Vietnam has been one of our favorite destinations in Southeast Asia. After multiple stays in Central Vietnam and Northern Vietnam, we kept hearing great things about the mountain city of Dalat. We finally got to visit DaLat Vietnam in 2023, where our excellent homestay hosts helped introduce us to the city and culture of Da…
Being centrally located on the Dalmatian Coast, there are many great day trips from Zadar, including famous national parks, scenic islands, and some off the beaten path destinations. We had the pleasure of staying in Zadar, Croatia for a month in the Fall. Many of these day trips we were able to do ourselves. For…
As one of the first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in the world, with the outskirts of the city extending about a kilometer away from the equator, Quito, Ecuador is a very special city. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be captivated by this expansive capital city, built on the sides of dramatic mountains and…
Salem, the capital city of Oregon, is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. It’s around an hour away from Portland. As the capital city, Salem is known for its historic downtown area, with landmarks like the Oregon State Capital and Riverfront City Park. Downtown is also a great place to hang out, whether…
We absolutely love visiting Montreal, Quebec, Canada. If you’re short on time, we’ve distilled the best things into a perfect 2 day Montreal itinerary for you. About Montreal as a Destination: Our Take Whenever we talk to people about must-visit travel destinations, Montreal is rarely high on peoples’ lists. We confess, this used to be…
Personally, I think September in Italy is one of the best times for visitors. In fact, I’m writing this from Italy now, in September, as we typically come here in Autumn. Italy in September and early October usually means good weather and beautiful sunsets. While there are still crowds in Italy’s top destinations and main…
Located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, Kotor is a beautiful tourist destination. The region where it’s situated, the Bay of Kotor, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its architecture, surrounding landscapes, rich history, and Mediterranean culture. Kotor is also conveniently located nearby the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, another top Balkan destination and…
Hidden gems in the Willamette Valley are plentiful. Whether you’re looking for a road trip to stop on I-5, planning a day trip from Portland, or you’re a Willamette Valley local looking to explore new places, this list of best things to do in the Mid-Willamette Valley will help. I grew up in the Willamette…
Stressed out at work? Need an escape from your routine? If you live the typical North American lifestyle, there is a place in this world which is the exact opposite of your daily grind. That place is Costa Rica, where you can escape from your cares on beautiful beaches, in thick jungles, and in vibrant…
I may be biased, but Oregon is pretty awesome. I (Michelle) was born and raised in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Jedd and I met in 2007 and lived in Portland until 2011, when we joined the Peace Corps. Now Oregon is our home base. In this post, we reflect on what makes living in…