Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: Bucket List Gem or Radioactive Hellscape?
I’m pretty sure just reading the words “Chernobyl Exclusion Zone” instantly conjures images of death, destruction, and nuclear contamination. This April, it will have been 34 years since the meltdown in Reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in northern Ukraine. Despite the scale of the disaster, the official death toll is just 54, which doesn’t include the…
How to Visit the Three Gorges Dam Without a Tour
Scroll down if you only care about HOW to visit the Three Gorges Dam on your own. But keep reading if you’re curious about WHY I even bothered. It is no secret that I have a love-hate (mostly hate) relationship with travel within China. I don’t like crowds, something very difficult to avoid in a country of 1.3 billion people.…
What You Need to Know About International Pet Travel
International travel with a pet can be a complex process depending on where you’re going. I’ve taken my dog, Mia, to three different countries so far and while the basic process is the same, the depth and complexity have varied quite a bit. My hope is to arm you with enough information so that you know where to start and…
Is it safe to travel to [insert random country]?
“Is it safe to travel to country X?” Every time I see this question, I can’t help but cringe a little. I know that it’s likely coming from a place of good intentions, but it still forces me to involuntarily wince each time someone asks it. Whose definition of “safe” are we using? I mean, what place IS safe? Because…
True Confession: Sometimes, Travel Isn’t So Great
I know it’s not a popular topic, but I think it’s important to discuss the less-than-glamourous side of travel – the stuff that can and does go wrong. Take a quick glance at Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and you’ll see everybody posting about their awesome their trip was. Does that paint a complete picture? I don’t think so. Sometimes, traveling…
Exploring Mexico Like a Local with Airbnb Experiences
For me, this has officially been the summer of Airbnb. During my time here in Mexico, I’ve had five Airbnb “stays” and taken three Airbnb “experiences”. By now I’m pretty sure that you’re familiar with Airbnb “stays”. A few years ago Airbnb expanded their offerings to include “experiences”, activities that are led and designed by locals. Airbnb offers more than…
My Love Life, Donald Trump and Supporting the Cuban People
After the Obama administration made it easier to travel to Cuba directly from the US, scores of folks flocked to the island. Given my wanderlust, I’m sure you’re not shocked that I’d been trying to get to Cuba for a while. My initial trip, an educational tour back in 2014, was canceled due to some banking disagreement between the US…
Travel Like a Pro: 9 Apps To Elevate Your Travel Game from Beginner to Boss
Traveling domestically or internationally can be stressful or fear-inducing for lots of people. It can be intimidating to navigate unfamiliar places or unable to speak the language. This fear can often hold back those who want to strike out and start exploring. If you’re hesitant to travel, solo or not, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find a…
