Finding Peace in Chaotic Beijing: My Experience Staying With a Family in China

I had heard Beijing is a stressful city to travel through. Someone had described it to me as “the general population having no regard for human life,” as in, get out of the way or you’re going to get hit by a car, be prepared to be cut in line often, be prepared for people …

World Wonder in a Hunch: How to See The Great Wall of China on a Long Layover

Transiting through China can be a real pain in the butt. Most layovers will be in Shanghai or Beijing, and though I’ve never been to the Shanghai airport, I can confirm the Beijing one is a bit chaotic. If you’re flying to or throughout Asia, you’re likely to see an option to fly with AirChina, …

World Wonder in a Hunch: How to See Petra on a 24-Hour Layover in Amman, Jordan

Anyone flying through The Middle East is likely to come across flight options via Royal Jordanian Airlines. All layovers would take place in Amman, and though some might only be one or two hours long, it’s worth calling the airline to see if you can extend it at no extra cost so you can spend …

Everything You Need To Know About Hiking Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest point. The highest freestanding mountain in the world. 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level. If you crave both adventure and a challenge, hiking Kilimanjaro has most likely crossed your mind. I had been dreaming of doing the trek for four years before finally booking it, and after completing it, I …

Getting Scuba Certified in The Great Barrier Reef

When venturing on my round-the-world trip, I didn’t even consider getting my PADI open water certification in Australia; I automatically assumed it would be highly overpriced. I was browsing snorkel tour options when something came up that said, “Get Scuba Certified in The Great Barrier Reef” for $450. From my prior research, getting certified in a “cheaper” …