We’re now two months into 2021. Though we all eagerly awaited the end of a very bad 2020, not too much has changed for most of us. The vaccines are a bright spot on the horizon, even though we know we certainly aren’t in a priority group. Matt and I are hoping we’re both vaccinated some time in the summer, and by that point many other people should have been vaccinated first. Could that mean a return to “normal” for us? [Read more…]
Trip Review: St. Petersburg, Russia
In my ultimate quest of traveling as much as possible in my life, I always assumed I’d visit Russia *someday*. I certainly never thought it would be this year – until I found out that my cousin, Gillian, would be spending this semester studying abroad in St. Petersburg. Since I would already be in Madrid, which is quite a bit closer to SPB than the U.S., I figured now was the time. [Read more…]
A Review of Lila Thai Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand
When’s the last time you got a professional massage?
Ok, I’ll go first. Before my trip to Thailand, and my experience with Lila Thai Massage, I’d had exactly two massages in my life. Both of them had been for free, done by my mom’s friend, Larissa, who was in massage therapy school and needed practice hours. But massages were never something I’d thought about paying for.
Next question: When’s the last time you got a professional massage from a former inmate? [Read more…]
Thailand: Elephants and Ethics
“I booked my trip to Thailand,” I told some friends, months before I would share this news with my parents.
“That’s so cool! You have to ride an elephant while you’re there,” one of them said.
“Oh, I totally will.”
I could just imagine it: photos I’d seen of other friends, and celebrities, perched atop the back of these gentle giants, danced in my head. Who wouldn’t want to ride an elephant? [Read more…]
How to Make Friends While Traveling Solo
It was my biggest concern when I first decided to travel solo: would I have to spend all of my time alone? Sure, I enjoy my own company – but there’s something special about making memories and sharing experiences with friends in foreign lands. I was hoping I wouldn’t miss out on that, despite embarking on the trip by myself. I had no idea what to expect. [Read more…]
7 Reasons You Should Visit Chiang Mai, Thailand
When you think of Thailand, what comes to mind? Probably Bangkok, right? It is the world’s top city for tourism, recently edging out London for the number one spot. Next, perhaps you think of Phuket and the all beautiful beaches down south. Maybe you don’t think of Chiang Mai; I’d never even heard of it myself until a month before I went to Thailand.
After three busy days in Bangkok, which I enjoyed, I definitely appreciated the quiet charm of Chiang Mai. It quickly became my favorite city I visited during my two-week excursion through Thailand and Cambodia. [Read more…]
A Review of Thai Railways: Overnight Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Being planted in the Midwest, I don’t have a ton of practical reasons to take the train in my regular life. When I’m traveling, though, it’s a different story. Rather than shying away from this form of transportation due to unfamiliarity, I embrace the opportunity to move about the world in a different way. I’ve taken it from Berlin to Stuttgart, Copenhagen to Amsterdam, Madrid to Sevilla, and Seattle to Vancouver. [Read more…]
Top 3 Things to Know Before Visiting Cambodia
First of all, if you’re planning to visit Cambodia, let me congratulate you. You’re going to get lots of puzzled looks and questions such as, “Where?” and “Why?” from family, friends, and co-workers. But you’ve made an excellent decision to experience a country and culture that many people overlook.
Whether you know a lot or a little about Cambodia, there are a few things you may not come across in your pre-trip research. Here are the top 3 things you should know before you visit. [Read more…]
Why You Should Visit Cambodia on Your Southeast Asia Trip
Where is Cambodia? If you’re most people, you probably have no idea. That’s okay. We’re going to talk about it. Why should you want to visit Cambodia? We’ll talk about that too. [Read more…]
The Ultimate Guide to Taxis in Bangkok
Before going to Thailand, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I’d used an actual taxi. As a Millennial, I’m no stranger to Uber, which is similar in theory but totally different in application. When I’ve traveled abroad before, I’ve usually relied on public transportation. Although it may not be the fastest or most convenient way to travel, it sure is cheap. [Read more…]