Once upon a time, I lived in a small beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. While living as a beach bum was a great way to spend a year of my 20s, when planning a recent trip to the small Central American country I decided it’d be better to spend most of my trip inl...

There’s something special about spur-of-the-moment plans that create an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights of my visit to Budapest, Hungary began with an impromptu excursions through the city’s expansive neo-Gothic Central Market Hall. The first floor was...

There is a small gecko hanging out on the floor of my supposedly private palapa-style bungalow at the Mahekal Beach Resort (sounds kinda like magical) in Playa del Carmen. It is improbably beautiful lodging in an improbably beautiful place. No wonder it’s attracted a l...

As a kid, I loved Thousand Island salad dressing, but had no clue where the name originated. Then recently, while perusing a United States map in search of a new travel destination, I spied the Thousand Islands. During this condiment “aha!” moment, I learned the dressi...

Just how big is the sky in Montana? We have some pretty big skies right here in Texas, so I’ve always wondered. Anyone who has driven to Lubbock, for instance, has likely taken in a 360-degree view of the horizon. You can practically see the curvature of the earth if y...

THE REGIONAL JET LANDED IN RAPID CITY just before a mighty storm system rolled in, which made the hour-long drive to Circle View Guest Ranch unforgettably harrowing. Used to storms in Texas I figured it’d be a piece of cake but felt increasingly anxious as angry, omino...

I rest my right cheek on the surfboard, letting the cool ocean water lap against my face as I try to catch my breath. Off in the distance I can see grey rain clouds billowing over the mountains, threatening to cut my surf lesson short. The rhythmic motion of the ocean...

The first question anyone from outside Texas asks me when I take them to Galveston Island is "Where's that big Hurricane proof hotel?" There are a couple of historic hotels in Galveston, but I instinctively know they’re talking about the Flagship Hotel, also known as t...

We should sign our names on it,” I heard Toni declare as I chewed thoughtfully, reaching for the crackers, cheese, and fig spread. “Anybody have a sharpie?”

The sun had begun to set, casting pink and orange hues over Carhenge, and I couldn’t help but think “these really...

Miami had never been at the top of my travel bucket list. Despite my love of Latin American culture and beautiful beaches, I had long avoided the city, figuring it was just another flashy party destination that lacked any real culture. I decided to get off my travel hi...