Neist Point Lighthouse is perched on a narrow spit of land on the Isle of Skye’s northwestern coast. It sits high above the waves where the wind howls around it constantly, looking towards the islands of the Outer Hebrides. To … Read More
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
As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m a big fan of group tours. It can be nice to have someone else take care of logistics and transportation so all I have to do is have a good time. When … Read More
Imagine falling asleep to only the sound of the wind. Imagine waking up not to an alarm but to the sound of birds and the tickle of sunlight on your eyelids. Imagine being in the middle of hypnotically undulating prairie … 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
The wind gusts did not deter us from getting off the bus. We had been driving for at least two hours, heading steadily towards the coast. At last, the ocean broke into view, grayish green and frothing against the shore. … 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