“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
– Augustine of Hippo
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
– Gustave Flaubert
There’s no greater excitement than stepping off a plane in a country you’ve never been to. Travel opens doors, expands horizons, and teaches you more than you could ever learn in a classroom. Experiencing foreign lands and their culture is incredibly rewarding and eye-opening, and it’s our biggest passion in life. Join us to explore some of the places we’ve been over the years, such as China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. This page will always be expanding, so bookmark it and come back in the future.
China is an absolutely fascinating country to travel in. With a history going back over 5,000 years, the world’s largest population, and a wide array of historical, scenic, and cultural places to visit, you could spend a lifetime in China and still not take it all in. Having called the Middle Kingdom home for over five years, we’ve managed to see a lot of this massive country. From ancient cities like Pingyao, to epic hikes in the mountains outside of Jiuzhaigou National Park, to the impressive skyline of Shanghai, we’ve had some incredible travel experiences in China and want you to have them as well!
Indonesia is a vast archipelago nation made up of over 17,000 islands. From the crowded cities of Java, to the beaches of Bali, to remote ethnic minority villages in Flores, each island offers something unique to travelers. We absolutely love Indonesia – so much so that we moved to Bali for a year. Check out our awesome Gypsy Guides to places like Yogyakarta and the Gili Islands, how to plan a DIY trip to Mt. Bromo, a recap of volunteering at Bali Spirit Festival, and lots more.
Thailand is far and away the most popular country to visit in Southeast Asia. Its bustling capital, Bangkok, even surpassed London to become the world’s most visited city. Up north, Chiang Mai offers an abundance of outdoor adventures and culture. While you’re up there, why not ride the 1,864 curves of the Mae Hong Son Loop, or fall in love with the hippie town of Pai? Of course, many people just come here to lounge on a beach and party. The Full Moon Party is legendary, attracting 30,000+ revelers every month.
There’s much more to Cambodia than just the temples of Angkor. This Southeast Asian country has a very turbulent recent history, but its people are friendly, the landscapes are stunningly beautiful, and yes, Angkor Wat really is that great. Consider a longer stay here to really take in all that Cambodia has to offer. Hike in the national park in Kep, escape to a paradisaical island on Koh Rong, take in history and culture in Phnom Penh, and so much more.
Vietnam gets a bad wrap on a lot of travel websites, but it’s hands down one of our favorite countries we’ve visited. Here, you can hike to remote villages in Sa Pa, cruise around the magnificent Halong Bay, and ride through the Central Highlands on a motorbike tour. All the while, sip on strong Vietnamese coffee or dirt cheap draft beer and indulge in the delicious cuisine. Few things in life beat a hot bowl of pho and a cold one on the side of the road in Vietnam, watching the chaos of city traffic go by in a blur. Ignore the haters and make up your own mind when it comes to ‘Nam.
It’s hard to find words to describe Myanmar – fascinating, authentic, and unique all come to mind. Once closed off to the world, the nation formerly known as Burma has seen its tourist numbers rise exponentially in recent years. Drawn in by the majestic temples of Bagan and the beauty of Inle Lake with its floating villages, annual visitors are now in the millions. Explore this incredible country by seeing what you can do with 3 weeks in Myanmar or perusing our collection of Myanmar videos. We would tell you to get there before the crowds do, but they’re already there.
Laos is the hidden gem of Southeast Asia, slipping under the radar of many travelers in favor of more time in places like Thailand or Vietnam. If you love nature, adventure, culture, and just chillin’ out, then Laos should be high atop your travel bucket list. Kick back and relax in the 4,000 Islands, take a motorbike trip to waterfalls and coffee plantations, or get wild at the infamous “In the Tubing” of Vang Vieng. After a few weeks here, you’ll fully embrace the country’s unofficial slogan – Please Don’t Rush.
We’ve got tons more awesome travel content on tap for you in the months and weeks to come. Check back for pages on places like Mexico and Japan, among others. In the meantime, you can read about our experiences living in China or catching live music all over the world. Get in the van and join us in living an alternative lifestyle full of adventure and excitement.
