If you’ve ever dreamed of a once-in-a-lifetime African safari, this is the itinerary to inspire it all. Our 13-day babymoon adventure took us across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania with unforgettable moments like trekking with mountain gorillas, watching lions feast in the Serengeti, and waking up to breakfast with giraffes at the iconic Giraffe Manor. It was the trip that turned our travel dreams into reality during one of the most emotionally intense seasons of our lives.

If you’ve followed our international adoption story, you may already know pieces of this adventure. But today, I’m sharing the full journey, including the most unexpected twist of all: discovering I was pregnant while waiting to bring home our daughter from South Africa and ultimately giving birth abroad during our adoption travel. Yes, you read that right… I gave birth in South Africa while finalizing our daughter's adoption. It wasn’t part of the plan, but looking back now, I wouldn’t change a thing.

When I dreamed of going on safari in Africa, I imagined the sweeping plains of the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration, but chimpanzee trekking in Uganda quickly became just as unforgettable. As international travel resumed in 2021, we made our bucket list safari dream a reality and added an unforgettable detour: trekking with chimpanzees and gorillas in Uganda. One of the absolute highlights of our entire trip? Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, a lush rainforest in southwestern Uganda known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” Home to over 1,500 wild chimpanzees, Kibale offers one of the best and most accessible chimp tracking experiences in all of Africa.

Looking for the best things to do in Istanbul? This vibrant city is the perfect introduction to Turkey and a destination that should be on every travel bucket list. Stretching across both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a unique blend of history, culture, and modern energy that makes it one of the most captivating cities in the world. We visited Istanbul in the middle of our 11-day Turkey itinerary and immediately fell in love with its stunning architecture, incredible food, and layered history. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, here are 12 unforgettable experiences you must include when visiting Istanbul.

Have you ever dreamed of wandering through ancient cities, floating in the Dead Sea, or sailing down the Nile? This 13-day Jordan and Egypt itinerary combines the best of both countries from Petra to the Pyramids to the Red Sea and more for the ultimate Middle East adventure. From ancient ruins to vibrant markets, this itinerary is packed with bucket-list experiences for culture lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers alike.

Planning a two-week trip to Southeast Asia and dreaming of visiting Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat? You don’t need to dedicate several days to experience this bucket list wonder if you are short on time! With early morning flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap, a one-day trip to Angkor Wat is not only possible, it’s an unforgettable adventure.

Bangkok is the perfect starting point for many trips to Thailand, and it was the launchpad for our 13-day holiday in Asia. From dazzling temples and floating markets to rooftop bars and world-class street food, this energetic capital city offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re visiting Bangkok for the first time or returning for another adventure, here are 10 unforgettable things to do in Thailand’s bustling capital city.

Looking for the best Bangkok day trip to escape the city and explore Thailand’s cultural treasures? Our full-day private tour with Mandy from BangkokGuideSmile was the perfect mix of local flavor, iconic markets, and ancient history, including the famous Railway Market, the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and the stunning temples of Ayutthaya. Whether you're visiting Bangkok for a few days or planning a full Thailand itinerary, this tour is the ideal way to make the most of your time.