Random Thoughts on Solo Travel

Solo Travel and especially, Female Solo Travel are some super big buzzwords in the travel industry of late, so I thought I’d put in my two cents. I’ve never gone on a trip completely alone, but I’ve definitely spent time alone while traveling, flown alone to visit people, and in general spent lots of time going it solo while traveling, especially after my Cuba trip. … Continue reading Random Thoughts on Solo Travel

Your Guide to Cuban Slang

Your Guide to Cuban Slang

Here’s a quick guide to some common Spanish slang that I noticed was used in Cuba during my month there! If you don’t speak Spanish yet, check out these reasons why you should. If you do, that’s awesome, and I hope this quick guide will help you on your trip to Cuba! 1. Yuma This word means foreigner, similar to the way gringo/a is used in other … Continue reading Your Guide to Cuban Slang

On the Hemingway Trail in Havana, Cuba

Ernest Hemingway is strongly associated with the city of Havana. He lived, fished, and wrote there for quite some time, and his best novel (in my opinion), The Old Man and the Sea, uses Cuba as a backdrop. He was known as “Papa Hemingway” by Cubans during his time. So if you’re ever in Havana and you want to check out some of his old … Continue reading On the Hemingway Trail in Havana, Cuba

6 Misconceptions Americans Have About Cuba

As many of you know, I spent a month living and studying Havana, Cuba this summer. Of course, this doesn’t make me an expert on Cuba or Cubans, but I have noticed several misconceptions that many Americans seem to have about Cuba (some of which I had before I went there as well) which I’d like to clear up! If you’re planning a trip to … Continue reading 6 Misconceptions Americans Have About Cuba

8 Reasons Every World Traveler Should Learn Spanish

There are about a million reasons to learn a second language–it’s a resume builder, it improves your understanding of your own language and linguistics, you can look at things through the lens of another culture or perspective, etc.–but I think it’s best summed up in one of my favorite quotes. There’s a French proverb that says “a man who knows two languages is worth two … Continue reading 8 Reasons Every World Traveler Should Learn Spanish

14 Quotes to Inspire You to Take a Hike this Fall

Autumn is a great time for hikes–the beautiful fall colors, the crisp air… Recently we’ve been visiting some state parks and such around to get out of the house and walk our dog. To inspire you to take a nice fall hike of your own before the snow falls, I’ve compiled this list of 14 quotes from poets, authors, travelers, and others!   An early morning … Continue reading 14 Quotes to Inspire You to Take a Hike this Fall

7 Inspiring Panoramas of Cuba

7 Panoramas That Will Inspire You to Book Your Ticket to Cuba

Cuba is an amazing country to visit, and if you’re interested in going, you should go as soon as you can! Big changes are coming for this nation, and while I don’t doubt that it will continue to be quirky and fascinating, some of its more-unique aspects may soon be gone, once the US embargo is lifted. Need more convincing that you should book your … Continue reading 7 Panoramas That Will Inspire You to Book Your Ticket to Cuba

My Top 5 Havana Nightlife Hot Spots

Havana is a great city for nightlife, whether you like dancing, music or people-watching. Nearly every restaurant has a band playing on weekend nights, so you can enjoy a wide variety of music just by eating dinner! There’s also a wide variety of nightclubs and dance clubs. After spending a month in the city I definitely had some favorite spots, and I’d like to share … Continue reading My Top 5 Havana Nightlife Hot Spots