Soles of a Nomad

Kathmandu isn’t just a basecamp for Himalayan dreams. It’s a city of spirit, scars, and stories. I visited twice—once as a backpacker in 1999, once with my family after the devastating 2015 earthquake. What I found each time changed me.

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.

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.

We spent a month traveling in Rajasthan, India, with our family—visiting Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Jaipur. No scams. No disasters. Just camels, forts, thalis, and rooftop dinners under the desert stars. A journey that was almost suspiciously smooth.

Ellora isn’t just a collection of ancient caves—it’s a monument to human ambition, religious diversity, and spiritual artistry. In this post, we visit the Ellora Caves in India, where staggering beauty and harsh realities meet. Come for the hand-carved temples, stay for the existential whiplash.

Tired, dusty, and mildly marinated in sweat, we arrived at Palolem Beach and found paradise. This nuts and bolts guide offers practical tips, funny stories, and serious vindaloo recommendations from our sun-drenched week in one of Goa’s most charming beach escapes.

Booking train tickets in India almost broke me. But riding those trains across the country—through AC classes, sleeper bunks, and samosa-stuffed compartments—was one of the best travel experiences of my life. Here’s what it’s like to navigate India’s railway madness as a family of five.

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.

Kochi challenged our lungs and won our hearts. In a city where the streets are cleaner than most of India but the air turns to ash by dawn, we found humor, irony, and unexpected beauty.

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.

A family travel guide to Madurai, India—temples, chaos, dosa, rooftop views, and a surprising brush with fame. Because travel.

From bureaucracy to breathtaking temples, our arrival in Madurai reminded us why we travel. One night in India, and we found our travel smile again.

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.

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.

Some travelers scorn Sri Lanka’s stilt fishermen for posing for tourists. I disagree. Here’s why I happily paid—and why authenticity might be the most overrated travel value.

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.

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.

Plan to celebrate Yi Peng in Chiang Mai? Here’s a practical guide to finding the best lantern release spots, understanding the festival’s meaning, and tips for avoiding crowds and confusion during Thailand’s most magical night.

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.

Cave Lodge near Soppong, Thailand, is a legendary base for caving, kayaking, trekking, and swapping muddy adventure stories by the campfire. Not luxurious. Not polished. Absolutely unforgettable.