Erika Bisbocci
Erika is an avid traveler and explorer of over ninety countries on six different continents. Since 2011, she has spent time studying Arabic in the Middle East, teaching English in Namibia and working as a flight attendant for a major US airline. When not traveling overseas, she loves exploring her own backyard in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
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Top Benin Tourist Attractions: An Overland Travel Itinerary
West Africa is one of the world’s last frontiers. Long plagued by disease, civil strife and ethnic tension, it is one of the only regions of the world where tourism has yet to gain a foothold. Bad roads, lack of tourist infrastructure and minimal information on travel to the area, have all played their part in solidifying West Africa’s reputation as the world’s most challenging destination. Yet those willing to step out of their comfort zones, will find an area of the world that is authentic, musical and full of…
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Pendjari National Park: West Africa’s Premier Wildlife Destination
Pendjari National Park is one of West Africa’s premier safari destinations. A wildlife-rich swath of land that lies along Benin’s border with Burkina Faso and Niger, the park is both one of the top places to visit in Benin and a highlight of travel to West Africa. Pendjari spans an area of 4,800 square kilometers and is a primary component of the transnational W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) complex. The WAP complex consists of Arli Park in Burkina Faso, W National Park in Niger and Pendjari in Benin. It is the largest remaining…
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Togo Travel Guide: Overland Travel in West Africa
Togo is a seldom-visited country in the heart of West Africa. Sandwiched between Ghana and Benin, the small vertical nation flies largely under the radar. And without the jaw-dropping natural splendors or wildlife-rich parks found on other parts of the continent, it is not difficult to see why. Togo doesn’t have the types of attractions that draw large crowds or tour groups. Instead, Togo offers a taste of Africa that is raw and unfiltered. Traveling to Togo reveals an Africa bursting at the seams with color. An Africa that welcomes…
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The Taroko Gorge in Taiwan: A Day Trip Itinerary
Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s top tourist destinations. A spectacular area containing marble-walled canyons, emerald vegetation and picturesque shrines, the park is a dream destination for lovers of hiking, culture and splendid scenery. The national park’s massive mountains are awe-inspiring. They tower over the chiseled Taroko Gorge, concealing temples and rivers and waterfalls. The national park—speckled with pagodas and surrounded by green forests—is a scenic wonderland that is worlds away from the bright city lights of Taiwan’s urban centers. Bisecting this emerald wonderland is the Taroko Gorge–a masterpiece…
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Three Day Taipei Itinerary
Taipei’s beauty lies in its blend of ancient history and modern design. A living museum of East Asian civilization, Taiwan’s capital city boasts intricate temples, bustling markets and innovative architectural feats. Currently a de facto independent state with a functioning government but limited international recognition, Taiwan has a long history of occupation by vying empires. As a result, Taipei is a curious fusion of Japanese anime curiosities, deep-rooted religious tradition and foodie flair. The city’s temples buzz with the pious; its Japanese-era houses have been restored to their former glory;…
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Jamaica on a Budget: Negril and Montego Bay
Ever since I became a flight attendant and began flying standby, I’d dreamed of showing up at an airport, checking the departure board, and choosing a destination based on availability. So over a long Thanksgiving weekend in November, Dan and I did just that; we packed our bags, headed to Atlanta and found ourselves on a flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica, a mere seven hours later. Like its Caribbean neighbors, Jamaica is known for its turquoise water, its pure white sand and its balmy weather. It is an island paradise,…
