Of all the islands I have visited over the years, the first island I ever visited in Europe many years ago left a lasting impression on me. This was Paros, Greece. I was backpacking with my brother throughout Europe in summer. We had just arrived in Athens where the city was suffering through it's worst heat wave of the season with temperatures in the day hovering in the low 40's (105+ F). Incidentally Athens holds the record temperature for any … [Read more...]
The Delightful Mai Samui
The calmness of the sea and the towering palm trees full of coconuts alerts you to a paradise awaiting inside the Mai Samui Beach Resort and Spa. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a smile and an ice-cold drink. But you are distracted by what’s around you. The rooms tower above and border the swimming pools below. Your eyes are spoiled at the sight and you know from the beginning that your stay at Mai Samui will be a vacation that you’ll never … [Read more...]
Backpacking in Venezuela
Venezuela must be one of the most unique countries I have ever been to. Since so few people travel here, most of what we heard, from its beauty to its dangerous reputation is a combination of myth and mystery. It is a country that has never been on my travel radar; Alya however has been talking about visiting the amazing Mount Roraima for a while. THE REPUTATION When we started to investigate we heard so much nonsense, it seemed like … [Read more...]
On a Bike Through an Indonesian Kampong
On a bike through an Indonesian Kampong Indonesia is a fascinating country. The collection of islands close to the equator has everything from beaches, volcanoes, rain forest, legends and smiling people trying to make you feel at home. It's a gorgeous, mind boggling country that stole my heart already years ago. It was good to be back after many years. I arrived in Jakarta and was hurried to the car my friend had sent for me. ‘We have to go … [Read more...]
A Perfect Picture Paradise, Pissouri Cyprus
After another epic yet challenging trip in Jordan followed by the stresses of travelling in Lebanon I was more then ready to go somewhere and 'do nothing'. However, one never really knows if your perception of a relaxing destination will actually meet your expectation once you arrive. Time and time again I've been disappointed when looking for the "perfect" place to relax - a place that is not overly touristy, has a good vibe, is surrounded by … [Read more...]
Chasing Waterfalls in Samana
There is a famous song in the 90's by TLC which advised not to chase waterfalls, but to stick with the rivers and lakes that you are used to. But what if you could have it all? I believe that we should chase waterfalls, metaphorically and physically. If we don't chase after waterfalls to places and dreams we aspire for, then how would we ever reach paradise? I set out on a journey to Dominican Republic in June for the first time to a … [Read more...]
By Private Jet to Helsinki
An important lesson about travel insurance. For some of my overseas trips, I have taken out medevac insurance; if ever this coverage was necessary, it was during my recent trip to Uzbekistan. After waiting for the landing of Uzbekistan Airways A300 flight from Bangkok, the twin engine private Cessna Citation CJ2+ jet accelerated smartly down runway 8 Left of Tashkent Airport. After quickly becoming airborne, we made a sharp right turn, then … [Read more...]
Hidden Treasures in Kota Kinabalu
Thankfully there are stranger things in Borneo than a pale, sweaty Irish woman, otherwise I might have felt more self-conscious as I stepped out for the first time in Kota Kinabalu. While my travel companion and I weren't immediately struck by its beauty on arrival, Kota Kinabalu hides many unexpected treasures within its core. Food I never even heard of Beef Rendang before visiting Borneo, but now the smell of it instantly whisks me … [Read more...]
Part One: Introduction to Cuba
For the past 50+ years, the idea of traveling to Cuba on an American cruise line has been unfathomable. Then, in May of 2016, that idea became a reality – it became fathomable. Justifiably so, the first cruise line granted access into Cuba’s mesmerizing culture is named Fathom. Fathom Impact + Travel, a subsidiary company of Carnival Cruise lines, was created in 2012 and been in business since 2014. Fathom Impact + Travel is the answer to the … [Read more...]
Cultural Differences and Odd Superstitions
It is a truth universally acknowledged that tourists on holiday are likely to make fools of themselves. From telling an Italian to “rock on” with the seemingly-innocent hand gesture (which locally implies that his wife is being unfaithful) to giving a local Thai guide the thumbs-up (the native equivalent of the middle finger), it’s perfectly easy for the travelling man to offend his hosts, be ejected from a taxi and eternally shame himself, all … [Read more...]
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