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...]
Beginners Guides: Practical travel guides to regions, countries and cities.
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...]
The Lost City Trek, Colombia: All You Need to Know
We were out of breath, having just climbed 1,200 stone steps when Celso, our indigenous guide, called for us to join him around a group of stones arranged in a circle in a clearing. In the middle of the circle stood another square stone on top of which lay a pile of coca leaves placed as an offering. Celso explained with trademark calm in a slow, deliberate voice, … [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...]
Romantic Rhine Travel: On and Off the Beaten Path
Through sunny days and fog, famous towns and little known ‘burgs, wine cellars and village vintner festivals, this was our time on the segment of the Rhine River known as the Romantic Rhine in Germany. Half-timbered homes sit as the foot of cobbled streets. Vineyard paths wind into the hills. And foggy moments as castles disappear and re-emerge on hilltops hint at … [Read more...]
Aachen and Cologne, Germany: 24-Hour City Guides
Upon a recent visit to the German Rhineland cities of Aachen and Cologne and the surrounding area, we realized there’s a lot to experience and unpack — that is, to comprehend the full picture of what we’d seen and how astonishingly complex history can be. From Roman beginnings, to medieval ascendency to industrial superiority, Germany’s Rhineland seems to have … [Read more...]
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: A Beginner’s Guide
I followed just behind our lead mountain gorilla tracker. In the hush of the moment under the canopy, I remembered our guide’s advice earlier that morning: “On your way to the gorillas, don’t forget to enjoy the sound of the jungle. There’s nothing like it.” My focus had been on climbing through the tendrils, on getting there. I could feel the heat around me, the … [Read more...]
Travel to Rwanda: First Impressions
Rwanda. A country where the first thing that comes to mind when people hear the name: the horrific, tragic genocide of twenty years ago. When we mentioned that we were looking forward to visiting Rwanda, we weren’t entirely surprised by the confused looks and cocked heads: “Why?” … [Read more...]
Ladakh Trekking: A Beginner’s Guide
Every year we try to go on a big trek, one that takes us far far away and high into the mountains. For us, it's not only a way to exercise our bodies, but to clear and challenge our minds. It’s a way to disconnect from all that is part of our daily life — technology, social media, blogging — and reconnect with nature and ourselves. Last year’s trek of the Markha … [Read more...]
Our Ireland Road Trip: Itinerary and Recommendations
When we originally announced our Ireland road trip, we hinted at disclosing all the details of our Ireland itinerary and recommendations. Here it is. All that's fit to print. … [Read more...]