Image via Flickr by Paul Bica It’s a big year for Canada. Montreal is celebrating its 375th birthday, and the national parks are free for a 150th birthday celebration. Ever since I returned from my “Great Escape,” I’ve been itching to get out on the road for short trips. What better way to enjoy the last bits of summer than …
One Week in the Faroe Islands with The Laughing Traveller
Ever wonder how to spend one week in the Faroe Islands? I haven’t been yet, but Eran of The Laughing Traveller went this year. Here’s how we spent one week in the Faroe Islands and after this, I think you’ll want to book a trip there, too. Just look at his photos! Enjoy! Faroe Islands are a group of Islands in …
WHV Australia Interview: The Atlas Heart
Welcome to my new guest post series, WHV Australia Interview, on real travelers from around the globe who have decided to come to Australia on their working holiday visa (WHV). I just finished up my year in Australia and it had a huge impact on my life and future life choices. As an American, taking a gap year, or career …
Minneapolis: A City for Outdoor Lovers
Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is the perfect state for outdoor lovers. With tons of lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, Minnesota has a lot to offer anyone who isn’t afraid to get outside in the cold. Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota’s major metropolitan area, is the state’s center of arts, culture, and outdoor adventures. Where to Stay Image via Flickr by …
Hike Phoenix by Foot
Image via Flickr by Bureau of Land Management Arizona is home to some seriously gorgeous hiking trails. Just look at the Grand Canyon! However, many visitors to Arizona end up in the metropolitan city of Phoenix for work or pleasure. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a 3.5-hour drive away, making it a difficult place to enjoy if …
Eat, Drink, Be Merry in St. Louis
Image via Flickr by Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton St. Louis might be known for its delicious barbecue ribs and gooey butter cake, but the Gateway City is about much more than just sticky fingers and sauce-covered chins. St. Louis is home to a thriving up-and-coming culinary city that rivals many of the big cities on either coast. From locally sourced …
Hotel Review: Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan
After trekking 45 kilometers through the Guatemalan Highlands, Laura and I were ready for a little luxury around Lake Atitlan. Since we both prefer to stay in eco-friendly hotels and hostels, we opted to stay at the Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan in San Juan La Laguna. It was a bit more than we wanted to spend, but the two-night splurge …
Why South Africa is the Greatest Destination for Adventurous People
Note from Katelyn: This is a guest post from Bianca of MyWildEarth who lives in South Africa. I’m coming to the end of my Great Escape and will be returning to the workforce, but I can’t help to start thinking about my next big adventure. And, adventure travel in South Africa sounds just about right! South Africa is a dream …
The Ultimate Guatemala Highland Trek
“Are we there yet?” I’ve mentally asked myself that a hundred times already over the course of three days. We hadn’t moved far in the last five seconds since I last asked myself that annoying question only five-year-olds ask their parents in the car. Forty-five kilometers is a long friggin’ way. I continued to huff and puff my way up …
Great Escape Monthly Review: April 2017
After a year in Australia, it was finally time to leave. My visa was up on April 3rd, and that meant I needed to leave my adopted country or else I faced some serious fines. It’s hard to believe that my Great Escape is almost over! I should have spent my final day in Australia exploring the highlights of Sydney, …
Hostel Review: Hostal Antigua
From the infamous party hostel, Jungle Party Hostal, to the eco-friendly, Home Earth Lodge, backpackers have a huge range of hostels to choose from in the colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala. Hostal Antigua is either of those hostels. During my travels through Guatemala during winter 2016, I stayed at two different hostels. I loved my stay at El Hostal and …
8 Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
Most backpackers and travelers skip Guatemala City and head straight to the colonial city of Antigua. With its cobblestone streets, colorful and often decaying buildings, leafy plazas, and surrounding volcanos, how can you not spend a few days in Antigua? Whether you only spend 48 hours or several months, there are tons of things to do in Antigua, Guatemala. Located …