As my time on the Greek island of Lesvos neared a close, I was contemplating where to go next. For nearly two months, I volunteered with refugees by teaching English and translating in the refugee camps of Lesvos, but it was finally time to move on and backpacking Turkey emerged as a viable option. Backpacking … Read more
Coron Island. The northernmost island in the Palawan islands. Unheard of until recently and surrounded by crystal clear waters, secret lagoons, countless shipwrecks for snorkeling and diving, and white sand beaches. If you enjoy the sun and the sea while getting off the beaten track, Coron should be on your list. The perfectly curated list … Read more
For years I’ve had an item on my bucket list: to swim with giants. Whale sharks. The largest living fish in the sea. Docile enough to swim with in safety yet gigantic enough to make you feel your true place in the animal kingdom. As I finished up my trip in Southeast Asia trip, by … Read more
Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is one of the most sought after experiences in Cebu. For adventurous travelers and backpackers, the former fishing village of Oslob makes it possible to swim with these giants in their natural habitat for less than $25 USD. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Oslob, Cebu, … Read more
If you want to learn to surf, there’s no better way than flying to Bali, renting a board, and hitting the waves. With less than $100, the help of this guide and the linked resources, and a bit of motivation, you can trade the surf camp for teaching yourself how to surf topped with the … Read more
…it all depends on the adventures you have in store… Contents: Do you need travel insurance? When will you absolutely need travel insurance? A couple of horror that prove sometimes travel insurance is worth having What about routine accidents while traveling? The Elephant in the Room: Insurance companies make money from fear When you may not … Read more
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved the outdoors. As a kid, my brother and I spent our entire summers wandering the Mojave desert with nothing but a backpack filled with water and a few snacks, our dog and a couple of walking sticks. As an adult, when I was finally able to … Read more
Just Starting our “Experiencing Everest Series“? Then jump to our Everest page and start from Part 1 “Why go to Everest”. Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar Even through the sub-freezing chill of the unheated room, I could feel energy in the air as I opened my eyes in Gorak Shep, rustling in my sleeping bag … Read more
More from the Series: Adventures as a Global Volunteer – Lesvos and the Refugee Crisis Preface: Voluntourism – What Is It, and Why to Avoid It Part 1: The Beginning. The Reasons. The Dilemma Part 2: Teaching English, Serving Coffee, Going Solo Part 3: Translating in Moria Refugee Camp, Steps from Hell, and the Meaning … Read more
Just as I thought my days on Lesvos were becoming slow and predictable, the worst happened – a riot in the refugee camp between Kurds and Arabs exploded. Unwilling to exist in another war, the Kurds fled Moria Camp, walking 10 kilometers in the middle of the night holding everything they owned. For the … Read more