Category Archives: Destination

Chiang Mai in February-April: NO GO

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Each year, between late February and April, Chiang Mai, a city known for its stunning temples, vibrant festivals, and lush landscapes, faces a stark challenge: The Burning Season. During this period, the city and its surrounding provinces are enveloped in a thick layer of smog caused by agricultural burning, a practice tied to seasonal crop cycles. This environmental issue affects air quality, public health, and the region’s tourism industry, creating significant challenges for residents and visitors alike. What is the Burning Season? The Burning Season, or “smoky season,” occurs annually as farmers across northern Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos burn agricultural waste, such as corn stalks and rice stubble, to prepare fields for the next planting … Continue reading →

Moving on from Ushuaia

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Fall has arrived in Ushuaia. The town is quiet and snow is falling almost daily. The last cruise to Antarctica for the 2023 season has departed and far fewer gringos walk the streets. Ushuaia is a beautiful small city with mountains on 3 sides and the Beagle Channel to the south. It is known as FIn del Mundo (the End of the World)., While the locals do seem to love the slower pace that winter brings, they recognize that the life blood of the town is summer and the tourist dollars it brings to the area. There is some winter tourism for skiing and other snow sports, but it is not really what most people … Continue reading →

Echoes of the Andes: A Visual Journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley

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AI Prompt: Write an 800 word story about the Sacred Valley in Peru. The morning sun cast a warm glow upon the rugged peaks of the Andes as our journey through the Sacred Valley of Peru began. The air was crisp, and the scent of eucalyptus trees mingled with the earthy aroma of ancient stones. Armed with cameras and an eager spirit, we set out to explore this mystical landscape, capturing moments that would etch themselves into our memories. Our first stop was the lively town of Pisac, where the market unfolded like a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures. The bustling market square was a visual feast, adorned with intricate textiles, handmade pottery, and local … Continue reading →

The Sacred Valley – Cusco Peru

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I recently saw someone on Facebook post that they were considering visiting Cusco and not going to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. I am not sure what the thinking was, but as I suggested to them, I think it would be a crime to come to Cusco and not explore the Valley. Even if you choose not to visit MP, which is somewhat expensive, there are many other things in the valley worth seeing.  The Sacred Valley is about an hour from Cusco by bus or shuttle. It is at the heart of the former Inca empire. Unfortunately, when the Spanish entered the valley in the early 1600s, looting and destroying the Inca civilization … Continue reading →

Travels with Charlie: An Ecuadorian Adventure

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AI Prompt: Write a 2500 word story about traveling in Ecuador by motorcycle for submission to BMW MOA magazine in the style of Travels with Charlie. The road called to me once more, as it always did when the world beckoned with its mysteries and adventures. This time, my faithful companion was my trusty BMW motorcycle, a mechanical steed that had carried me through countless journeys. My destination was Ecuador, a land of astonishing beauty and cultural diversity. The trip had been brewing in my mind for some time, and as I set out, I couldn’t help but recall the words of John Steinbeck in his classic “Travels with Charley,” which had been a guiding … Continue reading →

First Time in Thailand

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AI Prompt: Write a first-person story about a professional travel writer visiting Thailand for the first time. As a professional travel writer, I had been fortunate enough to explore many beautiful destinations around the world. But, I had never made it to Southeast Asia, until now. With excitement, I boarded the plane to Thailand, eager to finally experience this incredible country for myself. The moment I stepped off the plane, I was hit by a wave of heat and humidity. Despite the discomfort, I couldn’t help but feel exhilarated. I knew that this was going to be a trip that would stay with me for a lifetime. My first destination was Bangkok, the capital of … Continue reading →

Photographing Ecuador

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AI Prompt: What should I photograph while in Ecuador? As an AI language model, I do not have personal experiences; thus I cannot tell you what to photograph in Ecuador from my personal experience, but I can suggest some popular destinations for photography in Ecuador. Ecuador is a country full of natural and cultural treasures, and there are many beautiful places to photograph. Here are some suggestions: 1. Galápagos Islands – famous for its unique wildlife and unspoiled habitat.2. Cotopaxi National Park – home to the Cotopaxi volcano, and many other peaks and snowcapped mountains surrounded by beautiful landscapes. 3. The Avenue of Volcanoes – a chain of 14 major volcanic peaks are waiting for … Continue reading →

A day in the Atacama Desert

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AI Prompt #1: Please write a 500-word story about the Atacama Desert.AI Prompt #2: Where can I find a photo of the Atacama Desert that I can use for free? The Atacama Desert in Chile is a place of endless beauty, of treacherous heat and bone-dry landscapes. It is a place that is both unforgiving and breathtaking, where the sun is harsh and the stars shine brighter than anywhere else on earth. It is a place where life seems impossible, yet it thrives. I was on a desert safari in the Atacama, a journey that would take me through some of the most stunning landscapes I had ever seen. I had heard that this desert … Continue reading →

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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AI Prompt #1: Write a story about UNESCO World Heritage SitesAI Prompt #2: Write a story about UNESCO World Heritage Site Cuenca UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of cultural or natural significance that are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity⁵. There are over 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide, including natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and cultural landmarks like the Great Wall of China³. Each UNESCO World Heritage Site has its own unique story and history. For example, the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are one of the oldest seven wonders of the world and were built around 4,500 years ago during the Old Kingdom³. The Mausoleum of First Qin … Continue reading →

The Galapagos Islands

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AI Prompt: Write a travelogue about the Galapagos Islands The Galápagos Islands are a collection of islands in the Pacific Ocean that are known for their unique wildlife and natural beauty. The islands’ distinctive flora and fauna inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution¹. The Galápagos Islands are now a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to see the many species of birds, reptiles, and other animals that can only be found on the islands¹. There are many different ways to explore the Galápagos Islands, from cruises to land-based tours. Some of the most popular islands to visit include Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, and San Cristobal⁵. Visitors can take tours and day trips to see everything … Continue reading →