507 articles tagged with solo travel
Standing at the edge of the launch viewing area, watching the final preparations for an Ariane 5 rocket, I couldn't help but feel the weight of contrasts in Kourou. Here I was, a school principal from Virginia Beach, witnessing cutting-edge...
When I first landed in Copenhagen three summers ago, I was immediately struck by how the city embodies what designers call 'thoughtful minimalism' – a perfect balance of form and function that extends far beyond its renowned furniture and architecture....
The sun was setting over the hills of Lambaré as I sat sipping tereré with a group of local artists discussing the geometric patterns in traditional Paraguayan ñandutà lace. This moment—unplanned and authentic—perfectly encapsulates what makes this often-overlooked suburb of...
The first light of dawn filters through my window at Amankora Bumthang, painting the wooden beams in hues of amber and gold. Outside, prayer flags flutter in the gentle breeze, their colors vibrant against the backdrop of pine-covered mountains. Two...
The rhythm of travel often mirrors the cadence of a long-distance run – sometimes you sprint through major cities, and other times you need to slow down and find your breath in places that whisper rather than shout. Dinant, nestled...
As I gazed across Auckland's skyline from atop Mount Eden last fall, I couldn't help but marvel at how this bustling metropolis is built upon a volcanic field containing over 50 ancient volcanoes. Having squeezed in this hike between business...
There's a rhythm to exploring Arecibo that reminds me of marathon training—each step reveals something new, each breath connects you deeper to the land. When my relief organization sent me to Puerto Rico last spring for a community rebuilding project,...
The first time I stepped out of Suvarnabhumi Airport into Bangkok's wall of heat and humidity, I felt like a deer caught in headlights. A sea of taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes swarmed around me in what appeared to be complete...
While I typically find myself beneath the vast, star-studded skies of rural plains, my recent expedition to Mexico City revealed an urban landscape with its own unique constellation of experiences. As someone accustomed to tracking celestial movements across unobstructed horizons,...
The first time I stepped onto Lisbon's iconic yellow Tram 28, I wasn't just boarding public transportation—I was climbing into a living museum. As an educator who's spent decades encouraging children to see learning opportunities everywhere, I found myself becoming...
The moment my bare feet touched the crystalline shores of Santa Maria, I felt that familiar rush of discovery – the same feeling I get when I find the perfect food truck in an unlikely corner of a new city....
Japan often carries a reputation for being prohibitively expensive, but as someone who's mastered the art of budget travel between medical contracts, I'm here to tell you that Fukuoka—Kyushu's vibrant capital—offers an exceptional alternative to Tokyo or Kyoto without depleting...
The azure dome of the Blue Mosque rises majestically against the dusty horizon as I sit cross-legged on a worn carpet, analyzing the complex flavor profile of my *qabuli palaw* with the same methodical approach I once applied to water...
The moment my boots hit the coral-colored concrete of George Town's harbor front, I knew this wasn't going to be your typical Caribbean experience. After years of exploring ancient temples across Southeast Asia and colonial structures in Central America, I...
The moment my feet touched the warm, rust-colored sand of Tozeur, I knew I'd found a place that defied my expectations. After two decades of global wandering, this Tunisian desert outpost still managed to surprise me with its perfect blend...