Most of us don’t travel full-time. Most of us, including me, have only a few weeks of vacation time every year during which we can leave our jobs and real lives behind to visit someplace different. Traveling requires an investment … Read More
I’m just going to come right out and say it: I’m a fan of group tours. I’ve been on several and already have my eye on a couple more for future trips. I’ve had universally positive experiences (knock on wood) … Read More
“Who can do 500 pull-ups?” our guide asked, holding up his hand. The group laughed uncertainly and no one responded. “If you want to do the equivalent of 500 pull-ups tonight, go ahead and paddle with your arms. If you … Read More
Queue halcyon flute music. Queue short people with oversize, hairy feet. Queue quite possibly the most amazing attraction you’ll see on your New Zealand adventure. Welcome to Hobbiton, a now-permanent structure that was originally constructed as a temporary set for … Read More
It was night time, quite late—that much I remember. I think there were six of us, or maybe five. Enough that we didn’t fit comfortably into the taxi on the way there. Enough that we couldn’t or didn’t all pile … Read More
I thought I had been hiking before. I even thought I had done one or two challenging hikes in my lifetime. I was mistaken. The hike on the Alex Knob trail—located in New Zealand’s Westland Tai Poutini National Park—was a … Read More
Food can make or break a trip. It can be the most memorable aspect of your trip because it’s amazingly delicious—or memorable because it’s so NOT delicious. I still remember the most amazing sandwich I’ve ever had, from a little … Read More
The mountain town of Queenstown, New Zealand, is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and maybe the world. It’s a small place with a hip and rugged Park City, Utah, vibe that caters to tourists, especially adrenaline junkies. … Read More
“Ho ho!” our guide called out, holding a long black umbrella with a curved handle into the air. “Ho ho! This way!” He was a thin man of medium height with a brown-and-gray beard, dressed in a long, white linen, … Read More
The water was deepest blackish-blue and glassy when we set off in our kayaks. I took the rear seat while my friend Amanda sat in front. It was her first time in a kayak and I thought she’d like the … Read More