Erika is an avid traveler and explorer of over ninety countries on six different continents. Since 2011, she has spent time studying Arabic in the Middle East, teaching English in Namibia and working as a flight attendant for a major US airline. When not traveling overseas, she loves exploring her own backyard in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

  • Myanmar

    One Day in Yangon Myanmar: Land of Golden Pagodas

    Myanmar is a land of shimmering stupas and crumbling pagodas. The country is home to ancient ruins, vibrant cities, friendly people, and beautiful nature. Yet, despite housing some of the great attractions in Southeast Asia, the country has only recently opened its doors to international travelers. For years, Myanmar’s repressive military junta cut the country off from the rest of the world. And as a result, the Land of Golden Pagodas became a sort of black hole on the map of seasoned travelers. But times have changed and the Burmese…

  • Mexico

    Four Day Road Trip in Baja California Sur

    Baja California Sur is a sun-soaked peninsula that hangs off of the western coast of Mexico like a wayward thumb. The skinny Mexican state, occupying the southern half of the Baja California Peninsula, is known for its dramatic landscapes where desert the meets sea. From the cactus-speckled Sierra de la Laguna mountains to the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, it boasts beautiful rugged scenery, windswept beaches and secluded bays. Baja Sur’s capital, La Paz, offers a laid-back vibe and an oceanfront malecón that shows off breathtaking sunsets. At…

  • Australia

    Exploring Marvelous Melbourne: A Two Day Itinerary

    Sydney may be famous for its natural harbor and world-class Opera House, but Melbourne is Australia’s hot ticket city. It is trendy, it is hip and it is buzzing with life. I’d often heard people rave about Melbourne during my travels. “You’re gonna love it there,” they’d say. And yet, though everybody seemed to love Melbourne, few could articulate exactly what it was that made Australia’s second largest city so special. Thus, even before setting foot on Australian soil, I knew I’d enjoy Melbourne. I just wasn’t really sure why.  And so, after a week…

  • Great Ocean Road Coastline
    Australia

    The Great Ocean Road in Australia: A Three Day Itinerary

    The Great Ocean Road in Australia is a 151 mile ribbon of pavement that winds along seaside cliffs and wide sandy beaches. It is one of the world’s great road trip destinations and a highlight of travel in the Land Down Under. The world-famous Great Ocean Road is a coastal highway that connects Melbourne and Adelaide. Along the way, it stops by quaint seaside towns, iconic landmarks, and wildlife-filled nature reserves. Originally constructed as a work project for veterans returning from World War I, it is often regarded as the…

  • Sydney Opera House
    Australia

    Three Days in Sydney: Australia’s Beautiful Harbor City

    Sydney is a marvelous city with an outsized personality. It is worldly, cosmopolitan and architecturally stunning. The city boasts an eclectic mix of beaches, parks and funky neighborhoods.  Sydney seamlessly integrates greenery into its cityscape. Forested parks ring the city’s outskirts and penetrate deep into its heart. A stunning natural harbor frames views of towering skyscrapers. It is a place where nature lives hand in hand with some of humankind’s most notable architectural feats.    THREE DAY SYDNEY ITINERARY I spent three days in Sydney, on a ten day trip…

  • Anguilla

    The Beautiful Shoal Bay Beach in Anguilla

    With warm turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and blinding stretches of powdery white sand, it is easy to see how Anguilla gets its reputation as a paradise for beach enthusiasts and relaxation seekers. The 33 beaches on the Caribbean island of Anguilla look as though they belong in the glossy pages of National Geographic or Travel and Leisure. And best of all, despite their international renown, they remain relatively untouched by mass tourism. Simply put, when it comes to perfect beaches, Anguilla is in a league of its own.   DAY TRIP TO SHOAL…