Last February, we decided to visit Cambodia as part of our travel adventures, aside from a basic understanding of what has happened in there in the 80s, we didn’t know much about it or what to expect. We were lucky enough to have Vilmos Nevehaj, our good friend from Sauce Labs join us in this adventure and we had a blast!
2 Weeks of History & Food in Vietnam
Vietnam was high on my list of countries to visit. After traversing south to north for two weeks, I only wanted more. Vietnam is a special place. I think many Americans, especially of my parents’ generation, think of it only as that far away place we went to war with. But it is – and always has been – so much more.
It’s a beautiful country, with everything you could want geographically — mountains, caves, beaches, countryside and this. The major cities we visited, Saigon and Hanoi, are incredibly modern and bustling and the people are industrious and entrepreneurial. It seems like everyone is running some type of shop outside his or her home property.The countryside is beautiful, with plenty of traditional ways of life (fishing, weaving, cooking) still happening every day. The locals we met were friendly, playful and welcoming. And the food. Damn, we had some good meals. Continue reading “2 Weeks of History & Food in Vietnam”
Celebrating my birthday in Khao Sok National Park
One of our favorite and longest held traditions together to only gift each other experiences for our birthdays instead of material stuff. These experiences not only make for special and fun memories, but also makes us spend time thinking about each other every year, searching for something unexpected and special.
This time, as my 32nd birthday was approaching, it was time for Ashley to find an experience that fit with our travels. That’s how she organized a trip to Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake. Something she kept secret from me until we literally arrived at the hotel. Continue reading “Celebrating my birthday in Khao Sok National Park”
Rock Climbing in Railay Beach, Thailand
Having spent the last 5 months traveling around the world, light travel has been a key part of our adventures. We’ve put a lot of attention to every item that makes it into our backpacks because we have to carry each of them through land, air, and sea as we move between continents.
One of the few items we’ve made a big exception for, due to the little to no use they have gotten over the last 5 months, are our climbing shoes. I’m happy to report that finally and according to plan as we got to Thailand we put our climbing skills and equipment back on the walls.
Scuba Diving Certification in Koh Tao, Thailand
When you’re on an extended break from your normal working life, it becomes easier to make time for activities that might otherwise not be prioritized. This is how we found ourselves in Koh Tao, Thailand to do our PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications.
One week and 9 dives later, including a night dive, deep water dive to 30m / 90 feet and 4 sunrises (due to a 6am start-time 3 days in a row), we were happy to be certified and ready to dive around the world!
Continue reading “Scuba Diving Certification in Koh Tao, Thailand”
6 essential tools for traveling the world
Five months ago, we got rid of our apartment and most of our belongings to travel the world for an extended period of time. Along the way, we’ve become indebted to a few key tools that have made moving from country to country a total breeze. Here are our six essential tools for traveling the world in 2017. Continue reading “6 essential tools for traveling the world”
Australia Travels: NYE in Sydney, Fraser Island, and Whitsundays boat trip
After our intense and adventurous time through New Zealand, our travels took us to Sydney to see the world renowned fireworks over the bay bridge on New Year’s Eve and Opera House. With only 3 weeks to get through Australia before heading over to a longer and more relaxed time in Southeast Asia, we decided to optimize for getting some sun and seeing the white beaches that Australia is well known for.
With that in mind, we planned two must-do tours that many of our friends had recommended: Fraser Island and the Whitsundays islands. Continue reading “Australia Travels: NYE in Sydney, Fraser Island, and Whitsundays boat trip”
South Island, NZ Highlights (Pt. 3)
Wrapping up our adventures in the north island of New Zealand, we set off to Wellington, the spot where you cross by ferry to the south island. There, we parted ways with a big group of our newly-made friends. We were a little sad and a little excited; most long-term travelers get used to parting ways with new friends, who you’re likely to never see again, by hugging and smiling as you appreciate the special time and memories you shared.
These were our favorite stops in the south island:
North Island, NZ Highlights (Pt. 2)
Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience
We kicked off the second half of our north island adventure with a Maori cultural experience at Lake Aniwhenua. Stray has some special experiences that “take you off the beaten path” and this is one of them. Continue reading “North Island, NZ Highlights (Pt. 2)”
North Island, NZ Highlights (Pt. 1)
As we mentioned in our last blog post, to get around New Zealand, we decided to go with Stray, a hop on / hop off “tour” bus. After doing some price comparisons with renting a car or camper van, Stray, at about $500 USD each for 3 weeks of travel, turned out to be the most cost-effective way to see both islands. (Worth noting: this is an even better deal if you have more time, as the Stray pass is valid for 12 months, you can hop off and stay in a spot for as long as you’d like, and you can repeat the loops as often as you’d like).
Vagabonding Duo 