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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How I Get Accommodation for Less (And You Can Too)
Finding affordable accommodation doesn’t mean giving up comfort. From loyalty programs like Wyndham and Choice Privileges to traveling in the shoulder season, I’ve learned the hacks that make hotels, hostels, and even resorts more affordable. Here are my tried-and-true tips.