We are explorers, wanderers, travelers, nomads. We strive to project the authenticity of places we visit through honest words and visuals. Enjoy!
Are you considering a move to minimalism? Understand that you are not just disposing of random objects. You are, in fact, eliminating tangible indicators of the person who you wanted others to believe you are (read that twice). What will you do with a blank slate?
Hiking is simple, structured, quiet. I step into nature to calm the mind, soothe the soul, and find a little zen. This post is dedicated to anyone who thinks that hiking is just a hot, tiresome walk without a point. For me, hiking is a walking meditation that calms the monkey-mind and draws me into the present moment.
Our current health care system is not working for Americans. Pricing is irrational and quality is poor. That’s because healthcare in America has been hijacked by conglomerate monopolies that control pricing like cartels. In this post, I discuss the reasons our health care costs so much.
We traveled for 355 days in 9 countries. After 50 weeks on the road, we tallied our numbers and share our expense breakdown with you, along with commentary and lessons learned. We hope our data helps you with your Round the World trip planning. Dream big!
I broke my ankle in Argentina and paid $0 for emergency care, x-rays, doctor analysis, and pain medication…
In preparation for our trip around the world, I read many travel blogs. I was struck by how many long-term travelers were vegetarian. I wondered, do vegetarians travel more? Or was there something about global travel that made people become vegetarian?
I do not deal well with crowds and it is always a challenge for me to find a place of mental calm when faced with a mass of people and perceived pandemonium...
I offer two versions of our first traveling day to share the lesson I learned about attitude. We will encounter many unexpected hurdles this year. I am choosing RIGHT NOW to approach each challenge with a positive outlook.
It's getting quieter in this apartment, as we approach our move-out date. With less stuff, there is less choice. With less choice, there is less noise in my head.
Jeju Island is often referred to as the “Korean Hawaii”. In March 2024, we walked the majority of the Jeju Olle Trail (제주도 올레길), a 437 kilometer (270 miles) walking path that circumnavigates the island. Budget, logistics, food, and life on the trail…
This post covers our budget breakdown for the Jeju Olle Trail in South Korea. We spent a total of USD$1,860 over 17 days of walking…
We spent 17 days road tripping around Kyushu in February, hiking in national parks and pampering ourselves with leisurely kaiseki meals and hot spring pools...
“Jigoku” means “hell” and the geothermal hot spring fields in Unzen do create a surreal inferno-like landscape. From hot springs to castles to buried houses, there is so much to do in Shimabara and Unzen National Park!
Takachiho’s legends — and the beautiful Gokase River gorge — have captured the imagination of curious travelers and manga lovers worldwide. The highlight is Takachiho’s Evening Kagura, a ritualistic performance with costumes, masks, and music…
We stayed at a Japanese "love motel" in Fukuoka, an over-the-top experience. Of course, we didn't just go there for the kitschy accommodations...
Our winter roadtrip around Kyushu, Japan, included several days of hiking, hot springs, and gluttonous kaiseki in Yufuin and Beppu in Kyushu’s Oito Prefecture…
Witnessing the enormous power of planet earth’s most primordial act of creative destruction is an unforgettable thrill! We hiked Mount Aso in Kyushu, Japan...
When we visited Nagasaki, I was prepared for a solemn day of dark tourism and reflection. What I did not expect was the inspiring message of love and hope that we also received from Takashi Nagai...
Hida-Takayama is one of those rare destination gems that reward the intrepid traveler. Its commitment to cultural and historical preservation educates and inspires. Surrounded by mountains, it’s also a gateway to the natural, untainted beauty of Japan.
Japan’s unique Gassho villages are an excellent example of emergent adaptation to natural environment, isolation, and economic necessity — earning them the status and protection of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Far more than just Instagram-worthy, they offer an experiential snippet of living history…
This post series details our 5-day high altitude hut-to-hut trek in the Japan Northern Alps in late September 2023. Our trek started at Murodo and ended at Shin-Hotaka in Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, covering 40 miles and loads of ascent and descent…
Japan Alps: This post provides cost, budget and logistical details for our 5-day hut-to-hut trek in the Japanese Northern Alps.
Kamikochi in Chubu Sangaku National Park is the most iconic tourist destination in the region. We spent our last day in the Japan Alps walking a forest path, soaking in the sights, and planning our return trip…
North and South Korea are, technically, still at war. To appreciate Korea's recent history and internalize the tense relationship with North Korea, a trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and Panmunjeom is essential. Organized tours provide a one day trip from Seoul…
Muui Island (무의도 "Mu-ee-do") is just across the bay from Incheon airport, but totally immune from Seoul's urban vibe. This tiny rustic island is a terrific place for a day of rest or exercise, with beaches, hiking trails and incredible sunset views.
There are a series of little islands just west of Gimpo that offer fresh air, calm natural beauty, naval history and UNESCO world heritage dolmens. Ganghwa Do and its satellite islands are definitely off-the-beaten tourist path, but accessible via bus, car, and ferry from Seoul or Gimpo.
Jeong Seon pioneered the notion of realistic “true-view” landscape painting in Asia. For viewers in the modern age, his paintings provide a glimpse back in time. See also the companion exhibit by contemporary digital artist Lee Lee Nam.
Our 10 day Yucatan road trip officially started in Playa del Carmen, where we had the opportunity to live like a local. In this post, we detail some of the more local, off-the-beaten path spots in PDC, Mexico - and share car rental logistics in Mexico…
First stop on our 10 day Yucatan road trip was a cool dip in Taak Bi Ha underground cenote, near Tulum…
Valladolid is a colorful but sleepy little town west of the Mayan Riviera and our home base for several nights while we explored surrounding sites. We came here for the food, but fell in love with the slow pace, night market, funky art shops, and street carts…
On our 10 day Yucatan road trip, we made two separate day trips from Valladolid. The first was to Coba, where we were schooled in ancient Mayan shaman medicinal practices and then we explored Chichen Itza, one the of most famous and well-preserved city-state ruins in the Yucatan…
Another stop on our 10 day Yucatan Mexico road trip was to the Izamal, the yellow city. This cheerful little town is the home of Kinich, one of Mexico’s TOP restaurants for Mayan cuisine (cochinita pibil anyone?)…
Merida is the capital of Yucatan and full of surprises! Lots here to steal our hearts, including the Korean Immigration Museum, Luis de Galvez Market, and the free art exhibit at City Hall…
Holbox was our island and beach destination of choice on our 10 day Yucatan road trip in Mexico. It is still a work in progress, so it’s a virgin destination for the intrepid traveler seeking bioluminescent marine life and whale sharks…
Tulum was the final destination in our 10-day Yucatan Peninsula road trip. It’s a town designed for Instagram, but we still found a few hidden gems…
In 1905, over 1,000 Koreans immigrated to Merida, Mexico, to work the henequen fields. This is their story…
My biggest take-away from our 24 days on the John Muir Trail is that every person’s journey on any trail is going to be unique, shaped by prior hiking experience, physical conditioning, ability to acclimate, weather, gear and many other variables. Sure - watch and read other people’s reports to get a sense for what to expect. But walk into the wilderness expecting the unexpected…because it’s the “unexpected” that turns a planned through-hike into a memorable adventure.
This post costs our packing list, base weight details, and budget for our 24 day through-hike of the John Muir Trail in 2022.
If you like history (or a calmer quality of life beyond Seoul), you will LOVE Gyeongju! This area was once the capital of the Shilla Kingdom, where King Munmu in the 600 AD period was able to unify three kingdoms into one central state. Tomb parks, temples, beaches and food!
A weekend of relaxation and contemplation is just 3 hours from Seoul on the KTX high speed train to Suncheon, in South Jeolla Province. This get-away is zero stress! Activities include deeply inhaling the sweet smell of pine, listening to the entrancing sway of bamboo, sipping green tea, and embracing silence.
Ulsan is just north of Busan on South Korea’s east coast. This lovely town on the banks of the grand Taehwa River is typically off the typical tourist radar, yet has so much to offer for outdoor enthusiasts!
From Seoul, a high-speed train criss-crossing the country to Busan in the southeast takes only 2.5 hours. Yes, it’s possible to build sandcastles and dip your toes in the East Sea by lunch time when traveling from Seoul! Read about the local beaches…
Namhae Island in Hallyeohaesang National Park sits among a sea of 76 other islands scattered off the southern coast of South Korea. See terraced rice paddies, village street art and turtle ships (the world’s first iron-clad war ships).
With dramatic seascapes, secret gardens, and pebble beaches, Geoje Island in Hallyeohaesang National Park is just 40 minutes west of Busan. Visit Oe Garden Park, Hakdong Pebble Beach and the cliffs at Heageumgang…
The hike to the summit of Suraksan is fun, with some crazy steep slopes and interesting rock formations. Expect hand-over-hand cables at the top, stair climbs, and sweeping views.
Just two hours south of Seoul by bus, the eight scenic views of Gyeryongsan National Park await your discovery. Gyeryong Mountain has been held sacred for over a thousand years and its claim to fame is…
There are many routes to the summit of Bukhansan’s highest peak, Baegundae. This route begins at the Bamgol entrance on the western side of the park. It is tough, wild, and extremely picturesque…
The Seoul Dulle Gil is divided into eight sections ideal for day hikes. Each section trailhead is near a subway stop for easy accessibility. Whether you are in Seoul for the weekend, the month, or the year, a hike is just a short metro ride away. We had a blast collecting the 28 stamps as we hiked the 157 kilometer (~97 miles) course.
The Seoul Dulle Gil is divided into eight sections ideal for day hikes. Each section trailhead is near a subway stop for easy accessibility. Whether you are in Seoul for the weekend, the month, or the year, a hike is just a short metro ride away. We had a blast collecting the 28 stamps as we hiked the 157 kilometer (~97 miles) course.
The Slovene Mountain Trail — also known as the Slovenska Planinska Pot, SPP-1 and Transversala — is a nearly 350 mile continuous trail criss-crossing Slovenia through the Alps and to the Mediterranean Sea. In the following posts, we share what we learned about terrain, equipment, cost, accommodation, food, culture, side-trips and other tidbits within the various stages.
We traveled for 355 days in 9 countries. After 50 weeks on the road, we tallied our numbers and share our expense breakdown with you, along with commentary and lessons learned. We hope our data helps you with your Round the World trip planning. Dream big!
“When you’re here, you’re one of us,” our tour guide Martin explained. We spent five weeks in Buenos Aires, discovering each neighborhood, drinking mate, slowing down and enjoying happiness…
Touring Argentina’s wine country is about slowing down (quality over quantity). We spent three days enjoying three unique experiences in Argentina’s wine regions and I recommend every place mentioned in this post…
While Chile’s W and O trails are the most popular Patagonian trekking circuits, Argentina has its fair share of less-trafficked routes that are just as awesome as Torres del Paine. In this guide, we share a few trails you may not have heard about in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, Patagonia.
After a misstep that led to a broken ankle, we faced a new challenge in our travels: Accessibility. Fortunately for us, Iguazu National Park has a number of services to accommodate visitors of all ages and ability.
Salinas Grandes in Argentina is indeed worth the road trip, but not just for the dazzling destination. Argentina’s Route 52 is one of the highest roads in the world, with some of the most colorful landscapes…
Yes, you are eager to explore Argentina’s famous Route 40. But don’t rush out of Salta! This pretty town is worth a day or two of exploration before hitting the road. Here are four must-do’s!
Was this really the way to the famous Fourteen Colors Mountain (Cerro de Catorce Colores) in Humahuaca, Argentina? We took the road less traveled, but it was an adventure!
Hell’s Gate National Park, just a two- or three-hour drive from Nairobi, is a great alternative to an expensive organized safari tour…especially if you are just in town for business or you are a budget-conscious traveler. We made a day trip to the park for less than USD$180…
Out of Africa is a beautiful lesson in non-attachment. We visited the Karen Blixen museum just outside of Nairobi…
We spent several weeks in the Ruaka and Westlands areas of Nairobi, Kenya. Here is our impression of this modern, rapidly expanding city.
Warning! This story may set a new high bar in your mind for corporate responsibility! The story of Haller park is a tale of patience and rehabilitation. Now a lush, verdant garden paradise, Haller Park was a limestone quarry wasteland forty years ago…
Hakuna matata - no worries! That’s the vibe in Jambiani Beach on the east coast of Zanzibar, where the people are quick generous, caring and quick to smile…
Have you ever dreamed of an African safari? Seeing the world’s largest animals in their natural environment? During a three day game drive through Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we saw all the major "stars" and whole lot more!
If you visit the Kilimanjaro area of Tanzania, you will spend your days with the singing, fun-loving Chaggas, who have inhabited the hills of this region for hundreds of years. Travel Is Zen spent the afternoon learning how to make the perfect cup of coffee…
I completely underestimated what it takes to hike Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. Every preconception I had about the world’s tallest freestanding mountain was proved a misconception. Truth be told, I got my ass kicked on that mountain, but I learned a lot!
While in Mumbai, we stayed in the Bandra area, along the Arabian Sea coast. We joined a walking tour to learn more about Portuguese and British influence in this neighborhood…
It’s called a slum, but through sheer grit and determination, Dharavi in Mumbai has a $650 million annual micro-economy. India is a Russian doll: there’s always someone worse off…