I’ve done a lot of crazy travel adventures, but recently I leapt the farthest out of my comfort zone when I opted in for a charity roadtrip across southern Africa. I’m not talking just South Africa, I’m talking FIVE countries that we drove across, stopping to camp, sightsee, and donate shoes to children along the way. The name of this magical adventure, is Put Foot...
When I first decided that I wanted to go volunteer in Africa, I researched a TON of volunteer programs, and finally found one that not only sounded amazing, but affordable and legitimate as well. I had never heard of the town called Muizenberg where the IVHQ volunteer program took place in South Africa, so had to do some research to see where exactly it was, and what...
Token travel photos of pretty much anywhere recognizable are awesome, but don't be surprised if there's a fee and tons of tourists around when you go!
Volunteering in South Africa was one of the most incredible, moving, and exciting experiences I’ve ever had, and what inspired me to start my charity, Heartsleeves.org! These little kids had so much love in their hearts, even for people they had only just met! If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad, I’d highly recommend it!!! Check out some of...
Voluntourism is a trend that’s not necessarily new, but definitely on the rise, especially amongst free-spirited, wanderlusting Millenials, like myself. If you haven’t already guessed, voluntourism combines volunteering with tourism, and is so popular that it gets its own travel category! Thousands of soul-searching, culture-loving, good-hearted people...
by Alyssa Ramos Everything seemed like it was in slow motion. The cool, crisp airport air stung my eyes as I squinted around to see where the slow-clap had started from. I had made it. I had flown Malaysia Airlines, and made it to Sydney without going missing. Just kidding. That was actually pretty messed up, but it really was a miracle that I had finally gotten...
by Alyssa Ramos Disclaimer: Before you freak out and accuse me of being insane or a terrorist…this was how I made light of and tried to see the bright side of a very awkward and eerie situation. Yes, I was terrified. No, I am not responsible if you fly Malaysia Airlines and something happens to your plane. When I was booking my one-way flights around the...
Nothing that I had planned on doing in the 24 hours I was in Bangkok actually happened. By the time I had finally gotten to Lebua at State Tower (27 hours later from South Africa), Skybar at The Dome was already closed, which was pretty much the only reason why I wanted to stay there. Oh, and not to mention, not only did I lose my debit card already at the airport...
by Alyssa Ramos I hated Bangkok before I even got there. It all started with the negative reviews I got from friends, plus the teeny tiny little fact that there was a military coup (when the military overthrows the government) right before my trip that was causing a 10pm curfew and dangerous riots. It was all downhill from there when my journey from Africa to Bangkok...
by Alyssa Ramos Before I went to South Africa I not only researched every possible thing about it and what to do, but also found and interviewed local bloggers for their tips as well. I ended up doing a lot of the things they recommended as well as a few other things on my own, and now can say what I thought the best things to do/see were, as well as the things you...
