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 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.
How I Plan Every Trip: My 10-Step Travel Planning System
After travelling to 55 countries, I've developed a travel planning system that keeps me organized without planning every minute. Here are the 10 steps I use to choose a destination, book the essentials, manage my budget, pack and get ready for my next adventure.
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.
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.
Granada, Nicaragua: The Place Everyone Tells You to Go
I thought Granada would be a quick stop — instead, it became one of the most memorable parts of my trip. From beer pong and unexpected friendships to a brutal hangover, a lazy lake day, and finally seeing real lava glow at night… this is what my time in Granada was really like.
Travel Burnout Is Real — Here’s How to Handle It Without Ending Your Trip
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or not excited while traveling? Travel burnout is more common than you think. Here’s how to slow down, reset, and actually enjoy your trip again—without ending it early.
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.
The End of Honduras: Roatán, Freedom & a Reality Check
Roatán gave me freedom, adventure, and a few surprises I didn’t see coming — including one moment that changed everything.
Call Me Old-School, But I’m Not Booking a $1000 Flight on My Phone
I love travel apps. I use them constantly. But when it comes to booking a $1000 flight? I close my phone and say, “This requires my laptop.” Here’s why.
Solo Travel Safety: What I’ve Learned After 16 Years on the Road
After 16 years of solo travel, I’ve learned this: safety isn’t about fear — it’s about intention. Here’s how I stay aware, prepared, and confident while exploring the world alone.
She Went Anyway
We are told to be careful.
We are told to shrink.
But women don’t wait.
Solo, Female & Apparently Still Fine
I’ve been lucky in my travels. But lucky doesn’t mean nothing has ever happened. This is the honest truth about solo female travel — the uncomfortable moments, the unexpected protection, and why I’m still out there exploring.
Final Days in El Salvador: Back to the Capital, San Salvador
Two final nights in San Salvador — museum stops, long walks, grocery runs, and one last botanical garden wander before crossing into Honduras.
How I Pack Everything Into a 65L Backpack (Without Losing My Mind)
After 16 years of travel, I’ve perfected a system that fits everything into one 65-liter backpack. This step-by-step guide breaks down exactly how I pack — without stress or overthinking.
Why I Love Packing
Packing isn’t just about clothes — it’s where every adventure begins. After 15 years of travel and living out of a 65L backpack, I share why packing brings me joy, how it connects me to the journey ahead, and why it’s become part of the magic of travel.
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.
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.
Guatemala Beginnings — From Belize to a Brand-New Adventure
A deserted border crossing, a Hong Kong vaccination card written in Cantonese, a random Flores shuttle van, steak at Los Amigos, dancing to Gasolina, and a golden sunset at Yaxhá — this is how my Guatemala adventure began.