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Let's Beach It In Aruba

For most of my solo budget travel career I’ve overlooked the Caribbean in pursuit of the rest of the world. I guess it just seemed so close and familiar to American culture, and I definitely assumed it was overly saturated by cruise liners. And honestly that didn’t appeal to me in the same way a road trip around the Andes or the Alps or the Balkans would. Palm Beach | Aruba Well, I can assure you…

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Sunny Weekends in Curaçao

If you’re willing to travel just a bit farther south for a beach holiday, I’d strongly consider Curaçao! This Dutch Caribbean island has more beautiful beaches than your schedule has time for, and once you’ve arrived you really don’t need to travel long to get from one to the other. Picture a plethora of soft, white sand and clear, turquoise water. Porto Mari Beach | Curaçao The first spot I…

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The 12 Hour Layover in Ethiopia

Before attending a work conference in Nairobi last year, I managed to sneak in a day trip around Ethiopia’s capital city. With little to no plan I landed in Addis Ababa half awake and eager to explore what I could. Exiting the airport I was admittedly intimidated by the state of things, but my new friend from Rotate Ethiopia Tours put my nerves at ease with his upbeat spirit and prolific language…

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40 Years in Turks and Caicos

40 Years in Turks and Caicos

Generally speaking I don’t have issues with putting up big numbers. 30 in a hoops game? If that’s what it takes to win. 100+ on a scorecard? If I get to spend a few hours on a nice course blowin stogies with the boys. Chipotle bowls 3 days straight? That’s what I call livin. I can deal with these numbers. Sapodilla Bay | Turks and Caicos But turning 40 hits a little different. I am officially…

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Istanbul, Built To Last

Istanbul, Built To Last

Some things never change. What was once the famed capital of very powerful empires has now become the largest city in Europe and one of the world’s ten most visited cities. Bosporus Strait | Istanbul, Turkey It was once called Constantinople by the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman inhabitants. After many years of power struggle the highly sought after city became Istanbul in 1930, and today is home…

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10 Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains

10 Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains

My brother Vince turned 50 years old this year, and his wife Jenny had the brilliant idea of planning a family trip down to the Smoky Mountains. We spent an awesome six days exploring, laughing, and eating great food! Cobbly Nob Rentals | Gatlinburg It had been far too long since any big trip like it has happened, actually maybe never. But I do hope it’s something we can do at least once every…

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Make Time For Marrakech

Make Time For Marrakech

There are few places I’ve visited where I left feeling dissatisfied. When looking through the pictures, the formerly imperial Moroccan city of Marrakech is definitely one that sticks out. Not because I didn’t enjoy what it has to offer, just that I hadn’t quite explored enough. I’d attribute that to a few things, including a sidekick unwilling to brave the desert heat and our small window of…

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¿Qué se prefiere, Barcelona o Madrid?

¿Qué se prefiere, Barcelona o Madrid?

Usualmente comparto recuerdos en ingles, pero estas experiencias en España me parecen una oportunidad perfecta a practicar mi segundo idioma. Mis disculpas por adelantado a los angloparlantes y muchas gracias a los hispanohablantes con mucha paciencia. La esperanza es que tu puedes entender mi versión básica de gringo español. La Barceloneta | España Es probable que unos españoles me vayan a…

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Slovenia Is A Sleeper

Slovenia Is A Sleeper

My guess is most of us wouldn’t know where to place Slovenia on a map. For a small country that wisely chooses to mind its own business amidst all the global political chaos, it’s not that surprising. Another facet to its low profile is that only 30 years ago Slovenia was still a part of the former Yugoslavia…soon after choosing to become a sovereign state. Ljubljana Castle | Slovenia Prior to my…

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Swiss Dreams

If you’re looking for a road trip full of thrills and majestic views, I’ve got just the place for you. Switzerland is like a fairytale playground for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and photographers. It certainly won’t be the cheapest option, but the experience will be worth every euro spent. This gem has no shortage of wealth and beauty and is widely known as the one of the safest countries…

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Brazil's Marvelous City

Brazil’s Marvelous City

One of my most unforgettable summers was spent in Rio de Janeiro. Anytime I share travel experiences it always stands out to me because I’ll never forget the way it made me feel. The natural beauty, the food, the people, the music, the language…it’s a special place. Rio de Janeiro | Brazil Sure it gets a bad rep for the crime and poverty, and I don’t try to downplay that at all. But what foreign…

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Moseying Around Malta

Let’s talk about Malta. Positioned near the center of the Mediterranean Sea between the Italians and the Libyans and east of the Tunisians are a trio of islands rich in culture and history. They were the focal point of several empires, desired for hundreds of years as a strategic naval base to those who wished to remain powerful.  Christmas in Valletta | Malta The Maltese archipelago caught my…

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Getting Medieval in Tallinn

Getting Medieval in Tallinn

The final destination on this 10 day holiday was in Tallinn, Estonia, which is just a 2 hour ferry ride across the Baltic Sea. Without a doubt, this is not a ride to be enjoyed if you have a weak stomach. The bulk of the ship’s course is truly a rollercoaster. Back and forth, back and forth. I was foolish to think a nap was an option! Old Town Tallinn | Estonia The Charming Streets of Old Town…

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Road Trip to El Salvador

Road Trip to El Salvador

Driving El Salvador is the right way to explore. During a two-month Spanish immersion in Guatemala, my friends and I used the weekends for road trips out of Antigua. We looked at Mexico, Honduras, and Belize, but eventually agreed on El Salvador as the destination. 

Sunrise from Mandala Eco Villas in El Tunco

Of course the bus is a viable option, but over time I’ve become a big believer in…

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Indulgence in Israel

Nearly ten years ago I had been forced to end another basketball season in Ireland due to ankle injury. To put it lightly, I was frustrated and needed to escape. Time was of the essence, so after a few stops around Europe I made a push towards the Holy Land. That one-way ticket turned into a month of opportunities to indulge in Israel.

The Crew in Jerusalem

Commencement of the indulgence was a…

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Why You Must Visit Lisbon

Why You Must Visit Lisbon

Why visit Lisbon? Well, I had a small window to explore before attending work training in Northern Ireland, and Lisbon was the cheapest direct flight available. Typically I try to fit in new countries, but the price was too good to turn down!

It wasn’t the first time in Portugal. While living in Belfast in 2008, an old friend and myself snuck in a little holiday to Faro just further south in…

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3 Days Walking in Athens

Walking in Athens brings myth to life. For hundreds of years Athens was the heart of one of the most powerful empires in history. The Athenians were arguably the greatest city-state of the empire, although the Spartans would likely have a different opinion. Much respect is owed to the Greek minds responsible for the beginning of western civilization and their massive contributions to sports,…