Expert Vagabond

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Destinations
    • All Travel Blogs
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Caribbean
    • Central America
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Middle East
    • Polar Regions
  • Travel Tips
    • Best Travel Tips
    • Find Cheap Flights
    • Book A Hotel
    • Travel Safety Guide
    • Get Travel Insurnace
  • Gear Guides
    • Ultimate Packing List
    • Best Travel Backpacks
    • Best Travel Cameras
  • Living Abroad
    • Digital Nomad Tips
    • Best Travel Jobs
    • Moving To Europe
    • Get An EU Passport

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Destinations
    • All Travel Blogs
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Caribbean
    • Central America
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Middle East
    • Polar Regions
  • Travel Tips
    • Best Travel Tips
    • Find Cheap Flights
    • Book A Hotel
    • Travel Safety Guide
    • Get Travel Insurnace
  • Gear Guides
    • Ultimate Packing List
    • Best Travel Backpacks
    • Best Travel Cameras
  • Living Abroad
    • Digital Nomad Tips
    • Best Travel Jobs
    • Moving To Europe
    • Get An EU Passport

×
Home

Hitchhiking America: Captain Kitty Litter & The Motorcycle (Part 5)

August 26, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

idaho hitchhiking david XL

This update has me quickly passing through Idaho heading East on my way to Montana. I encounter my first weirdo and hitch a lift on a motorcycle.

Hitchhiking America: Hot Tubs, Cookie Bribes, & Pancake Sandwiches (Part 4)

August 15, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

washington northbend hitchhiking matt

My hitchhiking adventure speeds up as I randomly run into old friends, make some new ones, and discover pancake sandwiches. The best invention ever.

Hitchhiking America: Surfing Couches In Seattle (Part 3)

August 8, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

seattle pier bike XL

On my way through the state of Washington I hitched a ride on a bicycle, couchsurfed in Seattle, and was invited to a fairy festival in the woods.

Hitchhiking America: Hopping A Freight Train (Part 2)

July 29, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

kelso train boxcar

Initially I was planning to head East, but wound up hopping a freight train out of Portland that took me North instead. This is how it all went down...

Hitchhiking America: A Slow Start In Oregon (Part 1)

July 22, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

After starting my big hitchhiking adventure 5 days ago on Pacific coast in Oregon, I still haven't left the state! Here's what's happened so far...

Hitchhiking Across America: One Ride At A Time

July 17, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

Hitchhiking the United States

Is hitchhiking still possible in the United States? Is it safe? Follow along for 4-5 weeks as I attempt to hitchhike my way across America from coast to coast.

Blessed By A Monk: Getting A Magic Sak Yant Tattoo

June 20, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

Sak Yant Tattoo Experience

Over 40 people watched in silence as a Thai monk repeatedly penetrated my flesh like a sewing machine. His needle sent waves of hot searing pain into my back.

Why "Luggage Class" Is Much Better Than First-Class

May 13, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

krabi bus

Have you ever traveled luggage-class before? It's like a billion times more awesome than first-class! These are just some of the reasons why.

How To Find Cheap (And Free) Travel Accommodation

March 13, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

Cheap Travel Accommodation Tips

Cheap travel accommodation is available around the world -- you don't need to pay for expensive hotels. Check out these affordable (and free) sleep options to save money on your trip.

Running With Mexico's Tarahumara Indians

March 7, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

Tarahumara running matt

Tarahumara runners are some of the best long-distance marathoners in the world. While exploring Mexico's Copper Canyon, I attempted to go running with them.

Inside The Notorious Darien Gap (Photos From The Jungle)

February 26, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

Darien Embera indian house

The Darien Gap is a remote, roadless swath of jungle on the border of Panama & Colombia. Known as a smuggling corridor between the two, it's rarely seen by outsiders.

Meet Petra: The Woman Who Lives In A Cave

January 30, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

creel tarahumara cave petra

A fascinating visit inside one of the indigenous Tarahumara caves in Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains. It's quite cozy & comes with everything you need.

YouTube Travel Videos: 30 Best Vlogging Channels To Follow

January 21, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

Best Travel Youtubers Guide

Check out these amazing YouTube travel videos from around the world. These travel vlogging channels will inspire you to explore new countries and cultures.

All Aboard! Exploring Mexico's Copper Canyon by Train

January 7, 2013 by Matthew Karsten

Copper Canyon Train

Join me for a scenic ride through Northern Mexico's most rugged & beautiful landscapes on "El Chepe" -- the Copper Canyon train.

Pura Vida! 15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Costa Rica

October 10, 2012 by Matthew Karsten

Costa Rica Photography

Costa Rica is a vibrant country full of incredible natural beauty like waterfalls, jungles, volcanoes, and wildlife. It provides many opportunities for stunning photography!

iSimangaliso Kayak Safari: Crocodiles, Sharks, & Hippos!

July 28, 2012 by Matthew Karsten

The St. Lucia estuary is filled with some of Africa's most dangerous animals. Paddling kayaks through it on safari is probably one of the craziest things I've ever done.

The Day I Was Kicked Out of a Panamanian Village...

July 8, 2012 by Matthew Karsten

After traveling through the Darien Gap by piragua canoe to visit a remote jungle village, I was forced to leave when security forces kicked me out.

Delicious Mexican Food From Mexico

June 14, 2012 by Matthew Karsten

mexico food baremar omellet

The Yucatan Peninsula is known for producing some very tasty Mexican food, and I was able to try many different types. This photo essay shows off some of my favorites.

My South African Safari: Phinda Private Game Reserve

April 10, 2012 by Matthew Karsten

Safari in South Africa

This magnificent cat passed within just a few feet, suddenly looking up into the open Land Rover. Everyone froze. Make a wrong move now, and we'd be his afternoon snack.

Piragua Fishing With Kuna Indians In The Darien

February 27, 2012 by Matthew Karsten

Fishing is a major source of food and income for the indigenous people of Panama's Darien provence. We joined them in an attempt to catch our dinner.

Untamed Wilderness: Hiking In The Darien Gap

December 2, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

Darien National Park

Pain suddenly shot through my arm, awakening me in the middle of the night. That was soon followed by no feeling at all. Poison had rendered it completely useless.

End Of The Road: Driving To Yaviza In The Darien

November 16, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

Getting to the Darien

"Vamos!" snaps the heavily armed man dressed in military fatigues. We reluctantly follow him and his AK-47 off our tacky disco school bus and stumble into the early morning light.

My Ultimate Travel Guide To Costa Rica (Money Saving Tips)

October 20, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

Costa Rica Travel Guide and Tips

Plan your trip to Costa Rica with my travel guide — featuring Costa Rica travel tips, budget advice, things to do, where to stay, and more!

Whitewater Rafting The Class IV Pacuare River in Turrialba

October 10, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

Whitewater Rafting Turrialba Costa Rica

National Geographic Magazine rated Costa Rica's Rio Pacuare as one of the top 5 best whitewater rafting spots in the world. Riding the river's class IV rapids was a wild experience!

Hiking Corcovado National Park: A Wildlife Adventure

October 3, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

corcovado park coastline

Corcovado National Park is a remote environmental reserve in Coast Rica with deserted beaches, waterfalls, pristine rainforest, and lots of wildlife.

Fairytale Magic: Rio Celeste Waterfall In Costa Rica

August 20, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

Hidden within the cloud forests of Costa Rica's Tenorio National Park, the magnificent bright blue Rio Celeste Waterfall will take your breath away!

Hitchhiking & Road Cheese in Costa Rica

August 5, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

After stranding ourselves on top of Costa Rica's Volcano Irazu, we needed to find a way back down the mountain to catch a bus to San Jose.

Exploring Monteverde: Costa Rica's Mysterious Cloud Forest

July 29, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is an extremely popular tourist attraction in Costa Rica. Here are some tips for visiting!

Shemagh (Keffiyeh) Scarf: Why I Travel With One

June 13, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

One of my favorite & most used pieces of travel gear. The Shemagh or Keffiyeh is an incredible multi-use essential when traveling.

How To Get An International Driver's License Permit

February 26, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

International Drivers License

Interested in picking up an international driver's license or permit (IDP)? This special license allows you to drive rental cars in different countries around the world.

Swimming In Limestone Pools At Semuc Champey

January 5, 2011 by Matthew Karsten

After a picturesque hike through the Guatemalan jungle, I found paradise. The natural limestone bridge and turquoise blue pools of Semuc Champey had revealed themselves.

25 Best Travel Movies Of All Time (MUST WATCH)

December 22, 2010 by Matthew Karsten

Best Travel Movies Guide

These are the 25 best travel movies ever (in my opinion). You can watch these films over & over again, and never get sick of them. Do you have a favorite?

Hiking Santiaguito: Visiting An Exploding Volcano In Guatemala

December 15, 2010 by Matthew Karsten

Volcano Santiaguito in Guatemala

Guatemala's active volcano Santiaguito erupts with an explosion of hot ash & rocks every few hours. So of course we decided to hike it and go camping.

Arriving in Guatemala City Without My Backpack

November 6, 2010 by Matthew Karsten

city broken bottles

The baggage claim conveyor belt finally stopped, and my backpack was nowhere to be seen. I had just arrived in Guatemala City (aka "Guate") to start my official year around the world. But now I didn't have any belongings.

Make A Secret Pocket In Your Pants!

October 28, 2010 by Matthew Karsten

passport and money in jean pocket

Learn how to make a secret pocket in your pants for hiding your money & a passport. An easy and effective way to protect against pickpockets while you travel.

My Ultimate Travel Guide To Mexico (Money Saving Tips)

July 5, 2010 by Matthew Karsten

Mexico Travel Guide and Tips

Is it possible to travel in Mexico on a budget? Learn how much it cost me to backpack in Mexico — along with my favorite travel tips, where to stay, and things to do.

How To Visit The Mayan Ruins Of Tulum In Mexico

June 12, 2010 by Matthew Karsten

You can't visit Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula without seeing the Mayan Ruins of Tulum. Use these tips to beat the crowds at this famous archaeological site.

Visiting The Magical Mayan Site of Uxmal In Mexico

May 29, 2010 by Matthew Karsten

uxmal magician pyramid

The Mayan archeological site of Uxmal is located just outside the Yucatan city of Merida, and a great day trip to experience some local culture up close.

Exploring & Climbing The Yucatan Mayan Ruins Of Ek Balam

May 25, 2010 by Matthew Karsten

ek balam oval palace

Ek Balam is an ancient Mayan city located on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It's a wonderful pre-Colombian archeological site to spend the day exploring.

« Previous Page

HI! I'M MATT

Travel blogger, digital nomad, and American expat living abroad in France. Join me & my family as we share useful travel tips from 10 years traveling around the world.

MORE ABOUT ME

Popular

  • Statue of Liberty
    5 Reasons To Avoid Visiting The US This Year (Plus Great Alternatives)
  • Goodbye America! (We're Moving To Europe)
  • Safe cities in Mexico
    20 Safest Cities in Mexico To Visit Or Live In
  • Merida, Mexico
    10 Best Things To Do In Mérida, Mexico

Seasonal

  • Mayan Train
    Tren Maya: Travel The Yucatan By Mayan Train
  • Valladolid Mexico
    Best Things To Do In Valladolid, Mexico
  • Renting Car in Mexico
    Renting A Car In Mexico: Everything You Need To Know
  • Marrakesh Morocco
    Best Things To Do In Marrakesh, Morocco

Footer

↑ back to top

Travel Resources

  • My Best Travel Tips
  • Picking Travel Insurance
  • How To Find Cheap Flights
  • Travel Safety Advice

Social Media

Living Abroad

  • Digital Nomad Guide
  • Best Travel Jobs
  • Digital Nomad Visas
  • Getting EU Passport

Travel Blog | About | Policy Page | Contact

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. We make a small percentage if you purchase products through those links. It does not cost you anything extra and helps keep this site running. As an Amazon associate we earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

© 2025 Expert Vagabond Travel Blog | Digital Nomad Living Abroad