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Socotra Essential Guide: Know Before You Go!
Socotra is a remote island in the Arabian Sea that is part of Yemen (yes, Yemen). The island is home to incredible biodiversity including unique landscapes, and endemic plant life that very few people get to see. When I decided to go, I was eager to learn all about this unique place. My essential guide is everything you need to know before you go to Socotra. Is Socotra safe? Yes! This was the first question I had when I started my own research and planning. There is an ongoing civil war in Yemen and just before my trip, the Syrian…
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Lasting Memories: Souvenir Shopping in Morocco
Visiting Morocco is so exciting, there is a lot to see and do. Shopping in Morocco for souvenirs is definitely among those activities make lasting memories from your trip! If you’re like me, you also have family and friends back home to shop for! And of course you’ll want something for yourself to remember the whole experience! Sand jar A major highlight of visiting Morocco for me, was the Sahara Desert! The dunes are massive and left me in awe. I didn’t have to look far to do some shopping for souvenirs! Right on the dunes behind the hotel a…
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Getting Ready for Morocco: Outfit Inspiration and Tips for Women Travelers
Morocco is a top tourist destination that received nearly 13 million tourists in 2023 – more than any other African country – but it is also a conservative Muslim country. While this may worry you, it is actually exciting! This creates a very interesting dynamic where a lot of different cultures interact. You will see women in full burkas next to a tourist in a t-shirt. It is very easy to comfortably and safely enjoy your time in Morocco. I spent nine days in Morocco and survived with just a small carry-on roller bag and a personal bag. Based on…
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The Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda was an amazing experience! Nothing quite like making eye contact with something that visually looks so different but has 98% same DNA as you without barriers at a zoo. Gorillas are thriving at home in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are only about three countries in the world (Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo) that even have gorillas in the wild so you cannot do this just anywhere! Congratulations on signing up for a gorilla trek, you are going to love it! I am going to walk through everything you need to prepare: overview, difficulty,…
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5 Things You Need To Know Before You Visit Uganda!
Uganda, or the “Pearl of Africa,” is usually not the first place most people think of when planning a trip to Africa. I had multiple great off the beaten path experiences on this trip. These are 5 things you need to know before visiting Uganda to ensure you also have a great experience, just like I did. You can also see some of my favorite photos from the trip on my photography page or on Instagram, and additional posts: Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Travel tip #1: Small group tour is the way to go! The main draw…
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How to spend 17 hours in Fiji
I flew with Fiji Airways when I visited Australia and I happened to find a flight with a 17 hour layover in Fiji. Extended layovers are best during international travel, it is a 2-for-1 vacation! After all that time on a plane flying from Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to get in the water! After all, Fiji is known for pristine waters and reefs. I checked Viator – a great spot to find day trips for destinations all over the world – and found lots of options. I did a full catamaran sailing and snorkel tour, lunch included. It…
