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Four Day Kazakhstan Itinerary from Almaty
Though Kazakhstan is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of area, the ex-Soviet republic doesn’t often find itself at the top of peoples’ bucket lists. A massive swath of land that comprises much of Russia’s southern border, Kazakhstan’s name recognition is antonymous to its size. Aside from oil production and Borat, mentions of Kazakhstan often draw blanks stares. As a result, when I told friends and co-workers that I would be visiting Kazakhstan for four days prior to the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, their answers…
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Seoul in Winter: Two Chilly Days in South Korea’s Capital
After a week in Cambodia’s sweltering tropical heat, Seoul’s winter weather hit me like a slap in the face. I had bundled in layers from head to toe and braced myself for freezing temperatures, but nothing quite prepared me for the rush of cold air that met me as I stepped off the plane at the Incheon International Airport. Temperatures hovered around ten degrees Farenheit and the fierce wind sliced at my bones. It was a stark reminder that we were no longer in the tropics. And that winter in…
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Visiting Angkor Wat: Travel Guide and Itinerary
Angkor Wat is an enduring example of humanity’s devotion to its deities. A sprawling temple complex of crumbling palaces, ruined sculptures and holy places of worship, it is the largest religious structure on Earth. There are few places on the planet that rival the staggering and mysterious beauty of Angkor Wat. The glorious temple is the heart and soul of Cambodia: it is the country’s premier tourist attraction, its national symbol, and the epicenter of Khmer civilization. THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR Angkor Wat is the undeniable highlight of travel…
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One Day in Phnom Penh: Dark Tourism in the Pearl of Asia
Cambodia is a small, landlocked country with a rich heritage and a dark past. Both home to one of the world’s greatest civilizations and one of the 20th century’s greatest tragedies, the country’s history is at once proud, multi-layered, complex and heartbreaking. In Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, the country’s rich heritage and tragic past collide. The city can be an assault on the senses, like a mellower version of Bangkok. With gleaming golden temples and lush vegetation lining its frenetic streets, it is vibrant and intoxicating. In Phnom Penh, motorbikes whiz through…
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Visiting Galle Sri Lanka: A UNESCO Gem
Galle Sri Lanka is a gem. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the historic colonial city is a visual feast of twisting alleyways and crumbling mansions and seaside views. In Galle, fortified walls encircle photogenic buildings and car-free streets. The town’s time-warped alleyways overflow with character. Its Dutch-style villas—many of which are adorned with street-facing verandas and red-tiled roofs—burst with color and charm. THINGS TO SEE IN GALLE SRI LANKA Architecturally, Galle feels very unique compared to other Sri Lankan cities due to its history of occupation by the Portuguese,…
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Udawalawe Elephant Safari in Sri Lanka
There’s something so raw and primal about going on safari. About traveling down a dusty roads and coming face to face with animals in the wild. It’s a thrilling sensation that never abates, no matter how many safari parks I visit. Prior to traveling to Sri Lanka, I knew of the country’s architectural gems, its idyllic countryside, and its pristine beaches. But—until I was deep in the planning process—I didn’t know that its wildlife-spotting opportunities were some of the best on Earth. Among its most renowned safari destinations is Udawalawe…
