Next Stop: Vietnam

Next Stop: the Caribbean (with Bailee)

Today’s episode we’re talking all about cruises in the Caribbean with my childhood bestie, Bailee. We talk about several different islands/excursions, tips for getting good prices, Royal Caribbean vs. Virgin Voyages and a bit about traveling with kids.

Next Stop: Vietnam

Vietnam literally might be my new favorite country. It has the most delicious food (banh mi, bun cha, pho, etc.), the most beautiful nature (via motorbike in Ha Giang, via foot in Sapa, via boat in the Mekong Delta and Ninh Binh), it’s a great (and safe) destination for solo travelers, it’s an incredibly affordable travel destination, and the Ha Giang Loop might change your life. If this country isn't already on your travel bucket list it should be. At the top, even.  Recommendations: * Ho Chi Minh  * Hostel - Saigon Chill [https://maps.app.goo.gl/f5L1N6YToW3hmm9B9] - social and free breakfast * Oasis Cafe [https://maps.app.goo.gl/VUBPrLDP1ynaJEDy6] - koi pond tables * Bloom Spa [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Cf2xMgZadJCCVKVA] - best (and cheap) head spa  * Hanoi:  * Hostel - Old Quarter View Hanoi [https://maps.app.goo.gl/wWZvRpMXTtChGo9eA] - my fav * Hostel - Rebel Rooster [https://maps.app.goo.gl/YZjkn6h3FvtrRdTf6]- second fav * Bun Cha Ta [https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VTb6rcy1JEqq7W7A] - i think about this bun cha every day * Tam Vi [https://maps.app.goo.gl/RwofdusvyFKMSDyL9]- cheapest Michelin Star restaurant in the world * Cafe Giang [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bptq9fQE8QaMffAT6] - original egg coffee * Banh Mi 25 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MWgFpWEbkoSJXP3V6] - small, order 2! * Minh Oiii [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZH4HVLVUJfWvdXdD9] - udon * Ha Giang Loop - Road Kings [https://www.roadkingshagiang.com/] * Sapa - MamaSi WhatsApp Number: +83 37 408 0636 * Ninh Binh Day Trip [https://www.getyourguide.com/en-gb/hanoi-l205/hanoi-ninh-binh-hoa-lu-trang-an-mua-cave-best-seller-t693553/] Sources * Encyclopedia Britannica – History of Vietnam * Lonely Planet – Vietnam Travel Guide * National Geographic – Vietnam Facts

Next Stop: Cambodia

Cambodia is more than just Angkor Wat (though Angkor Wat IS truly amazing) - it’s a beautiful and under-rated country that I definitely think should be on your travel bucket list! We’ll talk history (specifically, the Khmer Rouge), what to do in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kampot and, as always, the best-eats. Links: * Kmer Cooking Class [https://www.getyourguide.com/en-gb/siem-reap-l274/siem-reap-khmer-cooking-class-at-a-local-s-home-t403955/] * Kampot Day Tour [https://www.getyourguide.com/en-gb/kampot-l126703/kampot-full-day-countryside-tour-with-pepper-farm-and-kep-t646163/] * Hostels: the Twizt (nice and chill), Onederz (nice and social) * Kayaking: Green Cathedral [https://maps.app.goo.gl/1DPBZArVR1qQsubZA] (several places to rent kayaks around the loop, ~$5/day!)  Sources: * Cambodia Travel Info (travel.state.gov [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cambodia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Wikipedia – History of Cambodia, Khmer Rouge, Angkor Wat

Next Stop: Thailand (with Brittany)

Recorded in-country, with Brittany! From temples and elephants in the north to busy Bangkok to beautiful islands and diving in the south - we've got itinerary inspo and practical logistics for you to plan your first/next Thailand trip. Links: * Michelin Recommended: Khao Soi Mae Sai [https://maps.app.goo.gl/gewdYYEuobbVx7n37] * Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class [https://www.getyourguide.com/en-gb/chiang-mai-l271/chiang-mai-cooking-class-market-thai-herbs-garden-tour-t633010/] * Thanomsak Boxing [https://maps.app.goo.gl/iqwsKCq79qVZdsoS9] * Fast Manta Diving [https://fastmanta.com/] * Encyclopedia Britannica – History of Thailand * National Geographic – Thailand Facts Lonely Planet – Thailand Travel Guide

Next Stop: Utah

In honor of my moving out of Utah this week, we're visiting my home for the last couple years! We'll go from north to south, covering outdoorsy (hikes, snow sports, national parks) and indoorsy (musicals, aviaries, film festivals) stuff to do as well as my fav restaurants in each location. Sources: Utah Division of State History; Utah.gov; Salt Lake Tribune; Deseret News