Author: Olivia Franzman
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From Caution to Curiosity: My Experience in El Salvador
You can imagine the reaction on most people’s faces when I tell them I’m going to spend a month in El Salvador. A country that was once labeled the murder capital of the world. A place people still associate with gangs, crime, and danger. For many, the image that comes to mind is one shaped…
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Underrated Central America Vacation Destination
We all know Central America for destinations like Costa Rica, and more recently Guatemala with its rise in tourism. Some people head to the beaches of Panama, while others stick to the comfort of an all inclusive resort in Mexico. But what if I told you there is a destination right in between all of…
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World Wise: Why Travel Is the Education We’re Missing
Often, as a full time traveler from the United States, I find myself having the same conversation over and over again. I will be talking with someone abroad, and I can almost feel myself being placed into the category of “the American,” hearing the same perspective that Americans are stereotypically globally unaware, geographically unaware, culturally…
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The Real Side Of Guatemala, And How You Can See It
Every place that’s full of adventure, beautiful nature, unique culture, and exciting experiences tends to follow the same pattern when it comes to tourism. Over time, a well worn path develops. A handful of cities, a few must do experiences, and a version of the country that becomes widely known. And while those places are…
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Unexpected Skills I’ve Learned From Long-Term Travel
Traveling, as I always describe it, is one of the biggest educators and learning experiences. It teaches you so much, far beyond anything I ever learned in school, and often in ways I never expected. These are lessons and skills that stay with you for life, whether you are traveling or not. After nearly two…
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Santa Ana, El Salvador: A Cultural Lens, Not Just a Tourist Destination
After landing in San Salvador, in the small but beautiful country of El Salvador, I headed straight to the beach. I went right to El Tunco, exploring the surf town, walking along the black sand beaches, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the laid back vibe that pulls so many people in. But after about…
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Measuring Your Travel Experience by Quality, Not Quantity
Ever heard the saying “quality over quantity”? It applies to so much more than you might think, including travel. When traveling, I’ve come across two very different types of people. Some focus on how many places they can see, how quickly they can move, and how many destinations they can check off their bucket list.…
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Everything You Need to See in Guatemala From Jungle to Volcano
Guatemala is one of the most adventurous, interesting, and beautiful countries in Central America. It is a country with a complex, deep, and sometimes dark history, but also one filled with incredible landscapes, rich culture, and some of the most loving and beautiful people I have ever met. But the big question is always, where…
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The Reality of Lake Atitlán and Why Your Accommodation Changes Everything
If you’ve ever looked into Guatemala, you’ve probably come across Lake Atitlán. It’s one of the most talked about destinations in the country and is often compared to places like Lake Como. It shows up everywhere online and looks like this perfect, peaceful escape. I recently spent over two and a half weeks exploring the…
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The Reality of “Instagram Famous” Hikes
If you’re someone who has done any kind of travel recently, or headed somewhere you found online or heard about from a friend, you probably understand what I mean when I say something has become “Instagram famous” or “TikTok famous.” Recently I traveled around the beautiful and adventurous country of Guatemala. While I was there,…
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