Best Restaurants in Tamarindo

Written on December 3, 2016 in Costa Rica

Tamarindo is one of the most developed beaches in Guanacaste, and while these developments (often foreign investments) are criticized by locals, they have brought some incredible restaurants to town. Luckily, self-contained, all-inclusive resorts are still rare in Costa Rica and restaurants like these continue to thrive: Pangas Beach Club The bes...

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Panama Canal and City Tour

Written on June 3, 2016 in Panama

While staying at the American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo, I asked the concierge to arrange a half day, guided tour of the Canal Zone and Miraflores Locks. The hotel staff connected us with Juan Jose Calvache, the ​Executive Director of Manakin Adventures. Juan met me in the lobby of the hotel and was my private guide...

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Panama Canal’s Californian Connection

Written on June 1, 2016 in Panama

Californian Connection As a native Californian, I’ve always felt closely connected to the history of the Panama Canal. I was born down the street from Balboa Park, home to the most picturesque Spanish Colonial and Moorish Revival architecture in California. Many of the ornate buildings in San Diego’s Balboa Park were built for the Pana...

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Jodhpur: the Blue City

Written on March 14, 2016 in India

Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City, is one of India’s most historic cities. The natural red rocks perfectly compliment the beautiful blue architecture in this ancient city. Visiting India is any photographer’s dream, and there are dozens of picturesque sites throughout Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort The largest and most visible landmark in...

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Morocco: 3 Days in the Sahara

Written on September 15, 2015 in Marrakech

Morocco is nothing more than a poolside holiday to many European tourists. While there are beautiful resorts surrounding Marrakech, you will need to head east, over the Atlas Mountains, to truly experience Morocco. In August 2015, I hired Ali from Morocco Countryside Tours as a guide to take a friend and me on a three-day...

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Lisbon: City Guide

Written on September 4, 2015 in Portugal

Lisbon is a lovely city; it’s pretty, affordable, and the people are incredibly friendly. That being said, it’s overall lack of energy and commotion (when compared to other Western European capitals: London, Paris, Madrid) make it difficult to write about. I do think most visitors to Lisbon enjoy their stay; however, there is a reason.....

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How to see Costa Rica in 12 Days

Written on June 10, 2015 in Costa Rica

Almost every travel agent will give you the following itinerary:  San Jose → Arenal → Monte Verde → Manuel Antonio. While that trip will allow you to see a ton (cloud forests, waterfalls, national parks, wildlife, beaches, etc.), these places are also the most touristy. In my opinion, Arenal and Monte Verde can by skipped without a ton o...

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Booking the Inca Trail: Step-by-Step Guide

Written on May 6, 2012 in Peru

In March 2012, I did the 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail trek. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of tour companies and different options for a single hike. That said, I knew what I wanted to do: (1) Walk the traditional ‘Camino Inka’, (2) Camp under the stars, and (3) Descend through the Sun Gate...

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Bolivia: Road trip through the Andes

Written on March 31, 2012 in Bolivia

In March 2012, my family took a road trip from Cuzco, Peru to La Paz, Bolivia, after a 4-day trek along the Inka Trail. Along the way, we stopped at Lake Titicaca, Copacobana, and two ancient archeological sites, Pumapunku & Tiahuanaco. I will be sharing more details from this trip soon. Return to AWA Home...

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One week in Sevilla

Written on October 3, 2010 in Sevilla

My first time visiting Sevilla was only two days — just long enough to fall in love with what I found to be the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. I knew I’d have to go back, so the next time I planned an entire week there. What should you see if you’re planning at...

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