6 Things To Book In Advance For A Kauai Trip

163 If you’re planning to visit the island of Kauai, you’re probably wondering whether you need to book anything in advance. Obviously there are the flights and hotels, but what about state parks and other activities? Thankfully most things in Kauai don’t require a reservation, but there are a few exceptions. This travel guide will give some tips for how far in advance you should book your Kauai activities. It’s based on my own experience! Summary: What & When To Book Here’s a quick summary of when you may want to book ahead for things in Kauai: Kalalau Trail —

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Don’t Visit Ko Lipe

After 19 years, I finally went back to Ko Lipe, the Thai island I spent close to a month on in 2006. Back then, it was one of those super off-the-beaten-path destinations that few but the most intrepid travelers visited, where electricity only ran a few hours a day, basic bungalows right on the beach cost something like $2 USD, and there really was a last boat for the season. There was much to do here but that was the point. You hung out on the beach, read a book, went snorkeling, went back to the beach, drank beers at

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How to travel to Socotra in 2026 – Against the Compass

By Joan Torres 6 Comments Last updated on February 27, 2026 Wanna travel to Socotra with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Socotra on: November 10th to 17th, 2026 Socotra is an isolated island that has always been safe and attracted visitors, despite belonging to war-torn Yemen. Home to around 60,000 people, Socotra is also rich in unique flora and fauna that helped it to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Packed with Dragon Blood and Bottle trees, white sandy beaches, unique cultural heritage and a wide

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Algeria Itinerary, North + South in 2 weeks – Against the Compass

By Joan Torres 2 Comments Last updated on March 26, 2026 Wanna travel to Algeria with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Algeria: December 4th to 11th, 2026 The largest country in Africa is also one of the most diverse, from the sophisticated French Quarter of Algiers to the heartland of the Tuareg in Tamanrasset and Djanet, passing through the homeland of the Mozabites in the area around Ghardaïa.
 This is almost the exact itinerary for Algeria I followed during my first visit to the country. By the way, for general

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How I Got My Visa to France

I’ve been in love with France ever since my first trip to Bordeaux in 2010. Friends I had met back in Thailand showed me around the area and introduced me to French culture. It was my first time in France and I loved the food, the wine, and the people. But that love became an obsession when, after Bordeaux, I stepped out of the Paris metro and onto the Champs Élysées. The lights, the energy, the mystique! There was magic in the air. I felt like I had known the city my entire life and I was simply returning home.

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7 Ways to Effectively Communicate Your Sustainability Story in Tourism

You are here: Home » Tourism Industry Insights » 7 Ways to Effectively Communicate Your Sustainability Story in Tourism Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Audrey Scott Active sustainability communications should be an integral part of any sustainable tourism journey, yet it is often seen as an afterthought instead of integrated into all marketing and communications. This is a missed opportunity. Sharing your sustainability story — initiatives, achievements, challenges, and impact — in a way that is easy to understand and resonates with travelers, trade partners and other stakeholders not only highlights your accomplishments, but it also helps engage

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Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Of Kauai: My Review & Photos

284 The Na Pali coast on Kauai is probably the most beautiful coastline in the world, and there’s no better way to see it than by air. I’ve always wanted to fly over Kauai in a helicopter with the doors off, and last week it finally happened! I joined Jack Harter Helicopters on a 1 hour scenic flight around the island and took hundreds of photos. It was an amazing experience, and I have to say I was impressed with the whole tour from start to finish. It was even better than I expected. In this review, I’ll explain everything

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How To Hike The Kalalau Trail In Kauai, Hawaii

385 I’ve hiked the Kalalau Trail three times now, and it’s one of my favorite hikes in Hawaii. This epic coastal trek on the island of Kauai is usually done in 3 days and 2 nights. It’s an adventure that has it all: jungles, beaches, waterfalls, and the towering green cliffs of the Na Pali coast — the perfect place to camp! It’s also a notoriously long and tough hike with some dangers involved, so permits are required to do the trail. Even so, it’s a very special experience that’s worth any of the hassle that may stand in your

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Deaths & Safety On The Kalalau Trail: What To Know

301 The infamous Kalalau Trail in Hawaii is as dangerous as it is beautiful. People have died from falling off cliffs, drowning in rivers, being carried away by rip currents, and other causes. Some have even disappeared without a trace. This is a very weather dependent hike and the conditions can change pretty quickly. I’ve hiked Kalalau three times now, and I had a close call one of those times. So how many people have died on the Kalalau Trail? As of 2026, there have been 17 confirmed deaths if you exclude drownings at the beaches, or 59 including the

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How to travel to Algeria in 2026 – Against the Compass

By Joan Torres 14 Comments Last updated on March 30, 2026 Wanna travel to Algeria with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Algeria: December 4th to 11th, 2026 The best desert in the world, first-class Roman ruins, photogenic desert towns, and a vibrant local atmosphere, all with barely any tourists, just like Morocco was 50 years ago. Algeria is definitely the cheapest and most off-the-beaten-track country you can reach from Europe. This is one of the very few countries where my visa got rejected (back in 2018), but with the new

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The 21 BEST Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii (2026 Guide)

Looking for all the best attractions in the Garden Isle? Our guide to all the best things to do in Kauai is all you need! A sought-out traveling destination, Kauai is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty teeming with roaring waterfalls, luscious rainforests, and tropical coastlines.  Many people overlook Kauai as a getaway destination. Referred to as the “Garden Isle” and the greenest island (97% covered in forests), Kauai is adored for its untouched nature, full of luscious forests and stunning landscapes. Adventurers and nature lovers, you don’t want to miss out on a trip to Kauai! There are many

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8 BEST Things to Do in Antalya, Turkey (2026 Edition)

From ancient Roman ruins to beachside retreats on the Mediterranean Sea, here are the absolute best things to do in Antalya, Turkey. The Duden Waterfall, tumbling into the Mediterranean. Straddling both continental limits and the boundary between ancient and modern times, Turkey is a fascinating destination for history buffs and adventure addicts alike. While most explore the intricately decorated millennia-old mosques and buzzing covered markets of Istanbul, the harbourside city of Antalya receives far less footfall. The Best Things To Do In Antalya With the preserved streets of its old town a hive of history, the huge selection of idyllic beach

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The PERFECT 10-Day Hawaii Itinerary [Epic 2026 Guide]

When to Visit Hawaii Typically, Hawaii’s heavy rain season is November-March. We recommend avoiding these months when planning a trip to Hawaii so you can relish in the stunning islands’ vibrant and thriving outdoors. Ideally, the best time to visit Hawaii is April, May, September, or October. These are the off-season months for tourists, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices for your trip!  Extend your bucket list with our guide to the 25 best things to do in Hawaii! How to Get Around the Islands Rental cars aren’t necessary when traveling around the islands, though they do give you more

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10 BEST Places to Visit in Venezuela in 2026 (Plus Tips)

From Angel Falls to Mount Roraima, these are the best places to visit in Venezuela! Venezuela is insanely gorgeous – this is Puerto Colombia Venezuela’s economic problems, bad reputation and political uncertainty haven’t helped in the development of tourism to this Caribbean country in South America. The truth is that, as one of the largest oil producers in the world, the government has focused most of its efforts on the exploitation of oil fields, sometimes to the detriment of other economic activities. However, the reality could be very different. Venezuela is a jewel to discover, a virtually unexplored territory with

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The 20 BEST Things to Do in Calgary (2026 Guide)

Your complete guide to the best things to do in Calgary, Canada. Whether you want to see the famous Stampede or fish in the Bow River, you’ll be blown away at what to do in Calgary! Calgary is Alberta’s largest city by population and is a young, hip and vibrant city with numerous skyscrapers and art lined pedestrian walkways.  Yet it still exudes an old west feel, Calgary wasn’t given the nickname “Cowtown” for no reason! It is a big city with a small-town feel, rich in old western history. However, it also maintains a culturally diverse identity as over

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The Ultimate Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (2026)

Looking for the perfect Northern California road trip? This ultimate road trip itinerary takes you through the top destinations in Northern California! As one of the biggest and most diverse states in the USA, California is packed with natural beauty, history, and culture. One of the best ways to fully experience the wonders of the Golden State is on a road trip! This article will focus on an incredible Northern California road trip itinerary that will help you see the best of the area. Northern California is incredibly special, and it varies slightly from the warm and sunny Southern California.

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21 Best Things To Do In Santa Barbara, California (2026)

Trying to find great activities and attractions in the American Riviera? Our guide to the best things to do in Santa Barbara is all you need to plan the perfect trip! Loved for its fresh seafood, rich history, and pristine beaches, Santa Barbara, California, is the best place to satiate many appetites and interests.  The tenth Mission founded by Spanish Franciscans, Santa Barbara has a rich historical background. Impactful historic architecture exudes an undeniable appeal to the city that has become well-known as a favorite vacation spot. The Mediterranean climate draws visitors from around the world to soak in the

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25 Best Things To Do In California (2026 Guide)

Looking for all the best attractions in the Golden State? Our guide to all the best things to do in California is all you need! A well-known destination that draws in travelers from all over the world, California is home to more than a few world-famous attractions. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there are plenty of things to do in the sunny state of California. Whether it be surfing, tasting world-class wine in Napa Valley, or visiting top-notch national parks, this gem of the west coast has it all. Nicknamed “The Golden State” due

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The Best Things to Do in Yosemite in Winter (2026 Update)

From skiing to camping, here are the best things to do in Yosemite in Winter! Known to be one of the most amazing places in the United States, Yosemite National Park attracts millions of visitors every single year and is one of the top things to do in California. Even more famous than its famous cousin across the border in Canada, Banff National Park, there’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t add visiting Yosemite in winter to your bucket list! The Best Things To Do In Yosemite In Winter With less visitors and beautiful snow covered landscapes it’s an excellent idea

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21 BEST Things to Do in Portland, Oregon [2026 Guide]

From food trucks and breweries to parks, waterfalls, wineries, and more, here are the best things to do in Portland, Oregon! Portland is one of those cities that has a laid back and relaxing charm but is absolutely jam-packed with fun things to do.  There is so much greenery to enjoy, so nature lovers will feel right at home. There are multiple landscaped gardens and parks within the city center, and there are gorges, mountains, and waterfalls right outside downtown Portland.  You can laze away the day sipping wine at a vineyard, browsing through a bookstore, or meandering around a

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10 Tips For Visiting New York City With A Baby

477 We visited New York City with our baby Emma at 7 months old, and it was a blast. We went all over Manhattan, crossed the Statue of Liberty off our bucket list, and did lots of other fun things. Will she remember it? Probably not. But we will, and we’ll be able to tell her about it someday and show her pictures of all the cool places she went. Even though we’re seasoned travelers, we’re new parents and this was one of our very first trips with a baby, so we were a little bit nervous about everything. New

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What I did in 2025, mostly from bed

Many of you here signed up for Legal Nomads in its early days, back when it was a blog about my round-the-world adventures. Long before it morphed into a business, and certainly well before my life changed dramatically eight years ago. When I first quit my job to travel, the panic of the not-knowing would occasionally creep in. I went from a lock-step career of legal work, where each year salary was announced and measured, to an accidental entrepreneurship where I genuinely did not know where my path was heading. But what a ride it was. For close to a

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The 8 Best Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of those cities that feels endlessly deep. You can visit a dozen times and still discover new food stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that feel like completely different worlds. (I know because I’ve visited about 10 times already!) One of my favorite ways to explore Tokyo is by taking an Airbnb Experience. Led by locals and long-term residents, these tours give you a front-row seat to Tokyo’s food culture, nightlife, history, and crafts in a way you rarely get when wandering on your own. I’ve done a lot of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo

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7 Things To Book In Advance For A New York City Trip

713 If you’re planning a trip to New York City, probably one of the first questions on your mind is what to book in advance. Generally speaking, the Statue of Liberty is a must (since it’s the most popular attraction in NYC), while other things like museums, observatories, and restaurants will depend a bit on the situation. This travel guide will give some tips for how far in advance you should reserve your NYC activities. It’s based on my own experience!   Summary: What & When To Book Here’s a quick summary of when you may want to book ahead

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15 Fun Things To Do In NYC For First-Timers

842 After many years of living in the United States and traveling all over the world, we finally made our first visit to New York City! What took us so long? I don’t know. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but I came away loving it. The food and energy are great, and it’s surprisingly safe for being the biggest city in the U.S. There are lots of fun things to do in NYC. It’s a global center of culture, business, and technology, and it’s full of nice restaurants, stores, museums, and famous landmarks. There are even observatories where

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Why Your Airplane Ticket is So Expensive

I’ve been traveling for close to twenty years. In that time, the airline industry has changed a lot. The use of points and miles has become widespread, round-the-world tickets have gone the way of the dodo, airlines have consolidated, and there has been an explosion of budget airlines. Over the last few years, the cost of airline tickets has steadily risen. They get more and more expensive while their prices often seem illogical. Since ticket pricing is an arcane and misunderstood subject, I want to take some time to explain why your airplane ticket costs what it does. A Look

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Capital One Venture X Business Card Review: Is It Worth It?

I’m a sucker for a good travel rewards card. Over the years, I’ve collected a small handful of them — not because I love juggling annual fees, but because the right cards can save you a lot of money on flights, hotels, and travel perks you’d otherwise pay out of pocket for. Not only do I have a bunch for my personal expenses but I have a couple for this business too. One of my favorite business credit cards is the Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card. It’s Capital One’s top-tier business product. I love it because there’s a

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25 Best Holiday Gifts for Travelers in 2026

Travelers can be a fickle group of people to buy gifts for. We’re constantly coming and going, we usually don’t carry a lot of stuff with us, and no two travelers are alike. Finding the perfect gift for the traveler in your life can be tricky. While a plane ticket is never a bad idea (I’m a window seat in case anyone is thinking of getting me one), I’ve put together this ultimate gift guide for travelers as there’s a lot of great travel gear out there these days that helps people travel cheaper and better. Even me, the gear-adverse

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Holafly eSIMs: A Better Way to Stay Connected When You Travel

When you’re traveling, staying connected is essential. Whether you’re figuring out the best route to your hostel, finding a place to eat, or translating a train schedule or menu, having reliable data makes life on the road infinitely easier. I still remember my early days of travel carrying a physical guidebook around as I wandered the streets looking for my accommodation. Or, when smartphones became widespread, searching for a SIM card kiosk to buy a physical SIM, trying to poorly communicate with staff in a language I didn’t know, and spending 20 minutes swapping out tiny plastic chips. Luckily, things

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7 Common Travel Myths That are Completely WRONG

Years ago, the website Earth Porm reposted my article “The Ultimate Guide to Traveling When You’re Broke.” As I went through the comments on the post, I was dismayed by the mean and dismissive comments people shared as well their misconceptions about travel. These comments made me realize that, despite all the detailed websites and books on how to make travel affordable and accessible, too many people still believe the notion that travel is expensive, unsafe, and impossible unless you are rich. Too many say, “I can’t. It’s impossible” and become cynical about travel. The notion that travel is expensive

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How to Find the Perfect Apartment Rental for Your Vacation

I used to hate renting apartments from websites like Airbnb or VRBO. As a solo traveler, I preferred the social atmosphere of hostels. You met people, hostels ran activities and they were where you were “supposed to stay” as a backpacker. When I did want something other than a hostel, I used a hospitality network liked Couchsurfing or simply stayed with friends. But, after close to two decades as a nomad, there are times when I like my privacy and the ability to “create a home.” I like to cook, want to relax on a couch, and just chill. While

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How To Visit Nuca Molas: Jurassic Park Island In Flores

986 The latest place in Indonesia that’s been compared to Jurassic Park is Nuca Molas, a little island off the coast of Flores with wild and exotic scenery. It’s well worth a visit if you’re road tripping through Flores, going to Komodo, or planning to visit the nearby village of Wae Rebo. The scenery on this island is spectacular, and you can climb the lighthouse or hike one of the hills for better views of the mountains in the middle. The location is a bit remote, but that keeps the crowds away! This travel guide will explain how to get

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6 Ways To Avoid The Crowds At Antelope Canyon

785 Antelope Canyon is as famous as it is beautiful, and unfortunately that means it draws huge crowds of people wanting to see it for themselves. Visitors are guided through the slot canyon quickly in a strict, one-way line, and you’ll often find it difficult to pause or take photos without people or selfie sticks in them. Thankfully there are still a few ways to escape the worst tourist hordes, but you have to be a bit flexible and plan everything right. Even then, there are no guarantees, because it’s one of the most iconic places in Arizona and the

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How to visit the Tsaatan reindeer herders in Mongolia – Against the Compass

By Joan Torres 2 Comments Last updated on February 19, 2026 Wanna travel to Mongolia with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Mongolia on: June 23rd to July 3rd, 2026 – APPLY NOW Far away in the northernmost region of Mongolia, deep in the taiga bordering Siberia, lives one of the smallest yet most unique communities in Central Asia: the Tsaatan. They are one of the world’s last nomadic societies that still depend entirely on reindeer for survival. This is off the beaten track, raw Mongolia. This post will tell you

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Hiking Mount Kasikasima In Suriname: My Experience

1.1K I just got back from hiking Mount Kasikasima in Suriname! It’s a fun expedition that involves flying a little bush plane into the jungle, taking a canoe up the river, and climbing one of the middle peaks of the mountain. Along the way, you get to visit indigenous villages, sleep in hammocks, see wild animals and exotic birds, go swimming and fishing in the creeks, and look out over the Amazon rainforest toward the border of Brazil. This adventure can be done in either 5 or 8 days, and you’re accompanied by a full crew of Amerindian boatmen, plus

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How to visit Chukotka in 2026 – Against the Compass

By Joan Torres 5 Comments Last updated on February 6, 2026 Wanna travel to Chukotka with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Chukotka on: August 10th to 21st, 2026 Chukotka is Russia’s most remote region and the easternmost point of Eurasia. It’s an intriguing land whose ancient traditions have been shaped by the large presence of whales, walruses and reindeers, animals that feature in local folklore, songs, music, customs, cuisine, and daily life. Chukotka is so remote that it truly feels like the end of the world, a land that remains

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How to get a visa for Russia in 2026 – Against the Compass

By Joan Torres Leave a comment Last updated on February 26, 2026 Wanna travel to Russia with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Russia on: April 10th to 17th, 2026 (Abkhazia & South Ossetia) – APPLY NOW April 17th to 24th, 2026 (Russian Caucasus) – APPLY NOW Today, there is widespread misunderstanding regarding visas for entry to Russia, namely that since the Ukraine war started in 2022, Russia hasn’t been offering tourist visas to international visitors. This assumption is not only false but, with the recent introduction of an e-visa, getting

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How to travel to Syria in 2026 (with new Government) – Against the Compass

By Joan Torres 372 Comments Last updated on March 26, 2026 Want to travel to Syria with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers on our next scheduled tour in Syria: September 26th to October 3rd, 2026 This travel guide to Syria was originally written after my first visit in 2018. Since then, it’s been constantly updated based on my multiple visits, while running over 20 ATC expeditions into the country. Now, with all the changes brought in the brand-new Government, we’ve updated this Syria travel blog following our last visit in 2025. Find out everything you need

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Russia Travel Guide (2026) – Against the Compass

By Joan Torres 71 Comments Last updated on February 26, 2026 Wanna travel to Russia with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Russia on: April 10th to 17th, 2026 (Abkhazia & South Ossetia) – APPLY NOW April 17th to 24th, 2026 (Russian Caucasus) – APPLY NOW It’s incredible to see how quickly things have changed when traveling in Russia. From booking accommodation to accessing the internet or just getting into the country, traveling to Russia is very different from what it used to be like pre-2022. Russia is a massive country,

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