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.
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.
Beach Hopping in El Salvador: Quiet Mornings, Loud Beaches & Learning When to Move On
A slow, unplanned week along El Salvador’s coast — from quiet beaches and tide pools to loud surf towns — and the lessons that come with knowing when to stay and when to move on.
Lake Coatepeque, El Salvador: Where I Meant to Slow Down (Eventually)
What started as a quiet stop at Lake Coatepeque turned into unexpected boat day, new friendships, and a reminder that slowing down doesn’t always happen on schedule — but sometimes exactly when you need it.
Why I Love Packing
Packing isn’t just about clothes — it’s where every adventure begins. After 15 years of travel and living out of a 65L backpack, I share why packing brings me joy, how it connects me to the journey ahead, and why it’s become part of the magic of travel.
Santa Ana, El Salvador: The Starting Point I Didn’t Overthink
Santa Ana was my quiet entry point into El Salvador — volcanoes, local buses, unexpected connections, and the reminder that not every journey needs a plan to be meaningful.
The Travel Budget Blueprint: How to Plan a Trip Without Going Broke
This is the exact system I’ve used for 15 years to plan trips, save money, and travel without going into debt — even when my bank account was low.
Guatemala Blog #7 — Back to Antigua: Slowing Down, Solo, and Closing the Chapter
After river towns, jungle adventures, and unmet expectations in Livingston, I returned to Antigua alone — this time to slow down, plan ahead, hike one last volcano, and close out my month in Guatemala before crossing into El Salvador.
Blog #6 — Livingston: Expectations, Rainy Days & Finding Calm Back on the River
Livingston wasn’t what I expected. Between long beach walks, rainy days, quiet streets, and a return to Río Dulce, this blog captures the reality of traveling off the beaten path — when the hype doesn’t match the moment, but the experience still matters.
Guatemala Blog #5 — Río Dulce: Kayaks, Canyons & a Very Hot Waterfall
Río Dulce was supposed to be slow and quiet. Instead, it delivered jungle canyons, kayaking mishaps, pirate history, and a hot waterfall that felt unreal. One of the most unexpected highlights of my Guatemala trip.
A Very Unsettled Budget: The Choices That Built My Life of Travel
I wasn’t wealthy or lucky. I just made small choices — skipping nights out, saving half my paycheck abroad, and saying yes to new countries instead of new things.
A Very Unsettled Christmas: Finding Holiday Magic Around the World
Christmas has followed me through hostels, beaches, classrooms, and nightclubs. No two years look the same — but the magic always finds me.