The phrase “from here to Timbuktu,” is commonly used to describe some remote, hard-to-reach mythical place, but never a real destination that one could actually visit. But then, a few years ago, I was on a flight going who knows where, when I started chatting with a woman sitting next to me. “I’m going to…
Santa Fe was the original capital of the state of Antioquia before it moved to Medellin, a couple hours south.. The Lonely Planet describes it as a weekend escape from the city, but doesn’t say much else about it other than the tourist information center can provide a list of local artisans, whose studios can…
I could have spent a week exploring Bogota on foot, but I never would have seen as much as I did on the six-hour bike ride I took. Cruising around town on two wheels, I visited popular sites on the must-see list, but also many out-of-the-way spots. Bogota Bike Tours is owned and operated by…
“Is Colombia safe?” That’s the number one question I get when I tell people that I’m going to the South American nation. There is no guarantee that we’re safe, even in our own neighborhoods, but most sources say that Colombia is safe for travelers who stay on the main tourist circuit and big cities, travel…
Puerto de la Cruz is the second largest city on the island of Tenerife. It is a picturesque port town on the north shore with cute shops and good restaurants, as long as you wander off the main boardwalk, lined with high-rise hotels and cheesy “handicrap” (as opposed to handicraft) stores. The further west in…
Tucked in a corner of the island not visited by most tourists you’ll find the tiny seaside villages of Bajamar and Punta Hidalgo. They are both one hotel kind of towns that time forgot. In Bajamar, older men chat on benches in front of the tiny church, people walk their dogs or stroll along the…
Excluding the national park at the top of the Teide volcano, the island of Tenerife has two distinct sides. The south is known for its sandy beaches and sunny skies, while the north is higher and cooler with crashing waves under plunging cliffs. The south is touristy (full of visitors flying in from London, Madrid…
Travel is full of unexpected surprises (good or bad); that’s one thing I like about it. But sometimes, things can go a little too far. In this case, it’s far more enjoyable to read about travel mishaps than experience them first-hand. “Monkey pushes woman off cliff” read the headline on Wednesday’s “Weird News” feed. Naturally,…
