SIX YEARS AGO I spent the summer in a remote village in Ghana on my first major international trip. I worked in a local high school where I volunteered and researched attitudes towards reading and the...
Frida, my local Swedish friend, pulled her car to a stop in front of a frozen lake outside of Östersund, Sweden. It was 2 pm, and the winter sun was already beginning to set....
“I have been convinced more than ever that human nature is much the same, no matter under what clime it flourishes, and that if you approached people with trust and affection you would have...
Dear Sweden, I’m sorry I never really noticed you in the corner of the world. It was always Austin who wanted to be with you. I’ve spent the better part of my life oblivious...
1. I now hate donuts. When I got home and bit into a gooey cream-filled donut my taste buds inexplicably revolted. Three years ago in Turkey I shocked my friend by confessing I didn’t...
1 llama sweater from Peru 2 travel journals (completely filled) 1 XL sleeping sheet with new stains from the floor of the LaGuardia Airport 1 ribbed tank top from my wedding sporting Amazon River...
We are 312,576 steps, 239 kilometers, and 148 miles into the Camino de Santiago. I have only walked for ten days (three more weeks to go) but have shared miles and meals with new...
Starting tomorrow I’m going to be walking for a month with nothing but this small bag, this not-so-small hat, a husband in tow, and the road. Why? Because tomorrow I will be a pilgrim...
A COMMON QUESTION people ask me as an experienced traveler is what they should pack for their trip around the world or what to pack for a backpacking trip. What you should bring will...
I DIDN’T REALIZE how drastically diverse the matrimonial traditions and rituals are for each state in India when I first set out to research traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies. I learned a bit about Southern...
Hi! I'm Rachel. I'm a writer, photographer, educator, and world traveler. Read more about me and this website here.
