A gecko scurries past my head as I write this from the porch of my bamboo bungalow on Kuta, Lombok. Unlike its neighbor with the same name in Bali, Kuta Lombok is laid back, chilled out, and uncrowded, at least for now. I first came here four years ago and it’s blown my mind a […]
Swimming with Humpback Whales in Tonga
“Kristin, this is the first sunrise on Earth,” Eliza said while she drove me from the airport to what would be one of my most life changing experiences thus far: Swimming with humpback whales. The sun was gradually rising in Tonga, nestled up against the International Date Line. It was only day one and already […]
10 Amazing Things to Do in Alaska (That Aren’t a Cruise)
There’s a feeling you get when you step into Alaska for the first, or even the 400th time. It’s an immediate understanding that this state is different – It’s more rugged, vast, and wild than anywhere in the lower 48. For outdoor lovers, it could take a lifetime to explore. After two visits back, I’ve […]
Tips From the Banker: The Real Cost of Travel in Indonesia
2018 update: I originally wrote this post in 2013, traveling in Indonesia on a shoestring. I returned this year with a bigger budget, spending more on accommodation and transport, though some categories, like food, have remained the same. You’ll see both options in this post. Indonesia, like Malaysia, had a lot of varying reviews from fellow […]
8 Essential Backpacking Tips for the Hike of a Lifetime
I remember back in college when a few friends of mine took up backpacking. I thought it sounded impossible and absolutely nuts. Who the heck wants to carry a 40 pound pack up a mountain?! Back then I had never even camped. Flash forward to this week and I just led a group of 12 […]