Trip Logs & Stories
Real family travel experiences, budget breakdowns, and practical tips from the road.
Trip Log
Honduras 10: The Splurge Day
Booked a private boat and captain for the day in Roatán. We knew this island was going to be expensive going in, and figured this was as good a spot as any for our last hoorah of the trip.
Trip Log
Honduras 9: Roatán
Small world moment to kick things off here: turns out one of Axel's soccer teammates back home happened to be on Roatán the exact same week we were. Out of everywhere in the world, we ran into each...
Trip Log
Honduras 8: Last Day on Utila
Wrapped up the island with the two weirdest, best stops we'd saved for last.
Trip Log
Honduras 7: Discovery Scuba Dive
Utila runs some of the cheapest PADI certifications on the planet, so it felt criminal not to get Xander and Axel underwater at least once. Kelsey and Enzo went a different route for the day and to...
Trip Log
Honduras 6: Utila
Utila is small, the kind of island you can circle in an afternoon, and we tried to do exactly that.
Trip Log
Honduras 5: Puerto Cortés and the Ferry to Paradise
We took a detour out to Puerto Cortés to visit Kelsey's nephew, who's out serving an LDS mission down here. Funny thing was, while we were tracking him down, we ran into a second, totally unrelated...
Trip Log
Honduras 4: Cataratas Pulhapanzak
Same river spring as the swim spot from last post, turns out, just the part of it that actually tries to kill you a little. Pulhapanzak is a proper waterfall, tall enough that you feel it in your c...
Trip Log
Honduras 3: Copán Ruinas Town, Nacimiento de Pulha.
Separate day from the ruins; this one was just wandering Copán Ruinas town, which turned out to be worth its own post. The place is covered in murals, actual well-done ones, not the usual tourist-t...
Trip Log
Honduras 2: Copán Ruinas
Did some math on this one and decided Axel and Enzo had officially maxed out their ruins tolerance for the trip. So Xander and I went to Copán Ruinas; the other two stayed back and got some long-ne...
Trip Log
Honduras Part 1 — The Day We Split Up
Remember way back in El Salvador when I said the border decisions we made would have big ramifications? Here they are.
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 16: Ipala + Chiquimula
Drove to Chiquimula, but broke it up with a hike up Volcán de Ipala on the way. The crater at the top isn't ash and rock anymore, it's a full lake, blue-green water ringed by cloud forest. Worth th...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 15: Ferry to La Avellana + Autosafari Chapin
Two ways to get to our next stop: drive the highway, 1 hour 20 minutes, or take the local vehicle ferry from Monterrico to La Avellana and save 45 minutes. Easy choice. Only real concern was whethe...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 14: Monterrico
After Acatenango, everyone needed to just sit still for a few days. Hotel Pazifico Monterrico did the trick — only 4 other guests the whole stay, so the pool, the slide, and the beach were basicall...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 13: Acatenango
Split the group for this one. Xander and I did the Acatenango volcano hike; Kelsey took Axel and Enzo to a chocolate-making class in Antigua. I convinced Xander that the volcano was the better cho...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 12 — Antigua
Drove from Pana to Antigua, the old colonial capital. Quick history so the photos make sense: the Spanish built their Central American capital here, earthquakes knocked it down repeatedly for 200 y...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 11 — Lake Atitlán, Part 3: King of the Hill
Slow morning, the good kind. Enzo voted to sleep in with mom, so Xander, Axel, and I rented two paddleboards and went back out on the lake. Flat water, volcanoes out, nobody in a hurry.
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 10 — Lake Atitlán, Part 2: San Marcos & San Juan
Boat day. $15 got the five of us across the lake to San Marcos La Laguna, the lake's resident hippie town. The land there is so limited that most of the town is walking-only alleys barely wide enou...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 9 — Lake Atitlán, Part 1
Dropped out of the highlands to Lake Atitlán, a massive volcanic crater lake ringed by three volcanoes and about a dozen Maya towns. Some people have called it the most beautiful lake in the world....
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 8 — Cobán and Chichicastenango
Left Lanquín the way we came in: slowly, in first gear, up a mountain. The views on this stretch almost make the road forgivable. Almost.
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 7 — Semuc Champey
This is what all the driving was for.
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 6 — Chisec and the road to Lanquín
Left Flores and pointed the car south into Alta Verapaz. Broke the drive up with a night in Chisec, a town that does not appear on anybody's itinerary, which is exactly why we liked it.
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 5 — Tikal
The reason everyone comes to this corner of Guatemala: Tikal. $82 for the whole family, and we did it self-guided — grabbed a park map, picked a direction, and started walking. Seven hours and abou...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 4.5 — Flores
Flores deserves its own post even though we technically covered it already. It's a tiny island town on Lake Petén Itzá connected to the mainland by a causeway — cobblestone streets barely wide enou...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 4 — Las Conchas (Sort Of) and the Serpent Caves
Las Conchas was supposed to be the payoff on the drive north to Flores. It's a natural park famous for calm, deep blue pools spilling over limestone shelves — the sign at the entrance shows this dr...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 3 — Finca El Paraíso
Morning at the Kangaroo Hotel earned it some points back for making us arrive by boat. I wandered the grounds early and the whole place is basically a garden — spider hibiscus hanging like red fire...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 2 — Quiriguá and Rio Dulce
On the way out of Puerto Barrios we stopped at Quiriguá, an ancient Maya site famous for having some of the tallest carved stone stelae anywhere in the Maya world. These things are monsters — sands...
Trip Log
Guatemala Part 1 — Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios
Crossed into Guatemala and, unknown to us when we booked it, our Airbnb ended up being in Guatemala City’s tallest building. The view from the unit covered the whole city with volcanoes lined up on...
Trip Log
El Salvador Part 11 — Los Termales and the Great Bus Escape
Our last activity in El Salvador was Los Termales, a hot spring river that runs over the rocks and finishes off with a huge waterfall. You read that right — the whole river is hot. There's steam co...
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 10: The Ruins
Ruins day. Started in Chalchuapa, where the whole town leans into its history — murals of the pyramids painted right on the street walls, which we had to pose before we even got inside. The murals...
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 9: Santa Ana and Volcano Hike
Just Xander and Axel for this one. Started out with a view over Lago de Coatepeque that made the whole drive up worth it before we'd even started walking. Both boys picked up walking sticks from an...
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 8: Cafe Albania & Alicante Hot Springs
Stopped at Cafe Albania first, which is up in the hills surrounded by tea fields along the Ruta de Flores — cute setup but costly. With a hedge maze, ziplines, a hamster wheel, Air Bikes, and Air S...
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 7: 7 Waterfalls Hike (Los Chorros de la Calera)
This one was the real deal. A guided hike outside Juayua, stringing together seven waterfalls through coffee farms and rainforest, ending at the pools of Los Chorros de la Calera.
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 6: Ruta de las Flores (and Father's Day is the 17th of June here)
Spent the day working through a few towns along the Ruta de las Flores, starting with Juayua — colorful town for the photo and a two-decker bus/tractor? ride. It had a beautiful old church with a g...
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 5: Devil's Gate & Finally, the Beach
Drove out to Puerta del Diablo (Devil's Gate) outside the capital, which has this glass skywalk built out over the cliffs — except the fog rolled in so thick we couldn't see a thing past the railin...
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 4: Tamanique Waterfalls & Los Chorros
Hiked out to the Tamanique waterfalls, which turned into more of a workout than expected — down through jungle switchbacks with mountain views opening up along the way, worth every step. The falls ...
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 3: Back to El Tunco and La Libertad
Storm cleared enough to head back down to El Tunco, and turns out we timed it right — the Surf City El Salvador Pro (WSL Championship Tour) was in full swing. Got to watch actual pros doing airs an...
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 2: San Salvador & Churches
Tropical Storm Cristina had other ideas about our beach plans, so we pivoted up to the capital instead. Turned out to be a good trade.
Trip Log
El Salvador, Part 1: El Tunco (aka Surf City)
Landed and headed straight for El Tunco, which is basically ground zero for surf culture here — Enzo hopped on a wave that I thought he could handle and gave it his best "hang ten" without ever to...
Trip Log
Homecoming in St. George: recharging after Asia
Homecoming in St. George: recharging after Asia After weeks exploring Asia, we finally touched down at home. Our route took us from Taiwan through Seattle and Las Vegas before we reached St. George,
Trip Logs
Missing flights and making memories in Taipei
Day 73 started with the usual travel chaos. We checked out of our cozy Taipei apartment, waved goodbye to the night markets and bubble‑tea vendors, and hustled to catch our flight from Taoyuan. Dela
Adventure
Taipei stopover: aquariums, night markets and nostalgia
On Day 72 we said goodbye to Thailand and hello again to Taiwan. After a frantic morning packing up our Bangkok apartment, we flew to Taoyuan and felt like we were returning to a second home. Our fir
Culture
Bangkok canals and countdown to takeoff
On Day 71, we decided to soak up Bangkok’s waterways before our early morning flight. A long‑tail boat ride through the khlongs offered a peaceful window into old Bangkok: kids splashing in the wate
Culture
Bangkok shopping spree with kids
Day 69 was all about shopping and street food. We celebrated arriving back in Bangkok with bowls of spicy tom yum and steaming pad Thai before setting out. We wandered Khao San Road in daylight, bu
Nature
Rayong retreat: lily pads and quiet beaches
Rayong was a breath of fresh sea air after the bustle of Bangkok. On Day 68 we paddled through canals carpeted with lily pads at the Rayong Botanical Garden while the kids explored by bike. We stopp
Trip Logs
Rayong off the beaten path: warships and wildlife
We knew Rayong would be different, but Day 67 took us completely off the beaten track. We started at the HTMS Prasae, a decommissioned World War II ship turned museum. The boys played “battleship,”
Trip Logs
Rayong beach day: pool, sand and simple joys
Day 66 was pure beach bliss. We declared a “beach off” and discovered that Enzo is officially our family’s beach bum. From dawn until dusk the kids bounced between pool and sand, building castles, s
Trip Logs
Rayong arrival: rain, rest and recharging
Days 63–65 were about slowing down. We arrived in Thailand at 2 AM, slept until noon and then took a van down to Rayong—a local beach town far from tourist crowds. We hadn’t realised it was the King
Culture, Nature
Bangkok adventures: canals, water parks and night markets
Our final days in Bangkok were a whirlwind of contrasts. We drifted along the city’s canals in a wooden boat, passing stilt houses and waving to locals who cook and fish on the water. We then swappe
Culture, Nature
Siem Reap temples and treasures: sunrise and pink carvings
Sunrise over Angkor Wat is reason enough to visit Siem Reap. Standing in front of the world’s largest religious monument as the sky turns pink and orange is unforgettable. After the crowds dispersed w
Culture, Nature
Siem Reap temples and treasures: Ta Prohm’s tangled roots
Our time in Siem Reap included the famously overgrown Ta Prohm. After sunrise at Angkor Wat, we wandered through corridors where tree roots embrace ancient stone. The kids felt like explorers in a m
Culture, Adventure
Siem Reap temples and treasures: the faces of Bayon
Among Siem Reap’s temples, Bayon became our favourite. After sunrise at Angkor Wat we headed to this 12th‑century masterpiece, famous for its serene stone faces gazing in all directions. The boys co
Culture
Siem Reap temples and treasures: life on the water
Beyond the temples, one of Siem Reap’s most memorable experiences was visiting a floating village. We boarded a wooden boat and glided past houses on stilts, schools and markets bobbing on the lake. T
Trip Logs
Siem Reap temples and treasures: learning at the Landmine Museum
Our Siem Reap itinerary didn’t just focus on temples. After exploring Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, we visited the Cambodia Landmine Museum. Run by former child soldier Aki Ra, the museum displays deactiva
Nature
Hoi An highlights: tailors and puppies
Our first days in Hội An were a welcome change of pace. This UNESCO‑listed trading port is famous for its preserved architecture and tailor shops. We spent a morning getting bespoke suits stitched w
Culture
Hoi An highlights: lanterns and river magic
Every evening in Hội An’s old town feels like stepping into a fairy tale. On our second night we hired a small boat and floated down the Thu Bồn River, lighting paper lanterns and making wishes as t
Trip Logs
Hoi An highlights: basket boats and coconut groves
One of our favourite experiences in Hội An was riding basket boats through the coconut groves of Cẩm Thanh. The round bamboo boats spun and swayed as local guides demonstrated crab‑fishing and even
Culture
Hoi An highlights: old town explorations
Our days in Hội An were filled with simple joys. We wandered narrow streets lined with yellow merchants’ houses and assembly halls, stopping for bowls of Cao Lầu and Vietnamese coffee at family‑run
Family, Culture
Hoi An highlights: living like a local
By the end of our stay in Hội An, we felt like temporary locals. We knew which vendors sold the freshest banh mi, how to dodge the motorbikes in the market and where to buy the best lychee juice. We s
Trip Logs
Ninh Bình adventures: lotus fields and galaxy caves
Day 50 in Vietnam brought us to the Múa Caves, which turned out to be more about the climb than the caverns. We wandered through a vast lotus field before tackling a stairway of about 500 steps. At
Trip Logs
Ninh Bình adventures: pagodas, buffaloes and ravines
The next day we hopped on scooters to visit the Bich Động pagoda complex. Built into a mountainside, the pagoda sits halfway up a staircase and features delicate carvings that almost touch the cave ce
Nature, Culture, Adventure
Ninh Bình adventures: soaking in the vibe at Tam Coc
On Day 48 we arrived in Tam Coc and instantly understood what travellers mean when they say a place has a vibe. After the hustle of Hanoi and Ha Long, this sleepy riverside town felt like a different
Trip Logs
Hanoi stopover: from pools to pho
Our brief stop in Hanoi felt like a microcosm of Vietnam. We stayed at a homestay with a pool, which was a godsend after a long bus ride. Once cooled down, we headed south to explore the caves aroun
Family, Adventure
Cat Bà adventures: beaches and bioluminescent bays
On Day 47 we set out to explore the remaining beaches of Cát Bà Island—and discovered a hidden world after dark. We spent the day hopping between coves, letting the kids collect shells and race alon
Trip Logs
After our bioluminescent kayak, Day 46 became a much‑needed rest day. We slept in, lounged by the pool and challenged each other to billiards in the homestay’s game room. Travel isn’t always relaxing; it’s about finding balance between adventure and downtime. As we watched afternoon rain showers pass over the bay, we realised that doing nothing together can be just as memorable as conquering mountains or caves.
After our bioluminescent kayak, Day 46 became a much‑needed rest day. We slept in, lounged by the pool and challenged each other to billiards in the homestay’s game room. Travel isn’t always relaxing;
Trip Logs
Ha Long Bay: sailing among limestone giants
Sailing among the limestone giants of Ha Long Bay was a highlight of our trip. We glided through narrow channels, explored hidden grottoes and watched sunset paint the karsts orange. The kids loved
Trip Logs
Cat Bà explorations: caves, scooters and bioluminescent nights
We spent several days on Cát Bà Island, riding scooters to hidden caves and kayaking through secluded inlets. The kids loved spotting monkeys in the national park and watching the water glow on a ni
Trip Logs
We spent several days on Cát Bà Island, riding scooters to hidden caves and kayaking through secluded inlets. The kids loved spotting monkeys in the national park and watching the water glow on a night kayak. Staying at a homestay with a pool provided a relaxing break before we continued our journey.
We spent several days on Cát Bà Island, riding scooters to hidden caves and kayaking through secluded inlets. The kids loved spotting monkeys in the national park and watching the water glow on a nigh
Culture
Hanoi contrasts: calm pools, chaotic streets and food markets
Our Hanoi stopover included a refreshing dip at our homestay pool before exploring caves around Tam Coc and later the bustling Old Quarter. We were amazed by how locals navigate torrents of motorbik
Trip Logs
Hanoi contrasts: calm pools, chaotic streets and food markets
Our Hanoi stopover included a refreshing dip at our homestay pool before exploring caves around Tam Coc and later the bustling Old Quarter. We were amazed by how locals navigate torrents of motorbik
Trip Logs
Hanoi contrasts: calm pools, chaotic streets and food markets
Our Hanoi stopover included a refreshing dip at our homestay pool before exploring caves around Tam Coc and later the bustling Old Quarter. We were amazed by how locals navigate torrents of motorbik
Trip Logs
Hanoi contrasts: calm pools, chaotic streets and food markets
Our Hanoi stopover included a refreshing dip at our homestay pool before exploring caves around Tam Coc and later the bustling Old Quarter. We were amazed by how locals navigate torrents of motorbik
Trip Logs
Vientiane: a gentle capital to recharge
We used Vientiane as a resting point in our Laos adventure—relaxing by the pool, visiting the COPE Center to teach our children about the country’s history and enjoying an evening stroll along the M
Family, Food
Luang Prabang: monks, waterfalls and night markets
Our time in Luang Prabang was filled with serene mornings watching monks collect alms, cooling off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si and weaving through the night market with our kids who lov
Trip Logs
Luang Prabang: monks, waterfalls and night markets
Our time in Luang Prabang was filled with serene mornings watching monks collect alms, cooling off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si and weaving through the night market with our kids who lov
Nature
Our time in Luang Prabang was filled with serene mornings watching monks collect alms, cooling off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si and weaving through the night market with our kids who loved trying coconut pancakes. Biking through rice paddies and buffalo‑dotted fields revealed a slower side of Laos, and the relaxed pace made this UNESCO town a family favourite.
Our time in Luang Prabang was filled with serene mornings watching monks collect alms, cooling off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si and weaving through the night market with our kids who loved
Trip Logs
Luang Prabang: monks, waterfalls and night markets
Our time in Luang Prabang was filled with serene mornings watching monks collect alms, cooling off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si and weaving through the night market with our kids who lov
Trip Logs
Our time in Luang Prabang was filled with serene mornings watching monks collect alms, cooling off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si and weaving through the night market with our kids who loved trying coconut pancakes. Biking through rice paddies and buffalo‑dotted fields revealed a slower side of Laos, and the relaxed pace made this UNESCO town a family favourite.
Our time in Luang Prabang was filled with serene mornings watching monks collect alms, cooling off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si and weaving through the night market with our kids who loved
Trip Logs
Luang Prabang: monks, waterfalls and night markets
Our time in Luang Prabang was filled with serene mornings watching monks collect alms, cooling off under the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si and weaving through the night market with our kids who lov
Trip Logs
Vang Vieng: tubing, zip‑lines and sunrise hikes
We spent several days exploring Vang Vieng’s landscapes—tubing down the Nam Song River, zip‑lining into the Blue Lagoon and hiking to Nam Xay at sunrise. The kids loved the swimming holes and rural vi
Trip Logs
Vang Vieng: tubing, zip‑lines and sunrise hikes
We spent several days exploring Vang Vieng’s landscapes—tubing down the Nam Song River, zip‑lining into the Blue Lagoon and hiking to Nam Xay at sunrise. The kids loved the swimming holes and rural
Adventure, Nature
Vang Vieng: tubing, zip‑lines and sunrise hikes
We spent several days exploring Vang Vieng’s landscapes—tubing down the Nam Song River, zip‑lining into the Blue Lagoon and hiking to Nam Xay at sunrise. The kids loved the swimming holes and rural
Adventure
Vang Vieng: tubing, zip‑lines and sunrise hikes
We spent several days exploring Vang Vieng’s landscapes—tubing down the Nam Song River, zip‑lining into the Blue Lagoon and hiking to Nam Xay at sunrise. The kids loved the swimming holes and rural
Trip Logs
Vang Vieng: tubing, zip‑lines and sunrise hikes
We spent several days exploring Vang Vieng’s landscapes—tubing down the Nam Song River, zip‑lining into the Blue Lagoon and hiking to Nam Xay at sunrise. The kids loved the swimming holes and rural
Culture
Vientiane: a gentle capital to recharge
We used Vientiane as a resting point in our Laos adventure—relaxing by the pool, visiting the COPE Center to teach our children about the country’s history and enjoying an evening stroll along the M
Trip Logs
Vientiane: a gentle capital to recharge
We used Vientiane as a resting point in our Laos adventure—relaxing by the pool, visiting the COPE Center to teach our children about the country’s history and enjoying an evening stroll along the Mek
Trip Logs
Shanghai contrasts: massages, malls and magic at Disneyland
Our time in Shanghai captured the city’s contrasts. One day we indulged in foot massages and bargain shopping, the next we braved the thrill rides at Shanghai Disneyland. Watching the skyline light
Trip Logs
Shanghai contrasts: massages, malls and magic at Disneyland
Our time in Shanghai captured the city’s contrasts. One day we indulged in foot massages and bargain shopping, the next we braved the thrill rides at Shanghai Disneyland. Watching the skyline light up
Trip Logs
Zhangjiajie adventures: misty peaks and glass bridges
We trekked for hours through mist‑shrouded mountains in Zhangjiajie, rode the world’s longest glass bridge and conquered our fear of heights. The kids were amazed by the ‘Avatar’ pillars and thrille
Nature, Culture
Zhangjiajie adventures: misty peaks and glass bridges
We trekked for hours through mist‑shrouded mountains in Zhangjiajie, rode the world’s longest glass bridge and conquered our fear of heights. The kids were amazed by the ‘Avatar’ pillars and thrille
Nature, Adventure
Zhangjiajie adventures: misty peaks and glass bridges
We trekked for hours through mist‑shrouded mountains in Zhangjiajie, rode the world’s longest glass bridge and conquered our fear of heights. The kids were amazed by the ‘Avatar’ pillars and thrille
Trip Logs
Beijing highlights: walls, palaces and pancakes
Beijing delivered on its promises: we climbed the Great Wall, toured the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, watched an acrobatics show and sampled jianbing—savory breakfast crepes—from a stree
Trip Logs
Beijing highlights: walls, palaces and pancakes
Beijing delivered on its promises: we climbed the Great Wall, toured the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, watched an acrobatics show and sampled jianbing—savory breakfast crepes—from a stree
Trip Logs
Beijing highlights: walls, palaces and pancakes
Beijing delivered on its promises: we climbed the Great Wall, toured the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, watched an acrobatics show and sampled jianbing—savory breakfast crepes—from a stree
Trip Logs
Beijing highlights: walls, palaces and pancakes
Beijing delivered on its promises: we climbed the Great Wall, toured the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, watched an acrobatics show and sampled jianbing—savory breakfast crepes—from a stree
Trip Logs
Sun Moon Lake: cycling, cable cars and cultural villages
At Sun Moon Lake we cycled around Taiwan’s largest natural lake, stopped for tea at a hillside café and rode the cable car to the Aboriginal Culture Village. The children loved feeding fish and expl
Trip Logs
Alishan: forest trains, tea terraces and sacred trees
Alishan captivated us with its historic narrow‑gauge forest railway, high‑altitude tea farms and thousand‑year‑old cypress forests. We woke early to watch the sunrise paint the Central Mountains gold
Trip Logs
Kaohsiung discoveries: science museums and seaside nights
In Kaohsiung we spent hours at the National Science and Technology Museum, where interactive exhibits entertained the kids and sparked curiosity. Evenings were for sampling papaya milk and seafood a
Trip Logs
Kaohsiung discoveries: science museums and seaside nights
In Kaohsiung we spent hours at the National Science and Technology Museum, where interactive exhibits entertained the kids and sparked curiosity. Evenings were for sampling papaya milk and seafood at
Trip Logs
Kenting fun: beaches, coral reefs and night markets
Sunny days in Kenting meant building sandcastles, snorkeling among coral reefs and exploring tide pools teeming with hermit crabs. A sudden rain shower couldn’t dampen the fun; we simply ducked into
Trip Logs
Taitung pause: lakes, fruits and indigenous flavours
Driving Taiwan’s east coast, we paused in Taitung. The kids loved kayaking on Flowing Lake while we feasted on tropical fruits and Ami delicacies at the night market. The town’s laid‑back vibe and i
Trip Logs
Chishang charm: cycling through rice paddies
We cycled through Chishang’s lush rice paddies on car‑free roads, visited the Rice Village Museum and enjoyed quiet moments watching farmers at work. The kids loved tasting freshly cooked rice and l
Trip Logs
Hualien adventures: marble gorges and river pools
From Hualien we rode scooters to Taroko National Park and were amazed by the towering marble walls and turquoise rivers of the gorge. We hiked along the Shakadang Trail, exploring caves and cooling
Trip Logs
Hualien adventures: marble gorges and river pools
From Hualien we rode scooters to Taroko National Park and were amazed by the towering marble walls and turquoise rivers of the gorge. We hiked along the Shakadang Trail, exploring caves and cooling
Trip Logs
Keelung flavours: night market delights by the sea
Arriving by commuter train from Taipei, we were greeted by mist and the salty smell of Keelung’s harbour. At Miaokou Night Market we sampled buttery crab, oyster omelettes and peanut ice cream rolls
Trip Logs
Jiufen magic: lantern alleys and tea with a view
We spent an afternoon weaving through Jiufen’s lantern‑lit alleys, sipping tea at A‑Mei Tea House while mist rolled in from the sea. The kids loved peanut ice‑cream wraps and exploring the gold muse
Trip Logs
Taipei days: trains, markets and marine wonders
During our days in Taipei we rode sleek trains from the airport, wandered lively markets and took the kids to the X‑Park aquarium where they marvelled at jellyfish and giant rays. The cosmopolitan e
Trip Logs
Taipei days: trains, markets and marine wonders
During our days in Taipei we rode sleek trains from the airport, wandered lively markets and took the kids to the X‑Park aquarium where they marvelled at jellyfish and giant rays. The cosmopolitan ene
Trip Logs
Taipei days: trains, markets and marine wonders
During our days in Taipei we rode sleek trains from the airport, wandered lively markets and took the kids to the X‑Park aquarium where they marvelled at jellyfish and giant rays. The cosmopolitan e
Trip Logs
Taipei days: trains, markets and marine wonders
During our days in Taipei we rode sleek trains from the airport, wandered lively markets and took the kids to the X‑Park aquarium where they marvelled at jellyfish and giant rays. The cosmopolitan ene
Trip Logs
Las Vegas: neon lights and family thrills
After days of temples and mountains, the kids were thrilled by the neon spectacle of Las Vegas. We strolled past the Bellagio fountains, rode the roller coaster at New York–New York and indulged in an
Trip Logs
Home in Santa Clara: pioneers, peaches and sandstone trails
Back in southern Utah we revisited our roots. We toured the Jacob Hamblin Home, picked peaches at a local orchard and took the kids hiking among Snow Canyon’s red and white sandstone. Being home rem
Trip Logs
Home in Santa Clara: pioneers, peaches and sandstone trails
Back in southern Utah we revisited our roots. We toured the Jacob Hamblin Home, picked peaches at a local orchard and took the kids hiking among Snow Canyon’s red and white sandstone. Being home rem
Trip Logs
Home in Santa Clara: pioneers, peaches and sandstone trails
Back in southern Utah we revisited our roots. We toured the Jacob Hamblin Home, picked peaches at a local orchard and took the kids hiking among Snow Canyon’s red and white sandstone. Being home rem
Trip Logs
Skagway secrets: gold rush history and mountain railways
Skagway, Alaska, surprised us with its preserved gold‑rush‑era streets and mountain vistas. We wandered through the historic district with its false‑fronted buildings and hopped aboard the White Pas
Trip Logs
Skagway secrets: gold rush history and mountain railways
Skagway, Alaska, surprised us with its preserved gold‑rush‑era streets and mountain vistas. We wandered through the historic district with its false‑fronted buildings and hopped aboard the White Pas
Trip Logs
Amsterdam delights: canals, museums and bikes
Amsterdam charmed us with its canal rings, bike‑lined bridges and world‑class museums. We cruised the canals, visited the Van Gogh Museum and let the kids burn off energy in Vondelpark. Dutch pancak
Trip Logs
Nantong: rivers, textiles and local markets
In Nantong we discovered a city shaped by rivers and industry. We walked along the Yangtze embankment, visited a textile museum and browsed local markets for silk scarves and cotton goods. The kids
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Xinyi adventures: markets and countryside charm
Xinyi, in Guangdong province, offered a glimpse of rural China. We wandered through bustling markets, sampled Cantonese dishes and took a day trip to nearby villages set amid rolling hills. The kids
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Shanghai contrasts: massages, malls and magic at Disneyland
Our time in Shanghai captured the city’s contrasts. One day we indulged in foot massages and bargain shopping, the next we braved the thrill rides at Shanghai Disneyland. Watching the skyline light
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Manila moments: history, bay walks and kalesa rides
In Manila we explored the walled city of Intramuros, rode a kalesa past the Manila Cathedral and 18th‑century San Agustin Church and watched the sunset along Manila Bay. The kids enjoyed horse‑drawn
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Siargao surf and island magic
On Siargao Island we discovered why it’s called the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. The tear‑drop shaped island offers reef breaks like Cloud 9, where we watched surfers ride thick, hollow waves
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General Luna: surfing capital vibes
General Luna is the heart of Siargao’s surf scene. We watched international surfers compete, wandered along powdery beaches and enjoyed fresh seafood at beach‑side shacks. The town’s mix of locals a
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General Luna: surfing capital vibes
General Luna is the heart of Siargao’s surf scene. We watched international surfers compete, wandered along powdery beaches and enjoyed fresh seafood at beach‑side shacks. The town’s mix of locals a
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Pacifico: remote surf break on Siargao’s north
We ventured up to Pacifico, a quiet surf spot on the northern coast of Siargao. The waves were bigger and the crowds nonexistent compared to Cloud 9. We stayed in a simple guesthouse and spent our d
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Cebu City: southern hub of culture and commerce
Known as the ‘Queen City of the South,’ Cebu City served as our base in the Visayas. We visited historical sites like Magellan's Cross, strolled along Colon Street and indulged in lechon and dried m
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Tubigon: gateway between Bohol and Cebu
Tubigon may not be on every tourist map, but this Bohol town is the nearest seaport to Cebu City. We caught an early‑morning ferry across the strait and spent the afternoon exploring the local marke
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Anda: Bohol’s quiet beach escape
On the eastern coast of Bohol we found Anda, a stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water with none of the crowds. We spent days snorkelling over coral gardens, collecting shells and chatting
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Anda: Bohol’s quiet beach escape
On the eastern coast of Bohol we found Anda, a stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water with none of the crowds. We spent days snorkelling over coral gardens, collecting shells and chatting
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Anda: Bohol’s quiet beach escape
On the eastern coast of Bohol we found Anda, a stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water with none of the crowds. We spent days snorkelling over coral gardens, collecting shells and chatting
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Loboc: river cruises and choir melodies
Loboc offered one of the most charming experiences of our trip: a floating lunch cruise along the meandering Loboc River. We ate grilled seafood while the Loboc Children’s Choir sang from a floating
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Loboc: river cruises and choir melodies
Loboc offered one of the most charming experiences of our trip: a floating lunch cruise along the meandering Loboc River. We ate grilled seafood while the Loboc Children’s Choir sang from a floating
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Bohol wonders: hills, waterfalls and wildlife
Exploring Bohol meant more than beaches. We marvelled at the Chocolate Hills—over a thousand identical mounds that turn brown in the dry season—chased waterfalls like Mag‑Aso and kept our eyes peele
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Panglao pleasures: diving, beaches and island hops
Panglao Island became our seaside playground. We swam at Alona Beach’s clear shallows, snorkelled vibrant reefs and joined an island‑hopping tour to Balicasag and Virgin Island. The kids loved spott
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Siquijor spirits: waterfalls, beaches and folklore
Siquijor island carries a mystical reputation, but we found nothing but warmth. We swam at Cambugahay Falls, swung on vines into turquoise pools, visited a 400‑year‑old balete tree and chatted with
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Dumaguete delights: boulevard strolls and belfry bells
In Dumaguete we strolled along Rizal Boulevard, sampling street food from carts—balut, tempura, kikiam—and watching ferries come and go. We visited St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral and its 19th
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Oslob encounters: whale sharks and waterfall hikes
Oslob has become famous for its whale shark encounters at Tan‑awan, and we couldn’t resist the chance to see these gentle giants. We snorkelled alongside them but also learned about the criticisms o
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Oslob encounters: whale sharks and waterfall hikes
Oslob has become famous for its whale shark encounters at Tan‑awan, and we couldn’t resist the chance to see these gentle giants. We snorkelled alongside them but also learned about the criticisms o
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Badian thrills: canyoneering and Kawasan Falls
Badian is home to Kawasan Falls, a series of turquoise cascades that are as fun as they are beautiful. We joined a canyoneering tour upstream, jumping into clear pools and sliding down smooth rocks.
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Moalboal magic: sardine runs and sea turtles
Moalboal was all about the water. We snorkelled off Panagsama Beach and found ourselves surrounded by a swirling sardine ball—hundreds of thousands of fish moving as one. We visited Pescador Island
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Cebu adventures: urban gateways and island getaways
Beyond Cebu City, the province offers a mix of adventure and culture. We used the city as a jumping‑off point for day trips to islands, canyons and waterfalls. From tasting dried mango and lechon to
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Cebu City: southern hub of culture and commerce
Known as the ‘Queen City of the South,’ Cebu City served as our base in the Visayas. We visited historical sites like Magellan's Cross, strolled along Colon Street and indulged in lechon and dried m
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Puerto Princesa: rivers, markets and bayfront sunsets
Puerto Princesa served as our gateway to Palawan. We visited the Subterranean River National Park—one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature—on a day trip, gliding through a limestone cave by boat while
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Puerto Princesa: rivers, markets and bayfront sunsets
Puerto Princesa served as our gateway to Palawan. We visited the Subterranean River National Park—one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature—on a day trip, gliding through a limestone cave by boat while
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Port Barton: Palawan’s laid‑back paradise
Port Barton offered the tranquillity we sought after busier Palawan towns. The small village has a sand main street lined with hammocks and reggae bars. We spent our days island‑hopping to turtle‑fi
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Port Barton Pause: Rest and Research
After weeks of island hopping and salty swims, our family needed a breather. In tiny Port Barton we declared a rest day: no tours, no schedules, just letting the boys sleep late and recover while I
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When Paradise Isn’t Perfect
Port Barton’s scenery is straight out of a postcard, but behind the palms our second day there was messy. A night of heavy rain left the streets muddy, the power flickered on and off, and the boys c
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El Nido Storms and Stomach Bugs
Our ninth day in Palawan brought grey skies and choppy seas. The rain turned limestone cliffs moody and the turquoise bays a murky brown. Worse yet, El Nido’s sketchy tap water lived up to its reput
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Hidden Beaches and Hungry Fish: El Nido Tour C
Day 8 was pure magic. We set off on El Nido’s Tour C with snorkels and packed lunches, skimming across glassy water to Hidden Beach and Talisayen Bay. Sea turtles glided beneath us, the kids shrieke
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Ferries, Fiascos and the Road to El Nido
The journey from Coron to El Nido will test the most patient traveler. Our 6:00 AM ferry left without us thanks to a misprinted ticket, and the next boat was six hours later. Cue a morning spent in
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A Coron Sunday: Dogs in Church and Resort Downtime
We’ve learned that Sunday looks different wherever you are. In Coron, we found ourselves at a small church service where a friendly stray dog wandered between pews, much to the kids’ delight. Afterw
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Shipwrecks and Secret Lagoons: Coron Day 3
Coron’s turquoise waters hid surprises at every turn. On day 3 we clambered onto a bangka for a day of snorkeling over World War II wrecks, exploring hidden coves and eating lunch at a fisherman's h
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Thirty‑Two Hours to Paradise
It took four flights, two tricycle rides and a bangka ferry to get from our home to Coron. By the time we stepped off the last boat, we’d been in transit for 32 hours. The kids slept on airport floo
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Kicking Off a New Chapter in Manila
“Philippines, here we come!” We shouted as we boarded our flight to Manila. Touching down in the capital felt like the start of a new book—jeepneys, Spanish‑era fortresses and sizzling sisig on ever
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Flash Flood Fun at Gunlock Falls
Spring rains turned Gunlock State Park into a waterfall wonderland, and we squeezed in a visit before the road closed. Within forty minutes the creek rose over a foot, sending cascades over the red
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Spring Break in Our Own Backyard: Kanab
This year we swapped passports for a staycation and headed east to Kanab. We hiked the red sand dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and drove through Zion’s towerin
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Running with Dreams in Santa Clara
My new running buddy is six years old and full of ambition. After a mile along our neighbourhood trail, he announced he wanted to be in the Olympics. I smiled and told him I’d cheer him on every ste
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Whales and Farewells in Jacó
All good adventures must end, but ours finished with a whale of a tale. On our last day in Costa Rica we boarded a small boat off Jacó and soon spotted humpbacks breaching on the horizon. The boys g
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Return to Uvita: Why We Came Back
Some places tug at you until you return. Uvita is one of those. After exploring other parts of Costa Rica, we circled back to this small town on the South Pacific coast for more beach days and water
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Urban Exploration in Jacó: Beauty in Decay
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. High above Jacó we stumbled upon an abandoned hillside restaurant, its walls covered in vibrant graffiti and its terraces overtaken by jungle. We explored
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Frogs vs. Sloths: A Day of Wildlife
Frogs vs. Sloths: A Day of Wildlife In Costa Rica’s lush jungles it’s easy to get distracted by everything that hops, crawls or hangs from a tree. One afternoon we spied tiny poison‑dart frogs the co
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Zip‑Lining Through Monteverde’s Clouds
Three miles of cables. That’s how much air time we clocked zip‑lining above Monteverde’s cloud forest over two days. At 3,400 feet, the longest line felt like flying; even our youngest, Axel, went b
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Sea to Cloud: The Road to Monteverde
Driving from the coast up to Monteverde is like watching nature change channels. One minute you’re cruising past beaches, the next you’re climbing steep switchbacks lined with every shade of green i
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Montezuma Magic: Waterfalls and Bioluminescence
Montezuma was good to us. We hiked to Cocolito Waterfall through the jungle, swam beneath its cool cascade, and picnicked on the rocks. At Santa Teresa Beach the boys tried surfing for the first tim
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Samara: Love, Hate and Lessons Learned
Samara Beach stole our hearts then tried our patience. We loved the laid‑back town, gentle surf and affordable cafés, but had a reality check when our rental car was broken into at the beach. Losing
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Beaches, Boats and Bodacious Waves: Samara Round Two
Our second go at Samara delivered pure joy. We spent the morning on a catamaran spotting dolphins, then hit the waves for body‑boarding and snorkelling. The boys mastered popping up on their boards
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Answering the Call of the Turtles in Ostional
We weren’t planning to be near Ostional for another week, but when our guide texted “It’s time,” we dropped everything and drove. What awaited us on the dark beach was a miracle: hundreds of olive r
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Date Night in Playa Hermosa
Finding couple time on a family trip is tough, so we seized the chance for a sunset date in Playa Hermosa. We left the kids with a trusted sitter and drove to a cliff‑side bar where the horizon blaz
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La Leona Waterfall Adventure
Hidden upstream from Playa Hermosa, La Leona Waterfall rewarded us with aqua‑blue water, swim‑through caves and a treasure hunt for sparkling stones. The hike involved scrambling over boulders and w
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Waterfalls and Blockbusters in Liberia
Travel is about contrast. In Liberia we chased waterfalls in the morning—sliding down natural rock slides and splashing in cool pools—then cooled off in a cinema watching *Thor: Love & Thunder*. It
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Chasing Blue at Río Celeste
Legend says Río Celeste is where God washed his paintbrush after painting the sky, and after hiking two hours through the rain we believe it. The waterfall’s electric‑turquoise water glowed even und
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Into the Darkness: Caving in Nuevo Arenal
On a rainy day in Nuevo Arenal we ventured into a dark lava tube cave armed with headlamps and curiosity. Bats swooped overhead and cold water rushed around our ankles, but the boys pushed past thei
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Overcoming Fears: Rafting and Canyoneering in La Fortuna
La Fortuna pushed us out of our comfort zones. We booked a day of white‑water rafting and waterfall rappelling, and even though the boys were apprehensive, they donned helmets and harnesses like cha
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Fun for All Ages in La Fortuna
Not everything has to be adrenaline. We decided on a kid‑focused day in La Fortuna at a hot spring resort where the slides were as exciting as any zip‑line. We floated down warm rivers, soaked in mi
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Paddle Boards and Rain Storms in La Fortuna
Craving some quiet water time, we rented paddle boards and glided along a calm river outside La Fortuna. Monkeys chattered in the trees, iguanas sunned themselves on branches, and colourful birds fl
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La Fortuna Falls and Airbnb Wins
Sometimes your lodging choice makes the trip. We lucked out with two cosy Airbnbs near La Fortuna that had jungle views and friendly hosts. From our deck we could see Arenal Volcano smoldering in th
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Chasing Sloths and Waterfalls in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo treated us to a jackpot of wildlife and waterfalls. On a guided jungle walk we spotted our fourth sloth of the trip hanging lazily in a cecropia tree. Later we trekked to the Bribri Wat
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Riding High in Puerto Viejo
Some days just feel like cloud nine. We rented bikes and pedaled along the palm‑lined road south of Puerto Viejo, stopping to swim at deserted beaches and snack on patacones. The boys mastered ridin
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End of the Road: Manzanillo
We reached the literal end of the road at Manzanillo, a sleepy town where pavement gives way to jungle trails and turquoise sea. We hiked through Gandoca‑Manzanillo Refuge, spotting howler monkeys a
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Cross‑Country Cruising: San Pedro Road Trip
We crisscrossed Costa Rica on a road trip like no other, passing from Pacific to Caribbean and back again. The highways twisted through mountains, crossed raging rivers and opened onto coffee planta
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Monkey Business in Drake Bay
Drake Bay delivered on its promise of wildlife. On a boat tour into Corcovado National Park we watched spider monkeys swing through trees and capuchins chatter from the branches. Scarlet macaws squa
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Two Nights in the Jungle: Rincón de la Vieja
We spent two nights deep in the jungle near Rincón de la Vieja, surrounded by towering trees and the constant hum of insects. Without easy ways out, we immersed ourselves in nature: hiking to hot sp
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Engineering Wonders: Uvita Waterfall and Sea Caves
Trusting the engineering was the theme of our day in Uvita. We climbed a ladder bolted to a rock face to slide down Uvita Waterfall, cheering each other on as we plunged into the pool below. Then we
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Uvita Unplugged: Pure Pura Vida
Our time in Uvita was nothing short of a blast. We surfed gentle waves at Playa Uvita, hiked to hidden waterfalls and ate delicious casado at roadside sodas. Even routine tasks like grocery shopping
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Sunburns and Crocodiles in Tárcoles
So far on our trip we’d only suffered slight sunburn, but that didn’t stop us from leaning over the famous Crocodile Bridge in Tárcoles to spot massive American crocs sunning on the riverbanks. Afte
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Kicking Off the Costa Rica Adventure
Our first day in Costa Rica set the tone for the trip: lush landscapes, friendly locals and endless possibilities. We landed in San Juan, loaded our rental car and headed straight to a nearby soda f
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Weeding Lessons in Santa Clara
Pulling weeds isn’t exactly glamorous, but it’s part of home life that grounds us when we’re not on the road. One hot afternoon I tackled our garden, thinking about how unwanted plants are like life
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Agave and Roses: Finding Balance
In our yard an agave plant stands rigid beside a delicate rose bush—spikes next to petals. The contrast made me think about how our travels balance rugged adventures and tender moments. The boys lov
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Say Yes to the Photo: Ivins Paddleboarding
During a paddleboard session at Ivins Reservoir, a stranger offered to take our picture. I hesitated for a second, then remembered to say “yes.” The resulting photo captured our whole family balance
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Dubai Dazzle: A Family Introduction
Dubai greeted us with shimmering skyscrapers, air‑conditioned malls and sand dunes stretching into the horizon. On our first day we explored the Dubai Marina, rode an abra across Dubai Creek and ate
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Beating the Heat in Dubai
At 5:30 AM it was already 93 °F with 60 % humidity. To fit in a run, I set my alarm even earlier and watched the city wake up as I jogged along the canal. The sunrise turned the skyline gold and for
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Dreaming of a Marathon
Around Thanksgiving I found myself contemplating the St. George Marathon. Could I train while juggling travel and unplanned parenting? The idea both intimidated and excited me. Running long distance
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Race Day Reflections: St. George Marathon
Race Day Reflections: St. George Marathon The St. George Marathon is always a humbling experience. Running down from the pine forests of Pine Valley into the red rock canyons, I felt every mile and e
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Bali Beginnings: 31 Hours to Paradise
After 31 hours of travel we landed in Bali, sleepy but exhilarated. We started in Kuta, hitting the beach to shake off the jet lag and trying our hand at surfing. Between temple visits and nasi gore
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Dubai Farewell: From Atlantis to the Burj
On our final day in Dubai we crammed in all the icons. We walked the beaches near Atlantis, the Palm and imagined life inside the luxury resort. We gazed up at the Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest t
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Mall Musings: Dubai vs. Thailand and Shanghai
Mall Musings: Dubai vs. Thailand and Shanghai As we wandered through the Dubai Mall, I couldn’t help comparing it to the mega‑malls we’d seen in Thailand and Shanghai. Aside from the famous aquarium
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Commuter Tales: Running and Riding in Dubai
A morning run along the Dubai Water Canal showed me another side of the city—quiet paths, sunrise reflections and fishermen casting their lines. Later I hopped on the metro to work, accidentally end
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Work Days and Palace Nights in Dubai
Not every travel day is a vacation. This week involved long hours in the office punctuated by glimpses of grandeur. One evening I attended a reception at The Palace Downtown hotel, sipping mocktails
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Dubai Day 1: Desert Thrills and Cultural Feasts
We kicked off our Dubai adventure with a bang. In the morning we went dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles, screaming with delight as we slid down golden sands. We rode camels at sunset, then sat cross‑legg