Go-getter language is finally starting to dominate the discussion around women’s travel. And for good reason. Women make 80% of all travel decisions, and data collected in 2015 shows that…
When I Was Assaulted Abroad, Here Are the Steps I Took to Heal Myself
Trigger Warning: Assault As non-male travelers, we live uniquely gendered experiences. No matter where we are, women’s safety is an ever-relevant topic. Thanks to technology, we are more connected to…
What I Learned About Empowering Girls from Girls Themselves
When I think of girls’ empowerment, these images come to mind: Girls’ hands flying in the air during class to ask questions Girls learning that if they were boys, they…
Peace Corps Tanzania: How I Fight for Queer Rights from The Travel Closet
A challenge: our safari car getting stuck in a lake bed. Photo courtesy of Ali Rucker. To celebrate the first year of my Peace Corps service, I wanted to incorporate another Peace…
Peace Corps Breakdown: Why More Vulnerable Travelers Should Speak Up About Mental Health
When you feel like running, slow down for your own sake. Image by Flickr user Thomas Leuthard. “Hi…I’d like to see if I could…take a mental health day…” …I said,…
Forgive the Little Things: My Journey to Confront the Uncomfortable
There’s a lot of discomfort in the world, but it’s not all bad. Image by Flickr user Rocky Lubbers. We’re pleased to debut the fresh voices of the third cohort…
Peace Corps Wishlist: The Top 3 Practical Things I Wish I Had as a Volunteer
Pulling water from this well every time I wanted to bathe made me much less likely to want to spend two buckets on washing my hair. Image by Samantha Marangell….
10 Reasons Why Peace Corps Is for Lovers
Peace Corps relationships are unlike any others. Image courtesy of Flickr user Nicki Varkevisser. It’s no secret that Peace Corps can sometimes seem to be a dating service for those…
Harassment of Women: Thoughts from a Go Guy
The divide of gender experiences. Image by Flickr user nevil zaveri. Two months ago I wrote an exploratory article about the harassment female travelers often endure. One topic that resonated…
Top 5 Things I Miss About Peace Corps
Few bonds are as great as those between fellow Peace Corps Volunteers. Image courtesy of Samantha Marangell. People often ask if I would do Peace Corps service again. What they really…
Traveling in Malaria Endemic Countries: How to Keep Yourself Safe
They can cause more than an itch. Image from Pixabay. The headache struck in the middle of the night, pounding mercilessly right behind my eyes. As a person who rarely…
Show Me a Peace Corps Volunteer
It’s hard work, it’s making new friends, it’s making a difference. Image by Flickr user US Embassy Canada. This month I am proud and excited to be co-writing with one…
5 Reasons to Train for a Marathon During the Winter
The frosty outdoor run… Image from www.sdri.net As winter both attacks and teases Boston, I find myself hibernating like a spoiled Californian. But when I think about it, I was so…
Close of Service: Goodbye, Peace Corps Colombia!
On Dec 6, 2013, I rang the bell marking the “Close of Service,” or COS, of my Peace Corps Service in Colombia. My service, like most things anticipated since forever,…
Finding Your Feet: Why You Should Seriously Consider A Leap of Faith
The edge of the cliff is daunting, but it leads to a shining sea. When I share with someone that I’ve chosen to join the Peace Corps and am about…