Travel Diaries
Day-by-day adventures from our journey around the world. Real experiences, honest thoughts, and unforgettable moments from the road.
Chichen Itza: Exploring the Maya Temples of Yucatan
We beat the crowds at Chichen Itza by arriving at opening time, experiencing one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in peaceful tranquility before 3,500 daily tourists arrive.
Uxmal Ruins: A Quieter Alternative to Chichen Itza
We skipped the crowded tours and explored the stunning Uxmal ruins independently, climbing ancient pyramids at this peaceful UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible Puuc architecture.
Monte Albán: Ancient Zapotec City Carved into a Mountaintop
We explored the magnificent ruins of Monte Albán, a massive pre-Columbian archaeological site built into a mountaintop overlooking Oaxaca.
Puebla: Mexico's Foodie Capital and Colonial Gem
We explored Puebla, one of Mexico's foremost foodie destinations with a UNESCO World Heritage historic center full of colorful facades, baroque architecture, and incredible culinary traditions.
Teotihuacan: Exploring the Ancient City of the Gods from Mexico City
We took a day trip to the ancient city and pyramids of Teotihuacan, the City of the Gods, climbing the third-largest pyramid in the world and walking the legendary Avenue of the Dead.
Picton to Wellington: Interislander Ferry Across Cook Strait
We boarded the Interislander ferry for a spectacular 3.5-hour journey across Cook Strait, one of the world's most scenic waterways, from the South Island to New Zealand's capital.
Kaikoura to Picton: Driving the Newly Reopened Coastal Highway
We drove from Kaikoura to Picton along the newly reopened State Highway 1 after the 2016 earthquake, arriving in the picturesque seaside town that serves as the South Island ferry terminal.
Kaikoura Whale Watching: Encountering Giant Sperm Whales
We booked an unforgettable adventure with Kaikoura Whale Watch, encountering four giant sperm whales in their natural habitat just off the coast of New Zealand's South Island.
Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight: Aerial Views of the Reef
After snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, we took a scenic flight over it with GSL Aviation, soaring above Green Island, Michaelmas Cay, and the outer reef in perfect weather conditions.
Kuranda Scenic Railway: Historic Train Through the Rainforest
We rode the award-winning Kuranda Scenic Railway through World Heritage rainforest, past waterfalls and through hand-carved tunnels, then returned via Skyrail cable car gliding over the canopy.
Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling the World's Largest Coral Reef System
We snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef at Agincourt Reef, the outer edge of the world's largest coral reef system, encountering vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Daintree Rainforest: Exploring the World's Oldest Tropical Rainforest
We explored the Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical rainforest at 180 million years old, encountering flooding rains, aerial walkways through the canopy, and the unique ecosystem where the rainforest meets the reef.