The parallel universe called Southeast Asia draws me in over and over again. Coming to Southeast Asia feels like coming home. Each time I return, I find comfort in the ease of traveling there, the excitement of new discoveries, and the energy hanging in the sweet, sticky air. I’ve traveled in Southeast Asia for over […]
The Ideal Indonesia Itinerary for 2 Weeks to 2 Months
Where should you spend your time in Indonesia when you visit? With so many islands, how do you narrow it down? The first time I visited was in 2008, and since then, I’ve returned 10 times, most recently in 2024. Indonesia quickly became one of my favorite countries (after visiting 65 of them). Here are […]
The Best Things to do in Cambodia: A Perfect Itinerary
When I first embarked on my solo travels in 2012, I landed in Bangkok and five days later, boarded a train and headed straight to Siem Reap. The temples, thanks to Tomb Raider, had long enchanted me and it just seemed right to see them with my own eyes. Cambodia ended up being my favorite […]
An Insider’s Guide to Cape Town
Cape Town, affectionately called the Mother City, or Ekapa by locals, was long a “spring-break” destination for many of us who went to university in the slightly less exciting cities of South Africa. Like many before and after me, I decided to make it my base for a few months after studying to join the […]
The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia: A Full Itinerary
When I backpacked around Southeast Asia back in 2013, I had low expectations for Malaysia – it was not the most popular or talked about stop on the Banana Pancake Trail. However, Malaysia ended up having so much to offer, it baffles me why it’s not as hyped a backpacking destination as its neighbors. Malaysia […]