On my travels I have made a point to visit many of the incredible Unesco World Heritage Sites all over the world. These range from the iconic architectural sights like the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat, to the beautiful and charming UNESCO cities of Guanajuato and Luang Prabang. I’ve picnicked in UNESCO National Parks and stared in wonder at the historic wonders of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Take a peek at my favorite experiences over the past decade as I’ve traveled this world in search of culture, history, and connection.
The buzz throughout the city is infectious on the Wednesday before Easter. Although Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations don’t “officially” kick off until the morning of Holy Thursday, the colorfully picturesque town of Antigua, Guatemala has been milking this holiday for the past two weeks—I’ve seen countless early Semana Santa processions and mini-carpets as offerings. …
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 …
Let’s be real: Like many, the ruins of Chichén Itzá were my first stop on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. As the first set of Maya ruins I had visited (way back in 2010 for the first time), I have to say, they’re quite a bit different from the temples architecture of Southeast Asia, which …
The oldest girl in the group of children, she couldn’t have been more than 13, leveled a sly look my way before stating: “Lady, you buy our bracelets or who knows what will happen to your bicycles…” At that point, I think my jaw dropped. The Backstory Laura and I rented bikes for a day …
Here’s a fun fact you may have never known—when you push a car out of deep sand, it’s deceptively easy to fall flat on your face once the car starts moving. Just a little fun fact I learned during my multi-day self-guided tour of Australia’s stunning Fraser Island. I got up close and personal with …
After arriving in Doolin, a charming town on the western coast of Ireland, I learned an important travel lesson from my host. He put it to me straight, noting that there are two ways to set out on any great travel adventure: I mean really, is there even a choice?! Given his recommendation that we …
A gentle sprinkle of rain dusted the windshield of the car as the smell of wet grass leaked through the air vent of my rental car. I was slowly puttering my way around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland–more popularly known as Ireland’s stunning Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is one of …
It’s no secret that I love Ireland—I’ve waxed poetic about everything from the toe-tappingly good Irish music in pubs to the beauty of Connemara to those special days getting lost. And let’s not even get started on that je ne sais quoi that just exists in every pub, lake, and winding back road. Of all …