Key Differences Between Thailand & Bali

Thailand and Bali are two of the most popular Southeast Asian destinations for Americans.

From the outside looking in, they probably seem very similar.

They’ve got tropical jungles and stunning, world-class beaches. They’re also home to cultures that are distinct from the Western world, inciting a sense of wonder and intrigue.

And given their geographic proximity, it’s no surprise that it’s a tough choice between the two.

A trip to either Thailand or Bali won’t be forgotten any time soon.

That being said, I’ve spent time in both of these countries—and I can tell you that they’re incredibly distinct.

I spent time in Bali studying tourism and sustainability. In Thailand, I took on more interesting studies, including the spirituality of Sak Yant tattooing, foreign investment in the tourism industry, and Burmese refugees. (I also enjoyed sunny holidays in both places, but that’s slightly less intriguing.)

If you’re heading to Southeast Asia and want more information on what makes these destinations different from a tourist’s perspective, then let me give you an outline. (I’m desperate to use this Global Studies degree.)

Thailand has (way) more than tropical beaches

Let’s get this out of the way first. Thailand is a country that spans almost 200,000 square miles and it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Its kingdom was never overtaken by a colonial power—not the British, not the French, and not the Dutch. And not from a lack of trying, either.

(Uniquely, Bali is also a kingdom. I had the great pleasure of dining with one of its princes when I stayed on the island back in 2013. The last active royal of Bali, Tjokorda Istri Muter, passed away in the early 2000s—but her descendants still uphold and exemplify her cultural legacy.)

Bali, by contrast, is a small island that spans just over 2,000 square miles. It’s but one of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands.

Though you can find pristine beaches and tropical jungles in Bali, its scale is nothing compared to Thailand.

Thailand is home to Chiang Mai, a jungle outpost near the border with Myanmar. It’s home to one of the world’s wildest cities in Bangkok. And it’s home to dozens of iconic landmarks, from the Grand Palace to Wat Arun to floating markets like Damnoen Saduak.

Religion: Hinduism vs Buddhism

As a student of spiritually-adjacent topics, I’d also like to point out that Thailand and Bali practice different religions.

Bali is a largely Hindu island that traces its religious origins back to the Hindu conquests of the Middle Ages.

Thailand, by contrast, is a distinctly Buddhist state. While there’s plenty of animism still present (that’s nature-based beliefs), there’s also a strong emphasis on Buddhist values. You’ll find temples dotting the country, which are open to anyone. Just make sure to dress appropriately.

Bali is much more mellow

Bali has taken off as a tropical destination—but it’s got an association with wellness retreats and yoga programs.

You can find nature-based and New Age-centric retreats across the island. The goal is for visitors to get in touch with themselves to attain a new and more well-rounded lifestyle.

Thailand is notorious for the opposite.

I had the grave misfortune of attending a Full Moon party in Koh Phangan back in 2012. Yes, you can buy drinks by the bucket at these types of beach parties. Yes, you can act like a feral idiot and no one will step in. Yes, you can pay for company of just about any type.

These types of tourists aren’t the only ones in Thailand—but they’re certainly the loudest. For this reason, I’d advise travelers to stick to Bali. Rowdy and rude tourists in Thailand have been chipping away at local traditions and tolerance for decades.

They’re also going to interrupt your relaxing vacation if you head to hotspots like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Phangan. Guaranteed.

Thailand has more visible traditions

I’m transparently suspicious of disrespectful tourists in Thailand—and Bali, but its impact hasn’t yet been felt in full force.

That being said, I’d hate to paint an unfair picture of Thailand as a hellscape of debauchery. It’s far from that.

Let’s take a look at what the country should be known for, in my opinion.

Aside from withstanding the grip of European colonialism, it’s also renowned for its many cultural traditions.

There’s sak yant tattooing, Muay Thai fighting, local lantern and water festivals, films like Ong-Bak and Pee Mak, and the world’s most famous energy drink: Red Bull.

The former was originally known as Krating Daeng when it was formulated and marketed back in 1975. Today, Thai owners still maintain influence over the company—and it’s extended projects, including the Formula One Red Bull Team. (F1 fans probably know about Alexander Albon, too.)

My point: Thailand is a lot more than a tropical destination for tourists craving bucket-sized cocktails.

And when you visit, you might be surprised to realize that you know more about the country and its traditions than you thought.

How to Run with Wild Horses in Maryland (and Virginia)

Wild horses and ponies can be found across the United States.

You might know these wild populations mustangs—a term used to describe feral horses that were once domesticated.

Bands of mustangs roam dozens of states. From Georgia to Arizona to Oregon, these mustangs have traded in their saddles and bridles for freedom.

All bands have descended from the horses brought over during European settlement… and some wild mustangs can even trace their ancestry back to a single event.

Enter Assateague Island (also known as Chincoteague, but we’ll get to that later).

The mustangs on Assateague Island can trace their ancestry back to a Spanish galleon that sank in the early 1500s. Centuries later, these feral bands still roam a magical, 37-acre stretch of island in the Atlantic.

Enter the wild ponies of Chincoteague… also known as the feral horses of Assateague.

Don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as it sounds.

The island with two names

This island sits off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. It’s divided between the states of Virginia and Maryland, which is why it’s known by two names.

Maryland is responsible for two-thirds of the island, while its southern portion belongs to Virginia.

In Maryland, it’s called Assateague—and its home to feral horses.

In Virginia, its known as Chincoteague—and it’s home to wild ponies.

Can’t figure out the difference between horses and ponies? It’s about height. Ponies are short. That’s it.

Now onto the good stuff, like how you can get your eyes on these Spanish-American mustangs and what other experiences are worth your time on this island.

I’m breaking down my recommendations based on location, as this little island is run by three distinct authorities.

Assateague State Park (Maryland)

The northernmost part of the island is Assateague State Park.

The most popular entrance to Assateague is via the bridge from Berlin, Maryland. Keep in mind that there’s no road that runs down the island, which means you’ll need to exit if you want to explore the southern Virginian portion.

When you enter Assateague State Park, you’ll find a two-mile stretch of beautiful Atlantic coast. It’s a hot spot for locals during the summer months, but it’s open year-round.

During the warmer months, parasailing is a popular activity—assuming the winds allow it. There’s also a well-equipped camping ground that’s open to the public from April until October. Pets are selectively allowed, as this island has an extensive wildlife refuge area.

But you’ll have the benefit of some pretty solid camping amenities, including RV and camper hook-ups and warm water in the shower rooms.

Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland)

This portion of the island is regulated by the National Park Service.

Here is where you’ll find the island’s wild ponies—assuming you can get close enough. Cars are only allowed in certain parts of the NPS-regulated park.

Ponies aside, you’ll be able to enjoy the beach and swim, go fishing, explore the hiking trails on foot or via bicycle, and rent kayaks.

Renting kayaks is hugely popular when it comes to spotting wild ponies; they’re less prone to flee kayaks than people on foot.

You can also camp here, including hookups for campers and RVs. But the sites are lot more rustic than the other two. So, if you’re on the hunt for hot water for your showers, it’s best to stay elsewhere.

Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge (Virginia)

Remember what I said up top: it’s Chincoteague in Virginia and Assateague in Maryland.

While the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge has a different name, it’s in the same place. But, once more, you’ll need to enter from the Virginia entrance, as there’s no road that leads from the Assateague Island National Seashore to the Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge.

And like the title suggests, there’s no camping and the roads are limited. Visitors are allowed to enjoy the beach, explore the marshlands, and take to the water in kayaks.

It’s a hotspot for birdwatchers, too. Chincoteague plays an important role as a migratory stop for many birds, along with high-profile raptors like the Bald Eagle.

What’s with the horses and ponies?

Assateague Island is one of the best places to stalk wild horses.

The best option of the three listed above is the Assateague Island National Seashore area. Wildlife tours are common, including options for spotting birds and even seaflie.

But this spot is also where the horses hang out most often. They’re known to wander through campsites, nurse their foals on the roadsides, and wade into the water on warm days.

Guests are encouraged to stay at least 40 feet from the horses—and could be fined up to $100 for ignoring the rules.

Additionally, feeding the horses carrots, apples, and other treats is also a no-go—it could hurt their grass-eating tummies and give them colic.

But if you want to get closer to the pony action, you can head to the area during the July pony penning carnival. Chincoteague’s volunteer fire bridge regularly rounds up the ponies to drive them north. Just for fun, I think.

Seafood Boils: The Best Options in the Carolinas

The United States doesn’t necessarily have a reputation for seafood—which isn’t entirely fair.

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Coast, the US has plenty of seafood traditions to pull on. But barbecue usually takes the cake in terms of making international headlines, standing out as one of our most iconic food traditions.

But let’s not forget about the humble seafood boil.

This staple is one of my favorites to explain to my European friends because it’s got that hyper-casual American flair. What’s a seafood boil, you might be asking?

It’s a boil that includes seafood and vegetables, usually brewed in a massive cauldron (community-sized, usually). Once the boil is ready, it’s contents are strained and dumped onto a plastic-lined table.

Toss on a bib and start ugly-eating to your heart’s desire. With your bare hands.

That’s about as complicated as a seafood boil needs to get.

An American tradition

I’ve had seafood boils in Louisiana and Maryland. In Louisiana, seafood boils reflect the jambalaya-esque mélange of culinary traditions. These stem from Caribbean, African, French, Spanish, and indigenous traditions.

In Maryland, by contrast, seafood boils are more reflective of a Chesapeake Bay palette. The bay is a vast estuary river system, which is rich in crabs, oysters, and clams. Further south, by contrast, most boils include shrimp… and sausage.

Then there’s Georgia and the Carolinas—which include influences from both Louisiana and the Chesapeake Bay.

You’ve got unique variations, from the Beaufort Stew (aka the Frogmore Stew) to the oyster roast. They’re differentiated by their milder flavor, as these low-country boils include fewer spices than in Louisiana.

Differentiations aside, you can’t go wrong with a seafood boil in South Carolina or North Carolina. Not only is it an important tradition, but it’s one that has spawned seafood festivals and drive-by boil drop-offs.

Want to tack on a seafood boil to your South Carolina or North Carolina trip? Here’s where to eat a seafood boil, including restaurants, deliveries, and festivals.

Best restaurants & seafood boil delivery companies

Cape Fear Boil Company

Location: Oak Island, North Carolina
Offers delivery for seafood boils and DIY boil buckets

Outer Banks Boil Company

Multiple locations in North Carolina: Corolla, Hatteras, Kitty Hawk, Emerald Isle, and Oak Island
Offers delivery for seafood boils

Firehouse Boil Delivery

Location: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Offers a restaurant and home delivery options for seafood boils

Lowcountry Boil Company

Location: West Ashley, South Carolina (near Charleston)
Offers delivery and DIY seafood boils

Charleston Crab House

Location: Three locations in and near Charleston, South Carolina
Offers seafood boils at its restaurants

Best festivals with seafood boils

Beaufort Water Festival

Beaufort, South Carolina – Late July

This even includes a low-country supper show with live music and one of the state’s largest seafood boils. Don’t be thrown off by the crowd—this festival has been serving thousands of attendees for decades. They know what they’re doing.

Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival

Hilton Head, South Carolina – mid-February

Be sure to check the itinerary for next year’s schedule—it shifts each year. But there’s almost always a seafood boil included.

Uniquely, this festival brings on some big-name chefs, giving you the chance to sample an elevated seafood boil.

Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Charleston, South Carolina – Early February

This annual event is a big deal in Charleston. If you’re a foodie, then this is one of the best ways to experience and indulge in Southern cuisine.

Along with seafood boils (of all stripes, I might add), you’ll also have the chance to sample treats like specialty cocktails and brave new dishes from local restauranteurs.

North Carolina Seafood Festival

Morehead City, North Carolina – Early October

It’s homegrown and it’s delicious. This festival is approaching its 30^th year and now includes a dozen unique areas and events, many of which are sponsored by the state’s most highly-rated seafood restaurants.

I’d recommend heading to the Fisherman’s Village for the tastiest bites and boils.

Rental Recs: The Most Family-Friendly Airbnbs in Florida

Each year, millions of families set off on their getaway to Florida.

Whether planning to lounge in the sun on the beach in the Florida Keys, explore the very best theme parks in Orlando, or uncover hidden gems in the Gulf Coast, there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy.

Still, there’s a lot of work that goes into planning a family vacation.

Even when it comes to finding a solid rental, you might find yourself struggling to tick the necessary boxes.

What about features like cribs and play areas? Is there in-house entertainment, like board games and video streaming? And what about nearby dining options?

The more closely you rate your lodging based on family-friendly features, the less you’ll have to worry about when it’s time to relax.

All those tiny amenities really do add up when there are toddlers and preteens involved—from functional coffee-makers to beach gear that’s ready to go.

Looking for a family-friendly Airbnb in Florida? Start off with one of these options, strategically located around the state’s most popular family-oriented destinations. As per usual, I’m suggesting Guest Favorite picks only.

Best Panhandle Airbnb: Sun&Fun Beachfront Getaway

Port St. Joe

Sleeps: 6

Features the family will love: Game room with arcade and table games, kid’s play table, beachfront access to Port St Joe’s most kid-friendly beach, fully stocked kitchen, beach gear like umbrellas and toys, a large living room for hanging out, and nearby hiking trails.

Plus, Port St. Joe is a fantastic option for family-friendly vacations.

Book here

Best Central Florida Airbnb: 9-Bedroom in Paradiso Grande

Orlando

Sleeps: Over 16

Features the family will love: a pro-level game room (includes arcade games, gaming PCs, foosball, and more), themed movie theatre, pack’n play setup, highchairs, child safety fence for the outdoor pool, themed bunkbed rooms (they’re very high-production), and proximity to Disney, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and ICON Park.

Just beware – it might be hard to pry your kids away from this gem.

Book here

Best Florida Keys Airbnb: Key Largo Paradise

Key Largo

Sleeps: 6

Features the family will love: Direct access to saltwater lagoon, part of a gated community, large living room for hanging out, access to tennis courts, paddleboard rentals, free floaties for kids, a sanded playground for kids, and a family-friendly community that lets you mingle with others families on vacation (Kawama Yacht Club).

While the interior isn’t necessarily kid-centric, the gated community has made it very easy for families to settle in and enjoy.

Book here

Best Gulf Coast Airbnb: Farm Stay

Zephyrhills

Sleeps: 5

Features the family will love: Access to the farm’s animals (horses, ponies, hens, ducks, chickens, bunnies, cats, and dogs—all kid-friendly), room to explore the 7-acre farm, daily egg scavenger hunts, playground, and a fire pit.

You’ll need to be careful when you read the rules, but this is one of the coolest family-friendly experiences I’ve ever seen on Airbnb. So if you’ve got rough-and-tumble little ones who don’t mind a lil’ hay, this is a fantastic option.

Book here

Best Atlantic Coast Airbnb: Aquatopia North

Stuart

Sleeps: 14

Features the family will love: Private dock and beachfront on the water, private pool, hot tub, tons of water activities (kayaks, fishing gear, paddleboards, and other items like goggles), bicycles, cornhole, volleyball, outdoor play area, and a brand new grill.

Best of all, this place was designed specifically for families with children. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Book here

Travel Tips: The Best House Sitting Platforms

House-sitting is usually one of the last things that travelers think about.

In fact, most people rely on friends and families to check in on their homes when they hit the road.

House-sitting duties might cover basic things like driving by to check that the home is safe and grabbing the mail. Maybe it involves entering the home to interact with a pet—or just water the plants.

At the bare minimum, a house-sitter ensures your home is in good working order while you’re away.

But in my experience, the potential benefits of having someone watching over are worth the hassle. First, for your peace of mind. Second, for pure security.

When I go out of town—even for a weekend trip—there are always two people who have keys to my apartment. The first is a friend who lives close by; they’re able to step in if an emergency comes up, like a biblical flood or a fire. The second is my dog-walker and dog-sitter (shout out to Juan on Rover), who has keys to my apartment in case there are any pup-related emergencies or in case we extend our trip.

I can call on either if disaster or even uncertainty strike.

I also house-sit for my neighbors who are away often. Want to know one of the weirder disasters I’ve fielded for them? A pigeon died on their balcony in the height of summer. Leaving its precious little corpse to rot would have created a nasty mess for them when they got back, so I was called in to perform a bird funeral.

For issues both great and small, it’s worth it to have a house sitter on your team. While you might not opt for travel insurance, I recommend opting for some kind of home care.

And while most of us rely on friends and family before paid house-sitting services, they might not always be available. If you’ve got pets, finding reliable care becomes even more complex.

So what do you do if you need a house-sitter? I recommend using a trusted company.

Not only are their house-sitters thoroughly vetted, but they’re also experienced enough to deal with last-minute problems. So let’s count down the best and most trusted house-sitting platforms that are active in the US.

House Carers

This company launched online back in 2000, making them one of the oldest house-sitting services online. They offer both pet-based house-sitting and solo house-sitting.

Though not the largest company out there, they have a solid list of reviews that span over two decades. Plus, they have an active Facebook page that makes it easy for the average traveler to get started with the platform and interact with other house-sitters and travelers.

Best of all, you can sign up and start looking around for free.

Check it out

MindMyHouse

Whether you need someone to watch over your studio apartment or to handle larger animals on an off-grid farm, MindMyHouse has solutions.

The platform also has a great design that makes it easy to learn how the platform works, find answers to FAQs, and otherwise explore the site’s database of homes and sitters.

Though it’s not as large as other house-sitting platforms, that clean design goes a long way for me.

Check it out

House Sitters America

Meet the US’s industry standard in house sitting.

This platform allows homeowners to list ads for house sitting, along with other jobs. That other ‘jobs’ section could include things like pet care or even lawn care.

As someone who regularly requires plant care while she’s away (I’m proud of my urban jungle), this is a huge plus for me—my plants need TLC, not a cold bucket shower once a week. If you also need that type of care for your home, make a listing here.

Check it out

HouseSit Match

This international website lets you seek out house-sitters or pet sitters. As with House Sitters America, it’s pretty easy to request other types of care—from plants to pools. There’s no direct fee here, which means that house sitters voluntarily decide to look after your home. That’s usually in exchange for free lodging and getting to experience an area—but might mean that those living in the boonies don’t get much attention.

Check it out

Looking for pet care, too? Explore Trusted Housesitters

From pet sitters to house sitters, you can find someone willing to hold down your fort.

Uniquely, this website offers a dual service: you can either seek out a pet sitter to stay at your home or offer your services as an international pet sitter. Just keep in mind that there needs to be an animal involved, and that this platform is slightly pricier than others.

Check it out

Famous Dishes from Every Italian City & Where to Eat Them

Heading to Italy? Hope you’re hungry.

From Catania to Venice, this nation delivers delectable eats. But the sheer number of tasty foods can actually pose a problem.

Travelers are going to eat well no matter what… but those who do some research can eat Michelin-caliber meals all day, every day.

You need to know things like which cities and regions specialize in which dishes. On top of that, you need to know which restaurants do it best.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by finding quality restaurants across Italy? I’ve created suggestions below based on the most popular dishes in major cities, including the top restaurants where you should try them. Dai, andiamo!

Rome

Pasta alla carbonara

This iconic dish is beloved in Rome—but don’t you dare ask if you should add cream to the sauce. Pasta alla carbonara is made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and egg. And pasta, of course.

Eat it here:

Milan

Risotto alla milanese

This creamy, delectable dish is a master class in simplicity. The dish is made with onions, butter, white wine, beef stock, saffron, parmesan cheese, and risotto. But only local chefs know how to put it all together in just the right way.

Eat it here:

Naples

Pizza margherita

Apparently, pizza margherita (the very first iteration of this classic dish) was created in Naples in the late 1800s for Queen Margherita herself, topped with cheese, tomato, and basil to replicate the colors of the Italian flag. Fast forward a century and most Americans call it cheese pizza—a dish that helped put Italy and Naples on the map for good.

Eat it here:

Turin

**Photo by Vita Marija Murenaite on Unsplash**

Pizza al padellino

This northern city flies under the radar for many Americans, but it’s a hotspot for Italian culture and trends. And it’s known for its delicious pizza al padellino—a semi-deep-dish variety. It’s smaller than standard pizzas with a thicker (and crispier) dough, baked inside a pan traditionally.

Eat it here:

Venice

Sarde in saor

This one might be a hard sell: a sweet-and-sour sardine dish that includes pine nuts, onions, and raisins. Usually, the sardines are marinated in vinegar before being cooked and served. Some chefs fry their sardines, while others stick to traditional cooking methods—including sourcing their onions from nearby Venice.

Eat it here:

Verona

Risotto alla tastasal

This iconic Verona dish includes heavily salted minced pork. In fact, the dish was originally used to test the quality of cured meats. Today, it’s made with pork, broth, onion, garlic, and is topped with tons of Parmigiano Reggiano. You’ll find it offered at almost every restaurant in the city.

Eat it here:

Genoa

Trofie al pesto

As with many dishes in Italy, the Genovese specialty is profoundly simply—and yet delicious. The key ingredients are trofie pasta with a homemade pesto sauce. The dish is usually topped with cherry tomatoes and basil.

Eat it here:

Florence

Bistecca alla fiorentina

I wasn’t expecting to see a steak dish specialty in Italy—especially not a t-bone variety. But Florence and the surrounding Tuscany region have an obsession with t-bone steaks grilled to a perfectly rare state. Just add salt and pepper. It’s really that easy.

Eat it here:

Palermo

Arancini

From the rare t-bones of Tuscany to the seriously addictive rice ball of Palermo, I love how varied Italian cuisine is. In Palermo, you’ll be able to taste the influence of African and Arabic influences in the humble arancini. Usually, these little morsels filled with ragù, cheese, and peas—but you’ll find arancini of all stripes.

Eat it here: