Florida is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and delicious oranges, but there’s a lot more to the Sunshine State than meets the eye. Did you know that Tampa boasts the longest continuous sidewalk in the world? Or that Opa-Locka used to go by the tongue-twister name Opatishawockalocka? From diverse wildlife and theme parks to unique weather and rich history, Florida is brimming with fascinating facts and fun activities. Here’s a taste of what makes Florida so special. Having moved to Florida a year ago from the West Coast, I’ve discovered just how incredible this state truly is. Here…

Mexico often gets pigeonholed as just a destination for all-inclusive resorts or as too perilous for solo travel. Neither of those beliefs is accurate. Backpacking in Mexico is an unforgettable experience. Sure, places like Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan are popular for short vacations, and yes, there are some risky areas. But once you hit the ground and start backpacking, you’ll discover a country brimming with adventure, history, culture, delicious food, and welcoming locals. My partner and I have spent over eight months traveling around Mexico without any trouble or feeling unsafe (minus a slight unease in…

“Mexico is nothing but resorts, beaches, and Speedos!” That’s what we used to think before our recent trip to the “Land of the Aztecs.” Our prior experience was a one-week, all-inclusive resort stay back in 2007. During that trip, we mostly stayed within the resort and hardly ventured beyond the bottom of our margarita glasses. But now, seven years later, after spending over two months traveling independently around Mexico, we’ve discovered that the country offers so much more than just beach bars and bikinis. There are endless places to visit in Mexico. We carved our own path, weaving through Mexico’s…

Visiting Tampa is always exciting. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, there’s plenty to do both in the city and on its outskirts. It’s definitely one of my favorite places in the US. Tampa is a large city filled with history, nature, culture, and an abundance of fantastic restaurants and bars. Exploring it is a joy, but it helps to know the best spots in advance. When I first visited Tampa, I didn’t know what to expect. A friend suggested it, and they were right—I’ve revisited many times since. In this post, I’ll share my experiences in Tampa.…

With so many places to visit and things to do in Nova Scotia, it can be tough to pick the must-sees, especially if you’re short on time. From scenic drives and hiking trails to fresh seafood and colorful fishing towns, Nova Scotia is full of incredible experiences waiting to be discovered. We spent 15 days exploring Halifax, Cape Breton Island, the South Shore, Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley, and Northumberland Shore. And we barely scratched the surface! Though small, Nova Scotia offers a lot for travelers. Halifax is a fantastic starting point. Just a 30-minute…

Isla Mujeres, known as the Island of Women, is definitely worth a day trip from Cancun. But if you have the time, we highly recommend staying for a week or longer to truly enjoy this idyllic island! Here are some tips to help you make the most of your stay on Isla Mujeres: The fast ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres is both safe and efficient. If you prefer air conditioning, head into the main cabin. For fresh air and great views, the upper deck is the place to be. Large bags are stored at the back of the boat…

We’ve been to Mexico many times, exploring places like Guanajuato, Mexico City, Valladolid, and San Cristobal de las Casas. What we love most about Mexico is that every visit feels unique, with each state offering its own special cuisine and culture. Mexico is truly one of our favorite countries. With many friends here, it almost feels like a second home, drawing us back more than once. This was our first visit to Colima state. Sitting in our Manzanillo apartment with just six days left in this Pacific coast city, which has been our home for six weeks, I’m finding it…