Published December 2023 This November, I took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bike across India in luxury. What? Yes, you heard that right. And with 430 of my coworkers from Backroads! Each year, the active travel company where I work offers an all-staff bike ride in a different part of the world. Last year, I missed the …
How to be a Socially Responsible and Sustainable International Traveler
Socially responsible and sustainable travel is imperative to making the world a more equitable, culturally accepting, and better place. A few small actions go a long way. For the past 10 years, I’ve explored and questioned the identity of the tourist through collegiate studies, living and studying abroad in various capacities, literature, film, media, and …
5 Best Places to Paddleboard Around Mammoth Lakes
I lived in Mammoth Lakes, California for over a year and I can honestly say the paddleboarding location options there are abundant. Here, I’ll share my 5 favorite spots to paddleboard around Mammoth Lakes. Lake Mary: Accessible and Easy Lake Mary is the most popular spot to paddleboard around Mammoth Lakes. It’s stunning and easily …
6 Days in The Algarve: Sun, Sea & Sand
6 Days in the Algarve for Sunshine Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts When dreaming up the surf trip we’ve always wanted to make a reality, we set our sights on Portugal’s Algarve. With tickets booked to London to see family and one week of time set aside for the next outdoor adventure, we were amped up …
The Ultimate Fall Day Trip to Yosemite
We took a fall day trip to Yosemite this year right before the Tioga Pass closed. This past weekend, we drove from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park for a day trip. Knowing the Tioga Pass would close sometime in October, we saw that the weather was going to be warm and sunny and made …
Returning Home From Abroad: Tears and a Big Reunion
“Returning Home from Abroad: Tears and a Big Reunion” is part of a month-long series I am doing on my readjustment into the US after living in New Zealand for 2 years during Covid-19. I had a pretty big weekend. I moved continents and countries. I left New Zealand and went long-distance with my boyfriend …
Social Media And Mental Health: Let’s Talk About It
Just the highlights of people’s lives are broadcasted on social media. All the accomplishments, beautiful views, and the picture-perfect curated moments are presented to the world. But what about the not-so-good days, difficult feelings, and the times where life doesn’t go as planned? Ultimately, social media cannot replace human connection although many people treat it …
Everything You’ll Need for Your First Snowboard Season
Everything you’ll need for your first snowboard season! Snowboard Gear for Rookies Last year, I was debating if snowboarding was worth the hype. I couldn’t shake the image of a bunch of old white dudes cheersing at the ski resorts. In the US, it didn’t seem like the most inclusive or fun sport. It was …
How to Spend a Sunny Day in Queenstown
Spend the day in Queenstown! Luckily, there is no shortage of both free and commercial activities to choose from. After living here for six months, I’ve tried to perfect the delicate balance of enjoying the free activities the region has to offer and treating myself to more pricey options without breaking the bank. Above all, …
Backpacking in Abel Tasman National Park
Published December 2019. Backpacking in Abel Tasman is my favorite thing I have done in my 8 months in New Zealand, hands down! After hiking 13km with blisters on our feet, Nick and I arrived at the most incredible beach; it happened to be the wrong beach. We then swam 30 meters to the south …