Photo by Alice Bourget [Note: this piece was written in pre-pandemic days, first accepted by the LA Times, but had a couple of long publication delays. And then the pandemic arrived. Ecuador was hit hard. Milton’s tours, listed at the end, are suspended. Here’s to travel to come!] When I was around 10, I tagged along to my brother’s Boy Scout meeting, where one activity was making art projects. Given instruction, I sprayed a clothespin with … [Read more...]
Five Cities Tequila Lovers Must Visit in the State of Jalisco
Viva Tequila Festival's recommendations on multi-destination experience around Tequila Atlanta, GA – June 2020 – The state of Jalisco is Mexico's most emblematic region, having given birth to so many of the country's iconic cultural offerings, including the charro, or Mexican cowboy, and, of course, Tequila. This multi-destination state has plenty of space to maintain social distancing and remains a must for any fan of its signature Spirit. … [Read more...]
48 hours in Ko Samui – A short vacation with no prior planning at all
When the minivan pulled in at the station in Hat Yai, I got off the car and randomly made my way into one of the travel agent's offices lining a bustling street. At the desk sat a gray-haired woman with a warm smile, exuding the true hospitality spirit of the Thais. “Where are you going?” She asked with a heavily accented voice. I glanced at the clock. It was quarter past ten in the morning. “Where is the next bus leaving for?” I asked. … [Read more...]
A Backpacker’s Guide to El Nido
El Nido is a municipality that lies in the northwest part of the Philippine island Palawan. The name comes from the Spanish word “nido”, which means a nest. Indeed, lots of tiny swiftlets live in the area and build edible nests in the limestone cliffs - hence the name. El Nido attracts travelers from all over the globe. If you are looking for a place with tourist shops on every corner, a distinct backpacker vibe, and tasty banana pancakes … [Read more...]
Jose Rizal in Calamba
Co-Authors: Junfil Olarte, Mark Alexander Farrell Calamba in the province of Laguna is one of the most historic places in the Philippines mainly because it serves as the home and birthplace of Jose Rizal, the 19th-century Filipino nationalist and polymath and the national hero of the Philippines. The spirit of his martyrdom and patriotism still lives to this very day ever since at the tail end of the Spanish colonial period in the country. … [Read more...]
Leisure Time in Vinales, Cuba
Needing the spirit and calming influence of the countryside, I left Havana pinched between the driver and an accompanying passenger in the front seat of a green 1950s Chevrolet. Beautiful from the outside but quite uncomfortable on the inside - 6 or 7 of us were crammed like sardines in a tin can. Hard seats, no air conditioning, a middle front seat on the 'hump' with no leg room whatsoever and a suspect suspension system all made for an … [Read more...]
High-Speed Train Europe
It has been 25 years since the last time I was backpacking through Europe. At the time I bounced through 18 countries with little more than clothes and a tattered Let’s Go guide for the better part of a year. Looking back, most of what I brought with me was easily replaced. Well, except for one thing. That was my Eurail Pass. I held onto it like glue and hopped on and off trains with abandon through 18 countries and had a life-altering … [Read more...]
3 Life Hacks When Traveling to Spain
Are you currently planning a trip to visit Spain? If so, you’ll want to stick around and look through our 3 vital tips for travelling to Spain! As with any country, there are certain things to know before going to Spain. So, we’ve condensed the exhaustive list of tips you might find in Spanish travel blogs to just 3 of the most basic and — in our opinion — crucial things to know about Spain. Learn Some Spanish Before Visiting Spain No, we … [Read more...]
Put Belfast on Your European Travel List
If you’ve never been to Belfast, Northern Ireland, you are in for a treat. Set aside any preconceived notions of a dull and dirty industrial city besieged by the dark legacy of “The Troubles.” Instead, prepare to discover a lively culture that charms and welcomes visitors. Belfast is chock full of fun activities for both adults and kids alike, and the city is a genuine treat to explore. I hope to infuse my travel bug and world curiosity into … [Read more...]
Tips & Tricks for Your Next Trip to Europe
Before you start planning your trip to Europe, you must make sure that you have all your visa requirements in order. Although the majority of the European countries do not require a visa for a short stay, such as Italy, France, and Spain, there are a few countries that do. US citizens with a valid US passport can travel to 26 of the European countries that are under the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without having to obtain a Schengen … [Read more...]
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