I should be in Lima, Peru right now. That was the plan. Yet, I’m sitting in a lovely apartment that overlooks downtown Bogotá, Colombia. I guess if we’re talking plans, I wouldn’t be in South America at all. I would be in Florida with my mouth poised in front of a microphone, ready to read the news over the airwaves. I quit my great job as a radio news anchor to … [Read more...]
Plan Your Trip Like You Plan Your Life
To successfully plan a trip, you must treat it like your life plan. Have an idea of where you want to go, but leave room for surprises. I can’t just go to another country without a plan. I’m slightly envious of the people who can slide their credit card towards an airline worker and ask for the next flight to anywhere. Yes, that’s all very … [Read more...]
I’m Moving to Peru and I’m Terrified
I made the decision to move to Peru on a visit to Machu Picchu. Five months later, I was on a plane back to South America. We probably all know someone who quit a job and moved to another country. This person could be an adventurous cousin who didn’t let the fact that he’s white stop him from growing dreadlocks. It could be that one woman from accounting who went on vacation … [Read more...]
Combating Sexual Harassment Abroad and at Home
Women can encounter sexual harassment anywhere, but the need to be safe should never diminish the desire for international travel. The semester I studied abroad in Morocco began in the most anticlimactic fashion, with an orientation. I was jetlagged and worried about my missing luggage, but one thing the study abroad coordinator said stuck with me. “It’s not … [Read more...]
Planes, Trains and Buses: The Lazy Way to Machu Picchu
I’m no Machu Picchu expert. I have only been there once, but hopefully this can help anyone looking to hammer out a plan. Keep this in mind as you’re cobbling together an itinerary: I spent more time and money than I wanted on the logistics of getting there, but it was totally worth it. Other people’s trips could have been slightly different, but I had to use several modes … [Read more...]