The preserved wetlands of Everglades National Park and the island-dotted teal waters of Florida's southern coast represent a labyrinth of adventure full of exotic edibles and wildlife. A landscape that truly left us captivated and hungry for more. Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and the world. With many travelers only experiencing the state's theme parks like Walt Disney World, the preserved southern landscapes of the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park are often overlooked despite being only 15 miles outside the major city of Miami. Everglades National Park is a protected subtropical wilderness in Florida that has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance. Extending from this vast wilderness and into the Atlantic Ocean is a 1700-island archipelago kno ... read more

Multicolored umbrellas cast shade upon the beach chairs below. A rainbow of frozen beverages, locked into death-grips, are slurped up by their consumers in a race against inevitable melting. Bikinis, speedos, flip flops, sunglasses. Forgotten smudges of creamy sunblock cling to unflattering body parts. Hot sun, scorching sands, boiling sea water. Lobsters turn belly up right in the surf and offer themselves with a side of melted butter... It's officially the first place in Asia I've been where there are visibly more foreigners than locals. As if a virus-induced zombie apocalypse has hit Europe and a lucky bunch escaped only to rot away on this island. And like the doomed populations they left behind, the escapees drag their limbs down the sand grunting for piña coladas instead of brains. But isn't that why we traipse off ... read more

Dear travel Lord, There comes a point in a backpacker's odyssey when the knots in his back and dirt under his finger nails come together and demand a higher standard of accommodation. With a bag full of stinky clothes and the anticipation for a soft mattress, I stroll up (going comando no less) to the counter at the Cambridge Swissbel 5-star hotel in Medan. "I have a reservation for three nights," I say as a member of staff hands me a complimentary fresh squeezed pineapple juice. "Of course, sir," the receptionist responds then informs me about in-room dining, the spa, and pool. "Enjoy your stay, sir." Recuperation and relaxation here I come! I arrived in Medan by a small van twisting and turning once again through the mountain curves. My driver and his buddy chain smoking ... read more

Location: Inner Sumatra. Date: Millions of years ago. What happened? A catastrophic volcanic blast created basically the largest crater on Earth, which then over time with the help of rivers and rain became Lake Toba! A large island rests in the middle of the lake, laced with jungle, and home to the friendly Batak people who possess a mysterious past... And that's exactly where I'm headed. So, hop on the back on my motorbike as I zip around this rock and unveil its secrets... A Brief Batak History... The ancestors of the Batak people are known to be from Yunan province in China. Legend has it, they arrived in Indonesia by canoe around a thousand years ago or so, and based the style of their houses on the canoe-like shape. Stone Chairs: Just like it sounds. ... read more

Laying on the concrete at the bus station, watching the clouds roll over the hills. My Malaysian friend, Roy, is on his way to pick us up. It's warm but the breeze keeps the heat at bay. Back in the tropics, the trees look greener, the flowers more vibrant. I see a "Welcome to Penang" sign. Alright, now bring on the food! I was told in Penang you must eat eat eat! So away I chomped! Indian, Chinese, and Malay cuisines all melt together on this island of fusion. The spice combinations will leave your taste buds bewildered and tantalized. If you're feeling adventurous go for the century-old eggs, and the baby octopi. Malay people are very proud of their eclectic food choices and rave about how no where in the world cooks like them. I ... read more