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Passions and Places

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Getting Back Underwater: Scuba Diving in Koh Chang, Thailand

August 8, 2017 By Ryan Victor 6 Comments

Koh Chang may not be the top spot for diving in Thailand, but this huge island has a lot to offer. After visiting Koh Tao to do a PADI open water diving certification five years ago, Koh Chang was a great place to get back into scuba. It’s known for wreck diving, but the waters are also full of tropical fish and colorful coral accessible to divers of all levels.

When we arrived in Thailand, it’d been five years since the first (and only) time I went scuba diving. The island of Koh Chang turned out to be the perfect place to get back underwater and kick off our life of travel.

Filed Under: Asia, Nature and Outdoors, Scuba Diving, Thailand Tagged With: Southeast Asia

A Motorcycle Adventure to Cambodia’s Bokor Hill Station

July 7, 2017 By Ryan Victor 12 Comments

Cambodia is ripe with opportunities for adventure travel, and Kampot is no exception. Just 20 miles away is the Bokor Hill Station, a now-abandoned hill station developed by French colonists in the 1920s. Today, it’s a renowned spot for urban exploration, and it makes a great day trip from Kampot. There are plenty of organized tours to Bokor, but you can also rent a motorcycle in town and ride up independently for more adventure. Either way, you’ll enjoy the refreshing cooler temperatures and stunning views of southern Cambodia.

Bokor Hill Staton in Cambodia had been on my radar as a top urban exploration site for a while before we visited. It’s full of interesting abandoned old buildings, including what used to be a luxurious French hotel, and it makes a great motorcycle trip from Kampot.

Filed Under: Asia, Cambodia, Motorcycling, Nature and Outdoors Tagged With: abandoned places, Kampot, Southeast Asia, urban exploration

Spend Summer Outside: The Best Hiking Near Boston

July 1, 2017 By Ryan Victor 4 Comments

To make the most of the Fourth of July in New England (or any summer weekend), head outside! Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont all have some great hikes for various levels. These five trails are some of the best hiking near Boston, including the Mt. Washington hike and other trails in the White Mountains.

The Boston Pops, a huge fireworks show, and all that history make Boston one of the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July. But to get the most out of the holiday weekend in New England, consider spending part of it outdoors. Here’s five of the area’s best hikes to get you started.

Filed Under: Hiking, Maine, Massachusetts, Nature and Outdoors, New Hampshire, North America, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: Boston, New England

In Honor of Canada Day: A Guide to Fundy National Park

June 29, 2017 By Ryan Victor Leave a Comment

Fundy National Park in New Brunswick makes a great road trip or long weekend getaway, especially if you live on the East Coast of the U.S. or Canada. This guide covers all the best hiking, camping, and other activities the park has to offer, including the unique Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy.

In honor of Canada Day 2017, we’re highlighting one of Canada’s smallest and least-visited national parks. Fundy offers great hiking, stunning campsites, and unique landscapes, all without the crowds. Plus, it’s super accessible from the East Coast.

Filed Under: Camping, Canada, Hiking, Nature and Outdoors, North America, Off the Beaten Path Tagged With: national parks

3 Days in Bozeman, Montana: An Itinerary for Outdoors Lovers

April 15, 2017 By Ryan Victor 8 Comments

Bozeman, Montana, is a haven for outdoors activities, from skiing and snowshoeing to hiking and kayaking. If you love the outdoors - and want your adventures complemented by good restaurants, strong coffee, and local beer - use our 3-day itinerary when you travel to Bozeman.

Bozeman has long been one of our favorite towns, not least because of its restaurant scene and abundance of outdoor activities year round. If you have a free weekend, use this itinerary to discover the best it has to offer.

Filed Under: Montana, Nature and Outdoors, North America, U.S. Tagged With: itinerary

Exploring the 3 Incredible National Parks in Montana & Wyoming

April 5, 2017 By Jen Ambrose and Ryan Victor 8 Comments

If you’re thinking about a road trip or other travel in the American West, chances are you’ve got some national parks on your radar. Montana and Wyoming alone are home to three of the most popular parks: Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. Here are our tips on the top things to do in each national park and the towns nearby. Highlights include Old Faithful, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Jenny Lake, and the towns of Bozeman, Whitefish, and Jackson.

Montana and Wyoming are home to three of the most popular national parks in the U.S. – and we were pretty lucky to grow up near them. Whether you want to visit Glacier, Yellowstone, or Grand Teton (or all three!), here’s how to make the most of your trip.

Filed Under: Hiking, Idaho, Montana, Nature and Outdoors, North America, U.S., Wyoming Tagged With: national parks

Ski Like a Local: 6 Lesser-Known Ski Areas in Montana

February 25, 2017 By Ryan Victor 7 Comments

Skiing and snowboarding can be pricey hobbies, especially at all-inclusive destination resorts like Big Sky or Park City. Fortunately, budget-friendly ski trips are completely doable, especially in Montana. Skip the exclusive resorts, and head to local ski areas instead. These six lesser-known ski resorts in Montana have great conditions, but they're also budget-friendly - and relatively uncrowded.

Skiing (and snowboarding) definitely isn’t a cheap hobby, but a ski trip doesn’t have to wipe out your savings. Skip the famed destination resorts, and head to one of Montana’s lesser-known ski areas instead. You’ll save a ton money but still get great ski conditions – plus a little more local charm.

Filed Under: Montana, Nature and Outdoors, North America, Off the Beaten Path, Skiing, U.S.

Riding Rohtang Pass: An Epic Motorcycle Adventure in India

December 30, 2016 By Ryan Victor 16 Comments

Ryan’s epic motorcycle ride in northern India is one of the highlights of his travels thus far. Here’s his recap of the trip, plus all the details you need to (safely) do it yourself.

Filed Under: Asia, India, Motorcycling, Nature and Outdoors, Off the Beaten Path

5 Great New England Bike Trails (That Are Flat!)

December 19, 2016 By Ryan Victor 1 Comment

If you’re planning to travel to New England and you love the outdoors, you won’t want to miss the region’s best rail trails. They’re perfect cycling, walking, and running paths, and most have some history, too. Try one of our top bike rides in New England, and explore Boston, Cape Cod, Lake Champlain, and more.

New England is a haven of outdoors activities, and some of its most impressive options are the bike trails that have popped up to replace old railroad tracks. Here are our favorite rail trails for cycling throughout New England, and most can even be reached by public transportation from Boston.

Filed Under: Cycling, Maine, Massachusetts, Nature and Outdoors, North America, Rhode Island, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: Boston, Burlington, New England

3 Amazing Spots for Sea Kayaking in New England

December 1, 2016 By Ryan Victor 16 Comments

If you’re planning to travel to New England and you love to kayak, try one of these day trips: the Casco Bay Islands in Maine, Portsmouth Harbor in New Hampshire, or the Thimble Islands in Connecticut. Sea kayaking in New England means scenery, lighthouses, and even urban exploration - just mind the currents!

Fortunately for an avid paddler like Ryan, New England has plenty of great options for kayaking. Here are three of his favorite spots, plus tips for planning your own trips.

Filed Under: Connecticut, Kayaking, Maine, Nature and Outdoors, New Hampshire, North America, Off the Beaten Path, U.S. Tagged With: New England

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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 outdoor adventure, responsible travel, and getting off the beaten path. 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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