Field Notes from the Road
Real stories from the road—wins, weird moments, and the “wish-I’d-knowns.” These posts are my unfiltered take on places I’ve actually traveled, with honest opinions and the simple tricks that help solo women feel confident. Expect practical takeaways tucked inside personal tales, from budget blunders to street-food gold. No fluff, no filters—just the truth and a nudge to go.
Travel Mistakes I’ve Learned After 16 Years of Solo Travel
Is Rivas Worth Visiting? My Honest Thoughts After Backpacking Through Nicaragua
Rivas isn’t a major tourist destination in Nicaragua — but after getting sick on Ometepe, it became the perfect slow travel reset. Quiet streets, cheap accommodation, local food, and a chance to finally breathe again.
Nicaragua Story #6 — Rivas: Recovery Days & Slow Travel
After a rough week on Ometepe, Rivas became my reset stop — cheap rooms, quiet streets, good food, and the first time I finally felt ready to explore again.
Turning 40: What Changed, What Didn't, and What's Next
As I celebrate my 40th birthday at Machu Picchu, I'm reflecting on two decades of travel, 56 countries, the life I chose, and the adventures that still lie ahead.
Ometepe, Nicaragua: The Island Where Everything Stopped
I came to Ometepe expecting volcano hikes, island life, and an off-grid reset. Instead, I spent New Year’s sick in a jungle hostel, surviving on Gatorade, soup, and sunsets while wondering if I could even continue the trip.
Pride Month, Travel, and Being an Ally on the Road
A personal look at Pride, travel, and what it means to be an LGBTQ+ ally around the world. From Seoul to New York to Thailand, these experiences changed how I see acceptance, privilege, and the importance of speaking up when it matters.
Granada, Nicaragua: The Place Everyone Tells You to Go
I thought Granada would be a quick stop — instead, it became one of the most memorable parts of my trip. From beer pong and unexpected friendships to a brutal hangover, a lazy lake day, and finally seeing real lava glow at night… this is what my time in Granada was really like.
Is Managua Worth Visiting? An Honest Guide to Nicaragua’s Capital
Managua isn’t a typical travel destination — and honestly, it doesn’t try to be. This guide breaks down whether Nicaragua’s capital is worth visiting, what to expect, and why it might just be a practical stop rather than a highlight.
Managua, Nicaragua: I Came Here Just to Watch a Movie
I didn’t come to Managua to explore.
I came to watch a movie — and somehow, that still made it memorable.
Christmas in Las Peñitas: Beach Days, Bonfires & Backpacker Chaos
I spent Christmas on a quiet beach in Nicaragua — no plans, no familiar faces, just a few unexpected moments that turned into something I didn’t know I needed.
Travel Burnout Is Real — Here’s How to Handle It Without Ending Your Trip
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or not excited while traveling? Travel burnout is more common than you think. Here’s how to slow down, reset, and actually enjoy your trip again—without ending it early.
León, Nicaragua: Volcano Views, Bumpy Roads & That 30-Second Ride
From border crossings to volcano hikes, León was equal parts chaotic and unforgettable — ending with a 30-second ride that somehow made it all worth it.
Travel Burnout: When the Dream Starts to Feel Like Work
After months of nonstop travel through Central America, I hit a point where the dream didn’t feel so dreamy anymore. This is the honest side of travel burnout—what it felt like, why it happened, and how I learned to slow down.
The Night Someone Tried to Steal My Phone at Knife Point in Honduras
This is the scariest thing that has ever happened to me while traveling. A real story from Honduras — and the lesson it taught me about solo travel, safety, and trusting your instincts.
The End of Honduras: Roatán, Freedom & a Reality Check
Roatán gave me freedom, adventure, and a few surprises I didn’t see coming — including one moment that changed everything.
Utila, Honduras: Diving, Island Life & Letting Go of the Plan
I left La Ceiba with no real plan — just a ferry ticket and curiosity. What I found in Utila was diving, island life, unexpected connections, and a reminder that sometimes the best travel moments happen when you let go.
Best Travel Apps for International Travel (That I Actually Use After 15 Years on the Road)
These are the travel apps I actually use while traveling. After 16 years on the road, I’ve learned that a few simple apps can make planning, navigating, and staying organized much easier — without spending your whole trip staring at your phone.
La Ceiba, Honduras: An Unexpected Adventure Before the Bay Islands
Most travelers pass through La Ceiba on their way to the Bay Islands. I did too — but what was supposed to be a quick stop turned into an unexpected adventure rafting the Río Cangrejal, meeting new friends, and ending the day with a Caribbean sunset.
Is Tela Honduras Worth Visiting? A Backpacker’s Honest Experience
Most travelers heading to Honduras go straight to the Bay Islands. But before reaching Roatán, I spent a night in the coastal town of Tela — a place with quiet beaches, local life, and an unexpected Christmas celebration that made the stop more memorable than I expected.
Call Me Old-School, But I’m Not Booking a $1000 Flight on My Phone
I love travel apps. I use them constantly. But when it comes to booking a $1000 flight? I close my phone and say, “This requires my laptop.” Here’s why.