Our journey to the Albanian Alps began in Shkodër, often referred to as the Cradle of Culture. Shkodër is a sleepy city in Northern Albania near Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans. Things are old here, and move a bit slower. The backdrop provides a stark contrast to the capital of Tirana. Though…
Author: Nick
9 Ways to Be a Great Travel Buddy
Embarking on a journey with a travel buddy is more than just a shared adventure. It’s an opportunity to forge unforgettable memories, strengthen bonds, and get out of your comfort zone to experience life to its fullest. Whether you’re getting lost in a new city, trekking remote landscapes, or immersing yourself in new cultures, being…
21 Reasons Traveling with A Friend Beats Solo Travel
We’ve met a lot of travelers who are surprised by all the places we’ve traveled together. Often met with the response, “I could never travel with someone else, “Solo travel is way better,” or “How aren’t you sick of each other yet!?” To each their own, the Bros say. Traveling long-term gives you an immense…
Skate & Travel: A Blog Series with Trucks and Fins
For this blog series, we teamed up with Trucks and Fins the World’s largest skatepark directory. Their mission: to help skaters discover skateparks across every corner of the globe. With comprehensive guides, interactive maps, photos, and reviews from real skaters, finding skateparks around the world has never been easier. It’s a game-changer for skaters who…
Is Maribor Worth A Visit?
Locations like Lake Bled and Ljubljana are synonymous with Slovenia. But what about Maribor? Maribor isn’t even on the radar of most travelers and despite its long history, few have even heard of it. Maribor was first mentioned as a castle in 1164, as a settlement in 1209, and as a city in 1254. Located…
Vienna’s Famous Sachertorte
Welcome to Vienna, the enchanting capital of Austria, renowned for its rich history, imperial grandeur, and delectable culinary offerings. Some come to take in the exquisite architecture and palaces or even witness the city’s musical legacy. The Bros come for the döner and sweet treats. Among its many culinary delights, one stands out as a…
The Pueblos of Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is located in the highlands of Guatemala, 3 hours northeast of Antigua in the country’s Sierre Madre mountain range. It’s a stunning body of water surrounded by lush green mountains, and volcanoes, dotted with small, picturesque towns. A unique location with clear waters, an abundance of activities, and charming local culture, Atitlán is a…
5 Reasons to Stay in La Punta, Puerto Escondido
There was once a time when Puerto Escondido was undiscovered. A sheltered gem on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, precisely as its translation implies: A Hidden Port. Nowadays, the secret is out and Travel + Leisure recently named this Mexican seaside town one of the most-searched destinations by Americans looking to travel internationally. With stunning beaches, world-class surf…
A Day in Colorful Cartagena
Welcome to colorful Cartagena, Colombia, a city rich in history, culture, and charm. Located on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is a popular destination for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience. Backpackers, however, should be aware that Cartagena is the current crown jewel of Colombian tourism, resulting in it being one of the most…
Jaco, Costa Rica’s Original Surf Town
Jaco is a popular tourist destination located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. A party town, known for its over-the-top nightlife, surf, beaches, and outdoor adventures, Jaco has something to offer every traveler. Most Ticos have a special affinity for Jacó and fond memories of the days when shuttle buses would transport beach-goers to…
Top 5 Tips When Packing Your Skateboard to Travel
Whether traveling near or far, your skateboard can be a tool to help you explore new places and meet new people. It can unlock doors to incredible experiences, help you make memories that last a lifetime, and if packed correctly, can even save you a few bucks in the process. Traveling around the world with…
9 Fun Things to Do in Oaxaca City
There’s no doubt, Oaxaca is on your radar if you’re interested in history, culture, food, and incredible landscapes. The state’s capital city, with the same name (pronounced waa-HA-kah), is full of fun things to do no matter what you’re into. From its colorful streets to its museums, markets, archeological sites, galleries, mezcalerias, top-notch cuisine, and…
Visiting the Liquor-Drinking, Chain-Smoking, Patron Saint: Maximón
Maximón, also known as San Simón, is a unique Mayan deity, folk saint, and religious icon. He’s a blend of Catholicism, Mayan ancestral worship, and local folklore, represented in various forms by the Maya people in the Western highlands of Guatemala. Many towns, villages, and cities in Guatemala have a resident Maximón figure depicted by…
Taking on Acatenango in Guatemala’s Rainy Season
Summiting Acateneango and witnessing the Volcan de Fuego erupt could quite possibly be one of the most thrilling and challenging things to accomplish on any trip to Guatemala. An experience that combines both mental and physical toughness it rewards trekkers with a once-in-a-lifetime view you won’t witness anywhere else. It’s atop most travelers’ lists when…
I Got Bitten By A Dog in Xela and Left Guatemala
Wrapping up our second month in Guatemala we found ourselves in Quizeltenango after making the trip from Panajachel. With a week or so to kill before I headed to participate in a Workaway at a surf lodge in El Paredon, we figured we could spend some time in Xela. Here we’d experience Guatemala’s second-largest city…
Our Pick For The Best Spanish School in Guatemala
If you want to learn how to speak Spanish, Guatemala is one of the best places in the world to help you reach your language goals. Whether you’re a beginner, brushing up on previous skills, or have dreams of becoming fluent, learning a language can greatly enhance your travel experience. Learning a language will make…
The Café Scene in Antigua
Heading to Guatemala, we knew the coffee here was going to be next level. We would soon find out that the growing cafe scene in Antigua is just as strong as its coffee. Known for its world-famous blends, Guatemala is an extraordinary place for growing java. The fertile volcanic soil, climate, and elevation all contribute…
The Best View of Antigua
Atop a montañita at the tip of Antigua stands Cerro de la Cruz. Popular amongst locals and travelers alike, Cerro de la Cruz is the view you can’t miss during your trip to the best-preserved Spanish colonial city in Central America. Observe tile roofs, their red, yellow, and blue walls, the emerald green hills, ruins…
Been There, Don Det. Laos
While the tubing scene in Vang Vieng was going off up north as THE thing to do in Laos, Don Det quietly remained off the backpacker trail. That was almost 15 years ago, fast forward to today and things have certainly changed since then. Chill vibes, inexpensive accommodations, and cheap beers somehow always seem to…
A Check-In with The Bros feat. GAFFL.com
The Brothers Who Quit Their Jobs At The Age Of 30 To Embark On An Endless Pursuit Of Adventure This story was originally published on GAFFL, the app that helps you find a travel buddy and meet locals worldwide. We recently checked in with the GAFFL team to tell our story. Get A Friend For Life! GAFFL connects…
The OG Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge is legendary. Originally built during New Zealand’s gold rush of 1861, its initial purpose was to improve access to the Otago goldfields in the southeastern region on New Zealand’s South Island. Fortune-seeking miners would comb the rugged landscape armed with a simple pan hoping to literally strike gold. At the time, the…
Bros Around The Globe join The Traveler’s Blueprint Podcast
The Travelers Blueprint is an indie travel podcast where each week hosts Bob and Elliot bring you insight from authors, adventurers, conservationists, digital nomads, tour guides, and every type of traveler you can imagine. The Bros had the pleasure of stopping by for a few chats to talk travel and joined their Travel Around Table…
Top 20 Places to Visit in Vietnam
There are many reasons to visit the country Vietnam. History, scenery, cuisine, coffee, incredibly friendly people, the list goes on. It’s a place that captured our hearts when we visited and look forward to a time when we will return once again. Today we’ll travel from the North to the South and everywhere in between…
Meeting Crazy Dave. La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz, Bolivia. The highest city in the world with an elevation reaching just under 12,000 feet. Resting on the Andes’ Altiplano plateau, it’s a gritty city filled with extreme geography, chaotic streets, bustling markets, and peaceful plazas. It’s a place that will flood your senses and literally take your breath away. Filled with both…
Is Machu Picchu Worth Visiting?
Visiting the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu often sits at the top of many bucket lists. After all, it is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. For the occasional traveler, sometimes ya gotta pick and choose your adventures. In most cases, vacation days and time are limited, therefore you really need…
For the Love of the Game – 5 Reasons to Attend A Sports Event Abroad
One of the Bro’s best hacks to get acquainted with a new place is getting involved in the sports scene. Attending a sporting event is a fun and unique way to be introduced to the culture of a new location. Besides the game, you’ll witness the passion of the local community and gain some insight…