Travel Advisor

Isabel Smallman

She/Her

Expertise

Southeast Asia,
Jamaica,
Solo Travel,
Outdoors and Nature

Based in

Boston

Advisor - Isabel Smallman

Travel Advisor

Isabel Smallman

Profile details

About

The last 17 months of my life have been one continuous and chaotic trek through Southeast Asia teaching English to Thai kids, volunteering in the Indonesian jungle and finding friends from all around the world (but mostly Brits and Germans). I am now reminiscing on this experience and curating content to inspire you to book a flight, request PTO and go on the trip that your rich life has earned you — also finally putting my college marketing degree to good use!

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Travel style

My friends and family would notably describe me as the "boujee minimalist" who finds a thrill in snagging the best budget-friendly deals, while also treating myself to all the other finer amenities that a trip could not be complete without.

Isabel's travel guides & trip reports

A person stands inside a circular wooden structure, gazing at a serene natural landscape.

Ayutthaya: The Ancient Capital of Thailand

Ayutthaya was my first weekend getaway from Bangkok. Once serving as the capital of Siam (Thailand) and as a prosperous international trading port, this city was destroyed by the Burmese in the...

Two women posing on a path surrounded by lush and green plants and trees.

4 Days of Unearthing Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is ideally traveled between the dry months of December and February. This lively city of the north has a surplus of temples, elephant sanctuaries, hiking for all levels and cuisine that...

Outside of the temple of Wat Phu Tok, with green grass and trees on a sunny day.

Bueng Kan: A Day Trip from Udon Thani

Positioned along the Mekong River, Bueng Kan is almost as far north as you can get in the Isaan region of Thailand before reaching the Laos border. You will not find many tourists here, and you may...

Advisor on a wooden platform overlooking a scenic mountain vista, with a winding river or road below and a partly cloudy sky above.

Nan: Camping in Northern, Thailand

Nan is one of northern Thailand's most exceptional provinces that is acclaimed for its rich history and abundant scenery. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular for a reason, so they are well worth a...

Travel advisor Isabel Smallman sitting in a store surrounded by colorful incense sticks on display.

How to Spend a 1-Week Trip in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country of lush green scenery, thriving cities and a rich culture rooted deep in history. Tourism is booming as travel has become more accessible, and travelers are raising attention to...

Boat on the seashore

A Great Alternative to the Cape: Exploring North Shores' Gloucester, MA

Gloucester, MA, has been an up-and-coming hotspot on Boston's North Shore. Home to America's oldest seaport, this beach town boasts a rich history, as-fresh-as-you-can-get seafood and unbeatable...

Sunset over the river and mountains in Laos.

The Ultimate Guide to Laos

Laos is an exquisite country in Southeast Asia that is not well known and visited by very few tourists. This region is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, endless waterfalls to chase, a relaxed...

Koh Lipe: The Maldives of Thailand curated by Isabel Smallman

Koh Lipe: The Maldives of Thailand

Close your eyes. Picture a snow-white stretch of sand, luminous sea foam water and a life of colorful abundance under the surface. No, you're not in the Maldives. You're not in the Caribbean either....

Koh Change island with blue ocean waters.

Relax on the Tranquil Island of Koh Chang

Koh Chang is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It is an ideal haven for snorkeling and diving, and is far less touristy than its southern Gulf neighbors. The jungle is dense, the...

clear blue day on the coast

5-Day Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary

Nova Scotia is a unique escape that captures traveler's hearts through its scenic landscape, famous high tides, fresh seafood, and picturesque fishing villages. It is a destination that is home to...

A pink ice cream parlor in Savannah.

Foodie's Guide to Savannah

Savannah is a historical and charming city with stunning architecture and an infinite list of restaurants to check off the list! The vibrant, Southern style comfort food electrifies your taste buds...

Panoramic views of Singapore.

Singapore in 48 Hours

Singapore is a melting pot of culture, history, cuisine, and architectural beauty. Its past has shaped it into an economically wealthy super nation that is just as captivating to the eyes as it is to ...

A beautiful view of the Boston skyline with the vibrant blue harbor in the forefront. There are boats and trees surrounding the skyscrapers, water and industrial views.

Summer Getaway on Boston's North Shore

Boston is the epicenter of surrounding summer destinations that let you move around freely while traveling like a local. Picturesque beaches, quaint downtown art districts, music festivals,...

A patio table with two plates of breakfast pastries and two to-go coffee drinks overlooking a garden at Double You Cafe.

Cafés in Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen holds a very special place in my heart. It is tucked away in northeast Thailand, and although not a single tourist may know of this place, it is deeply admired and respected by the Thais. I ...

Isabel standing in water with her back to the camera facing a rock formation on James Bond Island.

The Perfect 4–Day Phuket Itinerary

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a go-to destination for any traveler for its pristine beaches, provocative nightlife and all-around tropical getaway feel. The north, central and south...

View of winding road up the side of a lush hill on a cloudy day.

The Great National Parks of Thailand: Khao Yai and Khao Sok

Thailand holds some of the most epic national parks in SE Asia (well over 100). From snorkeling to hiking to a wild safari chase of stampeding elephants, there's no shortage of stimulation in their...

Relaxing at Tien Beach

Your Guide to Pattaya (go to Koh Larn Instead)

To escape the rural villages for a weekend, my ESL teacher friends and I went on a girls' trip to Pattaya...a lively coastal city not too far from Bangkok. We were warned of the chaos, but thought we ...

A woman with brown hat facing a building, water body and sunset.

The Top 3 Places to Visit in Cambodia

Many people begin their Southeast Asia trip trekking through Thailand or Vietnam, and many skip over Cambodia because well...where to begin? Cambodia is not talked about as much in the tourism...

A picture of a pink colored sand beach with clear skies, blue water and tropical foliage in the distance.

Immerse Yourself in Indonesia

When you hear "Indonesia," what island pops into your head? If you're thinking of Bali, yes, Bali is indeed a notorious tourist getaway for surfing, yoga and jungle trekking at a low price point. But,...

Favorite hotels

The Cliff House Maine

Located atop 70 oceanfront acres, The Cliff House is a 145-year-old luxury resort that's been reimagined with modern renovations.

Fora Perks

★
$100 donation towards guest's choice of a local charity.
★
Daily $30 breakfast credit.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Newbury Boston

Polished Boston hotel with stylish rooms located just steps to designer boutiques and art galleries.

Fora Perks

★
$100 food / beverage credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Tugu Malang

Located in the heart of Malang, Indonesia, Hotel Tugu Malang is a luxurious boutique hotel that pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Java.

The Fig Lobby Bangkok

Trendy boutique hotel featuring stylish, contemporary rooms and a lively atmosphere, with amenities such as a chic lobby bar, a café and a rooftop terrace.

Isabel's travel photos

Image of Isabel seen through large stalks of green bamboo in the jungle

Advisor - Isabel Smallman

Get in touch with Isabel

Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Isabel within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

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Advisor - Isabel Smallman

Travel Advisor

Isabel Smallman