As I sit on the steps outside my guesthouse, staring down the burnt orange road ahead of me, it’s hard not to think of the country’s past. It’s hard not to think of the approximate one-million men, women, and children…

At this very moment, it’s half past two. I have a book to my left, a beer to my right, and a pen in hand. I went to bed shortly after ten last night and woke up just before seven.…

Oh, money. Why, oh why, can’t you just grow on trees? I don’t have much of a green thumb — in fact, my houseplants are probably hurting right now — but you can rest assured I’d figure it out… or…

Plans. We make them, we break them, we alter and dream. As we go about our daily lives, planning is the one constant. No matter where we are, who we are with or what we are doing, one thing is…

I am in love. And no, not just any kind of love. The kind that radiates. The kind that takes the words right out of your mouth, puts a skip in your step, and butterflies in your stomach — yes,…

If you’ve spent time in countries that are considered to be less developed (i.e., third world), one of your welcoming gifts comes in the form of a stomach bug. Unfamiliar bacteria makes its way into your system, typically through food,…

Although I knew my laptop battery was about to give way, I neglected to seek out a replacement before my departure — lesson learned. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed to make the discovery, especially after such a…

I’m stuck. I’m stuck on this itty-bitty island and I can’t get off. Why? The weather. The mother (bleeping) weather. Rain, wind, waves — we have it. The only way out is by boat, but that isn’t happening unless this…

I have a sunburn. 80% of me is tan; 20% is not (think of a mix between Crayola Radical Red and Jazzberry Jam). Apparently SPF 30 Sport doesn’t cut it in these parts. Or maybe laying out requires too much physical exertion.…

“That must be some book you’ve got there.” “Must be.” “I’m Mark.” “Leslie.” “So, Ms. Leslie, what are you reading?” “Uh, it’s called A Million Little Pieces. It’s about an addict attempting to get clean… if you really want to…

After a few days on the beach, I hopped on the back of a motorbike, which took me to a ferry, which took me to a tricycle. I boarded a plane, then a taxi, then a bus. After a few…

Traveling alone — it’s not for everyone. In fact, I would have to say that it’s not for most. Some, but certainly not most. It’s common to believe that experiences are best when shared. And perhaps that may be true. I…

When the staff at Travel + Leisure sets out to determine which plot of land, surround by water, is worthy of taking the lead on it’s annual list of islands, I’ve often wondered about the criteria on which these destinations…

There’s nothing quite like arriving in a foreign land, alone, just after one o’clock in the morning — much later than anticipated — finding your way to the metered taxi line, then striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler,…