Your Introspective Tour Guide to the World

How to Make Familiar Local Adventures More Exciting

October 20, 2020October 21, 2020 by Bernard San Juan III

As we grow older, our lives settle into familiar, predictable routines. The inexorable passage of time makes each similar day blend into one continuous stream of monotony. When older people look back, their most vivid memories are probably associated with youth and early adulthood. We need to travel for novel experiences. It disrupts the steady, one-note existence of everyday living. But it may take time before travel returns to normal. With the ongoing pandemic, most people will be limited to local adventures for the time being. Exploring less-known destinations has its charm, but when international travel is your measuring stick, …

Survival in a Bag: Assembling Your Bug Out Bag

October 9, 2020October 8, 2020 by Bonnie Rush

Bug out bags go by different names: 72-hour bag, Go Kit, Bail Bag, Go Bag — but they all mean the same thing: a survival kit that will help you endure 72 hours in the wild or after evacuating your home from an emergency or a natural disaster. Bug out bags are meant to be deployed ASAP, so prepare them ahead of time. They are, however, only meant for short-term survival, so they should be lightweight and small enough to be carried in a backpack. Although it’s tempting to put everything in your bag (e.g. all the flashlights in the …

Why Australia is the Vacation Destination Spot You’re Missing

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020 by Bernard San Juan III

Okay, we get it. Daydreaming over making wanderlust a reality once again is the closest we’ll get to getting to the other side of the globe. BUT… when the pandemic is over, that bucket list better be as ready as tourist spots will ever be because it’s just a matter of time before everyone finds a reason to sprint to the airport. I’m thinking of the perfect vacation, and warm sunshine on my face while sipping my favorite rosé for brunch is at the top of my list. That, while wearing a beautiful straw hat with one of those black French ribbons on …

Top Gear You Need For Backpacking

August 4, 2020 by Bonnie Rush

Backpacking can be fun and exciting, however, it is certainly a trip that you need to be prepared for. This is why we have put together a list of some of the essential that you need to get ticked off before you head off on your adventure: A Decent BackPack Unfortunately, you can’t just pick up any old backpack when it comes to a backpacking trip. You need it to be reliable, big enough, and comfortable. You need to consider things like the amount of equipment you need to carry, your size as it can affect the size of bag …

The Real Barcelona! Getting To Know The City’s Hidden Treasures

July 30, 2020 by Bonnie Rush

The stunning architecture, the vibrant culture, the passionate football fans, the delicious and ample tapas… It’s easy to see why so many travel-hungry tourists are in love with Barcelona. It’s one of those cities where you visitors can (and do) spend entire days simply walking around and taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the city. But like all major cities, Barcelona has its tourist traps. Those iconic and celebrated landmarks that are hailed as “must-see” by every guide on the bookstore shelf… but that all too often underwhelm when we see them in person. Not least because they’re …

How to be a Faultless Airbnb Guest When Traveling

July 29, 2020 by My Travel Backpack

Our travel plans have all been interrupted recently, but hopefully, we can get back to normal before long. When you do start traveling again, you should aim to be the best possible guest you can be, especially when staying in Airbnb rentals. If anything, in the post-COVID world, being conscientious of our responsibilities to those around us is only going to be greater than ever. Here are some tips on what you can do to become a faultless Airbnb guest when traveling. Communicate with the Host First of all, you should do the basic things right. When you’re traveling, you’re …

Then and Now: Ancient Biblical Places and Where They Are Today

June 22, 2020June 22, 2020 by Brooke Verlini

The Bible can be treated like a chronicle of events that started Christianity. It features the accounts of various witnesses in different places, whose names would sound strange or foreign today. But did you know that a lot of these places still exist today? They go by different names these days, of course, but they very well are the same locations mentioned in the Holy Book. So the next time you go on a Mormon cruise, you will have a deeper appreciation of the places you visit. Here are some of the more prominent ones that you may have read about …

How to Plan for Your New Life Abroad

June 16, 2020 by Bonnie Rush

Heading off into the sunset, leaving your old life behind is undoubtedly an appealing idea. Everyone loves a fresh start, so if you are looking for the ultimate in new beginnings, emigrating is the ultimate choice. Whether you are counting the days until your retirement so that you can head abroad for a life in the sun, or you are longing for a change of scenery, there are many reasons why people move abroad to start a new life as an expat. While emigrating is a life-long dream for many, making this dream a reality can be a challenge. If …

A Winter Wonderland Escape in Svalbard

June 4, 2020 by Bonnie Rush

When you think of vacationing in the middle of winter, what comes to mind? Seeking out tropical lush places to defrost your cold toes? Sun-baked beaches to explore? Maybe, but just maybe you should also be thinking about some of the most Northern places you can explore. Yes, even in the dead of winter. Nestled between the 74th and 81st parallel, one of the most stunning places you may ever have the opportunity to visit in the dead of winter is the small area of Svalbard, Norway. During the dead of winter, the islands of Svalbard experience Polar Night: a …

Luxury Party 101: Throwing the Perfect Gathering on a Budget

May 27, 2020May 30, 2020 by Brooke Verlini

Some people seem to be born with an innate party-throwing life skill. They instinctively know what works best and are not afraid to take on the daunting task of planning and hosting a party. But, for some of us, throwing a party can be stressful. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small gathering of friends or a big birthday milestone; each carries its own set of stressors. But not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Consider this your cheat sheet on what you need to throw that utterly luxurious gathering of your dreams. Pick the Right Venue What’s the occasion …