Destinations

Explore the world by region. This is the home for every Backpacking Diplomacy destination, organized into the places we cover across six parts of the globe. Dive into in-depth country and city guides, regional stories, local food, and honest, on-the-ground advice. Wherever the road is calling, start here and travel like a local.

fried fish with vegetables in the plate

Festival del Mojo Isleño 2026: Dates, Lineup & the 10K

New here? This is the 2026 logistics post. For the full history, the story of the mojo isleño sauce, and what the festival is all about, see our complete guide: Festival del Mojo Isleño: The Complete Guide. This post covers the 2026 dates, the daily music lineup, and the certified 10K. The 23rd Festival Internacional del Mojo Isleño runs Friday, …

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Volky Fest Mocano 2026: Dates, Full Lineup & How to Go

New here? This is the 2026 logistics post. For the full history, the story of the Castillo Labadie venue, and what the festival is all about, see our complete guide: Volky Fest Mocano: The Complete Guide. This post covers the 2026 dates, the daily music lineup, camping rates, and how to follow along. Volky Fest Mocano returns Friday, July 24 …

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Young beautiful female tourist is choosing souvenirs in street shop and looking at colour bracelets. Local souvenir concept

Feria Nacional de Artesanías de Barranquitas 2026: Dates & Full Schedule

New here? This is the 2026 logistics post. For the full history and what the fair is all about, see our complete guide: Feria Nacional de Artesanías de Barranquitas: The Complete Guide. This post covers the 2026 dates, the daily lineup, and how to follow along. The 65th edition of the Feria Nacional de Artesanías de Barranquitas runs Friday, July …

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Puerto Rico Events in July 2026: Festival & Fiesta Calendar

July is one of the busiest months on Puerto Rico’s cultural calendar, and this is the full run of festivals, patron-saint fiestas, and town celebrations happening across the island this month. Quick answer: what’s happening in Puerto Rico in July 2026? More than 20 festivals and town fiestas run across Puerto Rico in July 2026, from the Festival de las …

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Colectivos in Copan for traveling to and fro San Pedro Sula

Taking the bus from Copán to San Pedro Sula

Quick answer: The bus from Copán Ruinas to San Pedro Sula takes roughly 4 to 5 hours and runs a handful of times a day, all in the morning. In most cases, there is no online booking. You show up at the terminal before departure and pay the driver or his assistant directly, in lempiras. Because departures are morning-only from …

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Puerto Rican Food: Guide to Dishes, Flavors & Expectations

When I think back to my first impressions with Puerto Rico, I recall thinking that Puerto Rican food was basic. At that time, I had very little exposure to the variety of options that exist on the island and was also only speaking from a limited set of experiences, which predominately stemmed from street food. I also happened to be …

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bad toilets in the world

The World’s Worst Toilet

When I was traveling through Tajikistan, we stopped at a roadside outhouse. I found this old toilet out in nature and I wonder if it is among the world’s worst toilets, or at least among the dirtiest. I’ve seen a wide range of toilets from squatty potties, even outhouses over the amazon river in Peru. Toilets are something that all …

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Bomba dancing in Puerto Rico

Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol 2026 (Loíza): Dates & What to Know

New to the festival? This is the 2026 details page. For the full story of what the festival is and what it celebrates, the coconut masks, the bomba, the history and the debates around it, see our complete guide: Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol in Loíza: The Complete Guide. The Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol return to Loíza in July 2026 for …

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Red and pink flamboyan tree flower petals blooming in Dominican Republic.

Festival del Güiro y el Flamboyán 2026: Dates & What to Know

New to the festival? This is the 2026 details page. For the full story of what the festival is and what it celebrates (including the güiro and the flamboyán), see our complete guide: Festival del Güiro y el Flamboyán: The Complete Guide. The Festival del Güiro y el Flamboyán returns to Peñuelas in 2026, running July 24 to 26 at …

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The girl is admiring the flowers in the garden. Aibonito flower festival is a wonderful place to see many different species.

Festival de las Flores de Aibonito 2026: Dates, Schedule & Lineup

New to the festival? This is the 2026 logistics page. For the full history and what the festival is all about, see our complete guide: Festival de las Flores de Aibonito: The Complete Guide. This page covers the 2026 dates, prices, and daily schedule. The 2026 Festival de las Flores de Aibonito, Edición 56, runs June 26 to July 5, …

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Road conditions changed frequently in Corfu, be ready for all conditions.

Driving in Corfu Greece

TLDR So you want to drive in Corfu? Well you are not alone. I wanted to as well, and did. Although along the way I learned some things. Quad (ATV), scooter and car rentals are all popular ways to explore the island of Corfu. The island of Corfu is beautiful and rewarding in so many ways. From the mountain villages …

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You can find piles of trash everywhere on Corfu.

Corfu has a trash problem

I had almost no idea what to expect in Corfu. Arriving from a different part of Greece, I knew it was an island, but I didn’t look into it that much. As I drove around the island by scooter, I noticed something that surprised me: trash. There’s trash everywhere. The amount of trash is certainly not something that you see …

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Festival of St. John the Lampadari

Every year in late June, there is a small festival in the quaint coastal village of Benitses (Μπενίτσες) on the island of Corfu, Greece. Honoring St. John the Lampatari, presumably ‘the light’, it is known locally as Αη Γιάννης του Λαμπατάρη. My trip to Corfu happened to coincide with the festival and I was fortunately staying nearby the event. After attending, …

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Image by Freepik

A Foreigner’s Guide to the Fourth of July

How to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday While You’re Here for the World Cup If you’re in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, you’ve picked an extraordinary week to be here. The Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day, lands right in the middle of the group and knockout stages, and this year it isn’t just any Fourth. 2026 marks …

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Travel Video: The Amazon

Down the Amazon: Iquitos to Manaus by River There are trips you plan and trips that plan you. Floating down the Amazon is the second kind. You can trace the route on a map ahead of time, but the river runs on its own clock, and somewhere past the first bend you stop fighting it and just let the current …

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Aegean Airlines Review: Is Greece’s Flag Carrier Worth It in 2026?

TLDR — Is Aegean Airlines Worth It? Aegean Airlines is Greece’s largest airline and flag carrier, a full-service Star Alliance member that’s the backbone of travel to and around Greece. Unlike the budget carriers, Aegean still includes the things that make flying pleasant: a real cabin experience, a strong loyalty program (Miles+Bonus), free onboard Wi-Fi for members, and a genuine …

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Image courtesy of Magnific.com

Swedish Midsummer: The Complete Guide to Sweden’s Wildest, Brightest Holiday

The Quick Take: Midsummer (midsommar) is Sweden’s biggest summer holiday and arguably its most beloved, a celebration of the summer solstice built on flower crowns, a leaf-covered pole, pickled herring, cold schnapps, and a sun that barely sets. In 2026 it lands on Friday, June 19 (Midsummer’s Eve), with the public holiday following on Saturday, June 20. Cities empty out …

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Noche de San Juan in Puerto Rico

Noche de San Juan in Puerto Rico: The Complete 2026 Guide

Noche de San Juan at a Glance Noche de San Juan (Saint John’s Eve) is one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved traditions, celebrated every year on the night of June 23, the eve of the feast of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint the capital city of San Juan is named for. As midnight strikes, Puerto Ricans crowd the …

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Looking down at the ferry from plane on the way to Vieques and Culebra

The Ferry to Culebra and Vieques: A Complete Guide (Ceiba Ferry, 2026)

Overview: The Culebra and Vieques Ferry The ferry is the most affordable and scenic way to reach Puerto Rico’s island municipalities of Culebra and Vieques. Both routes are run by a single operator, Puerto Rico Ferry (operated by HMS Ferries, anchored by Hornblower), and, this trips up a lot of visitors, they now depart from Ceiba, on Puerto Rico’s east …

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Isla Culebra in Puerto Rico by air

Air Flamenco Review 2026

TLDR — Is Air Flamenco Good? Air Flamenco is one of Puerto Rico’s oldest island airlines, flying small Britten-Norman Islander aircraft between San Juan, Ceiba, Culebra, and Vieques, with charter service across the wider Caribbean. Founded out of Flamenco Airways in 1976, it’s a long-established local operator and reportedly the largest Britten-Norman Islander operator anywhere. For travelers heading to Culebra …

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Crowd at Caribbean Pride parade with rainbow flags and colorful costumes by the beach. Boquerón Pride 2026

Boquerón Pride (Orgullo Boquerón) 2026: Dates, Parade, and What to Know

Boquerón Pride 2026 at a Glance What: Orgullo Boquerón, one of the Caribbean’s largest LGBTQ+ pride festivals Where: El Poblado de Boquerón, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico (West region) When: June 12 to June 14, 2026 Parade: Sunday, June 14, starting at 12:00 p.m. from Boquerón Beach Cost: Free to attend This is the 2026 event page. For the full story …

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Image by freepik

Boquerón Pride (Orgullo Boquerón)

TLDR — Boquerón Pride at a Glance Orgullo Boquerón (Boquerón Pride) is an annual LGBTQ+ pride parade and street festival held each June in the beach village of Boquerón in Cabo Rojo, on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast. Founded in 2003, it draws up to 40,000 attendees and ranks, alongside San Juan Pride, as one of the two largest pride events …

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To visit London or any other city you are now required to get an ETA visa for the UK. What is it, how to apply and tips and tricks for doing it?

What to know about the UK ETA visa?

Over the years, I’ve made a few visits to the United Kingdom. Since my last trip in 2024, the UK has instilled an electronic travel authorization (ETA). This is a requirement to enter the United Kingdom to visit cities like London, Edinburgh or Manchester, as well as the greater British isles such as Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man. I …

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ferry in Sardinia

Ferry between Sardinia and Corsica

Traveling between the French and Italian islands Are you looking to travel to and from Sardinia or Corsica — or perhaps vice versa from Corsica to Sardinia? The ferry service between the two islands is relatively straightforward and accessible for travelers of all types. We recently made the journey and wanted to share our experience. Overview If you plan to …

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Guatemala to Honduras Borders Crossings Overview

After our experiences in crossing the Mexico and Belize borders, we had a lot of questions about how the Guatemala Honduras Border crossing compared. The vast majority of tourists traveling to Honduras never pass through the mainland, while we were traveling exclusively from the Rio Dulce area in Guatemala to Copán Ruinas. In Honduras, Roatán and Útila are far more …

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Festival international 2026 stage

Festival International 2026 Schedule

Festival International de Louisiane returns to downtown Lafayette, Louisiana for its 40th anniversary, April 22–26, 2026, bringing together more than 45 live music acts across five outdoor stages for one of the largest free international music festivals in the United States. From Louisiana zydeco and Cajun French traditions to world music spanning Mali, Cuba, South Africa, Jamaica, Peru, Scotland, South …

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Memo's boat service

Belize Guatemala Border Crossings Overview

Planning to head from south from Belize towards Guatemala? Or perhaps you are heading northly through Belize? Even to Mexico? Traveling to and fro between Guatemala and Belize is a common undertaking for travelers, especially among the backpacker communities. Guatemala shares Belize’s largest stretch of border. Although a large majority of the Belize Guatemala border is covered by thick brush …

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Belize sign at the border

12 Things that surprised me about Belize

Of all of the places that I’ve traveled, Belize is one of the most unique. In this context, when I say unique I don’t necessarily mean that I liked everything about it. It’s quirky; it’s unexpected; and it was surprising in a lot of ways. Belize has an incredibly small population If you have never looked, the population of Belize …

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Sign for Placencia village on the beach near Placencia Beach Club

Placencia, Belize: beach paradise or overhyped destination?

If you are looking for a warm escape, then you may have heard of the village beach community called Placencia, Belize. Perhaps you are looking for relaxing beaches or maybe even an excursion to see the black howler monkeys. As you do your research into Placencia, we’ve written this article to try and give you some first hand perspective from …

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Internet connection in Belize

Working remote from Placencia Belize

Looking to escape the winter? Or perhaps, work remotely from somewhere while you get your diving certificate. But as a remote worker you know, that working remotely has its challenges. With access to the internet, distance is no longer the factor, well as long as you do in fact have the internet. Enter, the digital nomad’s dilemma. So what is …

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Border crossing from Mexico (Chetumal) to Santa Elena (Belize)

Mexican Border Scandal: Subteniente López to Santa Elena Belize

If you are planning to cross the border from Mexico into Belize via the Subteniente López (near Chetumal) and Santa Elena crossing then you are probably wondering what it is like to cross the border. Is there a tax to leave Quintana Roo? Does a corruption scandal exist in that border crossing? Will the border agents request a bribe? Is …

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Yauco National Coffee Festival 2026

The time has come. The schedule is made, the 2026 Yauco National Coffee Festival will take place from February 22nd to March 1st. The Yauco Coffee Festival, known locally as Festival Nacional del Café de Yauco Freddie León Maldonado will kick off its 51st annual event honoring the coffee harvest on the morning of February 22nd. 2026 Yauco Coffee Festival …

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Yauco National Coffee Festival

The Festival Nacional del Café de Yauco is an annual festival held in the town of Yauco, Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican coffee festival honors the region’s tradition of coffee cultivation, which has been a staple in its economy since the 19th century. It is significant both as a celebration of a key agricultural industry and as a showcase of …

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The Filardi House of Yauco

The Historic Houses of Yauco, Puerto Rico: A Walking Guide (2026)

A Town Built by Coffee and Corsicans Yauco wears its history on its streets. Walk through Yauco Pueblo, the town’s historic center, and you pass mansion after mansion built by the families who made this the coffee capital of Puerto Rico. The story behind them is what makes them worth more than a glance: in the 19th century, waves of …

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Part of the Yacromatic movement, the Yauco painted steps

Yauco, the beautiful Puerto Rican town you’ll love

Yauco, Puerto Rico, might be a town that you have never heard of but in terms of Puerto Rican history it has quite the sleepy legacy. Presently, known as the “El Pueblo del Café“, or the town of coffee, Yauco was once the Taíno capital of the island prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Led by chief Agüeybana, and …

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The Legend of Hairy Chicken

It all started thousands of years ago. No one knows exactly where Hairy Chicken originated from, or if there was even an origin. In some ways, Hairy Chicken can be thought of the Indian Chuck Norris. Hairy Chicken is elusive, powerful and legendary. The legend of Hairy Chicken originates from deep within the eastern region of India, from the times …

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Long layover in Hong Kong

If you ever have a long layover in Hong Kong and are wondering if it is worth visting the city, do it! It doesn’t matter if you have a 12, 8, or even just 6 hour layover in Hong Kong, it can likely be a cool experience for you. Anything less than that would be difficult, but not impossible. Recently …

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travel video colombia

Travel video: Backpacking in Colombia

Over the holiday break between 2018-2019 I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit Panamá and Colombia. It was my second time in Central/South America as I had previously visited Ecuador for 10 days, spent a brief few days in Costa Rica, and lived in the Caribbean in Puerto Rico for about a year. This trip to Colombia …

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San Inazio festival Boise Idaho

San Inazio Festival Boise Basque Idaho

This year I had the opportunity to attend the San Inazio festival in Boise, Idaho. San Inazio is an annual festival celebrating the Basque culture and it is hosted by the Basque diaspora in Idaho. The San Inazio festival takes place each July and attracts thousands of visitors both from the old country and USA. There are multiple events each …

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roble en Lafayette con catedral

Things to Do in Lafayette, Louisiana (2026 Guide)

Lafayette is a bustling city in the heart of southwest Louisiana that defies the norms of middle America. Known locally as a “little-big town” and once you arrive, you will understand why. It has the energy and ambition of a bigger city, yet everywhere you turn there are signs of tradition. Family recipes have been passed down for generations. Lifestyles …

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A walk around Lake Martin

Lake Martin Breaux Bridge (Louisiana) (Picture gallery below) Lake Martin is a place that I have included both in my things to do in Louisiana and things to do in Lafayette.  Lake Martin is a swamp-lake located in Breaux Bridge, just a short drive from downtown Lafayette.  If I am not mistaken, the Lake was originally formed hundreds of years …

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A Louisiana Crawfish Boil

Inside a Louisiana Style Crawfish Boil Crawfishin’ it’s a Cajun thing The Cajun people have made a name for themselves in recent years. For a long time, Louisiana, thanks to Cajun and other creole cuisines, has developed its reputation for being home to some of the most flavorful food in America. Chefs from all around come to south Louisiana to …

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bengali food in new york city

Little India New York City

New York is a city well-known for its glamour, grandiose streets, and rapid pace of life. However, once one gets past the constant bustle of the city, you start to notice other things that make New York unique. Outside of its attractions and endless events, one can find some of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods that are compiled of the various …

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