Some people freak out at the idea of interviewing their favorite celebrities, like Brad Pitt or Kate Hudson. I, however, turned my stomach into knots when I was given the chance to interview one of my idols, Rick Steves. I've been watching his PBS show for as long as I can remember and couldn't put … [Read more...] about Interview with Travel Guru Rick Steves
backpacking
Australian Backpacker Bars
Backpacker bars make the travel scene what it is in Australia: "no worries." Most major hostels have their own in-house bars but each one is unique, with cheap drinks, activities and rowdy backpackers abound. They're the only places where you will find a party every night of the … [Read more...] about Australian Backpacker Bars
The Best and Worst of Australian Hostels
**This post has been updated in May 2014 to reflect the places I stayed on my most recent trip.** I stayed in more hostels in Australia than I ever care to count. Some were great, some were disgusting and some weren't really memorable. In this post I will break them all down with you, in complete … [Read more...] about The Best and Worst of Australian Hostels
The Australian Adventure: One Year Later
Precisely one year ago today, I landed in Sydney, beginning what would be the most unpredictable year of my life. You've read all about my adventures, but here was my year by the numbers. Days traveled: 317 States/territories visited: 6- New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Australian … [Read more...] about The Australian Adventure: One Year Later
Lessons from A Year of Solo Travel
There's little "solo" time in solo travel. From the time I left in August to the time I returned at the end of November, I was only alone for maybe five days. On my Uluru trip, I was on a group tour, so it was impossible not to talk to people. And on the East Coast trip, I met the people I … [Read more...] about Lessons from A Year of Solo Travel