Start Traveling Without Fear

I’m Mason. I traded a traditional post-university path to sell everything and backpack across Asia. That was over 13 years ago.

Today, with more than 130 countries of solo, adventure and moto travel experience, I teach people how to get the most out of their own time on the road either backpacking or on two wheels.

Whether you need practical advice for budget travel or you're planning an overland motorcycle trip, you are in the right place.

The Best Blog for Solo Travelers, Backpackers, Adventure Travelers, & Moto Travelers

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Latest Blog Posts

The Best Day Trips from San Cristóbal de las Casas (2026)

The Best Day Trips from San Cristóbal de las Casas (2026)

The day trips from San Cristóbal de las Casas that are actually worth it: Sumidero Canyon, Chamula and Zinacantán, El Chiflón, Toniná, plus the ones to skip. ...more

Mexico

October 17, 2026•12 min read

Is the Yucatán Safe in 2026? An Honest Assessment

Is the Yucatán Safe in 2026? An Honest Assessment

Is the Yucatán safe? Yucatán and Campeche states are Level 1 with the U.S. State Dept; Quintana Roo is Level 2. The honest, current breakdown. ...more

Mexico

October 17, 2026•11 min read

Cancún Airport: Transport, Taxis & Getting to Your Hotel

Cancún Airport: Transport, Taxis & Getting to Your Hotel

Cancún airport (CUN) has three working terminals, no Uber pickup at the curb, and ADO buses to the Hotel Zone, downtown, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. ...more

Mexico

October 17, 2026•10 min read

Best Day Trips From Mérida: Cenotes, Coast & Ruins

Best Day Trips From Mérida: Cenotes, Coast & Ruins

The best day trips from Mérida: Uxmal, Celestún's flamingos, Progreso's beach, Izamal, the Homún cenote route, Dzibilchaltún, and Chichén Itzá. ...more

Mexico

October 17, 2026•10 min read

Yucatán Cenotes: The Complete Guide (Which Ones Are Actually Worth It)

Yucatán Cenotes: The Complete Guide (Which Ones Are Actually Worth It)

Yucatán cenotes range from photo-only sinkholes to cave-diving systems. What they are, the shared rules, and which are worth it by base city. ...more

Mexico

October 17, 2026•14 min read

How to Visit Chichén Itzá Without a Tour

How to Visit Chichén Itzá Without a Tour

How to visit Chichén Itzá without a tour: DIY bus routes from Valladolid, Cancún, and Mérida timed to beat the crowds at opening. ...more

Mexico

October 01, 2026•8 min read

Ek Balam: The Best Alternative to Chichén Itzá

Ek Balam: The Best Alternative to Chichén Itzá

Ek Balam is a climbable Maya pyramid near Valladolid with a rare stucco facade. Here's the current fee, colectivo logistics, and Cenote X'Canché. ...more

Mexico

October 01, 2026•8 min read

Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas: DIY From Valladolid

Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas: DIY From Valladolid

Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas without a tour: the bus route via Tizimín, the boat co-op, the pink lakes, and when flamingo season peaks. ...more

Mexico

October 01, 2026•9 min read

Best Day Trips From Valladolid

Best Day Trips From Valladolid

The best day trips from Valladolid: Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, Las Coloradas, the cenote circuit, Cobá, Izamal, and even Mérida. ...more

Mexico

October 01, 2026•10 min read

The Best Destinations You Need to Travel to in 2026

El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza during sunset with the word Mexico in large white text across the center
Tikal Mayan ruins in the jungle during sunset with the word Guatemala in large white text across the center
Traditional Korean palace pavilion and pond surrounded by cherry blossoms with the words South Korea in large white text across the center
Lush green hills and tall wax palms of the Cocora Valley with the word Colombia in large white text across the center
Taipei 101 skyscraper and city skyline at sunset with the word Taiwan in large white text across the center
The Citadelle Laferriere mountaintop fortress surrounded by green mountains with the word Haiti in large white text across the center

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