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Why I Skipped Nicaragua's Must-Do Activities and What It Brought Me (My First Paid Writing Gig)
In an attempt to go beyond the usual hostel small talk, I asked a fellow backpacker what activities or places they had consciously skipped. It led to a great conversation in which I shared how I had skipped Popoyo's Secret, supposedly one of Nicaragua's must-do activities, when backpacking in Nicaragua and how it brought me my first paid writing assignment. Continue reading for that story and other examples.

Ilse
Jul 223 min read


How I Landed My First Online Job and Became a Digital Nomad - Then Quit
How I landed my first digital nomad job without a degree, allowing me to travel in countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Ecuador. There are downsides to the digital nomad lifestyle that I only learned as I went, eventually leading me to quitting my remote job and finding something much better.

Ilse
Jun 198 min read


A Guide to (Solo) Travel in Nicaragua - From a Female Backpacker's Perspective
Although many backpackers and other travellers consider Nicaragua one of their favourite destinations, after visiting I could not disagree more. In this Nicaragua travel guide, I share my experiences, travel tips for Nicaragua and specific recommendations of what I would do differently if I were to visit again.

Ilse
Jun 1115 min read


10 Days to Make a Documentary (Uaxactún)
Forestry concession community Uaxactún (Guatemala) invited us to co-create a documentary in 10 days via Actuality Abroad. How did that go?

Ilse
Jan 194 min read


How To Ride a 'Chickenbus' in Guatemala - All You Should Know About Prices, Routes and Safety
How to ride a chickenbus, how to pay, how much they cost, where to find the schedules and bus stops, and where in Guatemala they go.

Ilse
Sep 30, 20247 min read


Top Things to Do in Popoyo, Nicaragua: A Slow Traveller’s Guide
Everything you should know about Popoyo - Nicaragua's best surf town: where to stay, where to surf, where to eat, and when and how to visit!

Ilse
Aug 1, 202410 min read


Top Things to Do in El Paredon, Guatemala: A Slow Traveler's Guide
Uncover upcoming backpacking and surf destination El Paredon, Guatemala with this Slow Traveller's Guide.

Ilse
Jul 4, 20247 min read


Hiking Acatenango and Fuego Volcanoes in Guatemala: A Guide with Personal Stories
A guide to hiking Acatenango and Volcan Fuego (which actively erupts each hour, shooting lava) with essential tips and personal anecdotes

Ilse
Jan 23, 202410 min read
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