Happy Olympics Opening Day!  I’m super-excited for the London 2012 Games, wondering what the iconic moments will be this time around.  I’ll never forget what it was like back in 2008, screaming my head off as Michael Phelps and his teammates beat the French in that one swim relay they weren’t expected to win. So [...]

It’s December — and that means it’s time to buy a 2012 calendar! I am pleased to announced that I have opened my first online store, the Travel Calendar Shop! And before you read anything else, you can get 50% off if you buy two or more with the code GIFT4THEYEAR — not sure how long [...]

I’m a big advocate of traveling in the off-season and reaping the benefits: lower prices, fewer crowds, a more local experience. But as I sit here in Turkey, I’m disappointed at my decision to come here for three weeks in late November.  Istanbul was great if a bit cold, Cappadocia was freezing cold and creepily [...]

One of the highlights of spending extended time in Southeast Asia was that I got to see so much beauty, and so many different kinds of beauty. Here are the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia: Thailand’s Andaman Coast Clear turquoise water, limestone cliffs, white sand, longtail boats — this is the Thailand of postcards, [...]

It’s no secret that I wasn’t a fan of Kuta, the most popular beach resort town in Bali. But if you want to escape Kuta, you don’t have to go far — just visit Seminyak.  Seminyak is part of the Kuta area, but it’s so different that it could be a different island. Instead of [...]

I adore Southeast Asia — and I especially treasure my favorite places in this part of the world. But not every place captured my fancy, though I found something to love about every place I visited. Here are my picks for the most overrated places in Southeast Asia: Koh Phi Phi, Thailand Koh Phi Phi was [...]

There’s not a lot to do in Pakse, Laos. It may be the largest city in the region — but we’re talking about one of Asia’s least developed countries.  While it’s a great jumping-off point for exploring the Bolaven Plateau by motorbike, the city itself isn’t that exciting. Sometimes, you need to make your own [...]

You know how much I live for adventures! My six months in Asia were filled with them, and I don’t regret any of them.  I’ll be telling these stories forever. But some of the adventures were a lot better than others. Here are my top 10 adventures in Southeast Asia: Fighting Muay Thai in Koh [...]

Southeast Asia is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. Unlike my favorite places in Southeast Asia, I’m going to rank this list — I’ll list my top three beaches in Southeast Asia, and everything else is an honorable mention. My favorite [...]

I’ll admit it — the phrase “artists’ village in Bali” does not conjure up the best image. Overweight women in flowing caftans, crystals, chanting, a dog-eared copy of Eat, Pray, Love on the bedside table, Peruvian flute music in the air.  Not my personal cup of tea. Well, Keliki was nothing like that. As all [...]