Hostels are one of the best accommodation options for backpackers and budget travellers. However, although sometimes I may complain about #firstworldproblems, I have realised after 18 months of staying in hostel dorms that there are certain unwritten rules that apparently do need to be written down to make sure everyone enjoys their stay. If we […]
Rio is (in)famous for its maze-like favelas which surround the city, climbing high onto the hills overlooking the bay. Previously very dangerous and no-go areas for tourists, in recent years the police have made a concerted effort to pacify the favelas, meaning that tours around these fascinating places are now possible. However, if you decide […]
It was pitch black. I closed my eyes, then opened them again. It made no difference, I still couldn’t see anything. The only sound was the dripping of water, and my nervous breath. Then a voice rang out in the cave…… The ATM cave tour in Belize was an experience like no other. The caves themselves […]
When Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the Lost World, he based his story on Mount Roraima, one of Venezuela’s tallest Tepuy (or Tepui) mountains. Perched on the borders of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana, the majestic flat-topped mountain rises from the horizon. The trek to Roraima in Venezuela was beautiful, difficult, hot, brutal, and in parts, […]
One of the first activities I did in Belize was a tour to Lamanai from Orange Walk. These are Mayan ruins in the heart of northern Belize, known for impressive architecture and incredible setting on the edge of the New River Lagoon. Usually accessed by a boat tour, I was excited to get my first […]
Mindo is a beautiful little town, a couple of hours’ bus ride from Quito. If you are looking to escape from the city and get back to nature, Mindo is definitely the place for that. However, don’t expect Mindo to be boring. There is plenty to do here, not least a ziplining adventure! I’m […]
Trinidad is a beautiful town and an extremely popular destination in Cuba. Trinidad was probably my second favourite destination in Cuba, after Viñales and although it is extremely touristy it still felt small and accessible, and not overtaken by tourism. Even though you will get approached almost constantly to eat in someone’s restaurant or drink […]
The market in Otavalo is what draws tourists here, but this little town has much more to explore, not just a market. Otavalo market is, of course, wonderful, and is open every day, from around 9am to 5pm during the week. The real fun is on Saturday when the market spills over onto nearby streets, […]
Is Cienfuegos in Cuba worth visiting? In my opinion, hell yes! Cienfuegos is a seriously underrated city. Much slower paced than Havana, Cienfuegos is, in fact, a delightful break from the craziness there. You will still be plagued with shouts of ‘Taxi?’ from the car and bicycle taxis (apparently tourists never walk anywhere) but that is a […]
Let’s be honest here, it’s no secret that I love food! From cooking classes to hunting out the best brunch spots and sampling street food, there is nothing better to me than eating my way through each destination I visit. One thing I was dying to do in Mexico City was a food tour, to […]