“But isn’t bride-napping illegal?” I ask my English speaking car mates in Osh.

The more eloquent speaker of the two shrugs slash nods at the same time. “Yes… but it is tradition.”

The whole topic was brought up because the driver told our English speaking mate that he saw a bride-napping in Osh the day before. Oh, snap, I think. Just the juice I’ve been wanting to hear about. Our ears quickly perked up like attentive little puppies in the backseat, and questions spewed forth almost uncontrollably.

Read the full post on Kyrgyz Bride Kidnapping >>

At nearly 3 months into my big trip with my boyfriend, I must say I’ve gained a few insights into the world of couples travel. Sure, we may have met traveling, and we may have gone on a few week-long trips here and there, but 3 months is travel and closeness on a different level.  I learned 5 good lessons, those of which you can read about in the original article.

Read more on couples travel lessons >>

In St. Petersburg, Russia, I happened upon one of the best planned hostels in the world. From top to bottom, every bit and piece of this hostel was planned with the goal of topping all others.

Read more of the review on Soul Kitchen Jr >>

I loved walking around Tomsk, Russia to bask in the glory of the wood lace architecture. Some buildings appeared colorful and vibrant while others looked as though they might fall over at any time!

See the entire photo post on Tomsk >>

As a female on the road, there are several “extras” you should have in your toiletry/medical kit including cranberry pills, menstrual cups, birth control, etc.

Read more about the extra toiletries on GoBackpacking >>

You can share the burden when you travel as a couple, and that alone can be a Godsend. You can also have someone to share in the hard times, help you when you’re sick, and help you be on-time!

Read more about why you should travel as a couple >>

Museums are typically synonymous with school groups and kid-friendly, interactive features — but Sydney’s Australian Museum is taking a different approach. Through 3 April, the museum is joining forces with The Festivalists, a non-profit arts event company, for an adults-only event called Jurassic Lounge.

Read the full article on BBC Travel >>

Tio’s, a Mexican-Guatemalan tequila joint, is one of the city’s newest small bars, adding to the growing popularity of Central and South American cuisine in Australia. Expect eclectic decor, quirky tunes and delightful drinks served up by some of Sydney’s best bartenders at very affordable prices.

Read more about Sydney’s Mexican vibe >>

Richards is a guide with Understand Down Under, a company that runs the Moonwalk, a monthly, full moon, sunset to sunrise tour of Royal National Park. After a 45-minute bus ride from the city centre, the mid-sized tour of mostly Sydney locals begins with a photography lesson on Wattamolla beach, two and a half hours before sunset. A professional photographer accompanies each group to instruct on the art of night-time photography and night painting (the act of using flashlights to highlight items in the dark and make them part of the photo).

Read more about the Moonwalk >>

It’s for this reason that the Sydney Fish Market, located in the harbour suburb of Pyrmont, has been operating its extended Christmas trading hours since 1995. The market stays open for the 36 hours leading up to Christmas Eve — from 5 am on 23 December to 5 pm on 24 December — to help the 100,000 expected shoppers festively feed their friends and family. More than 600 tonnes of seafood are purchased during the marathon, with an average of 50kg of prawns and 500 oysters bought each minute.

Read more about the Sydney Fish Market >>