In this final Nicaragua episode, Laura travels to Granada the way so many locals do—by chicken bus. These colorful, chaotic former U.S. school buses are an experience in themselves, and the journey from Ometepe to Granada is filled with market noise, snack vendors, seat strategy, and a healthy dose of travel nostalgia.

Once in Granada, Laura wanders the relaxed colonial streets of one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1524 and shaped by its proximity to Lake Nicaragua. Along the way, we dive into the city’s layered history—from Spanish colonization to ambitious canal plans that never fully materialized, including the long-debated alternative to the Panama Canal. This episode blends solo travel moments with big-picture history, all set against the backdrop of one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful cities.

Musical Credits:

Momentos by MusicBox and Hello Love by Jasmine J Walker
 provided by: Slipstream Music 

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Getting around Ometepe Island in Nicaragua isn’t as simple as it looks on a map — and sometimes the best way to explore is to grab the handlebars and go. In this episode, I take you along for the ride as I trade mountain hikes for an ATV adventure around the volcanic island. From bumpy unpaved roads to unexpected rainstorms and delicious street food, it’s a day of freedom, mud, and a few surprises along the way.

When the gas gauge doesn’t function, things get interesting. Join me as I navigate Ometepe’s wild beauty, learn the local rhythm of travel, and discover how running out of gas can be empowering.

Musical Credits:

Ambidextrous Bilingual by Forgetful Jones and Too Much Sun by CTS provided by: Slipstream Music 

VHS Dreams by Shane Ivers - provided by silvermansound

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

In this episode of Travel Along with Laura, we’re back on the volcanic island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua.  This time, we head to the lowlands between the two volcanoes to kayak along the Río Istian, where the wildlife is on display- howler monkeys calling from the trees, caimans gliding below the surface, toothy tropical gars submerged in the muck and the curious song of the Tungara frog echoing through the dusk. 

Along the way, we'll walk to a mountainside ecolodge, hear about Laura's ongoing truce with Google Maps, and get a glimpse into rural life on the island. Plus, we’ll dive into the legend of Lake Nicaragua’s freshwater sharks through a catchy song written by Raúl Planas—an ode to a creature that may or may not still haunt these waters.

Musical Credits:

Track: Summer Samba (Samba de Verao) by Mu'gambi and Playa Valencia by The Like Thes provided by: Slipstream Music https://slipstreammusic.com

El Tiburon del Lago Cacibolca was used with permission from its authors:  Raul Planas and the Ritmo en Los Barrios project.

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Welcome to Ometepe, the magical island in Central America's largest lake! In this episode, Laura takes you on the ferry, shares the story of Ometepe’s twin volcanoes, and dives into the island’s deep history, wild creatures, and sacred spirit. You’ll visit El Pital Chocolate Paradise to learn about cacao—from ancient traditions to modern chocolate-making—and even hear how bull sharks have learned to thrive in fresh water. This is just the beginning of Laura’s Ometepe adventure! 

Musical Credits:

Track: Summer Samba (Samba de Verao) by Mu'gambi provided by: Slipstream Music https://slipstreammusic.com

Como Yo Lloro Por Ti by Maya Solovéy and Shark Food by Greg Gibbs are licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

Relaxing massage (ambient relaxing calm yoga meditation).mp3 by Musinova is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

In this episode, Laura takes us to León, Nicaragua — a city of striking colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and surprising adventures. From climbing the roof of its dazzling white cathedral to exploring bustling markets, León offers both authentic charm and plenty to do. We’ll venture beyond the city to experience the adrenaline rush of volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, complete with the highs, lows, and honest realities of this famous activity. Then we wind down at nearby Las Peñitas beach, sharing what to expect, what to skip, and why León offers a uniquely authentic side of Nicaragua.

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Musical Credits:

Cue 38-instr by Douglas Fonseca and  CNickel_Opening2_MIX by GRB TV were provided by: Slipstream Music .

El Cha Cha Man by Juanitos is licensed under a Attribution 2.0 France License.

Bat sound from https://quicksounds.com“

Atlantic Ocean Waves by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/197714/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

In this episode of Travel Along with Laura, we’re continuing our adventure on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. From serene black-sand beaches to unexpected jungle detours, this trip has it all. Join Laura and her partner Carrie as they explore Playa Negra and Playa Grande, trek through island trails, search for old sugar mill ruins, and get more adventure than they bargained for while stumbling across abandoned U.S. Navy bunkers hidden in the forest. Plus, we’ll talk about the “wild” horses of Vieques, visit a local rum distillery, and reflect on the beauty — and complexity — of this Caribbean gem. 

If you're into off-the-beaten-path adventure, tropical beaches, and a little travel drama, this episode is for you! 

Listen now and come explore Vieques with us — bugs, bunkers, beaches, and all. 

Musical Credits: 

Track: "Yguacu Blues" and  "Rum And Spice"  provided by https://slipstreammusic.com

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Off the eastern tip of Puerto Rico lies the Caribbean island of Vieques. In this episode, we trade San Juan’s buzz for beach bars and an unforgettable ride through the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Along the way, Laura takes a tiny airplane, sips painkillers under the stars, and pops the question! From glass-bottom kayaks to an island wide power outage, Vieques gave us more adventure—and romance—than we ever expected.

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Musical Credits:

Tracks: "The Grind", "Yellowstone 001",  "Rum And Spice"
Music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com
Auld Lang Syne | 2024 Christmas Songs by LOPKERJO is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Support the show

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Join Laura on a flavorful journey through the lush landscapes of Puerto Rico! We’ll explore the famed "ruta de lechon," where succulent pork is roasted to perfection at lechoneras dotting the mountain roads.

Our adventure takes us through the Carite rainforest where you can hike to breathtaking swimming holes and sip holy spring water at a catholic pilgrimage site.  Listen in as our guide, Adrian, shares insights about the island’s history, from the original Taino inhabitants to the vibrant culinary scene that flourishes today. We’ll uncover the significance of plantains, the rhythms of salsa music, and the remarkable wildlife of the rainforest, including the iconic coquí frog.

With a mix of adventure, culture, and culinary delights, this episode is not to be missed!

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Musical Credits:

Free Guitar Riding Blues (F 014) by Lobo Loco is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Taino music- track 1 provided by TainoAge.com

Spanish Guitar solo by Sonican, Mabarebare by Kbwabana, holyChorus.wav by BFMGames and Buena Suerte by FJRAV Travel Vlog are available under the Creative Commons Zero license.

Support the show

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Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

We're heading to the vibrant capital city of San Juan, Puerto Rico! Join Laura as she explores the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town, surrounded by historic castles and forts, before venturing into the modern neighborhood of Santurce. She'll also take you inside the Ron de Barrilito distillery to uncover the secrets behind Puerto Rico’s world-famous rum. Come along as she learns about the complexities of Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. commonwealth and the island’s fascinating cultural mix. Grab your bags, let’s go explore San Juan together! 

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Music Credits:

Track: "Una Noche" and  "rum night-MM" and  "Fuego" music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com
Gotta Love Me by Kellee Maize is licensed under a Attribution License.  "La Borinquena" performed by the US Navy Band is licensed under public domain.

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

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Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.

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Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Escape the bustle of Tokyo and step into the serene hills of Hakone in this episode of Travel Along with Laura. Tucked beneath Mt. Fuji, Hakone is a series of quaint lakeside towns dotted with traditional ryokans and soothing onsens. Join Laura, her partner Carrie, and their two kids as they navigate cultural norms, soak in hot spring baths, savor multi-course kaiseki meals, and marvel at dramatic sulfur mines from a cable car.

Along the way, experience the quiet charm of early morning bird songs, explore lakeside villages, and enjoy tips for getting the most out of a stay in a Japanese ryokan. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or traveling vicariously, this episode brings Hakone’s unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty right to your ears.

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Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

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Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music Credits:
Track: "Opening Tokyo"  and Track: "Can'T Stop The Sunset" Music provided by https://slip.stream

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.

Buy sustainably produced coffee: https://www.afueracoffee.com/ Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.

Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.