Hobo Lolo

Thanks to the convenience of modern travel services, we planned an unforgettable trip to Puerto Rico without ever leaving the comfort of home. With a few clicks, we were on our way to an island paradise rich in history, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Getting There A short and seamless journey took us from Northern Virginia to the Caribbean, flying direct from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). The moment we landed, the warm tropical breeze welcomed us, hinting at the incredible experiences ahead.   What to Bring Puerto Rico is a US territory, all that was necessary a driver license to rent a car. Getting Around Upon arrival, we picked up a Hertz rental car equipped with GPS—our key to exploring the island at our own pace. Our first stop: Isla Verde, where we spent three nights in a beachfront Airbnb condo. This up-and-coming tourist hotspot offered the best of both worlds—secluded from the crowds of Old San Juan but...

After an unforgettable stay in  breathtaking Santorini , Michelle and I set off for  Naxos , eager to slow down and savor the beauty of the Greek islands at a more leisurely pace. We boarded the  Blue Star ferry , watching the  deep blue waters shimmer  under the afternoon sun as Santorini faded into the horizon. Four hours later, we arrived at the  charming port of Naxos , where our host,  Mama Sophia , greeted us with a warm smile and a few words in her local dialect.   As the owner of  ILion Hotel , a  cozy bed and breakfast  just steps from  Saint George Beach , Mama Sophia welcomed us like family. She whisked us away in her  classic Mercedes , giving us a relaxed tour of the town while pointing out her  favorite cafés, tavernas, and hidden corners  where we could experience Naxos like a local. From the moment we arrived, we knew we had found something special—a place where time seemed to  slow down just...

It began with a pair of  flip flops  and a carry-on packed with equal parts excitement and underpreparedness. Michelle and I were heading to  Istanbul , a city older than history textbooks. On  May 15, 2015 , we boarded a Lufthansa flight from Washington Dulles. The plan was simple: fly to Frankfurt, change planes, arrive in Istanbul, and somehow not look like jet-lagged zombies. We succeeded—mostly. By the time we touched down at  Atatürk Airport  on May 16, the city was already whispering stories to us in the call to prayer, the hum of taxi horns, and the scent of roasted chestnuts dancing in the breeze. We checked into the  Basileus Hotel , a cozy gem tucked in the Old City. Our welcome was warm. Our room was small but charming. Our feet? Still blissfully unaware of what was to come.   Getting Lost in Time That first evening, we let the city lead. From our hotel, we wandered toward  Taksim Square , letting each step unfold the story—unwrit...