Adventure Awaits. Go Find It.
As intrepid travelers, The Roode family offers the unique adventures that we crave. By staying at Jabulani Safari and visiting the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, guests are actively contributing to the well-being of these magnificent animals, which in turn creates personal fulfillment and enriching memories to last a lifetime. Read about my up-close elephant interaction here.
Read MoreWith gorgeous Antebellum architecture, secret gardens, and cobblestone streets to explore, Charleston is my ideal long weekend escape. It’s friendly residents, charming neighborhoods, and innovative culinary scene draw me back again and again. And I’m not the only one - Charleston has been recognized as the #1 US city for years in a row by Travel + Leisure.
Read MoreTasmania is sometimes referred to as the “forgotten state”; it’s typically not on the radar for first time visitors to Australia, and many of my Aussie mates have not visited their Southernmost state, yet, it’s full of adventures and surprises for the fortunate traveler. The clean air, fresh food, and pristine wilderness will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Read MoreLocated approximately 17 miles off the Queensland coast, Lizard Island Luxury Island Resort is the premier accommodation for experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the Northernmost resort on one of the world’s natural wonders and is the only accommodation on the National Park, promising coveted reef encounters and seclusion. Lizard Island boasts direct access to the fringing reef, with more vibrant snorkeling and world-renowned scuba diving just a short boat ride away. The complimentary water-based activities, crisp, Scandinavian décor, and top-notch gastronomy make Lizard Island a must for those seeking beauty, relaxation, and luxury.
Read MoreKnown as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is brimming with wildlife and natural beauty. It’s Australia’s third largest island, roughly the size of Long Island, yet has a population of 4,000 people. Tucked in the South Western corner of the island, on a rugged cliff facing the wild Southern Ocean, lies Southern Ocean Lodge.
Read MoreA year ago today, I returned from a life changing journey in the South Pacific. I spent a year and a half exploring the blissful beaches of Australia & the awe-inspiring mountains of New Zealand. I wholeheartedly embraced the antipodal lifestyle, and was uneasy about my return to the East Coast of the States.
Read MoreBlessed with a myriad of natural beauty, New Zealand has officially stolen my heart. The country proves that landscapes beyond the imagination are, in fact, real. It’s magnificence cultivated a sense of wonder that will stay with me forever.
Read More10 days into our adventures in New Zealand, we began our journey on the South Island. The larger, and less populous, part of the country is meant to have some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth. Our route is essentially an extended fish hook: we planned to start at the top of the island, travel down the rocky and untamed West Coast to Fiordland, the southernmost section, and cut back up through the mountainous center, ultimately ending up on the Eastern shores in Christchurch.
Read MoreAbout an hour South of Rotorua lies a waterfront town called Taupo. Geothermal activity is widespread in this area as well. Three active volcanoes, Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu are easily viewable from across the crystal clear lake, which is the size of Singapore.
Read MoreHow is it possible that every day in New Zealand is the best day of my life? This country continues to amaze me.
Read MoreNew Zealand fosters a feeling of isolation, yet in a good way. It’s thousands of miles away from my roots in Philadelphia, as well as countless other major cities. The single lane roads are empty, the population density is extremely low, and the landscape is vast. It provides an unmatched sense of purity and clarity.
Read MoreAbout 800 km north of Sydney lies the magical Byron Bay. This hippie hamlet perches on the easternmost tip of mainland Australia, the closest piece of land to the States. It’s worlds away, and it feels like it.
Read MoreTime and distance do not halt my desire to travel there. I am not going to pretend that I enjoy being buckled into a 32 x 18 inch rigid seat for 20 hours, yet those uncomfortable hours are worth it. Blessed with a myriad of natural beauty and a charming, laid-back culture, Australia is endlessly beguiling.
Read MoreI've chased sunsets all over the world, but not many places can compete with California. There's something magical about the way the blazing ball of fire slowly melts into the horizon as it sets for the evening. The unobstructed view of the Pacific ocean, paired with a perfectly comfortable temperature, allows for an incredible sunset experience.
Read Morea quick introduction to my recent, not so traditional path of life
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