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.
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.
Guatemala Blog #4 — Lake Atitlán: Boats, Bars, Hangry Moments & A Lightning Show Over the Lake
Boats, bars, hangry meltdowns, lightning storms, chicken buses, and one unforgettable goodbye — here’s how Lake Atitlán turned into one of the wildest chapters of my Guatemala trip.
Guatemala Blog #3 — Bryce Arrives: Airport Chaos, “Mommy Is Waiting,” & The Road to Antigua
After five years apart, Bryce finally landed in Guatemala — and our reunion was pure chaos. From holding a ridiculous “Mommy Is Waiting” sign at the airport to rum-and-Gatorade adventures, secret bars, hangover recoveries, wandering through Antigua, and an accidental two-hour walk to a coffee plantation… here’s how our trip together officially began.
How to Go Through Airport Security Like a Pro (First-Time Traveler’s Guide)
If airport security makes you nervous, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through what to pack, how to organize your bag, and what to expect in the security line so you can breeze through like a pro — even on your very first flight.
Guatemala Blog #2 — Semuc Champey, The Caves, the Chaos & the Road to Guatemala City
After a peaceful stay on Flores Island, I set off for Semuc Champey — the caves, the turquoise pools, and one of the craziest travel days of my Guatemala trip. From climbing rusty ladders underground to tubing through the jungle, cacao tasting, the viewpoint climb, a freezing tarp-covered truck ride, and getting dropped on the wrong side of Guatemala City… this day had everything.
Guatemala Beginnings — From Belize to a Brand-New Adventure
A deserted border crossing, a Hong Kong vaccination card written in Cantonese, a random Flores shuttle van, steak at Los Amigos, dancing to Gasolina, and a golden sunset at Yaxhá — this is how my Guatemala adventure began.
Flights: The Good, The Bad, and The Almost Missed
I’ve never missed a flight — but that doesn’t mean they’ve all gone smoothly. From sprinting through airports in China to watching my luggage take its own trip to Prague, flying has taught me patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. After 15 years of travel, I’ve learned that the journey between takeoff and landing is full of lessons — and sometimes, the best stories happen before you even reach your destination.
Wildtracks & Beyond: My Belize Adventure from Manatees to Mayan Ruins
From caring for orphaned manatees to discovering ancient Mayan ruins, my time in Belize showed me that adventure can be both wild and wonderfully quiet.
Healing Hands & Gentle Giants: My Time Rehabilitating Manatees in Belize
From bottle-feeding orphaned manatees to kayaking through Belize’s lagoons, my six weeks at Wildtracks taught me that healing doesn’t just happen in hospitals — it happens in the water too.
Belize Beginnings — From Hong Kong to the Caribbean
From Hong Kong skyscrapers to Belize’s turquoise shores — my Central America adventure begins here. Four flights, one island, and a reminder that adventure starts the moment you land.
7 Common Travel Insurance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying travel insurance isn’t exciting — but needing it and not having it can ruin your trip. After 15 years of traveling, I’ve seen it all. From cheap plans with no coverage to missed claims and policy loopholes, here are 7 common travel insurance mistakes — and how to avoid them.
Travelling Solo: Finding Joy in My Own Company
After 15 years of travelling, living in eight countries, and visiting more than fifty, I’ve learned that solo travel isn’t lonely — it’s freeing. From friendships made around the world to the peace found in quiet moments, here’s how travelling solo taught me confidence, connection, and the joy of my own company.
Greece - Blog Part 4: Olympia & Nafplio: Running with the Ancients
From sprinting at the ancient Olympic stadium to singing O Canada in a 2,000-year-old theatre, this leg of my Greek adventure was packed with history, laughter, and unexpected cat cameos. Join me as I explore Olympia, Nafplio, and the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus — where myth meets modern mishaps.
Greece Blog Part 3: Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki & A Side Trip to Sofia
From Mount Olympus’ misty trails to an unplanned border hop into Bulgaria — this chapter of my Greek adventure is full of train delays, rainy hikes, and a few adorable surprises along the way.
Greece Blog – Part 2: Delphi & Meteora: Ancient Ruins and Endless Stairs
After chasing sunsets in Santorini, our Greek adventure continued into the mountains. From racing the clock in Delphi’s ancient ruins to climbing the monasteries of Meteora, this leg of the journey was filled with history, surprises, and a few hostel hiccups along the way.
Travel Insurance: To Buy or Not to Buy?
When I first started traveling, I thought travel insurance was a waste of money. I was young, healthy, and reckless. But from hospital visits in Australia to trip interruptions in Shanghai and NYC, I’ve learned the hard way why coverage matters. Here are the real stories that changed my mind.
Athens & Santorini: A Winter Adventure
Two Canadians, one coming from Beijing and the other from Toronto, meet in Athens for the adventure of a lifetime. From exploring ancient ruins to getting stranded on a Greek island, this diary-style travel story proves that the best moments often come from the unexpected.
How I Get Accommodation for Less (And You Can Too)
Finding affordable accommodation doesn’t mean giving up comfort. From loyalty programs like Wyndham and Choice Privileges to traveling in the shoulder season, I’ve learned the hacks that make hotels, hostels, and even resorts more affordable. Here are my tried-and-true tips.