128 articles tagged with off the beaten path
There's something magical about standing at the intersection of cultures, where Mediterranean waves crash against North African shores under the same stars my father taught me to map as a child. Oran—Algeria's second-largest city—embodies this beautiful convergence. As a graduate...
The tram rattled and swayed as it climbed the steep gradient toward Mid-Levels, a familiar mechanical symphony that's been playing across Hong Kong Island for over a century. Below me, the iconic skyline dissolved into a labyrinth of narrow streets...
There's something about the Samoan concept of *fa'a Samoa* (the Samoan way) that resonates deeply with me. Perhaps it's how it mirrors the Japanese *ichi-go ichi-e* – the understanding that each moment is unique and should be treasured. As someone...
When my buying trip to Montevideo wrapped up early last month, I made an impulsive decision that turned into one of my most authentic South American experiences yet. Instead of flying straight back to the States, I decided to venture...
The morning light spills over Table Mountain like liquid gold as I sketch its contours from my temporary apartment in Bo-Kaap. This is my third visit to Cape Town, and each time I return, this city reveals another layer of...
The air in Mbarara hits differently than the crisp Canadian Rockies I grew up in or the bustling streets of Philadelphia where I now work shifts as an EMT. It's heavy with moisture, carrying the scent of red earth and...
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 ñandutí lace. This moment—unplanned and authentic—perfectly encapsulates what makes this often-overlooked suburb of...
When I first arrived in Ganta after a bone-rattling seven-hour journey from Monrovia, all I wanted was a decent shower and reliable Wi-Fi. What I discovered instead was a fascinating border town with surprising hospitality options that reflect Liberia's ongoing...
The crimson dust of Bamenda's roads has a way of permanently embedding itself into your travel memories—much like the warm smiles of the Grassfields people. Having spent decades traversing the globe in search of authentic cultural experiences, I found myself...
The rhythmic pulse of samba music fades as you venture beyond Rio's postcard shores. While tourists flock to the crescent sweep of Copacabana and the fashion-forward Ipanema, the soul of Rio's coastal identity lies in its lesser-known stretches of sand—places...
After 35 years of tracking down missing persons, I've developed something of a sixth sense for uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Perhaps that's why I find myself perpetually dissatisfied with the obvious tourist destinations that populate most travel guides....
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...
Singapore's gleaming skyscrapers and iconic attractions draw millions of visitors yearly, but beneath this polished veneer lies a Singapore that most tourists never experience. As someone with Korean heritage who's traveled extensively throughout Asia, I've developed a knack for uncovering...
Landing in Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, I was immediately struck by the dichotomy that defines Ecuador's largest city. The sleek terminal—a testament to the city's modernization efforts—stands in stark contrast to the vibrant chaos visible just beyond....
Nepal has been my spiritual playground for years now, but I'll let you in on something that took me three visits to discover: the magic of this country extends far beyond the famous Everest Base Camp trek. While EBC deserves...
