I’ve always had a fascination with islands and the South Pacific. Something about that region of the planet has always called to me. So, when I did my first international solo trip, it was a no-brainer that my itinerary would include a South Pacific destination—the Cook Islands and Aitutaki Atoll. Located about halfway between New […]
Science and Travel Writer | Author
Desert Hiking: How to Stay Safe
When I was a kid, a scene I saw in an old western movie absolutely terrified me: A man died a slow death by sinking in quicksand. It was a typical Hollywood-style quicksand drama—a cowboy slowly sinks deeper and deeper until the only thing left is his hat lying on the sand. In south Florida […]
West Kauai: The Garden Isle’s Quiet Side
As a kid growing up in south Florida, I went to Disney World a lot. My favorite ride at the Magic Kingdom was It’s a Small World, a water-based tour that takes you past animatronic dolls representing cultures around the world. I remember sitting in the boat and floating past “Hawaii,” with its dancing hula […]
Solo Travel: Overcoming the Fear
I’ve been traveling solo for more than 25 years, and it’s given me some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But was I afraid to travel alone at first? Absolutely! Many people start solo travel right out of high school or college. But I was actually a bit of a later bloomer and […]
West Coast New Zealand: Alpine Peaks to Rainforests
When I did my solo trip around the South Island of New Zealand, I hadn’t planned to spend much time on the West Coast. It was mostly just a route I needed to travel north from Wanaka up to Abel Tasman National Park. The trip involved nearly 500 miles of driving (which can take a […]
Best Day Hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante NM
If you want to get an up-close look at southern Utah’s arches, natural bridges, and hoodoos, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) will introduce you to the region’s world-renowned landscape. Although the area has gotten more popular in recent years, you have a much better chance of finding some solitude on the trails than in […]
Visit Bermuda: 5 Things to Know Before You Go
Back in the late 1970s, my brother and I went to see the new blockbuster movie, The Deep. I was fascinated by the cool underwater scenes I’d seen in the previews, and when I found out where the movie was filmed, I promised myself I would visit Bermuda someday. Don’t ever give up on your […]