Plates of soup, meat and salad

Menu del Dia

Mark Stewart Destinations 2 Comments

There are many ways to travel Colombia on a budget. You can stay in dorms, cook meals for yourself, or ride local buses as often as possible. And those are all great ways to save a few dollars. But the best way to save a ton of money while also getting a great experience is by eating Menu del Dias. By taking advantage of this special lunch menu, found everywhere, you’ll not only save a pile of cash, but enjoy some of the best …

Boat in the sea near the beach

Touring the San Bernardo Islands Colombia: Is it Worth It?

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The Caribbean coast of Colombia is absolutely stunning. Impossibly blue water splashes onto the shores of tiny fishing villages, buzzing colonial cities, and the occasional spattering of islands off the mainland. One such archipelago is that of San Bernardo, a small group of islands between Cartagena and Tolu. These islands are a very popular spot to visit, especially for locals. And for good reason; they’re the postcard image of a Caribbean island. But are they actually worth visiting? Here’s what we think …

Red bus with flashy decals and stickers passing a blue building. This is one of the buses that can take you from Antigua to Panajachel

The Famous Central American Chicken Bus

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Taking local transport while travelling is one of our favourite ways to really experience a destination. It’s far more than simply a mode of transport, it’s en experience. And the legendary chicken buses of Central America are some of the best in the world. There are few experiences like taking a chicken bus. For many backpackers, it’s a right of passage, even a badge of honour, to travel this way. They’re not just exciting, they’re affordable. And, much like visiting …

Blue water beach with nice sand and a mountain behind it

Bahia Concha, Colombia: The Affordable Alternative to Tayrona National Park

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Santa Marta is the stepping-off point for most of northern Colombia and the Caribbean coast. And one of the most popular nearby destinations is Tayrona National Park. With its crystal-clear waters, palm-fringed beaches and beautiful jungle trails, it’s easy to see why. However, it’s also busy, a bit expensive, and especially tricky to pull off if you’re on a tight schedule. On the far southwestern edge of Tayrona park is a separate cove, unknown to many foreign visitors. Technically, Bahia …

Palm trees on the edge of the sea in Santa Marta Colombia

13 of the Best Things to Do Santa Marta, Colombia

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Santa Marta has come a long way in the two years since our first visit. Its rise in popularity as a base for exploring Colombia’s north has seen a heavy increase in travellers. And with those numbers, some much-needed new life has been breathed into the gritty coastal city. Most travellers find themselves here merely as a stop-off point for exploring the surrounding mountains and beaches. And while the city itself doesn’t have a ton of activities, there are still …

Red white and blue boat in the water with a village behind it at Lake Atitlan

The Best Things to do in Lake Atitlan

Mark Stewart Destinations 12 Comments

Lake Atitlan is one of the most popular destinations in all of Guatemala, for good reason. Between the seemingly endless activities and laid-back vibes, visitors usually end up staying much longer than planned! To help you make the most of your time, we’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in Lake Atitlan and around! Although you’ll likely stumble upon many more on your visit, these are a few that you shouldn’t miss! What to …

Blue boats with a stone bridge and tower on the coastal city of Essouira. There are so many fantastic restaurants in Essaouira Morocco.

Where to Eat in Essaouira

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The Essaouira Medina is a whirlwind of different shops, hawkers, and of course the dizzying variety of outstanding restaurants. In all honesty, you can probably pop into almost any of the places to eat in Essaouira and leave satisfied. Yet we found that many restaurants with simple menus and humble Moroccan food were unnecessarily overpriced. This led us to seek out the best food in Essaouira, with the most reasonable prices. Whether you’re spending a day, week, or considerably longer …

Wooden dock over a blue lake surrounded by tall hills. In the distance, small, colourful houses line the water edge.

What to Do in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan

Mark Stewart Destinations 4 Comments

San Pedro la Laguna is not only one of the best places to visit in Guatemala but in the whole of Central America. There are so many great things to do in San Pedro — from hiking and kayaking to learning Spanish and mingling with friendly locals. Or, as is common for visitors, to simply kick back, relax, and stay far longer than planned. Like the islands of Southern Thailand or the beaches of Goa. Certain places have a vibe …

Camels walking on sand dunes in the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

A Much Needed Break in the Moroccan Sahara Desert

Mark Stewart Destinations 6 Comments

Wednesday. 04-17-19. Essaouira, Morocco Following a few days engulfed in the mad frenzy of the Fes Medina, our heads were spinning. With the dizzying maze-like corridors and never-ending flow of bodies in all directions; and the constant beckoning of shopkeepers to visit this shop or that, to “buy this rug” or “authentic gold lamp.” Each dawn we’d be shaken from sleep by a buzzing shriek. Directly outside our bedroom window was the loudspeaker atop the minaret of the local Mosque. …

A busy street with many souvenirs in stalls along the side, with the minaret of a Mosque in the background.

Navigating the Chaos: What to Do in Fes, Morocco

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Visiting Fes is absolutely one of the must-do activities while in Morocco. And yes, it’s spelled Fes, not Fez – the second one is a type of hat. Wandering the narrow, chaotic streets of the Medina is one of the most exciting things to do in Fes, and an experience hard to find anywhere else. The smell of grilling meats, colours of every hue, and the call to prayer echoing through the stone corridors; these are constants. But no sensation …