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Passions and Places

A travel + outdoors blog

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7 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Bangkok for the Curious Traveler

January 13, 2021 By Ryan Victor 6 Comments

Looking for something a little different in Bangkok? From abandoned department stores to quirky museums, this list has got you covered.

Desert landscape of shrubs and red rocks with a blue sky.

5 Offbeat Road Trip Stops: Unique Places to Visit in Arizona

December 15, 2020 By Jen Ambrose 14 Comments

Take it from us – there’s so much more to Arizona than the Grand Canyon. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, put some of these stops on your itinerary!

View of blue water and a blue sky with clouds, with lush greenery and red-roofed buildings in the foreground.

The Third Year on the Road: Reflecting on the Highs and Lows

April 21, 2020 By Jen Ambrose 4 Comments

We’ve (somehow!) been traveling full-time and living as digital nomads for three full years now. From diving with sea turtles in Indonesia to having an unexpected surgery in Thailand, and this recap covers all our highs and lows of the past year.

Underwater photo of a sunfish next to a scuba diver blowing bubbles.

A Sunfish & A Shipwreck: Diving in Tulamben, Bali

January 25, 2020 By Ryan Victor 16 Comments

A dive to more than 100 feet below the surface? A sighting of a rare gigantic fish? A famous World War II-era shipwreck? Ryan’s Advanced Open Water course in Bali had a little bit of everything, and all of it was memorable.

A couple standing under a black umbrella in the middle of a green field.

41 Couples Travel Quotes to Inspire Love and Adventure

January 11, 2020 By Jen Ambrose 12 Comments

We’ve seen a lot of quotes about couples travel, and these are some of our favorites – from sweet and inspirational to silly and cheesy.

White brick exterior wall with tan mural reading “Historic Bisbee Est. 1880. Shoppes, Restaurants, Galleries, Museums, Lodging, RV Park, Queen Mine Underground Tour.”

Bisbee, Arizona: The Funkiest Town You’ve Never Heard Of

January 3, 2020 By Ryan Victor 79 Comments

Love funky artistic communities, laid-back hippie vibes, and lots of interesting history? Believe us when we say – Bisbee, AZ, is the town for you!

Grid with seven book covers in two rows, behind a white overlaying box with the text “Inspiring Travel Memoirs.”

11 Inspiring Travel Memoirs to Fuel Your Wanderlust

December 14, 2019 By Jen Ambrose 24 Comments

Looking for travel inspiration, laugh-out-loud entertainment, or a deep dive into cultures around the world? Pick up one of these memoirs!

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Our 5th Annual Wishlist of Cool Gear from Small Businesses

November 20, 2019 By Ryan Victor 8 Comments

This is our fifth (!) annual post on travel and outdoor gear made by small businesses. As always, these products are unique, sustainable, and high-quality, and shopping them supports entrepreneurs, instead of corporations.

Boats rowing toward small overwater buildings, in front of tree-covered karst mountains and a gray sky.

Aboard the Dragon Legend: An Unforgettable Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise

November 18, 2019 By Jen Ambrose 2 Comments

The Dragon Legend cruise was hands-down one of our coolest travel experiences ever. It was a taste of luxury, a chance to unplug, and a sustainable way to see Vietnam’s most iconic scenery.

Movies and Mountains: The Dharamshala International Film Festival

November 12, 2019 By Jen Ambrose 2 Comments

We spent last weekend at a film festival high in the Himalayas of northern India – and it was a blast! We got to see some fascinating independent films from all over the world, and we loved being part of a cultural event that set the town abuzz.

Why Bai Tu Long Bay Is a More Sustainable Halong Bay Alternative

November 4, 2019 By Jen Ambrose 14 Comments

Cruising through Halong Bay is a major bucket list item in Vietnam – but it’s as crowded and polluted as it is beautiful. So we were thrilled to discover its more sustainable neighbor, Bai Tu Long Bay.

Exploring the Best and Quirkiest Attractions in Jerome, AZ

July 19, 2019 By Ryan Victor 4 Comments

If you like offbeat towns, you’ll love Jerome, AZ. It’s home to a Claymation-esque museum and a massive stockpile of rusted out cars, among other unusual things – oh, and the town is purported to be haunted. It’s a quintessential road trip stop and an easy day trip from Phoenix, too.

Hanoi Free Walking Tours: Exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi Without Spending a Dime (or Dong)

July 9, 2019 By Ryan Victor 6 Comments

Free tours can be hit or miss, but this one in Hanoi was top-notch! This walking tour of the Old Quarter covers many of Hanoi’s most fascinating sights and offers a chance to dive into their context. (Plus, the guides provide expert navigation through what must be one of the world’s most confusing and chaotic neighborhoods.)

“Whitefish, MT” Amtrak sign in front of a metal fence, with a snow-covered yellow train car reading “Great Northern Railway” in the background.

A One-Day Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Whitefish, MT

June 30, 2019 By Jen Ambrose 19 Comments

If you visit Glacier National Park or go skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, you’ll probably have to pass through Whitefish. Here’s exactly how to make the most of one day in this charming town.

An outdoor mural of buildings and the text “Historic Anaconda. Where Main Street Meets the Mountains.”

Anaconda, MT: An Offbeat Stop on a Montana Road Trip

April 11, 2019 By Ryan Victor 10 Comments

When we planned a road trip starting in Montana, we knew the little town of Anaconda would be one of our first stops. With some offbeat attractions and almost no other visitors, it was exactly the type of place we wanted to explore.

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Hi! We're Jen and Ryan, an American couple on a journey to travel the world while working from the road. We're passionate about outdoors adventure, ethical travel, and healthy living. Passions and Places is a space for us to share our stories and tips with you, but most importantly, we hope to inspire you to seek your own adventure.

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Top Posts

  • 41 Couples Travel Quotes to Inspire Love and Adventure
  • Bisbee, Arizona: The Funkiest Town You’ve Never Heard Of
  • Exploring the Best and Quirkiest Attractions in Jerome, AZ

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