In the land of the Brothers Grimm, I was expecting creepy overgrown forests, quaint medieval towns, and maybe a gingerbread house or two. But, it turns out, the Brothers Grimm tales weren’t from the Black Forest region of Germany (most are from the central part). Why did I think they were from there? I don’t really know. Maybe I got that from Disney?...

Melbourne is my favorite city in Australia. It’s a vibrant, multicultural city known for its rich arts scene, world-class dining, and lively atmosphere. It’s a hub for backpackers and travelers too. The mix of old-world architecture and modern skyscrapers gives the city a unique charm. I especially love strolling through Melbourne’s iconic laneways,...

Boston, with its rich history, wide-open green spaces, and first-rate museums, is a must-visit city for any traveler. While I may be biased (I grew up here), I think more people should visit — especially history buffs and foodies. Whether you’re strolling the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, exploring the bustling Seaport District, or enjoying...

I’ve never been one of those travelers who goes crazy for gear. I like to pack light and keep things simple. That means no fancy drones, hefty DSLR cameras, bulky headphones, GoPros, or chunky hiking boots. If it doesn’t fit in my 40L backpack, it stays home. It’s why you hardly ever see me write posts on gear or suitcases. I’m a simple person: I...

Portugal’s picturesque capital is one of my favorite cities in the world. I always enjoy my time wandering its labyrinthine streets, enjoying the stunning ocean views, and sipping an endless flow of wine. Perched on the southern edge of the country’s west coast, Lisbon (or Lisboa, as the locals call it) offers an amazing blend of museums, historic...

Remember Couchsurfing? It was a website that allowed you to stay with locals (for free) and always had a plethora of events and meetups you could attend no matter where you were in the world. It was one of the best ways to meet locals and travelers on the road. It was one of my favorite sites. Pretty much everyone on the team here used it a lot over...