Takaka: a golden getaway to Golden Bay
There aren’t many places in New Zealand that make me question my choice to live in Wānaka, but Golden Bay definitely did. Warm, sunny, and most importantly, cheap, Golden Bay piqued my interest as somewhere I could easily live comfortably. I’m just not sure I’m hippie enough to fit the local criteria, but more on that in a minute. After finishing the Heaphy Track outside of Takaka, I caught the shuttle from Golden Bay Air to the airport, where I rented a car. These are the guys who organize the logistics...
A big life update: join me in the Arctic
lotI’ve made it no secret; over the years, I’ve become obsessed with polar travel. In fact, I’ve become so obsessed that I am now an expedition guide, spending roughly half the year at sea in Antarctica and the Arctic. And I’m not slowing down anytime soon. I’ve already started a three-month season with Adventure Canada in the Arctic for this summer in Canada and Greenland. These polar places are almost inaccessible. The easiest and most efficient way to visit is by expedition ship. Most of the year, sea ice locks the Arctic...
22 Ways To Experience Downtown San Diego Like A Local
San Diego is so much more than laid-back vibes, sun, and surf. Sure, that’s the postcard version, but the real San Diego is also a mix of incredible food, a massive craft beer scene, lively nightlife, and a surprisingly rich arts and culture lineup. For me, the city became almost a second home. My best friend went to UCSD and stayed in the area after graduation, so I was down here nearly every other month. We’d hit the annual county fair, hop between concerts and club nights, wander the weekend farmers...
45 Fun Things To Do In San Diego (Other Than Theme Parks And Museums)
San Diego is so much more than the zoo, Legoland, SeaWorld, or another beach day. Those are great, yes, but if you stop your exploring there, you’re missing the real heartbeat of the city. After years of tagging along on random weekend trips to visit my best friend at UCSD (and later, through her entire 20s living all over the city), I learned quickly that San Diego shines brightest outside the stereotypical tourist list. We often filled our time exploring all the eclectic neighborhoods and their massive weekend farmers markets, discovering...
A wellness and Yoga retreat in Bali
Visiting Bali for a Wellness and Yoga Retreat Spa at Hotel Tugu Bali Though my travel blog has often been compared to Eat, Pray, Love, since 2009 when it was launched, I never visited Bali until November 2023 when I went for about 16 days. My plan was to visit Bali for a wellness and Yoga retreat. I didn’t join an organized Bali wellness retreat or a Bali Yoga retreat, I created my own by staying in two places: first, a private pool villa in Penestanan, near Ubud, and then the...
Guide to 7 most famous temples in Bali
Complete guide to the top 7 temples in Bali Generations. Photo credit: Unsplash. In Bali, “the island of Gods,” spirituality plays a crucial role in the daily lives of the local people. Ancient temples are present in every village and town and they lie at the heart of the community in Bali. There are rumoured to be at least 20,000 temples in Bali, and the most famous are the seven listed in this post. These temples in Bali are known both for their architecture and historical significance. Some temples like Tanah Lot...
Best Philippines Islands: The perfect island for you?
Islands in the Philippines. Photo credit: iStock. Best Philippines Islands: Which is the perfect island getaway for you? Philippines islands are famous for white sandy beaches and clear, jewel-toned water. But there is much more than just beaches and turquoise water. The Philippines islands also offer amazing opportunities for diving and surfing adventures, jungle and cultural experiences, island hopping, authentic, local experiences, and meeting friendly local people. But we want to let you know about the best Philippines islands. The larger Philippines islands have better infrastructure and more amenities suited for couples and...
Off the beaten track in Vietnam and Cambodia
8 unique and offbeat places you must visit in Vietnam and Cambodia Floating market in the Mekong Delta. Vietnam. Photo credit: iStock. If you are planning a visit to Southeast Asia, pairing Vietnam and Cambodia makes a lot of sense. The two countries are side by side, share the Mekong River, and have some overlapping cultures and histories. In this post, we are suggesting secret travel spots Vietnam and Cambodia, including offbeat Vietnam destinations and rural Cambodia cultural immersion. These are unique Southeast Asia travel experiences that you can enjoy either on...
Best Budget Campervan Routes in Australia & New Zealand
Covering a long distance by the campervan does not necessarily have to break the bank. Even in such large and popular places as Australia and New Zealand. In fact, campervan journeys there can be among the cheapest modes of exploration of the two countries for backpackers. And with the right planning it can give real flexibility and autonomy. Some of them are especially appropriate to a low-budget travel since they avoid the need to drive over long distances. Which keeps fuel expenses down and provides easy access to cheap or free...
15 Best Things To Do in Izmir, Turkey
There are plenty of things to do in Izmir, a city that’s packed with history, amazing food, fantastic scenery, and vibrant nightlife. There’s more to Turkey than just beach resorts; it’s home to a range of fantastic cities to explore, and one of my favorites is Izmir. As the third largest city in the country, Izmir has a laid-back, student-like vibe, but it’s far from lacking in substance. My husband is from Aydin, which is around an hour’s drive away from Izmir. As such, we often visit and spend a few...