Erika Bisbocci
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.
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Budget Guide to Moorea, French Polynesia
French Polynesia is often regarded as paradise on Earth. You’ve likely seen images of its jewel-like islands plastered on tourist brochures and social media. The South Pacific archipelago is a honeymooner’s dream. Its crystal waters, lush mountainous interior and soft white sands have long been associated with the ultimate luxurious escape. There are simply few places on the planet that compare with French Polynesia’s exotic appeal. THINGS TO DO IN MOOREA ON A BUDGET Moorea is one of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. Though it often lies in…
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Discovering Milan in One Day
Despite being Italy’s second most populous city, Milan gets very little love from tourists. As the undeniable economic hub of Italy, it is more often associated with business and industry than it is with its history-laden attractions. Yet, like everywhere else in Italy, Milan has a wealth of places to see. The city has stunning attractions that would deem it a must-see destination if it were located somewhere else. Anywhere else. As it stands, Milan doesn’t frequently make it onto the itineraries of first-time travelers to Italy. The vibrant city deserves…
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Granada and the Masaya Volcano
Granada is Nicaragua’s emblematic city– a picture-perfect colonial gem that lies just south of Managua on the country’s main tourist circuit. The city’s photogenic, cobbled streets amble between rows of brightly colored houses and are perfectly framed by a mountainous backdrop. Granada is widely recognized as one of the oldest European settlements in the Americas and, like most European cities, centers around a square, a church and a vibrant pedestrian promenade. With the rise of tourism in Nicaragua, Granada has drawn a steady stream of visitors and expats to its well-preserved architecture and proximity to lakes,…
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Things to See on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
When the Spanish conquistadors first set their eyes on Lake Nicaragua, they named it the Mar Dulce, or Sweet Sea. And it is not difficult to imagine why. For the lake, like an ocean, extends outward into the horizon for miles and miles. At the heart of the massive lake, lies Ometepe Island, known in Spanish as Isla de Ometepe. The island boasts a dramatic profile, windswept beaches, abundant wildlife and tranquil countryside. Flanked by two volcanoes and held together by an isthmus, it is both an icon of Nicaragua…
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The Colorful San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Once a sleepy fishing village on the Pacific Ocean, San Juan del Sur has become a popular surfing mecca for young backpackers. San Juan del Sur’s colorful clapboard houses line an expansive crescent of silvery sand. They sit in the shadow of rolling mountains, under the watchful gaze of the world’s second tallest Jesus statue. In recent years, backpackers and surfers have changed the face of San Juan del Sur. The popular tourist destination houses an eclectic mix of locals and bleached-blonde surfers. Fancy fish restaurants line the city’s beach.…
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Wind and Rain in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest
Monteverde is the Costa Rica of travel brochures and its very name conjures images of cloud-shrouded forests, swinging skybridges and elusive quetzals. It is the Costa Rica that has drawn millions of tourists to its rainforest canopies for wildlife viewing and zip-lining. I’d heard nothing but rave reviews about zip-lining above the canopies of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest and I, too, was hoping to partake in one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after activities. I couldn’t wait to observe life high above the treetops. But, as much as we can plan…
