This year, I boarded my first scuba diving liveaboard in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. I’ve been diving for 15 years, but the idea of being stuck in tight quarters at sea with no escape never appealed to me—until the temptations of a manta ray citizen science project at one of the most spectacular dive sites […]

Going on your first liveaboard? I know you probably have a million questions, and what to pack for a liveaboard dive trip is probably at the top of the list! I’ve been a diver for 15 years, but went on my first liveaboard just 1 year ago. I was a little intimidated by the idea […]

When I got the itch to leave my 2-month stay in Bali to explore somewhere with a few less juice bars and volcano-screaming spiritual gurus, my curiosity nudged me toward Taiwan. It’s sometimes overlooked by tourists in Asia, and I didn’t have a plan—no Pinterest board, must eat, or must do list. But after a […]

Looking for the best tips for driving the Road to Hana in Maui? You’re in the right place! The Road to Hana, or Hana Highway, is a 64-mile scenic road trip on the northeast coast of Maui, Hawaii. Bubbling waterfalls, black lava sand beaches, rainbow bamboo, plunging sea cliffs, and overflowing tropical gardens of Jurassic […]

When you visit Hakodate, Japan, there are so many things that you don’t want to miss: meandering through the red-brick warehouse district, taking a walking tour of the European-style churches, sipping your way through the surprisingly solid craft beer scene, visiting Fine Days Burger, and riding the gondola up to Mt. Hakodate for that famous […]

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025 Fact: Koalas are as sleepy, slow, and cuddly as you’ve imagined. And if you’ve ever dreamed of hanging out with them ethically, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia is probably #1 on your list of places to do it. It’s the world’s largest and oldest koala sanctuary, but there a few […]

Osaka buzzes with energy at all hours, and if you’re anything like me, you want to stay close to the action, but not in the middle of a tourist stampede. So if you’re wondering where to stay in Osaka, you’re in the right place! These three neighborhoods are the best of both worlds: character, killer […]

Looking for unique places to visit in Japan for nature? Known as Japan’s “Lemon Island,” Setoda is a small town on the island of Ikuchijima off of Hiroshima. It’s a refreshing escape from the crowded cities, with citrus-scented breezes, seaside cycling paths, lemon groves, mom-and-pop cafes, coastal hiking, and plenty of ryokans (traditional spa hotels). […]