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Soles of a Nomad
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Family Travel in Mexico: A Final Road Trip Through the Yucatán
This was our last trip with all five of us. A road trip through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula gave us whale sharks, cenotes, ruins—and a chance to hold on just a little longer.

Rand Blimes
May 212 min read


Is Athens Worth Visiting? Our Honest Take on the City of Contrasts
Some people hate Athens. We get it. But we had one of our all-time favorite travel experiences there—eating lamb chops from a bucket on a hilltop at sunset. Athens has grit, history, character, and food that rivals any European capital. Here’s why we loved it.

Rand Blimes
May 217 min read


A Confession at the Gates: Tips for Photographing the Taj Mahal
In a morally questionable sprint through the gates of the Taj Mahal, I left my family behind to chase the holy grail of travel photography: a crowd-free shot of India’s most iconic monument. This is my confession. And yes, the photos were worth it.

Rand Blimes
May 123 min read


Celebrating Holi in Rishikesh: A Travel Break, a Color Fight, and a Bit of Beatles Vibe
Rishikesh turned out to be the perfect place for a family-friendly Holi: yoga, river sunsets, Beatles nostalgia, and a whole lot of color. Here’s how it went.

Rand Blimes
May 125 min read


Visiting Kochi, India: How Travel Can Really Choke You Up (Human Edition)
While staying at a small homestay in Kochi, India, we met Linda. She wasn’t just our host—she became a part of our journey, offering kindness, connection, and a glimpse into the emotional depth that sometimes finds you when you least expect it. This is the human side of travel.

Rand Blimes
May 103 min read


Cruising the Kerala Backwaters: Laziness as Coping
What do you do in the Kerala backwaters? Absolutely nothing—and that’s the point. We boarded a houseboat in Alleppey, floated past palm trees and pigeon-pecked laundry, and mastered the noble art of stillness.

Rand Blimes
May 85 min read


Family Travel Budget for Southeast Asia: The Whole Truth (and the Cost of Conditioner)
Forget the misleading blog budget claims. Here’s how we traveled Southeast Asia for a year on $100/day—with all the real costs and strategies included.

Rand Blimes
May 611 min read


A Sticky Table and Stickier Luck: A Tale of Travel Risk in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
We came to Tissa for kottu and leopards. We found the best kottu we’ve ever had and took a gamble on spotting Yala’s elusive leopards. One succeeded. One didn’t. And that’s what makes travel worth it.

Rand Blimes
May 54 min read


Nuts and Bolts: Travel Tips for Ella, Sri Lanka — The Sublime Art of Doing Nothing
Ella, Sri Lanka, offered us rain, bad wifi, and a masterclass in the sublime art of doing nothing. Here’s how we got there, where we stayed, and where to find the best roti in town.

Rand Blimes
May 56 min read


The Downside of Travel in Sri Lanka: Flamingo Balancing Acts, Jewel Scams, and the Fall of Lonely Planet
Sri Lanka promised curry breakfasts, blue whales, and gentle adventures. Instead, we found tuk tuk shakedowns, a resurrected jewel scam, and a train ride so crowded I balanced on one foot like a flamingo. Because travel.

Rand Blimes
May 49 min read


Yi Peng Lantern Festival Chiang Mai: A Night of Light, Chaos, and Family Memories
Join our family’s journey to the Yi Peng Lantern Festival Chiang Mai, where vows were kept, lanterns were launched, and a little chaos made for unforgettable memories.

Rand Blimes
May 44 min read


Banana Leaves and Night Markets: Chasing the Best Family Travel Moments in Luang Namtha, Laos
After years of family travel, I’ve learned the best moments aren’t the big-ticket adventures—they’re the muddy, sticky, pork belly-filled meals we share along the way

Rand Blimes
May 33 min read


Getting from Si Phan Don to Vang Vieng
After a week swinging in a hammock on Don Khon, it was time to head north to Vang Vieng. Our overland journey involved boats, minivans, a sleeper bus, and dodging more than one travel scam.

Rand Blimes
May 26 min read


From Mayhem to Mellow: Tubing in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng, Laos was once the epicenter of booze-fueled tubing mayhem, but after a string of tourist tragedies, the party ended. Now it’s a peaceful spot for rock climbing, kayaking, and lazy river days with family. Because travel.

Rand Blimes
May 23 min read


Nuts and Bolts: Travel Tips for Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Our family’s journey to Kanchanaburi included floating guesthouses, WWII history, waterfalls, and a few monkey-related mishaps. Here’s how to make the most of Kanchanaburi—plus travel lessons we won’t forget. Because travel.

Rand Blimes
May 26 min read


Planting Rice in Thailand
We thought planting rice in a Karen village would be simple. It wasn’t. Our backs gave out, the world spun, and we walked away muddy, sore, and deeply grateful. Because travel.

Rand Blimes
Apr 304 min read


What Do Kids Get Out of Travel?
Teenage friendships lost. Fried tarantulas gained. This is what one traveling dad hopes his daughters carry home from a year abroad. Because travel.

Rand Blimes
Apr 305 min read


Nuts and Bolts: Travel Tips for Georgetown, Penang
Our family of five spent five days sweating, wandering, and snacking our way through Georgetown, Penang. Here’s what worked — and what wasn’t worth it.

Rand Blimes
Apr 295 min read


The Train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
We took the night train from KL to Penang for the romance, the legroom, and the savings. The ferry was smooth. The walk? Let’s just say… sweaty.

Rand Blimes
Apr 292 min read


Eating at a Banana Leaf Restaurant in Melaka: the Gentle Joy of Bare Hands and a Breeze
Under a fan in a sweltering corner of Melaka’s Little India, we ate with our hands on banana leaves. Messy, sweaty, and completely wonderful.

Rand Blimes
Apr 293 min read
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