The Two Sides of Alcatraz
When I visited the former-island-prison of Alcatraz in San Francisco for the first time back in May, I was struck immediately by its dual personalities....
My One-Night Stand With Parga
My relationship with Athens just didn't work out. As much as I had wanted to love Greece's capital, the reality was that we just...
Visiting the Monasteries of Meteora in Greece
“Suspended in the air.” That's the literal translation of Meteora, one of mainland Greece's most popular destinations. And this UNESCO World Heritage site certainly...
26 Things Travel Has Taught Me
Today is my 26th birthday. Today, I leave my “early 20s” and cross over into my “late 20s.” It's weird, in a way, because...
Athens, I’m Just Not That Into You (A Breakup Letter to Athens)
Dear Athens, It was never supposed to end up this way between us. We were supposed to fall deeply, madly in love. I was...
In Photos: Glass Lanterns in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
In Turkish, the place is called Kapalıçarşı, or “Covered Market.” But that just doesn't have the same ring to it or sense of awe as...
Visiting Gallipoli as an American
Growing up in America has definitely given me a unique view of world history. A unique and biased view, many could argue. Yes, my...
Soaking Up History in Bath, England
I definitely have preconceived notions when I hear the phrase “spa town.” I think fancy upscale hotels, plush bath robes, insanely expensive food, and...
What’s it Like to Travel with Intrepid Travel in Eastern Europe?
It's no secret that I've wanted to visit Eastern Europe for quite a while. But, as much as I dreamed about it, the region...
Discovering Hidden Istanbul
When someone tells you that something is “hidden,” usually all it does is make you want to find it. That was exactly the case...
Serendipity Saves the Day in Bulgaria
It was simply too hot in Plovdiv. Forget about walking around — even just standing in the afternoon sun in Bulgaria's second-largest city was...
Istanbul in Photos
I have so much to write about when it comes to Istanbul, Turkey. It's definitely one of the most dynamic and interesting big cities...
And Then Everything Changed: Do I Love Long-Term Travel?
I got mixed reactions when I told my friends and family that I was going to Europe on my own for 2 months. Reactions...
Review: Hilton Garden Inn Anchorage
In August 2012, my sister and I flew up to Anchorage, Alaska, for a weekend of outdoor fun and adventure as guests of the...
The Best and Worst of My Summer in Europe
I still have a lot to write about when it comes to all the adventures I had in Europe this summer. Istanbul, Greece, Croatia,...
My Bulgarian Babas
For my whole life, I've referred to my dad's mother not as “Grandma,” but as “Baba” — a term meaning “grandmother” (or “old woman”)...
Ice, Ice, Baby – Glacier Hiking in Alaska
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. I smiled as I dug my crampons forcefully into the ice underfoot. I'd forgot how satisfying that sound and sensation were...