Soles of a Nomad

The family celebrating Yi Peng in Chiang Mai, Thailand As soon as someone finds out you’ve caught the travel bug and been a few places,...

Wondering if you really need to learn about a country before you visit? You don’t have to become a historian or linguist—but even a little background can turn your trip from surface-level sightseeing into something far more meaningful. This post lays out two compelling reasons why doing some pre-trip learning helps you connect more deeply with the places you visit—and offers practical, reasonable-effort ways to get started.

What I actually pack after years of travel: the useful, the random, and the stuff I’ve finally stopped bringing. Plus: the binder clips I’d never leave home without.

We spent four days deep in the Peruvian Amazon — holding caimans, spotting sloths, dodging spiderwebs, and trying (and failing) to catch piranha. Here’s what it’s really like to take an Amazon jungle tour from Iquitos.

Most people visit Isla de los Monos (Monkey Island) on a tour. We didn’t. This is the story of how we got there on our own: two boats, zero signs, and more monkey snuggles than we knew what to do with.

Iquitos is more than a gateway to the Amazon—it’s a city with rhythm, color, and stories of its own. Here are our best tips for visiting Iquitos, including what to pack, where to stay, how to stay healthy, and what to do in and around this unforgettable jungle city.

Sea lions, penguins, and guano — oh my! The Ballestas Islands may not be the Galapagos, but they offer a chaotic and entertaining slice of coastal Peru. Here’s what to expect (and what not to).

What happens when you wake up at 4:45 a.m., forget your hotel key, and end up climbing a sand dune through fog just in time for sunrise? In Huacachina, it means you stumble into something unforgettable.

Huacachina is Peru’s legendary desert oasis, surrounded by golden dunes and adrenaline-packed fun. Here's everything you need to know before your visit—lodging, food, tours, and why sunrise is the best time to climb.

Machu Picchu is unforgettable — but not always for the reasons you expect. Here's what to know before you go: the good, the bad, and the overpriced.

Aguas Calientes is more than just the last stop before Machu Picchu. This guide offers practical tips on weather, getting there, eating, sleeping, and navigating the town.

There isn’t just one Rainbow Mountain anymore—there are two. Here’s your guide to choosing the right one, setting realistic expectations, and staying safe at altitude.

Travel isn’t all beaches and bliss. This brutally honest list of 14 cons of travel digs into the risks, realities, and contradictions that come with the road.

Can a rock in a wall teach more than a lecture hall? It can when you’re in Cusco. This post explores why travel is the best education—and what magic looks like in stone.

Cusco is more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s a high-altitude blend of history, chaos, charm, and churros. Here are smart, honest tips for making the most of your visit—plus how many days you really need.

The Pastoruri Glacier hike is short, scenic, and seriously high. But more than that, it’s a farewell tour—this glacier is melting fast. Come for the views, stay for the existential dread.

The Laguna 69 Day Hike is no gentle stroll. Between the altitude, the crowds, and the switchbacks that never end, this trek earns every ounce of your awe—and your exhaustion. Here’s what it’s really like to tackle one of Peru’s most iconic trails.

Laguna Parón is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Peru—and also the easiest to reach on a short hike. Here’s how our trip went sideways before it even started, and why it still turned into one of the best days we had in the Andes.

Huaraz, Peru is your gateway to the stunning Cordillera Blanca—but it’s not all glaciers and peaks. From high-altitude acclimatization to the city’s best eats and most breathtaking day hikes, here’s everything you need to know before heading to Peru’s rugged mountain capital.

Lima is more than just a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu. With coastal walks, world-class food, vibrant neighborhoods, and deep history, Peru’s capital has plenty to offer. These travel tips for visiting Lima will help you make the most of your time in the city.