Blog – Lose the Map

42 Most Adventurous Destinations to Visit in 2019

Joanna KalafatisJanuary 17, 2019

Are you trying to decide what destination you should visit in 2019? Do you like exploring new places while also getting to experience incredible adventures? And most importantly, do your friends usually think you're really weird when you're describi... Discover More..

AdventureAfricaAntarcticaAsiaCaribbeanEuropeInspirationNatureNorth AmericaOffbeatSouth AmericaTips

Life in a Sami Village: Herding Reindeer in Norway

Joanna KalafatisDecember 29, 2018

Since Christmas just passed, I thought it would be seasonally appropriate to write a post on one of the most surreal experiences I had in Norway - visiting Sami reindeer herders in their traditional Sami village. Yes, reindeer herding is a real wa... Discover More..

Tips

7 Surprising Perks of a Palm Springs Getaway You May Not Know About

Joanna KalafatisNovember 15, 2018

I will be honest here: in the past eight years of living in Los Angeles, I had not once been inclined to go on a classic Palm Springs getaway with my friends. The distance from LA to Palm Springs is just over two hours. I had gladly traveled more ... Discover More..

ArchitectureFoodHotelsNorth America

9 Myths About Immigration (And Why They’re Wrong)

Joanna KalafatisNovember 6, 2018

While it may not seem to fall under the purview of "travel blogging", you can look at immigration as a very permanent form of travel. Also, it is impossible to travel the world today and not be aware of the vast migrations of people happening in a... Discover More..

HistoryNorth America

5 Ultra Creepy Places in Los Angeles

Joanna KalafatisOctober 31, 2018

When you think of Los Angeles, the usual stereotypes probably drift to mind: surfers, celebrities, aspiring singers-actors-dancers-jugglers, etc. But there is a lot more to uncover in my home city, including plenty of surprisingly scary places in LA.... Discover More..

AbandonedNorth AmericaOffbeat

Halloween Special: Is the Winchester Mystery House Haunted?

Joanna KalafatisOctober 25, 2018

On one of my numerous road trips through California, I found myself pulling up to the sprawling Winchester Mystery House. Those of you who already know the mansion's backstory, are probably already thinking of the one question you want to ask: is the... Discover More..

AbandonedHistoryNorth AmericaOffbeat

JUCY Campervan Road Trip: Everything You Need to Know

Joanna KalafatisAugust 6, 2018

If you're thinking of renting a JUCY Campervan to undertake your next epic road trip adventure, but are intimidated because you've never done the RV/campervan thing before, don't worry: this article is for you. Disclaimer: I was provided the JUCY ... Discover More..

AdventureNorth AmericaRoad TripTips

Staying Fit While You Travel: The Most Bike Friendly Cities in 2018

Joanna KalafatisMay 14, 2018

From now on, I want to focus even more on self-improvement, health, and learning skills while traveling. Not only do you improve yourself when you learn a little of the local language, how to make some local dishes, and get fit by hiking a country's ... Discover More..

AdventureHealth & FitnessTips

Sygic Travel App Review: Find the Best Local Spots For You

Joanna KalafatisApril 17, 2018

As much fun as it is to "Lose the Map" and wander around a city with no itinerary, there are times when I've realized way after a trip ended that I missed some niche attractions I really would have wanted to see. To avoid that ever happening again, t... Discover More..

InspirationNeighborhood GuideTips

COMPLETE Winter Arctic Packing List: Cold Weather Gear You Need

Joanna KalafatisFebruary 26, 2018

If you're planning a trip to the Arctic Circle in wintertime, knowing what to pack can make the difference between having a great experience or a miserable time freezing in the snow while having your camera repeatedly die on you. To get the best Arct... Discover More..

AdventureAntarcticaTips