When I set out on this adventure, it was never my intent to be gone for as long as I could, or “until the money ran out”. I knew that I wanted this trip would have an end date, but wasn’t ever exactly sure when that day would come. I wanted to travel until I…
After trekking steadily for the first four days, I knew it would start getting tougher as we continued to gain elevation. Over the next four days, we were set to gain nearly 5,000 feet (1,500m) of elevation across 17 miles (27.5km) en route to EBC. As we continued to get closer, I was a mix…
My trip to the Cook Islands was a beautiful escape from touring around New Zealand and just what I needed in order to recharge my batteries. In Part 1 of my South Pacific adventures, I highlighted my time spent on the island of Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands. In this post, I will share how…
In 2010, 300,000 tourists journeyed to explore the newly opened country of Myanmar. Fast forward three years…in 2013, there was just over 2 million tourists visiting Myanmar – a monumental increase from 2010. The country is working rapidly to keep up the tourism and you will notice this in every major city. New hotels are…
Like so many tourists who visit Thailand every year, I imagined sitting atop a majestic Asian elephant wandering through a forest would be an epic, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I began researching elephant riding and quickly realized that there is a side that few tourists are aware of, but are beginning to discover. I chose not to…
After spending a few weeks in New Zealand, traveling by bus, staying in hostels, I found myself taking my first real break in Auckland. I had originally intended on staying with some friends for a couple days to recharge my batteries and then resume my backpacker bus trip. As I was enjoying some downtime, I…
With two months under my belt, I was starting to get the hang of this long term traveling thing! I KNEW this month was going to be expensive and likely the MOST expensive of this trip. There were too many amazing experiences that all seemed to cost a pretty penny! This month’s expenses will include…
Let me be honest for a minute here….I have never been one to shy away from risky, adrenaline pumping activities. I’m more of a moth to fire when it comes to things that push my limits and challenge my rational fears. New Zealand is the perfect place to have the opportunity to be thrown beyond…
Nestled into the Coromandel Peninsula of the North Island, lie some of the most fantastic beaches New Zealand has to offer. Hahei is a treasure amongst these beaches and is perfect for a much needed day of relaxation and sun. After spending 10 days in the Cooks Islands and returning to New Zealand to begin…
There is an unbelievable sight to witness while in New Zealand, that will leave you with your jaw hanging open. In a small town called Waitomo, they have something truly magical hidden deep within the underground limestone cave system formed over 30 million years ago. There are multiple ways to get into the caves but…
