Birthdays – getting older is tough!

02/03/2026

by Darrell Buy me a beer Cebu City Freedom 50 Personal History Siquijor/Dumaguete islands Snuffaluffagus Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories Your name here!

The number goes up, but at least the stories keep getting better.

This absolute GEM still makes me laugh, mostly because… not much has changed.

February is peak season in Arizona, so my Airbnb is rented every year.

Translation: I’m forced to travel.

As a result, I’ve spent the last few birthdays in some pretty incredible places—and this year is no exception.

(Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia)

This year’s birthday destination?

Hong Kong.
3 days, 2 nights; $225 USD RT flight, $50 a night pad!!

Aging is inevitable.
Dropping new pins is optional—but highly recommended around here!

Booking flights is like playing chess while most people are still playing checkers.

To bounce between Cebu and Hong Kong, I booked three one-way tickets instead of a single round-trip—and the math worked in my favor:

Cebu → Manila: $20

Manila → Hong Kong: $70

Hong Kong → Cebu: $135

Not glamorous. Not obvious to most.
But flexible, intentional, and cheaper than forcing a “normal” itinerary.

That’s the game:
Stop thinking in straight lines and start thinking strategically.

I tried to pick a destination that was actually high on my bucket list, and Hong Kong landed exactly where it should, near the top!

Bonus: it doubles as a visa run, since I have to leave the Philippines every 30 days. Inexpensive, efficient, and exciting—my favorite combo.

Winner winner—Peking chicken dinner.

Honestly, it’s been a pretty solid run so far, and I still have two more months to explore on this adventure.

Not bad for someone who claims to be grumpy and bored all the time.

01/15 – Tokyo, Japan

01/23 – Cebu, Philippines

02/10 – Hong Kong

02/19 – Siquijor, Philippines

02/29 – Siargao, Philippines

03/07 – Cebu lease expires → TBD

04/15- home to Mesa, AZ

Possible next moves before 04/15 (because why not):
Stay in Cebu, Seoul, Phuket, Bali, Da Nang…

We’ll see where boredom strikes next!

I really shouldn’t complain—this trip has been incredible so far.

Now, excuse me while I yell at the clouds due to my missed meds!

Welcome to #Freedom54! 🥳

And … Get off my lawn, damn kids!

02/01/2024 – Mandatory meeting!👋🏻

01/31/2026

by Darrell Autobiography Buy me a beer Freedom 50 Personal History Slow travel Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories Work experience

Today, February 1st, 2026, marks two years that I have been “taking a run at retirement”. I refer to it that way, as I am not sure how it will all work out.

So far, so good, as I blog from Cebu, Philippines.

Three weeks after completing my 7th year with PayPal, I got a “mandatory meeting invite” on February 1st, 2024.

This was the second time; my career was also abruptly cut short after 18-years with Northern Telecom/Nortel/Ericsson.

Hindsight is always 20/20; both situations worked out for the best long term. 25 years was enough for me, and it was time to take a run at retirement!

All those years of hard work, strategizing, overthinking, and so many mistakes!

The travel dream was finally coming to fruition.

Aside from finances, which I blogged about HERE, health insurance is one of the biggest drivers for early retirement.

I found a great setup through trial and error for insurance, as I also blogged about HERE.

Again, so far so good!

Soon after getting laid off, I started planning NorthAmericanDarrell.com, and my YouTube channel, which you can check out by clicking HERE. Please consider following my channel!

I had always wanted to share my past, present, and future travel experiences.

A solo traveler, vlogger, YouTuber, Geoarbitrage with a dry sense of humor.

“Freedom 50” turned into a “Freedom 55” after the COVID market correction, and ultimately “Freedom 52” traveling lifestyle.

Just another example, life cannot always be planned.

“Freedom 54” is just around the corner!

Cheers to another year living the dream!

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Cebu, Philippines – Moalboal! 🚌

01/29/2026

by Darrell Accommodations AirBnb Freedom 50 Personal History Philippines Travel bucket list Travels Deals

I preach about setting up shop for the long term, building routines, becoming a regular… and then, not long after, I’m on a road trip.

The contradiction is the sweet spot for me.

The way I see it, as long as your slow-travel home base comes with low rent, everything else stays in bounds.

Cheap rent makes spontaneity affordable. You’re not “breaking the budget”—you’re spending the surplus your lifestyle was designed to fit my inability to stay put.

Thanks, Mom!!.

Slow travel for me isn’t always about staying still.

It’s about building a base so light that motion never feels financially irresponsible, paying for two places at once.

Here is a tour of my $450 a month Cebu condo I shared in 2024 during my first visit to the Philippines.

The road trip opportunities are exactly what I envisioned when I returned to the same condo in late January 2026.

The rent was still $450 a month, and the road-trip opportunities in the area are endless, both within the Philippines and throughout Asia.

After a few days of arriving, I woke up this morning at three AM with insomnia, hopped on a bus, and three hours later I was in Moalboal, Cebu, drinking beer on beautiful Sandy Beach.

That beats a trip to the bathroom!

The bus trip was under $10 while, while a basic room was less than $25 USD per night.

That low price included a wake-up call!

🐓📢🛌🏻

The beach was as good as it gets—beer cold as ice and scenery so spectacular it felt illegal. Every direction was a postcard for a travel magazine or an amazing blog for inexpensive travel …

The first road trip worked out perfectly, and I’ve already got three absurdly cheap flights booked for February.

Hong Kong, 9th visa run; $225 ✈️

Dumaguete / Siquijor, 19th; $60 ✈️🚢

Siargao, Philippines, 29th; $60

Slow travel, bending the rules while living life to the fullest!

Cebu, Philippines – It’s HOT!♨️😎

01/25/2026

by Darrell AirBnb Asia Buy me a beer Cebu City Countries Freedom 50 Personal History Philippines Siquijor/Dumaguete islands Travel bucket list Travels Deals

Schawetty

I talk about “slow travel” all the time, but it’s not just a vibe—it’s a filter.

The right place has to check a lot of boxes. Otherwise, it’s just a stop, not a home base, and here is what Cebu offers:

Affordability is non-negotiable:

$450 a month for rent

Meals under $5 USD

Movies cost around $5

Cheap road trips:

Uber/Grab/local bus are super inexpensive

Flights around Asia for under $100 (often less)

Ferries to nearby islands for under $20

Convenience matters too:

My Cebu IT Park neighborhood is open 24/7/365.
Meals. Movies. Groceries. Coffee. Everything.

Cebu hits the numbers, life stops feeling like a meter is running.

It’s built for call-center workers who operate around the clock, which means I can live normally at any hour.

No planning my life around business hours.

That’s the slow-travel sweet spot:

Productive Day One.

One-hour chair massage — $5

Movie ticket — $5

Favorite Korean BBQ – $3

Favorite noodle spot – $2

Old food photos (food was gone, quickly!)

And the big win?

I locked in a long-term, optional lease, giving me the option to settle in the long term.

Slow travel isn’t just about wandering—it’s about setting up a life that checks as many boxes as possible.

Day one delivered.

It’s been less than two days, so I’m trying to keep my expectations in check—but I’ve already started laying the groundwork for what’s next.

Two road trips are on the board.
Siquijor ferry to rope swing adventure? Locked in.
And Hong Kong for my birthday? Flight booked

That’s the beauty of this place: you settle in, get comfortable, and still leave room for spontaneous trips.

Home base on one end. Adventure, on the other hand.

Everything is inexpensive, keeping the options wide open!

Living life to the fullest in the Philippines!

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7-11 An Asian legend! Tokyo version!!🍥🍙

01/19/2026

by Darrell Asia Buy me a beer Freedom 50 Slow travel Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories

I was first introduced to 7-Eleven in Thailand, and ever since, it’s been a legendary five-star dining experience in my book.

People back home think of 7-11 as a place to buy gas, bad coffee, and regret. 🚽

In Asia? It’s a gourmet convenience store run by wizards. 🪄

Below is today’s lunch while listening to the Oilers game in Tokyo, Japan—$12.11 USD total, hot, fresh, and legitimately amazing. Just fresh local food, handed to you with a smile, and no tip required.

Where else can you eat well, watch hockey, and feel like you’re winning at life… from a convenience store?

Living life to the fullest—one sushi, ramen meal with a cold beer at a time.

They always say, “Don’t eat gas-station sushi.”
That advice was clearly written by someone who has never set foot in an Asian 7-11.

This stuff is better than most sit-down restaurants back home—and at about 25% of the price. Fresh rice, real fish, legit flavors. No price gouging. No regret.

I may or may not also carry a tube of wasabi in my pocket at all times.
Don’t judge me—you’re the one with tater tots in your cargo pants.

I might be wrong, but if you never tried it, I am guessing it might be you!

Milk and cookies before bed are for Santa.

North American Darrell finishes the night with 7-11 sushi, a cold beer, and the satisfaction of knowing that I absolutely won another travel day for pennies on the dollar.

Life is good, and 7-11 sushi makes it even better!

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Japanese bathhouse – Tokyo Airbnb

01/18/2026

by Darrell Accommodations AirBnb AirBnb recommendations Buy me a beer Freedom 50 Internet travel search tips Slow travel Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories

I blogged about my Tokyo accommodations in a blog that you can read by clicking HERE.

After just two nights in this Airbnb, I extended for another week—and I may stretch it to three. The deciding factor? An all-male, no-cackling, blissfully quiet Japanese bathhouse spa on the top floor… included in the $25-a-night price.

At that point, it stops being lodging and starts feeling like a life upgrade to feel better.

A hot soak to loosen everything that travel tightens. Cold plunge to wake the soul back up. Sauna room to melt what’s left. Repeat as needed. No chatter, no scrolling—just heat, silence, and reset.

It’s become bookends for my days: explore, wander, eat, blog… then soak it all away before sleep, and having this built into my stay feels absurdly luxurious. It’s not just a spa visit—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

I was a little concerned about the water filtration at first—but the good news is they do a full deep clean every few days.

Crystal clear, spotless, and zero sketch factor.

Grossness thoughts officially averted, kinda!

The routine is downright magical:

Shower

Hot tub

Cold plunge

Sauna

Repeat

Finish in the common area, doing absolutely nothing with a cold beer and some tunes.

It’s simple. It’s quiet. It resets everything—body, mind, shitty attitude.

If I’ve said it once, Mom said it a thousand times:

Live life to the fullest!

Sometimes it means sitting still, realizing you hacked your own happiness.

Japan – February 2026! 🏯

01/12/2026

by Darrell Accommodations AirBnb Buy me a beer Countries Hostels Slow travel Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories

Travel planning is such a fine line with me. Financially, I know I need to slow travel, BUT there is always so much to see and do everywhere I go do my best to balance it out.

I had already booked my flights and accommodations for the first month of my trip and planned to leave on January 30th.

Well, that changed as I left two weeks early!

January 15/16, 2026

Rocky Point to Phoenix to change over luggage.

Phoenix to Seattle

Seattle to Tokyo

January 16th – XX Tokyo

Northern Japan daytrips by bullet train.

Disneyland Japan

February 8th-22nd Kyoto/Osaka

Central Japan daytrips by bullet train.

Universal Japan

February 22nd-January 30th Okinawa

Living the Japanese island life!

March 1st – XX

Visit other islands in the Japanese Archipelago.

March XX – April 15th

Travel to Korea and finish the adventure in the Philippines.

The struggle is real when you’re trying to go with the flow and plan an itinerary. I’ve learned the hard way that you still need some outline—at least flights in and out—if you want things to make financial sense.

The problem? When travel days roll around, I’m always conflicted. I’m either ready to go, or I want to stay longer… and somehow, I’m ambivalent, either way and every time.

That’s the price of insanity; I guess, as there is never a middle ground with me.

Here is a 14-day itinerary that I will use as a guideline for my bullet train day trips.

WANT BIGGER FONT ON TRAIN TRAVEL IN JAPAN?

CLICK THE LINK BELOW LINK:

MORE BOOKING DETAILS ⬅️

Here are the USD prices plans, leaning towards the 7-day pass:

7-day trip: $322

14-day $513

21 days $642

Click HERE to read my blog on Japan train travel.

Japan offers a wide variety of experiences for me to see:

Cultural

Natural wonders

Culinary

Seasonal.

There is a lot to see, but I can plan “train days” to see some and below is a breakdown:

Cultural Experiences

Visit Historic Temples and Shrines: Explore iconic sites like Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, and Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, the city’s oldest temple.

Participate in a Tea Ceremony: Experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Attend a Sumo Wrestling Match: Witness the unique sport of sumo, which is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, at one of the tournaments held throughout the year.

Natural Wonders
Cherry Blossom Viewing: Visit during spring to enjoy the breathtaking cherry blossoms (sakura) in parks and gardens, a quintessential Japanese experience.

Hike in National Parks: Explore Japan’s stunning landscapes, such as the Japanese Alps or the trails around Mount Fuji, which offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.

Culinary Adventures
Savor Authentic Japanese Cuisine: Indulge in local dishes like sushi, ramen, and okonomiyaki. Cities like Osaka and Fukuoka are famous for their street food.

Visit Nishiki Market: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this traditional market in Kyoto, where you can sample various local delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs.

Unique Attractions
Ghibli Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of Studio Ghibli at this enchanting museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, dedicated to the beloved animated films.

Universal Studios Japan: Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions based on popular movies and franchises, making it a fun destination for families.

Seasonal Activities
Winter Sports: Experience world-class skiing in Hokkaido or Nagano during the winter months, along with relaxing in hot springs (onsen).

Summer Festivals: Participate in lively summer festivals featuring fireworks, traditional dances, and food stalls, showcasing Japan’s vibrant culture.

Japan is a destination that caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring that every traveler can find something memorable to experience. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, stunning nature, or delicious food, Japan promises an unforgettable adventure.

DO YOUR HAPPY DANCE!

Japan bullet train – CANCELLED!

01/10/2026

by Darrell Buy me a beer Countries Freedom 50 Internet travel search tips Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories

There were definitely some zigs and zags in this plan …

I planned to leave for my Japan adventure on January 30th, 2026.

(I left on January 15th, pulling in the trip two weeks)

January 15th-23rd, Tokyo

(I left for Cebu, Philippines January 23rd as I blogged about HERE)

January 8th-22nd, Kyoto

January 22-January 30th, Okinawa

I plan to visit islands within the Japanese archipelago after that, but it’s still up in the air.

Since train travel in Japan is known to be the best in the world, I also plan to buy a pass.

(After Tokyo, the next destinations and train passes were posted indefinitely.)

A single train ride in Japan can easily run $100+ USD, which is exactly why the rail pass just makes sense. One long hop can cost as much as several days of unlimited travel.

A 7-day Japan Rail Pass is a power tool, not a casual purchase. Because the days have to be consecutive, it only really shines when you cluster your long-distance moves into a tight window.

The sweet spot looks something like this:

Base yourself in one city first (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto). Do your slow exploring on local transit

Then, “turn on” the pass and go into movement mode

For example, a 7-day run could cover something like:

Tokyo → Kyoto
Kyoto → Hiroshima
Hiroshima → Osaka
Osaka → Kanazawa
Kanazawa → Tokyo

Those individual legs can each be $80–$120+ on their own. Stack four or five of them inside one week, and the pass pays for itself fast.

I just need a solid plan before I pull the trigger.

Not a minute-by-minute itinerary—just a clear idea of:

where I’ll start

where I want to end

and which long hops you’ll make in between

Once that’s sketched out, choosing between a 7-day, 14-day, or no pass at all becomes pure math instead of guesswork.

Click HERE for more information on the pass options from the website:

In the meantime, below is a great summary:

Shinkansen: The Japanese bullet trains

Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest way to discover Japan. Discover more about the high-speed trains and the 9 rail lines they cover.

Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan. The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive, and the trains reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). This allows you to get to wherever you need in little time.

The nine Shinkansen lines take you in different directions around Japan. From Tokyo to the south runs the Tokaido Shinkansen line, connecting the capital with Osaka. The Sanyo Shinkansen line connects Osaka with Fukuoka and, from there, the Kyushu Shinkansen line runs through the island of Kyushu from north to south.

The other six lines either take you north or inland from Tokyo. These are the Akita, Hokkaido, Hokuriku, Joetsu, Tokoku, and Yamagata Shinkansen lines. The Hokkaido line takes you the furthest north, all the way to Hokkaido Island.

Using the Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all Shinkansen high-speed trains.

The JR Pass also allows you to make seat reservations free of charge. You can make seat reservations at any JR Ticket Office or ticketing machine in any JR station.

A supplement is required for travel on the Nozomi and Mizuho express trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. This special complementary ticket can be bought at ticket machines or station counters in Japan, and it’s cheaper than riding a Nozomi or Mizuho train without the JR Pass.

The Hikari and Sakura bullet trains are the fastest trains you can board using the Japan Rail Pass without a supplement. They make just a few more stops than the Nozomi and Mizuho trains.

It’s worth noting that several of the JR Regional Passes also cover certain trips on Shinkansen bullet trains.

Types of bullet trains

On each of the Shinkansen lines,s there are fast trains, semi-fast trains, and local trains:

The fast trains only stop at the main stations

Semi-fast trains make a few more stops

Local trains stop at every station

For instance, on the Tokaido Shinkansen line (which links Tokyo to Osaka), the fast train makes 6 stops, the semi-fast train makes between 7 and 12 stops, and local trains stop at all 17.

Shinkansen lines

The Shinkansen railway network includes several lines that cover most of Japan and connect all the main cities.

Thanks to this great railway system, you can travel quickly and comfortably throughout the country without too much of a second thought.

Absolutely. No matter which pass I choose, Japan is one of those places where moving is part of the magic.

Whipping through the country on trains that feel like they’re gliding through the air, watching cities blur into mountains and coastlines, stepping off in places that feel completely different every few hours—that’s travel in its purest form.

Fast or slow, planned or improvised, Japan rewards curiosity.
And every stop is going to feel like a new world.

However, I plan it… It’s going to be awesome.

All aboard!

Eurorail-10 day pass CANCELLED!

01/09/2026

by Darrell Countries Europe Freedom 50 Greece Personal History Spain Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories United Kingdom

I’ve bought three Euro rail passes so far.

2 of 3 have now been cancelled and refunded!

(Make sure you buy the cancellation insurance).

It has become obvious that Europe in general is not affordable for my adventures. I have turned my attention to the Philippines and Asia in general.

Here WAS the plan when I bought the THIRD pass before cancelling AGAIN:

The first two months/ten-day pass I canceled—I was burned out on Vietnam train travel.

The second, a one-month pass, I actually used, which immediately justified the obsession. (Portugal, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and the UK)

And now I’m already planning number three, a ten-day over two-month pass for a late 2026 adventure.

At this point, it’s not even about spontaneity—it’s about saving stupid amounts of money with the possibility of dropping pins across 33 countries in Europe.

Trains beat planes in Europe, bags don’t cost extra, and the scenery alone makes it feel like I’m hacking travel.

Traveling with financial responsibility, but make it European.

The pass I used in 2025 turned out to be so awesome that when it went back on sale, I didn’t hesitate—I booked another one immediately.

When something actually delivers on its promise and fits your travel style, the decision makes itself.

I’m not entirely sure how it will all unfold—I just know that late 2026 is going to involve seeing a lot more amazing places by rail throughout Europe.

These rail passes go on sale 25% off fairly often, and when you run the numbers. It works out to less than $50 a day to ride the train for up to 24 hours at a time for ten days over two months.

My cheap ass took the train from Venice to Paris in a single day.
Fourteen-plus hours. Multiple connections. Less than $50.

Could I have flown? Of course.

But the quiet satisfaction of watching entire countries slide by looking out the window was mesmerizing.

Honestly, it wasn’t even that bad. Comfortable seat, snacks, scenery, and a beer cart.

I’m fairly certain I can push this to 16+ hours next time just to prove a point.

At this stage, European rail isn’t transportation—it’s unlimited adventure at my fingertips!

Travel insurance – don’t leave home without it!

01/06/2026

by Darrell Buy me a beer Countries Guest travel stories Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories

Insurance is probably one of the biggest scams in the world.

And the worst part?
You absolutely need it.

You pay for it, hoping you’ll never use it.
When you do need it, you fight to prove you deserve what you already paid for.
And if you don’t have it? One bad day can wreck years of progress.

It’s a necessary evil—designed not to help you, but to protect you just enough to stay in the game.

No one loves insurance.
But everyone learns the hard way why it exists.

That’s adulthood in a nutshell.

I’ve carried a pretty wide range of insurance policies:

Homeowners and rental insurance policies in Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona.
Policies for a Truck, Jeep, Cadillac, UTV, boat, and travel trailer, and a balloon (umbrella) policy in case any of the above didn’t fully cover a worst-case scenario

(All at the same fucking time!)

Paid health insurance through Healthcare.gov, along with expat travel insurance policies.

Individually, each policy made sense.
Collectively, it was a constant reminder of how expensive and complicated “having stuff” had become.

It wasn’t until I started simplifying my life that the insurance stack finally stopped growing—and the stress dropped right along with it. I was done keeping up with the Joneses as I blogged about HERE.

I was also done being an owner and landlord in GA, NC, AZ, with my own personal parking lot!

Downsizing to two policies (AZ condo on Airbnb and Jeep) and trying to eBike and scoot now.

For me, simplifying my life—fewer assets, fewer policies, fewer “what ifs”—did more to reduce stress than any insurance plan ever did. Less stuff didn’t just lower premiums; it lowered the background anxiety that comes with trying to insure everything you own.

OK – that sets up this blog, EXPAT travel insurance.

This is, by far, the easiest insurance policy I’ve ever dealt with, and it should be for you, too!

My agent sends me a link, I fill out the information, make the payment, and the policy lands in my inbox. No phone tag. No pressure. No nonsense.

Less than $5 USD a day!

(Enlarged for viewing purposes)

Plan:	Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Single Trip Platinum
First Name:	DARRELL
Last Name:	OLYNICK
Email:	NorthAmericanDarrell @gmail.com
Certificate:	XXXXXXXXXXX
Date of birth:	02/10/197X
Effective Date:	January 30, 2026
Termination Date:	April 30, 2026
Amount Charged:	$410.41
Medical Limit:	$1,000,000
Deductible:	$500

The policy above is already lined up for my February 2026 trip to Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

I’ve probably purchased five long-term travel insurance policies over the years and—knock on wood—never had to use one. But at less than five dollars a day, the peace of mind is a complete no-brainer for me.

Again, it should also be mandatory for anyone traveling internationally.

Travel is unpredictable. Accidents happen. Bodies do weird things. Stuff happens when you ask someone to hold your beer.

Having coverage doesn’t mean you expect problems—it means you’re prepared if they show up.

If you’re planning a trip and want a quote, reach out to my agent.
And tell him NorthAmerican Darrell sent you—because I’m apparently hard to forget.

FREE QUOTE HERE!

Click HERE to email Brett for more information!

Vietnam slow travel like Bourdain!

01/01/2026

by Darrell Autobiography Buy me a beer Freedom 50 Slow travel Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories

I spent a month traveling slowly through Hanoi, Vietnam, with a brief stop in Malaysia and Indonesia along the way.

I started the journey on November 17th, 2025, carrying with me the influence of Anthony Bourdain—his insistence on slowing down, eating where locals eat, and staying far away from anything that felt packaged or performative.

Anthony Bourdain loved Vietnam because it hit everything he cared about at once:
cheap plastic stools, perfect food, zero pretension, and a country that doesn’t apologize for being itself.

Vietnam showed him that:

Great food doesn’t need luxury — just balance, patience, and obsession (hello, phở broth simmered for days).

Street food is democracy — everyone eats together, shoulder to shoulder.

History lives at the table — wars, survival, pride, and resilience all show up in a bowl of noodles.

Hanoi, especially, felt like home to him: chaotic but calm, blunt but generous. He once said Vietnam changed his life, and it wasn’t poetic exaggeration — it reset how he understood food, travel, and humility.

In short:
Vietnam wasn’t a destination to Bourdain — it was proof that the world makes sense if you sit down, shut up, and eat what locals eat.

This is exactly how I like to travel, as he adds so much truth in his stories.

What I found personally during my time spent all over in Vietnam in 2025 echoed everything he preached. The best meals on plastic stools, the richest conversations in unplanned moments, and the most meaningful experiences far from the tourist traps. It wasn’t about checking boxes or chasing luxury—it was about paying attention. It was one of those trips that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

One for the Anthony Bourdain books but first was the long ass travel day!

I left my home base in Rocky Point, Mexico, pointed myself halfway across the world, and landed in Hanoi. I rented an Airbnb for 30 days—not to rush through highlights, but to live slowly, observe, and settle into the rhythm of the city the way Anthony Bourdain always encouraged.

Hanoi wasn’t a stop on a checklist. It was a place to wake up early, start with a great walk, amazing coffee and/or tea, and let the days unfold without forcing meaning or accomplishment onto them.

Anthony Bourdain had this quiet belief that home wasn’t a fixed place—it was something you could build anywhere by paying attention. In Hanoi, I really understood that logic, and it hit me in the feels, big time!

My condo sat beside a man-made lake with miles of walkways, and each morning I fell into a rhythm: long walks as the neighborhood woke up, Vietnamese coffee strong enough to slow time, and—on game days—listening to the Oilers from halfway across the world.

Nothing about it felt temporary or borrowed; it just screamed this is what you have been looking for.

That was the lesson Tony kept trying to teach: when you slow down, eat simply, and let life happen around you, even the most unfamiliar place can start to feel like home.

From my experience, there are exactly two kinds of Vietnamese people: chain smokers, and those who walk and exercise tirelessly, as if it’s a second full-time job. There’s no in-between.

My days in Hanoi followed that rhythm—long walks around the lake, endless steps on quiet paths, and daily coffee stops that felt less like breaks and more like rituals. Watching life unfold from a plastic chair with a strong Vietnamese egg coffee became one of the highlights of the trip.

Amazing all around, and without a doubt, a place I’ll stay again.

I had every intention of staying in the Hanoi area the entire time. That was the plan. Then I checked flights—because that’s usually where good plans go to die—and remembered Anthony Bourdain’s unofficial rule:

When the door opens, you walk through it.

So I said yes.

I found myself on an unplanned road trip through Malaysia and Bali, crossing off two massive bucket-list items not because it was efficient or sensible—but because the inexpensive opportunity was there.

That was always Tony’s point. The best trips don’t come from sticking to the plan—they come from having the nerve to abandon it. He has basically reached legend status for me at this point!

Keeping my rent under $300 back at my home base in the eco park in Hanoi was the quiet enabler of all this. That single number is what turned the road trip from a cautious “should I?” into a very relaxed “why not?”.

When your biggest monthly expense isn’t chasing you down, spontaneity stops feeling reckless and starts feeling practical. Flights become opportunities. Detours make sense. And saying yes—like Tony always preached—suddenly costs a lot less.

15 Countries visited in 2025📍🌎😎

12/31/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Asia Austria Bangkok Barcelona Countries Europe Freedom 50 Frontier - AYCF!Greece HCMC / Saigon Italy Koh Phi Phi London Madrid Mexico North American Personal History Philippines Rocky Point Rome Singapore Slow travel Spain Thailand Travel bucket list Travels Stories United Kingdom United States Vietnam Volaris - AYCF!Wizz - AYCF!

2025: My first full year taking a run at retirement!

2025 turned out to be my most traveled year ever—and somehow, I feel that I’m just getting started.

January – Vietnam
(HCMC, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Phu Quoc)

February – Cambodia & Thailand
(Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao)

March – UK & Europe
(London, Greece, Iceland, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Italy)

April – October–US & Mexico

(Mesa and Rocky Point—two incredible home bases)

November & December – SE Asia
(Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Bali)

Every trip felt different. Every move resets my brain. And somehow, it all worked out absolutely perfect!

2026: Already Booked (Of Course It Is!)

January to mid-April
Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Philippines

May to October (Homebases in Mesa/Mexico)

Volaris + Frontier all-you-can-fly chaos—route TBD, cheap is guaranteed

Nov and Dec– Europe by Rail-pass

Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Southern Spain/Portugal…
Eastern Europe is still being self-negotiated with my grade-three attention span.

Malaysia – short but sweet visit! 🏭

12/28/2025

by Darrell Buy me a beer Internet travel search tips Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories

I was fortunate enough to have visited Kuala Lumpur for a few days in December 2025. It was a pretty big bucket list to check off, as I have always wanted to visit. I spend three days whipping around on the double-checker tour bus, making stops along the way.

I’ve wanted to visit for years, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

I spent three days ripping around the city on the double-decker hop-on, hop-off tour bus, jumping off whenever something caught my eye. Skyscrapers, temples, markets, street food, neighborhoods I couldn’t pronounce—full-on tourist mode, unapologetically activated.

And yes… pubs were involved.
Because cultural immersion is about balance. 🍻

From my home base in Hanoi, the Asia road trip continued to Bali—and the craziest part? Three flights for $190 USD total.

Asia travel math just hits different.

One thing that really stood out while taking public transportation from the airport was the presence of women-only train cars. It was the first time I’d encountered that setup since visiting the UAE in 2024.

I actually learned this lesson the hard way—I boarded a women-only car by mistake. Totally unintentional, despite the signs being very clear once you actually slow down and look. Someone kindly pointed it out, and I stepped a few feet into the next car. No drama, just a reminder that different cultures operate with different norms.

Moments like that are part of why I travel. They force awareness. You don’t have to fully understand or agree with every custom to respect that it exists and learn from it.

Malaysia was fascinating from a cultural and architectural standpoint, and I’m genuinely glad I went. The city is impressive, the infrastructure is solid, and the experience checked a long-standing bucket list item for me.

That said, it’s probably a one-and-done destination for me—and that’s okay. Not every place has to be a repeat visit to be worth experiencing.

Here are some more pictures of the architecture, which was the reason I visited. Malaysia. Malaysia is home to one of the largest congregations of skyscrapers in the world. The country ranks fourth in the global list

The Burj Khalifa^[a] (known as the Burj Dubai before its inauguration) is a megatall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it is the world’s tallest structure, with a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft, or just over half a mile) and a roof height (excluding the antenna, but including a 242.6 m spire)^[2] of 828 m (2,717 ft). It has also been the tallest building in the world since its topping out in 2009,

That surpassed Taipei 101, which had held the record for a half-decade.

Another cool admission is that I visited Taipei, Taiwan, with work in the early 2000s. It was my first trip to Asia, and I did not go back for over 20 years. They were still building Taipei 101, but I clearly remember going there. There was a mall, movie theater, and restaurants that were completed.

Before Dubai rewrote the record books, Taipei 101 was the building everyone talked about. Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, it stands 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall and held the title of the world’s tallest building for several years.

One of its standout features was its high-speed elevators, built by Toshiba. At the time of completion, they were the fastest in the world—rocketing passengers from the 5th to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds, hitting speeds of 60.6 km/h (37.7 mph). You don’t ride those elevators—you launch.

Bali, Indonesia – It’s worth the hype!

12/28/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Buy me a beer Countries Freedom 50 Internet travel search tips Slow travel Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories Vietnam

Traveling in Asia hits differently for me. I get bored easily—dangerously easily—and staying in one place too long starts to feel like a personal failure. Asia fixes that, which is a way that is hard to explain other than the fact that you can road trip within Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia … for well under a $100 one way.

I currently have a condo in Mesa, AZ, a studio in Rocky Point, Mexico, and three all-you-can-fly passes with three different airlines. I am always on the go, which is somewhere between amazing and loneliness.

I’m not saying I have commitment issues… but if movement were a sport, I’d be on a performance-enhancing medication watch list.

You get the idea. I’m fine. Totally fine. Probably.

That was my December 2025 Asia road trip, operating out of my month-long home base in Hanoi and bouncing over to Kuala Lumpur, then finishing strong in Bali.

Three flights.
Three countries.
$190 USD total.

Read that again—slowly.

This is exactly why Asia hits differently. Flights are cheap, distances are short, and changing plans doesn’t require a spreadsheet or a minor panic attack. One minute you’re eating street food in Hanoi, the next you’re city-hopping in Malaysia, and before you know it, you’re barefoot in Bali, wondering how this all costs less than a mediocre dinner back home.

This isn’t luxury travel—it’s smart movement, maximum flexibility, and letting geography work in your favor.

And yes… this is how the spiral continues.

These road trips definitely weren’t kind to the slow-travel budget—but that’s the trade. When your home base costs under $300 USD a month, you earn the right to occasionally blow the spreadsheet. The cheap, stable housing absorbs the volatility, which makes splurging on experiences feel intentional instead of reckless.

In my case, this trip was less about optimization and more about momentum—I was actively checking off bucket-list items. And when you’re in that mode, strict budget purity matters less than actually doing the thing while you’re there.

The key is that the foundation was solid. Low rent created room to say yes.

I don’t optimize for luxury. I optimize for optionality.
Build the base cheaply, then spend the difference on travel experiences.

Christmas 2025 – You’re a mean one …

12/26/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Autobiography Buy me a beer Countries Dual Citizenship North American Slow travel Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Stories United States

Christmas time is for kids, since I do not have any minions, it is not my favorite holiday.

We all have regrets, but again, we all have to play the cards we dealt ourselves!

It’s not meant as pity, pride, or judgment—just a sincere look at my life, told with a level of honesty most people rarely allow.

Thinking about having a family—and then creating a fake one on ChatGPT—hits a special kind of loneliness during the holidays, with just enough imaginary alimony and child support to keep it extremely real.

That’s part of why, most days, I am grateful for my life, as this is how it was supposed to work out.

Not because family is bad or wrong—but because forcing a life that didn’t fit would cost me more than it gave back. Freedom mattered more to me than appearances. Movement mattered more than checking boxes that society forces you to check whether you want them or not.

I didn’t have a good father, and the fear of becoming anything like him was always front and center. He bailed on my mom and me in the worst possible way, and that kind of exit leaves a mark whether you want it to or not.

For a long time, that experience quietly shaped my decisions.

That awareness didn’t fix everything, but it ultimately changed my thought process. And sometimes, that’s enough to start choosing differently—on purpose.

Chasing a different dream became my outlet, my structure, and, honestly, my mission. I have lived life in many different cities, having a lot of conversations and many life experiences with people who saw life differently. It became pretty obvious that the way most people lived life was not the only option.

It was not the same generational life, over and over.

Go to College

Get married

Buy a house and have kids

Work until you’re 67+

Enjoy maybe five to ten years of retirement while your body starts to fail you.

I didn’t opt out of life—I opted into my version of it.

Less scripted.
Less predictable.
More honest with who I am

I’m learning to be good with that, and people who judge my alternative lifestyle should, too.

The Grinch that hated winter in Canada!

The cold.

The snow.

The shoveling.

Driving on a skating rink.

The heating bills should feel normal.

Extreme taxes at every angle.

(carbon taxes?!)

The lies people told themselves, “It was normal not to feel your face going outside.

While Family and friends in Canada scraped windshields, living a great Family life!

The Grinch did the math.

Sunshine was cheaper elsewhere.

A lot of money could also be made elsewhere.

So, while others layered sweaters, he booked a one-way ticket south.

He turned in his snow boots for flip-flops.

He drank iced coffee in December.

They said he “You missed the reason for the season,” and called him a sellout!

The Grinch said, “I optimized my life,” in my own way!

He didn’t steal Christmas.
He *Geoarbitraged it!

*Geoarbitrage is the practice of living in a location with a lower cost of living while maintaining the same income, allowing individuals to save and invest more effectively. This concept is often associated with the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, where individuals leverage geographic differences to maximize their financial resources.

Click to read more on my Geoarbitrage goals

“Geoarbitrage – retire sooner “

Vietnam – slow travel life at its finest!☕🧘🏻

12/24/2025

by Darrell Accommodations AirBnb AirBnb recommendations Buy me a beer Freedom 50 Slow travel Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories Vietnam

I’ve been dreaming about Vietnam ever since I watched Anthony Bourdain on Parts Unknown. Vietnam felt like one of Tony’s true loves—the kind of place he didn’t just visit, but listened to. He chased meals down side streets, sat on plastic stools, and showed that the best moments were always far from the tourist traps. Watching him there made travel feel quieter, more honest—less about seeing things, and more about understanding them. Vietnam wasn’t a backdrop for Tony; it was a reminder of how travel is supposed to feel.

Anthony Bourdain lived a life that blended food, travel, honesty, and deep contradiction—one that resonated because he never pretended to have it all figured out. Like me, I just go with the flow while traveling to a new place.

In 2025, I rented a condo for over two months in Vietnam—not as an experiment, but as confirmation. Five weeks in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), followed by a month in Hanoi. I wasn’t glued to either place; I took road trips, disappeared for stretches, did what I wanted. But I always came back to my own place. A real home base. Which, it turns out, changes everything.

This was slow travel exactly as I’d imagined it: living in the city instead of orbiting it. Falling into routines. Becoming a regular. Building friendships. Having days that felt both normal and quietly exceptional. Life didn’t pause for travel—travel became life.

At this point, I’m not pitching a dream or romanticizing a theory. I ran the play. It worked. And now it’s very hard to take seriously any version of life that costs more and delivers less.

Both apartments were under $400 USD per month, which quietly solves a lot of problems. With a stable, inexpensive home base, I could take road trips without uprooting my entire life. Most of my belongings stayed put, luggage stayed minimal, and travel stayed efficient instead of exhausting. I made side trips over Vietnam at the beginning of 2025 while taking my show on the road to Malaysia and Indonesia at the end of the year.

This is the underrated advantage of slow travel: logistics scale down while freedom scales up. Low rent means less financial pressure, fewer bags, and more optionality. When your housing costs are that low, movement becomes modular—you leave, explore, come back, repeat—without ever feeling like you’re starting over.

I made some side trips across Vietnam in early 2025 (Nah Trang, Da Nang, Vung Tau, Hue, and Phu Quoc). I then fully committed to the chaos and took my show to Malaysia and Indonesia later in the year kocking out two massive bucket lists.

It’s not a hack. It’s just better planning. And once you’ve lived this way, it’s hard to take expensive inconvenience seriously ever again, which is why it will be a massive part of my future travel items in Kuala Lumpur and Bali.

If you made it this far by chance and want to learn more about my slow travel plans.

You can read my blog on the topic by clicking

HERE

In the end, slow travel keeps the costs low and the adventures high—and that’s the whole point around here.

The quest for the best Pho … 😋🍜🤤

12/23/2025

by Darrell Buy me a beer Dual Citizenship Personal History Slow travel Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories

I do sometimes wonder how I’m not at least moderately famous with gems like this. Then I immediately remember (and genuinely don’t care anymore) that these blogs may never get read. And honestly? That realization was freeing.

Once I got past feeling like a total failure and a loser, everything else went downhill—in the best possible way. No pressure. No audience chasing. Just writing because I actually enjoy it. Even if this all ends up being an autobiography for myself, I’m good with that.

Phew.
That one came straight from the therapist’s chair.

Anyway… back to Pho

I remember when people used to pretend to like sushi, pho, dim sum, and whatever else was trendy at the time. They’d make sure you knew they were going, had gone, or had just returned from eating “the best ever,” while clearly forcing enthusiasm.

Well… look at me now.

That’s me.
I love pho.
I love sushi.

Turns out trying things for yourself beats talking about them from the sidelines. Funny how that works.

FOFO, indeed

Other than Google, there’s a foolproof way to spot a great place to eat: look at the line—and more importantly, who’s in it.

This one was packed. And not with tourists holding cameras and guidebooks—this line was full of Asians, which is always a very good sign. A quick Google check confirmed what my instincts already knew: this spot was serving some of the best pho in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Turns out it wasn’t just “one of the best.”

It was #1 on the list.

Rich broth, perfectly cooked noodles, tender meat, zero nonsense. The kind of bowl that makes you slow down halfway through because you don’t want it to end.

I’ll talk about #2—aka Obama Bun cha version of Pho (and yes, it absolutely nailed it too). But this one?

Pho 10 was undoubtedly the benchmark.

Sometimes the line tells you everything you need to know.

I’ll talk about #2—aka Obama Bun cha version of Pho (and yes, it absolutely nailed it too). But this one?

I’ll talk more about #2—aka the Obama Bún Chả version of pho—later in the blog (and yes, it absolutely nailed it too). But this place deserves its own moment.

The visit gave rise to the now-iconic “Combo Obama”, which includes:

Bún Chả (grilled pork with noodles and herbs)

Crab spring rolls

A local Hanoi beer

Simple. Perfect. Universal.

This spot became famous after Barack Obama shared dinner here in 2014 with Anthony Bourdain, during an episode of Parts Unknown. Obama was president at the time, Bourdain was doing what he did best—using food as a bridge between cultures.

Plastic stools.
Cold beer.
No security theater.
No ego.

Just two people eating great food in Hanoi, proving once again that the fastest way to connect across cultures isn’t politics—it’s dinner.

The food lives up to the story.
The story lives up to the moment.

Some meals are famous because they’re good.
Others are famous because they mean something.

This one managed to be both.

Honestly, visiting this restaurant wasn’t about Barack Obama for me—it was about Anthony Bourdain.

Vietnamese food—and pho in particular—was something Bourdain genuinely loved. He talked often about Vietnam as a place that shaped him, not just as a cook but as a traveler. What always stuck with me was how far he was willing to go for food: wandering down side streets, eating at hole-in-the-wall spots, and staying out until absurd hours just to find something real. The ironic part is that once he found something real, it turned into a tourist trap.

That mindset influenced how I travel. I’ve always tried to do the same—skip the polished places, follow instincts, watch where locals eat, and say yes to places that don’t look impressive on the outside.

So sitting there, eating Vietnamese food in Hanoi, felt less like a tourist stop and more like paying quiet respect to someone who showed a lot of us how to travel differently—through curiosity, humility, and a love of good food.

For me, that’s what made the place special. I try to live life the way he did, as he was such an absolute travel legend.

Here was my experience eating the “Bourdain” combo!

Only a few things make me happier than finding these kinds of places that fuel more travel.

Bali, Indonesia! Amazing! 😎

12/22/2025

by Darrell Buy me a beer Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories

I’d been in Hanoi for about two weeks and needed a break. It’s an incredible city, but the traffic, pollution, and constant chaos will wear on anyone eventually.

The good news? I was surrounded by amazing places—and getting to them was ridiculously cheap.

As usual, I shifted into bucket-list mode. Malaysia and Indonesia were basically within spitting distance, with one-way flights hovering around $45–$90,

At that point, the decision was easy. I booked three flights under $200 USD:

~$45-Hanoi, Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

~$55-Kuala Lumpur to Denpasar, Indonesia (Bali)

~$90-Bali to Hanoi, Vietnam

I took off on an EPIC ten-day road trip—proof that adventure doesn’t have to be expensive.

Cost
Every time I visit Asia, my brain starts asking extremely reasonable questions like: Why do I live anywhere else? Two to three months of slow travel doesn’t feel aspirational anymore—it feels inevitable. The math works. The lifestyle works. At this point, I’m just pretending this isn’t already decided.

Proximity for adventure

When boredom hits, you simply leave. A casual monthly escape to Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, or Indonesia usually costs under $50 each way. Food and housing stay the same, so the only real variable is how often you decide to disappear. Routine, but make it optional. Stability, but with an exit plan.

The boxes are checked:

The prices are undeniable.

The proximity to adventure.

Every trip to Asia makes “normal life” feel like a bookkeeping error.

There’s a reason Bali is the Aussies’ playground—and every bar at 10 a.m. confirms it!

It’s wild how distorted prices have become in some places. In Bali, a $20 hair cut makes you a “Big Boss.”

A normal haircut was well under $10, and leaving a $10 tip felt huge there—probably made his day or even week. It beats getting the sideways look for leaving less than a 20% TIP in North America.

577098853_1365129098676837_626196983573301260_n

Careful what you wish for …

12/21/2025

by Darrell Buy me a beer Freedom 50 My Airbnb Slow travel Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories Vietnam

Careful what you wish for… it starts with ‘just one trip’ and ends with no fixed address,

No shoes, no shirt, and no problem! Right?!

(Got drunk, lost my shoes, probably should wear a shirt, and clearly still have some problems)

I just wing it now, though!

Since taking a run at retirement in February 2024, everything has been going as planned—and I’m choosing to believe this streak will continue.

The stock market 💹

Airbnb rentals 💰

Bucket list travel 🌍

I always dreamed of the traveling life. Planning helps—but trying is the only thing that actually counts.

The stock market

Relying on the stock market to go up forever is wishful thinking at best. I’ve learned to go with the flow and accept that corrections aren’t disasters—they’re just part of the ride.

Personally, hiring a great financial advisor makes sense. We shouldn’t YouTube our way to self-diagnose serious medical issues, so pretending we’re all finance experts seems… optimistic

Airbnb rentals 💰

Having a side hustle to support retirement is always a plus. I managed to turn my AZ condo into exactly that, and it’s been a game-changer for my roaming lifestyle. I don’t love the word “lucky,” but I’ll happily admit this decision was very fortunate.

I’ve had amazing guests so far and genuinely enjoy making sure they have a great stay while they’re in Arizona. After crashing in more than a hundred Airbnbs around the world, I’ve learned a lot about what works, what doesn’t, and what makes you think, “Wow, this host actually gets it.”

My latest low key, amazing guest!

I try to bring those little things I appreciated as a guest into my own place—basically paying it forward, one comfy stay at a time, so I can keep paying for planes, trains, and questionable travel decisions.

Renting my own full-time Airbnb in Rocky Point, Mexico, has been an absolute lifesaver. I can escape to Mexico on a whim as it is only a four-hour drive—and my rent costs less than my monthly Arizona homeowners’ fees.

Bucket list travel

Without the above two falling into place, this might not be possible. I have used patience and whittled down my panic attacks of going back to work to twice a day to make it all work out.

Since taking a serious run at retirement, it’s almost embarrassing how many travel bucket-list items I’ve absolutely obliterated over the last two years. Honestly, I’ve lost count. That’s why I hope you read my blogs—sharing these experiences is the whole reason I spend so much time writing.

Progress is progress

If my stories help even one person take a leap of faith, then it’s worth it.

There’s never a perfect time to do anything in life.

You just dance like no one is watching… panic attacks and all.

Tokyo, Japan – $12 on points Feb 1st, 2026!

12/20/2025

by Darrell Buy me a beer Internet travel search tips Slow travel Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories

A few years ago, during a perfectly innocent fishing trip to Hawaii, I applied for a Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard.

Somehow, this resulted in 70,000 points.

Those points have been burning a hole in my pocket ever since—quietly judging me every time I checked my balance.

Until now.

I officially booked a trip to Tokyo, Japan, departing February 1st, 2026—paid entirely with points. Turns out, the long game does pay off.

Especially when it ends in Tokyo.

That’s right—$11.20 to get from Phoenix to Tokyo using points.

Eleven dollars.

And twenty cents.

I haven’t finalized my return flight yet—because commitment is overrated and flexibility feels very on-brand. Plus, Korea is just around the corner and on the bucket list.

The plan is to stay two and a half months, since my Airbnb is locked in until April 15th.

If you’re curious how a fishing trip turned into a trans-Pacific flight for the price of a vending machine snack, you can read more about the Hawaiian Airlines credit card on my blog by clicking:

HERE.⬅️⬅️

You can read my long-winded Kona fishing blog.

No refunds. Never getting that time back by clicking

HERE

Why Japan Tops the Travel Charts

Japan is often ranked the number one travel destination because it’s a magical mix of tradition, technology, and sheer wow factor. You can go from serene ancient temples and cherry blossom gardens to bustling neon-lit cities and bullet trains in a matter of minutes.

Add to that world-class food, from Michelin-starred sushi to street-side takoyaki, ultra-clean streets, incredibly polite locals, and a culture that balances the ultra-modern with centuries-old customs—and it’s easy to see why travelers can’t get enough.

Plus, every season brings something spectacular: spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for fiery leaves, winter for skiing, and summer for festivals that make your Instagram explode. Japan isn’t just a trip—it’s a full-on sensory adventure.

25 most visited Countries *21 completed!🌎

11/10/2025

by Darrell AirBnb All you can fly Buy me a beer Countries Freedom 50 Internet travel search tips Personal History Travels Stories

“I hope that giddy ‘new place’ feeling never goes away. At this point, I’ve only got 4 of the top 25 most visited countries left to catch… but who’s counting?”

Completed:

1-France, Paris twice, and leaving was the best part!

2 Spain, Madrid and Barcelona!

3-USA, So much fun, so many places lived and visited!

4-China, Guangzhou airport counts, right?

5-Italy, Venice, Rome, Naples, and Milan

6-Turkey, Istanbul, and the Princes’ Islands.

7-Mexico, so many Coronas and a bit of tequila everywhere!

9-Germany, Oktoberfest in Munich

10-UK, London pubs several times

12-Austria, Vienna

13-Greece, Athens

14-Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

15-Portugal, Algarves, and coastal train adventure

16-Russia, Moscow airport counts, right?

18-Canada, born to leave the cold!

19-Poland, Warsaw

21-Vietnam, HCMC, Phu Quoc, and Hanoi, among other places.

And 25-Hungary. Budapest

Remaining:

11 – *Japan (February 2026, #1 tourist spot finally happening)

17 – Hong Kong (still there, still expensive- CHINA!)

20 – *Netherlands (flat but impressive, 2026 Europass 🤞🏻)

22 – India (interest level: zero, zilch – nada!)

23 – *South Korea (March 2026, scheduled obsession)

24 – *Croatia (Europass vibes plans for 2026 🤞🏻)

“My retirement often seems that it is on life support but keeps whispering one more flight.”

It’s just my opinion! Travel man! 🙌🏻

10/27/2025

by Darrell Accommodations Buy me a beer Countries Freedom 50 Hostels Internet travel search tips Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories

When I talk about travel, I’m simply sharing my own experiences and opinions. Everyone travels differently, so what works for me may not work for you.

I tend to travel a lot and try to save money, so my perspective is probably skewed.

The reality is that most people don’t want to skimp on their vacations.

There are two very different types of travelers.

Many travelers return to work so they can earn more money to fund future trips. I take a different approach. I save money while traveling so I don’t have to go back to work.

Someday, you may find yourself in a similar situation—please consider reading this blog with that perspective in mind. It’s just my opinion man, relax!

I also don’t have anyone else who has to suffer because of my budget travel choices—and that’s a pretty big advantage.

If I stay in a hostel, I’m the only one listening to a stranger’s world-class snoring performance. If I book a non-direct flight, I’m the only one pacing the terminal during a five-hour layover, questioning my life choices.

These decisions work for me—but I fully understand why they might be a hard no for someone else.

If nothing else, we can agree on this: travel as much as you can while you’ve still got enough piss and vinegar to haul yourself onto that next flight. Waiting on compression socks and flip-flops is not a good vibe.

- “Never give up. Live life to the fullest—without regret.”

Legend in my own mind – A Mocumentary!

10/26/2025

by Darrell Accommodations Autobiography Buy me a beer Countries Personal History Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories

Another reason I started this website was to help me navigate the absolute chaos that is early retirement. At least twice a week, I’m convinced market fluctuations are about to force me into a very tastefully decorated dumpster.

2025 was my first full year taking a serious swing at retirement—emphasis on swing.

Even with the site’s modest traffic (hi Sis! ), I’ve genuinely loved writing.

Which means it might be time for my next fun travel project?!

And speaking of big ideas… here’s my first book proposal from a ghostwriting company:

“North American Darrell – A Legend in my own mind”

A traveler’s mocumentary …

Project Vision:

Darrell, your story is more than travel.
It’s about freedom, the kind that comes from defying convention, exploring the world solo, and
mastering the art of geoarbitrage. You’ve already built a digital footprint that thousands of
people dream of, through your website, vlogs, and life experiences.

What’s missing now is the next chapter:
Transforming North American Darrell into a published brand, a professional, inspiring book
and digital identity that cements your journey as a living example of how to live smarter, freer,
and bolder.
This isn’t just a book project. It’s a brand evolution, from traveler to author, from storyteller
to inspiration.

Our Understanding of Your Vision
You’re not looking to “just publish a book.”
You want something that:
• Reflects your authentic voice and humor, not ghostwritten into something artificial.
• Organizes your blog posts and memories into a cohesive travel autobiography.
• Establishes your legacy and builds on the momentum of NorthAmericanDarrell.com
and your YouTube channel.
• Generates passive income and brand credibility, creating new opportunities for
collaborations, sponsorships, and future travel projects.

What We’ll Do for You

1. Structural Blueprint (Book Framework Development)
We’ll organize your content into a professional book structure tailored to your style:
• Categorize posts into themes: Travel Adventures, Life Reflections, Humor, Turning
Points and Modern Freedom
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2. Editorial Collaboration & Story Enhancement
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3. Professional Formatting & Book Design
• Format for eBook & Paperback (Amazon KDP, Ingram Spark)
• Design a bold, minimalist cover inspired by your travel photography
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Result: A premium, reader-friendly book that looks as great as it reads.

4. Publishing & Branding Setup
• Distribution across Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and other platforms if
required
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Result: Your book reaches readers globally, with professional presentation and discoverability.

5. Optional Add-On: Pre-Marketing & Website Optimization
To amplify your book launch, we recommend a pre-marketing and brand optimization
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I’ve always wanted to write an autobiography once I had a website—clearly the natural next step.

Making it a mocumentary seems wiser. Less pressure, more jokes.

A mockumentary is a type of film, TV show, or video that mimics the style of a documentary and is often comedic. It looks like a serious documentary—with interviews, “real” footage, and narration—but the events, characters, or situations are made up, exaggerated, or absurd for humor or satire.

Key features:

Basically, it’s a fake documentary that makes you laugh, sometimes by tricking you into thinking it’s not real.

You can’t finish a dream

unless you start dreaming it first.

Stay tuned… or don’t. I’ll be here either way.

Hanoi, Vietnam – Nov.17/25🍜🫖

10/13/2025

by Darrell AirBnb Buy me a beer Freedom 50 Internet travel search tips Slow travel Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories

There’s a balance I’m always chasing when I travel—but I wish I understood it better, so I’d stop booking flights. I know I need to begin with lower-cost, slower journeys, and once again, Vietnam felt like the perfect calibration.

I landed in Hanoi, Vietnam on November 17th, 2025—because apparently I like good decisions.

~$572 for the flight and ~$263 for an entire month’s rent (yes, a month).

I skipped Northern Vietnam earlier in 2025, so this trip was basically my “fine, I’ll do it properly this time” trip. 🪣📃

Anytime I find a cheap flight, I’ve learned to check the accommodations before I start emotionally packing.

I knew it would be budget-friendly, but I didn’t expect a full-on resort situation—pool, gym, and a games room with a river view… all for “are we sure this is real?” prices.

The history of Hanoi: A City That Refuses to Sit Still

Hanoi has been around for over 1,000 years, which basically means it has more history than most people have Instagram posts. It started as a sleepy riverside settlement until Emperor Lý Thái Tổ decided in 1010 to move the capital there and call it Thăng Long—“Rising Dragon”—because why settle for boring when you can be mythical?

Fast forward a few centuries, and Hanoi became a cultural, educational, and political hotspot, surviving invasions, occupations, and a fair share of bureaucratic headaches. The French showed up in the late 1800s, built boulevards, colonial buildings, and cafés where you can still sip coffee pretending you’re in Paris.

After a mid-20th century revolution and reunification, Hanoi officially became the capital of Vietnam, a city where ancient temples, motorbike chaos, and modern skyscrapers collide. Basically, it’s a city that refuses to sit still—and you’ll love every chaotic, delicious, history-packed second of it.

Paris and London – 100% tourist mode!

10/11/2025

by Darrell AirBnb Europe Freedom 50 Hostels Italy Travels Deals Wizz - AYCF!

The days were officially counting down, and I needed to start migrating toward London for my 9:00 AM flight back to Arizona on September 28th, 2025.

This was immediately after I’d just crushed a bucket-list item in Venice, which—geographically speaking—put me on the wrong side of Europe for someone trying to go home.

The plan was simple and therefore doomed:

get closer to Paris, then slide into London like a responsible adult traveler.

The Universe, however, had other plans.

I missed a connection.

Fourteen-plus hours later, I found myself on a first-class high-speed train—not because I planned it, but because exhaustion, fate, and poor timing had teamed up against me.

Sometimes luxury isn’t a choice.
It’s a consequence.

My September 2025 European tour both started and ended in London. I passed through on September 1st on my way to Faro, Portugal, and returned at the end for less than 24 hours after bailing on Paris early.

I’d been to Paris about 20 years ago, and it only took about an hour to remember why it’s not for me. If you don’t speak French, people can be rude—I experienced that almost immediately while trying to buy a train ticket. Apparently asking for a ticket in English is a bold move.

If you love Paris (like my very fashion-conscious niece Amber), check out Norse Airlines—they’ll get you there cheaply. If you’re more like me, grumpy and impatient, plan a short visit and bail early.

Below are a few photos from my brief stay in Paris—the week before the Louvre was robbed. I swear it wasn’t me. 😄

Eiffel tower

Louvre

Arc de Triomphe

Notre Dame

Train station to get to the Chunnel to London

The high-speed Eurostar train between Paris and London is fantastic. It feels a lot like flying—security, early arrival, the whole routine—but it’s far more convenient than actually getting on a plane and dealing with an airport.

First things first, every time I arrive in London:

I find a pub, order fish and chips, and grab a cold pint. It’s not cheap—fish, chips, and a beer run about $40 USD—but it’s worth it every single time.

Check out how light I pack!

I landed in London at 2 p.m. and left the next morning, which meant attempting to see the entire city in under 24 hours. I did as much tourist stuff as humanly possible, and by the time I boarded my long flight home, I was running on fumes.

Fish and Chips

Big Ben

London Eye

Buckingham Palace

Westminster Abbey

Mission accomplished!

I racked up over 25,000 steps, took a nap that felt more like a system reboot, and then dragged myself back toward Arizona. Planes, trains, and automobiles—because apparently, I enjoy suffering in multiple forms of transportation to save a dime ..

Paris to London train

London to Los Angeles flight

Los Angeles to Phoenix rental car

eBiked home from rental car drop-off.

I can’t even begin to calculate how many miles I traveled last week—and honestly, ignorance feels healthier.

Czech Republic to Germany (Oktoberfest on September 20, because of course), then Switzerland, Italy, France, London, and finally back across the pond on September 28.

At this point, my passport deserves a nap, my legs are filing a formal complaint, and my internal clock has completely resigned.

Venice, Italy – The Grand Canal🛶🍷👍🏻

10/10/2025

by Darrell Accommodations Buy me a beer Europe Freedom 50 Hostels Italy Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Stories Wizz - AYCF!

I somehow managed to miss Venice the last time I was in Italy, so this time I overcorrected—with a casual 14+ hours on a train to make sure it happened.

To be fair, the journey was actually pretty incredible. We cut through a different part of Switzerland on the way to Milan, which would’ve been great if Milan hadn’t been in full Fashion Week mode. After about five minutes of that chaos, I was very happy to hop on the short train ride to Venice.

After that marathon travel day, my first Venice memory was asking someone in the train station, “Where’s the Grand Canal?” He pointed to my left and said, “You mean that one?”

Turns out the Venice Santa Lucia train station is literally sitting on the canal. Subtle city, Venice. Very subtle.

One of the things that completely blew my mind about Venice is that the water is the road. No streets—just canals. Water taxis, delivery boats, construction barges… and yes, I even watched a casket float by with the family following along as part of a funeral.

It’s strangely beautiful and slightly surreal, and somehow all of it works. Watching everyone calmly navigate canal “traffic” like it’s rush hour on Main Street was one of the coolest parts of being there.

Pretty much everyone was lounging by the waterfront with a wine in hand, and of course, we all drowned in spritzers like it was a civic duty.

I enjoyed them so much that I stocked up when I got home—because nothing screams “this isn’t Venice” like sipping a sad spritzer in Arizona while staring at a cactus.

It’s not the Grand Canal, but it’s still pretty glorious during a Jay’s playoff game.

Mix some SodaStream soda water with your favorite alcohol flavoring (Aperol, Aperix, or Rosé—because why not), toss in white wine, fruit, and orange slices, and boom: Venice vibes at home. Bonus: it costs less than a dollar instead of €5–8+ per sad spritzer by the canal.

Here are a few more GEMs from my Venice adventure—because someone has to show off while I sip my homegrown “canal.” that hauls waste water in AZ.

Want more Grand Canal vibes (without the €8 spritzers)? Check out my videos on YouTube—watch canals, gondolas, and chaos unfold from the comfort of your own home.

www.YouTube.com/@NorthAmericanDarrell

Don’t forget to hit subscribe and dive into over 1,500 travel videos—because apparently, watching me roam the globe is considered quality entertainment.

Venice’s history began in the 5th century.

Refugees decided building a city on stilts in a swampy lagoon was a brilliant idea. By the Middle Ages, it became a maritime superpower, raking in riches while everyone else was figuring out taxes. Centuries later, it joined Italy, and today it’s a tourist mecca of canals, gondolas, and carnival chaos. Basically, it’s a city that floats, dazzles, and occasionally smells like history, depending on which alley waterway you visit.

Portugal – the beauty of the Algarves! 😍

10/09/2025

by Darrell Accommodations All you can fly Autobiography Buy me a beer Europe Hostels Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories Wizz - AYCF!

My September 2025 European vacation began in Faro, Portugal, following a travel day that felt like it had its own time zone.

Uber from home to the airport!

light from Phoenix to LA

8-hour layover in LA

10-hour flight to London

3-hour London layover

2-hour flight to Faro, Portugal.

It was miserable. I even had loud, dry heaves when we touched down in London. I almost made it… But nope. We had a “go around” because apparently, someone else’s plane hadn’t moved off the runway yet. That was the end of me for the day. 📢🤮🙋🏻‍♂️

I really should cut people some slack when they say they don’t want to travel like me—clearly, they have better judgment but sitting at home is not an option.

The first week in Portugal was pure exhaustion—jet lag hit hard, and I barely had time to remember what day it was before I was off on the next adventure.

Totally worth it—Spain and Portugal were both at the top of my bucket list. I’ve barely scratched the surface of either, but who cares?

Dropping pins does not need full coverage.

I had a great time in Faro and Lagos, just hanging out by the water and soaking it all in. But Porto—hands down—stole the show. It had been at the top of my bucket list for ages, and it did not disappoint. I also made sure to take in the short bus rides and longer train journeys along the coast, which were spectacular, pretending to be a local.

The city is split by the Douro River, and there are six famous bridges to cross at various points. The crown jewel is the Dom Luís Bridge—a stunning double-deck metal arch that links Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. Honestly, I couldn’t stop taking pictures; it’s one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” moments that you also want to document from every possible angle.

I spent a solid two days in Porto walking over 20,000 steps each day—up and down the river, soaking in the stunning architecture. The buildings lining the water are even more jaw-dropping in person. There’s also a gondola that gives you a sky-high view, but the line was so long I decided my legs had already earned a vacation of their own.

Want more Portugal chaos, cobblestones, and coastal views? Check out my YouTube channel for all the videos—no jet lag required.

www,YouTube.com/@NorthAmericanDarrell

Hit subscribe to dive into the full 1,500+ travel video catalog—because why stop at one continent when you can live vicariously through all of them?

Portugal’s history: Small Country, Big Ambitions

Portugal started getting serious in the 12th century, when Afonso I declared, “I’m king now,” and voilà—Portugal was officially a thing. Not content with being a tiny corner of Europe, the Portuguese set sail during the Age of Exploration, sending legends like Vasco da Gama around Africa to India and basically telling the world, “We’ll take it from here.”

They built an empire stretching across Asia, Africa, and Brazil—riches, spices, and cultural chaos included—while most Europeans were still figuring out how to map their own backyard. Today, Portugal is chill, gorgeous, and full of history: sun-soaked beaches, pastel-colored streets, port wine, and the occasional reminder that this tiny country once ruled the seas.

Prague, Czech – beer is served half full?!🤔

10/09/2025

by Darrell Autobiography Buy me a beer Freedom 50 Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals

As September 19th, 2025 crept closer, I was happily settled in Warsaw—but quietly plotting Munich for the first weekend of Oktoberfest. With my Eurail pass, booking the trip was almost absurdly easy:

Warsaw to Prague, then a short hop into Munich.

Portugal. Poland. Iceland. And now Prague.

Everything was lining up so cleanly. Routes connected. Dates made sense. Just a perfectly unfolding chain of cities—one rail segment at a time.

The Czech Republic has always intrigued me—between its legendary international hockey and, of course, its world-class beer, how could it not? I only spent a couple of days in Prague, but every minute landed. The city feels effortlessly historic without being frozen in time, the beer is somehow even better than advertised, and there’s a rhythm to the place that invites you to slow down and look around.

It was one of those stops that proves you don’t need weeks somewhere for it to leave a mark. Sometimes a place shows you exactly what it is right away—and Prague did that beautifully.

There’s something undeniably awesome about streetcars sharing the road with everyday traffic. I first saw it in Vienna and thought, “Okay, that’s pretty neat.” But Prague? Prague turns it into an art form.

You’ve got ancient, rattling trams rubbing elbows with sleek, modern ones—both weaving through cars, bikes, and pedestrians like they’re operating inside some chaotic, high-speed safe zone. Everyone somehow knows where everything else is going. No hesitation. No drama. Just motion.

The beer in Prague is something else entirely. They pour it with half the glass—sometimes more—foam. There’s even a style called Mlíko where about 75% of what you’re holding is foam… and you pay full price for the privilege.

I ended up in a lively debate with a bartender about it. He swore it “tastes better that way.” I countered with my very scientific position: 90% of a beer lives in the top 10% of the glass—and yes, we are both professionals. We laughed. The foam probably laughed. And I still drank it.

Because when in Prague, you surrender to the professionals. 🍻

The city itself—and especially the riverside—was incredible. I can only imagine how stunning it must be in winter… though, to be honest, I’d probably never make it outside in that kind of cold.

So instead, here are a few pictures and videos—so you can admire Prague from a warm, safe spot, just as nature intended.

Want more Czech Republic adventures—and proof that I walked way too much? Head over to my YouTube channel for videos, chaos, and maybe a beer or two:

www.YouTube.com/@NorthAmericanDarrell

There are over 1,600 travel videos from around the globe—enough to make your couch feel like first class.
Apparently, my wandering now qualifies as educational content.

Prague history: The City That Time Forgot… and Then Perfected

Prague started way back in the 9th century as a collection of hilltop settlements around what’s now Prague Castle—basically, medieval real estate with a view. By the Middle Ages, it became the capital of Bohemia and a cultural powerhouse, where kings built castles, churches, and universities while everyone else was still figuring out plumbing.

Under Charles IV, the city got fancy: the oldest university in Central Europe, bridges, cathedrals… Prague basically said, “We do grandeur better.” Fast forward a few centuries, and the city survived wars, empires, and communism, only to emerge in 1989 via the Velvet Revolution as a stunning, slightly magical city where Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and craft beer coexist in perfect harmony.

Warsaw, Poland – Just like Ukraine!

10/08/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Buy me a beer Europe Freedom 50 Hostels Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories

I have to say, Warsaw ended up being one of my favorite stops on the entire trip. There were no flashy tourist traps or overproduced experiences—just a calm, lived-in city with an easy rhythm and, most importantly, incredible food.

Everywhere you turned, people were speaking Polish (and Ukrainian), and pierogies weren’t just a menu item—they were practically a food group. Warm, simple, comforting food done right.

In a quiet, unexpected way, it reminded me of my mom in Heaven. The kind of comfort you don’t plan for, but recognize immediately when it shows up.

I spent three days in Warsaw before launching into a 48-hour Iceland whirlwind using my Wizz Air Pass—essentially a masterclass in how much jet lag one human can endure in two days.

Booking the flights there and back at the same time made me feel like a travel genius… or someone who should probably be supervised, but no one wanted the job.

Coming back to Warsaw was pure relief. Slow walks, nonstop eating in Old Town, and convincing myself that aggressively shoving pierogies into my face absolutely counts toward my 10,000 daily steps. Balance is important.

Want more Warsaw adventures, pierogies, and wandering chaos? Check out my YouTube channel for all the videos—no passport required.

www.NorthAmericanDarrell.com

Smash that subscribe button and step into the beautifully chaotic universe of 1,600+ travel videos—with more questionable decisions added weekly.

Watch me:

Wander the globe with zero chill

Battle jet lag like a caffeinated (possibly drunken) superhero

Make deeply questionable food choices

And survive airports that appear to actively hate humanity

All from the comfort and safety of your couch…
While you roast me.

Just real travel, bad ideas, and solid stories.

—all from the safety of your couch while making fun of me!

Warsaw history: The Phoenix City

Warsaw started out in the 13th century as a sleepy riverside settlement, minding its own business along the Vistula. By the 16th century, it said, “Move over Kraków, I’m the capital now,” and quickly became Poland’s political and cultural hub.

Over the centuries, foreign powers—Russia, Prussia, Austria—kept trying to boss Warsaw around, and the city responded with uprisings, rebellions, and general stubbornness.

Then came World War II, when almost everything got flattened… but Warsaw didn’t just sulk. It rose from the rubble, rebuilt its Old Town brick by brick, and now stands as a gleaming, slightly sarcastic symbol of resilience: “You can’t break me, folks, nice try.”

Reykjavík, Iceland – Hot springs! ♨️

10/08/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Autobiography Buy me a beer Europe Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories Wizz - AYCF!

I didn’t end up using my Wizz Air All You Can Fly pass as much as I originally planned.

After experiencing European train travel, I found myself preferring it. Trains were smoother, more comfortable, and often more enjoyable overall, which made short-haul flights feel less appealing by comparison.

That said, I still managed to squeeze in a 48-hour trip from Warsaw to Reykjavík, finally checking Iceland off my bucket list.

That journey wrapped up my 23rd, 24th, and final flights on the €499 pass.

Looking back, it was a busy, sometimes chaotic stretch of travel—but also a reminder of how fortunate I am to keep moving, exploring, and learning what styles of travel work best for me.

A big part of using an AYCF pass is always having your next destination locked in. If you don’t, you risk getting stranded somewhere, staring at a snack bar and wondering if your life has quietly turned into a low-budget travel documentary. Since Iceland can only be reached by plane, that mattered. Thankfully, I booked my return flight at the same time as my departure, guaranteeing I’d make it back to the mainland. Score one for planning—or possibly luck.

I didn’t do much while I was there. I mostly walked around Reykjavík and visited two hot springs, which was exactly the point of the trip. Ironically, there was a public pool and hot spring complex right next to my hostel. After weeks away from my usual spa routine, it felt incredible. I rotated between three temperature-controlled pools, cold plunges, saunas, and steam rooms like a professional relaxation athlete.

I enjoyed it so much that I went back again the next morning before heading to the Blue Lagoon.

While soaking, I met a traveler from Seoul, a professional writer who was going through a rough patch. I got him laughing by telling him I spend hours writing things that almost nobody reads. He even offered to show me around when I visit Seoul in March—which perfectly sums up why I travel in the first place: strangers, shared moments, and unexpected laughs.

No cameras were allowed at the hot springs, which honestly felt like a gift. The attendant said phones distract from relaxation—and she was probably right. She also likely saved me from posting a thousand blurry photos of me pretending to be interesting.

Sometimes the best travel moments are the ones that don’t end up on camera at all.

Below are just a few snapshots and short videos from the Blue Lagoon—because words don’t quite do justice to soaking in steaming geothermal water while convincingly pretending you’re a sophisticated spa-goer.

If you want more, check out my YouTube channel for the full adventure (and all the bubbles I responsibly chose not to photograph):

NorthAmericanDarrell – YouTube

And yes—feel free to smash that subscribe button like it just stole your passport.

Iceland’s Hot Springs: Nature’s Hot Tub Since Forever

Icelanders didn’t waste time—they landed in the 9th century and thought, “Why chop wood when we can just soak?” And so began the country’s love affair with geothermal hot springs, perfect for bathing, cooking, and gossiping about Viking drama.

By the Middle Ages, these steamy pools were community centers, where locals scrubbed, plotted, and probably swapped embarrassing stories. Fast forward to today, and Iceland has turned those natural hot tubs into luxury spas like the Blue Lagoon, proving that even a volcanic island can serve up relaxation, selfies, and a little Icelandic sass.

Switzerland – Amazing!🚂⛰️

10/08/2025

by Darrell Buy me a beer Europe Personal History Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories

Heading into my month-long European adventure, taking the train through the Swiss Alps was right at the top of my must-do list.

I hopped on in Munich on day one of three and made my way to the stunning mountainside town of Chur. I scored a hostel that used to be the town jail—steel doors everywhere, and I couldn’t help but wonder what stories those walls would tell. Mostly, I imagined about that one or maybe two times I spent in the slammer AKA the drunk tank! 😆

Day two was pure magic as I boarded the Bernina Express in Chur. The train snaked through the Swiss Alps like a caffeinated serpent, eventually dropping me off in Milan, Italy. From there, I hopped on a quick train to Venice for the next two nights—more on that in another blog.

Behold—the most famous leg of the trip: the Bernina Express! Stunning views, dizzying mountains, and just enough adrenaline to make you question why you didn’t just stay home with Netflix.

Behold—the most famous leg of the trip: the Bernina Express! Stunning views, dizzying mountains, and just enough adrenaline to make you question why you didn’t just stay home with Netflix.www.youtube.com/@NorthAmericanDarrell

Consider subscribing as there are over 1500 travel videos and more added every week.

Some of the train tables had maps of the train routes in Switzerland. It was enjoyable to follow instead of constantly looking at my phone, which I probably would have done anyway. Here are some more videos, keeping in mind there are a lot more on my YouTube channel.

www.YouTube.com/@NorthAmericanDarrell

I only stayed one night in Switzerland between train days. There were many small towns along the way that were beautiful, but Chur was highly recommended. The Hostel was an old jail that I read about, and really neat to experience. All the doors were metal with heavy locks, and I wish those walls could talk.

Here is a walk around the amazing city of Chur, Switzerland, where I spent the night in jail. 😆

Swiss Railways: Trains, Mountains, and Obsessive Precision

Switzerland decided in the mid-1800s that it wasn’t going to let a few Alps get in the way of progress. The first line opened in 1847 between Zürich and Baden, and soon engineers were drilling tunnels, building bridges, and basically showing the mountains who was boss.

By the early 20th century, Swiss trains were punctual, efficient, and amazingly scenic, carrying passengers and freight across the country with clockwork precision. Today, the railways aren’t just transportation—they’re a national flex: ride a train, admire a glacier, and know that the Swiss probably have a spreadsheet tracking your exact arrival time.

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Munich 🍻Oktoberfest 2025!🍻

10/08/2025

by Darrell Accommodations Autobiography Europe Personal History Travel bucket list Travels Deals

When I realized my European adventure perfectly overlapped with Oktoberfest, I knew I was about to enter an adventure of epic proportions.

Step one: surrender to the siren call of beer tents, pretzels the size of my forearm, and lederhosen-clad revelers who move faster than logic allows.

Each beer tent was a chapter: the first introduced me to the sacred art of “prost” -ing strangers; the second tested my limits with bratwurst heavier than my backpack; the third… well, let’s just say gravity, hops, and I had a complicated conversation.

By the end of it, I had danced, sang, spilled, and cheered my way through the city. I emerged a wiser, stickier, and infinitely more entertained traveler, ready to continue my European quest. Oktoberfest didn’t just happen—it conquered me, one absurdly large beer at a time.

I figured getting to Munich for Oktoberfest would require strategic planning, so I made sure to stage myself nearby in the days leading up to opening weekend.

That “nearby” turned out to be Prague, Czech Republic, the week before—and it couldn’t have been easier.

Thanks to my Eurail pass and a reserved seat, the train ride was smooth, inexpensive, and almost luxurious compared to the chaos I knew awaited me in Munich. Little did I know, I was just a few hops away from becoming a full-fledged Oktoberfest warrior. 🍺

Captain Obvious alert: the beer tents were the best part. I wandered through three of the big ones, but spent most of my time at the massive Löwenbräu tent. The sing-alongs were pure magic—everything from Taylor Swift to Bon Jovi, and a few questionable karaoke choices in between. 🍺🎤

The crowd chants—“Oggy oggy oggy!” met with “Oi oi oi!”—followed by a rousing “Prost!” were absolutely unforgettable live. Honestly, it felt like being in a human blender of beer, music, and pure joy.

I could probably post a hundred pictures and videos, but who has that kind of time? Let’s just say, every snapshot screams: “I survived Oktoberfest and lived to tell the tale.”

For more Oktoberfest madness (and my epic camping adventure), head to my YouTube channel. You’re welcome.

www.YouTube.com/@NorthAmericanDarrell or by clicking the link below:

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Subscribe now or risk missing me almost getting lost in 1,500 plus uploads.

Accommodations for Oktoberfest were a bit tricky, but I ended up camping about a 30-minute train ride from the grounds. Perfect setup for the budget-minded traveler! They had single tents, double tents, and massive teepees with eight beds—basically a Bavarian version of “choose your own adventure.”

I went with the single tent—two nights for about $110 USD. Considering hotels were starting at $300 a night that weekend, I basically felt like I’d won the lottery. Simple breakfast included, plus a beer garden at the campground. And yes, there were plenty of RVs with German plates parked around—it looked like Oktoberfest on wheels. I half considered renting one and joining the mobile beer brigade. 🍺

The campground was like a state-run utopia for campers: spotless, orderly, and temporarily blessed with toilets and showers scrubbed multiple times a day. I timed it perfectly—striding in like a hero to claim the freshly sanitized throne and shower of destiny.

The Oktoberfest grounds and tents were massive—bigger than I ever imagined. Beyond the beer tents, there were rides, games, and food stands everywhere. In just two days, I managed to try five different German dishes—because, obviously, one can’t survive Oktoberfest on beer alone.

The Oktoberfest festivities literally take over Munich—and from what I hear, much of Germany. It’s an unbelievably proud tradition.

I met a guy who’s been pouring beers for over 40 years, with 30+ of those in this tent.

Honestly, I think that’s the pinnacle of German beer-pouring gigs! 🍺

The beer steins were all one liter each and cost about €16 (~$20 USD / $25 CAD). I could only handle two.

Asked around—apparently most locals manage 3–5. Incredible. 🍺💪

Oktoberfest history:

Oktoberfest started in 1810 as a royal wedding party for Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria—complete with a horse race. The party was such a hit that it became an annual tradition, eventually swapping horses for beer tents, carnival rides, and way too much food. Today, millions flock to Munich to drink liter-sized steins, eat giant pretzels, and stumble out of tents like proud, slightly tipsy Bavarians. Basically, it’s a royal wedding that got wildly out of hand—and somehow the world loves it.

Sept. 2025-Europe bucket list✈️🚅

08/23/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Buy me a beer Europe Lviv Spain Travel bucket list Travel memories Travels Deals Travels Stories Ukraine Wizz - AYCF!

I wrapped up my month-long European adventure in September 2025, and it felt like the right moment to take stock.

Once I got home, I updated the list with a fresh perspective, fewer expectations, and a little more honesty about what actually matters on the road.

Turns out, it worked out great.

Some boxes got checked.
Some stayed open.
And a few new ones appeared that weren’t even on the list to begin with.

Spontaneity is kind of the adventure, isn’t it?

The best part is realizing that no bucket list is crazy—as long as you’re willing to work toward it, tolerate the criticism, and put in the effort… all while actually enjoying the process.

And the criticism? That’s the funny part.

When people critique your life choices, it’s worth asking:
Is this really about you…
Or is it about them?

Because people living their own lives rarely have time to criticize yours.

If they criticize, tell them to take a look in the mirror, as there is something wrong with them.

Let’s review the September 2025 European adventure, now that the dust (and jet lag) has settled:

Fly from Phoenix to London on September 1st, and return from London to Phoenix on September 28th via Los Angeles

Nailed it.

Use my Wizz Air all-you-can-fly pass and a 7-day Europass

Worked exactly as planned (which still surprises me)

Get stuck in airports and/or train stations with no seat availability and “make the best of it

Shockingly… this never happened. Europe chose kindness

Another adventure of a lifetime!

Final score:
Plans made
Plans survived
Memories upgraded

Will do it again in the fall of 2026—zero contingency planning, and more trains.

The Europass cost $350 for seven days, which breaks down to about $50 per full 24-hour day.

For the flexibility it offered—multiple trains, zero stress about individual tickets, and the freedom to change plans on the fly—it was money well spent.

Here is my updated hit/miss bucket list updated:

Portugal (Faro, Lisbon, and Porto)

Coast of Spain (I have been to Madrid and Barcelona)

Octoberfest in Munich, Germany

Ride the train through the Swiss Alps

Poland

Prague

Take a short bus ride into Lviv, Ukraine

Southern Italy (I purposely missed a flight to Sicily)

I went to Venice instead

The coast of Croatia train tour into Eastern Europe

Iceland (Wizz flies into Reykjavik)

The Baltics (Hopefully Germany plus more)

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and

Sweden. (I had a flight booked to Stockholm but decided against it)

(I consider the plus more buckets in the fall of 2026 trip below):

Here’s an update on my Wizz Air All-You-Can-Fly (AYCF) pass, based on three separate trips to Europe over 12 months—

It 100% delivered on the spontaneous hype.

November 2024:

London, UK

Varna, Bulgaria

Budapest, Hungary

Vienna, Austria

Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE

London, UK (second time)

March 2024

London, UK

Barcelona, Spain

Madrid, Spain

Naples, Italy

Rome, Italy

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Athens, Greece

September 2025:

London, UK

Faro, Portugal (took train to Lisbon and Porto)

Warsaw, Poland

Reykjavik, Iceland

(Cancelled flights to Stockholm and Sicily)

Here are the train routes I took on the Europass:

Faro, Italy to Porto, Italy via Lisbon

Warsaw, Poland to Prague, Czeck

Prague, Czeck to Munich, Germany

Munich, Germany to Chur, Switzerland

Chur, Switzerland to Lucia, Switzerland

Lucia. Switzerland to Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland to Strasbourg, France

(Switzerland trip over two days including the famous Bernia Express)

Bernina Express | Switzerland Travel Centre

Strasbourg, France – Paris, France

Paris, France – London, England (Chunnel)

Previous European trains taken:

Madrid to Barcelona return on high-speed train

Naples, Italy to Rome, Italy

Paris, France – London, England (Chunnel)

Some ferries were included in the Europass that I never used:

Ferries in Europe | Eurail.com

Bucket Lists: Adulting with a To-Do List of Awesome

People make bucket lists because “someday” is never specific enough—and staring at the same couch for 40 years eventually loses its charm. A bucket list is basically a socially acceptable way to chase your wildest ideas without anyone demanding a permission slip.

It’s equal parts motivation and bragging rights. Whether you’re skydiving, eating gelato in Rome, or learning to surf, you get to cross it off, post the proof, and casually say, “Yeah… I did that.”

Bottom line: bucket lists exist to remind you that life is short, the world is huge, and your comfort zone is wildly overrated.

All you can fly! September 2025!!✈️

08/14/2025

by Darrell Europe Travel bucket list Wizz - AYCF!

This pass worked for me because it matched how I like to travel now—not how I used to think I should travel. I wasn’t trying to optimize every dollar or squeeze in as many flights as possible. I wanted movement, flexibility, and the freedom to change plans without feeling locked in.

The standby nature of the pass turned out to be a feature, not a flaw. It kept things light. I booked late, went where there was space, and let availability decide the route. That removed the pressure and made each trip feel more like an experience than a checklist.

It also fit my schedule and temperament. I don’t mind odd flight times, backtracking, or staying put an extra day if that’s how things unfold. That kind of loose structure wouldn’t work for everyone—but for me, it made travel feel spontaneous again.

Most of all, it worked because I’ve learned that I enjoy the journey more than the plan. Whether it was hopping cities, riding trains, or sitting in an airport with nowhere urgent to be, the pass supported that mindset. No rush. No maximizing. Just moving through places when the timing felt right.

I picked up the All You Can Fly pass from Wizz Air for €599 (£500), mostly because it promised something I’ve always liked—freedom without overspending. The catch was that flights run on a standby basis and can only be booked within 72 hours of departure, which sounds limiting until you lean into it.

Once I was registered, it turned travel into something lighter. Instead of planning months ahead, I’d check what was available, pack a bag, and go. It wasn’t about maximizing flights or hacking the system—it was about saying yes to movement, short trips, and places I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise.

The all-you-can-fly pass gave me the freedom to say yes more often—quick trips, last-minute plans, and places I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise.

I’ve come to appreciate that not everything in life needs to be permanent to be meaningful.

Some things are meant to be used for a while, learned from, and then set aside. The gear, the hobbies, the passes—they all mark where I was at a given moment. This one gave me movement, freedom, and a sense of possibility when that’s exactly what I was looking for. And like the others, it did its job. That feels like a good ending.

You only die once! Live life to the fullest!!

08/08/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Countries Freedom 50 Internet travel search tips Introduction Personal History Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories

Creating NorthAmericanDarrell.com is my way of sharing both my work and my personal solo travels. I’ve collected stories over the years that I’ve always wanted to tell, and it doesn’t really matter whether you’re friends, family, or someone who stumbled across the site by accident.

Some posts might help you save money. Others might give you an edge when planning your own travels. And some are simply experiences I felt were worth passing along.

One of the things our mom used to tell us kids was, “Live life to the fullest.” She’d often follow it up with, “And if they don’t like it, they can kiss my ass.”

It drove my sister and me crazy at the time. But looking back—and hearing ourselves say it now.

We finally get it. She was right.

That sentiment sits at the heart of this site. Not as advice, not as a challenge—just as an honest reflection on choosing a life that feels intentional, curious, and fully lived.

Take what’s useful. Ignore what isn’t.
And live it your way.

NorthAmericanDarrell.com exists to share real-world travel experiences, practical insights, and stories collected along the way.

The goal isn’t perfection or permission—it’s curiosity, independence, and living life to the fullest on your own terms. Some ideas may save you money. Others may challenge how you think about travel, work, or timing.

This approach won’t be for everyone—and that’s fine. This site is about choosing the path anyway.

Please also check out my YouTube channel by clicking

HERE

This site reflects how I try to live my life—curious, independent, and always moving while trying to save a nickel along the way.

Why NorthAmerican Darrell?

I call myself NorthAmerican Darrell because my life has never fit inside one border.

I was born in Edmonton, built much of my adult life in the United States, and now live in Mesa. I also rent a place in Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco), Mexico, which has become another home base when my AZ condo is rented, or I’m not traveling.

Canada, the United States, and Mexico aren’t just places I’ve visited. They’re places I’ve lived, worked, invested, and returned to—sometimes by plan, sometimes by instinct. Calling myself NorthAmerican reflects that fluidity. It’s less about nationality and more about movement, curiosity, and being comfortable living across borders without labels.

NorthAmericanDarrell.com is simply a reflection of that life—one shaped by three countries, a lot of miles, and the belief that home doesn’t have to exist in only one place.

People love to give Canada, the United States, and Mexico a bad rap. I see them differently. Each has flaws—no question—but they’re also full of opportunity, good people, and incredible places if you’re willing to look past the noise and the headlines.

So yeah, I consider myself an absolute North American legend
Not because I’ve mastered any one country—but because I’ve learned to appreciate all three.

Geoarbitrage! Retire sooner!!

08/07/2025

by Darrell Accommodations Travels Deals

Geoarbitrage refers to the strategy of relocating to a lower-cost area while maintaining the same income.

This allows individuals to stretch their dollars further. It involves taking advantage of differences in living costs between locations to maximize financial returns and purchasing power. This practice can significantly enhance personal finance management by reducing expenses and increasing savings.

I have used this concept throughout my life and now during my run at retirement!

I fell in love with the idea of making your money go farther!

Using my first experience with the concept

Geoarbitrage isn’t about chasing the cheapest place to live—it’s about aligning where you earn, where you spend, and where you invest.

In my case, moving from Canada to the United States created an immediate advantage. The currency exchange boosted my purchasing power back home by roughly 30%, while the role itself came with a higher salary and a relocation bonus.

The real leverage came from travel. Because I was on the road full-time and living off per diem, my personal expenses stayed low even as my income increased. That gap—higher earnings with reduced costs—is where geoarbitrage actually works.

Instead of inflating my lifestyle, I banked the difference and sent money back to Canada, where it went toward my first property purchase—paid in cash.

The takeaway is simple:
Geoarbitrage works best when you resist lifestyle creep, stay mobile, and think across borders instead of within them. The opportunity isn’t just where you live—it’s how you structure the entire system.

Another example, to a lesser extent.

I’ve lived in Arizona for the last ten years, and one thing that still stands out is how inexpensive fresh produce can be—especially if you pay attention to seasonality.

A simple example: avocados.

Geoarbitrage isn’t just about big moves like changing countries or jobs—it shows up in everyday life.

Living in Arizona, where produce is grown nearby, and the seasonal supply is high, means things like avocados can be cheap, fresh, and abundant. In Canada, the same avocado is often imported, older, and easily costs $2 or more—unless you’re in a very specific region.

That difference adds up fast if it’s something you eat regularly. The same goes for beer, fuel, housing, and utilities. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about geography.

Geoarbitrage works when you align your lifestyle with places that naturally support it, instead of fighting the math.

Small choices, repeated daily, are often more powerful than big financial hacks that will not expose you financially like a bad avocado in Canada.

An Everyday Example of Geoarbitrage

You probably drink coffee. I know I do—two cups every morning. You’ve also probably been to Starbucks more than once a year, or at least passed through places like Tim Hortons, Second Cup, or one of the countless pop-culture cafés that have become part of daily life.

Post-COVID, the math is pretty consistent:
A decent coffee runs $3–7 USD, and a breakfast pastry is another $3–4 USD. Totally normal. Totally accepted.

Now let’s change geography.

I had a favorite coffee shop in Lima, right next to my Airbnb in Miraflores—arguably the nicest area in the city. Every morning I’d go for a walk (easy to do year-round in Lima), stop in, and treat myself.

My order:

A fairly fancy mocha

A small breakfast treat

Often a fresh-pressed, organic juice

Total bill before tip (about 10% in Lima): under $5 USD.

(Try tipping 10% in America and getting out alive!)

For the same order at Starbucks or a similar café in the United States or Canada, I’d estimate the total would be around $14 USD, give or take a few dollars. And that’s without the ocean view—plus you’re probably wearing a heavy jacket and warming up your car for 30 minutes beforehand.

The arbitrage didn’t stop there.

On two separate trips to Lima, I never did laundry or shaved. Weekly laundry service—with overnight turnaround, folded and ready for the drawer—cost less than $2 USD. I also found a local barber (as I do in most low-cost cities) who gave me a hot shave and a trim for under $4 USD per visit.

Those prices barely cover the cost of a laundry pod or a single shaving cartridge back home.

The Lesson

Geoarbitrage isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about context.
The same lifestyle can cost dramatically different amounts depending on where you place yourself. When everyday expenses drop, quality of life often goes up, not down.

That’s the power of geography.

Geoarbitrage Taken to the Extreme: Asia

If you really want to see geoarbitrage at work, Asia is where the concept goes from interesting to undeniable.

People with income in USD, Euros, or Pounds regularly take advantage of this by living full-time or part-time in places like Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Colombia, Peru, and across Eastern Europe and Central America. Many do it on Social Security, CPP, or seasonal income—and they live extremely well doing it.

Now imagine this.

You’re living in a brand-new, furnished studio apartment with air conditioning, a full kitchen, hot water, reliable internet, and often a balcony view for your morning coffee or evening nightcap. Downstairs? A resort-style pool that makes hot days a non-issue.

You wake up without an alarm. Walk ten minutes to a gym that feels more like a resort—free weights, machines, pool, sauna, steam room. Afterward, you grab a massive garden-fresh salad and a freshly squeezed juice made right in front of you. Not shipped across continents. Not $25+. Just food.

Lunch happens while you work—or don’t. You walk home, drop your laptop, then head out again for dinner at either a local spot or a North American-style restaurant. After that, you meet friends—expats or locals—for drinks at a bar within walking distance. A good beer? Often under a couple of dollars.

Then you go to sleep.
No alarm.
Rinse. Repeat.

You stop thinking about money—not because you’re rich, but because you can’t realistically overspend. As long as you’re not living like a drunken sailor (different blog post ), it’s almost impossible.

What Does This Actually Cost?

In places like Thailand, Vietnam, Peru, Colombia, and the Philippines, this lifestyle typically runs $1,000–$1,500 USD per month. Many people do it for $700–$800 by living slightly outside city centers and cooking more at home.

That number is often less than a monthly pension or Social Security check. Some people split the year—six months abroad, six months back home—and still come out ahead.

Vietnam: A Concrete Example

Vietnam is one of the clearest examples I’ve experienced.

$500/month on a 6–12 month lease (slow travel) gets you an apartment with a pool and full gym

My month-to-month rent was about $300 USD (more expensive than long-term)

Pho: ~$2

Bánh mì: ~$0.85

North American-style meal (burger + fries): ~$5

Beer: ~$1

I could live comfortably under $1,000 USD per month.
Live very well at $1,500.
Live like a king at $2,000.

The Real Lesson

This isn’t about luxury.
It’s about leverage.

When your income comes from a strong currency and your expenses exist in a lower-cost environment, life opens up. Time, freedom, health, and choice replace budgeting apps and financial anxiety.

That’s geoarbitrage—taken to its logical extreme.

Here are some examples and an explanation of geoarbitrage from YouTube:

Here’s a great way to introduce YouTube examples of geoarbitrage for early retirement on your site — with context, value, and a smooth transition:

Geoarbitrage in Action: YouTube Examples That Inspire Early Retirement

If you want to see geoarbitrage in real life, there are a ton of great YouTube creators who explain how living abroad or in low-cost regions can accelerate retirement goals. Below are some channels and videos I recommend checking out — whether you’re curious about spending less, earning smart, or retiring early.

Recommended Geoarbitrage YouTube Examples

1. Nomad on a Budget
Focus: Living abroad cheaply while earning remotely or on savings.
What you’ll learn: realistic cost breakdowns in Asia, Central America, and Eastern Europe.

2. Retire Early Overseas
Focus: Retiring early in affordable countries.
What you’ll learn: how retirees use pensions, Social Security, or remote income for long-term low-cost living.

3. The Expat Money Show
Focus: finances for expats and digital nomads.
What you’ll learn: geoarbitrage basics, tax considerations, and investment strategies for location-independent living.

4. Cheap Living Abroad
Focus: detailed city guides and monthly budget videos.
What you’ll learn: exact prices for housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.

Why Watch These

Watching real videos from people doing this gives you:

Real cost comparisons between countries

Day-in-the-life insights (not just theory)

Budget breakdowns that reflect real choices

Inspiration for your own retirement or travel plans

Here are two of the many you’ll find with a simple search:

London, England pubs!🍻🐟🍟😎

08/03/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Freedom 50 London Travel bucket list Travels Stories United Kingdom Wizz - AYCF!

Getting to London from home in Phoenix is shockingly inexpensive on Norse Atlantic Airways.

And cheap flights change everything.

They turn vague ideas into actual plans.
Plans into movement.
Movement into blog posts…

…and, inevitably, into mildly annoying social media updates you didn’t ask for—but are definitely going to see anyway.

I wrote a full blog post about Norse that you can read by clicking HERE, because yes—cheap transatlantic flights are real, and no, it’s not a scam (I checked).

To get to LA cheaply, I use Google Travel, which I also blogged about HERE, because step one of international travel is not overpaying just to leave your own country.

And once you land? A proper plate of fish and chips with a cold beer at a London pub is way cheaper than you’ve been led to believe—especially if your reference point is North America, where you apparently need a small loan to eat out.

I was able to visit London twice in 2024 and I’m headed back again in September 2025. I’d been to London a few times before that, and it’s always been a great experience—familiar, lively, and endlessly walkable.

That said, it felt a little different this time. Landing without Queen Elizabeth II around gave the city a subtle but noticeable shift. London was still London, but the sense of continuity she represented was quietly gone.

On my last visit, I was just passing through on a layover. I took the train from Gatwick Airport into the city and hopped off at London Bridge station. Even with limited time, stepping into central London felt like reconnecting with an old friend—familiar streets, constant motion, and that unmistakable energy that never really shuts off.

London changes, but it somehow stays the same. That’s part of what keeps pulling me back with the inexpensive flights.

You can catch the Gatwick Express from the luggage area after clearing customs. 🛃

It is a hassle-free way to get to the action and back to the airport. Tickets are available online or on the platform for about $24 USD one way.

Just like everything else in London, Uber is very expensive!

After I got off the tube, I walked over to Tower Bridge, which was neat to see again—one of those sights that never really gets old, no matter how many times you’ve been to London.

And yes, London Bridge is right there too. I checked. I can confirm it was not falling down, falling down… despite what the song would have you believe 😄

These are a few shots I took of typical London pubs, which seem to exist on just about every corner. No matter the neighborhood, there’s always a local pub tucked into the streetscape—part gathering place, part landmark, part living room for the city.

One thing that always trips up visitors to London is traffic flowing in the opposite direction. It sounds obvious, but muscle memory is powerful. You’ll notice “LOOK RIGHT” painted at crosswalks for a reason—and I very nearly learned that lesson the hard way on my first visit.

London does its best to warn you. You just have to remember to listen… before stepping off the curb.

I was only in London overnight, with an early morning flight out to Istanbul. With an early bus ride back to the airport, there wasn’t much point in pretending it was a proper stay.

So I did what seasoned travelers do—I grabbed a short nap at the airport, watched the place slowly wake up, and had a quiet morning beer before settling in for the long flight to Turkey.

Not glamorous.
Not rushed.
Just one of those in-between travel moments that somehow stick with you.

If you want, I can also share maps or pub-crawl routes (historic, classic London, best for beer, etc.) to pair with your travels!

https://chatgpt.com/share/69477321-9558-800b-90da-9f39a9b228f9

Uruguay – ferry, bus from Buenos Aires!

07/27/2025

by Darrell AirBnb All you can fly Argentina Bunes Aires Freedom 50 Montevideo Travel memories Uruguay Volaris - AYCF!

As part of my 2024 trip—which took me through Central America and into South America—I made a stop in Uruguay. Getting there was easy and inexpensive thanks to a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires across the Río de la Plata.

It was one of those classic travel decisions: cheap ferry, new country, zero downside. So… why not?

That’s one of the underrated perks of slow travel—when borders are close, transport is affordable, and curiosity wins.

I did not know what to expect as I had not read much about Uruguay. It was just the fact that I was so close to getting to experience it, and I took advantage of dropping another pin on the map. 📍🌏

Montevideo has a great beach walk, very nice cobblestone downtown, and friendly people, but I do not need to go back. There was nothing that stood out like most Countries other than my Airbnb.

I have never experienced so much pride in the presentation of this place. Every little nook and cranny had something awesome displayed and check out the view from the bedroom!

The couple who ran the Airbnb were architecture lawyers from Argentina, and their background showed in every detail. Their shared love of music and antiques turned the place into an absolute gem—not flashy, just deeply thoughtful.

The lobby alone set the tone. A full wall of antiques, each piece clearly chosen with care, paired with calming music that made you slow down the moment you walked in. It didn’t feel like a rental—it felt like someone’s personal sanctuary that they happened to share.

It was one of those stays where the space itself becomes part of the travel experience. Honestly, that Airbnb left more of an impression on me than the city itself—and that says a lot.

There were hundreds and hundreds of trinkets throughout the property—every room, every corner, every shelf had something interesting to notice. During the day, jazz music played softly in the lobby, setting a calm, timeless mood. In my room, there was even a record player with a small collection of old jazz records. Sitting there, listening to vinyl and staring at the bookcase, felt almost meditative.

The Airbnb itself was about $25 a night, perfectly located between the main street and the ocean in Montevideo. You really couldn’t ask for a better setup.

It was hands down the best Airbnb experience I’ve ever had. Not because it was luxurious, but because it was thoughtful. Every detail felt intentional, personal, and cared for—and I’m genuinely glad I got to experience it. Some places stick with you because of what you see outside. This one stayed with me because of what was inside.

After spending the previous week in Argentina, the food scene in Montevideo was a bit of a shock—in the wrong direction.

Coming off Argentina’s absolute paradise of steaks, flavor, and value, these two meals were both underwhelming and overpriced. Not terrible in a dramatic sense, just disappointing enough that you immediately stop ordering food with any enthusiasm.

To be fair, I didn’t go to Montevideo for the cuisine—and after Argentina, that became very clear. Sometimes travel is about incredible meals. Other times, it’s about the place, the stay, and the experience around it.

I played it safe both times and ordered the house special, mostly because I honestly didn’t know what else to order.

On the left: two hot dogs buried under what felt like five pounds of cheese. Just… not good. At all.
On the right: a meat plate that ran about $50, and when I cut into it, it was practically raw.

After a week of steak perfection in Argentina, this was a rough landing. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I also wasn’t expecting hot dogs drowned in cheese or an expensive plate of meat that never met a grill properly.

It honestly may have just been bad luck both times. That said, after paying $50 for food that was raw and borderline inedible, I was beyond annoyed. I ended up calling my credit card company—and they refunded the charge without hesitation. It was the first time in my life I’d ever done that, which tells you how bad it was.

Thankfully, Montevideo redeemed itself in other ways. The city itself is relaxed and walkable, the coastline is beautiful, and that Airbnb more than made up for the food disappointment.

Between the thoughtful design, the music, the ocean proximity, and the price point, it was an incredible stay—especially considering how inexpensive it was. Sometimes travel works out that way: the meals miss, but the place, the vibe, and where you rest your head absolutely deliver.

A Brief History of Uruguay

Uruguay’s history is shaped by its position between two giants—Argentina and Brazil—and by centuries of struggle over who would control it.

Indigenous Roots

Before Europeans arrived, the region was inhabited primarily by the Charrúa people. They were semi-nomadic hunters and resisted colonization fiercely. Tragically, most of the Charrúa population was wiped out during the 19th century, making Uruguay one of the few South American countries with a very small remaining Indigenous population today.

Spanish vs. Portuguese Tug-of-War

Unlike much of South America, Uruguay wasn’t immediately colonized. Spain and Portugal both wanted it, largely because of its strategic location along the Río de la Plata.

Colonia del Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese in 1680
Spain countered by establishing Montevideo in 1726

For over a century, control of the region shifted back and forth between the two empires.

Independence & Artigas

Uruguay’s path to independence was complicated. The country’s national hero, José Gervasio Artigas, led resistance movements in the early 1800s, advocating federalism and local autonomy.

After periods of occupation by both Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay finally became an independent nation in 1828, largely as a buffer state to prevent conflict between its neighbors.

20th Century: Stability & Reform

In the early 1900s, Uruguay earned a reputation as one of the most progressive countries in the world:

Early adoption of free public education

Separation of church and state

Strong labor protections and social welfare programs

This era gave Uruguay the nickname “the Switzerland of South America.”

Dictatorship & Recovery

Like many Latin American countries, Uruguay experienced a military dictatorship from 1973 to 1985. Democracy was restored peacefully, and since then, Uruguay has been one of the most stable, democratic, and transparent nations in the region.

Modern Uruguay

Today, Uruguay is known for:

Strong democratic institutions

High quality of life

Liberal policies (early legalization of same-sex marriage and cannabis)

A calm, understated culture compared to its neighbors

It’s not flashy. It’s not chaotic. And for many people, that’s exactly the appeal.

Buenos Aires, Argentina! ⚽🏟️🤤🥩

07/26/2025

by Darrell AirBnb Argentina Bunes Aires Travels Deals

When I was laid off in February 2024, the very first thing I did was start planning a trip through Central America and South America. I’d been there before, but seeing South America again felt different this time—less rushed, more intentional, and exactly what I needed.

The journey started in Phoenix and unfolded like this:

Phoenix → Los Angeles 🚌

Los Angeles → Guatemala → Costa Rica → Peru ✈️✈️✈️✈️

Lima → Chile → Argentina → Uruguay → Guatemala → Los Angeles → Phoenix ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️

Along the way, I visited multiple cities in each country, took my time, and let the trip evolve as it went. Every stop had its own rhythm and personality.

That said, one place stood out enough that it deserved its own post: Buenos Aires.

There’s something about Buenos Aires—the food, the architecture, the pace of life—that makes it linger in your head long after you leave. So instead of trying to cover everything at once, I wanted to slow it down and give that city the space it deserves.

Buenos Aires, Argentina—It was absolutely unforgettable!

I took the bus to Los Angeles, then used my Volaris all-you-can-fly pass to work my way through Guatemala, San José, and on to Lima.

The pass costs about $200 per year and runs on availability. In real life, I’ve rarely had issues—if you’re flexible with timing and routing, there are almost always seats open.

It’s a perfect example of how cheap flights can unlock big trips. With a little patience, that single pass turns Los Angeles into a gateway to Central and South America.

Once you’ve paid the $200, the prices get kind of ridiculous. I could fly from Los Angeles to Guatemala for about $80. The same plane continues on to San José for another $30. I’d done both routes before, so I knew I could push as far south as Lima and then switch airlines.

From there, SKY Airline took me from Lima to Santiago, and then on to Buenos Aires—which was fantastic.

I hopped a ferry over to Uruguay for a few days, then back to Argentina, back to Lima, and finally used my Volaris pass to get the rest of the way home. The result: a surprisingly long, surprisingly affordable trip.

Now—let’s focus on Buenos Aires (BA), since the intro mirrors my Santiago, Chile post.

This was my $20-a-night studio in a high-rise near downtown Buenos Aires. The accommodations were cheap, the food was even cheaper, and the value was off the charts.

To get oriented, I jumped on the double-decker bus and knocked out all the tourist traps in one go—easy, efficient, and worth every peso.

When people think of legendary sports figures from Argentina, two names usually come to mind almost immediately:

Diego Maradona
and…
Jorge.

Yes—Jorge.

More formally known as Lionel Messi, whose full name is Jorge Lionel Messi. In Argentina, he’s earned the rare privilege of first-name-only status—right alongside Maradona.

Maradona represents the raw, rebellious, almost mythological side of Argentine football. Chaos, genius, controversy, and magic all wrapped into one flawed human.
Messi represents precision, consistency, and quiet brilliance. A machine built for beauty. Different eras, different personalities—but both are stitched deep into the country’s identity.

You don’t need to follow football closely to feel it here.

Murals.
Jerseys.
Taxi conversations.
Corner cafés with TVs permanently tuned to replays.

These men aren’t just athletes in Argentina—they’re cultural landmarks.

Maradona’s legacy is shouted.
Messi is spoken of with reverence.

For context, Maradona earned 91 international caps, scored 34 goals, and played in four FIFA World Cups. His crowning moment came in 1986, when he captained Argentina to victory in Mexico—delivering both the infamous “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” against England in the same match.

Messi’s story is different—longer, quieter, more surgical—but no less historic. His arc completed itself when he finally lifted the World Cup in 2022, cementing what many already believed.

Both were revolutionary in their own ways.

But as you walk the streets of Argentina, past walls covered in paint and memory, it’s easy to tell who the original folk hero was.

One name lives in legend.
The other lives in legacy.

Maradona…
and Jorge

I also visited Boca Juniors, the club that Diego Maradona helped turn into a legend.

Their home stadium, La Bombonera, is considered one of the most famous—and intimidating—stadiums in the world.

Even empty, it has a pulse.

The impossibly steep stands, the tight neighborhood pressing in around it, and the history baked into the concrete make it feel less like a stadium and more like a shrine. It doesn’t whisper; it hums.

You don’t need a match day to understand why Boca—and Maradona—mean so much here.
You just have to stand still and listen and watch the fans interact.

I toured the neighborhood and the La Boca football museum!

Club Atlético Boca Juniors is a professional sports club based in La Boca, one of the most iconic—and unapologetically colorful—areas of Buenos Aires. The club is best known for its men’s football team, which, since earning promotion in 1913, has never left the Argentine Primera División.

Boca Juniors is the most successful club in Argentina, with 74 official titles, including:

35 Primera División championships

17 domestic cup titles

Plus an honorary title awarded by the Argentine Football Association for Boca’s influential 1925 European tour, which helped put Argentine football on the global map.

Simply put, Boca Juniors isn’t just a club—it’s an institution.

Argentina is also famous for its steak and meat—very much in the same league as Brazil. And after touring La Bombonera, I had one of the best meals of my life.

I told the cook I wanted to try all the meats. He understood the assignment.

Sausage links.
Multiple cuts of steak.
A plate that arrived full… and disappeared even faster.

It was gone before I even thought to take a picture—which, honestly, might be the highest compliment of all.

I ate steak almost every evening in Buenos Aires, and the portions were massive. A proper steak dinner would run about $12 USD, and more often than not, I’d be eating the leftovers for breakfast the next morning.

What really stood out was how the steaks were served. They weren’t just slabs of meat dropped on a plate—they were layered with extras like eggs, tomatoes, and other simple additions that somehow made the meal even better. No fancy sauces, no nonsense. Just quality beef, cooked properly, and paired in a way that made every plate feel both affordable and unforgettable.

I know I took pictures of just about every meal, but somehow I can’t find them as of this post—which honestly might be a blessing. Some things are better remembered than documented.

Below are a few representative shots, along with an article that dives into why Argentine steak is often considered the best in the world. It comes down to the cattle, the grass, the simplicity, and the culture around cooking meat. After eating my way through Buenos Aires, I get it.

Some cities impress you.
Others feed you so well that they ruin steaks everywhere else.

Argentina is also known as a true mecca for meat lovers, and many people argue it produces the best steak in the world. After eating my way through the country, it’s hard to disagree.

From grass-fed cattle to unique cuts of beef and time-honored cooking methods, Argentine steak is a craft—from start to finish.

You can’t talk about Argentine steak without talking about the cows.

While Argentina is home to several cattle breeds, the best beef comes from cows that graze freely on the legendary Las Pampas.

So what exactly are Las Pampas?

They span roughly 750,000 square kilometers of vast, mostly flat grasslands, famous for a temperate climate that produces exceptionally nutritious grass. Cows here spend their lives roaming and grazing naturally, rather than being grain-fed in confined spaces. The result is beef that’s leaner, more flavorful, and widely considered healthier than many alternatives.

Then there’s the cooking.

Argentina’s signature Asado technique is simple, deliberate, and deeply respectful of the meat. No heavy marinades. No distractions. Just fire, salt, time, and experience. The goal is always the same: let the quality of the beef speak for itself.

From pasture to plate, Argentine steak isn’t just food—it’s culture.

If you want to go deeper into why Argentina is considered the global capital of steak, you can read the full article HERE, which breaks down the land, the cattle, the cuts, and the traditions that make Argentine beef so unforgettable.

After experiencing it firsthand, I get the hype.

Argentina doesn’t just serve steak—
it sets the standard.

Solo travel – don’t knock it, until you try it!

07/05/2025

by Darrell Airbnb recommendations Hostel recommendations Hostels Slow travel Travels Deals

rarely had great experiences traveling with other people—and yes, I fully understand that I’m the common denominator here. I’ve done the math.

That said, I genuinely don’t know how some people manage to travel together at all. Maybe they’re just comfortable arguing as a lifestyle choice. I’ve seen it. I still see it. Loudly. In public. Over nothing.

I was told more than once that I needed to change, adapt, or compromise… otherwise I’d end up traveling alone forever.

Well… look at me now.
It’s working out just fine.

Meanwhile, you’re still arguing about:

whose turn it was to plan

where to park

And why that restaurant you absolutely had to try is suddenly a disaster

Godspeed.

Some of my worst vacations were spent with other people.
Some of the best times of my life have been solo.

Watching grown adults bicker nonstop doesn’t look relaxing to me. I’ve been there. I’ve lived it. I’ve watched it unfold too many times to pretend it’s “part of the experience.”

Getting yelled at like a puppy in public while supposedly on vacation?

Yeah… HELL NO.

Solo travel isn’t for everyone.
But neither is forced compromise pretending to be a “great trip.”

Pick your chaos wisely.

So many people can’t even go out to dinner by themselves—let alone visit another country solo.

I honestly think solo travel (and yes, solo dining) is a skill. And like any skill, it has to be learned. This didn’t come naturally to me either.

It came from years of traveling for work. If you didn’t force yourself out of the hotel or apartment, you’d just stare at the same four walls every night. That gets depressing real fast. So I started going out alone—restaurants, cafés, even the movies.

Turns out, it’s kind of amazing.

No negotiating where to eat.
No waiting on someone who “isn’t hungry but might order something.”
No small talk when you just want to enjoy the moment.

And let’s be honest…

Not having to share popcorn is elite behavior.
Everyone wants the last handful. I’m just brave enough to admit it.

Solo travel isn’t lonely—it’s efficient.
Solo dining isn’t sad—it’s peaceful.

Once you learn the skill, it’s hard to give it up.

I recently came across an article on Hostelworld that inspired me to write more about my solo travel and hostel experiences. Their content does a great job digging into why hostels are such a natural fit for people traveling alone.

As of this blog, I’ve stayed in hostels in:

Thailand

Philippines

Vietnam

Cambodia

London

Austria

Bulgaria

Greece

Hungary

United Arab Emirates

United States

And my favorite Hawaiian island, Kona, multiple times

(I know I’m forgetting a few—so I’ll keep updating the list as I remember them.)

Hostelworld’s articles go much deeper into the why behind solo travel and hostel culture. If this topic resonates with you, their blog is well worth a read:

Solo Traveller Hostel Blog – Hostelworld Travel Blog

At the end of the day, being comfortable on your own isn’t lonely—it’s freedom. And once you get good at it, the world opens up in ways group travel never quite allows.

I’m just going to borrow a bunch of their fancy data and stack it up against my own travels—because honestly, it lines up way better than I expected.

First of all… how great is it that Japan ranks as the #1 solo-travel country?
I already booked a full month in Japan for February 2026, followed immediately by another month in South Korea. Complete coincidence, obviously. Totally not validating every life choice I’ve made. 😄

While I was bouncing around Southeast Asia, I had no idea how popular Japan was for solo travelers. Then I fell down the YouTube rabbit hole (as one does), and now I’m fully committed. The planning alone has me fired up—and that’s before I even land.

And here’s the kicker…

I’ve already been to 10 of the 16 countries on their solo-travel bucket list. I’ll knock out four more on my next two trips, which leaves just New Zealand and Iceland sitting at the top of the list—according to the “experts,” anyway. 😎

Not bad for someone who was once told they’d end up traveling alone forever.

Turns out, that wasn’t a warning.
It was a recommendation.

Let’s look at some of the stats on solo travelers from the Hostel World blog. These numbers help show just how big—and how legit—solo travel has become.

Whether you’re curious about who’s doing it, where they go, or why they love it, the data lines up with my own experience out on the road.

Below are the key takeaways from the blog, followed by how my travels stack up against those trends:

I know what you’ve probably been thinking since you started reading this—and trust me, I’ve been told the same thing more than once:

Aren’t you a bit old to be staying in hostels?

Maybe 🫡
But you’d be surprised by some of the experiences I’ve had.

Hostels aren’t just for 20-year-olds on gap years anymore. They’re full of solo travelers, digital nomads, long-term wanderers, and people who simply value connection over room service. Some nights it’s quiet, some nights it’s social, and some nights you end up in conversations you never would’ve had behind a hotel door.

Age matters a lot less when everyone’s there for the same reason: to see the world without overcomplicating it.

I 100% agree—the last thing I want is to make anyone uncomfortable during their travels. Because of that, I’ve developed a few personal rules when it comes to booking hostels.

First, I’ll always book a studio or private room if one is available. Having my own space matters to me now, especially after years of being on the road.

Second, I’ll only book a dorm room if a private option isn’t available or the price difference is completely out of line. In some countries, a single bunk bed can run $50+ per night—that’s $1,550+ per month—so you can imagine what studios or hotels cost in those same places.

I’ve also realized I’m far from alone in this approach. Especially in Europe, it’s common to see older travelers and even couples staying in hostels. Sometimes it’s a bunk, sometimes a private room, and occasionally a one-bedroom if the property offers it. The idea that hostels are only for twenty-somethings on gap years just doesn’t hold up anymore.

Another lingering stigma around hostels—and travel in general—is safety and comfort. In reality, modern hostels have come a long way: lockers, key-card access, privacy curtains, solid Wi-Fi, and thoughtful layouts are more common than not.

Like everything in travel, it comes down to choosing what works for you. Hostels aren’t about suffering through discomfort—they’re about flexibility, affordability, and meeting people on your own terms.

I’ve only had one truly bad hostel experience, and it happened in Orange County, California. It was bad enough that I left—and yes, I was refunded. That experience was enough for me to decide I’ll never stay in a hostel in California again. Lesson learned.

That said, let’s be real—how many people can honestly say they’ve also had a brutal stay at an expensive hotel? It happens. Price doesn’t guarantee a great experience, just like budget travel doesn’t guarantee a bad one.

If you’re a solo traveler, I genuinely hope some of this helps you feel comfortable trying it at least once. Start smart. Choose what fits you. Adjust as you go.

And if you need advice or have questions, I’d love to hear from you through the homepage contact.

Make it unforgettable—and affordable. 🤙🏻

There are a lot of reasons people choose to travel solo, but these are the top three that line up with mine:

Freedom of Choice

Every decision is yours—when to wake up, where to eat, how long to stay, and when to move on. No compromises, no negotiations, no group chats arguing about dinner plans. If something feels right, you go. If it doesn’t, you pivot.

Peace Over Compromise

Solo travel eliminates unnecessary friction. No bickering over directions, budgets, or schedules. No managing other people’s moods. What you gain instead is calm, clarity, and the ability to actually enjoy where you are without tension tagging along.

Growth Through Discomfort

Traveling alone forces you to engage—with places, people, and yourself. You learn how to solve problems, sit with silence, and be comfortable on your own. That confidence carries back into everyday life in ways most people don’t expect.

Solo travel isn’t about being antisocial or avoiding people—it’s about choosing intentional experiences over forced ones. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it changes everything.

Affordability + Built-In Community

Hostel travel makes everything more affordable—and it’s one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people along the way.

You’ll save significantly on accommodations, and food and drinks are often cheaper too—especially if there’s a shared kitchen or an on-site bar with hostel pricing. Even better, you’re surrounded by other budget-savvy travelers who are constantly exchanging real-time intel: what’s worth seeing, what’s overrated, how to get around cheaply, and where not to get ripped off.

Many hostels also offer discounted excursions, walking tours, and group activities that are both cheaper and more social than booking solo.

It’s not just about saving money—it’s about instantly plugging into a travel brain trust the moment you check in.

If you want, I can now:

write #2 and #3 to match your philosophy

make this funnier or punchier

or tailor it specifically to older solo travelers

You too can become a cheap travel nerd and travel the world solo!

AZ: PT home, PT Airbnb & FT awesome!

06/11/2025

by Darrell AirBnb Arizona Travels Deals

This is the large, heated pool and hot tub right at the front of the property. There’s also a smaller pool in the back, and my condo sits perfectly between the two—which is honestly the ideal setup. Maximum pool access, minimal effort.

This is the view the moment you walk in the front door.
Pools. Palm trees. Adult beverages.

That instant “I’m definitely not at work anymore” feeling never gets old.

And if you want to work from paradise, I’ve got that covered, too.

The setup includes a proper sit/stand desk and an ergonomic chair, so it’s an actual work-from-home space—not a balanced laptop on the couch pretending this is a fine situation. It’s comfortable, functional, and easy to settle into.

Now imagine the water-cooler conversations when people ask how work is going… and you casually mention sunshine, pools, and palm trees.

Yeah—those stories tend to make friends, family, and coworkers just a little jealous. 😎

Less than a 30-minute drive puts you at the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, where you’ll find one of Arizona’s coolest—and most unexpected—surprises: wild horses roaming freely along the river.

You can kayak, paddleboard, float, or just hang out by the water, and there’s a very real chance they’ll wander right past you like it’s no big deal. No fences. No zoos. Just horses doing horse things with desert cliffs in the background.

It’s one of those only-in-Arizona moments that sounds fake until you see it for yourself—and even then, it never really gets old.

Less than a couple of hours’ drive from Mesa puts you in Sedona—a place that almost doesn’t feel real the first time you see it.

The red rock formations are absolutely captivating. Whether you’re hiking, driving through town, or just pulling over to stare at the scenery, Sedona has a way of slowing everything down. The light changes constantly, the views never repeat, and it somehow feels both grounding and otherworldly at the same time.

It’s one of those places that makes you grateful you didn’t stay home—and a perfect reminder of how much variety Arizona packs into a short drive.

Book on Airbnb—or reach out directly for Friends & Family pricing—and come experience Arizona for yourself.

Beautiful landscapes, endless adventure, warm weather, and wide-open space are all waiting. Arizona is ready when you are. 🌵✨

Photo tour – Listing editor – Airbnb

Wide-open space, warm weather, endless adventure—Arizona is ready when you are. 🌵✨

My nephew and his GF visited from Canada and had an amazing adventure during their visit in the Spring of 2025!

Click below to book your stay or send me a PM from the contacts on the homepage with any questions.

Photo tour – Listing editor – Airbnb

There is nothing like the top off a Jeep and driving through the AZ mountains with the tunes cranked.

Arizona can fix this situation—at least temporarily—if you’re lucky enough to stay at my Airbnb.

Side effects may include:

Constant happiness

Hiking locally or a road trip to Sedona

Paddling the Salt River with the wild horses

Cold pool drinks by the pools

Planning another trip here before you leave.

Photo tour – Listing editor – Airbnb

Credit card points game – #winning!

05/28/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Asia Hawaii Internet travel search tips Travels Deals

I’ve been back and forth to Hawaii several times over the last few years, mostly by stacking credit card points and being flexible with travel dates.

At one point, I even worked remotely there for four months, which was every bit as amazing as it sounds. Same workday… wildly different backdrop.

A few of those trips were on Hawaiian Airlines, where I signed up for their credit card bonus on the plane (yes, that’s a thing). The offer was 70,000 points, with a $100 annual fee that was waived the first year. Between that bonus and flying back and forth—and hopping around the islands—I ended up with 100,000+ points without much effort.

That’s really the theme here:
nothing extreme, nothing fancy—just pay attention to opportunities, stay flexible, and let the math work in your favor.

Hawaii doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. With points, timing, and remote work, it can just be… life for a while. 🌴✈️

I’ve already burned some of the points over the last couple of years, but I still had 103,000 points sitting there—just waiting to be used.

So I put them to work and booked my February 2026 trip to Japan and South Korea.

And let me tell you… This booking is an absolute GEM.

This is exactly why I’m obsessive about points and flexibility. Credit card bonuses, strategic flights, and a little patience turned into a massive trip that would’ve cost a small fortune out of pocket.

Sunshine in Hawaii , neon nights in Tokyo , street food in Seoul
All powered by points.

That’s the game.

You read that correctly…

30,000 points.
Five bucks.
Plus tax.

That’s not a typo. That’s a credit-card-points mic drop. ✈️🔥

#NorthAmericanDarrell

This is where points nerd magic really paid off.

I was also able to transfer the remaining 7,500 miles from Hawaiian Airlines to Alaska Airlines to cover my flight from **Phoenix

So if you’re keeping score at home…

👉 Phoenix → Tokyo, Japan:
$11.20 total.

That’s not a typo.
That’s points, patience, and playing the long game.

This is why I preach flexibility, credit-card strategy, and thinking a few trips ahead. You don’t need luxury spending or manufactured nonsense—just consistency and timing.

Sometimes the best travel wins aren’t about where you’re going…
They’re about how little it costs to get there.

Norse Airlines – Inexpensive, but worth it!

05/26/2025

by Darrell Internet travel search tips Travels Deals

Pro Tip: Check Multiple Airports:

When you’re searching for flights, don’t just check your local airport:

Search multiple departure airports that Norse services:

(LAX, NYC, etc.)

Search multiple arrival airports that Norse services:

(London, Paris, Rome)

Search arrival for flexibility

Try flying into one city and out of another

I’ve saved hundreds doing arrive-one-place, depart-another trips — like flying into London and flying home from Rome.

It might cost $50 to get to another airport for departure, but you might also save hundreds.

Travel math doesn’t have to be mysterious.
It just requires flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to look past the first search result.
That’s how deals become stories… and how aisle seats become lifestyles.

Make sure you go to their website and sign up for their Tuesday takeoff mailer! This one starts with $129 to London to grab your attention.

They are always sending out teasers that may not fit your schedule, but you never know! I booked my return flight from Los Angeles to London for only $402 return! 👍🏻

Flying into one airport and departing from another airport would be more adventurous and possibly cheaper, too. Fly into Athens and leave from Paris, using Los Angeles as an example. I have blogged/bragged about the deals I have taken advantage of in the past using Norse Airlines:

These are the two one-way flights that I have already taken, which included a carry-on bag and a personal item:

LAX-LGW $109

(Los Angeles to London Gatwick)

FCO-LAX 216 Euro/USD

(Rome to Los Angeles)

If you’re interested, sign up for their weekly email. They send out a rundown of their best deals every week—you can do that by clicking HERE.

I love watching those prices drop!

My YouTube @NorthAmericanDarrell

05/26/2025

by Darrell Countries Internet travel search tips My Airbnb Slow travel Travel bucket list Travels Stories

I’ve technically had a YouTube account since 2011, but for most of that time I was just a viewer—no content, no audience, no plan.

When I started this blog in January 2025, my YouTube channel had one subscriber and one lonely video with zero views. That’s it. Nothing glamorous.

Once I started blogging, I decided to finally upload all the videos I’d been hoarding on old phones, hard drives, and cloud folders over the years—along with new clips from my travels. No strategy, no algorithm obsession… just hitting publish.

Slowly—but consistently—it started to grow.

As of 12/24/25:

1,675+ videos

~208 subscribers

150+ blog posts (and growing daily)

~242,000 total views, which honestly blows my mind

Building the YouTube channel has been just as fun as working on the blog. I embed videos directly into posts so readers can see places the way I experienced them, not just read about them. I’ve also organized the videos by country, so they’re easy to browse if you’re planning a trip or just wandering.

If you feel like it, I’d love the support—give me a follow or a thumbs up here:

Darrell – YouTube

No pressure. No expectations. Just sharing the journey.

Here is a cheat sheet to get a glimpse of my YouTube channel:

Click to subscribe to @NorthAmericanDarrell’s YouTube channel

Click to view a list of all the 850+ videos on the channel

Click to view a list of all the short videos on the channel

Click to view the fast-growing posts on the channel.

Click to view the playlist of all the videos broken down by Country.

Click to view the featured videos on @NorthAmericanDarrell YouTube channel

Please take the time to become a subscriber and ring that bell to see if I can grow my channel even more.

Darrell – YouTube <— clickity click

https://www.youtube.com/@northamericandarrell <— clickity click

Finding flight deals! It’s too damn easy!!✈️

05/16/2025

by Darrell Internet travel search tips Travel bucket list Travels Deals

I’m always hunting for a deal—and honestly, finding a cheap flight gives me an irrational amount of joy.

I’m always hunting for flight deals—and honestly, I still get a rush every time I find a good one. It never gets old.

The first place I always start is Google Flights. It’s the fastest way to see which airlines are running sales and which routes are suddenly cheap. It also gives you a big-picture view instead of locking you into one airline too early.

The first thing you’ll want to do is set your home airport and country. That part matters more than most people realize. I’ll often switch countries or check prices from different locations because many sites use cookies and regional pricing. Sometimes the same flight is noticeably cheaper just by changing where you’re “searching from.”

You can enter exact departure and return dates, but I usually leave them blank at first. I want to see what’s cheap before I decide when or where to go. Let the prices guide the plan, not the other way around.

Right now, I’m scanning flights for Europe and Southeast Asia, and starting with an open search gives me a much better sense of where the real deals are hiding before I narrow anything down.

That flexibility is where the magic—and the savings—usually happen.

My go-to search method

I usually leave the dates blank at first.

This gives me a high-level snapshot of the best prices available right now, which helps set expectations before I commit to anything. It’s especially useful when you’re flexible or just fishing for ideas.

When I was looking at Europe and Southeast Asia, this approach instantly showed me:

The cheapest round-trip prices

\Which cities were on sale

Which airlines were driving those deals

If a price catches my eye, I click into the city, and Google Flights shows:

The exact dates

The airline

How long is that price likely to last

From there, I either:

Book immediately, or

Take note of the price and keep checking until it drops closer to my ideal dates.

I will typically charge the flight to my PayPal credit card. That way, I can pay it off at the end of the month or make minimum payments and place it in the budget down the road.

If you’ve made it this far and are actually paying attention, you’ll notice a pattern: Asia prices were lower last year. That’s exactly why I keep checking and tracking them. Deals come and go—but trends matter.

Flights from Los Angeles to London are almost always a steal. It’s one of the most consistently cheap long-haul routes out there. One-ways are often under $200, and round-trips regularly hover around $500 on Norse Atlantic Airways.
I even spotted a $402 round-trip deal today, which is absolutely worth watching.

The tradeoff with cheap one-way tickets is simple:
You’re gambling on the return price.

Sometimes it works beautifully.
Sometimes it doesn’t.

That’s the cost of flexibility—but it’s also the upside. A one-way ticket gives you the option to:

Stay longer

Change countries

Or fly home from an entirely different city

That’s how one trip quietly turns into a bigger adventure.

In the end, it always comes down to:

Timing

Patience

And knowing when “good enough” is actually a great deal

I also have a bit of an ace-in-the-hole—a friend who can get me home on a buddy pass if things go sideways. Not mad about it.

Last time, she even snagged me an emergency exit bulkhead seat with extra legroom and free drinks. Honestly, that felt like winning the airline lottery without losing half in a divorce.

Moral of the story:
Always have a Plan B.
And if Plan B includes legroom and booze… even better.

A legend in my mind is the best way to describe it.

I think differently from most people!

I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and raised in the early eighties when life was simple. We rode our bikes, played outside, and didn’t have the internet and cell phones like kids today.

Canada was the only thing I knew until my first vacation to Southern California, Las Vegas, and Mexico in my early teens. My first memory of travel was falling asleep under the Christmas tree with the paper airline ticket after reading it 100s of times.

Yes, they used to have paper carbon copies of your actual legs of an airplane return trip, wild!

Just like now, I would tell anyone who cared about my travels (most didn’t and still don’t) that I was going to California, Acapulco, and Mexico (some things never change, LOL)! We drove all around Southern California into Las Vegas and then flew to Acapulco with those initial memories engraved in my mind forever.

Unimaginable at the time, I would later live in Southern California, Las Vegas, and now spend part of my time in Rocky Point, Mexico, and Mesa, Arizona, when I am not traveling. Looking back, I had a plan, and no matter what happened along the way, I would selfishly follow it, even if I didn’t know it at the time of my decisions.

The makings of a solo traveler!

After graduating from high school in Edmonton and trying a few things, my first break happened. I wanted to work with satellites for some unknown reason, so I enrolled in Telecommunications at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. It would take me three years to complete my two-year Telecommunications associate’s diploma. I was not the most dedicated student, to say the least, plus my favorite bar was just across the field, Ezzies.

The week before graduating from NAIT in December 1995, I would interview with Canada’s largest Company, Northern Telecom. Looking back, it was a miracle as I was in the bottom half of my class. I aced the interview, and it was the biggest break in my life! I was going to make $13.80 an hour from the part-time $5.50 I was making in 1995; life was good!!

I needed to relocate to Calgary, AB, and started on January 4th, 1996. Within a couple of years, I was traveling back and forth to our Richardson, TX head office, which is a suburb in Northern Dallas. It seemed that I was going there every month, making contacts while falling in love with the American dream. I would board a plane in freezing Calgary, and three hours later, I was wearing shorts! How awesome was that!!

After traveling back and forth, I met someone who was a flight attendant, which again was another sign of things to come.

Eventually, I was offered a job in Richardson, TX, given a work visa, and was traveling full-time.

I bring this up as looking back, she was a major part of my decision to move to the United States. Work would have me crisscrossing the United States and eventually internationally. My girlfriend would follow me and also fly me anywhere I wanted, whenever I wanted.

Holy shit, my dreams were happening! After a few crazy years, it never worked out, but I still thank her to this day when I ask for free flights, LOL. Thankfully, she has a great life raising twin boys along the way!

Little did I know, but these events would severely warp my crazy traveling mind into what it is today. A travel junky who cannot stay put and is always looking for a deal. I was turning into North American Darrell!

My next break was getting a job at PayPal after 18 years at my first job out of college. The job fell in line with my strong beliefs in managing money, so I could eventually travel. It was a great company, a shitty call center job, but it showed some additional money management skills learning through others.

I would get yelled at via email, chat, or on the phone by people being broke-ass douchebag, not being able to manage their money. I could have also easily moved up and might still be employed, but I just didn’t have the piss and vinegar needed. I had health insurance and investments in place, and I was burning time for the Freedom50 traveling dream.

Fast forward, and I was laid off for the second time by a greedy corporation.

Northern Telecom after 18 years in 2014, and now PayPal, 7 years in 2024, 25+ years of service gone after both started cleaning house. Here I was in 2024, unemployed, 52, single AF. I was somewhat financially stable and able to travel whenever and wherever I wanted, again. I started looking back on previous decisions in life.

Almost everyone had a kid, and grandkids, worked 9-5, took their one-week all-inclusive vacation, and spent the summers at the lake. They were living the life we were taught to live by generations. You’re supposed to get married, have 2.5 kids, live in a house with a white picket fence, pay a mortgage, be in debt, retire, and then die. That is just how it works out for the majority of people, and there is nothing wrong with it, but again, I am just different.

Statistically, if you’re a man, you die when you’re 73, if I am lucky to make it that far.

That gives some people 5-10 years of retirement, depending on their health, after working their whole life. I watched it happen over and over in my Telecom career while losing so many family members at a young age as well.

Should I have kept my houses in Edmonton, Atlanta, and Charlotte, where I had some stability?

My first 2,400-square-foot Edmonton house that I designed and built did not have a mortgage. I was able to pay cash from my work travels. I would have been set with no mortgage, surrounded by my friends and family, living like a normal person. I didn’t even use one of the three bathrooms before I sold it, FFS!

Who in their right mind would move on from that situation?

I could have also settled in other amazing cities that I worked in long-term (Calgary, Dallas, Southern California …)

What about all the other shorter stops along the way (Las Vegas, Austin, San Antonio, Mexico City, Acapulco, and even Brazil)? I had corporate condos for months at a time, met some women and friends, and had a good job opportunity to possibly settle down. There were also so many amazing situations in their way, and I still think about all of them from time to time. I am slowly convincing myself that as we get older, life is a mirage, and we see it the way we want.

Instead, I settled into my small, turnkey, mortgage-free condo that I Airbnb in AZ in 2015 for the long run.

I have always wanted to blog about my travel years of work and personal travel. This is the second attempt, so here we go, again! I hope to share my idea of inexpensive travel through slow travel and geoarbitrage blogs.

Slow travel is a deliberate, unhurried approach to exploring destinations, emphasizing meaningful experiences and cultural immersion. Think of it as living like a local on vacation, where your dollar goes a lot further, geoarbitrage.

Welcome to NorthAmericanDarrell.com LFG!

Rocky Point, Mexico 🌮Taco Tuesday🌮

05/14/2025

by Darrell Accommodations Airbnb recommendations Mexico Rocky Point

Celebrated Taco Tuesday the only responsible way—fish tacos to start, hard-shell chicken tacos to finish, and absolutely zero regard for sequencing, nutrition, or personal dignity.

If this is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Taco Tuesday went off the rails with beers, the Oilers are winning, and I’m dangerously close to texting people I shouldn’t.

Pray for me. 🙏

Suddenly, I’m pacing, yelling at the TV, talking to tacos like they understand hockey

LFG tacos and burritos.

LFG, whatever this version of adulthood is..

Wing Wednesday hits are different when you are at the beach on that glorious Humpday!

The Edmonton Oilers knock out Vegas and are headed to the Western Conference final!

A City that never sleeps?

Goodnight Vegas!!

Wizz Airlines – all you can fly update …

05/10/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Internet travel search tips Travel bucket list Travels Deals Wizz - AYCF!

In September 2024, I bought a one-year all-you-can-fly pass with Wizz Air for about $499 USD/EUR (they were basically at par at the time).

It was absolutely a leap of faith, considering you have to actually get to Europe before the pass is worth anything. But I made it work—three separate trips to Europe in twelve months, all on Norse Airlines, paying anywhere from $109 to $250 one-way out of Los Angeles.

That alone made the pass viable.

I ended up booking 24 flights on the Wizz pass—roughly $23 per flight—and cancelled four of them as plans changed, which is kind of the whole point of traveling this way.

I didn’t renew the pass for 2026. I’m taking a year off. Not because it wasn’t worth it—but because I squeezed the hell out of it.

High risk? Maybe.
Great value? Absolutely.
Would I do it again? Ask me after I get bored.

The part I enjoy most about the pass is the pure spontaneity. I log in, look at availability, and suddenly I’ve got 52 countries staring back at me like, “Pick one.”

There’s a three-day booking window, which means I could be leaving the same day or within the next few days. No overthinking. No long-term planning paralysis. Just momentum.

I paired the pass with a Eurail train pass on my third trip, making it even more convenient to decide between flying or taking the train.

I found myself canceling flights and taking the train as I blogged about HERE.

Here is a list of the Countries available for booking:

Visiting Mi casita in Rocky Point Mexico!

04/23/2025

by Darrell All you can fly Rocky Point Wizz - AYCF!

I took the shuttle from Phoenix for $55, and it dropped me off down the street from my casa, which is perfect. It takes me about four hours to drive door-to-door from my condo in Mesa. The shuttle leaves from West Phoenix and takes about the same time. The USA van takes you to the border, and you walk across, and the Mexican van is waiting. It works out perfectly!

I keep my truck here as it is only $175 a year to insure and inexpensive to maintain. It is a 2003 F-150 I bought off the showroom floor, so I don’t want to let it go. Any major issues will be the end in the United States. My mechanic here is a tenth of the price, so it is a good place to try to keep it on the road. I only drive it around town, which should keep it going for a long time.

When I arrived, my landlord greeted me with a high five. It always feels so good to open that door, as it feels like home.

I have everything I need here to live a simple life. Comfy bed, beer fridge, grill, office, and a 55″ TV all for $150 a month.

I have zero issues keeping it empty most of the year. It is here when my AZ Airbnb is rented or when I want to just get away.

I always have a couple of first stops to see local faces and grab some of my favorites when I come to town.

I had my favorite chicken enchiladas with green sauce (pollo enchiladas verde.

Lower prices, oceanfront beers, playoff hockey, and everyone always has a great time!

2-for-1 wings!

The most famous restaurant in Rocky Point is Pollo Lucas (Lucas Chicken). It is a short ten-minute walk from my pad, and it is amazing.

You can order 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or the whole chicken and eat it or take it to go.

Each order comes with onions and lettuce, with the awesome homemade salsa and tortillas.

I get the 1/4 chicken for 65 pesos, which is $2.50 for the best lunch ever! The half chicken is $120 Pesos, which can feed two people easily for $6 USD. The whole chicken can feed larger families for about $12 with all the fixings!

Friday nights are surf and turn night at my local watering hole down the street.

The price cannot be beat, as that was $15 USD with a draft beer and hockey.

$150 a month rent easily explains why I have been renting here for over 7 years! Awesome setup!!

Naples, Italy – Pompeii Museum

04/15/2025

by Darrell Accommodations Italy Travels Deals Travels Stories

Look for the cost, accommodation, and how to get there cheap at the bottom of this blog!

I am the first to admit that I knew very little about the history of Greece and Italy until my visit in the spring of 2025. Due to rain, I did not make it to the actual city, so this post will be dedicated to the Pompeii Museum in Naples, Italy.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. This article is about the ancient city of Pompeii. For the Classical Roman leader, see Pompey. For the Roman family, see Pompeia gens. For the Pacific Island, see Pohnpei.

Largely preserved under the ash, Pompeii offers a unique snapshot of Roman life, frozen at the moment it was buried, as well as insight into ancient urban planning. It was a wealthy town of 10,000 to 20,000 residents at the time it was destroyed. It hosted many fine public buildings and luxurious private houses with lavish decorations, furnishings, and artworks, which were the main attractions for early excavators; subsequent excavations have found hundreds of private homes and businesses reflecting various architectural styles and social classes, as well as numerous public buildings. Organic remains, including wooden objects and human bodies, were interred in the ash; their eventual decay allowed archaeologists to create molds of figures in their final moments of life. The numerous graffiti carved on outside walls and inside rooms provide a wealth of examples of the largely lost Vulgar Latin spoken colloquially at the time, contrasting with the formal language of classical writers.

Following its destruction, Pompeii remained largely undisturbed until its rediscovery in the late 16th century. Major excavations did not begin until the mid-18th century, which marked the emergence of modern archeology; initial efforts to unearth the city were haphazard or marred by looting, resulting in many items or sites being damaged or destroyed. By 1960, most of Pompeii had been uncovered but left in decay; further major excavations were banned or limited to targeted, prioritized areas. Since 2018, these efforts have led to discoveries in some previously unexplored areas of the city.

Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, owing to its status as “the only archaeological site in the world that provides a complete picture of an ancient Roman city.

It is among the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, with approximately 2.5 million visitors annually.

Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 CE. The volcanic debris covered the city, burying it beneath a blanket of ash and pumice.

Following its destruction, Pompeii remained largely undisturbed until its rediscovery in the late 16th century. Major excavations did not begin until the mid-18th century, which marked the emergence of modern archeology;[5] initial efforts to unearth the city were haphazard or marred by looting, resulting in many items or sites being damaged or destroyed.[6] By 1960, most of Pompeii had been uncovered but left in decay;[7] further major excavations were banned or limited to targeted, prioritized areas.

Since 2018, these efforts have led to discoveries in some previously unexplored areas of the city.

Less than ten years ago, which is what made this museum so fascinating to me. Here is the entrance:

I must have taken over a hundred pictures and videos, as everywhere you looked was incredible.

Here are some favorite pictures, a nd you can find all of the pictures here:

One of the most incredible things about Pompeii is that they are still discovering new things as they continue to roll back time, excavating the site.

The ruins at Pompeii were first discovered late in the 16th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Herculaneum was discovered in 1709, and systematic excavation began there in 1738. Work did not begin at Pompeii until 1748, and in 176,3 an inscription (“Rei publicae Pompeianorum”) was found that identified the site as Pompeii. The work at these towns in the mid-18th century marked the start of the modern science of archaeology.

Here is a recent article I found that explains they are still discovering ruins:

Archaeologists make a breakthrough as life-size sculptures are discovered in a Pompeii tomb

Archaeologists make a breakthrough as life-size sculptures are discovered in a Pompeii tomb

Visitors to the site of Pompeii, the ancient Roman town buried (and so preserved for thousands of years) by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, don’t often think to look beyond the city walls. And it’s easy to understand why: there’s plenty on offer within this monumentally well-preserved town, from jewel-like wall paintings of myths and legends like Helen of Troy, to the majestic amphitheatre and sumptuously stuccoed baths.

But step outside the gates for a moment, and you’re in a very different – yet no less important – world.

For the ancient Romans, the roads and paths leading into and out of cities were crucial: not just for getting places, but as a very real kind of “memory lane”. Tombs lined these ancient byways – some simply bearing inscriptions to the memories of loved ones lost, others, more grand, accommodating space for friends and family to feast in remembrance of the dead.

Some of the tombs even address the passerby directly, as if their occupant could speak again, and pass on what they’ve learned. Take one Pompeian example, set up by the freedman Publius Vesonius Phileros, which opens with ineffable politeness: “Stranger, wait a while if it’s no trouble, and learn what not to do.”

Going into Pompeii, and leaving it, was about being reminded of ways of living and ways of dying – as well as an invitation to tip your hat to those who trod the path before you, and to learn from their example.

Click the link to read the entire article.

During my travels, I try to balance the cheap, thrifty and going for it while trying to remain on budget. It normally makes me feel like I missed out when leaving a new City/Country.

Rain or Shine, I will visit Pompeii as I missed out. I will share some sweet dance moves too! 🕺

How to get to Italy, cheaply: I recommend flying Norse Airlines from Los Angeles to Rome for $220. You can get to Los Angeles cheaply from anywhere in Canada and the United States using Google Travel. Consider staying in LA a day or two, doubling up your vacation, and saving a ton of money. It is a quick ~$13 train ride from Rome to Naples. Keep in mind that the high-speed train can be very expensive, so check out the milk run to see the countryside.

Where I stayed: Hopestel Secret Garden. It was a great hostel in a historic building in the city center. I paid $28 euros / USD 30 a night, which is spectacular for Naples City center. There are also studio rooms that can be rented for about $12,5, which is also a steal in the area.

The best local beer and meal: PIZZA! It was a no-brainer since Napoli is where pizza was invented. I tried several different variations and washed it down with a local Ichnusa unfiltered brewski, which hit the spot every time.

Would I return? 100% YES! I missed the most important historical area due to rain, Pompeii.

Three months looking out windows!

04/13/2025

by Darrell Accommodations AirBnb Asia Barcelona Europe HCMC / Saigon Italy London Madrid Rome Singapore Spain Thailand Travel bucket list Travels Deals Travels Stories Vietnam Wizz - AYCF!

I left Arizona on January 12th and didn’t return until April 7th, 2025, heading first to Vietnam and then bouncing across the globe. In order, I visited:

Vietnam → Cambodia → Thailand → London (twice) → Singapore → Greece → Turkey → Egypt → Italy → Spain

Eight of those ten countries were brand-new pins on my map, which made the whole thing feel even more unreal.

I spent the first three months slowly moving through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. After that, I flipped the switch and went full chaos mode with my all-you-can-fly pass—whizzing (Wizz Air style) through London, Singapore, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, and Spain.

Here’s the actual chain of planes, trains, ferries, and buses that somehow all worked:

Phoenix → Los Angeles
Los Angeles → Singapore
Singapore → Saigon (HCMC)

Saigon → Nha Trang
Nha Trang → Huế
Huế → Da Nang
Da Nang → Hoi An
Da Nang → Saigon
Saigon → Phú Quốc
Phú Quốc → Saigon

Saigon → Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh → Siem Reap
Siem Reap → Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat → Bangkok
Bangkok → Koh Tao
Koh Tao → Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan → Koh Samui

Koh Samui → Bangkok
Bangkok → Singapore
Singapore → Athens

Athens → Istanbul
Istanbul → Princess Islands (day trip)
Istanbul → London
London → Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh → London
London → Naples
Naples → Rome

Rome → Madrid
Madrid → Barcelona
Barcelona → Madrid
Madrid → Rome
Rome → Los Angeles
LAX → Phoenix

(That doesn’t even include all the local buses, metros, tuk-tuks, and 25+ ride share ((Grab/Uber/Bolt/InDrive)) rides along the way.)

Three months in Southeast Asia.
Then a rapid-fire lap through Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

It sounds insane written out like this—and honestly, it kind of was.

But that’s part of the fun.
And after traveling like this for three straight months…

Sometimes all you can do is drop a blog and watch miserable people be jealous.

This was, by far, the longest—and most expensive—trip of my life.

I blew through my budget. And once that happened, I made the call to keep going anyway, because I was already there. I ended up canceling my Eurail pass and coming home three weeks early to stop the financial bleeding.

At the time, I didn’t think I’d ever use my all-you-can-fly pass again, so I went into “see everything now” mode and stacked as many countries as I could. I still missed a few, which means there’s a pretty good chance I’ll give it one more run someday—especially since I’m not renewing the pass.

And here’s the truth:

I have zero regrets about spending money on travel.
Not at the end of this trip.
Not at the end of any trip.

What I do have is better awareness.

Travel is worth it.
The memories are worth it.
The experiences are worth it.

I just need to be smarter next time in Europe and use train travel—pace it better, plan a little tighter, and learn from the mistakes without losing the magic.

That’s not regret.
That’s learning and sharing.

01/15 – Tokyo, Japan

01/23 – Cebu, Philippines

02/10 – Hong Kong

02/19 – Siquijor, Philippines

02/29 – Siargao, Philippines

03/07 – Cebu lease expires → TBD

Shinkansen: The Japanese bullet trains

Using the Japan Rail Pass

Types of bullet trains

Shinkansen lines

2025: My first full year taking a run at retirement!

2026: Already Booked (Of Course It Is!)

Why NorthAmerican Darrell?

An Everyday Example of Geoarbitrage

The Lesson

Geoarbitrage Taken to the Extreme: Asia

What Does This Actually Cost?

Vietnam: A Concrete Example

The Real Lesson

Geoarbitrage in Action: YouTube Examples That Inspire Early Retirement

Recommended Geoarbitrage YouTube Examples

Why Watch These

Indigenous Roots

Spanish vs. Portuguese Tug-of-War

Independence & Artigas

20th Century: Stability & Reform

Dictatorship & Recovery

Modern Uruguay

Today, Uruguay is known for:

Strong democratic institutions

High quality of life

Liberal policies (early legalization of same-sex marriage and cannabis)

A calm, understated culture compared to its neighbors

Hostel travel makes everything more affordable—and it’s one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people along the way.

You too can become a cheap travel nerd and travel the world solo!

My go-to search method

My Airbnb in Mesa, AZ. BOOK IT!!