“What in the world do people pack when they go to Africa? Where do I start? What is essential and what should I leave behind on my Africa packing list?” This was my question before I went to Africa for the first time, heading to South Africa with a backpack full of denim shorts and […]
How to Experience Johannesburg Like a Local
One week back in 2015, I departed my beloved (but cold and dark) Berlin in favor of summer. After 24 hours of travel, I landed in Johannesburg, South Africa, with weather reminiscent of back home in Southern California. I almost didn’t know what to make of it at first. My face started sweating (I suffer […]
The World’s Best Road Trips
To me, road trips are one of the most freeing and adventurous ways to get to know a place. With the freedom of breaking away from the crowds who have fixed itineraries to working in serendipity and basing stops on recommendations I get as I go, some of my best experiences have been on the […]
Want to Swim With Whales? Here’s Where to Go
Ever dream of swimming with whales? In some parts of the world, it’s possible not just to view them from the deck of a boat, but to jump in the water and swim with them! From sperm whales to humpbacks and orcas (okay so they’re in the dolphin family, but they still deserve a spot […]
Where in the World to Swim with Whale Sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most exciting and awe-inspiring aquatic experiences. Apart from swimming with humpback whales, shark swimming is my favorite ocean activity, in part due to how huge they are. Not only are whale sharks the largest sharks in the ocean, they’re second only to some whale species when it comes to […]