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.
Am I Too Old to Stay in Hostels? What Hostel Travel Looks Like at 40
I first stayed in a hostel at 23. Now, at 40, I still choose dorm rooms, social hostels and even the occasional party hostel—but I am far more selective. Here is how hostel travel has changed as I have gotten older and why I do not believe adventure has an age limit.
How to Volunteer with Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
Want to volunteer with sea turtles in Costa Rica? After planning to spend just one week at a remote conservation camp, I ended up staying for three. From night patrols and nest excavations to baby turtle releases and off-grid camp life, here's what volunteering actually looks like—and what you should know before signing up.
10 Things That Happened While Volunteering with Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
I planned to volunteer with sea turtles in Costa Rica for one week and ended up staying for three. From finding around 80 trapped hatchlings and helping a stranded green turtle to night patrols, nest excavations, and one very memorable leatherback, these are 10 moments from Cabuyal I'll never forget.
San José: Museums, Maps, and My Final Day in Costa Rica
With only one full day in San José, I explored the National Museum, wandered through the historic centre, discovered pre-Columbian gold and centuries-old maps, and ended the day watching Uncharted. It was a fitting final stop before leaving Costa Rica behind and continuing into Panama.
How I Plan Every Trip: My 10-Step Travel Planning System
After travelling to 55 countries, I've developed a travel planning system that keeps me organized without planning every minute. Here are the 10 steps I use to choose a destination, book the essentials, manage my budget, pack and get ready for my next adventure.
Puerto Viejo: Missed Plans, Unexpected Visitors, and Extra Beach Days
Puerto Viejo wasn’t exactly the Caribbean adventure I had planned. A sold-out wildlife tour led to vodka on the beach, an unexpected bird flew into my room twice, and a sold-out bus gave me two extra days to walk barefoot along the coast.
Manuel Antonio: Beaches, Jungle Trails, and a Monkey Thief
With only one full day in Manuel Antonio, I explored rainforest pathways, relaxed on beautiful beaches, hiked to a coastal lookout, and encountered plenty of mischievous monkeys—including one that stole an apple directly from my hand.
One Year Later: Was Starting Unsettled JD Worth It?
One year ago, I clicked "Publish" on Unsettled JD without knowing where the journey would lead. Here's an honest look at the highs, the doubts, the little wins, and why I still believe sharing real travel stories is worth it.
Is Jacó Worth Visiting? Here's What I Thought
I spent two nights in Jacó looking for one thing—time to slow down. Here's my honest review of Costa Rica's laid-back surf town and whether it's worth adding to your itinerary.
Jacó: Two Nights of Sunsets, Rum, and Slowing Down
After weeks of hiking volcanoes and searching for wildlife across Costa Rica, I spent two nights in Jacó slowing down. Between beach sunsets, local craft beer, and a relaxing afternoon by the pool, it became the perfect reset before continuing south to Manuel Antonio.
Sloths, Volcanoes, and Hot Springs: My 2 Days in La Fortuna
From spotting sloths at Bogarin Trail to exploring Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the area's natural hot springs, here's what happened during my unforgettable two days in one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations.
How to Actually Enjoy Your Trip (Not Just Post It)
It's easy to spend an entire trip chasing landmarks, perfect photos, and packed itineraries. Here are 10 practical ways to slow down, be present, and create travel memories you'll remember long after you've unpacked your suitcase.
Monteverde: Costa Rica's Misty Cloud Forest
After volunteering with sea turtles on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, my journey continued into the misty mountains of Monteverde. Join me as I navigate local buses, explore the famous cloud forest, watch hummingbirds, and search for the iconic red-eyed tree frog.
Three Weeks in Cabuyal: Volunteering with Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
I planned to volunteer with Leatherback Trust in Cabuyal for just one week, but life off the grid, peaceful night patrols, and unforgettable sea turtle encounters convinced me to stay for three. Here's what it was really like volunteering on one of Costa Rica's most remote beaches.
What Travel Looks Like vs. What It Really Feels Like
Travel photos capture the highlights, but they rarely show the ordinary moments that shape us. After travelling to 56 countries over 16 years, here's what travel really felt like - and why I believe you don't find yourself through travel, you build yourself.
Three Days in Tamarindo: Three Hostels, an ATV Tour, and New Beginnings
Three hostels in three nights, an ATV tour with a mind of its own, unforgettable sunsets, and the moment I finally started feeling like myself again. Tamarindo became far more than just another beach town on my Costa Rica adventure.
Is Liberia Worth Visiting? Here's What I Thought
Liberia is often seen as Costa Rica's gateway to Guanacaste, but is it worth more than just a quick stop? After spending several days exploring the city, visiting Rincón de la Vieja National Park, and relaxing at Playa del Coco, here's my honest opinion on whether Liberia deserves a place on your itinerary.
My First Days in Costa Rica
My Costa Rica adventure began with a long immigration line, an unexpected lesson about onward tickets, volcano hikes, waterfalls, local buses, and the laid-back atmosphere that makes this country so memorable.
13 Travel Mistakes I've Made After 16 Years of Solo Travel (And How to Avoid Them)
Travel is the best teacher—sometimes the lessons are just expensive. Here are thirteen travel mistakes I've made over the past 16+ years, from booking the cheapest flight to forgetting offline Google Maps, along with the stories that changed how I travel today.
San Juan del Sur: Nicaragua's Backpacker Party Town
My final stop in Nicaragua took me to San Juan del Sur, the country's famous backpacker party town. Between hiking to Cristo de la Misericordia, relaxing at Playa Hermosa, and finally experiencing the legendary Sunday Funday hostel crawl, it was the perfect mix of adventure, sunsets, and unforgettable memories before crossing into Costa Rica.