I challenged myself to pack for a 3-day, 2-night Universal Orlando trip using only my everyday 2-liter sling. This post breaks down what I wore, what I packed, what I learned, and why traveling ultralight made the trip more flexible and freeing.
Lima, Peru Travel Guide: Efficient Itineraries, Top Food Spots, Neighborhoods, and Packing Tips
This guide distills my 2.5 weeks in Lima into everything you need to plan your trip: neighborhood snapshots, efficient itineraries, practical tips for getting around, what to pack for each season, and the standout food spots where I tried my favorite Peruvian classics.
Lima’s Barranco District in One Afternoon: Itinerary + Map
Barranco is Lima’s bohemian coastal district, known for its colorful street art, historic casonas, and laidback neighborhood atmosphere. During our stay in Lima, I spent an afternoon exploring Barranco’s street art, parks, and cliffside walkways on foot. This hour-by-hour walking route captures the district’s highlights in a relaxed and scenic half-day.
5 Airbnb Tips I’ve Learned from 100+ Stays (That People Often Miss)
After years of travel and more than 100 Airbnb stays around the world, I’ve learned plenty of lessons – some the hard way. In this post, I’m sharing the practical, lesser-known Airbnb tips I now follow to find great stays, avoid hidden rules or surprise fees, and protect myself while traveling.
Lima’s Historic Center in One Afternoon: Walking Itinerary + Map
Lima was once the capital of the Spanish Empire in South America. Its Centro Histórico, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts one of the continent’s grandest collections of Spanish colonial architecture. During my visit in Lima, I planned a half-day itinerary where I covered the major sites and rich history in this area in an efficient walking tour.
One Perfect Day in Miraflores, Lima: Complete Itinerary + Map
Perched dramatically atop Lima’s Pacific cliffs, Miraflores is one of Lima’s most popular districts, with its green expanse of the Malecón, coastal views, and some of the city’s best food and attractions. During our stay in Lima, I created a one-day walking route through Miraflores. If you only have a day in Miraflores, this itinerary gives you a concentrated highlights tour of the district.
Layover in Panama City: What to Do in Half a Day
On my way back from Chile to the US, I took a 12-hour daytime layover in Panama City. Being the opportunist that I am, I took it as a chance to explore — from watching massive ships transit the Panama Canal to wandering through Casco Viejo, all before my next flight. Traveling with just a 25L backpack made it easy to be spontaneous, and this post shares how I spent my solo day in Panama City.
![Olympic National Park: 4-Day Bulleted Itinerary [Updated 2025]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59494a70ff7c504114292d44/1629156881778-CRI6BZY5KI83KKE5NPB1/IMG_3432_HEIC.jpg)
Olympic National Park: 4-Day Bulleted Itinerary [Updated 2025]
Covering most of Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park encompasses almost a million acres and includes vastly distinct ecosystems. You can find rolling mountains with grazing deer, the rugged Pacific coastline, lush old-growth temperate rain forests, and mineral hot springs. In this itinerary, I share an efficient route through the park, with recommended hikes and tips at an easy glance.
![Crater Lake National Park: 2-Day Hour-by-Hour Itinerary [Updated 2025]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59494a70ff7c504114292d44/1627751960584-23RH5V2P9D8ADQL017SG/IMG_0111+2.JPG)
Crater Lake National Park: 2-Day Hour-by-Hour Itinerary [Updated 2025]
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s only national park, surrounds the deep blue Crater Lake formed about 7,700 years ago by the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama. In this itinerary, I share an efficient route that lets you completely go through the crater rim by car, with stops for key hikes. I also include practical info on each trail, recommended campground, and useful tips for visiting.