I had no idea how I would be able to top 2011. I was in Australia for crying out loud. I did everything to the extreme, from bungy jumping to scuba diving. How could I possibly keep up that momentum in 2012? I wouldn't say 2012 topped 2011, but I sure as hell tried. It seems like I was traveling … [Read more...] about 2012: My Year in Review
backpacking
Berlin From My Bicycle Handlebars
I loved my bike tour in Munich and I knew I wanted to try again in Berlin, a city known for its bike culture. As locals told me, "bicyclists have more rights in this city than pedestrians or drivers." The weather in Berlin wasn't nearly as cooperative as it had been in Munich, so I was … [Read more...] about Berlin From My Bicycle Handlebars
PLUS Hostel Berlin: Luxury for Backpackers
"You have champagne tastes on a beer budget." I've been told this many times, mostly since I want to travel all the time but don't want to save up enough money for it. But when I arrived in Berlin, I found out that I can have both. PLUS Hostel Berlin is luxury accommodation on a backpacker … [Read more...] about PLUS Hostel Berlin: Luxury for Backpackers
In Love With Gallery Hostel
I've long considered Palmer's Lodge in London to be my all-time favorite hostel, but I may now have to reconsider. After checking it out on my friend the Budget Traveller's Luxury Hostels project, I knew I had to book my stay at Gallery Hostel for the Travel Bloggers Unite conference in Porto. It … [Read more...] about In Love With Gallery Hostel
Photo Essay: The Tiles of Portugal
Immediately upon arriving in Porto, the beautiful hand-painted tiles on the churches and buildings around town pulled me in. It's not something I would ever see back home, turning the most bland buildings into works of art. I think I stopped for every single color of tile in my week or … [Read more...] about Photo Essay: The Tiles of Portugal