We live about three hours away from the Smoky Mountains and visit there every chance we get. Our four boys are huge fans of the area, and my husband and I really enjoy it, too. Since we've been there more times than we can count, I wanted to share with you some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids in tow. Sure, Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas are great for adventurous solo travelers, couples, and, well, just about … [Read more...]
Discovering a new way to cruise with UnCruise Adventures
Tired of the massive cruise ships packed to the brim with thousands of tourists? Not interested in that kind of generic, high-density vacation but still want the unparalleled sightseeing and relaxation of a scenic cruise? Then maybe an Uncruise is the right cruise for you. UnCruise Adventures is unlike any cruise I’ve done in the past. And I quickly found myself warming up to the concept. After spending a day on a special “behind the scenes” … [Read more...]
What I Learned from an Ashram
First of all, my backpacking, hostel staying, sleeping-on-trains and wild camping days have long been over. This nomadic travel-style, while fun when I was in my college years roaming around Europe and North Africa, has been replaced by something a little easier on my back and fancier in terms of luxury. Nowadays, I am partial to the kind of hotels that come with slippers, deep soaker-tubs, smart technology, and sparkling on arrival. So why would … [Read more...]
A Beautiful Day in Kundasang, Sabah
My worn slippers scuffed against the rock-strewn path, crunching gravel and pebbles underneath the thin sole. The peak of Mount Kinabalu was clearly visible miles ahead of me. The horizon was painted in flaming red as the sun began to penetrate the mist and brighten up the sleepy green valley down below. A brisk morning stroll took me to a war memorial on a hill. Standing at the top of the staircase, I watched the quiet town slowly come to … [Read more...]
What You Need to Know: Gorilla Trekking Guide to Rwanda
One of the planet's highlights is arguably a trek to see gorillas in the wild in Rwanda, however there are a number of details and expenses one needs to be aware of when planning a trip to Rwanda. Kigali International Airport (KGL) is located only about 20 minutes outside of Kigali, the country's capital city. This airport is the hub for RwandAir and services other international airlines including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airlines, KLM and … [Read more...]
Visiting Strasbourg, France with Children
There is really nothing else like traveling through Europe with toddlers. This is true for so many reasons, one of which is that they seldom seem to know just how lucky they are or how crazy it is that they are, where they are. Having lived in Germany now for a year and a half, we have become accustomed to hearing German daily. We have grown comfortable enough in our surroundings to explore and live. Though, when we travel to another country, … [Read more...]
5 ways to support Mountain Gorilla Conservation
According to IUCN, there are close to 8410 critically endangered species in the whole world. These include but not limited to African savannah elephant, African wild dog, western lowland gorillas, and Eastern lowland gorilla among several other species. The mountain gorillas have recently made it off the critically endangered species to the category of endangered species because there is hope in the efforts of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic … [Read more...]
Gorilla Trekking With Minors in Uganda
Imagine you have a friend that has just come back from Uganda after successfully completing their gorilla trek in either Mgahinga gorilla national park or Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Even before you ask them about their trip, with excitement they go ahead and share their gorilla trekking experience with you. They tell you about the landscapes, the greenness of the country, the weather, the people and everything that made their … [Read more...]
Top Four Must Visit Places in Costa Rica
One of my earliest international trips was to Costa Rica. I remember spotting a flyer posted in a hallway while in college and being immediately intrigued. My major was related to Biology and the advertised trip led by one of the professors trip focused on the flora and fauna of the country. I remember making a decision almost immediately after I read through the trip description; have fun, see a new country and earn college credits while abroad. … [Read more...]
Peace and harmony reign supreme on former historic battle site
HISTORY is integral to the story of the tiny village of Edgehill in Warwickshire, the scene of the bloodiest battle in The English Civil War. Today, the din of muskets and cannons are, thankfully, confined to those history books and the battlefields instead offer idyllic views from one of the most impressive vantage points in the country, The Castle pub. Perched on the summit overlooking the infamous battlefields, The Castle at Edgehill is … [Read more...]