Lounging in my hammock with sandy toes, while watching the waves crash like thunder on the beach, it didn’t take long to realize that the long epic journey to get to my hostel was well worth it. I’m staying at Cocori Lodge, a favorite place for surfers, and it’s pretty close to paradise. Sure, it’s…
Next month, I’ll be staying in beautiful El Paredon, Guatemala for free, in exchange for teaching yoga to surfers at a hostel on the beach. I’ve also received free yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India and paid nothing for ten days of accommodations in Lucca, Italy, where I saw the Rolling Stones perform live. People ask me all the time how I manage to get this kind of gigs. Surprisingly, it’s not that hard. Here is information on how to use work exchange programs to travel the world for free.
We all have our unique talents. Perhaps you’re an outstanding cook, have a glorious singing voice, are a skilled videographer, or can teach English. Whatever your abilities, there are probably people around the world that are willing to host you in their home or resort in exchange for your talents. Some hosts will provide food and accommodations, and some might even toss in a small income. Each situation is as unique as your skill set.
Astoria, Oregon has a wonderful way of getting under your skin. The small city is like a new song from your favorite performer. You indulge in it as much as you can, and then you can’t get it out of your head. The town is famous for many things. The award-winning movie, The Goonies, was…
Looking out over the breathtaking view of Puget Sound, surrounded by women that I didn’t even know a few days ago, I was astonished at the energy in the room. The feeling of love and unity was almost tangible! Everyone knows that yoga retreats are supposed to be about health and wellness, but we were…
My visit to Breitenbush Hot Springs was spontaneous. I and my travel companion were on a road trip to Lake Tahoe and found ourselves by Detroit Lake in Oregon. I did a Google search for places to stay nearby and Breitenbush came up. I’ve always wanted to stay there so I gave them a quick…
Ever since I went to the 2018 Seattle Pride Festival last weekend, I’ve been getting a lot of questions and sideways glances. Why did I go? Wasn’t I uncomfortable? Am I gay? I’m not a big fan of labels, and who I sleep with isn’t anyone’s business but my own. The fact is, you don’t…
There’s something special about the joy of small-town summertime festivals, and the Garlic Festival near Long Beach, Washington is no exception. It’s one of many fun annual events in Pacific County, but if you’re a garlic lover, there’s nothing quite like it! From roasted garlic to whipped garlic, garlic fries, and even garlic flavored ice…
I’ve pretty much stopped taking friend requests from single men on Facebook. As a travel blogger and entrepreneur trying to grow my freelance writing business, it’s wise to increase my following on social media. So, generally I accept new friend requests unless the person looks like a total freak. However, lately I’ve been rethinking that…
According to a 2014 study of the self-improvement market by Marketdata Enterprises, Americans spend over $500 million a year on self-help books. That doesn’t even include classes, workshops, and seminars. Self-help is a gigantic industry, but there seems to be an equally popular counter movement. When I was in Rishikesh, India I saw several people reading…
Somewhere right now there is a little boy in an impoverished country feeling lost and forgotten. He is fortunate that he has the basics in life: shelter, food, and water; but his young life is still a struggle. He has to work long days helping his parents in the little café they own in Bali.…