Temples on every corner! (and my guide was an excellent photographer!)
Logging my first steps in Asia by exploring a slice of Thailand and Laos. I was mainly there to represent Adventure Life at a conference, but I was also there to discover a whole new continent with the help of a wonderful guide. There were cooking classes with homemade Pad Thai, Baci ceremonies and markets to expose the culture and the most important of all, food! My first steps were monumental to say the least!
I logged my first steps on the Asian continent today! I’ve been excited about a trip like this for a long time, the kind of trip that plucks me out of my comfort zone. My previous travels have taken me mostly to Spanish-speaking countries where I feel comfortable with the language, or to European countries where the culture doesn’t feel too far from my own. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous for this new experience, but it was exhilarating to try something new! I felt immediately comfortable upon landing in Chiang Mai. Initially it felt not so different from being in Latin America. I couldn’t understand a word of the language, but the warmth of the people more than made up for it. I settled into my hotel in old city Chiang Mai but tried not to linger too long by the bed (hello jet lag!). I took to the streets and soaked in the sights and smells of the “Walking Street” market that takes place every Sunday evening.
Walking street Sunday evening market in Chiang Mai. (Jenna Fedyschyn)
Thai food is my absolute favorite, so I wasn’t shy about sampling the street food - a spicy green papaya salad, chicken and pork satay, and a fresh fruit smoothie (all for under $3 USD I might add).
Walking street Sunday evening market in Chiang Mai. Papaya salad! (Jenna Fedyschyn)
I felt extremely safe walking the streets of Chiang Mai, even as a solo female. This is going to be a spectacular trip, I can tell already.
Kassandra Magruder from Adventure Life planned an amazing trip for us again. She listens to what you want and makes suggestions concerning accommodations and activities. She is very responsive and timely concerning any questions I had.
We were choosing between two different places and she priced out both trips.
She is very happy to help!
Emily Shepard
4 days ago
Adventure Life has done a great job helping us plan both an Arctic and an Antarctic expedition cruise. We trust them completely!
Kbear
5 days ago
Very efficient and friendly service.
Kris Ganase
1 week ago
I spent 2 entire days trying to find my Alaska small boat trip, with no success. Then Erin from Adventure Life gave me 4 choices on the same day I contacted her. She was caring and very efficient. I'm very excited about the cruise she found for me.
Janet Houts
1 week ago
Everything about our Galapagos experience was top-notch. I highly recommend this trip if you like be active. Everyone from the planners to the guides to the crew set us up to experience and soak in everything the Galapagos has to offer. They took care of every detail so we could learn and enjoy.