You're in a stable relationship for a year, or two, or four, or whatever. Things seem to go well. You are both happy with each other and enjoy spending regular quality time together. Then, an opportunity arises for one of you to study or work abroad for a few months... would you take the opportunity and risk the relationship? Although enthusiasts would argue that a solid relationship can survive the distanc ...

When I backpacked Europe of a year, I had to find smart, easy ways to keep my most important belongings close to me. Not only my valuables I had to take special care of, but also myself. Since it is a fact that all women need to travel 100 percent more carefully than men, due to basic problems that can occur very easily. A few quick tips I have learned over that last few years from backpacking is watch the ...

Rio de Janeiro is a city filled with places to see and things to do: ride on the cable car of Pão de Açúcar, watch the sunset from Arpoador, bike-ride around the lagoa, hop on a tram in Santa Teresa, visit the National Park of Tijuca, party in Lapa and of course, sunbathe on the famous beaches of Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema and Leblon. But what better way to experience Rio than from a bird-eye view?  This bei ...

Capoeira may have a different meaning depending on who you ask. In Portuguese, it literally means "Chicken Coop". However, the native Americans would argue that Kaá (leaf) and Puéra (past aspect marker), mean "formely a forest". I was lucky enough to come accross the dance while in Salvador (Bahia) 2 weeks ago. We were walking accross the main square in Pelourinho when I saw people sitting down in a circle ...

If you are thinking about going to the Brazilian Amazon or heading to Manaus to begin your Amazon excursion, consider Gero Tour as your tour operator! I found Gero in my Rough Guide to Brazil while planning my trip to Brazil. As flying to the Amazon is expensive, I wanted to make sure to select the best tour operator in the region to ensure 100% happiness! A Gero guide came to pick me up at the airport when ...

Cortejo Afro was among the cultural groups who participated at the parade on July 2, 1998 the date of independance of Bahia. The art of the Cortejo Afro parade lies within the sounds, rythms and vivid Bahian colors. By watching this video, you will notice how the choreography is rich in movement and how they affirm their ethnical background by wearing vibrant colors. A night with Cortejo Afro garantees a ni ...

As I think back at my 3 weeks in Brasil, I try pinching myself to make sure it wasn't all a dream. The Amazon, Rio & Bahia, 3 weeks in 3 totally different places... and must I mention that I had the time of my life. It's hard to believe this trip finally happened, after almost 2 years of waiting. And I can reassure you that I will be returning in the near future. A special moment during the trip was def ...

Today in the paper I came across another hotel created as a plane. In my prior blog or so I mentioned a hostel as a plane, well check this out! A 1965 Boeing 727 hoisted to the top of Costa Rican Jungle. This hotel is a two suite, swinging, 1960’s style design. This plane used to be the main shuttled for globetrotters like us to travel to South Africa, but now it is restored into this unique jumbo hotel. Th ...

World Cup is quickly approaching and are you ready to hit up an adventure over to South Africa and get a game in that budget of yours? Well, back in the day I was planning this big trip with a few people to backpack South Africa and to see at least one game for the World Cup 2010. However, life got a little busy for a few including me and now no one can make that trip, but as for I it is still on that list ...

Wandering off to dance and hit up the best nights in Europe is all about the adventure of backpacking. In Europe there are many nightclubs, but there are only the best that are the must on your  Europe night club check list. Not only do they have the best DJs in the world, but the clubs themselves are stunning. Space A nightclub that holds a dynamic atmosphere of about 20,000 people dancing and with an echo ...