Soles of a Nomad

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

Practical travel tips for Luang Prabang, Laos—including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and how to enjoy this beautiful tourist trap without falling into common pitfalls.

Luang Prabang is a tourist trap—and that’s OK. Between the kitschy night market, Western restaurants, and surprisingly good cheese, this little Lao town offers a charming, if touristy, escape

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.

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.

The view from my hammock on Donn Khon Why We Needed an Exit from Thailand   At the end of September 2015, I needed to get out of...

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.

One of Ayutthaya's iconic sites: the head of an ancient statue, trapped in a tree The first two times I came to Thailand I skipped...

Looking for a floating market with more locals than tourists? Head to Amphawa! Here’s everything you need to know, from how to get there to the joys of boat noodles, fireflies, and the infamous swimming monkeys. Because travel.

In the quiet pre-dawn light of Amphawa, I watched monks paddle gently down the canal collecting morning alms. This timeless ritual of merit-making offered both beauty and a lesson in humility. I stood back with my camera, wondering—as I often do—if capturing these moments adds meaning or takes it away. Because travel.

While in Bangkok, I joined an NGO helping refugees at the Immigration Detention Center. What seemed like a small gesture turned into a powerful lesson in humanity. Even a few hours of your time can make a real difference.

Bangkok may be huge, but it’s surprisingly easy to navigate. Here’s my ultimate guide to getting around Bangkok—from Grab and taxis to the Skytrain, MRT, and boats.

A family’s nuts-and-bolts guide to Chiang Mai: weather, transportation, where to stay, how to get around, and top things to do—plus plenty of food advice.

The Cowboy Hat Lady dishing up piles of khao ka moo near Chiang Mai's North Gate Chiang Mai is one of my favorite places in the world....

We travel to eat—and no place does food better than Bangkok. Here’s my guide to the best street food, storefront restaurants, and must-eat dishes in the city.

Returning to Bangkok felt like a homecoming—and we celebrated with a feast at Boat Noodle Alley, near Victory Monument. Here’s how to find it and what to order.

Mae Chaem is the quiet northern Thailand town that stole our hearts—green rice fields, friendly locals, noodle soup, and not a tour group in sight.

We left Mae La Oop thinking the journey to Mae Chaem would be simple. Instead, it involved standing on a truck bumper, climbing onto the roof, and riding through a mountain storm.

I sat cross-legged on a porch in northern Thailand, listening to four hours of a meeting I couldn’t understand. But what I saw—local people solving local problems—was unforgettable.

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.