Travel Along With Laura

Join Laura and her kids as they explore the rolling hills and historic towns of Tuscany! We'll start with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and its hilarious tourist antics. Next, discover the medieval charm of San Gimignano, taste local treats, and soak up the panoramic views. We'll also visit a Chianti winery for bruschetta, truffle butter, and aged balsamic, before finishing in Siena w...

Join Laura and her hilarious children as they pontificate about naked statues, complete their pilgrimage to Galileo's finger and eat their body weight in Florentine steak.  There's so much to hear in the city of Florence! Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the...

Come along with Laura and her kids as they dive headfirst into the chaos and charm of Rome! From the moment we landed, jet lagged and dragging our suitcases through streets full of cars, motos, and sirens, Rome made itself known. We explore the Colosseum, try to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago, and brave the crowds at the Trevi Fountain—coins in hand, hoping to guarantee our return. Alo...

Laura is back in Bangkok, this time exploring the city with fresh eyes. Hop on the public riverboats, wander the winding streets near Khao San Road, and taste-test Bangkok’s legendary street food—from spicy noodles and durian desserts to a roasted scorpion. Along the way, she shares her updated thoughts on where to stay, favorite food spots, and how to experience the city like a local (or at least...

Laura floats leisurely down the Mekong on a two day slow boat to Luang Prabang.  Friends are made and songs are sung as we journey along the river, stopping at countless tiny villages along the way.  Lightening and thunder! Giant catfish!  This voyage has it all. Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can...

Join Laura and her friend Gayle as they tackle a three-day trek through the lush Nam Ha Protected Area in northern Laos. From slippery mud paths and jungle encounters with monkeys, snakes and beetles to homestays in remote villages, this trek tests their endurance—and their sense of humor. Along the way, they explore local culture, taste new foods, and witness breathtaking scenery that makes every...

Join Laura as she crosses the Thailand-Laos border and explores the charm of Vientiane, the tiny but lively capital. From navigating confusing train tickets and tuk-tuks to discovering local BBQs and serene Mekong riverside walks, she takes you along every quirky and memorable step. Then it’s off to Luang Prabang, where French-influenced architecture, bustling night markets, and sacred wats meet r...

 Join Laura in Puerto Escondido for an unforgettable sea turtle conservation adventure with Vivemar . From late-night ATV patrols under the stars to searching for nesting turtles and protecting fragile eggs, you’ll experience firsthand what it takes to safeguard these endangered creatures. Feel the joy of helping release tiny hatchlings into the ocean and learn how local education is changing cult...

 Laura steps far outside her comfort zone to take part in a Zapotec temazcal ceremony in Oaxaca — an ancient sweat lodge ritual meant to cleanse the body, spirit, and mind. Guided by Yessica at Casa Las Máscaras, she experiences waves of heat, herbal cleansings, and powerful mantras that push her limits and open her to a new kind of spiritual connection. With honesty and humor, Laura shares how it...

 Oaxaca isn’t just about the city — the surrounding valleys and mountains are packed with unforgettable day trips. Join Laura as she visits the weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle, marvels at the ancient Tule tree, climbs among the ruins of Mitla, and hikes the surreal mineral pools of Hierve el Agua. Along the way, discover when to visit Oaxaca for its most colorful festivals — from Día de los...

 Come hungry to Oaxaca, Mexico — one of the world’s true food capitals. In this episode, Laura dives into the city’s legendary street food, from late-night tlayudas and flower-topped quesadillas to rich moles and crispy chapulines. Then, sip your way through Oaxaca’s mezcal culture: learn how it’s made, the difference between mezcal and tequila, and the wild agaves (and even stranger traditions) b...

Laura goes down memory lane to tell you one of her favorite travel stories of all time.  When the Lonely Planet guidebook says not to visit the Amazon in the rainy season but doesn't explain why, she does it anyway and finds out.  Join her as she makes her way farther and farther from roads, getting deeper into the Peruvian jungle.  This story begins on a public boat chugging along, crisscros...

This time, Laura is one brave mama as she takes her 8 and 10 year olds on a road trip to British Columbia, Canada! Join us as we wander the charming streets of Victoria, try raw octopus, jump into freezing water at the most beautiful swimming hole ever ever, navigate ferries, explore Vancouver's museums, restaurants and historic Gastown.  Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreo...

What would you do with only 10 hours in Seoul? I’ll take you along as we discover Insadong’s history and artsy side streets, peek into the Kimchi Museum, and share both our wins and our mistakes—so you can make the most of your own Korean layover. Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron...

Join me on a harrowing journey across the ocean to a stormy island—Koh Tao. There will be tropical fish, some terrifying insect ecology, and way too many hills, but also the best snorkeling I've ever experienced- in crystal clear waters right off the shore. Add in the unforgettable rhythm of Thailand’s overnight trains—with morning coffee sellers, a very official review of the salty treats at...

You’ll never stop itching and your clothes will never dry, but trust me—it’s worth it. Khao Sok National Park offers some of Thailand’s most breathtaking scenery, from ancient rainforests and cave treks to floating bungalows, river adventures, and endless encounters with wildlife. Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks...

What’s it like to spend a couple days with a Buddhist monk? In Chiang Mai, I signed up for a meditation retreat that didn’t go quite as planned, but turned into one of the most fascinating experiences of my trip. From learning about the 227 monk rules to chatting about love, trees, and kindness, this episode dives deep into Thai Buddhism and mindfulness.  Then, with Gayle Lennox as my guest, we&ap...

Chiang Mai is a city of temples, night markets, and endless food—plus one of the best elephant encounters I could have imagined. Life here moves at a gentler pace than Bangkok, but adventures still abound: from riverside meals and wandering temples, to nights of live music, intense Thai massages, and walking with elephants through the jungle. This northern gem truly captured my heart. Want to supp...

My Thailand adventures begin in Bangkok! From a chaotic Amazing Race–style dash to the Maeklong Railway Market, to riverboats, rooftop bars, golden temples,  45-year-old soup, and multiple monitor lizard encounters, this episode highlights  the quirks that make the city unforgettable.  If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to arrive in Bangkok for the very first time, this one’s for you.  Want to...

 In this episode, I head to the remote San Blas Islands—also known as Guna Yala—for a two-day escape on one of the most beautiful stretches of sand I’ve ever seen. I share what it’s really like to visit these tiny, palm-dotted islands with an organized tour, from the early-morning 4x4 ride through the jungle to island-hopping, sandbars, simple beach cabins, and a hilariously unforgettable bonfire...

 In this episode, I head to El Valle de Antón—an entire town nestled inside the world’s largest inhabited volcanic crater. Just a few hours from Panama City, El Valle feels like a cool-air escape: ringed by mountains, filled with hiking trails, orchids, quiet streets, and weekend visitors from the city. I share what it’s like to get here by public transport, my sunset hike up Cerro Cara Iguana, wa...

 Bocas del Toro became one of the most unexpectedly emotional stops of my trip. I flew in over turquoise water, wandered Bocas Town, then hopped a water taxi—spotting dolphins on the way—to a hillside jungle hostel that felt like a dream. In this episode, I share the rhythm of island life: the treehouse rooms, the dinners where strangers become friends, the jungle hikes, the quiet Christmas Day, t...

 Panama City hit me fast—heat, confusion, unexpected charm, and the absolute thrill of seeing the Panama Canal for the first time. In this episode, I take you through my messy, wonderful first days: staying at Selina in Casco Viejo, joining a walking tour that totally changed how I saw the city, figuring out safe areas (and accidentally wandering into ones that weren’t), and tasting ceviche at the...

Marrakesh and Fez may both be ancient cities, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. In Marrakesh, I navigated the chaos of Djema el Fna and learned how to avoid hassle as a solo traveler. In Fez, I explored with my new friend Mohammed, who showed me the city and introduced me to hidden cafés on motorcycle rides through the new town. The highlight of the episode is my intense, humblin...

Taking the night train from Marrakesh to Tangier, then onward to Chefchaouen, I experienced Morocco from a new perspective—alone, off the beaten path, and during Eid Al-Adha. From cozy train bunks and mint tea at night to chaos at the taxi stand, sheep markets filling the streets, and deserted medina alleys, I navigated uncertainty and solo travel challenges. Chefchaouen’s striking blue streets, p...