white plastic beach loungers near pool at daytime

Travel or Escape? Rethinking All-Inclusive Resorts and Cruises

"While it can be good for spending time with family and friends, lounging around, and just taking a break from reality, it’s far from the best kind of travel and I think it should be avoided as often as possible."

Why Solo Travel Is Harder in the United States

"However, as a seasoned traveler both here and elsewhere, I think it would be prudent to give out some practical advice on why while it’s not impossible to solo travel here and enjoy it, here are some things to be aware of if you’re traveling solo through the 50 states of these United States."

Why Every Traveler Should Attend a Sporting Event at Least Once

"Later, the memory stays with you as you remember the roar of the crowd, the way the players scored, or how much fun it was to recap the game while leaving the stadium with friends or family."

An Ode to the Unmatched Energy of New York City

"I’ve been to other major cities from Istanbul to Paris to Mexico City to Sao Paulo and nothing catches the energy of New York City."

My Two Achilles’ Heels When Traveling – Overpacking and Getting to the Airport Too Early

"Neither flaw is catastrophic in the grand scheme of travel quirks but both say a lot about how I approach the journey: with a lot of excitement, a bit of pre-trip anxiety, and maybe a touch too much preparation in advance."

See More, Experience Less – The Problem with Large Tour Groups

"It can save time and maybe a bit of money, but I’ve found that these large group tours are largely not worth the hassle of doing them."

From Amazon Palms to Beach Bowls – Chasing Açaí in Brazil (Cultural Spotlight)

"Difficult to find outside of the country and definitely not of the same flavor, taste or variety, Acai is a unique treat that Brazil is rightly known for."

Five Steps to Making Language Gains Quickly (Traveler Edition)

"Consistency beats intensity every time. Studying for five hours one day and nothing for a week won’t get you far. Instead, aim for 30–60 minutes daily. Travelers can make this even more fun on the road: listen to a podcast on the train, label your hostel or Airbnb objects in your target language, or practice phrases while ordering street food. Small, daily interactions add up quickly."

Minca, Colombia: Mountain Magic and Lush Jungle Waterfalls

"What struck me right away was how quickly the scenery changed, going from the hot, dry Caribbean coast into the cooler, greener mountains of the Magdalena region felt almost like crossing into a completely different country."

The Art of Traveling Solo

"This is a fitting statement for those of us travelers who have stepped foot in another city or country being completely on our own. It’s not something that can be easily done and requires a bit of mental fortitude to be able to enjoy it despite the inherent challenges."