128 articles tagged with off the beaten path
Nouakchott isn't exactly on most backpackers' radar, and that's precisely what makes it brilliant. Straddling the edge of the Sahara where desert meets Atlantic, Mauritania's capital offers an authentic slice of West African life without the tourist crowds. When I...
The moment our taxi crossed from the gleaming towers of Bocagrande into the sunbaked streets of GetsemanÃ, I knew this trip would be different. Cartagena isn't just about its famous walled city—it's a geological and cultural palimpsest where Caribbean, African,...
The first time I stepped foot in Cali was during my gap year in Colombia's coffee regions. I was young, idealistic, and completely unprepared for how this vibrant city would capture my heart. Seven years and countless visits later, I've...
The heavy iron gates of the former penal colony creaked open, revealing a story far more complex than I'd anticipated. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni isn't just about its infamous prison history—it's a cultural crossroads where six ethnic communities have woven their traditions into...
When most travelers think Michigan urban exploration, Detroit's renaissance steals the spotlight. But just 30 minutes north sits Sterling Heights—a suburban landscape that, to the untrained eye, might seem like endless strip malls and subdivision signs. As someone who's spent...
When I told friends I was planning a solo trip to Northern Nigeria, eyebrows raised faster than flight prices during holiday season. But beneath the misunderstood exterior of Kaduna lies a cultural treasure trove that rivals more frequented African destinations—at...
When most travelers think of Peru, Machu Picchu and Cusco immediately come to mind. But after five trips to this incredible country, I've discovered that some of Peru's most authentic experiences lie in less-trodden regions like Chiclayo. This coastal city...
As a healthcare professional constantly seeking the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, I've found my latest urban sanctuary in Argentina's northern gem. San Miguel de Tucumán captivated me with its blend of colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and surprisingly...
The limestone karsts of Vang Vieng rise from the Nam Song River like ancient sentinels, their forms following patterns that speak to my designer's eye. Having spent a week here last autumn, away from the backpacker crowds, I discovered a...
When my anthropology research led me to Brazzaville last fall, I expected to find interesting connections between traditional Congolese medicine and local brewing practices. What I didn't expect was to discover one of Africa's most underrated cultural destinations. The Republic...
Whilst my professional travels typically involve luxury resorts and business-class flights, there's something rather invigorating about stripping back to basics. Last autumn, I found myself with a rare gap between events and decided to venture somewhere completely off my usual...
Standing at the edge of the Essequibo River—South America's third-largest waterway—I felt that familiar thrill that comes with venturing into places where infrastructure meets wilderness. As both an engineer and a folklore enthusiast, Guyana had long been on my radar,...
The moment my toes sank into the warm, golden sand of my first hidden Tamarindo beach, I knew I'd discovered something special. While most visitors crowd the main beach with its surf shops and sunset bars, I've spent years mapping...
The moment my feet touched down in HolguÃn province, I knew this wasn't the Cuba of vintage postcards and tourist brochures. Here in eastern Cuba, far from Havana's well-worn paths, I found a landscape of contradictions – pristine beaches without...
While most travelers flock to Chicago's glittering downtown, I've found something special just 10km west that reminds me of those small coastal towns I love exploring worldwide. Cicero, Illinois might not make the glossy travel magazines, but this working-class suburb...
