Hey Reader,

April was the first month that I stayed put in a single country since... October! It's been a wild ride moving to Kigali, but we are finally getting the hang of things here. We took two weekend trips in April when Wilhelm's mom came to visit. We had so much fun!

First, we went to the lovely UMVA Muhazi Lodge just outside of Kigali. It was perfect for relaxing and has amazing views of Lake Muhazi.

UMVA Muhazi Lodge Review ​Read more...​

We also visited the town of Musanze, which is the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park. Here, we went to see the cute Golden Monkeys and went on a hike around the Twin Lakes. I wrote about where to stay in Musanze because there are sooo many options; it's overwhelming, and prices are crazy.

In Kigali, we went around town, and the highlight was a DIY walking tour to several different art galleries.

Art Galleries in Kigali ​Read more...​

New Offline Guides

I'm experimenting with developing offline, PDF guides for some of my most popular destinations on the blog. The guides focus directly on getting you from point A to B to C... etc... around a destination. Right now, I've got guides up for Zurich and Istanbul. Do you want an offline guide for where you're traveling next? Let me know!

Viator Discount!

For any upcoming travel, I have a 10% discount code for Viator: VIATORAFF10 when you use my links below.

If you're ever stuck on what to do, check out my favorite tours that I've done (or wanted to do!) on my Viator Shop.

You have until May 17 to use the code.

2025 Vacation Cheat Sheet: May

If you haven't downloaded my 2025 Vacation Cheat Sheet, you can still do so! Each month, I'm providing all the deets to make your vacay planning easier.

I may earn a small commission if you book using my affiliate links.

If you’re in Cuba, get a coffee at the one place we went to three times in five days: El Dandy. They have the best cortado I’ve ever had.

Don’t forget that the azaleas at the National Arboretum in DC are in bloom. And, if you haven’t booked a weekend away in South Africa, check out Clarens and spend the night in a castle.

​The Elmina Tour is a must in Ghana along the Cape Coast. Funnily enough, Wilhelm is headed to Ghana for work this month (what are the chances that I thought this was a perfect time to visit?). Hopefully, he will visit some new restaurants I can use to update my guide...

European Getaway: France

Do a road trip along the South of France to see the Lavender fields in Provence in full bloom (as the main event!). To spend 10 days, you’ll start and end in Nice (though you could also depart from Marseille, depending on your flight connection). The itinerary isn’t jam-packed, so you’ll have time to lounge or add in other activities too. I liked the small towns of Èze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Menton for short excursions during the day. Visiting the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was also so lovely, with its curated gardens and water show. The Picasso Museum in Antibes was a good find. In Antibes, get brunch at Mellow Cafe, open until 3pm.

South of France Itinerary ​Read more...​

African Getaway: Namibia Road Trip

June is the best time for wildlife spotting in Etosha National Park, with fewer crowds. Then, visit the Sossusvlei Dunes, part of the larger Namib Desert (one of the oldest deserts in the world). Hike up Big Daddy Dune, the tallest peak, standing tall at a whopping 325 meters. You can’t miss it! I suggest 5 Days in the Desert. ​

Driving tips: Please download a video on how to change a tire if you don’t know how! The only cars we passed on our first day were all cars with flat tires. It scared me so much that I was driving a max of 50km on the roads. Be sure to stop at a gas station before changing between paved and gravel roads and ask the attendants to reduce your tire pressure so that you can drive faster on the gravel road.

South Africa: Durban

Escape to the beach in Durban to avoid the lingering winter in Joburg and Cape Town. Book lovers should make a stop at Ikes second-hand bookshop is excellent to wander through. There are old and new books… something for everyone. Prepare to carry several books around with you all day. If it rains, visit Shaka Marine World Aquarium.

US Getaway: Minneapolis

I was so surprised by my trip to Minneapolis. I found plenty of cool cafes and museums to work from during the week. The food was great, and it was relatively easy to walk around while staying downtown. Be sure to explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. I especially loved the iconic Spoon and Cherry sculpture. Also visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, American Swedish Institute, and Weisman Art Museum (visit for the building), all three have cafes where you can work from after you explore the exhibit. Check out my guide for more deets, including bookshops and where to eat around town.

What to do in Minneapolis ​Read more...​

Master planner?

For July, get ready to explore the blooming wildflowers of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park and hit the Albanian Riviera for some beachside relaxation. In Senegal, spend a weekend in vibrant Dakar, or head to South Africa for a serene Vaal River getaway just outside Joburg.

What I like right now:

1) Peanut butter: I'm literally going through a tub of peanut butter every 2 weeks in Kigali. The natural peanut butter here is sooo delish.

2) I've finally mastered how to make sorghum: It's taken a couple of tries to experiment because it's turned out pretty bitter. I bought this sorghum at the market; it's dusty and has some plant elements still in it... The hack is to rinse the sorghum at the beginning and the end. First, rinse the sorghum 3 times in water, taking out any grains and plant matter that floats to the top. Then, boil the sorghum with water (1 cup sorghum: 3 cups water) and reduce to a low heat for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes on low heat, taste the sorghum and make sure it's fully cooked (if it's bitter or acidic, it's not ready yet). There will still be water left in the pot. Rinse + drain the sorghum 2-3 times until the water runs clear, and then serve!

3) Rwandan Coffee: Okay, this is also what I liked last month, but I think I've found my favorite bean. The Kigeme medium roast is flavorful and non-acidic.

You can keep up to date on what I'm up to on Instagram. Otherwise, see you next month!

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