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.
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.
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.
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.
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.