Everyone who visits Zanzibar ends up taking a spice tour. It’s inevitable. After all, this cluster of islands off the coast of Tanzania is nicknamed the Spice Islands, and there was once a time when Zanzibar was the largest producer of cloves in the world. Spices were first introduced by the …
July was another fantastic month, full of sunshine, ciders, and socialising, and I managed to squeeze a whole of travel in around it, too. This month, I visited both Liechtenstein and Wales for the first time, checked out Zurich and Lucerne on a whirlwind trip to Switzerland, spent a few …
“Whatcha reading?” I was lounging beside a gorgeous infinity pool in Vingerklip, Namibia when Dave asked the question. As I pondered how to answer, I watched a herd of giraffes sip from a waterhole in the valley below. “I don’t want to tell you,” I confessed, embarrassed by my choice …
The votes are in! A couple of days ago, I polled you guys to see which country you wanted me to focus on next and Tanzania won! Make sure you’re following me on Twitter so you can have a say in where I write about in the future! When the offer …
They say moving house is almost as stressful as going through a divorce or the death of a relative. Yup. I was certainly surprised by how much this month left me drained and agitated. Moving into an entirely unfurnished apartment as someone who can fit everything they own into a …
Two weeks is the perfect amount of time for your first trip to Japan. You’ll be able to explore from the mountains to the sea, wanderinng through chaotic neon-lined streets and serene Zen temples, soaking in onsens and filling yourself with more ramen and sushi than you thought possible. For …
“Well,” Dave said, letting out a deep sigh. “This has to be one of the biggest letdowns of my life.” I nodded in quiet disappointment as I stared out at the bleak scene ahead of me. Instead of a snow-covered paradise, I was standing in what felt like a construction …
Finding a home has been a long process. When I embarked on this open-ended journey back in 2011, I anticipated being away for a year, but secretly dreamed of making it to two. At that time, travel blogging wasn’t a viable career for most, and I made tentative plans for …
It took me six years to get to Japan. Why? I didn’t think I could afford it. Every time I seriously looked at visiting, I would wince at the high cost of the train passes, read about how the hotels were super-expensive, and then fly to Vietnam instead. Or Taiwan. …
I can never resist checking out a themed restaurant when I travel. During trips to Taiwan, I visited a hospital-themed restaurant, Hello Kitty-themed cafe, and Barbie-themed restaurant. In South Korea, I checked out both a dog cafe and a cat cafe. In Thailand, I even had lunch at a condom-themed …
Talk about a change of scenery! When I left you last, I was soaking up the sun in gorgeous Bali, and making the most of my last remaining weeks from this stint of travel. As I write this now, I’m sitting at my desk in a bright and shiny apartment with …