Today’s episode we’re talking all about cruises in the Caribbean with my childhood bestie, Bailee. We talk about several different islands/excursions, tips for getting good prices, Royal Caribbean vs. Virgin Voyages and a bit about traveling with kids.

Vietnam literally might be my new favorite country. It has the most delicious food (banh mi, bun cha, pho, etc.), the most beautiful nature (via motorbike in Ha Giang, via foot in Sapa, via boat in the Mekong Delta and Ninh Binh), it’s a great (and safe) destination for solo travelers, it’s an incredibly affordable travel destination, and the Ha Giang Loop might change your life. If this country isn't already on your travel bucket list it should be. At the top, even. 

Recommendations:

• Ho Chi Minh 

• Hostel - Saigon Chill - social and free breakfast

• Oasis Cafe - koi pond tables

• Bloom Spa - best (and cheap) head spa 

• Hanoi: 

• Hostel - Old Quarter View Hanoi - my fav

• Hostel - Rebel Rooster - second fav

• Bun Cha Ta - i think about this bun cha every day

• Tam Vi - cheapest Michelin Star restaurant in the world

• Cafe Giang - original egg coffee

• Banh Mi 25 - small, order 2!

• Minh Oiii - udon

• Ha Giang Loop - Road Kings

• Sapa - MamaSi WhatsApp Number: +83 37 408 0636

• Ninh Binh Day Trip

Sources

• Encyclopedia Britannica – History of Vietnam

• Lonely Planet – Vietnam Travel Guide

• National Geographic – Vietnam Facts

Cambodia is more than just Angkor Wat (though Angkor Wat IS truly amazing) - it’s a beautiful and under-rated country that I definitely think should be on your travel bucket list! We’ll talk history (specifically, the Khmer Rouge), what to do in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kampot and, as always, the best-eats.

Links:

• Kmer Cooking Class

• Kampot Day Tour

• Hostels: the Twizt (nice and chill), Onederz (nice and social)

• Kayaking: Green Cathedral (several places to rent kayaks around the loop, ~$5/day!) 

Sources:

• Cambodia Travel Info (travel.state.gov)

• Wikipedia – History of Cambodia, Khmer Rouge, Angkor Wat

Recorded in-country, with Brittany! From temples and elephants in the north to busy Bangkok to beautiful islands and diving in the south - we've got itinerary inspo and practical logistics for you to plan your first/next Thailand trip.

Links:

• Michelin Recommended: Khao Soi Mae Sai
• Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class
• Thanomsak Boxing
• Fast Manta Diving

• Encyclopedia Britannica – History of Thailand
• National Geographic – Thailand Facts

Lonely Planet – Thailand Travel Guide

In honor of my moving out of Utah this week, we're visiting my home for the last couple years! We'll go from north to south, covering outdoorsy (hikes, snow sports, national parks) and indoorsy (musicals, aviaries, film festivals) stuff to do as well as my fav restaurants in each location.

Sources: Utah Division of State History; Utah.gov; Salt Lake Tribune; Deseret News

We're joining Jaide in the Philippines aka "the Hawaii of Asia". We'll talk swimming with sea animals, jumping down waterfalls, how to get around via "jeepneys", and as always: the best local foods to try.

We're starting off the episode talking all things solo-travel, from pros/cons to safety tips. The second half is all about my fav county: Brazil! Specifically covering the following cities in the south of the country: Curitiba, Florianopolis, Rio, Paraty, and Sao Paulo. As always I'll talk about all the best must-eats, must-do's, and what-do-know-before-you-go's. (If you want to skip the solo travel part and jump straight to Brazil, that starts at the 17:59 mark.)

Recs:

• Italian food rodizio: https://maps.app.goo.gl/woGg6hbZkbcH82eU8
• Florianopolis Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40136943?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=97b0700b-f97c-44e3-9022-07e77a8ab4c4
• Surf lessons/hostel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/isb3EhFCED2J7Tg7A

Sources:

• CIA World Factbook – Brazil

• Lonely Planet – Brazil Travel Guide

• BBC Travel – Brazil Culture & Food

Hannah's taking us all over London - from Hyde Park to West End to local markets and over to Oxford. She recommends not just where to go but also where to eat and what to order! (Plus as a lil bonus we'll stop in Edinburgh for a few days/rec's there.)

Forgotten name of the infamous totes: "the Notting Hill Shopping Bag"

Sources:

• BBC History – A History of London

• Historic UK – Timeline of English History

• The British Library – Medieval and Early Modern History

• BBC News – Brexit Explained

We’re heading to Japan for this one - and it’s extra special because it’s our very first guest interview! Brittany is here to share all the highlights from her trip, including staying in a traditional ryokan, exploring temples, visiting the famous snow monkeys, and eating all the delicious Japanese dishes. We’ll cover key things to know before you go and by the end you’ll be ready to visit Japan and all the magic has to offer.

Sources:

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

• Smithsonian Magazine

• BBC Travel

• Lonely Planet

We’re walking across Spain today! The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage route that winds through stunning landscapes, charming villages, and centuries of history. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the different route options, what to pack, tips for the journey, and why it’s such a life-changing adventure. By the end, you’ll feel excited, prepared, and maybe even ready to lace up your shoes and take on the Camino yourself!

Rideshare App: BlaBlaCar