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.
-
Things to Do in St Lucia on a Budget
With its volcanic mountain peaks and lush, forested interior, St Lucia looks like an island uprooted from the South Pacific and plopped down in the Caribbean. Like the Caribbean island of Saba, St Lucia is more renowned for its rugged, volcanic interior than for its ring of sandy beaches. The island’s dramatic twin peaks, the Pitons, tower more than 700 meters above the sea, sheltering dense, flower-speckled rainforest, bubbling mud baths tan-colored beaches and quaint, laid back fishing villages. THINGS TO DO IN ST LUCIA ON A BUDGET Exploring St…
-
Exploring Tumon Bay in Guam
This past March, I had the opportunity to visit Guam on a layover. I knew next to nothing about the island’s history and culture before visiting, and even less about what there was to do there. But I was curious about Guam ever since my vacation to neighboring Palau, so I was thrilled when I was able to pick up an eight-day work trip around Asia that included a short pitstop in the tiny US territory. Omitted from our history books and given such little mention that some Americans don’t even know…
-
One Day in Shanghai
This past March, I spent one day in Shanghai as part of a work trip that took me to China, Japan and Guam over the span of a week. Trips to Shanghai are difficult to come by for junior flight attendants like me, so I made sure to visit as many sites as possible during my short stay and take advantage of my mini work-sponsored vacation as best I could. With a population of over 23 million, Shanghai is the world’s seventh largest metropolis and one of Asia’s leading economic and financial hubs. Yet, despite its global prominence, Shanghai is a challenging destination to…
-
Visiting Iguazu Falls: Brazil and Argentina
Iguazu Falls is one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Situated in the heart of a verdant rainforest and featuring hundreds of cascades, the falls are global treasure and one of the top places to visit in South America. Visiting Iguazu Falls is a jaw-dropping visceral experience. It is a sensory overload—engaging, in equal measure, all five of the senses. I traveled to Iguazu Falls as part of a backpacking trip to Patagonia and Buenos Aires. Visiting Iguazu Falls was never part of the original plan. I had originally hoped…
-
Buenos Aires: The Paris of South America
With its wide, tree-lined avenues, art nouveau architecture, cobblestone streets and sidewalk cafes, it is no wonder that Buenos Aires is often regarded as the Paris of South America. Buenos Aires has long been a tourist favorite, enticing visitors from around the world with its fascinating neighborhoods, vibrant atmosphere and party-till-you drop nightlife. Like Sao Paulo, however, I found Buenos Aires to be a bit hard on the exterior. At first, I had a difficult time looking past the city’s dirty streets and rundown buildings. It was only after roaming the tree-lined boulevards and soaking up its energy and…
-
Spectacular Day Hikes in El Chalten, Patagonia
Situated in the stunning northern reaches of Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National park and tucked under the shadow of Mount Fitz Roy, sits the tiny mountain town of El Chalten. The area around El Chalten encapsulates everything that travelers love about Patagonia. It is home to hanging glaciers, sculpted mountains, and crystalline lakes. One would be hard pressed to find a town with a more picturesque setting. During Patagonia’s summer, El Chalten bursts with backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the area for the abundant hiking and climbing opportunities that lie…
