Adventure

Malaysia and Thailand

Where To Next: Malaysia and Thailand!

This Wednesday, I’m off to Malaysia and Thailand in SE Asia! The purpose of the trip is to attend a travel creators conference called TBEX Asia (Travel Blog Exchange: Asia edition) which will take place in Phuket, Thailand from November 15th to November 18th, 2022.

I went to SE Asia in 2013, however, I skipped over going to Malaysia; so I decided a while back during my planning for this trip to Thailand that I would do what I could to visit this country I missed out on seeing all those years ago. I’ve been to Thailand twice already, but I know very little about Malaysia and I am excited to learn all I can over the few days that I’m there.

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By Jason, ago
Streets of Lisbon, Portugal, Europe

Off to Europe Again: Portugal, Czechia, Hungary, and Ireland!

Another #jasongetsaroundwithjackie European adventure is taking flight! From Portland to New York to Lisbon to Prague, with more of Europe to come.

Streets of Lisbon, Portugal, Europe
This picture was taken on my first trip to Lisbon for my birthday in April 2013.

This afternoon, Jackie and I are heading over to New York for a couple of long days before we depart on another adventure together in Europe. We’re both super excited about making this trip that I had planted the seed for way back on January 9th when I bought two tickets from New York to Lisbon, Portugal in Europe. It’s now grown to include a few days in Lisbon, attending a wedding in Prague, exploring other villages in Czechia, and if all goes well, some time in Ireland or Greece before we head back to Portland. We’ve left the end of the trip open to allow us some flexibility, but things are beginning to fall into place as the trip unfolds.

There’s a lot to consider when traveling during this time outside of just booking flights and hotels. COVID is still very real and though we’re both fully vaccinated, we are still being cautious and following local guidelines around COVID as we all have learned that vaccinations aren’t always enough.

I will continue to update this post as the days go on over the trip, so please bookmark this page and stay tuned!

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By Jason, ago

Going Back to Oahu

I’m going back to Oahu tomorrow! The last time I went to Oahu — or Hawaii for that matter — was right at the end of 2017 to visit my housemate David and his lovely girlfriend, Lynn. This time Jackie and I will be visiting them together, but this time David’s no longer our housemate and they’re married (we were supposed to be there last June, but couldn’t due to COVID)! Jackie and I are also super excited to go on another adventure to a place we’ve never been together. We’re not sure of all we’re going to get up to, though we know we’ll be in good hands with our friends making us feel at home. COVID is still happening at large, so we’ve had to do a number of things to prepare for the journey of going back to Oahu.

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By Jason, ago

Adventures in Costa Rica and Nicaragua

[mappress mapid=”16″]

This April, I went on an adventure to Costa Rica and Nicaragua with my friend Cristina.  I had never been to Nicaragua before so I was quite excited to make the journey happen.  Along with going to a new country, I had the chance to visit my friend Brendan down there who had purchased some land in the area and had been living in the country since January.  Our plans were quite loose and we just let our trip come together as natural as we could.  Here’s a quick rundown of the trip with some pictures. (more…)

By Jason, ago

Coming Soon: Birthdays in Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Brendan's PropertyThis Friday, I’m headed out of Portland with my friend Cristina to Liberia, Costa Rica and soon after to the west side of Nicaragua to see my friend Brendan’s property.  Brendan has been out there since the middle of January and I figure it is about time to pay a visit and see what this land is all about.  I’ve never been to Nicaragua before, so I’m quite excited about seeing a new country.  Costa Rica on the other hand happens to be the first trip I ever did solo (2012), which I loved, and am glad to visit once again. Cristina’s birthday is the 17th and my birthday is the 18th, and I’m excited to go to another part of the world to celebrate our birthdays. (more…)

By Jason, ago

Time For Festivals

Giant Disco BallSince my trip to Iceland, I haven’t done much international travel.  In fact, I haven’t done much travel at all except for a trip to Georgia early in June.  The last couple months, I’ve spent my time working my day job, spending time with family and friends, going through the pain of buying an airplane, biking all over the place during Pedalpalooza, and going to a number of festivals.

Since the end of May, I’ve attended SOAK, What The Festival?! and this last weekend was Oregon Country Fair.  All three festivals are quite different, but are each quite amazing – and all located in Oregon! (more…)

By Jason, ago
Mývatn Nature Baths

Blue Lagoon Alternatives: Iceland’s Other Hot Springs

There are well over a million visitors heading to Iceland every year these days and the number one tourist attraction is the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa.  Known for it’s pearl blue water and beauty, it is also known to be quite packed with people (a reservation is recommend), and also comes at a hefty price tag (starts at around $60!).  During my visit to Iceland, I was doing it on a budget, so I didn’t make an appearance at the Blue Lagoon, and instead partook in the numerous other hot springs around the country of Iceland.  Here are a number of the ones I went to soak – avoid the crowds and save some cash. (more…)

By Jason, ago

First Taste Of Chile

Torres Glacier Gray JasonWednesday (January 13th) I returned from a fast moving almost-three week trip around the beautiful country of Chile.  This was my first taste of Chile, and for that matter, South America.  The trip ranged from numerous long flights, beautiful wineries, fireworks on the beaches of Valparaiso, taking it easy enjoying the restaurants, cafes, and parks in Santiago, overnight hiking in Southern Patagonia, and playing with Penguins as far south from home as I’d ever been.  Just like any trip, it wasn’t long enough, but I had quite the adventure and am glad to share with you my first taste of Chile. (more…)

By Jason, ago