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.
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.
San Pedro Sula to Tela: A Practical Stop & a Tropical Christmas Surprise
Two weeks in Honduras was enough. Copán felt complete, San Pedro was practical, and Tela surprised me with a tropical Christmas concert I never planned. Sometimes travel isn’t dramatic — it’s buses, beach walks, and standing in line for Santa in 30°C.
Copán Ruinas, Honduras: Macaws, Mayan Kings & a Full-Circle Moment
Copán Ruinas gave me exactly what I came to Honduras for — ancient Mayan history, red macaws flying overhead, and a conservation effort that brought everything full circle. From being first through the gates at the ruins to donating toward a nesting box at Macaw Mountain, this day felt intentional in all the right ways.
Solo Travel Safety: What I’ve Learned After 16 Years on the Road
After 16 years of solo travel, I’ve learned this: safety isn’t about fear — it’s about intention. Here’s how I stay aware, prepared, and confident while exploring the world alone.
From El Salvador to Tegucigalpa: My First 48 Hours in Honduras
I spent 48 hours in Tegucigalpa, Honduras — navigating immigration, climbing steep hills to Cristo del Picacho, exploring everyday city life, and moving intentionally through the capital before dark.
She Went Anyway
We are told to be careful.
We are told to shrink.
But women don’t wait.
Solo, Female & Apparently Still Fine
I’ve been lucky in my travels. But lucky doesn’t mean nothing has ever happened. This is the honest truth about solo female travel — the uncomfortable moments, the unexpected protection, and why I’m still out there exploring.
Final Days in El Salvador: Back to the Capital, San Salvador
Two final nights in San Salvador — museum stops, long walks, grocery runs, and one last botanical garden wander before crossing into Honduras.
Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador: Quiet Towns, Empty Lookouts & Letting the Trip Surprise Me
A slow, unplanned stretch through El Salvador’s Ruta de las Flores — quiet towns, empty lookouts, thermal pools, and moments that didn’t need to be rushed.
How I Pack Everything Into a 65L Backpack (Without Losing My Mind)
After 16 years of travel, I’ve perfected a system that fits everything into one 65-liter backpack. This step-by-step guide breaks down exactly how I pack — without stress or overthinking.