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.
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.
How to Actually Enjoy Your Trip (Not Just Post It)
It's easy to spend an entire trip chasing landmarks, perfect photos, and packed itineraries. Here are 10 practical ways to slow down, be present, and create travel memories you'll remember long after you've unpacked your suitcase.
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.
What Travel Looks Like vs. What It Really Feels Like
Travel photos capture the highlights, but they rarely show the ordinary moments that shape us. After travelling to 56 countries over 16 years, here's what travel really felt like - and why I believe you don't find yourself through travel, you build yourself.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flights: The Good, The Bad, and The Almost Missed
I’ve never missed a flight — but that doesn’t mean they’ve all gone smoothly. From sprinting through airports in China to watching my luggage take its own trip to Prague, flying has taught me patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. After 15 years of travel, I’ve learned that the journey between takeoff and landing is full of lessons — and sometimes, the best stories happen before you even reach your destination.
7 Common Travel Insurance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying travel insurance isn’t exciting — but needing it and not having it can ruin your trip. After 15 years of traveling, I’ve seen it all. From cheap plans with no coverage to missed claims and policy loopholes, here are 7 common travel insurance mistakes — and how to avoid them.
Travelling Solo: Finding Joy in My Own Company
After 15 years of travelling, living in eight countries, and visiting more than fifty, I’ve learned that solo travel isn’t lonely — it’s freeing. From friendships made around the world to the peace found in quiet moments, here’s how travelling solo taught me confidence, connection, and the joy of my own company.
Travel Insurance: To Buy or Not to Buy?
When I first started traveling, I thought travel insurance was a waste of money. I was young, healthy, and reckless. But from hospital visits in Australia to trip interruptions in Shanghai and NYC, I’ve learned the hard way why coverage matters. Here are the real stories that changed my mind.
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.
Hostel vs. Hotels (and Everything In Between)
Hostel or hotel? I’ve stayed in both — and everywhere in between. From learning salsa in a Colombian hostel to camping on the Great Wall of China, every type of accommodation has its pros, cons, and surprises. Here’s what I’ve learned after 15+ years of travel.