The best way to explore an off-beat destination

Getting a Sak Yant Tattoo in Thailand Nakhon Chai Si, Thailand Over 40 people watched in silence as a famous Thai monk repeatedly penetrated my flesh like a sewing machine. His Sak Yant needle sent waves of searing pain into my back. Traditional Sak Yant (also called Sak Yan, or Yantra) tattoos are hand-etched onto the skin using ancient geometric designs mixed with Buddhist prayers. They are believed to give the wearer magic powers associated with healing, luck, strength, and protection against evil. Sak Yant tattoos have been around for over 2000 years. Buddhist monks originally engraved Sak Yant into warriors seeking protection and strength in battle. Often covering their entire bodies from head to toe in magic symbols to prevent knives and arrows from piercing their skin. Traveling around Southeast Asia while living out of my backpack, I learned about these tattoos from some fellow travelers and thought it sounded like a cool experience. Wat Bang Phra Outside Bangkok...

Mayan Ruins of Tulum Tulum, Mexico You can’t visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula without seeing the Mayan Ruins of Tulum. Here are some useful tips to beat the crowds at this famous archaeological site. Ah, Tulum. This ancient walled city perched on the edge of a cliff in Quintana Roo overlooking the Caribbean ocean in Mexico is quite a sight in person. Because I lived in Mexico on and off for 2 years, I’ve visited the Tulum ruins at least 5 times now. Tulum’s original Maya name, Zamá translates as “place of the dawning sun.” This is because it has a perfect view of the rising sun! The city was a major trading and religious center between the 11th and 16th centuries and is one of the coolest Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico — similar to other popular ruins like Chichen Itza and Coba. Tulum is located about 128km south of Cancun, or 62km south of Playa del Carmen along the popular Mayan Riviera tourist route. Tulum Ruins Guide For 2020 Hi...