An internal debate wages on for the brief seconds it takes me to decide to ignore my dad’s chirping voice of caution in my head. Instead, I hoist my backpack over the tailgate of the truck and then hoist myself over said tailgate. The truck engine rumbles to a start and the 15 other backpackers …
Another week down for my Central America trip. I am beyond content. I love Guatemala. I’ll say it again. I love my time in Guatemala so far. The country is a fascinating mix of colors on every surface. It’s not just the colonial buildings that shine in a rainbow of colors. It’s the colorful culture, …
The sounds of wildlife are what sold me on visiting the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala. Our small group of backpackers had just entered the jungle when our guide, Luis, abruptly halted us. He raised a hand—not dramatically, just enough—and tilted his head. We followed his lead. Then we heard it. Low, rolling growls echoing …
You know how that phrase, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry?” Yeah, that about sums up most of my time in Belize and my major plans for the country. I have read absolutely fabulous things about the diving in Belize. The Blue Hole has been on my bucket list for …
A new country for me is all about the people and the culture. Although I love seeing major iconic sights—they are popular for a reason, after all!—my conversations with locals, immersive traveling, and off-the-path volunteering have proven my most transformative travel experiences. Perhaps it’s this very reason why Belize caught me off guard. My expectations …