-rich treats. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Every morning in Lisbon, I eagerly started the day not just for the sunny skies and mild summer weather, but for the incredible pastries. With my love for sweets perfectly matched to Portugals renowned baked goods, I was in paradise. Within a mere two-minute walk from our guesthouse, six bustling pastelerias offered an array of chocolate éclairs, Portuguese doughnuts, cakes, cookies, and

Most visits to Belize include time on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, or both—key islands in the Northern Cayes. Just a 20-minute boat ride apart, these destinations offer strikingly different experiences. For budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, or digital nomads, choosing between them can be tricky. Our guide compares the two to help you decide which aligns with your vibe. Ambergris Caye vs. Caye Caulker Ambergris Caye With a population of around 10,500, Ambergris Caye (also known as San Ped

Whether youre a seasoned camper or heading out for your first boondocking adventure, thorough preparation is key to a successful trip. Deciding what gear to pack can feel overwhelming, but knowing the must-have boondocking essentials empowers you to make smart choices for a comfortable, enjoyable experience. The right boondocking gear ensures your off-grid camping is memorable for all the right reasons, while forgetting key items can turn it into a struggle. Heres a trusted checklist of six boon

Nothing is more precious than quality time with your loved ones. Balancing work and household responsibilities often pushes family time aside, but creating shared memories and traditions is irreplaceable. Prioritize fun family activities, no matter how busy life gets. Here are six engaging, adventurous ideas to kickstart your bonding. 1. Science Experiments Science experiments suit all ages and offer educational fun for the whole family. Choose indoor or outdoor options using household items. Di

One common question I receive is: What are the safest countries for female solo travelers? In this article, Ill share insights on safety and solo travel, drawing from personal experience to help you plan confidently. These five destinations stand out as safe, engaging options where you wont feel lonely amid stunning landscapes and welcoming cultures. While I have more favorites, feel free to ask about others Ive visited. Lets dive in: Top 5 Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers 1. Iceland I

Yes, laptops can suffer from altitude sickness. We discovered this firsthand when my new Acer Aspire began malfunctioning in Potosí, Bolivia, at 4,050m (13,500ft)—just five weeks into our South America trip and six weeks after purchase.Symptoms started gradually: initial freezes followed by recovery, then prolonged lockups requiring a hard reboot, and finally spontaneous shutdowns without warning.I panicked, aware that repairs or replacements in Bolivia were nearly impossible, and unsure about w

San Francisco captivated us during our U.S. travels with its vibrant energy and endless discoveries. While it can be pricey, smart planning lets you experience the citys magic without overspending. As experienced travelers, here are our expert tips for maximizing your visit to the Bay Area on a shoestring, including the best free attractions in San Francisco. 1. Join a Free Walking Tour San Francisco boasts exceptional free walking tours led by passionate local guides sharing deep insights int

The Atacama Desert in Chile is Earths driest non-polar desert, boasting unparalleled wonders like steaming geysers, towering volcanoes, rippling sand dunes, salt-encrusted mountains, therapeutic hot springs, vibrant flamingo colonies, quaint desert villages, expansive salt flats, graceful llamas, and crystal-clear high-altitude lagoons—all easily reachable from the lively base town of San Pedro de Atacama. (Explore our favorite photos of this surreal landscape here.) With so many highlights, p

We spent nearly four months exploring Chile from north to south, east to west, and back again. Reflecting on this unforgettable journey, here are our top five must-visit destinations in this remarkable country.Chiles elongated shape—stretching 4,270 km (2,653 miles) from top to bottom, with an average width of just 177 km (110 miles)—makes it a challenging yet rewarding destination. Expect long bus rides between highlights, like the 24-hour journey from Santiago to the Atacama Desert or the 4,70

While Santiago lacks iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Taj Mahal, even locals admit the city holds hidden charms. Throughout our stay, we uncovered exceptional spots across the Chilean capital. Discover how to explore Santiago beyond the mainstream attractions and uncover its authentic side. For a short visit, see our Santiago quick guide for must-sees. Explore Barrio Yungay, Barrio Brasil, and El Golf Lastarria dazzles with colonial architecture, wine bars, and fine dining, while Bel

Nestled at the foot of the Andes, Santiago de Chile stands as one of Latin Americas fastest-growing and most economically stable cities. While it may lack the flashy landmarks of Buenos Aires or Rio, our seven weeks immersed in the Chilean capital uncovered its unique allure. Discover our expert-curated list of top attractions, tours, neighborhoods, coffee shops, restaurants, and must-try pisco sours—based on firsthand experience to help you plan an unforgettable trip. Top Attractions, Museums

South Americas Patagonia region offers breathtaking landscapes, but its vast distances, high costs, and endless options can overwhelm trip planners. Drawing from our firsthand experience, this detailed guide outlines our bus-based route from Chiles Lake District to Tierra del Fuego. It includes transportation, accommodations, sightseeing highlights, and alternatives at each stop. We relied on public buses throughout, save for an unexpected hitchhiking stint in Tierra del Fuego. Find links to our