It’s exciting jumping on the road or flying to an unknown destination. Regardless how adventurous it might be, it goes without saying that you have to stick to several safety measures in order to reach your destination conveniently and efficiently and to make the most of your trip. With the much technological advancement that have happened over the years, there are now thousands of travel gadgets you could consider getting to make your life … [Read more...]
The Contrasts of Travel Experiences
The contrasts of travel create an intriguing dichotomy while on the road. Today is a good example of experiences on the extreme ends of the spectrum. I met a beautiful yoga instructor living on the island of St. Barths last week for about 5 minutes. This was in a "remote" part of that tiny island along the rugged shoreline in what the locals call the 'natural pools', a series of surf fed ocean water that creates several small swimming areas. … [Read more...]
Yunnan Province China – An Astounding Culturally Diverse Experience
The Yunnan Province of China has become one of the most sought after travel destinations for those seeking to witness a truly unique cultural experience. Being engulfed by a breathtaking countryside is nothing to sneer at either. This blossoming tourist destination has remained largely obscured and tucked away from outsiders for hundreds of years until modern infrastructure and transportation has allowed access. Located in the southwestern … [Read more...]
Ko Yao Noi Island, Thailand – February 2017
This little piece of paradise is located merely about 25 minutes from near Phuket on a speed boat - you can also access the island from the other side - from the city of Krabi. For being located in between and fairly close to two popular urban areas - somehow this island has escaped the pull of developers and the crowds that are found on those other mainland destinations. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful, the pace of life is slow - … [Read more...]
My 5 Favorite Caribbean Destinations
I have been fortunate to have visited all countries in the Caribbean except for Haiti and have visited nearly all of the territories. Haiti is definitely on the list for upcoming visits. I have stayed in a wide variety of accommodation in the region including a number of luxury properties. Luxury Retreats recently reached out to me; they focus on high end vacation rentals worldwide including a number of Caribbean luxury vacations. After … [Read more...]
Visiting the best of Northern Vietnam
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live with in a rural community, deep in the northern mountains of Vietnam? Eating local delicacies and drinking happy water into the later hours of the night? Away from the bustling noise of the city and all the tourism? Waking up with the farmers as the sun comes up, hearing the sound of roosters singing in the valleys? I always … [Read more...]
Experiencing the Chaos of Jakarta
By the time I reached my hotel and drifted off it was 2am. I woke early the next morning and wandered out exploring the streets of Mangga Dua - a section of this sprawling city that seems to be a cross between New Delhi and Dhaka. The roads are a sensory stream of noise and action - from motorbikes, three wheeled motorized rickshaw taxis, the ubiquitous Blue Bird Taxis, bicycles and people walking. Throw in a torrential downpour (after all this … [Read more...]
First Day Exploring St. Kitts
I met a Brazilian traveler today - he has not traveled much at all and this was his first time to the Caribbean. He did not speak a word of English so I ended up helping translate through his language barrier using Spanish as our common language. After what I estimated to be a 15 minute walk into town from the B&B where I am staying - turned into a hour, I was more than ready to rent a motorbike. I found a shop run by a man named Matrix who … [Read more...]
A Few Interesting Notes about St. Barths in the Caribbean
Here are a few notes from what I was told by those living on the island and or from first hand experience. - Flying onto the short airport runway in a small plane is an exciting experience - The island is only 8 square miles but due to its mountainous topography feels bigger than it actually is - The island's electricity is powered by diesel generators - Homes have cisterns to collect rainwater - The roads are narrow and windy and people … [Read more...]
Saba Anyone?
I recently counted the times I've either flown, ferried, or come in on a cruise ship to Sint Maarten in the last two months; my arrivals and departures added up to 14 times (interesting considering I had never visited the island until late 2015)! During my stops in Sint Marteen, my eye has caught glimpses of the intriguing, mysterious and prominent shape of Saba (a municipality of the Netherlands) in the distance, sometimes clear, sometimes … [Read more...]