A row of colorful boats against the concrete dock. Each boat has an arch over the entrance with a different name.
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Trajineras and Tradition: Experience Mexico City’s Xochimilco

ByKristin Smith

Forget off the beaten path for a minute. If you are looking for a fun weekend afternoon, living la vida loca with a bunch of happy Chilangos (Mexico City natives), then head to Xochimilco. Xochimilco (pronounced so-shee-MEEL-co) is a Nahuatl word meaning some version of “the land of flowers”. Indeed it is a surprisingly fertile…

A building with a pitched roof made of reeds and other natural materials is nestled in the forest. A path leads to the entrance.
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Mari Mari Culture Village: Immerse Yourself in Borneo Culture

ByKristin Smith

If you are into learning about the rich local Borneo culture, spending an afternoon at Mari Mari Culture Village is one of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu. Don’t get me wrong, the experience is one hundred percent designed for tourists. But that’s not always a bad thing. It means they have put…

A tall circular pile of fresh churros sits on a counter. Workers dressed in white shirts and hats work the fryers.
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9 Classic Eateries in Mexico City That Have Stood the Test of Time

ByKristin Smith

Mexico City has become a foodie paradise, and it’s no wonder. There’s truly something for everyone, from tacos de canasta to Michelin-star street tacos to fine dining restaurants in the Top 50 in the world. But long before Mexico City found itself on the gourmet radar, iconic eateries have been showing up day after day…

A blue bus with yellow, red and white paint is parked. The sky is blue with puffy clouds.
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Borderama! How to Take the Bus from Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) to Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei)

ByKristin Smith

There is nothing express about the Sipitang Express. But by now, the legendary bus ride from Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) to Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) has become a must-do if you are transiting through this part of Borneo. Why fly for 30 minutes when you can go on a 7-10 hour grueling bus adventure with four…

Colorful flat-bottomed boats clustered together on a small canal. A man with a pole stands on the back of one of the boats.
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The Cost of a Fun Afternoon in Mexico City’s Xochimilco

ByKristin Smith

A ride on a trajinera through the floating gardens of Xochimilco is on everyone’s “Top Ten Things to do in Mexico City” List. But what they don’t tell you is how far Xochimilco is from downtown and how much the experience costs , especially for the solo traveler. So, you must be wondering…how much does…

The edge of a shiny blue train on the left, looking forward to the front of the train while it curves along the tracks through the forest. There are snow-covered mountains in the background.
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Alaska Railroad Denali Star …Is Goldstar Service Worth It?

ByKristin Smith

When we were planning our trip to Alaska, there wasn’t a lot of information to definitively guide us one way or another on this issue: should we choose Goldstar Service or Adventure Class on the Alaska Railroad? Is it worth the (significant) extra money for Goldstar Service? In a word, yes. If you can afford…