Spring is over when I travel to Lisbon after the end of a long relationship, after the end of a cold and exhausting era in my life. When I arrive to the sun-dazzled city, its buildings swathed in colorful tiles, I am flooded with brochures and guidebooks on where to go, what to eat, what to do. It’s hard to think, I am tired of … Continue reading No worries at the end of the world–Guincho Beach, Portugal
It’s not easy to make money as a travel writer—some of the biggest travel publications (print and online) are paying less and less these days, and more of them also want you to provide your own photos. You could become that travel writer who also has the talent to take fantastic, hi res photos. But just remember that it means one more heavy, clunky, and … Continue reading How to get started as a travel writer
“It’s a desert with two big malls in it. You won’t like it.” Before visiting, my impression of Dubai was based only on these comments from a couple friends who had already been there. Once I arrived, I realized that the city does a damn good job to erase the idea that you’re really just in the middle of the desert. Still, that fact had … Continue reading Beyond Dubai’s Glitz and Glamour
For the blog of CreativeLive.com, here’s a post I just wrote about the challenges of being a digital nomad. Original post here. Is the Digital Nomad Lifestyle Right For You? It’s not just a fleeting trend–the digital nomad way of life is definitely on the rise. Fed up with being tied down, people are quitting their 9 to 5 jobs, selling or giving away … Continue reading Here’s what it’s really like to be a Digital Nomad
Having grown up in a Hindu home, I have a tendency to contemplate my past and future lives. But after several years of slow travel around the world, I’ve discovered that there’s a more pressing concern: considering my hundreds of present lives. This is what traveling does to a person—the constant renewal of self, or rather the proliferation of selves, is why I won’t, or … Continue reading Living Hundreds of Lives on the Road
Today, in honor of Ukraine’s Independence Day, I’m taking a look back on a trip to Ukraine in the summer of 1999…. The drive from Borispol airport to Tyotya (aunt) Clara’s apartment deep inside Kiev–in the same building where my mother had grown up–was speedy. This was thanks to our driver, who traveled well over the speed limit. Somehow, we were comfortable on this cramped … Continue reading Memories of Ukraine
Besides hoarding your frequent flier miles, there are actually other methods of scoring free travel—and some of these ways also throw in free accommodation and maybe a bit of a stipend. Intrigued? If you have some scholarly and/or artistic talents, if you can fill out an application like you mean it, or if you are just too damn creative for your own good, then read … Continue reading How to get FREE flights and housing abroad–seriously.
