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Destinations Favorite Spots Food General Observations Getting Started Getting To and Fro How to Travel Cheap Leaves and Critters Local Celebrations My Adventures Packing/Gear Personal Reflections Sea Turtles Technology Travel Tips Tropical Beaches Unexpected Gems

Finding the Cheapest Way to Get to the British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands

What a puzzle it was to put together the least expensive way to get from the US to Tortola, British Virgin Islands. But I nailed it and cut the initial cost in half!

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Airport WiFi Passwords for Hundreds of Airports Around the World

Updated 2025 - An interactive map exists out there with updated network login information for airports all over the world.

Technology

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Choosing A Travel Sheet - One Crucial Feature You Won't Be Able to Live Without!

Not all sleeping bag liners are created equal. If you can't stand the thought of being trapped in a narrow fabric sleeve, read on to find the best travel sheet out there.

Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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40+ Best Travel Gift Ideas for 2025

Frequent travelers, backpackers in particular, are very choosy about their gear! From high quality equipment, to easy gadgets. here are some great gift ideas for budget travelers, frequent flyers, or just those simply wanting more comfort when they travel!

Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea) is a Tradition in Showmanship
Malaysia

More than just tea, it's a social event and it's a quite a show!

Food

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A Fun-Filled 1 Week Costa Rica Itinerary
Costa Rica

Only have a short time in Costa Rica? Here's how to see the "Best Of" in only 7 days!

Destinations

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At-Home COVID Test for International Travel - Returning to the US

Fast, easy, and cheaper than the other options available! Save time and money next time you travel by using and at-home COVID test to travel back to the United States.

Travel Tips

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The Waterfalls of Narnia
Costa Rica

Or "a" waterfall rather, and of Golfito. But still just as magical as anything in a fantasy book, little-known easy-to-visit Catarata Narnia is one of Costa Rica's "life is good" places to cool off and soak in the nature around you.

Destinations, Favorite Spots, Unexpected Gems

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House Sitting for Travel - A Beginner's Take
Costa Rica, Indonesia

Something I didn't intend on getting into, it seems like a no-brainer for a budget traveler; house sit for a free place to stay! It's great so far but I can see some pitfalls.

How to Travel Cheap, My Adventures, Personal Reflections, Travel Tips

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Secret Tree Root Bridge in Monteverde
Costa Rica

Off the typical tourist radar, the Ficus la Raiz or Root Bridge is one of the best and more unique things to see in Santa Elena / Monteverde ... and it's free!

Destinations, Unexpected Gems

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Uvita Waterfall - Cool Pools in the Jungle
Costa Rica

A short and easy walk, Catarata Uvita not only has many pools to swim in and a natural water slide, the park also has a butterfly garden and a restaurant with cold beers!

Destinations, Favorite Spots, Unexpected Gems

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The Best Way to Get To and From Isla Mujeres
Mexico

It's not quite as straight forward as you might think! Here are some simple tips that can save you a lot of money!

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Cheapest Transportation from the Cancún Airport
Mexico

Without some simple planning, you can easily pay way too much getting from the Cancun airport to your hotel. Here are important money-saving tips to get from CUN to the Hotel Zone, Isla Mujeres, Downtown, or Playa del Carmen.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Floating Through Ancient Stromatolites at Los Rápidos, Bacalar
Mexico

As if floating with current in the incredible turquoise water or swinging in a partially submerged hammock surrounded by fish wasn't enough, throw in some rare rock formations to make for a very unexpected cool place to visit near Bacalar, Mexico.

Destinations, Favorite Spots, Unexpected Gems

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Cancún on a Budget
Mexico

Yes, it can be cheap to visit Cancun, Mexico! See the real Cancun, or stay on the beach for much cheaper than you'd expect! Transportation, lodging, and things to do on a budget.

Destinations

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Isla Mujeres Budget Accommodation
Mexico

Looking for a cheap place to stay on the Isla Mujeres for your tropical vacation? Here are my top picks to visit the award winning Playa Norte without breaking the bank.

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How to Get From Monteverde to Panama in 1 Day
Costa Rica, Panama

Need the cheapest way to get to southern Costa Rica from Monteverde? There are two routes that will get you from Monteverde to Paso Canoas in about 12 hours.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Use Your Hand to to Calculate Sunset Time

All you have to do is count your fingers to know approximately what time the sun will set!

Travel Tips

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Fake or Staged Instagram Travel Photos From Around the World

You mean those photos are fake?!

General Observations

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Sand Dollars - More Than Just a Pretty Shell

These well-known sun-bleached white seashells are actually the exoskeleton of a furry living sea animal.

Leaves and Critters

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¿Hay agua? ¿Hay luz?

It's amazing how many of life's luxuries you can live without. Water and light? Yep! It might even enhance your trip.

General Observations

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Playa Puntarenitas, Have Lunch Off the Beaten Path in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Across from the town of Golfito in southern Costa Rica, at the entrance to the harbor, is a small boat-only accessible "island" with makeshift restaurants and a really cool vibe ... and not in the tour books.

Destinations, Food

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More Mangoes Than Mosquitoes ... Maybe
Costa Rica

Playa Zancudo (meaning mosquito beach) would more aptly be named Playa Mango during the start of the green season, there are so many mangoes!

Destinations, Food, Leaves and Critters

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Tips for Surviving the Tropics

Stepping aside from the idyllic photos, the warmer climates have their downfalls; from falling coconuts, to the heat, to nasty stinging things. Have a look at these tips before you head to your next tropical destination!

Travel Tips

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Surviving A Scorpion Sting in Costa Rica
Mar 4, 2020 Costa Rica

"It's like a bee sting" my butt! Here's what it's really like to go through this tropical rite of passage.

Leaves and Critters, My Adventures

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Top 5 Ways to Save Money While Travelling

Shed those expensive vacation habits and start traveling on a budget of less than $40/day!

Getting Started, How to Travel Cheap, Travel Tips

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Cool Plants I've Seen in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Teeny Tiny Flowers  |   Flowers  |   Bananas  |   Mushrooms  ....

Leaves and Critters

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Cool Birds I've Seen in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Toucans  |   Parrots and Parakeets  |   Hummingbirds  |   Woodpecke ....

Leaves and Critters

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Getting to Monteverde from Southern Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Not an easy task to string together, I managed to get from Zancudo (via Paso Canoas) to Monteverde in one day!

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Free and Cheap Things to Do In Monteverde
Costa Rica

The best list of tips on how to get the most for your money while visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest area. Here's how to do Monteverde on a budget.

Destinations, Favorite Spots, Getting To and Fro

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Best Places to Eat Around Monteverde
Costa Rica

There are a lot of restaurants in Santa Elena / Monteverde to sift through! From high end, to local dives, here are some local favorites.

Food

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Being a Tourist for a Couple of Days in Monteverde
Dec 11, 2019 Costa Rica

Our two day itinerary experiencing some of the sights around Monteverde without buying the t-shirt or getting on the tour bus.

My Adventures

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Wildlife Abounds in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica

It's true, you come to Costa Rica for the nature and wildlife. Despite it's gain in tourism, it's still a protected eco destination full of biodiversity.

Destinations, Leaves and Critters

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Traveling Long Term is So Different!
Dec 6, 2019 Costa Rica

I keep saying the same thing that I knew ahead of time; that this particular trip was not going to be a "traveling around" trip. ....

My Adventures, Personal Reflections

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How to Use a Costa Rican Washing Machine
Costa Rica

What is this contraption? Learn the manual steps for becoming an expert at doing laundry in Costa Rica.

Destinations

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Where to Grab a Drink (and a Bite) in Monteverde
Costa Rica

From fancy to grungy, here are my favorite places to drink and have a snack around Monteverde / Santa Elena. Cheers! Oh, I mean Pura Vida!

Destinations, Food

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Those Ticos Can (and Do) Drink!
Costa Rica

A visit to Costa Rica isn't complete without raising a glass with some locals. But beware, they are probably way better at it than you are.

Food

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Conflict with My Backpacker Style (or Lack Thereof)
Dec 1, 2019 Costa Rica

I normally don't care that I don't have makeup and my hair looks like total shit when I travel. Th ....

My Adventures, Personal Reflections

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Cool Animals I've Seen in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

There's not much to write. Just a bunch of photos! :) This doesn't cover even a portion of what's here or what I've seen but it' ....

Leaves and Critters

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Cool Insects I've Seen in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Now looking at my photos, there doesn't seem to be nearly enough to cover the number of cool bugs and such I've seen. I guess it ....

Leaves and Critters

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Can I Practice What I Preach and Stay Within Budget?
Nov 28, 2019 Costa Rica

Faced with the reality of full-time travel, I'm starting to worry about staying within budget!

My Adventures, Personal Reflections

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Public Transportation in the Zancudo / Pavones Area
Costa Rica

Seasonal schedules, road conditions, and lack of information make it hard for non-locals to pin down the public transportation options in these remote beach towns.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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The Crocodile Bridge in Tarcoles - An Unexpected Tourist Attraction
Costa Rica

Off the sides of an unassuming cement bridge you can view the largest concentration of American crocodiles in the world! ... or at least a dozen or so of them.

Destinations, Unexpected Gems

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Interesting Things to Know About Costa Rica Before You Travel
Costa Rica

Food A local eatery is called a "soda" and is a good budget-friendly option. ....

Destinations

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Being Vegetarian in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Even though Costa Ricans do love their meat, it's not the worst place to be vegetarian. Costa Rican food isn't very tasty for meat eaters either so you won't be much worse off!

Food

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Interesting Stops Along the Coast Highway in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Free and fun pitstops to stop and stretch your legs along the coastal highway.

Destinations

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Visiting Pavones Famous Surf Town
Nov 16, 2019 Costa Rica

Not far from Zancudo is Pavones with it's world famous 2-minute left break. A quick visit in the off season just gave us a glimpse.

Destinations, Food, My Adventures

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Google Maps Gives Incorrect Directions to Zancudo
Costa Rica

Relying on Google Maps to drive to Playa Zancudo instead of Waze could get you stuck on a muddy impassible road.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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In Need of Travel Therapy - Costa Rica Here I Come
Nov 3, 2019 Costa Rica

Although I had already mentally planned this trip early in the year as my first foray into full-time ....

My Adventures, Personal Reflections

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Halloween on a Dark Rainy Dirt Road in the Jungle
Oct 30, 2019 Costa Rica

If you keep a good sense of humor and adventure, adverse situations can be the best travel experiences!

My Adventures

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Getting To and From Pavones Surf Town on a Budget
Costa Rica

With a little effort, you can get from SJO to Pavones for $18 and ride the longest left in the world! From flying, to hiring a private driver, to chicken buses, here's how to navigate the (somewhat limited) transportation options to Pavones.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Getting to Your Bus from the San Jose Airport in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

$25 taxi - ha! $18 Uber, I laugh. For $1 you can get to your target bus terminal in San Jose and be on your way to your beach or mountain destination.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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How to Search for Longer Term Budget Accommodation
Costa Rica

What's the best way to find budget lodging? Here's how I go about my searches and how I find great deals on some wonderful little rentals for under $20/night when staying more than a week.

Destinations, Travel Tips

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Zancudo - A Challenge Getting There and Away
Costa Rica

There's the easy way and there's the budget way, and even the easy way isn't very easy! Here's the cheapest way to get to and from Zancudo, all the way from the San Jose airport.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Taking the Big Leap - OMG I'm Freaking Out - I Quit My Job
Aug 27, 2019

It's time. I can't put life off any longer. I'm cashing it in and hitting the road full time!

My Adventures, Personal Reflections

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Planning Your Trip (Part 1) Deciding Where to Go, with Whom, and When

"I'm ready for budget travel! What are my first steps?" Here's how to get your trip in motion.

Getting Started, Travel Tips

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Planning Your Trip (Part 2) Prepare, Pack, and Go!

You've decided when and where to go, now it's time to get into the real preparation for your trip!

Getting Started, Travel Tips

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What Are the Best Travel Snacks?!

Taking a bit of food with you when you travel not only saves money, but there are times you'll be so grateful you have something familiar to eat! Here's a list of some easy snacks to pack from home.

Food, Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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Travel - The Ultimate Weight Loss Plan

A combination of natural food, being more active, and a good attitude, I typically lose at least 10 lb during a month traveling.

General Observations

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Mosquitoes 101: Your Guide to Bite-Free Travel

New to world travel? Here are some serious tips to get you ahead in the mosquito game!

Leaves and Critters, Travel Tips

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What Exactly is Travel Clothing and Why Bother Buying It?

Bringing the right type of clothing can make traveling so much easier and more comfortable! Here are the best types of clothing and fabrics to use when creating your travel wardrobe.

Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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How to Keep Cool Traveling In Hot Humid Climates

Don't we love our tropical destinations! But the heat, the humidity! Being too hot can drag you down and ruin any trip. Follow these tips to make the heat much more bearable.

Travel Tips

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10 Smart and Easy Travel Safety Tips

"An ounce of prevention...." they say. You don't have to be paranoid, just be smart and you'll be less likely to fall victim to travel-related crime.

Travel Tips

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How to Wash Your Clothes While Traveling Light

Because you have such a small wardrobe, doing laundry by hand in your hotel is a regular part of traveling. There are some tricks for drying them, too.

Travel Tips

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Understanding Buddy Pass Standby Travel

Using airline employee benefit passes is risky but can be a great way to save money and gain flexibility with your travel. It's important to know the details before you commit.

Travel Tips

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Easiest Destinations for First Time Budget Travelers

Wondering where to begin? Whether traveling solo or with a buddy, first timers or not, these destinations are best for easy budget travel.

Getting Started, Travel Tips

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What is Budget Travel?

You'll hear many serious travelers talk about the difference between vacationing and travelling, exploring, wandering whatever you want to call it. In short, on a vacation, you are a tourist whereas a traveler strives to do as the locals do.

Getting Started, How to Travel Cheap, Travel Tips

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The Process for Creating Your Perfect Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Most advice is about what types of things to pack, but let's go over how to narrow it down to a functional minimalist wardrobe that will work for you.

Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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Haggling For Newbies

Oh the art, the fun, the pain in the ass of bargaining every time you want to buy something!

Travel Tips

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Tricks to Getting Your Carry-On, On

Worried your carry-on bag is too big or too heavy? Here are a few tricks that can help keep you from having to pay big $$ to check a bag.

Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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Travel Faux Pas - Things to Avoid Doing as a Traveler

Standard travel etiquette is not all common sense. Sometimes you simply need to adapt to the c ....

Travel Tips

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Essential Toilet Tips for Foreign Travel

Obeying nature's call when you're traveling can yield some interesting results! Be prepared with some basics on how the rest of the world does it.

Travel Tips

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Packing Light - Highlights on How to Pack Small

Still wondering how on earth you get all your stuff into one carry-on? Here are some basic tactics for packing light.

Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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How to Speak Broken English

English is usually the common language you'll find to speak with both fellow travelers and with locals. But be polite and put effort into speaking in a way that others can understand you!

Travel Tips

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Ubiquitous Things - Phrases, Food, and More

The world is a wide and varied place but there are a few things you can count on wherever you go.

Travel Tips

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Common Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Particularly as budget travelers, you are visiting poorer countries. Countries where the local people can benefit greatly by get ....

Travel Tips

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Deciding to Take Your First Budget Adventure

It might take a bit of faith for your first trip, but it's so much easier and more rewarding than you might think.

Getting Started, How to Travel Cheap, Travel Tips

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Packing 101

Having just the right things with you in one lightweight bag will make your trip so much more enjoyable.

Getting Started, Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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Sailing the British Virgin Islands - Is It Worth It?
British Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands

Is this luxury vacation destination worth all the hype ... and expense??

Destinations, Sea Turtles, Tropical Beaches

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How Can I Afford to Travel So Much?

There is absolutely no reason to spend a fortune in order to travel. Some people spend money on an expensive car, some on concerts or designer clothes. I spend my money on budget travel.

How to Travel Cheap, Travel Tips

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The Undergarment Strategy

Panties, undies, knickers, pants, boxers, shorts ... How to get by with just a few pair while traveling.

Packing/Gear, Travel Tips

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Pre-Departure Travel Checklist

You're bound to forget something! But make sure you have a few essentials taken care of before you leave and you will travel with an easy mind.

Getting Started, Travel Tips

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Be Careful ... Be Respectful ... Have Fun!!!

Basic tips for a successful journey

Getting Started, Travel Tips

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7 Tips for Vegetarian Travelers

Everyone has their own line. Keeping that line in place while traveling, well now that's the interesting part.

Food, Travel Tips

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A Day in Paso Canoas - Shopping in Panama
Mar 19, 2019 Costa Rica, Panama

It's typical in southern Costa Rica to go to Panama to shop. It wasn't the most exciting day, but I figured I should check it out.

Destinations, My Adventures

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Komodo National Park Tour Overview
Indonesia

An easy trip from Bali, this is one of the best tours to pack a lot of awesomeness into a couple of days. Take a boat to see Komodo Dragons, swim with Manta Rays, snorkel in crystal clear waters, dig your toes into pink sand, and get the perfect view photo.

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What to Bring on Your Komodo Nat'l Park Tour
Indonesia

You don't need much, just some basics for swimming in turquoise waters, walking in the heat, taking memorable photos, and trying to avoid turning into a lobster. But more important, here's what to wear!

Destinations

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Pink Beach, and Pinker Beaches
Indonesia

Forget the perfect white-sand tropical beach. Visit the pink beaches of Indonesia!

Destinations, Sea Turtles, Tropical Beaches, Unexpected Gems

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Visiting Komodo Dragons in Indonesia
Indonesia

I'm fortunate that my hometown of San Diego has an incredible zoo and I have seen Komodo Dragons there since I was a kid. But it ....

Destinations

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Padar - THE Komodo View Point
Indonesia

The postcard-perfect view from the short hike up Padar is one you'll enjoy looking at every time you open your travel photos. But what exactly is the hike like?

Destinations

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Manta Rays - Majestic Giants in Komodo
Indonesia

One to cross off the bucket list - swimming with giant manta rays. This was an unexpected surprise as part of my tour to see the Komodo Dragons.

Destinations

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Booking a Komodo National Park Tour - What You Need to Know
Indonesia

There are a ton of expensive options to tour the Komodo National Park but you can also do it within a reasonable budget! Know what to expect from the tour, what to bring, and what you'll see.

Destinations

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The Cheapest Way to Get From the Bali Airport to Kuta
Indonesia

From taking a taxi to walking, your cheapest transportation options are from outside the airport. There are also plenty of hotels within walking distance to the Denpasar (DPS) airport in Bali. Save money with these easy instructions.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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An Afternoon in China
Mar 14, 2019 China

It may be just a scratch on the surface, but I spent time in China!

My Adventures

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My First Foray into China - Getting to the Transit Hotel
Mar 14, 2019 China

What should be easy for most people, even getting the free hotel room from the airline was a bit intimidating for me.

My Adventures

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Everything You Need to Know About Labuan Bajo
Indonesia

Know what to expect during your stop-over, things to do in Labuan Bajo, and how to get the most out of your visit to LBJ.

Destinations

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Kuta's Ogoh Ogoh Aftermath
Indonesia

Haven't had enough of Bali's Hindu New Year celebrations? Go see the ogoh-ogoh on the beach at Kuta. Enjoy some food on the beach and get some good photos.

Destinations, Local Celebrations

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Ohhhhgo Ogoh - What a Parade!
Mar 5, 2019 Indonesia

Talk about a cool local Bali tradition. This massive parade went on and on and I was lucky enough to see it in the best place ever! Big smile all night long.

Destinations, Local Celebrations, My Adventures

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Ogoh Ogoh in Bali and the Single Best Place to Watch the Parade
Indonesia

Ogoh what? Spinning demons, loud drumming, and everyone in town cheering them on. Here's the best place to experience this Balinese celebration for the New Year holiday of Nyepi.

Destinations, Local Celebrations

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Not all Spirits in Bali are Benevolent
Mar 4, 2019 Indonesia

Bali is known for its spirituality. I agree it is a very spiritual place and my house sitting adventure gave me proof of that!

My Adventures

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Geckos - Your Travel Lizard Friends

Lizards in your room?! You'll learn to love them! And what the heck is that sound?!

Leaves and Critters

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Luxury Realization
Mar 4, 2019 Indonesia

7 weeks of no-frills living, to a hotel in the city. Not only does it have slippers, a kettle, a fridge, and drinking water, but it has air conditioning and hot water!! Oh doesn't it feel good to appreciate that which often gets taken for granted!

My Adventures, Personal Reflections

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Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist Monastery in Bali
Indonesia

Not too far up into the hills in North Bali near Lovina, is a serene Buddhist monastery complete with mini replica of Borobudur. An hour wandering around Vihara Buddha Banjar is just plain good for the soul.

Destinations

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The 3 Best Places to Eat in Lovina
Indonesia

Restaurants with the best food for the best prices for your budget travels in Lovina, Bali.

Destinations, Food

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Desperate Times ... All I Want is to Sleep Through the Night
Feb 23, 2019 Indonesia

Sweat, mosquitoes, I'm used to sleeping in some pretty uncomfortable places but this one (in a Californian expat's house!) has been tough.

My Adventures

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The Ultimate Guide to Banjar Hot Springs
Indonesia

Air Panas Banjar is a centuries-old therapeutic sulfur hot springs bathing spot nestled in lush vegetation in the hills of Bali. Here's the scoop on costs, restaurant menu, when to go, and even a tip on how to get in for free!

Destinations, Favorite Spots

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Using Your Phone While Travelling Internationally

FREE international calls, texting and video chat, local SIM cards, offline maps. The basics of how to use your phone while traveling.

Technology, Travel Tips

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It is Not Polite to Stop at a Red Light
Feb 10, 2019 Indonesia

With an average of over 200 motorbike deaths in Bali every month, I found myself quite wary of hitting the road, even in a smaller village. But I put on my big girl pants and did it.

My Adventures

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Nyepi Day - The Do Nothing Day in Bali
Indonesia

The Hindu Near Year in Bali is marked with a day of silence and let me tell you, they take it seriously!

Destinations, Local Celebrations

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Extending Your 30-day Indonesian Visa
Indonesia

I won't regurgitate the same information that's already online (well, maybe just a bit), but here's a rundown of my personal experience extending my Indonesian Visa On Arrival in Bali.

Destinations

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Isla Holbox - The Next Big Dot on the Map in Riviera Maya
Mexico

With all the big names like Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, the best spot might be one you've never heard of, and probably don't know how to pronounce correctly.

Destinations, Tropical Beaches, Unexpected Gems

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Interesting Things to Know About Bali Before You Travel
Indonesia

A few random, possibly oddball things I learned while in Bali including customs and standard etiquette.

Destinations

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Weathering the Storm of the Decade in Bali
Jan 24, 2019 Indonesia

Nothing calm or soothing about my first week in Bali! Constant storms, crashing waves, and apparently the worst storm in 10 years! Watching what happens out at the beach has been an interesting thing to observe.

My Adventures

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Being Vegetarian In Bali
Indonesia

How is it finding vegetarian food in Indonesia? Here are a few dishes and phrases to get you by.

Food

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I'm Just NOT the Traveler I Want to Be
Jan 22, 2019

I know that might sound strange coming from me, I write a travel site! But as much as I travel and as much as I love it, I have had to come to terms with my own limitations.

My Adventures, Personal Reflections

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Adjusting to My New Digs and Questioning My Travel Goals
Jan 18, 2019 Indonesia

I know what all my friends were picturing when I told them I was house sitting in Bali for a while. They were wrong. Excitement, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, happiness. I'm smack dab in the middle of it.

My Adventures, Personal Reflections

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Xiamen Stopover in Qingdao
China

There's a good chance if you're flying Xiamen Airlines out of Los Angeles, you will have a stopover in Qingdao. It may not be clear on your itinerary, but here's what to expect.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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What To Do During A Long Layover in Xiamen
China

If you have a long layover in Xiamen, chances are that you flew Xiamen airlines. The layover is even easier to deal with, with the choice of FREE transit lounge, city tour, or hotel room.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Xiamen Airlines - Budget Travelers Rejoice!
China

With the slammin' deal I got on my flight, I was worried what I was in for with Xiamen Airlines. Well let me tell you, the only thing "budget" about this airline is the price.

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Southern Californians - Fly Cheaper Out of TJ!
Mexico, United States

Even in San Diego, not many people realize what a great deal it is to fly out of Tijuana for certain destinations. And with the CBX airport bridge that opened in 2016, it's super easy!

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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An Iffy First Impression of Belize
Dec 11, 2018 Belize

After an odd start, I was wondering if I liked Belize at all. But thankfully we stuck it out and go to know and like Belize a lot better.

My Adventures

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Crossing the Border from Mexico to Belize
Belize, Mexico

Despite the difficulty in finding concrete or consistent information, and in light of the recent transportation changes, it was fortunately quite simple to get from Bacalar to Belize.

Destinations

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Belize, Unique Among Its Neighbors
Belize

Here's my quick "What to Expect" take on Belize after an unfortunately short (less than 2 week) visit.

Destinations, Food

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Orange Walk Town - A Quick Survival Guide
Belize

Orange Walk is definitely not a touristy town which is nice, but it has some peculiarities that are good to know before you go.

Destinations, Food

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River Tour to Lamanai Mayan Ruins
Belize

Being a budget traveler, I don't normally care for organized tours. But even on this rainy day, the trip up the river to Lamanai was absolutely worth it.

Destinations, Unexpected Gems

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5 Interesting Little Things to Do in the Yucatán Peninsula
Mexico

Step out of the Hotel Zone in Cancún and the beach at Tulum. There are so many interesting little places to visit in Costa Maya!

Destinations, Favorite Spots, Unexpected Gems

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Mexican Airlines - Choose Wisely or Roll the Dice
Mexico

You can get flights out of Tijuana, Mexico for about half the price than they would be out of San Diego. But there's definitely a bit of "you get what you pay for".

Destinations, Getting To and Fro

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Isla Mujeres, Caribbean Luxury at Mexico Prices!
Mexico

Consistently rated one of the top beaches in the world, this is an easy tropical beach destination. Here's your quick guide to the best of Isla Mujeres.

Destinations, Sea Turtles, Tropical Beaches, Unexpected Gems

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Saying You're from America

With all the hype of people saying it's rude for those of us from the US to say we're from America, it's time to step back and look at the reality of it.

General Observations

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To Gili or Not to Gili
Indonesia

A review of the Gili Islands. It used to be one of my favorite places on earth; postcard perfect. Well the vibe sure has changed a lot!

Destinations, Sea Turtles, Tropical Beaches

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Perhentian Besar - Wow
Malaysia

I have been to many amazing beaches in my travels but this one is top of the list for everything other than hotel price.

Destinations, Favorite Spots, Sea Turtles, Tropical Beaches

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Hitchhiking at My Age?
Nov 16, 2016 Australia, Comoros, Tanzania

I was grateful to have a travel buddy at ease with hitching since it's not something I would have done on my own.

My Adventures

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African Safari on a Budget
Tanzania

It's a myth that African safaris need to be expensive. 3 of my personal experiences will show you how to see zebras, giraffes, and elephants on the cheap!

Destinations

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Myanmar Updates for 2015
Myanmar

Since the Myanmar guidebooks seem to become outdated as soon as they are printed due to the rapid changes throughout the country, here are a few updates for late 2015.

Destinations

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Big Ben kids, Parliament
Nov 5, 2015 Thailand

What the heck, I'll just go ahead and order the over priced American breakfast. It really did hit the spot, right down to the white bread and cheese si ....

My Adventures

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Stuck in Maui
Dec 10, 2009 United States

We had a hard time flying out of Hawaii on standby so we made due by sleeping in the car and hammocks on the beach. << old website quick post >>

My Adventures

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Getting 8 People to Roatan
Aug 10, 2009 Honduras

Big family trip to Roatan, Honduras. It was fun but we decided we didn't need to go back. << old website quick post >>

My Adventures

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Landed in Luxury - A Few Days at the Gran Melia
Jul 3, 2009 Puerto Rico

<< old website quick post >>

My Adventures

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