There’s really no doubt about it – China can be a daunting, jarring, and even overwhelming experience for foreigners. Not only is there a language barrier to struggle with, but there’s also the huge population, teeming traffic, choking pollution and cultural differences that you’ll find in most larger Chinese cities.

Read the full story | 9 comments

Paris is always a good idea. While that was Audrey Hepburn’s opinion, I’d have to say I agree. Paris is a city that captures the heart of Francophiles and Franco-wary alike, with its iconic architecture, world-famous gastronomy and unbelievably fashionable women.

Read the full story | 0 comments

A New Zealand tour operator recently released a news blurb and offered discounts to summon people to come to a wilderness area near earthquake-shattered Christchurch. Tourism groups in Queensland, Australia issued similar pleas a few months ago after flooding and a cyclone slammed the state.

Read the full story | 2 comments

The French Riviera is synonymous with glamour, celebrity and sunshine. It’s the home of the Cannes Film Festival and the destination of the most luxurious yachts in the world. Granted, it’s not exactly the ultimate budget destination — but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to spend a day without spending money.

Read the full story | 0 comments

One objection many people have regarding long-term travel is having to move away from their social network.  Family and friends are strong emotional bonds, and the thought of not seeing them in person for an extended period causes most to simply dismiss the idea.  We often hear “Oh, I could...

Read the full story | 0 comments

Although for the most part, a girl's packing list will be the same as her male counterpart's, there are certain differences between the sexes that will be reflected in what goes into the backpack. And I'm not talking about high heels either - nobody should be carrying those on a...

Read the full story | 0 comments

The first few times we did any sort of traveling we packed the way most people typically pack.  We took everything but the kitchen sink, because you never know when you might *need* something.  We filled cars to the brim for weekend getaways, we lugged fifty pounds in a backpack...

Read the full story | 1 comments

Many people’s interpretation of Indonesia is this jungly under developed country with no electricity and bare chested men and women riding around on elephants. Though some of that sounds fun, it’s not entirely true. Indonesia is a modern developing country complete with high rise buildings.

Read the full story | 0 comments

I wax lyrically quite often about the great times on the road, the wonderful people I have met and the stunning scenery. There is a downside to travel; frustration and annoyance are unwelcome bedfellows on this wonderful journey and sometimes you just want to scream! Phew I feel better already.

Read the full story | 2 comments

Once renowned as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, home to drug cartels, Pablo Escobar, and political kidnappings, Medellín has reinvented itself as the world's latest, coolest, chicest urban center. Start your morning off in Envigado, a small town that got swallowed by Medellín's urban expansion.

Read the full story | 1 comments