Travel with Locals — EscapingNY

Paragliding over prisons & Scuba diving across Cuba

I spent three-months scuba diving, camping, hitchhiking, and paragliding my way across Cuba.

CassandraJune 6, 2016Comment

Cuba's Zero Waste Recycling Like You've Never Seen Before

Cuba recycles like no other country. Necessity breeds creativity and there is no better example of this than Cuba, where even diapers, beer bottles, and condoms find a second, third, and fourth life.

Cuba, CaribbeanCassandraJune 6, 2016cuba, recycle, cuban recycling efforts, how cubans recycle, do cubans recycle Comments

Hitchhiking Cuba

Long-haul truckers, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and farmers on tractors picked me up and safely delivered me to my next destination during a 3-month visit.

CassandraJune 6, 2016cuba, hitchhiking, travelComment

Spaghetti with Mustard? Not What You Expected from Cuban Food

The ropa vieja and Cubano sandwiches you've enjoyed in American Cuban restaurants couldn't be more different than the bland, repetitive food that makes up the vast majority of Cuban fare.

Cuba, CaribbeanCassandraJune 6, 2016travel, vegan, cuba, cuban food, vegan cuban food, what to eat in cubaComment

Obama, Rolling Stones, and Vin Diesel in Havana

I was fortunate to arrive the same day as President Obama, attend a Rolling Stones concert, and witness the filming of the Fast and the Furious. What a week in Havana!

CassandraJune 6, 2016cuba, travel, havanaComment

Mar 25, 2025

Bhutan on a Budget: How to Plan a Wallet-Friendly Vacation to Bhutan

Learn how to save money when visiting Bhutan, from when to go, where to stay, what to do, and whether you need a guide and driver. Here’s how to explore Bhutan on a budget.

Jul 20, 2022

Where to go in Mexico for Day of the Dead

Mexico is a hugely diverse country with many options for celebrating Day of the Dead. Learn where to go in Mexico for Day of the Dead, including tips on what cities to visit, what to do there, and how to make the most of your Day of the Dead vacation

Feb 3, 2022

How to Visit Cuba During Covid - Required vaccinations, testing, and medical insurance

Covid entry requirements in Cuba are constantly changing. Learn how to visit Cuba during the pandemic, including required vaccinations, testing, and medical insurance. You’ll also learn what to do before your trip, what to expect in Cuba, and what to do if you get sick.

Sep 24, 2020

Day of the Dead Mexico City Group Tours in 2022

Learn about 2022 Day of the Dead group tours to Mexico City. Attend intimate memorial ceremonies in cemeteries around the city, celebrate the festival with families inside their homes, participate in altar building experiences, and explore food markets with a chef, visit ancient Aztec ruins and the 3rd largest pyramid in the world, and take an authentic Mexican cooking class to learn about traditional foods served during Day of the Dead.

Jun 11, 2020

White People: Even if We're Not Racist, We Can Do Better

Racism is baked into America so as white people, we sometimes don’t see it. Though nobody wants to be labeled a racist, racist acts happen every single day. Learn how to examine your own biases and how to help dismantle racism and oppression.

Apr 1, 2020

Free and Cheap Resources to Keep You Entertained, Productive, & Healthy While Social Distancing

While you’re social distancing and self-quarantined because of Coronavirus, check out these free and cheap online resources to keep you entertained, healthy, fit, and productive!

Mar 19, 2020

Day of the Dead Parades and Preparation Group Trip to Mexico City - October, 2022

Day of the Dead is the perfect time to visit Mexico City. In addition to visiting pyramids, ancient Aztec ruins, biking through the city and taking an authentic Mexican cooking class, the Day of the Dead also brings huge parades, street festivals, and intimate ceremonies in cemeteries around the city. Learn about 2020 Day of the Dead parade and preparation group tours to Mexico.

Feb 11, 2020

Vegan food in Puerto Rico: Old San Juan & Beyond

Puerto Rico has incredible vegan food, from classics like mofongo and pastelón, to pizza, donuts, & fine dining. Learn where to go and what to eat, including lists of vegan restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico and beyond.