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.
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.
Popoyo: Doing Absolutely Nothing
After weeks of hiking, getting sick on Ometepe, and constantly moving, Popoyo became the reset I didn't know I needed. Quiet beaches, hostel friendships, fresh fish barbecues, stunning sunsets, and absolutely no pressure to do anything—it ended up being one of my favourite stops in Nicaragua.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.