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How to Travel to Tibet Without a Tour
Many people often ask, “How can I travel to Tibet without a tour?” The process, while it seems difficult, is actually straightforward and a lot easier than you think. Tibet is generally defined as Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) located in western China. While this is true, Tibet, the cultural region, extends much further into China. One can visit additional parts…
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The Warmth of Humanity in Inle Lake, Myanmar
My journey through Myanmar was a memorable one, not simply due to the abundance of culturally rich historical sites, but due to the warm spirit and hospitality of the Burmese people. In particular, one family I met in the Inle Lake area. My last day in Myanmar was inspiring and I will be forever grateful for such a day. I…
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What to do in Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu might be one of the cooler capital cities I’ve been to and is great for backpackers with its cheap accommodation, food, and relative ease of getting around. In Kathmandu, you immediately feel like you’re in another world and this is one of the reasons I love this city. While Kathmandu is not the main attraction in Nepal, I’d argue…
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Witnessing Animal Sacrifice in Nepal
It was late in the afternoon and I had just finished sightseeing in most of Kathmandu. My last stop was Durbar Square. As I wandered the area I saw a huge crowd of locals inside this temple, which sparked my curiosity. When I entered, I smelled something foul and saw blood all over the floor. I stepped closer and saw…
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Things to do in Vientiane
Vientiane is nicknamed the “Sleepiest Capital City in Southeast Asia” and it does an excellent job of living up to its title. There is very little to do here, but Vientiane is perhaps one of the more peaceful cities in Southeast Asia. Here are some things to do in Vientiane: 1) Visit Pha That Luang: the most important monument…
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How to Get to Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery is one of the most iconic places in Bulgaria and one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country. Travelers often book group tours through their hotel, but I recommend you travel here by yourself if you’re looking to save money. Here’s how to get to Rila Monastery and what to expect. There is a 1 daily bus…
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Free Tour in Plovdiv
Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the world and my favorite in Bulgaria. From Sofia Central Bus Station, I purchased a bus ticket for $10 lev. Plovdiv is a chill city and seems more like a place for backpackers. Like Sofia, there is also a free tour in Plovdiv, which I took advantage of. Here’s what to expect. Free…
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Free Tours in Sofia
Of all countries, my first European adventure was Bulgaria, a country 99% of the world couldn’t pinpoint on a map if their life depended on it. I didn’t know much about Bulgaria other than it was in Eastern Europe and was known for yogurt. When I checked in my hotel, I stumbled across a brochure for two free tours in…
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Hiking Mount Bromo
Hiking Mount Bromo was my favorite part of my trip to Indonesia; watching the sunrise was one of the most spectacular things I’ve done in my life. Bromo is an absolute must see if you’re in Indonesia and have the time to visit. Visiting is fairly simple and the hike to the top is painless. How to get there? Unfortunately, there…
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How to Get from Istanbul to Bulgaria
Getting from Istanbul to Bulgaria is quite simple, cheap, and convenient. From Otagar international coach terminal (Aksaray metro stop) in Istanbul you can purchase your ticket. There are several companies, but I went with Metro, which is probably your best bet. A one way ticket costs 75 Turkish Lira ($21 as of 2016) and leaves several times a day. I opted…
