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.
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.
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.
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.
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.