Travel before sunrise into the waterways of southern Vietnam as we explore the famous Cai Rang Floating Market in the Mekong Delta. In this episode, we climb aboard a tiny boat in the dark, drift through a maze of river traffic, and eat what might be the best bowl of soup I’ve ever had — all while surrounded by a floating world that has existed for generations. Along the way, we step inside a pineapple selling house boat, wander quiet canals filled with wildlife and plastic pollution, visit a...
May 26
45 min
We leave Ho Chi Minh City behind and head south into the Mekong Delta—where life slows to the rhythm of the river, roads give way to waterways, and every stop is filled with unforgettable food and genuinely kind people. In Can Tho, we explore tiny ferries, dirt paths, and a peaceful homestay surrounded by water and jungle. Then it’s off to explore fish farms, island villages, and a truly bizarre fish massage experience. And just when you think the day couldn’t get more unexpected…...
Apr 7
34 min
In this first episode from Vietnam, Laura and Carrie land in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) and step straight into the chaos — jet lagged, wide-eyed, and trying to cross streets filled with rivers of motorbikes. They explore its contradictions: honking traffic and quiet hidden alleyways, glass skyscrapers and corrugated tin rooftops. These are their first impressions of Vietnam — loud, complicated, and unforgettable. Then we travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 250-kilometer underground network use...
Feb 20
33 min
In this final Nicaragua episode, Laura travels to Granada the way so many locals do—by chicken bus. These colorful, chaotic former U.S. school buses are an experience in themselves, and the journey from Ometepe to Granada is filled with market noise, snack vendors, seat strategy, and a healthy dose of travel nostalgia. Once in Granada, Laura wanders the relaxed colonial streets of one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1524 and shaped by its proximity to Lake Nicaragua. Along th...
Dec 20, 2025
14 min
Getting around Ometepe Island in Nicaragua isn’t as simple as it looks on a map — and sometimes the best way to explore is to grab the handlebars and go. In this episode, I take you along for the ride as I trade mountain hikes for an ATV adventure around the volcanic island. From bumpy unpaved roads to unexpected rainstorms and delicious street food, it’s a day of freedom, mud, and a few surprises along the way. When the gas gauge doesn’t function, things get interesting. Join me as I navigat...
Nov 13, 2025
23 min
In this episode of Travel Along with Laura, we’re back on the volcanic island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. This time, we head to the lowlands between the two volcanoes to kayak along the Río Istian, where the wildlife is on display- howler monkeys calling from the trees, caimans gliding below the surface, toothy tropical gars submerged in the muck and the curious song of the Tungara frog echoing through the dusk. Along the way, we'll walk to a mountainside ecolodge, hear about La...
Nov 3, 2025
21 min
Welcome to Ometepe, the magical island in Central America's largest lake! In this episode, Laura takes you on the ferry, shares the story of Ometepe’s twin volcanoes, and dives into the island’s deep history, wild creatures, and sacred spirit. You’ll visit El Pital Chocolate Paradise to learn about cacao—from ancient traditions to modern chocolate-making—and even hear how bull sharks have learned to thrive in fresh water. This is just the beginning of Laura’s Ometepe adventure! Musica...
Sep 2, 2025
44 min
In this episode, Laura takes us to León, Nicaragua — a city of striking colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and surprising adventures. From climbing the roof of its dazzling white cathedral to exploring bustling markets, León offers both authentic charm and plenty to do. We’ll venture beyond the city to experience the adrenaline rush of volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, complete with the highs, lows, and honest realities of this famous activity. Then we wind down at nearby Las Peñitas ...
Aug 13, 2025
36 min
In this episode of Travel Along with Laura, we’re continuing our adventure on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. From serene black-sand beaches to unexpected jungle detours, this trip has it all. Join Laura and her partner Carrie as they explore Playa Negra and Playa Grande, trek through island trails, search for old sugar mill ruins, and get more adventure than they bargained for while stumbling across abandoned U.S. Navy bunkers hidden in the forest. Plus, we’ll talk about the “wild” horse...
Jun 11, 2025
34 min
Off the eastern tip of Puerto Rico lies the Caribbean island of Vieques. In this episode, we trade San Juan’s buzz for beach bars and an unforgettable ride through the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Along the way, Laura takes a tiny airplane, sips painkillers under the stars, and pops the question! From glass-bottom kayaks to an island wide power outage, Vieques gave us more adventure—and romance—than we ever expected. Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see...
May 11, 2025
31 min
Load more