Spaces & Places
Some adventures start with a high-octane surge of energy. Others begin with a series of buses, ferries, and electric carts. Somehow this is exactly what made getting to Lan Ha Bay feel so memorable.
I left Hanoi early in the morning, sleepy but excited. I was not expecting an intricate sequence of transportation: a short
Spaces & Places
Vang Vieng is one of those places that has a relaxed sort of energy. It’s surrounded by karst mountains, rice fields, and little roads that invite travelers to explore. While many folks opt for a full-day tour to hit all the ecotourist sights, I decided to do things a little differently: I rented a motorbike, … Read more
Spaces & Places
Vang Vieng, Laos, is known for its dreamy landscapes, winding rivers, and adventurous recreational offerings. For me, Vang Vieng was also where I had the most memorable experience of floating high above the earth in a hot air balloon at sunrise. I had read online about how stunning it was, but nothing could have fully … Read more
Spaces & Places
The name Bangkok is pretty much synonymous with street food. Talk to anyone who has a working knowledge of Southeast Asia, and they’ll know that this vibrant city is renowned for its incredible markets, unique food (and drink) offerings, and a not-so-great phenomenon known as “Bangkok Belly.”
As a self-proclaimed food adventurer, I’m always up … Read more
Spaces & Places
During my first full-day in Thailand, I embarked on an exciting day trip that took me away from the fast pace of Bangkok to a quieter, more open space. I had the chance to walk through the remains of one of Southeast Asia’s most important historical cities: Ayutthaya.
Once the capital of the Kingdom of … Read more
Spaces & Places
In May 2025, I stepped onto a plane at Greenville airport, the start of my journey through Southeast Asia. The 27+ hour plane rides were horrendous, but what followed was a delightful whirlwind of temples, street food, scenic landscapes, and quiet reflections. I made my way through Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam with each place revealing … Read more
Spaces & Places
Some adventures are measured in miles, like my epic 6-day wilderness trek on Rae Lakes Loop last June (~ 58 miles).
Other adventures are gentler on the body and measured more in moments, such as my puppy’s first backpacking trip.
With my pack snug on my back and my 8-month-old Yorkie-Poo bouncing at my heels, … Read more
Spaces & Places
Spending only a few days in Bogotá, Colombia, I had to be selective about how I prioritized my time. In such a large city, there were a seemingly unendless number of activities to occupy a traveler such as myself, but I decided, on the last day, to go beyond Bogotá’s bustling streets. About 16 miles … Read more
Spaces & Places
This past Thanksgiving, I spent four incredible days in Bogotá, trading turkey dinners for empanadas and exploring the vibrant heart of Colombia. The bustling streets of La Candelaria captivated me with its blend of culture, history, and modern energy.
On one of my travel days, I ventured beyond the city to Zipaquirá, home to the … Read more
Spaces & Places
I stood at the edge of the Highlands, the wind whipping about as I looked out over the rolling hills. Behind me, a group of students stood wide-eyed, taking in the rugged beauty of Scotland. This wasn’t just any study abroad trip—it was an immersive, place-based learning experience that would challenge both me and the … Read more