If you visit Kyrgyzstan, it’s possible to overlook the Central Asian cultural mixing bowl that is the city of Osh. For many travelers, Osh serves as a transit point en route to the Pamir Mountains, Irkeshtam Pass to China, Dostyk crossing to Uzbekistan, or the newly marked trekking trails in the Alay Mountains rather than a destination in and of itself with a … [Read more...]
Beginners Guides: Practical travel guides to regions, countries and cities.
Issyk-Kul South Shore, Kyrgyzstan Experiential Travel Guide: 20 Ideas to Get Started
If you travel to Kyrgyzstan, it’s almost impossible to miss Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world (after Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca). But Lake Issyk-Kul is large with two long shores, each a different personality. So where to focus your effort? We suggest the South Shore and this Experiential Travel Guide explains why with 20 things to do, see and eat … [Read more...]
An Experiential Travel Guide to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan: 25 Ideas to Get You Started
When readers ask, “I’m traveling to Karakol. Is there anything to do there? Where should I go?” We have a raft of ideas, often surprising them. … [Read more...]
The World Nomad Games, Kyrgyzstan: An Experiential Guide of Things to Do, See and Eat
What do you get when you combine competitive goat carcass polo, hunting with eagles, wrestling on horseback, sheep bone-throwing, stick wrestling — and an opening ceremony complete with hearkenings of Genghis Khan, men ablaze on horseback, and a ceremonious appearance by Steven Seagal? The World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, of course! … [Read more...]
From Wildlife to Village Life: An Experiential Guide to Chobe, Botswana
Late afternoon to an approaching sunset on Botswana’s Chobe River. As I leaned back in one of the director’s chairs on the deck of our boat, I had what I might refer to as a “Pale Blue Dot" … [Read more...]
Traveling Australia in Two Weeks: An Experiential Guide and Itinerary
Interested in traveling to Australia, but only have two weeks or a limited amount of time? Overwhelmed by the choices and size of the country and don't know where to start in creating an Australia two week itinerary? Don't worry, we've been there. And that's why we created this Experiential Guide to help you plan your trip and create your own itinerary. … [Read more...]
Puglia Road Trip: 25 Experiences to Get You Started
If you're thinking of a road trip around Puglia, Italy, but don't know where to start, you're in the right place. Read on for our top recommendations on things to do, where to eat, and places to stay from our own road trip to help you crate your own route and Puglia itinerary. This little-known province in southern Italy really has so much to offer in terms of … [Read more...]
An Experiential Travel Guide to Colombia: 25 Ideas to Get You Started
When readers ask, “I’m traveling to Colombia. What should I do? Where should I go?” We’re left wondering how we’ll keep it short. Because the country is so huge and diverse and serves so many different styles of travel, the answer is: it really depends on what you’re after. … [Read more...]
Peaks of the Balkans Trek: A Beginners Guide
Each year we like to go on a long trek, one that takes us to a new region somewhere in the mountains. It’s an exercise for the body and also for the mind. To disconnect with our day-to-day and also to reconnect with a region once unknown to us and learn about it through its nature and people. This year’s trek of 200 km / 125 miles through the mountains of Albania, … [Read more...]
Uganda Beyond the Gorillas: From Boda Boda to Bunyonyi
While mountain gorilla trekking is the big draw and anchor experience for many people visiting Uganda, the country offers a lot more in terms of atmosphere and experiences. Prior to our trip to Uganda, we’d heard from other travelers that the country was among their favorites in Africa due to its friendly people and laid-back feel. Beyond the critical human element, … [Read more...]
