The Streets of San Marcos on Lake Atitlan ~ Guatemala

The memories of our time in San Marcos, on Lake Atitlan, are still fresh in our minds although we reluctantly left her shores nearly one month ago. Scanning photos of our time there brought a renewed look with fresh eyes on just how stunning it was to walk the narrow, winding pathways of town. Guatemala is stunning..here are a few visual souvenirs for you all to enjoy.

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As with any routine is is easy to become jaded and stop actually “seeing” what is around you.

Never fear, San Marcos, we will be back!

Campground Review ~ Casa Pierre at Pasajcap

Pasajcap really needs little introduction from me. Every overlander around is familiar with the stunning views and friendly service given by Pierre and his wonderful staff. Despite the title, we didn’t actually camp at Pasajcap. Pierres three beautiful shepherds are lovely dogs, but not always as fond of having doggie visitors. Thus, we were “forced” to rent one of his ten gorgeous accommodation options; in our case, cottage # 3 from the gate.

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Travel to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala ~ What you Need to Know.

We are in paradise. Granted, we’ve been to quite a few “bits of paradise” in our years of travel, but Lake Atitlan is pure magic. We came for a couple of weeks, and just extended our stay so it will equal nearly the entire length of our 90 day visa. Other friends came for four days, and just hit their four week mark. Like I said, this place is magic. Having said that, the road into the lake is shit. And I mean total shit, the sort of road that gives you nightmares for a couple of days after arrival. Here is what you need to know if you, too, are planning on visiting Guatemala.

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Gear Review ~ Lodge Dutch Oven

Overlanders depend on their gear. After all, most of us are homeless in the traditional sense. The road is our home, and the gear we travel with can make or break the trip. As very active campers even in our old life, we were quite certain what cooking gear was going to make the list for the PanAm. Although we quibbled over and considered a few items, one item never in doubt was our Lodge Dutch Oven.

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A Bucket List Weekend in Jakarta

Most travelers have a bucket list. I have been lucky enough to have checked quite a few off my personal list, but one place I have not yet reached is Jakarta. The 13,000 islands of Indonesia are astonishing, and having spent a month in serene Bali, my dreams now turn to city life. Enter Jakarta, the massive capital on Java, the mixes cultural influences from around the world.

image via Flickr by Stenly Lam

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Inevitable Comparisons

I know I shouldn’t compare. I know I should live in the moment, focus on what is in front of me, not develop a “been there, done that” mentality. And yet, the more I travel, the more these inevitable comparisons raise their ugly head.

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Travel with an Easy Mind

Written in cooperation with MedjetAssist.

Travel can be hard. It can be stressful and exhausting. You can’t do anything about long travel days, endless lines at security, or the challenges that come with arriving in a new city or a new country, where you’re unsure of your footing.

Where you can make your life easier is by resting securely in the knowledge that when you become a member of MedjetAssist, you’ll have protection in case a situation arises. No matter where you are, things can happen. People fall, accidents happen, political situations implode, or the unexpected occurs. A bit of added protection makes all the difference when any of these things arise.

Pre-Trip Planning

Prior to departure, gain confidence in your journey with MedjetAssist’s pre-trip planning tool. In addition to the normal channels, MedjetAssist offers access to essential information for over 260 countries and cities. You can easily prepare your very own guide for your holiday with country information, visa requirements, local laws and customs, and even health advisories. Head off on your journey a step ahead in terms of on-the-ground knowledge.

image via Flickr by Chadica

Peace of Mind

As a member of MedjetAssist, you can rest assured that in time of crisis, you will have around-the-clock service. The company’s services extend beyond medical transportation and include 24/7 support to assist with questions ranging from wrongful detention to political issues. MedjetAssist’s fully trained staff can give you peace of mind that no matter what’s happening, you have someone on your side.

Travel Industry Approved

The world is a fascinating and diverse place that’s meant for exploration. After you’ve completed the planning and started the adventure, you don’t want to worry about the unthinkable occurring. Industry insiders fully support additional layers of protection via membership services such as MedjetAssist. Do your research, and then make sure to contact a travel professional to get an informed take on the valuable addition MedjetAssist would be to your travel insurance needs.

Worry-Free Transport

When the unexpected happens, the last thing you want to think about is whether or not the hospital requires up-front payment or how you will get home safely. With a MedjetAssist membership, these worries dissolve. Membership gives you the security in knowing that your initial medical costs are covered and guarantees safe and comfortable transport back to your home facility.

image via Flickr by matt512

The world of travel is a bit of a dream. The ability to step off a plane or boat and onto foreign soil to find an entirely different type of life is a breathtaking experience. Everyone hopes for the best, but it’s never a bad idea to prepare for unplanned events.

By getting a MedjetAssist membership and your regular travel insurance, you can roam the world worry-free, knowing that you have coverage for any range of situations. Travel with your mind at ease, knowing that you are protected as you float the Ganges, share a life-changing experience on safari in Africa, or visit the Great Wall of China.

 

A Restless Mind

What drives us, we nomadic types? What causes us to leave stable jobs, lovely homes, friends and family, to throw ourselves out into the world? To force discomfort upon ourselves by the mere act of having no home base, no tribe to reach to for comfort? To live a life outside our comfort zone, both mentally and literally?

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Stepping Back in Time

I have never liked history. My dad was a history teacher. My brother is a history teacher. I got through the classes, but never embraced the subject. That all changed the moment I started traveling. Unencumbered by a parents authoritarian lectures and dry professors, I found myself relishing stepping back in time to see a world thousands of years in the past.

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