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Here I sit in Taiwan Airport about to board my flight back to the US. For those that have been following along, I've been gone for about 2.5 years (since May 2017) --- 2 of those in Asia --- and this is my first trip home. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. How will it feel to see my family and friends that I've missed so much? Will I have anything to talk about -- I know nothing anymore about US pop culture anymore... What will it be like to see my Lola dog - will she remember me? My house, my neighborhood - they say I won't even recognize it!?!? Lots of emotions today; definitely running high. Life is full of unknowns for me right now and this 15 hour flight is going to feel really long....can't wait to give you all big hugs and wax poetic about the world 😘🤗 Photo: @mksheehan96 at Batu Caves Hindu Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . . . . . #glt #girlsaroundtheworld #dametraveler #dametravel #ladiesgoneglobal #ladieslovetravel #girlslovetravel #seetheworld #batucaves #malaysia #kualalumpur #slowtravel #fradonoinmalaysia #seasia #trvlr #trvlrdesigns #jessicafradonophoto (at Batu Caves) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DEZlDFoI3/?igshid=dp0fmt4pr745

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I really love Vietnam, especially wandering the streets of the Old Quarter of Hà Nội in the morning! The continual chaos, bright colors, smell of street food in the air, the orchestra of honks and beeps - it all comes together to form something magical. Hà Nội is one on those places that most people have pretty strong feelings about - have you been? What do you think? . . . . . #hanoi #Vietnam #flowermarket #photography #traveldeeper #travelphotography #magical_shots #hanoioldquarter #streetshots #streetphotography #streetscene #trvlr #travelvietnam #vietnamtravels #visitvietnam #slowtravel #trvlrdesigns #fradonoinvietnam #travelgram #vietnam🇻🇳 (at Hanoi Old Quarter - Phố cổ Hà Nội) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aRrwal2JU/?igshid=16x8g82vwz5w7

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"Cappadocia is a special destination and so unlike any other place I have ever been. The landscapes are amazing, the rock formations otherworldly, the sunsets are sublime. It is full of natural beauty and interesting history. There are horses, castles, underground villages, “fairy chimneys” and more – it really felt like a real-world fairy tale and I had to pinch myself several times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming." -Me 😁 Check out the link in profile for the full story at @passionpassport . . . . . #theglobalgirls #slowtravel #amazingtravelbeauty #traveldeeper #ladiesgoneglobal #darlingescapes #prettylittletrips #traveldreamseekers #girlsaroundtheworld #citizenfemme #sidewalkerdaily #travelerslife #instaturkey #fradonointurkey #fradonoincappadocia #instacappadocia #turkeystagram #turkeyphotooftheday #visitturkey #exploretheworld #inspiringwanderers #passionpassport #keepexploring #lifewelltravelled #goreme #kapadokya #cappadocia #cappadociaballoon (at Cappadocia / Kapadokya) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3uoBmrFdcq/?igshid=1mro5d4ehgorg

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I spotted this stall from afar --- there was a line of locals waiting, and as I got closer, I loved watching the grandmother's hands so carefully, yet so effortlessly crafting these meatballs. You could tell by her movements that she'd been making them for many, many years and didn't need to think about it anymore. We tried a lot of things, but this was by far my favorite food of the night! Although I'm still not sure exactly what I was eating, it was fantastic! Fish and spicy chilies with a wonderfully complex blend of spices and crispy, spongy, soft textures all in one. Despite it being so small, Surat Thani, Thailand has quite a street food scene! It's not much of a tourist destination because most people only stay one night on their way to the Thai islands. Unlike many other parts of the country, very few people speak English so it can be hard to ask questions about the food. I've always been an advocate of the "try first and ask later" philosophy...so if anyone knows what these are, please please please tell me what they are called and more about them! Thank you ��🙏🙏 . . . . . #suratthani #thai #thailand #thaifood #thaifoodstagram #streetfood #thaistreetfood #gltfoodie #traveling #grilling #foodstagram #eatfamous #travelingtheworld #whatintheworld #girlslovetravel #femmetravel (at Surat Thani Night Market) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3NM9-2FcqH/?igshid=1ce3j19n05qbu

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Pai, Thailand was an unexpected gem. Not only was it full of natural beauty, but lovely people too! Double surprise, I suddenly found myself in a vegetarian/vegan heaven. While I'm not quite ready to give up meat completely, I was increasingly excited by all of the non-meaty food. I discovered a Myanmar Fermented Tea Leaf salad that was like an explosion of flavors and textures in my mouth (I've been craving it ever since). I savored a giant pita stuffed with falafel, veggies and a cashew based cream sauce. I "mmmmm"-ed , "awwww"-ed and ate every last bite of my stuffed baked potato. I craved sugar-free seasonal fresh fruit shakes and gorgeous "Buddha Bowls" filled with veggies and ancient grains (check out my Pai stories for some pics). As icing on the vegan cake, I even met a girl who suggested bringing your own utensils to eat the street food - I already carry a bamboo straw, so why not? I've made a lot of small, gradual changes as I've moved around the world and learned the power of a more minimalistic lifestyle. These are all tiny steps, but in light of this week's #ClimateStrike, which is raising awareness about how far we have to go... I challenge you to think of ways that you can make a difference. Whether it's eating less meat, saying NO to that plastic straw/fork, bringing your own bags to the grocery store, cutting down on the usage of disposable paper products in your home, shopping at the more environmentally-conscious grocery store, or whatever way you personally can - take that first step! Share your ideas in the comments - let's help each other find creative ways stop what's happening to our planet before it's too late! . . . . . #savetheplanet #pai #thailand #thailandgram #thaifood #buddha #vegan #vegetarian #motherearth #traveldiary #traveldeeper #responsibletourism #femmetravel #visitthailand #seasia #climatechange #globalclimatestrike #environmentallyfriendly #earthday (at Pai, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2rBohUl4eU/?igshid=1gsh2aag2475e

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No one's life is perfect. No matter where we are, we are missing someone, or worried about something or dealing with some internal struggle. Social media can be very misleading because we tend to only post our happiest moments, after all, we were taught that no one likes a complainer. This year has had its ups and downs for me -- I'd like to defy the "rules" and share a few downs. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer out of the blue, had a surgery, and is now going through chemo therapy. My little brother and his wife had their second baby who I have yet to meet. I haven't spent the last 2 Christmas holidays with my family. I haven't snuggled my Lola dog in 2.5 years. I have a lot to be thankful for and I've seen tons of beautiful things...I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I've been granted. I'm putting this out there to the social media universe not for pity, but as a reminder that no matter what you see on the surface, peel back the layers and there's a different perspective. We are all human --- we all have our struggles. I challenge you to post something real on social media today - a real photo, a real story, a real show of emotion or all of the above --- you never know when your story may inspire someone else who could use a virtual hug ❌⭕❌⭕ . . . . . #realtalk #virtualhug #bali #baligasm #bluelagoon #bluewater #authentictravel #inspiringwanderers #islandlife #islandfever #baliguide #baliholiday #traveldeeper #cancersucks #wabisabi #traveldiary #travelerslife #traveldreamseekers #speechlessplaces #worldofwonder #NusaCeningan #visitindonesia #visitbali #inspiresomeone #sidewalkerdaily #femmetravel #ladiesgoneglobal #fradonoinbali (at Blue Lagoon Nusa Ceningan) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2cRBNLlI1m/?igshid=5mwdsaakdhzq

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Swinging into 45 like....HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN? Life goes by very quickly and many times we think we can wait to do the things we really want to do. The problem is that time truly does fly and it's the one thing you spend and will never get back. I spent most of my life doing what I was told I supposed to be doing and not necessarily what I wanted to be doing. That changed for me in 2017 when I decided listen to my inner voice; to go out and explore the world! To embrace the unknown and ever changing; to challenge myself daily to find solutions and adapt to my surroundings and different cultures. As humans, we have an inmate need to find a sense of belonging and purpose --- and I'm content to say that I've found both + what feels like true happiness (not sure we ever know but sometimes we just have to trust and embrace it). I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has been behind me, supporting me in all of my non-conventional decisions and lifestyle and to my friends and family that have made this possible by helping me in one way or another. I love you all! Happy birthday to me and cheers to another year of embracing the unknown and building the plane as I fly it! 📸 By @berbertrvlr taken on Nusa Lembongan Island, Bali .... but I'm actually spending my birthday in Pai, Thailand (see my stories for more on this adorable little Northern Thai mountain town) . . . . . . #bali #fradonoinbali #baligasm #baliindonesia #shareyourparadise #islandfever #NusaLembongan #islandlife #islandfever #womenwhoexplore #trvlrdesigns #trvlr #ilovebali #instabali #visitbali #exploretheworld #happybirthday #inspiringwanderers#worldnomads#lifewelltravelled #tropicalwayoflife #instabali #lifegoals #inspiringwanderers #authentictravel #slowtravel #indonesia (at Nusa Lembongan) https://www.instagram.com/p/B16WNngl30h/?igshid=12iqp829c1n9r

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Let's talk about Thai massage. It is hands down (literally) my favorite massage practice that I've experienced in my travels so far. It is not always as relaxing as traditional Western methods and is a VERY different experience from what we are used to. I remember getting my first one and feeling overwhelmed by what was happening. So here's how it goes: generally you are handed a HUGE shirt and pants to wear. Next, you will lay face down on a pad on the floor, not a massage table. You will be poked and prodded with thumbs, knees, feet, elbows and more. Most likely you will be walked on (fully or partially); you will be stretched into uncomfortable and unusual positions. No oil, no mess - you can leave like nothing ever happened. Except it did happen and it even though there were moments where it felt like torture, your body will feel fantastic! When you are finished with a Thai massage, you will usually get some sort of warm herbal tea to relax with before heading out. You should expect to pay 250 - 400 Baht ($8-13) per hour, depending on where you are (Chiang Mai was in the 250-300 range, the islands are in the 350-400 range). You should also tip 10% minimum as a token of thanks - kop khun kha - to your therapist who has just worked really hard to make you feel great! So where did this technique come from? Shivago Komarpaj is credited as the founder of Thai massage - he was Buddha's physician over 2,500 years ago. (NBD 😂) Thai massage, like Thai traditional medicine, is a combination of influences from Indian, Chinese, Southeast Asian cultures and traditions of medicine. The art as it is practiced today is probably the product of modern synthesis of healing traditions from these places. Ever had a proper Thai massage? What did you think? Tell me about your experience! . Photo: Beachfront massage at Viking Nature Resort, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand by @berbertrvlr . . . . #thailand #KohPhiPhi #seasia #thailandgram #thaimassage #ayurveda #thaitraditional #seetheworld #traveldiary #traveldeeper #fradonointhailand #phiphi #phiphiisland #tropicalwayoflife #islandlife #islandfever #shareyourparadise #wheretofindme #traditionalmedicine #culturetrip #getamassage (at Phi Phi Islands) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FZzjcF0wg/?igshid=1tova3d7u37ut

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Today we arrived to Koh Lanta - in the off season. It almost feels like we have the whole island to ourselves. It's a Muslim holiday (Sacrifice Feast /Eid al-Adha) here and part of the tradition is to BBQ, so we had a huge dinner on the beach at sunset. Although the storm clouds covered the famously beautiful sunsets that Lanta is known for, we have high hopes because tomorrow is another day. We will rent a motorbike to explore the island to decide if we will stay an extra night or go to Krabi instead. Any recs are appreciated! Eid Adha Mubarak to all of our Muslim friends across the world! . Photo: BBQ dinner at Richey's Bar & BBQ, Klong Nin Beach, Ko Lanta, Thailand . . . . . #bbq #KohLanta #thailand #visitthailand #thailandtravel #nikonasia #seasia #eidmubarak #eidaladha #slowtravel #trvlrdesigns #fradonointhailand #feastagram #thailandgram #tlpicks #traveldeeper #forbestravelguide #fodorsonthego  #lonelyplanet #eeeeeats #nomnom #forkyeah #dailyfoodfeed #devourpower #foodgawker #foodrepublic #thaifood #foodphoto #flatlay (at Ko Lanta) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Bx6WDF4b0/?igshid=h1eytpei749t

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Koh Phi Phi in the off season - to go or not to go? Cons: several places are closed / taking vacation, you can have stormy days, might not be so great for snorkeling/diving because of the weather. Pros: fewer people, lower prices for resorts, I found the stormy days to be peaceful and relaxing - nice hammock weather. All in all, it depends on what you do, but I really enjoyed my time relaxing and exploring the little town. If you have certain activities that you want to do then a longer stay in the off season (to allow for weather) or the regular season might be better for you. See my Thai Islands stories for videos, things we ate and more! . . . . . . #KohPhiPhi #phiphiisland #phiphi #thailand #visitthailand #islandfever #islandlife #shareyourparadise #turquoisewater #paradisefound #slowtravel #seetheworld #traveldeeper #traveldiary ##nikonasia #summerdays #stormyskies #travelerslife #trvlrdesigns #livetravelchannel (at Phi Phi Islands) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0_ZQ2SlZPJ/?igshid=c7t49dg1b03w

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Koh Phi Phi in the off season - to go or not to go? Cons: several places are closed / taking vacation, you can have stormy days, might not be so great for snorkeling/diving because of the weather. Pros: fewer people, lower prices for resorts, I found the stormy days to be peaceful and relaxing - nice hammock weather. All in all, it depends on what you do, but I really enjoyed my time relaxing and exploring the little town. If you have certain activities that you want to do then a longer stay in the off season (to allow for weather) or the regular season might be better for you. See my Thai Islands stories for videos, things we ate and more! . . . . #KohPhiPhi #phiphiisland #phiphi #thailand #visitthailand #islandfever #islandlife #shareyourparadise #turquoisewater #paradisefound #slowtravel #seetheworld #traveldeeper #traveldiary ##nikonasia #summerdays #stormyskies #travelerslife #trvlrdesigns #livetravelchannel (at Phi Phi Islands) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0_UY-hlm5l/?igshid=1abanuoc3gf63

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Happy 2 year travel-versary to me! 2 years ago today, I landed in Prague and started this journey. Today, I started my morning with an interview from the lovely @heathermarkel about women over 40 who have left a lot of things behind to purse their passion of travel and life changes. She's hoping to inspire more of us who are on the fence to find the courage to just do it! The interview made me think a lot.... I think back to that person I was 2 years ago and compare her to who I am now. I am wiser, calmer and humbled by the experiences I've had while seeing the world. I've had many ups and downs during this time, and despite what people might think, this life isn't always easy. Those of us who chose this life sacrifice a lot to be here - we do care about the people and the situations we left behind. But sometimes in life we find a pull, something nagging at us that just won't go away until we squash it. And that was this journey for me. And I'm doing exactly what I set out to do (even though that girl had no idea at the time what it would look like), and I made it this far, and I'm damn proud of myself. And I'm damn proud of that girl I once was who had the courage to listen to her heart and take the leap before it was too late. Anybody out there with questions or needing some inspiration, leave me a comment or send me a message because I have a whole wealth of hard earned knowledge just waiting to be shared 🙏💙 PS - A quick update on me: I've been living in Bali for almost 6 months and not sure "what's next". Sorry I've been so quiet. TBH I felt a bit discouraged by all the fake things I see on social media, so I'm giving you an extra dose of realness today! Thank you to everyone who has been there for me and supported me throughout this process; I love you and appreciate you more than you know! xoxo, Jessica 💙 📸: @marysiknesterova 🙏 sunset at the incredibly beautiful Uluwatu Temple (at Uluwatu Temple, Uluwatu, Bali) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByGEycflpRv/?igshid=1uzdhd6zm3ukr

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Welcome to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. Construction began on the grounds in 1782, but because of a tight timeline and budget, the new king had most of the structures built with wood. Over the next several years, the buildings were replaced, many with materials from the old capital city of Ayutthaya, which had been destroyed in 1767 during a war between Burma and Siam. The king sent his men to the old city to collect bricks from the forts and city walls, but eventually they leveled the old palaces as well. I thought it was really interesting how the history of the old city lived on by being dismantled and reassembled in another spot. The craftsmanship on the complex of buildings is absolutely stunning, containing the most intricate of details. Don't miss it when visiting Bangkok - entry fee is 500 baht, open daily 8:30am - 3:30pm. Important to note - they enforce a very strict dress code, more than any of the other temples in Thailand because it's seen as the most sacred place due to the Emerald Buddha which resides in the temple on the grounds. No shorts or shoulders for men or women, no flip-flops without socks. . . . . . #Bangkok #Thailand #grandpalace #thailandgram #thaitraveling #thailandtravel #thailand🇹🇭 #thailand_ig #beautifulmatters #amazingtravelbeauty #travelinspo #travelasia #seetheworld #visitthailand #doorsofinstagram #FRADONOinThailand #travellingthroughtheworld #seasia (at Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQlFCNF39n/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1k54y3mfisu12

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My last Best of 2018 is Luang Prabang, Laos! These photos are from the Tak Bat, which is a morning ritual that happens daily, without exception. The locals make food --- mostly high quality sticky rice, biscuits and fruit --- to feed the estimated 1,600 monks who live in this lovely little town. The practice is very sacred to the Buddhists, who believe that the practice of giving alms is their duty and will gain them goodwill. It's an incredible sight to see, and unfortunately has drawn the attention of many tourists who are not aware of how to show respect during the process. There are several rules that should be followed and it's asked that people not participate unless the ceremony has actual spiritual meaning for them. Photography is acceptable but at a distance and without flash (which makes capturing great photos almost impossible because it takes place mostly before sunrise). I posted last year about the my experience and the rules of participation in Tak Bat which you can find here #FradonoinLuangPrabang. I really enjoyed my time in Laos overall, and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to get a little bit off the beaten path of mainstream tourism in Southeast Asia. We spent a month exploring the country - see more here #FradonoinLaos . . . . . . #TakBat #Buddhism #LuangPrabang #Laos #visitLaos #natgeotravel #responsibletourism #laos🇱🇦 #travelescape #travelguide #tripscouting #beautifulseasia #roamearth #wandermore #travelandlife #voyaged #wonderfuldestinations #TRVLR. #TLpicks #destinationearth #luangprabanglaos #lensbible #unescoworldheritage #unesco #traveldeeper #laostrip #laostourism (at Luang Prabang) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLQio8l1J4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d38jc66e8jy6

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Kaputas Plaji - another best of 2018. Earlier this year, we road tripped through Turkey for almost a month. One evening around sunset, a bit before we hit the town of Kas, we decided to take a break on the roadside. I'm not even sure why we stopped, but when we got out of the car, we found a wonderful surprise - a crazy beautiful beach below us! The colors were the perfect palette of soothing pastels, it was small and virtually empty, like an accidental oasis; it was so peaceful! We hung out, took some photos, found some random roadside goats, and vowed to come back the next day for some time in the water and on the sand. When we returned in the morning it was like a totally different experience --- the soft blues were now several shades of turquoise, there were people where no one had been the night before, it was lively but not too crowded. It was such a wonderful discovery and I'm glad we got to see it both daylight and dusk. This beach was really special --- a place I will never forget! I was in Turkey for a total of 3 months in 2018, to see more of my journey click #FradonoInTurkey . . . . . . #kaputas #kaputasbeach #kaputaşplajı #turkey #turkey🇹🇷 #tropicaladdicted #beachside #sunsetoftheday #sunrise_and_sunset #beachdayeveryday #islandfever #speechlessplaces #amazingtravelbeauty #iamdigitalnomad #visitturkey #turkey_home #travelturkey #turkinsta #turkeyinstagram #babygoats #roadtrip #allshotsturkey #kas #ig_turkey #ig_anatolia #travellingthroughtheworld #naturel_turkey (at Kaputaş Plajı) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsF8V7NlZ8f/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7x009w8qhq68

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More best of 2018 ---- sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia --- one of the 7 wonders of the world! I'm not normally a morning person, but I can say for sure that getting up for this is a MUST! Even though there are going to be a ton of other people there with you, again, I will say that it was absolutely worth it. The temple complex is about 500 acres, with over 70 major structures. Be prepared to walk A LOT and wear comfortable shoes because you will be climbing over many many ancient rocks before your long day is done. Hire a tuk tuk driver for the day for the easiest transition around the small and large temple circle areas. To see more of my adventures in Cambodia click #fradonoincambodia . . . . . . #angkorwat #siemreap #cambodia #7wondersoftheworld #sevenwondersoftheworld #sunrise_and_sunset #sunriseoftheday #sunrise #temple #buddhist #reflections #welivetoexplore #traveltheworld #beautifuldestinations #worldplaces #ilovetravel #instago #bestofcambodia #bestof2018 #cambodiatravel #worldheritage #natgeotravel #travelasia #beautifulcambodia #beautifulseasia #travel_drops #travelinspiration #trvlr #travelinspo (at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_8E-clsf4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1m21iezay75mx

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The next of my 2018 highlights - the Sahara Desert and our camel ride. Morocco is another country with very diverse landscapes - desert, beaches, mountains, forests and more. We spent 5 weeks driving through it to explore. I've never been to a country so different from my home, and I have to say that it was one of the biggest learning experiences I've had since starting out on my journey. First photo: TFW when they tell you to get on the camel now! I didn't realize we'd be Camelback trekking through the desert on the day we arrived in Merzouga, but before I knew it we were being whisked away across the sand. I bought the dress and shoes a few days before from the market of Marrakech and by the looks of the photo, I wasn't the only one concerned with my wardrobe choices. But as you can see in the next photos, it all worked out just fine in the end 😁 See more of my journey through Morocco #FradonoinMorocco and work for sale at @trvlr.designs . . . . . . #moroccan #morocco #sahara #desert #desertsunset #camelride #paintedsky #bestof2018 #ergchebbi #sandinmytoes #roadtrip #visitmorocco #saharadesert #stayandwander #liveauthentic #beautifulmatters #beautifuldestinations #maroc#merzouga #moroccotravel #inmorocco #sunrise_and_sunset #sunsetoftheday #moroccandress (at Sahara Desert, Morocco) https://www.instagram.com/p/Br9yEV_lNGS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=z626ho5l0a0m