• Home
  • Blog
  • My Journey
  • My Travels
  • Contact Me
  • The Coffeeholic Traveler
Mapless Adventures

No Map. No Plan. Just Life.

  • Travel
    • Caribbean
      • British Virgin Islands
      • Puerto Rico
      • United States Virgin Islands
    • Southeast Asia
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Mexico
      • Contiki
  • Lifestyle
    • Family
    • Friends
    • Fitness
  • Teaching Abroad
  • Photography
  • Resources
  • Travel
    • Caribbean
      • British Virgin Islands
      • Puerto Rico
      • United States Virgin Islands
    • Southeast Asia
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Mexico
      • Contiki
  • Lifestyle
    • Family
    • Friends
    • Fitness
  • Teaching Abroad
  • Photography
  • Resources

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 813 other subscribers

About Me

Nicole L

Nicole L

Hiya! I'm a 35 year-old native Arizonan, who started traveling around the US and Mexico as a child, and haven't stopped. I've been to 23 countries in a wide range of travel styles, writing about my personal experiences and sharing travel guides and tips (including teaching abroad in Thailand), with a little history thrown in. Hope you enjoy!

View Full Profile →

Archives

  • November 2023
  • January 2023
  • January 2022
  • October 2021
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • March 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • February 2018
  • December 2017
  • October 2017
  • August 2017
  • May 2017
  • March 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • June 2015
  • March 2015
  • January 2015
  • November 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • Guatemala,  Mapless Adventures

    Summer Abroad in Guatemala and Belize

    November 28, 2023 / No Comments

    As a school based speech language pathologist, one of the greatest perks is the amount of vacation or non-school days we get each year. I love my job working with children with disabilities and as a traveler, having the amount of time off each year is the best. Don’t get me wrong it would be so much nicer being a digital nomad or a free-lance blogger to be able to travel more freely and during the off time. Unfortunately that is not the case, but my school schedule allows me freedom to do at least 3 short trips and one longer trip- anywhere between 4 to 7 weeks, traveling or…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures
  • 7 days in el salvador
    Central America,  El Salvador,  Mapless Adventures,  Travel

    How I Spent 7 Days in El Salvador (March 2022)

    January 13, 2023 / No Comments

    Do you want to know how I spent 7 days in El Salvador all because I found a ridiculously cheap airline flight? I’d love to tell you. First let me share a little back story before sharing my 7 days adventure in El Salvador. Flights to El Salvador Since I work in a school, I typically only have a few opportunities to travel extensively: spring break (March), summer break (June-July), fall break (October) and winter break (December/ January). I typically start looking early for the best deals on flights about 6 months in advance. Thankfully, I live in Phoenix, AZ and can easily jet over to Los Angeles, which is…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures
  • Ha Giang Loop Flipside Header
    Featured,  Mapless Adventures,  Southeast Asia,  Travel,  Vietnam

    Ha Giang Loop with Flipside Hostel (now Flipside Adventures Vietnam)

    January 3, 2023 / No Comments

    Original Travel Date: March 1-5th, 2020 (pre-pandemic) Getting There Leaving Thailand was one of the hardest decision, but I was ready for my next adventure. I was about to embark on a 3-week Vietnam adventure. My first stop was Hanoi, Vietnam, where I decided to go on a 5-day Ha Giang Loop motor scooter adventure with Flipside Hostel. I left the morning of my flight to get to the airport. This was one of the most difficult car rides to date as I wasn’t alone. My volleyball coach, Kru B, 11 of my players and our team mom drove me all the way to Chiang Mai for one final goodbye.…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

    You May Also Like

    What to Eat in Thailand

    What to Eat in Thailand

    May 29, 2020
    4 Days in Chiang Mai Header

    4 Days in Chiang Mai with the Parents

    June 23, 2020
    one week solo Luang Prabang

    One Week in Luang Prabang, Laos

    January 30, 2022
  • one week solo Luang Prabang
    Featured,  Laos,  Mapless Adventures,  Southeast Asia,  Travel

    One Week in Luang Prabang, Laos

    January 30, 2022 / No Comments

    Saying Goodbye After an amazing 18 days with my parents traveling around Thailand and Siem Reap, Cambodia, it was finally time to part ways. However, this wasn’t the end of my traveling. I still had one week left to my school break. I decided it was the perfect opportunity to head to a new country and a city that I was eager to explore; Luang Prabang, Laos. Here is how I spent one week solo in Luang Prabang, Laos Why Luang Prabang? To be honest, prior to arriving to Southeast Asia back in 2018, I didn’t really know much about Laos. Fact is, I probably couldn’t have pointed it out on…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

    You May Also Like

    5 Questions to Ask Yourself if Teaching English in Thailand is Right for You

    June 26, 2020
    Ha Giang Loop Flipside Header

    Ha Giang Loop with Flipside Hostel (now Flipside Adventures Vietnam)

    January 3, 2023
    What to Eat in Thailand

    What to Eat in Thailand

    May 29, 2020
  • itinerary for krabi
    Family,  Resources,  Thailand,  Travel

    5 Day Itinerary for Krabi with Parents

    June 30, 2020 / 7 Comments

    After Chiang Mai, my parents and I were ready for a more relaxed itinerary in Krabi. We planned five days for relaxing and exploring the coastal town of Krabi. As there are a number of non-stop flights between Chiang Mai and Krabi, it was an easy choice as our next stop. There are several airlines to choose from, but ultimately I chose Bangkok Airways as the flight was $65 per person. At the airport, the baggage check line and the security line were both moderately busy, but moved quickly and the flight was uneventful. To say we were ready for our 5 days in Krabi, would be an understatement. Accommodation…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

    You May Also Like

    Parents in Lampang

    My Parents Visit Lampang, Thailand

    June 16, 2020

    My Family Visits the USVIs

    May 13, 2017
    Parents in Laos

    Planning My Parents Trip to Thailand

    April 30, 2020
  • Featured,  Teaching Abroad,  Thailand

    5 Questions to Ask Yourself if Teaching English in Thailand is Right for You

    June 26, 2020 / 7 Comments

    So, you might be thinking about teaching English in Thailand. Awesome, I’m super happy for you! But, have you thought about what it might actually take to become a teacher? Have you asked yourself the difficult questions if teaching English in Thailand is right for you? Teaching English in Thailand sounds like a pretty sweet gig. And I’m not going to sit here and tell you anything less, because IT WAS AMAZING! But it wasn’t all fun and games, travel and freedom. Many people have these misconceptions about teaching English in a foreign country. And honestly, I was once one of those people. I didn’t know any different. I never…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

    You May Also Like

    one week solo Luang Prabang

    One Week in Luang Prabang, Laos

    January 30, 2022
    4 Days in Chiang Mai Header

    4 Days in Chiang Mai with the Parents

    June 23, 2020
    Ha Giang Loop Flipside Header

    Ha Giang Loop with Flipside Hostel (now Flipside Adventures Vietnam)

    January 3, 2023
  • 4 Days in Chiang Mai Header
    Family,  Featured,  Resources,  Thailand,  Travel

    4 Days in Chiang Mai with the Parents

    June 23, 2020 / 12 Comments

    Leaving Lampang was hard. I felt like we didn’t have enough time to see everything and I really wanted them to see more of my beautiful home. But, it was time to see more of what Thailand has to offer and I knew 4 days in Chiang Mai was the perfect next destination.  Thankfully, we weren’t leaving till mid-morning so we were able enjoyed breakfast at one of my favorite locations. I like this particular location because it is a cafeteria style restaurant with many options. Then, we enjoyed a cup of coffee from one of the many, MANY cafes nearby my apartment. This particular cafe, Flat White, offered a true latte,…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

    You May Also Like

    Parents in Lampang

    My Parents Visit Lampang, Thailand

    June 16, 2020

    My Family Visits the USVIs

    May 13, 2017
    Parents in Laos

    Planning My Parents Trip to Thailand

    April 30, 2020
  • Parents in Lampang
    Family,  Thailand,  Travel

    My Parents Visit Lampang, Thailand

    June 16, 2020 / No Comments

    Before I knew it, the day was finally here. All the planning my parents and I had completed over the course of 6 months was starting to unfold. Getting that text from my parents that they are boarding their first flight from Phoenix to Minneapolis brought tears to my eyes. I just wanted to hug them but I knew the next three days were going to take forever. As I mentioned early, my parents port of entry was Bangkok. Since my school was still in session, I wasn’t able to greet them. Thankfully, my dad had a colleague’s father who lived in Bangkok and who graciously offered to be their…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

    You May Also Like

    My Family Visits the USVIs

    May 13, 2017
    itinerary for krabi

    5 Day Itinerary for Krabi with Parents

    June 30, 2020
    Parents in Laos

    Planning My Parents Trip to Thailand

    April 30, 2020
  • What to Eat in Thailand
    Featured,  Resources,  Thailand,  Travel

    What to Eat in Thailand

    May 29, 2020 / 15 Comments

    Everyone knows the true way to anyone’s heart is through food. Living in Thailand for the past 16 months has filled my heart with so much joy surrounding food. I feel like I could eat the same dish everyday and, yet, something would be different about it. Many restaurants have their own spin on the traditional dishes, like Pad Thai. While other dishes have multiple ways to order the same dish, take Som Tam for example. This country has such a range of foods that vary from region to region, but typically you can find these unique cuisines throughout the country. If you’re traveling to Thailand soon, then be ready…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

    You May Also Like

    Ha Giang Loop Flipside Header

    Ha Giang Loop with Flipside Hostel (now Flipside Adventures Vietnam)

    January 3, 2023
    4 Days in Chiang Mai Header

    4 Days in Chiang Mai with the Parents

    June 23, 2020

    5 Questions to Ask Yourself if Teaching English in Thailand is Right for You

    June 26, 2020
  • Parents in Laos
    Family,  Resources,  Southeast Asia

    Planning My Parents Trip to Thailand

    April 30, 2020 / 10 Comments

    One thing I have learned about during all my travels, is that my parents are always right behind me. When I move to a new country it only takes a few weeks, sometimes months, before we are planning their trip to visit. They did it when I studied abroad in Italy, and when I lived in the Caribbean and again, when I lived in Thailand. Planning Their Trip to Thailand Planning my parents trip to Thailand wasn’t very challenging. I’m blessed with parents who are up for anything and gave me a lot of freedom with the itinerary. I had been in Thailand for several months when we started planning their…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

    You May Also Like

    My Family Visits the USVIs

    May 13, 2017
    itinerary for krabi

    5 Day Itinerary for Krabi with Parents

    June 30, 2020
    4 Days in Chiang Mai Header

    4 Days in Chiang Mai with the Parents

    June 23, 2020
123

Don't Miss Out

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

About Me

Nicole L

Nicole L

Hiya! I'm a 35 year-old native Arizonan, who started traveling around the US and Mexico as a child, and haven't stopped. I've been to 23 countries in a wide range of travel styles, writing about my personal experiences and sharing travel guides and tips (including teaching abroad in Thailand), with a little history thrown in. Hope you enjoy!

View Full Profile →

Search by Category

mapless_adventures

No Map. No Plan. Just Life. | Stories, Guides and Tips from a Female Traveler exploring the world through Mapless Adventures
📍Guatemala

Nicole | Travel Blogger
Back in the caribbean feels so good! Belize is abs Back in the caribbean feels so good! Belize is absolutely beautiful and I’m so glad we decided to do this side trip! What an adventure I’m living with my favorite @sc0rpio79 #belize #cayecaulkerbelize #cayecaulker #caribbeanlife #beachvibes
It’s time to say goodbye to my relaxing beach li It’s time to say goodbye to my relaxing beach life and head back to Lake Atitlan for two weeks of Spanish courses with a Homestay!
•
I’m doing my classes with Lake Atitlan Spanish School where I’ll be 1:1 with a teacher for 4 hours each day Monday-Friday!
•••
#Spanishclasses #lakeatitlan #lakeatitlanspanishschool #sanpedrodelalaguna #guatemala #guatemalatravel #travelguatemala #guatemalaadventures #lakeatitlán #lakeatitlanguatemala
Another day filled with nothing in El Paredon, Gua Another day filled with nothing in El Paredon, Guatemala!!
•••
#elparedon #elparedonguatemala #elparedonbeach #mellowhostel #guatemala #travelguatemala #blacksandbeach #exploreguatemala #travellife #maplessadventures #travelblogger #guatemalaadventures
Much needed relaxation in the beach town of El Par Much needed relaxation in the beach town of El Paredon! I honestly didn’t do much today except eat, drink, swim and took a walk along the beach!
•••
#elparedon #elparedonguatemala #blacksandbeach #mellowhostel #mellowhostelelparedon #guatemala #guatemalaimpresionante #travelguatemala #travellife #solotraveler #centralamerica #maplessadventures #travelblogger
Officially a solo traveler again as I said goodbye Officially a solo traveler again as I said goodbye to my friend and decided to treat myself to a few days at the popular beach town of El Paredón. It was a great first day!
•••
#elparedon #guatemala #elparedonguatemala #solotravel #centralamerica #guatemalaadventures #visitguatemala #guateimpresionante #beachtown #blacksandbeach #maplessadventures #travellife #travelguatemala
What a great final day traveling and exploring wit What a great final day traveling and exploring with my friend! We left San Pedro heading towards Panajachel for paragliding and relaxation!
•••
#paragliding #paraglidingguatemala #panajachel #panajachelguatemala🇬🇹 #guatemala #guatemalasdventures #exploreguatemala #guateimpresionante #travellife #lakeatitlan #lakeatitlanguatemala #maplessadventures
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Please Follow Along My Adventures

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Instagram

Contact Me

© Nicole | Mapless Adventures 2023
Privacy & Cookies Policy
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to use this website, you are agreeing to their use. You have the right to opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsClose & Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT