Best Places to Visit in Azores: I Visited All 9 Islands, Here’s Where to Go
The Azores is a nine-island Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, often called “Europe’s Hawaii” for its mild climate, lush volcanic landscapes, and steaming hot springs. From waterfall-filled hikes and whale watching to lava-rock vineyards and tiny islands where cows outnumber people, this guide breaks down the best places to visit on each Azorean island.
17 Best Travel Apps to Download Before your Next Trip (2026 Guide)
While the nostalgic part of me misses the days of paper maps and film cameras, smart phones do make travel and life a lot easier. Here’s a recap of my current favorite travel apps – almost all of them are free!
14 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas, From a Local Travel Writer
Austin knows the key to my heart – flip-flop weather most of the year, endless outdoor activities, amazing food and craft beer. And, live music—of course! If you’re heading to Austin, check out these great places to eat, drink and explore!
Thailand Travel Tips: Insurance, SIM Cards, Transport & Logistics (2026 Guide)
Thailand can feel overwhelming at first glance but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, I’m sharing my most practical Thailand travel tips from years of trips across the country: how to avoid common mistakes, how to get around, and the small cultural details that make a big difference.
Truely eSIM Review 2026: Is It the Best Option for Southeast Asia?
I tested Truely’s eSIM across Southeast Asia—but how well does it actually work on the road? In this post, I share my experience in Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore, including setup, coverage, speeds, costs, and customer service.
An Easy Guide to Getting American Airlines Elite Status—And How to Optimize it Once You Do
A work trip to Egypt in January helped me earn American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum status thanks to a stopover in Dubai and flying oneworld alliance airlines. This post was originally published in April 2024 and updated in March 2026 to reflect how I earned status...
Is GigSky the Best eSIM for Southeast Asia? Honest 2026 Review
I tested GigSky’s eSIM across Southeast Asia—but how well does it actually work on the road? In this post, I share my experience in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore, including setup, coverage, speeds, costs, and customer service.
15 Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) that are Actually Worth Your Time
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the sleek modern paradox to Hanoi’s ancient streets. With a population of eight million, the city is flooded with motorbike traffic—crossing the street isn’t for the faint of heart—and towering skyscrapers. While most of the main sights in District 1 are war-related, the city has an unmistakable vibe that will make it hard to leave and some of the best craft beer in Asia.
Why I go Abroad for Health Care
I go to Thailand for my annual health screenings because it’s high quality and affordable care. In this post, I explain all the details about WHY and WHERE to go in Thailand for medical care, including a cost breakdown and comparison.
I Visit Vietnam Every Year – Here are my Favorite Places (and Where to Avoid)
Like India, Vietnam can be a sensory overload of beauty, complexity and delicious food. Since I visit Vietnam every year for work, I’ve compiled a detailed guide to cover the top destinations, logistics, costs and safety.
