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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!

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  • Story Time,  Thailand,  Travel

    Unexpected Adventures in Nan, Thailand

    February 24, 2020 / 20 Comments

    Working in a Thai school as an English Teacher and volleyball coach has its perks. One of these perks just happens to be opportunities to explore the neighboring provinces during school events. This past year, I was blessed with the chance to go on adventures in Nan, Thailand. My volleyball team was heading there for a week long tournament and my school asked me to join. I didn’t hesitate, even though I knew it was going to be volleyball 24-7, but it wasn’t all volleyball. There were several unique experiences and adventures in Nan; none of which I knew anything about. Nan is the capital city in its namesake province,…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

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    Moving Abroad to Teach English In Thailand

    October 5, 2018

    Thanks COVID-19 | An Account from a Heart Broken Traveler

    March 18, 2020
  • Resources,  Thailand,  Travel

    Ultimate Guide to Lampang, Thailand

    February 17, 2020 / 17 Comments

    Lampang is the capital of its name-shared province in northern Thailand. It borders several provinces including Chiang Mai province and is the second to third largest city in the North; right next to Chiang Rai. Lampang is located about 60 km south of Chiang Mai and is home to the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center. This ultimate guide to Lampang,  will detail everything you need to know; from getting there to nightlife. For a complete list about What to Eat in Thailand, Click Here Getting There From Chiang Mai Because of its size and relativity to Chiang Mai, there is an abundance of transportation options, including the train, buses, and taxis.…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

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    Reality of Teaching English in Thailand

    January 25, 2019
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    5 Day Itinerary for Krabi with Parents

    June 30, 2020
    Parents in Laos

    Planning My Parents Trip to Thailand

    April 30, 2020
  • Phayao Thailand Header
    Thailand,  Travel

    A Weekend Getaway in Phayao, Thailand

    February 10, 2020 / 16 Comments

    When three-day weekends happening, traveling outside of Lampang can be difficult. Flights, trains and buses tend to book up QUICKLY and it becomes such a hassle. However, for a weekend getaway in July, a few friends and I decided to catch a Green Bus to a sister city, 190km to the northeast, called Phayao, Thailand. Phayao is not a famously known city, nor is it a popular travel destination. However, being a teacher, you hear a bit about neighboring provinces and this particular location intrigued us. Accommodations While Phayao is a small town there were several options for accommodation. Many places were located along the main road off of Phayao Lake. It’s…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

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    Koh Tao Thailand

    Scuba Diving in Koh Tao…and a list of things to do

    January 26, 2020
    Parents in Lampang

    My Parents Visit Lampang, Thailand

    June 16, 2020

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

    June 26, 2020
  • Thailand,  Travel

    Koh Phangan | More Than the Half Moon Festival

    February 3, 2020 / 12 Comments

    After an amazing few days of diving and exploring Koh Tao, it was time to move on to the next island. This time for one main reason, the Half Moon Festival on Koh Phangan. The Full Moon Party and Half Moon Festival are famous in Koh Phangan. Backpackers and travelers alike plan entire vacations around these parties. They are one of the main reasons people venture to Koh Phangan on their vacations. They aren’t the only “big” parties that Koh Phangan offers. There are also Jungle Parties and Waterfall parties. Basically, ever week, sometimes twice a week, there is some massive party somewhere on the island. Although the Full Moon…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

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    Unexpected Adventures in Nan, Thailand

    February 24, 2020
    Pai Thailand

    How to Spend 5 Days in Pai, Thailand

    March 18, 2019
    Phayao Thailand Header

    A Weekend Getaway in Phayao, Thailand

    February 10, 2020
  • Koh Tao Thailand
    Resources,  Thailand,  Travel

    Scuba Diving in Koh Tao…and a list of things to do

    January 26, 2020 / 20 Comments

    Scuba diving in Koh Tao, Thailand might not have happened if it wasn’t for visa issues. As a teacher here in Thailand, I’m tied to my visa. I didn’t want to pay for another re-entry permit at 1000 baht to visit another country. That meant I had two weeks left of my school holiday and I needed to go somewhere within Thailand. As a scuba diver, it was a pretty easy decision. I cannot tell you how many friends and other travelers who have said “You have to go Scuba Diving in Koh Tao.” I knew I would regret not going scuba diving in Koh Tao if I ever left…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

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    Ultimate Guide to Lampang, Thailand

    February 17, 2020
    4 Days in Chiang Mai Header

    4 Days in Chiang Mai with the Parents

    June 23, 2020
    itinerary for krabi

    5 Day Itinerary for Krabi with Parents

    June 30, 2020
  • Thailand,  Travel

    Experiencing Songkran Festival for the First Time

    January 14, 2020 / 12 Comments

    I’m usual sad about leaving somewhere and moving on to the next place. However, this time was different. I was getting ready to start my journey from Penang Island back to my home of Lampang, Thailand for the Thai New Year Celebration called Songkran Festival. Getting Home The time finally came for me to fly from Penang to Bangkok to catch my over night train. I was ecstatic. Ecstatic to be returning to my closet with all my clothes. Ecstatic to be able to sleep and shower in my own apartment. It’s these little things I forget about when traveling for a long period of time. I understand for some…

    Read More
    Nicole | Mapless Adventures

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

    June 26, 2020

    Phuket: Visit Big Buddha and Phang Nga Bay in One Day

    June 24, 2019
    Parents in Lampang

    My Parents Visit Lampang, Thailand

    June 16, 2020
  • Penang Island Malaysia
    Malaysia,  Travel

    Penang Island | Beyond the Street Art

    December 31, 2019 / 18 Comments

    After an amazing time in Kuala Lumpur, I headed north to the city of Georgetown, Penang Island. Penang Island is a popular destination when traveling within Malaysia. I was intrigued to go because many friends and backpackers told me about beautiful street art and the UNESCO World Heritage Site label. I couldn’t pass up a lovely city filled with street art. Getting There Traveling within Malaysia is identical to other Southeast Asian countries, bus or plane. I was limited on time so I decided to take the quickest route and fly. However, be aware that there is tons of bus availability between these two cities. If you have time, busing…

    Read More
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    What it was Like Living Like a Local in Kuala Lumpur

    December 18, 2019
  • Malaysia,  Travel

    What it was Like Living Like a Local in Kuala Lumpur

    December 18, 2019 / 14 Comments

    I always knew I wanted to head to Malaysia and roughly planned a visit back in February. When I shared my tentative plans with my family, I didn’t know what it was going to result in. It ended up being the best decision ever as I got the experience to live like a local in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was all thanks to my aunt’s friend, who had friends living in Kuala Lumpur. She connected me with this family and they offered to host me during my few days and it was more special than I could have imagined. Getting to Kuala Lumpur Getting from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is…

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    December 31, 2019
  • Resources,  Travel

    Three Days in Singapore

    November 28, 2019 / 11 Comments

    I had bittersweet emotions leaving Cambodia because I truly fell in love with the country. Twelve days wasn’t enough time. I felt like I barely touched the surface. There was plenty more to see, but I also felt this pull to see as much of southeast Asia as possible. It’s part of why after my days in Cambodia, I was ready for my next stop on my southeast Asia backpacking adventure, the city-state of Singapore. Singapore is unlike any other city I’ve experienced, and that includes cities in the States and Europe. There was plenty to eat and drink and several tourist attractions to see, but the culture is what…

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    May 29, 2020
    Koh Tao Thailand

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    January 26, 2020
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    4 Days in Chiang Mai with the Parents

    June 23, 2020
  • Koh Rong Samloem
    Cambodia,  Travel

    Living the Island Life on Koh Rong Samloem

    November 20, 2019 / 12 Comments

    Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links. This means that I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and companies I use personally. My friends and I woke up the next morning excited for our next destination, Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia. I was ready to get back on an island and the boys were just as ready. We didn’t want to waste a full day traveling from Kampot to Koh Rong Samloem. With small amount of research we’d done and with the help of our hostel, we had a goal of making the 11:30…

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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 →

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

Nicole | Travel Blogger
Not being able to travel all the time is rough, bu Not being able to travel all the time is rough, but having a group of friends like mine makes staying put a little easier!!!
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#rockingthe80s #borninthe80s #80sfashion #80sparty #nottraveling #friendships #weekendparty
Cycling has been my outlet and my escape from the Cycling has been my outlet and my escape from the busyness of life! Since October 2022, I’m down 18 pounds! I’m hoping for another 30 and know I can do it! 2023 is my year I stop messing around and actually accomplish what I say I’m going to accomplish!
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So what’s my phrase this year:
FOLLOW THROUGH
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I’m the person who starts a project and never finishes, or gives up because I don’t want to put the necessary energy into it anymore. Enough is enough. I need to follow through with what I start, whether it’s my fitness journey, my saving money goal, my house projects, or my work goals, I need to be better at completing all the things I start. 
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#newyearnewme #itsabouttime #theyearofme #myword #followthrough #letsgo #cycling #ifit #finallygoingtodoit #weightloss #weightwatchers #qsciences #iwillfinishwhatistart
Extra thankful this year! 3 countries and counting Extra thankful this year! 3 countries and counting babe! Next up…to be determined but you are my favorite travel partner!
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#happythanksgiving #travelpartners #travellife #travelblogger #thankful #thankfulfortravel #wheretonext #nextdestinationplease #nextdestination #maplessadventures #travelbloggerlife #travelvibes
Jerome, Arizona is a beautiful hillside town locat Jerome, Arizona is a beautiful hillside town located along highway 89A between Sedona and Prescott. It takes about 2 hours from Phoenix and is a good location for a day trip adventure!
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Jerome was established in 1876 as a copper mining camp and at its peak in the 1920s, was the fourth largest town in Arizona with around 15,000 people.
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The mine closed in 1953 and the population dwindled to less than 100 people, promoting the town to a ghost town. In 1967, the federal government designated Jerome as a National Historic District.
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#jerome #jeromeaz #jeromearizona #smalltownarizona #ghosttown #historictowns #explorearizona #arizona #arizonaliving #azlife #arizonalife #daytrips #arizonagirl #jeromeghosttown
Day trip to Jerome, Arizona was a success! • We Day trip to Jerome, Arizona was a success!
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We wandered Haynes, a small ghost town with lots of old equipment and trucks, at lunch at the Huanted Hamburger, went wine tasting @caduceuscellars and the Original Jerome Winery, and ended the day with a Ghost Tour learning about some of the history of the mine and mining industry!
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I highly recommend visiting Jerome if you need a fun and unique day trip from Phoenix!
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If you like haunted hotels, you might want to stay the night at Jerome Grand Hotel, which is the old hospital and still has the original elevator!
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#jerome #jeromeaz #jeromearizona #daytrip #arizonasmalltowns #ghosttown #miningtown #arizonatowns #explorearizona #arizonaadventures #wanderarizona #arizonagirl #arizonalife #arizonaliving #arizonalifestyle
Another non-traveling weekend even though I’m on Another non-traveling weekend even though I’m on fall break from work! Instead we are doing a staycation at my parents condo and are enjoying the day in true German fashion… at Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake!
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#fourpeaks #fourpeaksbrewery #fourpeaksoktoberfest #oktoberfestArizona #tempetownlake #tempearizona #fourpeaksbrewing #weekendadventures #saturdayvibes #saturday #maplessadventures #notcurrentlytraveling
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