Hiking to the top of Kilimanjaro still feels like a surreal achievement. The months of altitude training and collecting appropriate gear went by fast, and before we knew it, it was time to hike Africa’s highest peak. Everyone was in a panic. How could we possibly make it to the top? Had we trained enough? What were we thinking?! Somehow, we made it to the top. It was not only one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most fulfilling.
California is home to both the largest and tallest trees in the world. General Sherman in Sequoia National Park is the world’s largest tree, coming in at 52,500 cubic feet. 500 miles further north lives Hyperion, the world’s tallest tree, standing at 379.7 feet. Hyperion resides in Redwood National Park, which sits cozily next to the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon border. We can thank the Pacific Ocean for these massive trees because the ocean brings cool moisture to the redwoods year-round. The stunning location on the California coast and the sheer size of these redwoods makes this park an essential destination.
There are two currencies in Cuba – one for locals and one for tourists. Tourists use CUC (pronounced kook), which has the exact value as USD. CUC stands for “Convertible Peso” which is written on the bills. CUP is the local currency and is valued at $25CUP to $1USD. During our 10-days in Cuba we did not see a single CUP. Unless you plan to visit areas that do not cater to tourists, having CUP is unnecessary.
When exchanging money in Cuba, USD is subject to a 10% exchange fee. Bring either CAD, EUR, or GBP, which are subject to the standard 3% exchange fee. Cash is used everywhere and credit cards are useless. On the rare occasion credit cards are accepted, American transactions will be denied.
An easy way to acquire this foreign currency, such as EUR, is through your personal bank in the US. Shortly after it is requested most banks will have the desired currency waiting at a local branch. It will be subject to a small fee, but will be less than the 10% exchange fee for converting USD to CUC.
Between Cuba’s unstable history and the confusing regulations of the United States, it’s tempting to skip Cuba altogether as a travel destination. Then, pictures of white sand beaches, classic cars, and colorful houses flash through your mind and it’s time to reconsider. How hard is it to travel to Cuba? Is it safe? What can one expect? It’s difficult to find up-to-date information but rest assured that travelling to Cuba is safe and easy (as of November 2018).
Hawaii is known for being a tropical paradise complete with palm trees, turquoise waters, and volcanic scenery. For a shock of nature unlike anywhere else in the world plan a trip to the Na Pali Coast on Kauai. Dramatic green ridges plunge into the crystal blue Pacific Ocean. Sandy beaches speckle the coast as waterfalls hide in the valleys. While there are easier ways to see the Na Pali Coast, those who dream of adventure should hike the Kalalau Trail.
Sometimes the most memorable part of backpacking is the first real meal you eat after. Food is incredibly important on an overnight hike – not just for sustenance but for energy, nutrition, and mental well-being. Finding trail food that offers all of these things can be difficult, and it takes more than one backpacking trip to figure it out. With practice, and a little bit of research, you can be on your way to a satisfied stomach in no time.
Taking a 10-day road trip through Iceland was one of the most memorable experiences of my year abroad. With something exciting around every corner, there was never a dull moment in the itinerary. Giant waterfalls, gorgeous coastlines, and jaw-dropping views were an every day occurrence on this jam-packed Iceland trip. Any traveler who explores outside Reykjavik and off the beaten path will certainly not regret it.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is directly south of Phoenix and shares a border with Mexico. The closest US city is tiny Why, AZ with a population of 116 people. Although it may not stand out as an incredibly interesting place to visit, this part of the Sonoran Desert is beautiful. The Sonoran Desert may be one of the hottest places on earth but it is also a “green desert.” Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is covered in lush green cactus and offers the peaceful beauty only a desert can.
Pictures of Iceland’s breathtaking scenery have recently made this discrete country a popular travel destination. Once thought of as a barren, unexciting place with freezing temperatures, Iceland is now known as a country with mysterious natural beauty. There are many things to do in Iceland, but for those who love hiking Laugavegur Trail boasts a beauty that is rarely seen elsewhere.
I met some great people during my liveaboard in Australia. When saying our goodbyes we jokingly said “Let’s dive the Maldives next year!” Well, it wasn’t a joke for two of us, and 11 months later Colin and I found ourselves aboard a giant, luxurious boat in Maldives. Overall the diving wasn’t as impressive as Australia or New Zealand. In fact, Maldives is way down on my list of favorite places to dive. However, the boat, people, and gorgeous atolls made this a very memorable trip.
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