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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.