In Vietnamese, Everyone is Family

When I traveled to Vietnam, I found myself having the same conversation with the different people I met throughout my trip. It made me realize that you really only need to have a few phrases...

What to Expect as a Solo Female in Italy

Italy has a lot to offer... wine, food, and the promise of romance. What happen's if you have no one to go with? So you skip it? Hell no! Going alone can be the best thing you ever did! Who...

The Origins of "Pura Vida" in Costa Rica

What is “pura vida?” “Pura vida” means "pure life" in Spanish. It is the single most used expression in Costa Rica. It is a response to “Cómo estás?” It means, “life is great.” It...

Hiking Through the Tolmin Gorge in Slovenia's Soča Valley

On a hot summer day we visited the lowest point of the Slovenia's Soča Valley - the Tolmin Gorge. It's a an easy hour long hike from the town of Tolmin in northwestern Slovenia. The Soča...

Lokrum, the Cursed Island of Croatia

Lokrum is a cursed island just off the coast of Croatia near Dubrovnik. Lorkum rises above the sea with a sheer wall of tan colored rocks topped by a layer of green trees. The island is surrounded by...

A Week of France’s Most Beautiful Villages

It’s impossible to travel in France without passing through its quaint rural villages. Their lively central squares are dotted with tabacs and cafes where you’ll see locals enjoying a morning...