I first heard of the TAZARA train from my hostel receptionist in Lamu, Kenya. I was the only one in the hostel, so we ended up chatting with each other extensively over the next few days. I told him about my plans to travel overland all the way down to South Africa, a more naive… Read More The TAZARA Train: An Unforgettable Overland Adventure from Tanzania to Zambia
Zanzibar was one of the most surprising stops on my African backpacking journey. Despite its popularity, and the many images of beach resorts and dolled-up influencers I’d seen plastered on Instagram, Zanzibar still felt local and real. Riding in open-air trucks from village to village, watching the fishermen cast their nets early in the morning,… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Zanzibar | 2026
As far as travel destinations go, Uganda was never really on my radar. While I was crafting my very open-ended itinerary of backpacking from Kenya to South Africa, I didn’t even once think of visiting Uganda. Not even a single broad Google search, but the more time I spent in East Africa, the more it… Read More The Backpacker’s Crash Course Travel Guide to Uganda | 2026
While Kenya might be most famous for its wildlife and safaris, there is a lot to uncover in this culturally diverse country bursting with natural beauty. From the tranquil beaches of Lamu Island to the rugged landscapes of Mount Kenya’s wilderness, Kenya’s got range y’all. Where does one even begin? It is an excellent introduction… Read More One Month in Kenya: An Epic Adventure Travel Itinerary | 2026
Wow, where to begin with Kenya. The five weeks I spent backpacking through Kenya have led to some of the grandest adventures I’ve been on to date, but let me tell ya. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t come with its fair share of challenges and frustrations. I’ve dealt with damn near everything… Read More The Ultimate Crash Course Travel Guide to Kenya | 2026
Rarely these days does it feel like I’ve stumbled into a true hidden gem. I visited Kilifi on word of mouth alone, trusting the word of a couple travelers raving about this laid-back coastal town sandwiched between Mombasa and Malindi. Hardly anything appeared online about Kilifi. Part of me wondered if it was a mistake… Read More Kilifi, Kenya Travel Guide: A Laid-Back Coastal Town Worth Slowing Down For
The charming and culturally-rich island of Lamu is without a doubt one of the top destinations in Kenya. The pace of life here is idyllic. When you think of an island getaway, Lamu is as close as it gets to a full escape from the world. Cars are banned on this island, with boats and… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Lamu Island | Kenya
Backpacking across Argentina remains one of the most unforgettable adventures I’ve ever had. I bused, hitchhiked, and trekked my way across Argentina for over a month. It took me from the scorching deserts of the northwest to the rugged, mountainous terrains of Patagonia. I visited Argentina’s most-renowned highlights and stumbled into my fair share of… Read More The Ultimate One Month Argentina Travel Itinerary for Backpackers
Nestled on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, you’ll find the small but vibrant beachside town of Sayulita. It is a unique clashing of worlds. Sun-kissed surfers, laid-back backpackers, and well-dressed vacationers share its cobbled streets with the fun-loving locals who call Sayulita home. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and buzzing nightlife scene make it an excellent travel… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Sayulita | Mexico
As I was traveling through my home country of the Philippines, I decided to make the journey up to one of our most iconic living legends, Apo Whang-Od. This journey was important to me for a few reasons. I was born in the Philippines, but immigrated to the U.S. when I was young. I have… Read More Visiting Apo Whang-Od, The World’s Oldest Tattoo Artist | Philippines