Soles of a Nomad

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.

We were in Istanbul for a family vacation, enjoying lamb dinners and lively streets—until our phones lit up with news of a military coup. This is the story of how we experienced the 2016 Istanbul coup attempt firsthand.

Once upon a time, we rode Eurail across Europe. But with three teenagers in tow, cheap flights made more sense. For $25–$45 a ticket, we zigzagged across the continent—and into Morocco—learning to pack light, print creatively, and negotiate with budget airline bureaucracy along the way.

It started with a photo at the Taj Mahal. It ended with me in a freezing river while my daughters calmly watched. Welcome to karma, rafting edition.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.