Travel Destinations

Fast breakdowns and travel tips for countries and cities that I’ve already been to. All the good stuff, with no fluff.

Sacred Valley (Peru) – quick travel guide

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Southern region of Peru, with great historical significance to Peruvian history due to it being the center of the Incan empire.

Many beautiful and historically significant sights and tourist destinations to see here. Pretty much the #1 tourist destination in Peru and also #1 expat haven. Fun, charmy, lots to do and see. The Sacred Valley is also home to many medicinal and (alternative) healing centers, hippies, and spiritual retreat type of places.

Of course, it all depends on what cities/towns you’re visiting, and what sights you see. But regardless, there’s lots to do for everyone.

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Florianopolis – quick travel guide

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Beautiful beach town with slow chill vibe. Nice beaches with rocks, solid nightlife options.

Florianopolis is a cool beach town that most people spend 1 week when visiting. Sure, you could dip in and out within 3 days but feel like you’re missing the slowdown vibe as everyone else is settling for longer and building closer friendships.

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Peru – quick travel guide

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Mountainous, safe, more evolved country in South America.

Parts of Peru and parts of Brazil, along with Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, and modern-day Colombia…were all part of the Gran Colombia (“Greater Colombia”). Since they were broken up, each country evolved (culturally and politically) in a different way. Compared to Colombia and Ecuador, Peru seems much safer and perhaps more civilized. Peru is also one of the 6 original civilizations on earth, and you can see its technological and cultural advancements in museums. If you’re searching for a country with rich and more advanced cultural history, rich diversity of food, and interesting mountain or jungle landscapes (instead of the usual beach destinations)…Peru would be a perfect choice.

I really like Peru’s vibe. I think due to the country’s geographic placement (being far out to the side), and not known as a beach or summer party destination, it’s often overlooked for more iconic touristy destinations like Colombia or Brazil. But this being overlooked means the type of people you meet there are very different. Instead of so many casual weekend tourists or party-backpackers, you get more hardcore adventure trekkers, those seeking spiritual healing, and expats living far off-the-beaten path. The travelers you meet tend to be nicer, more respectful of the culture, speak Spanish. A more immersed travel experience, rather than foreigners who want to stay “foreign”.

The main highlights of Peru (Lima, Cusco, and some treks like Machu Picchu) could be done in 2 weeks. But those who really enjoy the vibe and mountainous landscapes will spend extra weeks…more commonly in the south. And the more hardcore ones will venture (and stay) to the less popular destinations up north.

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Cusco – quick travel guide

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Iconic mountain city with lots of trekking tours, historical sites, and other outdoor adventures.

Cusco is Peru’s favorite spot for backpackers and expats. It’s got lots of unique Peruvian cultural destinations and doesn’t feel like another typical big city the way Lima does. A fun spot to be and explore the many picturesque treks. Come here prepared to trek and hike your way up mountains. This is the place for adventure! (Or you can be like the laidback expats who are just here to relax and chill.)

Reminds me of something between San Cristobal de las Casas and San Miguel de Allende. Hills and boutiques, local mountain people living amongst city tourists.

5 days is a good amount of time to explore the city and at least do 1 popular trek. Just about everybody comes here for Machu Picchu. But you could also skip that if it’s too expensive and touristy for you. There tons of other great ones like Rainbow Mountain, Lake Humantay, Sacred Valley, and on and on. Look up photos online to see what I mean. If you wanted to do every trek to the fullest…could easily be a month (maybe more).

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Lima – quick travel guide

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Big metropolitan city of Peru. Kind of like any other major city.

Welcome to Peru’s “big city”. A modern, beautiful city with beaches (although not the prettiest), wind sports, and parks. The vibe ranges from chill to chaotic, bougie to bohemian. Although Lima doesn’t offer the classic Peruvian tourist destinations (like Cusco), it’s still a very nice stopping point for food and living good.

You can see it all in 3 days. But I’d recommend prioritizing other destinations first.

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Cali – quick travel guide

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The Salsa capital of the world, “city of rhythm” in south Colombia.

Cali is a fun place with warm vibes and easy-going atmosphere. Of all the places I’ve been in Colombia, it’s the one I felt I could spend the most time in. Mainly because of yes, I want to learn how to dance salsa…but also because of the nice restaurant area. It reminds me a bit of the El Poblado and Provenza neighborhood in Medellin.

2-3 days is enough to enjoy the vibe, but you’d probably want to stay longer. For whatever reason, many people really hang out here. It’s just a nice chill vibe, and also cheap. Most people I ran into were living life and not even doing tourist stuff.

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Santa Marta – quick travel guide

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Small beach town, relaxed and quiet.

Cartagena and Santa Marta are 2 opposite beach towns. Those who like Cartagena may find Santa Marta to be boring (like I did). Those who hate Cartagena’s crowded touristy-ness will like Santa Marta’s peace. I’d guess you have to come see for yourself if it’s your vibe or not.

The town has very little to do. And by little, I mean nothing in terms of touristic value. The beaches nearby are also not so pretty…you’d have to drive to get anywhere nice. It does have some nice cafes and restaurants. The center park is controlled by the local drug mafia. And you’ll be propositioned often for drugs. Also, they’ll stop you from recording any videos.

Most of your time will probably be hanging out at your resorty hotel or hostel pool with the rooftop terrace overlooking the hills and sea. Which basically means Santa Marta has nothing going on. How many days of nothing would you like? You choose.

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Guatape – quick travel guide

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Colorful small town with lush green landscape reaching across the water like many fingers.

Very touristic and beautiful, definitely worth a visit! The whole town looks like it was designed by kids. Then you go up the famous Piedra del Penon rock and see beautiful views of the landscape from above. Believe me when I tell you, I’ve been to many places and seen many beautiful views…but Guatape has its unique views with the green lands extending out all over the water. It’s very cool.

Day trip would be enough to see its main points if you don’t have time. Staying 1 or 2 nights if you have a fun AirBnB would be a great way to chill with friends. Depending on what you book, you’ll have a very different experience of Guatape.

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Medellin – quick travel guide

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Colombia’s coolest hippest city, built in the mountains and infamous as Pablo Escobar’s former territory.

In what used to be a dangerous narco city is now a rapidly transforming hilly city providing beautiful panoramic views, massive nightlife, and expat-friendly scene. Is it as expat-friendly as say Mexico? NO! But it’s getting there and many foreigners do love it. Medellin is great for parties, and also if you just want to live in a cool place in Colombia and don’t mind that there’s no beaches nearby here.

2-3 days is enough to see everything. Stay longer only if you want to party.

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Cartagena – quick travel guide

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Vibrant touristy colonial beach city of northern Colombia.

Cartagena reminds me an awful lot of Salvador, Brazil. Big northern beach city with colorful touristy old town, and then “ok” beaches full of really aggressive vendors. Most people spend a day in the touristy old town part (enjoying the busy life and restaurants/bars), and then another day at the beach and then hop off to other northern coastal towns and islands. But despite everybody saying the other towns are better, the same people will still insist on you stopping by Cartagena.

Usually just a 2 day stop, as people come for the tourist stuff and quickly move onto elsewhere for better (more peaceful) beach vibes.

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Colombia – quick travel guide

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South American caribbean beach country with many different vibes.

Colombian is an interesting mix of many things. Most people know it as Caribbean beach destination with parties and beautiful people…but it has much more landscapes and personalities than just that. It also has the Pacific Ocean, San Andres island near Nicaragua, Amazon river like Brazil, also jungles, deserts and mountains. Colombia’s hippest city (Medellin) is actually a mountain town.

Culturally and economically…Colombians are also very distinct. Generally, they are poor and things are cheap. You will feel a much bigger cultural divide between them and the visiting gringo/foreigner. Whereas in Mexico or Brazil, where locals seem to bond better with foreigners or at least can vibe with them…in Colombia, it’s a bigger gap. You’re just too different and won’t be accepted into their circles like you would elsewhere. (This isn’t to say that they aren’t friendly!)

Which means you’re likely in Colombia to party cheap with foreigners. Or you want to explore more local and off-the-beaten-path destinations where there are zero foreigners. There’s no in-between.

Major destinations can be done within 3-4 weeks, but you’d need 2 or 3 months to really see everything. See if you like the vibe before you stay longer. Many people would easily camp out here 3-6 months enjoying the beach, party life, or just Colombian vibes.

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Niagara Falls – quick travel guide

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The Niagara Falls is the biggest tourist trap ever. Don’t ever go here.

The only thing you’ll be amazed by is how incredible their marketing was to make this place such a recognizable name in pop culture, movies, and travel references.

It’s just a tiny border town with casinos, and a man-made waterfall to entice Americans into crossing the border to spend their money. That’s it.

And how’s the waterfall, you ask? It is literally one of the least impressive waterfalls you’ve ever seen. While it may have size, it looks fake (and manufactured) as heck. You’re standing on the sidewalk behind a metal railing looking at a big flat waterfall with lights. Not much picturesque rocks or greenery. It’s like taking a picture of a waterfall at Disneyland theme park or some resort hotel. It’s not the same as a huge natural one you saw on an epic hike.

Biggest tourist trap ever! It is not a worthy stop in east coast Canada whatsoever!

Tulum – quick travel guide

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Mexico’s premier party beach, psuedo-spiritual, over-Instagrammed overly-commercial destination.

A once quiet beautiful beach town with authentic hippie vibes, got discovered, and within 10 years became an overly-commercialized super posh fancy Mexico destination. Probably Mexico’s #1 destination in terms of “cool” factor and most popular among the sexy influencers and crypto bros type of crowd. It’s rapidly developing and now has a ton of sexy casual fancy type of accommodations with a jungle/beach oasis vibe. Fancy restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques all catering to that foreigner crowd.

Personally, I think Tulum is more hype now and too crowded with Americans and Europeans. Its best days are long behind it. But is it right for you? Let’s find it if you should stay for days, weeks, months, or forever.

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Isla Mujeres vs Cozumel vs Holbox

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Which is the best (Mexico) Quintana Roo island for you?

  • Mexico’s prettiest white sand beaches of Isla Mujeres?
  • Clear waters (diving) along the quiet beaches of Cozumel?
  • Hippie town beach bum vibes of Holbox?

These 3 islands in the eastern Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo offer a unique vibe from the others. Let’s find out which one fits your best.

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Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum

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What’s the best (Mexico) Quintana Roo beach city for you?

  • Cancun’s hotel resort vibe?
  • Playa del Carmen’s walkable dense city vibe?
  • Tulum’s eco-bohemian spiritual Oasis vibe?

Finding the perfect vibe is always your best bet. The right balance between people and nature. Peace and quiet, as well as having things to do. Bars, cafes, restaurants, daily activities. And also to meet the kind of folks you’d like in your tribe.

I’ve been to all 3 numerous times and can help you sort out options.

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Bran Castle (aka Dracula Castle) – quick travel guide

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Tips and recommendations for going to Bran Castle and general info about it.

Bran Castle, along with Transylvania region, is a massive tourist attraction in Romania. Just about anybody going to Bucharest or Romania will probably think of stopping by Brasov (cute town) in the Transylvania region and along with it Bran Castle (aka “Dracula Castle”) and Peles Castle.

Personally…unless you have A LOT of time to spend in Romania, I would absolutely skip this castle. It’s small, lame, not as pretty as Peles Castle…and not worth the time lost that you could have spent in a prettier and more eventful Brasov. I did a day trip to Brasov in late November and would have much rather spent the precious daylight hours walking around Brasov than wasting it getting to and back from Bran Castle. If you got only 3-4 days in Bucharest, and dedicating 1 day for Brasov (and half that day for Bran Castle)…I definitely wouldn’t do it. Spend that day in Brasov instead, or a mountain town somewhere, or go to Peles Castle if you definitely want to see any castle.

But if you insist…here’s how you get to Bran Castle!

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Romania – quick travel guide

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Central eastern Europe’s most “Latin” country. Warm friendly attitudes, diverse terrain, meat-heavy foods.

I think visitors are drawn to Romania for different reasons. For some because they’re already hovering near the east, like in Hungary Poland Slovakia or Croatia…and they figure why not? Others because they want a cheap country. Some are curious about Transylvania and Dracula pop culture things. Others still because of other reasons.

I think you can travel through the main parts in 2 weeks. But to see actual Romanian things (like actual landscapes and not just touristy stuff), you need more like 3-4 weeks.

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Bucharest – quick travel guide

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Chill gritty city in Central Eastern Europe. Something like Belgrade but with more Latin vibes.

The capital city of Romania…chill, mysterious, surrounded by Slavic countries but they are more Latin. Life here seems good, chill, happy, low-cost. It reminds me a lot of Belgrade. Similar dark-polluted buildings and warm people, cozy food. If you like Belgrade, Bucharest feels quite similar.

3 days is enough to see the highlights, add 1 or 2 more to visit other towns and mountain stuff.

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Belgium – quick travel guide

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Belgium is (for me) western Europe’s underrated destination country.

It’s no wonder many people like to talk down about Belgium. It’s not as pretty as France, not as modern as the Netherlands, not as distinct as Germany, nor classy as Switzerland, and doesn’t have cool beaches like Spain, Portugal, or Italy.

Some people think of Belgium as small, boring, uneventful, not beautiful or simply not as cool as its neighbors. And for this reason, it’s considered a highly-skippable place. But I think they’re flat out wrong.

You could definitely see all the main cities in a week. Some of them are easy afternoon trips, not even a full day’s worth of stuff IMO.

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