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The Siren Song of the Mekong
What is it about a frontier that just beckons? I am sitting at a cafe in the Thai town of Chiang Khan, peering over at the shore of Laos just 500 yards away. Separating us is a river like any other, yet I feel an almost magnetic pull to cross it. Between sips of coffee…
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The only thing on fire in Puerto Vallarta this week was our chef
While the news was busy spinning tales of unrest, the only thing truly on fire this week was our personal chef. Chef Oscar treated us to three Mexican inspired meals a day. From seafood, the local specialty, to steak prepared arrachera style, it was a week of gluttony that had us all taking photos of…
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From Tropical Paradise to Tropical Paradise: A Keys Comeback
Well, the fun had to come to an end sometime, but I wasn’t willing to give up the sun just yet. I headed back to the U.S. last week to lead a tour of Florida and the Keys. Historically, I’ve taken my winters off, but over the last couple of years, my boss has offered…
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The Mekong’s Mirror Image: How AI Found My Quiet Corner of Thailand
After a multi-stop train journey up the coast of Vietnam, I found myself longing for the relaxed atmosphere of Laos. Since my return trip to America was set to depart from Thailand, I started looking for a Thai destination that could offer that same tranquility. I was struggling to choose between various beaches and islands…
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Vietnam on the Reunification Line: Coasting from Saigon to Da Nang
This has been the year for checking things off my list. I wouldn’t call it a bucket list, but I’ve had a mental tally of “must-dos” for years. Last month was the train from Hong Kong to Laos. This week, I closed the loop on Vietnam by train. A decade ago, I rode the rails…
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The pro traveler’s guide to almost missing my train, my plane, and an entire country
I‘d pretty much resigned myself to abandoning my visit to Vietnam. It would have cost me a little over $100 in non-refundable train tickets and hotel stays, but the hassle of getting there, while knowing the ease of Thailand, had already prompted me to look at flights and hotels for the next day. I was…
