Travel Advisor
Isabel Smallman
She/Her
Expertise
- Southeast Asia,
- Jamaica,
- Solo Travel,
- Outdoors and Nature
Based in
Boston
Profile details
About
The last 17 months of my life have been one continuous and chaotic trek through Southeast Asia teaching English to Thai kids, volunteering in the Indonesian jungle and finding friends from all around the world (but mostly Brits and Germans). I am now reminiscing on this experience and curating content to inspire you to book a flight, request PTO and go on the trip that your rich life has earned you — also finally putting my college marketing degree to good use!
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Travel style
My friends and family would notably describe me as the "boujee minimalist" who finds a thrill in snagging the best budget-friendly deals, while also treating myself to all the other finer amenities that a trip could not be complete without.
Isabel's travel guides & trip reports
Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Laos
Laos is an exquisite country in Southeast Asia that is not well known and visited by very few tourists. This region is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, endless waterfalls to chase, a relaxed...
Guide
Summer Getaway on Boston's North Shore
Boston is the epicenter of surrounding summer destinations that let you move around freely while traveling like a local. Picturesque beaches, quaint downtown art districts, music festivals,...
Guide
Immerse Yourself in Indonesia
When you hear "Indonesia," what island pops into your head? If you're thinking of Bali, yes, Bali is indeed a notorious tourist getaway for surfing, yoga and jungle trekking at a low price point. But,...
Guide
5-Day Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary
Nova Scotia is a unique escape that captures traveler's hearts through its scenic landscape, famous high tides, fresh seafood, and picturesque fishing villages. It is a destination that is home to...
Guide
The Top 3 Places to Visit in Cambodia
Many people begin their Southeast Asia trip trekking through Thailand or Vietnam, and many skip over Cambodia because well...where to begin? Cambodia is not talked about as much in the tourism...
Guide
Ayutthaya: The Ancient Capital of Thailand
Ayutthaya was my first weekend getaway from Bangkok. Once serving as the capital of Siam (Thailand) and as a prosperous international trading port, this city was destroyed by the Burmese in the...
Guide
4 Days of Unearthing Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is ideally traveled between the dry months of December and February. This lively city of the north has a surplus of temples, elephant sanctuaries, hiking for all levels and cuisine that...
Guide
Bueng Kan: A Day Trip from Udon Thani
Positioned along the Mekong River, Bueng Kan is almost as far north as you can get in the Isaan region of Thailand before reaching the Laos border. You will not find many tourists here, and you may...
Guide
Nan: Camping in Northern, Thailand
Nan is one of northern Thailand's most exceptional provinces that is acclaimed for its rich history and abundant scenery. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular for a reason, so they are well worth a...
Guide
Cafés in Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen holds a very special place in my heart. It is tucked away in northeast Thailand, and although not a single tourist may know of this place, it is deeply admired and respected by the Thais. I ...
Guide
The Perfect 4–Day Phuket Itinerary
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a go-to destination for any traveler for its pristine beaches, provocative nightlife and all-around tropical getaway feel. The north, central and south...
Guide
Your Guide to Pattaya (go to Koh Larn Instead)
To escape the rural villages for a weekend, my ESL teacher friends and I went on a girls' trip to Pattaya...a lively coastal city not too far from Bangkok. We were warned of the chaos, but thought we ...
Guide
How to Spend a 1-Week Trip in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country of lush green scenery, thriving cities and a rich culture rooted deep in history. Tourism is booming as travel has become more accessible, and travelers are raising attention to...
Guide
A Great Alternative to the Cape: Exploring North Shores' Gloucester, MA
Gloucester, MA, has been an up-and-coming hotspot on Boston's North Shore. Home to America's oldest seaport, this beach town boasts a rich history, as-fresh-as-you-can-get seafood and unbeatable...
Guide
The Great National Parks of Thailand: Khao Yai and Khao Sok
Thailand holds some of the most epic national parks in SE Asia (well over 100). From snorkeling to hiking to a wild safari chase of stampeding elephants, there's no shortage of stimulation in their...
Guide
Koh Lipe: The Maldives of Thailand
Close your eyes. Picture a snow-white stretch of sand, luminous sea foam water and a life of colorful abundance under the surface. No, you're not in the Maldives. You're not in the Caribbean either....
Guide
Foodie's Guide to Savannah
Savannah is a historical and charming city with stunning architecture and an infinite list of restaurants to check off the list! The vibrant, Southern style comfort food electrifies your taste buds...
Guide
Your Beachy Guide to Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a beach-goer's paradise and a wellness retreat that will leave you feeling totally zen. I spent one month on this perfect little island to complete a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and...
Guide
Singapore in 48 Hours
Singapore is a melting pot of culture, history, cuisine, and architectural beauty. Its turbulent past has shaped it into an economically wealthy "supernation" that is as captivating to the eyes as it ...
Guide
Relax on the Tranquil Island of Koh Chang
Koh Chang is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It is an ideal haven for snorkeling and diving, and is far less touristy than its southern Gulf neighbors. The jungle is dense, the...
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