Our Blog
The Mashpi Amagusa Reserve Saved By Donations
The Basantes family now owns 62-hectares of their precious Mashpi Amagusa Reserve thanks to kind donors.
Stay Warm & Pack Light: Scott’s Craft Sportswear Review
Looking for well-made outerwear for high-energy outdoor activities? Craft Sportswear's Explore line of jackets and vests may be what you need for your next adventure. In this review, Scott explains how these mid and outer layers are a great fit for travelers and...
The Mashpi Amagusa Reserve Saved By Donations
The Basantes family now owns 62-hectares of their precious Mashpi Amagusa Reserve thanks to kind donors.
Stay Warm & Pack Light: Scott’s Craft Sportswear Review
Looking for well-made outerwear for high-energy outdoor activities? Craft Sportswear's Explore line of jackets and vests may be what you need for your next adventure. In this review, Scott explains how these mid and outer layers are a great fit for travelers and...
Chasing the Best View of Punch Bowl Falls
We acknowledge that Punch Bowl Falls and Eagle Creek Trail, located in the lower Columbia River Gorge, lie on the traditional territories of many tribes and bands who have inhabited and stewarded this land since time immemorial. The lower Columbia River, known as...
SIMplify your Next Trip with Holafly’s eSim
How does the Holafly eSIM perform in Ecuador? Scott gives a rundown on setup, coverage, and performance, from the rural East Slope to urban Quito. His experience can help you make an informed decision about using Holafly on your next trip. How To Avoid Steep Roaming...
What’s It Like to Make Your Own Chocolate Bar at Creo?
Entering Creo was like walking into a wall of chocolate. It was more than the gorgeous display of enticing treats; it was the heady aroma of toasted cocoa beans that permeated every corner of the small workshop. Even as I write this, I want to inhale deeply and savor...
The Andean Condor in Ecuador
The spectacular Andean Condor is the largest flying bird in the world, with a wingspan of up to 10.5 feet. While this bird's habitat spans several borders from Colombia to Argentina, there are only a few locations where populations are healthy. One of those is on the...
A Botanical Garden Full of Orchids in Misahualli, Rio Napo
Orquiderio, a word boldly painted in white, is the only sign inviting visitors to the EcoSelva Orchid Garden. Thanks to a collaboration with Jiovany Rivadeneyra of Ama EcoLodge, we had no problems finding the place, arriving by motor canoe from the small town of...
Where Is The Best Hostel in the USA?
Where is the best hostel in the USA? Right around the corner from our house in Portland, Oregon! According to the 2025 HOSCAR Awards, which rely entirely on Hostelworld customer reviews, the Northwest Portland Hostel is the Best in the United States. They have a...
After Helene: Should You Visit North Carolina?
Hurricane Helene barreled into the western flank of North Carolina in September 2024. She wasn’t polite. She didn’t skirt past the mountains or fizzle into a drizzle over the valleys. She delivered a wallop, bringing with her record-breaking rainfall, mudslides, power...
Our Favorite Face Masks for Safe Travel
Have you ever wondered which face mask provides the best protection for international travel? You are not alone. As a person who is immunocompromised, I am afraid of flying during the Covid-19 pandemic. I took the plunge and flew across the country for our youngest...