Uzbekistan was my introduction to Central Asia and boy, what an introduction it was. Growing up, I adored ancient civilizations. The legendary tales of Marco Polo, Kublai Khan, the Seljuks, the Khwarezmians, etc, were among my favorite rabbit holes to fall into. In short, the Mongol Empire was my Roman Empire. En route to Uzbekistan,… Read More The Backpacker’s Crash Course Travel Guide to Uzbekistan | 2026
One of the most incredible experiences that I’ve had in the Philippines, and perhaps across all of my travels, is swimming with whale sharks in Southern Leyte. Known as tiki-tiki in the local language, these gentle giants have been coming to feed off the shores of Pintuyan for as long as anyone can remember. Recently, Pintuyan… Read More Swimming with the Whale Sharks in Pintuyan, Leyte | Philippines
Ahh, Ceylon. The jewel of the Indian Ocean. You couldn’t dream up a more perfect island. Between its rich cultures, the abundant wildlife, the golden beaches, rugged mountains, and epic sunrise hikes, just… wowie. Sorry, I’m not the most eloquent, but the point is, Sri Lanka is one heck of a place. As well-rounded as… Read More The Ultimate Two Week Sri Lanka Travel Itinerary | 2026
Bali is an enigma of a destination. It is an island of contrasts. The serenity of the secluded jungles clashes with the chaotic city streets. The violent roar of its waterfalls eventually simmering down into the still and quiet rivers. The majestic, centuries-old temples contrasting with the middle-aged tourist with her selfie stick. Because of… Read More Is Bali Still Worth Visiting in 2026?
Picture this. You’re deep in the wilderness of Nepal surrounded by tall grass, the punishing South Asian sun beating down on you. Sweat drips from your brow as you maneuver a narrow, overgrown trail through the deep brush. A leech surreptitiously latches on as your ankle grazes the prickly blades of grass. Another one sneaks… Read More Tracking Wild Tigers on Foot in Bardiya National Park, Nepal
Mexico City is a mosaic of ancient civilizations and colorful cultures, home to an electric energy and fueled by the warmth of the Mexican people. It goes without saying that Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in the world, a place that I return to nearly every year. The city feels like home,… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Mexico City | 2026
Though growing in popularity, Montenegro remains an under-the-radar destination for backpackers and travelers seeking something a little off-the-beaten-path. This tiny country in the Balkans is oozing with natural beauty, from its sparkling Mediterranean Coastline to monstrous snow-capped summits. Backpacking in Montenegro was a wild experience, although admittedly, riddled with a lot of roadblocks. As a… Read More The Backpacker’s Crash Course Travel Guide to Montenegro
I’ve been leading group expeditions to Pakistan for five years now (and going for my sixth year this June 2026) and it is no secret that I am one of the biggest advocates for traveling to this underrated and misunderstood country. The sheer contrast between everything I’ve been told about the country and the amazing… Read More Top 10 Reasons to Visit Pakistan in 2026: Pristine Natural Beauty & Rich Culture
Long gone are the days where Tulum was a hidden gem frequented mostly by backpackers and long-term nomads. Tulum has rapidly become one of Mexico’s trendiest destinations, and as a result, one of the priciest. The laid-back beach vibes have been replaced by the high class clientele of the Zona Hotelera. It seems like every… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Tulum, Mexico | 2026
I fell in love with Florence over the years without ever having set foot in the city. Through books, movies, video games, and more, Florence captivated my imagination. It felt like I knew the city before I ever went, yet nothing prepared me for seeing the city for the first time. I cried actual tears… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Florence, Italy | 2026