Category: USA

Ani – A Forgotten Ancient Capital of Armenia in Eastern Turkey Ani was once a thriving ancient capital of the Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia with nearly 100,000 residents. After the kingdom collapsed, Ani experienced a long history of war, looting, vandalism, capture, and transfer of power. It was later abandoned and neglected in the 17th century….

The Dogu Express, also known as the Eastern Express, is a 24-hour overnight trip from the capital city of Turkey Ankara to Kars, a former Russian outpost. It covers an 814-mile in length across seven provincial capitals and Anatolia plateau. This amazing trip on a diesel locomotive is a local secret, with only a few…

Although Manta, Ecuador is not a typical tourist destination, this capital city of Manabi has a lot to offer when it comes to seascapes, history, and culture. Manta is the second largest port city in Ecuador and its economy largely relies on the fishing and tourism industry. How to get to Manta, Ecuador Manta is…

If you enjoy sightseeing and discovering Colombia’s countryside, then a jeep tour through San Agustin is a wonderful activity for you. Jeep tours are a great way to get to know the suburban area and have a feeling for the locals’ way of living. Although San Agustin is not a popular destination, there are beautiful…

This is part two of a comprehensive guide for a road trip on the Carretera Austral. This post focuses on places to visit and things to do. If you are traveling in Patagonia and would like to visit lesser-known places, then Carretera Austral is a perfect destination for you. This secluded area is so beautiful,…

This is part one of a comprehensive guide for a road trip through Carretera Austral. This post focuses on how to travel through the Carretera Austral using various transportation options including buses, self-driving, hitchhiking, taking the ferry, and border crossing. Note: this post was created based on my experience on Carretera Austral in November 2017…

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  If you are traveling anywhere between Coyhaique and Puyuhuapi on Carretera Austral in Chile’s Patagonia, you will surely be visiting the incredible Vestisquero Colgante, as known as the hanging glacier, at Queulat National Park. It is a wild place where you will find moderate jungles,…

Valdivia is a beautiful city in Chile’s North Patagonia that nobody has mentioned a word about. It does not have many foreign tourists, and locals keep this place secret in their heart. However, after looking at the map and the pictures, I knew this was a place I wanted to visit. From my travel experience,…

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  Arguably the highlight of my Ecuador trip, Cajas National Park has attracted many travelers from Ecuador and around the world. With an altitude of up to 4450 meters above sea level, the weather in Cajas is oftentimes cold, windy, and damp, but a trip…