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The 10 Grooviest Guided Tours in Portland, Oregon

The 10 Grooviest Guided Tours in Portland, Oregon

In a city known for its alternative tastes, why not go all-in with an unusual, striking tour?

Sure, you can plan day trips to see the stunning Columbia Gorge Waterfalls, take a general downtown walking tour, or take a shuttle tour of the city and its suburbs.

But why wouldn’t you delve a little deeper into the city’s unique identity?

After all, Portland is regularly listed as one of the US’s cooler cities—but unless you’ve had experience on the ground at some of its trendier spots, you might not know exactly what makes Portland so iconic.

Ready to take a closer look at the grooviest guided tours in Portland, Oregon? Let’s dive in.

Top 10 guided tours in Portland for eclectic tastes

Grooviest guided tours in Portland, Oregon

Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Beer Tasting

Beneath Portland’s Chinatown district are crisscrossing tunnels, which were once used to lure in unsuspecting men before passing them off as indentured laborers on ships. Learn about this sordid side of the city’s history… then relax with a beer tasting session.

Ghost Tours: Punishment, Penance, & Poltergeists

While we’re on the subject of disturbing factoids, consider joining this popular ghost tour. Along with learning about local legends, you’ll hear about the city’s real-life history and how it led to ghostly tales.

Pink Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

I know, I know. I threw a little shade at general city bus tours in the introduction—but this one is a little different, I swear. First, it’s in a vintage, gorgeous trolley. Second, it’s painted pink. Third, it runs on a short downtown route that will deposit you at the ultra-lovely, must-visit Rose Test Garden.

Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

Wander across downtown Portland while you sample its most popular foodie spots, from well-known food trucks to secret cafes. Best of all, the tour focuses on locations that use fresh produce from the Portland area. I’m harking on the food tours because (along with coffee, as we’ll see below), it’s one of the best ways to get to know Portland’s multi-faceted and multi-cultural identity. In short, the city takes food seriously.

Guided Ice Cream Walking Tour with Tastings

While you might’ve heard a thing or two about famous donuts in Portland, did you know that the city also has an obsession with ice cream? This tour takes you to the city’s oddest indie ice cream shops. Make sure to come hungry—you’ll be sampling 12 flavors.

Downtown Coffee & Donut Tour

Did someone say donuts? Thanks to the famous Voodoo Donuts shop that popped up in the early 2000s, Portland has a reputation for donuts. You’ll get a lay of the (sugar-encrusted) land on this tour, along with an introduction to the city’s coffee culture. The latter is a lot more important, in my opinion—Portland’s cafes serve up delicious coffee with an expert touch.

Best Chocolate and Coffee Walking Tour

Prefer chocolate to donuts? Don’t worry—Portland has a booming chocolate scene, too. On this tour, you’ll cruise through some of Portland’s most popular foodie spots to sample its well-known cafes, chocolatiers, and more secret spots, too.

Grilling Techniques Class in Portland

There’s a grill master in Portland—and if you like the art of perfectly roasting red meats, you can’t miss out on his tour. He’s spent twenty years learning the fine art of grilling in South Korea, Thailand, Argentina, Spain, and France. Now, he’s taking that experience to teach you how to prepare the very best grilled meats Portland has to offer.

Bike Portland: Bridges, Neighborhoods, Poetry, & Roses

The title of this tour says it all. Expect to cross Portland’s famous bridges as you explore its most charming neighborhoods. Along the way, your guide will point out some of the city’s most iconic and beloved art galleries, bookstores, parks, cafes, and—of course—its famous rose garden.

Personally, I hate cycling, but I also think it’s an important factor here given Portland’s proclivity for green transportation. Also, the city is very bike-friendly. Even if you hate cycling, like me, this is probably the place to try it out, anyway.

Beginner’s Glass Blowing Lessons

Head into a master’s fireworking studio and start learning how to melt, forge, and blow glass. All participants get to learn the basics, then actually try their hand at glass blowing. Expect to leave with a few hand-crafted (or mouth-crafted?) souvenirs.

TSA Launches Family-Only Security Lines—Where Are They Live?

The TSA has been sweeping travel headlines for well over a month.

First, by announcing that the no-shoes rule, in effect for two decades, would be lifted. Second, with the potential news that the limited liquids rule might also be slashed. Third, by announcing updates to international security screenings, which will prevent passengers from being double-screened. Even the ATC is getting a much-needed boost.

It’s a resounding win for American passengers, along with visitors who have felt the pressure at our largest international airports.

There’s a new announcement you might want to celebrate: the TSA is organizing family security lines with a new ‘Families on the Fly’ program, and some are already live.

TSA launches family-friendly security lines

Families on the Fly is designed to streamline security protocols for families with little ones of all ages and special equipment, from strollers to large diaper bags. The program includes dedicated family lanes at select airports, TSA PreCheck discounts for families that join, and special TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families.

Currently, Families on the Fly programs are live at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), with new programs set to launch at John Wayne Orange County Airport and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

The TSA also hopes to offer Families on the Fly programs at airports in Tampa, San Jose, Jacksonville, Providence, and Charleston in the coming months.

What’s with all the TSA updates?

The TSA has announced a whirlwind of updates this year. Piggybacking on added ATC funding, the updates are the result of longstanding efforts to improve airport operations with strategic tech and passenger-first programs. Given the importance of maintaining air travel safety standards, the TSA has the right to update its policies as needed.

But let’s not forget that the US is expected to welcome six to eight million visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup… and then another two to three million for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In short, it’s the perfect time for the TSA to launch programs aimed at improving and streamlining the passenger experience.

Need Tips on the Best Places to Go on the Jersey Shore? Start Here

Fist-pumping, laundry days, and suspiciously fuzzy, knee-high boots aren’t the end-all of the famous (or should I say infamous?) New Jersey Shore.

As someone who was coming of age during the run of MTV’s Jersey Shore reality show, I assumed the Jersey Shore was a small area with one or two connected beach towns.

To be fair, I didn’t think much about geography—I was all-in on the Ron-Sam drama.

Later on, my first experience in Seaside Heights, where Jersey Shore was filmed, didn’t exactly detract from the show’s theme. I managed to sneak my friends onto the main beach by flirting with the kiosk attendant. Less than thirty minutes later, we got booted for not having proof of payment. And also smoking cigars. (I was in my early twenties, let’s not judge.)

I don’t think the reality TV show or my experience offers a fair or balanced view of the Jersey Shore. They’re both casual case studies in how to get in trouble in Seaside Heights—and don’t reflect the historic, family-friendly towns you can find lining the 130-mile stretch between Sandy Hook and Cape May.

If you’re anything like me, you might need a little crash course on the Jersey Shore and its most visitable towns.

Ready to take a look at the best places to go on the Jersey Shore—beyond Seaside Heights? You’re in store for a slew of classic American beach escapes, plus a few other twists, depending on where you go.

Best places to go on the Jersey Shore

  • Point Pleasant
  • Wildwood
  • Asbury Park
  • Cape May
  • Beach Haven
  • Sea Girt
  • Stone Harbor
  • Margate City
  • Belmar
  • Surf City

Best places to go on the Jersey Shore

Point Pleasant

Easily accessible by train or bus, Point Pleasant is one of the most bustling places to go on the Jersey Shore. The beaches are clean and great for swimming or sunbathing, and are serviced by lifeguards until 5 pm. Plus, the town is rich in history, letting you explore sites that date back to the 1700s. Don’t miss out on its charming downtown district, either, which comes alive during annual festivals like the Seafood Fest.

Wildwood

Amazing beach at Wildwood, New Jersey, and the kites.

Almost all of the best places to go on the Jersey Shore have a solid boardwalk—but Wildwood’s is pretty iconic. It looks like something out of a summer of love Americana flick, offering amusement parks and drink and food venues.

The town is known for its ‘doo wop’ or ‘googie’ architecture, which covers stylish, 70s-style buildings; the TWA Hotel is a classic example of this design. Wildwood is also one of the most family-oriented spots on this list, making it ideal for families with small kids.

Asbury Park

Asbury Park, New Jersey, US.

Asbury Park is renowned for its welcoming and artsy atmosphere, along with its musical venues and history. It’s where Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi famously got their starts.

Today, that music history is alive and well across Asbury Park’s venues, including the Paramount Theatre. But it also has a classic boardwalk that runs along a wide, sandy beach, letting you skip out on the shows to sunbathe at your leisure.

Cape May

USA, New Jersey, Cape May, Victorian houses along Beach Avenue

Many people argue that the best place to go on the Jersey Shore is Cape May—and I’m apt to agree. This charming small town is renowned for its Victorian architecture, which can turn a nightly stroll into an inspiring passeggiata.

And many of those Victorian buildings sit right on the sand, leading to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the most romantic destinations in New England, but one that comes at a range of price points, from budget to luxury.

Beach Haven

Like the name suggests, Beach Haven’s best activities revolve around the beach, as it’s located on the Long Beach barrier island. The town comes alive as a resort destination in summer, catering to families who want water activities. There’s also an amusement park, along with a water park. There’s even a cute historic district where you can see Edwardian and Victorian houses.

Sea Girt

SEA GIRT, NEW JERSEY – September 15, 2017: People enjoy the beach on one of the last days of summer

If you’re looking for a tiny escape, head to Sea Girt. It’s one of the best places to go on the Jersey Shore to soak up that small-town feel. Along with the beach and the boardwalk, you can enjoy activities like hiking, exploring public areas like Crescent Park, and even learning about history at the National Guard Militia Museum.

Stone Harbor

The Late Afternoon Sun along the beach in Stone Harbor, NJ.

Don’t want to battle the waves while you unwind at a Jersey Shore beach? Stone Harbor is known for its calm waters, which let you tackle activities like surfing, kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s also plenty to do in the way of shopping, with plenty of beachy and coastal motifs. Lastly, don’t forget about the Wetlands Institute, a gorgeous conservation area that offers daily tours.

Margate City

MARGATE CITY, NJ – JULY 20: Lucy The Elephant celebrated her 139th birthday (Photo by Donald Kravitz/Getty Images)

Similar to Stone Harbor and Point Pleasant, Margate City isn’t exactly a well-kept Jersey Shore destination. You might already know it thanks to its iconic Lucy the Elephant landmark, which is a 65-foot wooden sculpture that’s now a National Historic Landmark.

The town is known for its lovely beaches and bay, along with the close-knit community atmosphere. Families are more than welcome—you’ll find plenty of establishments that cater to kids of all ages.

Belmar

A drone shot of the Belmar Beach and coastal road and buildings on a sunny day in Belmar, New Jersey, USA

Home to big beaches with plenty of space to roam, you won’t be faced with the hustle and bustle of more popular boardwalks. That’s not because Belmar is off the map—instead, there’s a strong community focus on keeping the beach clean and accessible.

Expect a gorgeous and long boardwalk beside wide, sandy beaches, plus all the other elements of a great Jersey Shore vacation, like shops and restaurants geared toward summer fun.

Best places to go on the Jersey Shore, last pick: Surf City

Beachfront wooden houses in Surf City, New Jersey, USA

Walkable and known for being dog-friendly, Surf City makes it easy to unwind on the Jersey Shore. The community is welcoming and laidback, while beautiful beach and bay views wait around every corner. Plus, it’s home to unique finds like art galleries and mom-and-pop studios.

German Palaces That Will Make Your Jaw Drop: 12 Hidden, Lush Locations

There’s one German castle that almost any traveler would recognize: Neuschwanstein.

Recently inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s likely to draw even more tourists to the small Bavarian town of Hohenschwangau in Germany’s south.

But should you bother with a castle that was built in the late 1800s to mimic earlier models?

If you haven’t heard, Neuschwanstein isn’t typically considered a historic castle. It was built as a passion project (similar to a folly) by King Ludwig II in a style known as castle romanticism.

That should tell you what you need to know—the castle, though wholly impressive, was designed and built to mimic the stately, grand castles and keeps of the Middle Ages, mostly for fun, for grandeur, for the chance to display a great sum of wealth.

But if you’re on the hunt for German palaces, churches, and buildings that are actually historic, moody, atmospheric, and even slightly spooky, then you need to look beyond the purview of Neuschwanstein.

Here’s where to go to find German palaces that will have you transfixed and staring for hours.

Quick note: The locations below are listed with the terms palace and schloss, interchangeably. Schloss is German for palace and castle, depending on the context.

German palaces that will make your jaw drop

The most lush, opulent German palaces

Schloss Weissenstein or Weißenstein (Pommersfelden)

Getty

Let’s kick this list off with the coolest German palace of the bunch—and by cool, I mean its exclusive. Built in the early 1700s as a private residential palace for the noble Schönborn line, this unique Baroque masterpiece is still in the family.

In fact, it’s home to the family’s collection of Baroque art—which is the largest private collection in the world. Despite still being in the Schönborn family, this schloss is open to the public. And it’s easily my favorite of the bunch. If you’ve been watching Netflix’s The Empress, you might recognize the grounds—they’re Sisi’s main residence in the show.

Sanssouci Palace (Potsdam)

Potsdam, Germany – May 2019: Frederick the Great monument with Orangery at background in Sanssouci park (Getty)

Built by Prussian King Frederick the Great in 1747, Sanssouci Palace is often dubbed Germany’s Versailles. In fact, the name comes from the French ‘sans souci’, which translates to ‘witout worries’. The main difference, however, is the palace’s size—it has one floor sat atop a terraced hill. The Rococo design is endlessly lush and detail-oriented, drawing the eye. There are also temples and follies dotting a grand, almost endless garden.

Schloss Moritzburg (Moritzburg)

Getty

Of all the German palaces listed here, Moritzburg is the cutest—it almost looks like a Studio Ghibli creation. It’s also one of the oldest, having first been constructed in the mid-1500s for the Duke Moritz of Saxony as a private hunting lodge. Over the centuries, it was slowly expanded and continually inhabited by royals and nobles. And that only ended when the Soviets showed up to repo the palace in 1945.

Nymphenburg Palace (Munich)

Hall of Mirrors in Amalienburg, on the grounds of Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace or Nymph’s Castle) (Getty)

Nymphenburg Palace wins the name of games—it translates to Palace of the Nymphs. Built in the late 1600s by the noble House of Wittelsbach, the Palace of the Nymphs has a larger main edifice than even the Palace of Versailles. Like you might expect, you can expect to see mythological motifs and themes through the palace murals, textiles, architecture, and more.

Munich Residence or The Residenz (Munich)

Getty

The same Wittelsbach royals who constructed the Nymphenburg Palace also built the Residenz in Munich. As one of the most powerful families in Bavaria that ruled from Munich, The Residenz includes multiple buildings, courtyards, and plazas that served their needs. There are residential wings, a theatre, treasury, coin collection, Egyptian art collection, and more.

Schloss Pillnitz (Dresden)

Castle Pillnitz, Dresden, Saxony, Germany (Getty)

This restored Baroque castle is a riverside palace with three unique buildings that have an Eastern influence. The castle was built in a Neoclassical style with many ‘Chinoiserie’ elements, which is a European take on traditional Chinese architecture. Fun fact: the original grounds held a fortress, which was purchased and expanded into a palace by a powerful local official as a gift for his favorite mistress.

Schloss Veitshöchheim (Veitshöchheim)

Schloss Veitshoechheim, Bayern, Deutschland / Veitshöchheim (Photo by Schöning/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

This is one of the more modest German palaces on this list, created as a summer getaway spot for a local noble family in the 1680s. The gardens are particularly beautiful, offering grand sculptures in the Rococo and Baroque styles.

New Castle or Neues Schloss (Bayreuth)

Bayreuth, Germany – May 18, 2023: Fountain at the New Palace, Neues Schloss in the park of historical Hermitage (Getty)

Carefully reconstructed after a devastating fire in the mid-1700s, New Castle (which replaced Old Castle) is a master class in Baroque style in the local style. There’s a lavish ballroom with tons of gold stucco, for example, along with a grand palm room that’s home to emerald fronds. Though a bit out of the way, it’s a hot spot for architectural and design buffs, as its considered a crown jewel in Europe’s Baroque tradition.

Pro tip: New Castle is on the grounds of the Hermitage or Eremitage (in German) of Bayreuth. The complex includes other must-see sites, including remnants of the Old Palace.

Würzburg Residenz (Wurzberg)

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Like the Munich Residenz, this isn’t a traditional schloss—it’s a grand palace that served as the private residence and administrative hub for local nobility and royals of the Schönburg family. (That’s the same noble family behind Schloss Weissenstein.)

It’s considered one of the premier spots in Europe to experience Rococo and Baroque master paintings and murals. Frescoes were completed by famous Venetian painters, which is partly the reason the Würzburg Residenz was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Charlottenburg Palace (Berlin)

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Though certainly not off the beaten path, Charlottenburg is a can’t-miss for any fans of truly opulent German palaces. The grounds, which were built in the late 1600s for the royals, offer one of the most lavish Baroque and Rococo interiors in Europe. (Fun fact: Charlottenburg Palace, which was refurbished extensively post-WWII, was also the seat of the German presidency from 2004-06.)

Schloss Schleissheim (Oberschleissheim)

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

This three-for-one palace includes three massive residences that were built by the noble Wittelsbach family in the late 1500s. That makes the original Old Palace a Renaissance-style country home, with further projects edging into the Rococo and Baroque eras.

However, you’ll notice quite a few recent restorations, as much of the complex was destroyed during World War II. If you visit, don’t miss the gallery of Baroque paintings—it’s one of the world’s most extensive collections.

Schloss Johannisburg (Aschaffenburg)

Chapel at Schloss Johannisburg in Aschaffenburg, Germany, 14 May 2015 (Photo by Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images)

Built in the iconic red sandstone common to the area, this is a hard palace to forget. Built in the early 1600s for a local Prince-Bishop, it sits on the site of a historic keep from a castle dating back to the 1300s, which had been destroyed in the 1500s. It’s a little different from the other German palaces listed here, as the interior was fully converted in the early 1800s to a more modern Classic and Neo-Classic style.

Meet the Only 5 All-Inclusive US Virgin Island Resorts

The US Virgin Islands are some of the most accessible and exotic escapes for Americans.

First, because we don’t need a passport to visit, as the US Virgin Islands are an American territory. Second, the islands are some of the more affordable Caribbean escapes. Third, resorts come in all shapes and sizes, from family-friendly hotels to holiday-ready resorts that are chock-full of Christmas spirit.

Aside from the all-inclusive variety, unfortunately.

While all-inclusive resorts are common around the Caribbean, from the Riviera Maya to Jamaica, they’re far and few between in the USVI.

In fact, there are only five all-inclusive US Virgin Island resorts, as far as I can tell, spread across the three main islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The good news is that small number makes it easy for you to pick a winner for your all-inclusive vacation needs.

If you’re new to the USVI, then keep it simple by staying on St. Thomas—it’s where the main international airport is located.

Or, if you want a more adventurous vacation, head all the way out to St. Croix. It’s the largest island, and also the least populated. St. John is a great compromise. It’s less commercial and popular than St. Thomas, but a lot easier to reach compared to St. Croix.

Now onto the fun stuff. If you’ve been dreaming of a tropical, Caribbean escape at an all-inclusive US Virgin Islands resort, take a shortcut here. These are the best (and only) picks across all three islands.

All-inclusive US Virgin Islands resorts on St Thomas

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

With an outdoor pool, direct beach access, and nightly entertainment, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a perfect choice for anyone who likes a more high-energy escape.

While you can take it easy during the day by lounging on the beach, enjoying beach activities like snorkeling and kayaking, or heading out on a day trip, the nights come alive. Expect to make friends during the nightly entertainment events—and bring your dancing shoes.

Margaritaville Vacation Club

Even if you’re not really a Margaritaville person and have never visited one of its resorts, this vacation club is worth exploring. It’s modern, has tons of amenities (including a rooftop swimming pool), and is overwhelmingly family-friendly and laidback. Plus, it has some of the prettiest grounds out of this entire list. The gardens are lush and manicured, providing the perfect backdrop to soak up the Caribbean sun.

All-inclusive US Virgin Islands resorts on St Croix

Carina Bay All-Inclusive Resort & Casino

Want an adults-only, all-inclusive US Virgin Islands escape? Carina Bay is the only place you’ll find it. This adults-only boutique resort has three bars, several dining options, two pools, and direct beach access. Plus, you can enjoy activities like tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, and—of course—the on-site casino.

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort

Though not a true all-inclusive, this massive and well-known resort offers multiple packages that you can use to put together a mostly-inclusive trip. (There are also packages for romance and popping the question, if you’re looking for a romantic escape.) The Buccaneer is famous for its 340-acre property, which includes a large golf course, multiple tennis courts, a massive event venue, and more.

All-inclusive USVI resort on St John

The Westin St. John Resort Villas

You’ve got the option to create an all-inclusive vacation package at The Westin—and if you’ve got money saved up for a next-level vacation, this is a great place to funnel it. The Westin is perfectly designed for beach days (it has 400 yards of private, white sand beach), hours spent poolside, and even boating adventures via nearby Mangrove Bay.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 10—The Frenchies

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Part I / Costa Rica

Still in Costa Rica for my first year of Global Studies, I was ready to strike out on my first independent study. Like you might remember, my college was a little experimental (see: Ch. 9) and didn’t fit into a traditional mold.

Instead of tests and midterms, we conducted field interviews and independent studies.

During my freshman year, I decided to go all-in on investigating the spirituality of surfing. Part of my study involved researching the origins and evolution of surfing as a hobby and sport. Another element was studying the psychology of sports and movement, mostly the concept of the flow state, created by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. (He’s called The Father of Flow—very cool guy.)

Lastly, I would be doing on-the-ground research by interviewing and observing real-life surfers along Costa Rica’s most popular (and surfable) coastline, mostly around Samara and Nosara in the country’s northwest.

Now that I’m writing this, I’m wondering if it would have been cooler to write about the conclusions of that study and the relationship between surfing, spirituality, and biology. Instead, I’m writing about a group of young French men (the Frenchies). Alas.

Part II / Samara

There are French people everywhere; they’re the group I most often meet in hostels, airports, and around the farthest reaches of civilization. So, it wasn’t a shock when a classmate and I rolled up to our treehouse hostel in Samara and found that we’d be sharing the bungalow-style setup with three French travelers and surfers.

It worked out perfectly; we met in the communal kitchen and introduced ourselves. That’s when the Frenchies offered to help us learn the basics of surfing. I only remember one of their names: Louis. He would be my chief surfing instructor.

Part III / Surfing

Heading to Samara to learn about the spirituality of surfing put me smack in the middle of one of Costa Rica’s most surfable beaches. That being said, it’s not an ideal spot for beginners—it’s a place with respectable swells where experienced surfers can catch the perfect barrel.

Cut to me being thrown every which way as Louis helped me learn the ropes. I was good at some parts of surfing, like picking up on the sets and having the patience to pick the right wave.

I was bad at everything else, like paddling and popping up, and staying up. I was mediocre at holding my breath as wave after wave crashed down over me.

But Louis was a great teacher. He was patient, and I remember sitting on our surfboards and chatting. He talked about the ocean, about how surfing is done with nature; surfing only happens when Mother Nature sends in a good set.

Other times, we didn’t talk much. In those moments, we were just enjoying the scenery, the cool water, and the warm sunlight. That was another important part of surfing: patience, intuition, and connection with the outdoors.

And then there was Louis. Looking back, it’s hard to separate him from the study. He was a living encapsulation of the spirituality of surfing, distilled into a human form.

Part IV / I can’t run fast

For around ten days, my classmate and I conducted our independent study from the treehouse hostel in Samara. Toward the end, the Frenchies packed their bags and prepared to head to another hostel in search of wilder beaches. They had a huge off-road jeep, perfect for loading up colorful surfboards.

I remember the afternoon my classmate and I were heading back to the hostel with plans to say goodbye. Instead, we saw the back of their Jeep as it cruised down the dirt road, away from Samara. We took off running and shouting, but they didn’t hear us; and we didn’t make it far because we had our surfboards with us.

I have never seen or heard of the Frenchies again, but I’d like to meet Louis again before I die. I would recognize him.

TL; DR my world tour of travel stories: At some point in your travels, you will benefit from befriending a group of Frenchies.