Travel Stories
Take the Road Untraveled in Azerbaijan
From ski resorts to mountains that look like candy canes, from architecture to nightlife, Azerbaijan is a relatively undiscovered travel gem.
Diverse heritage and wild places intersect here. In addition to trekking through small villages that may have their own languages and their own unique traditions thousands of years old, you’ll find views that take your breath away.
The Other Side of Oahu: Kualoa Park & Ranch
Hawai’i is a dream for many, but for a state ripe with natural beauty, tourists often seek the same comforts our homes can deliver: hotels, spas, malls, and restaurants. However, Old Hawai’i, the other side of Oahu, offers a unique opportunity to step outside of these tourist spots and back in time.
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands: Heart of Culture
“Sunrise. The best time of day. Beautiful natural light peeking over the ocean’s unobstructed horizon, at first casting silhouettes of everything in its path before revealing the true beauty of the landscape we venture to. This time it’s a cultural gold mine: St. Croix, an island ripe with culture and ready for exploration.”
Meet the owners of a small import business
We often hear the phrase, “traveling for work”. How about the concept of working for travel? Over the past 35 years, Dan and Rudi Taylor have done just that. They turned their passion for travel into careers. Between their online import business, Happy Mango Beads, and their Colorado storefront, Wishful Living, this duo travels the world in search of unique items to bring back to their customers. Maintaining a close relationship with dozens of craftspeople around the world, they directly support communities in a way that the typical tourist does not.
Village Trekking in Myanmar
“Which country is your favorite?” What a loaded question, eh? Everywhere I’ve traveled, I feel I’ve left a bit of my heart. Myanmar though—that country really stole my heart. Big smiles come to mind when I think of Myanmar—big, toothy, sometimes crimson, betel-stained grins. Genuine warmth radiates from the people there. From the charming mountain town of Hsipaw, we walked through farming communities up into the clouds where we were welcomed into small Palaung villages, and homes of the kindest and most curious folks I’ve met. Trekking in Myanmar was simply unforgettable.
Belize Snorkeling and More: A Photo Essay
If you’re looking for outstanding snorkeling and affordable travel rates, a Belize snorkeling trip should be next on your list of vacations. Just off the coast of the country is the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is the second largest in the world and is well-known for the Great Blue Hole, which is a giant marine sinkhole. The lively marine life, warm temperatures, and light blue color of the water makes for incredible snorkeling.
Sri Lanka Vacation: More Than a Selfie Spot
Even on our honeymoon, we couldn’t just pick a relaxing vacation. Travel for us has always been about seeking adventure, meeting locals, taking in all the smells and sights, and feeling like we’re getting off the beaten path. Sri Lanka was becoming a hip destination by the time my husband and I married in 2017. I remember seeing Instagram smothered in images of young travelers hanging out of train windows, vistas over Sigiriya Rock, palm trees that seemed to spill straight into the ocean, and elephant safaris. It was attractive, but I knew our Sri Lanka vacation would offer us even more than what meets the eye.
Beaches in Costa Rica…By Bicycle!
My shins are literally sweating.” I was earning my stripes on this inaugural bikepacking trip in Costa Rica. Literally, sweat was drawing lines through the dirt caked on my legs. It had already been a long, exhausting day of riding, and we were only halfway to our destination. Riding through the touristed town near Playa Flamingo, we popped out on the beach. The air wreaked of suntan lotion as we strode past the crowds on the hard-packed sand. That mile of beach riding was exhilarating! Finding our own nook on the beach, we stripped off our sweat-soaked clothes. I removed my shoes and laughed at my ghostly-white feet, contrasting against the morning’s accumulation of grime. Aaron and I ran toward the clear, turquoise water and tripped into a refreshing haze of bliss.
Travel (More) Responsibly: Tips From a Seasoned Traveler
What impact do you have on the places you’re traveling to? Whether it’s a 2-hour drive or a 2-year jaunt around the globe, there are several ways we can all be better travelers and minimize our impact. Throughout the years, I’ve compiled some of my favorite travel tips.
Yelapa: The Last Secluded Beach in Mexico
While Mexico is considered the go to place for warm, beach vacations, many of these alluring spots are heavily populated by tourists. People just like you, looking for the exact same experience in the exact same place. Just like that, those once pristine beaches are over-populated and lacking the relaxing getaway you were daydreaming about.
The People of Colombia
Travel, for many people, is a very scary thing. The idea of venturing to an unknown place where you don’t know anybody has the capability of intimidating the best of us. The beauty, however, lies in us making the decision to face our fears directly. For me, Colombia was one of those places.
This Small Brazilian Town Will Surprise You
Last winter, I was lucky enough to spend a month working as a specialty English teacher at the ACES School in Palmas, Brazil. When I wasn’t in the classroom, I explored the small and beautiful city with the families I stayed with and some local teachers who took me under their wing. My “teacher friends” helped me with my Portuguese while we explored hidden waterfalls and secret beaches—and of course while we sat for hours at barbecue joints.