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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nicaragua Story #6 — Rivas: Recovery Days & Slow Travel
After a rough week on Ometepe, Rivas became my reset stop — cheap rooms, quiet streets, good food, and the first time I finally felt ready to explore again.
Turning 40: What Changed, What Didn't, and What's Next
As I celebrate my 40th birthday at Machu Picchu, I'm reflecting on two decades of travel, 56 countries, the life I chose, and the adventures that still lie ahead.
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.
Pride Month, Travel, and Being an Ally on the Road
A personal look at Pride, travel, and what it means to be an LGBTQ+ ally around the world. From Seoul to New York to Thailand, these experiences changed how I see acceptance, privilege, and the importance of speaking up when it matters.
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.
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 Night Someone Tried to Steal My Phone at Knife Point in Honduras
This is the scariest thing that has ever happened to me while traveling. A real story from Honduras — and the lesson it taught me about solo travel, safety, and trusting your instincts.