Isabel Smallman

Now we all know that Bali has been a spiritual gem well before the “Eat, Pray, Love” debut (though that certainly helped grab its worldwide attention). It has been a dream destination for the wellness junkies of planet Earth. My boyfriend and I moved ourselves into the center of Denpasar (Bali’s capital) for three months to fully experience its charm along with its chaos. I’m sure you’ve heard someone mention the words, “over tourism” or “overrated” in recent years as the island is now becoming notoriously known for its influx of tourists and locals. So, I’ll give you all the info you need to know about Bali, and you can choose to either run with it, or run away from it.

Gloucester, MA, is an up-and-coming hot spot 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 coastal views lined with white sand. An ideal spot from spring to fall, this community comes alive during the warmer New England months and attracts tourists worldwide. Looking for a weekend getaway? A 7-day road trip? A honeymoon escape? I've spent years growing up outside of this incredible town and can't wait to share all my best recs with you. So skim this, or read it in full and shoot me an email so I can start planning your ideal sea escape.

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 city life and wondrous rural landscape and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. If you are a coffee lover, enjoy beer for a buck and ready to indulge in heaps of sticky rice, your palate is in for the most marvelous treat.

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, historical sites and the frequent lobster roll, there is no shortage of activities for any tourist. The North Shore comes alive in the summer months and with such a vast array of activities spread throughout the region, you won't find yourself overwhelmed with congestion...there is plenty of space to explore its natural beauty on your own!

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, what else? Sure, you can name another? You have about 6,000 more answers you could give, but rarely do tourists venture further from the safety net of a ~bule~ haven. I decided to give it a shot, and my six weeks of volunteering in this immersive country turned into four months of living among locals and sticking out like a sore thumb (in the best way possible). Indonesia has so much more to offer than what is perceived online. If you're feeling bold enough to deep dive into some uncomfortably hilarious moments, take a chance on uncertainty because it'll bring you the greatest joy.

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 four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offers plenty of adventure, shopping, relaxing, and dining. A place that gives its visitors a "best of both worlds" through its vibrant city life in Halifax as well as its quaint, rural towns that showcase its stunning oceanic views. The province's wine country, beaches, national parks, and multitude of lighthouses are not one to miss during the warmer summer months!

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 community, but it is one of the most historic and heart-rending countries as you dive deep into its past while exploring its natural beauty.

For first-timers, here are the three unmissable spots that you'll fall head over heels for.

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 mid-1700s and replaced with present-day Bangkok (no Sky Bars here!) Between the myriad of ancient temples and palaces I got to visit, these archeological ruins were an early glimpse into the unique culture and history of Thailand that make it so loved and reminisced by the millions of tourists that pass through each year.

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 deserves at least one cooking class of your time. I fell in love with this city for its unique "square-like" grid of its Old Town that is easily walkable, or for those that need a break… the notorious "songthaew" pickup truck chalet awaits. The more time you spend here, the more there is to do, so to scratch the surface of a bit of it all, let me break down the must-dos for you... and if you decide to extend it by a day or three, I'm just a quick email away for the specialized recommendations that are sure to pique your interest.

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 encounter some language barriers to get from point A to B, so come prepared and ready for a challenge! This region nevertheless, has jaw-dropping views from atop Wat Phu Tok, and the "Three Whale Rock." If you're looking for an alternative from the mainstream travel, hop on the northbound bus (3.45hr) to get a taste of authentic 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 visit, but give yourself a weekend away to camp under the stars and find out for yourself just what makes this region of northern Thailand so unique (you might stand out among a flock of local tourists!). I spent two nights camping at different sites, and so I can only offer my recommendations based on these two places. If you find yourself needing more information or wanting to explore further (such as Doi Phu Kha National Park/Khun Nan National Park, etc.), feel free to reach out to me, and let's plan this trip together!

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 was assigned here to teach English at a primary school for one year. I cried — I wasn't near the beaches, I was far from Bangkok and I had never heard of this place before. But as months went by, I became infatuated with this expanding city, one of the big reasons being for its abundance of (over-the-top) cafés — my go-to weekend activity.

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 regions are all different and will affect your holiday depending on where you decide to stay. From family vacations to honeymoons to bachelorette parties, Phuket has something in it for everyone. Now, let me break down my four-day proposal to see a bit of it all — and if one day stands out to you as the most ideal vacation spot to rest your head for longer, send me a message and let's create a customized itinerary to match your dream trip! These are listed in no particular order.

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 could handle it. How bad could it really be...? Well, the red light district of Thailand was just THAT bad, so after one night, we hopped on a 45-min ferry to the serene island of Koh Larn. What was supposed to be a day trip turned into a 2-night stay, and we didn't regret a single night away from our planned Pattaya flop.

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 just how safe and affordable this country can be. The locals are among some of the friendliest I've engaged with on my travels through Southeast Asia, and the cuisine will melt on your tongue as you race to find the best banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee among the infinite line of food stalls. With all there is to see from north to south, you can scratch the surface in just a week, but be ready for another trip in the planning phase, because you'll be just as eager to come back for the rest of it.

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 neck of the woods. Two of my absolute favorites are Khao Yai (just south of Bangkok) and Khao Sok (the deep south). Whether you're looking for a far-flung safari, an expedition into a myriad of plant life or a bit of both... these parks have wow'd tourists for decades. Plus, they're big enough to not get caught in the middle of a national amusement park... unless that's your thing. Let's dive in to what an experience at these unique parks look like, and when you're ready to book, send me a message and let's get planning!

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. This is the Thai island of Koh Lipe. You're not there yet, the travel time is long, but my friend, the journey is worth every mode of transport taken. So, while you have a minute, read on and create the magnificent mental images in your mind of what is soon to be discovered.

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 with options for everyone. No one will go hungry! When you're ready to digest, the endless thrifty boutiques and quaint side streets will help you walk it all off.

Koh Samui is a beach-goer's paradise and a wellness retreat that will leave you feeling totally zen. I spent one month on this perfect little island to complete a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and explore every corner... from the rowdy city center to the remote coasts that feel untouched. There are countless beaches to roll out your towel and lay undisturbed for hours. There are also a handful of beaches to plop yourself on a lounge chair for unlimited Piña Colada drink service and beachside massage beds. Book with me and I can get you the hotel that's closest to your lifestyle preference and will leave you feeling 100% content with your PTO well spent.

Singapore is a melting pot of culture, history, cuisine, and architectural beauty. Its turbulent past has shaped it into an economically wealthy "supernation" that is as captivating to the eyes as it is to the tongue...capturing a bucket list of flavors throughout the streets. With a series of distinct neighborhoods to get lost in, architectural masterpieces to capture, and hawker dishes to savor, there's so much to do in 48 hours. But trust me...the adrenaline rush will keep you on the move.

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 beaches are quiet with white sandbars taking you out far into the sea. The views on these hilly drives through paradise are breathtaking and their are countless options for market take out or dine in. You will feel more immersed into the Thai culture while also meeting fellow backpackers, couples and families on your journey.