I’m in an open field as the red sun crests the horizon. I feel like I’ve struck Bagan gold because while the hot air balloons float directly overhead, I’ve got a front-row view and I’m not sharing it with anyone else – no selfie stick wielding crowds nor busloads of people. The real adventure, though, […]
El Nido, Philippines is Overtouristed, Here are 8 Amazing Alternatives
In April of 2018, the island of Boracay in the Philippines was closed down by the government due to the ravaging effects of overtourism. The tourism industry was so detrimental to the island, in fact, that the president of the Philippines referred to it as a “cesspool.” Boracay simply could not support the weight of […]
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 […]
Bali is Overtouristed, Here are 10 Destinations to Visit Instead
Today, it seems that Bali is the closest thing a traveler can get to “paradise,” or at least the travel industry has made it seem so. Yet many are frustrated when they arrive to traffic jams, beaches littered with trash, and waits for photos at popular Instagram spots. The reality is, Bali gets a staggering […]
Southeast Asia During Rainy Season: The Pros and Cons
I know the drill. You’ve been dreaming of beautiful beaches, are seeing tropical bliss all over your Instagram feed, and have all but committed to traveling in Southeast Asia. There’s just one big problem: The dates you picked are right in the middle of rainy season. Should you cancel? Does rainy season equate to terrible […]