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Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Top Seven Reasons Why it Might Make Sense to Join an Organized Tour

August 14, 2017
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Organized tours often get a bad rep, especially within the travel community. In fact, organized tours are often associated with being for “old people” and conjure up images of tourists wearing wide-brim hats hopping on and off large buses to follow a tour leading donning a flag in hand. There’s also the belief that they offer little flexibility and cost a lot. The truth of the matter is that tours come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve traveled solo, but also enjoy organized tours (which seems to shock a lot of people). That’s because tours offer a variety of benefits, which I quite like. Continue Reading…

Destinations: Africa, Travel Tips

Surviving Kilimanjaro: Your Ultimate Packing List

June 5, 2017
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Each year, nearly 40,000 people (and growing) attempt to climb Africa’s highest mountain: Kilimanjaro. Only about half successfully reach the summit of this iconic peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Before embarking on such a journey, it is critical to be prepared with the right gear, but knowing what you need to survive can be daunting. As I prepared for my own trip, I found a multitude of tips and lists, but none that were all encompassing. I had to piece together the puzzle from the variety of resources. If you are wondering, “Where do I even begin?” then you’ve come to the right place. The recommendations and tips below are broken into sections based on gear for each body part and then equipment needed from general climbing gear to personal toiletries. Enjoy and happy climbing! Continue Reading…

Destinations: North America, Travel Tips

Top Things to Do In Havana

February 27, 2017
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After decades of being closed off to many parts of the world, Cuba is finally pulling back the curtains and revealing the mystery behind this beautiful and culturally-stimulating country. Attracting a greater number of foreigners in the past few years, Cuba is becoming a top destination for many. In particular: Havana, the capital of Cuba. What should be at the top of your list for must-do’s during your visit? Continue Reading…

Destinations: North America, Travel Tips

The 13 Essentials: What to Pack for Cuba

January 30, 2017
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You have your flights booked, casa particulars arranged, and an itinerary all set to go for your trip to Cuba. Now what to pack? Despite an uptick in tourism to Cuba it remains a challenging destination for many foreigners due to the lack of infrastructure and difficulty in purchasing many of the essentials. This list includes the basic necessities you’ll need to ensure a smoother trip! Continue Reading…

Destinations: North America, Travel Tips

Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Cuba (especially for Americans)

January 17, 2017
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Streets lined with classic American cars from the ’50s. Striking architecture around every corner. Miles and miles of white sand beaches. A lively culture filled with creativity and welcoming hospitality. Cuba is a fascinating country that will likely be significantly different than most destinations you might have on your travel bucket list, but undoubtedly one that should be at the top of your list. So what should you know before planning a trip? Here are some essential tips on just that! Continue Reading…

Travel Tips

Disconnected Travel. The Art of Being Present.

January 20, 2015
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We are in an age where people prefer to text rather than pick up the phone, catch up with “friends” on Facebook rather than see them in person, or email a colleague rather than walk over to their desk. Connections through the virtual world dominate our daily lives, slowly whittling away at the time we spend creating connections and moments in our real-world.

“Why is it more important for you to engage with the people who are not physically here than the people are?”

Everyday, everywhere we witness couples physically sitting together over dinner. Both are on their phones texting, social networking, or checking emails rather than conversing with each other. Technology has not only increased the pace at which we live, but it has pulled us away from the real-world around us into a virtual space where our minds flutter from one thought to the next. We focus on the past and the future, but rarely in the now. Continue Reading…

Destinations: South America, Travel Tips

Pura Vida! A Reflection of How Pura Vida Came to Life for Me in 2014

December 31, 2014
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Pura Vida!!!

Directly translated into English, Pura Vida means “Pure Life”, but for the people of Costa Rica there is a deeper meaning. The essence of Pura Vida is that no matter how bad your current life situation, someone somewhere has it worse. So maybe, if you really think about it, your situation isn’t all that bad after all. And in the end, life is short; life is wonderful. So start living your life! Witnessing and experiencing “Pura Vida” all over Costa Rica made me reflect on my life and how, out of the blue, I decided to visit Costa Rica. So to end the last few hours of 2014, I think that a personal reflection post is quite appropriate. Continue Reading…

Travel Tips

Tips For First Time Travelers

May 27, 2014
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Virgin Traveler. We’ve all been one before. Even for those who aren’t virgins, traveling can offer a mix of emotions. It’s exciting with all the new experiences and endless possibilities. At the same time, it can feel a bit daunting and uncomfortable because of all the unknowns. 

I often reflect on the first time I ever REALLY traveled. It was October 2006 and I was headed off to Spain. Boy was I a NOOB! I’ve gained some wisdom along the way on traveling practicalities as well as having a new perspective on life experiences. For the young, inexperienced, “noob” traveler that I once was, and for all of you who may be looking for some tips to make your journey a little easier, this post is dedicated to you!

Continue Reading…

Travel Tips

“Don’t drink tap water!” and Other Tips for Avoiding Travelers’ Diarrhea

January 30, 2014
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A friend recently posted a question on whether this is fact or myth: Avoid drinking water in Mexico. “Not even the ice?” she asked. “I guess I’ll just have to replace water with alcohol! #shitFaced”

Obviously, this made me chuckle, but the question also surprised me a bit. I guess having traveled through so many 3rd world countries, personally encountering the “Bali Belly”, and witnessing so many others suffer the agony of being “stuck” from taking Imodium to alleviate the runs, I just assumed this was common knowledge. I was obviously wrong. So I thought I’d share some learnings I’ve made on food and beverage consumption while traveling. Keep in mind, that while most people assume these tips are only relevant for traveling in third world countries, you really should play it safe in any country as a foreign traveler. You just never know what little micro organisms are crawling around over there in your food and water that your belly won’t like. Better safe than sorry! 

Now for your tips!
Continue Reading…

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