This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Marriott Rewards Credit Card from Chase for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Curiosity, discovery, and excitement for the unknown are the reasons why I travel. To venture outside my comfort zone and uncover new places stimulates my senses and makes me come alive. … Continued
The journey to Mt Everest Base Camp was nothing short of spectacular. It was exhausting, emotional, and unlike anything I had ever done. After a few days trekking through the Himalayas, it became very clear that Base Camp was no joke. It was such an amazing experience with our Active Adventures crew. If you have the chance, … Continued
The Mount Everest Base Camp trek was one of the most incredibly intense and beautiful adventures of my life. Unfortunately, just days after that amazing experience was complete, a massive earthquake shocked the region, and the storytelling from the trip was put on hold. Instead, we focused our attention on Active Hearts Himalaya and the relief efforts in Nepal. … Continued
The Internet loves two things: food porn and attractive women. So, while living in Istanbul, where the delicious food and beautiful women are plentiful, I decided to bring the two together for one ridiculously seductive food porn video to get everybody horngry. To make this happen, I teamed up with my good friend (and Turkish food … Continued
The Topkapi Palace was the primary residence for the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years, so it’s as extravagant as it is historic. Today the Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO world heritage site and serves as a museum for holy relics and significant artifacts. Comprised of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings, at it’s … Continued
This one-time Christian Church, turned Imperial Mosque, turned museum, is said to be the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Located just across from the famous Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia is a beautiful structure with equally as impressive history. The incredible city of Istanbul has been home to many civilizations throughout the centuries, and none have been … Continued
In 2014, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was listed as the world’s most popular tourist attraction with over 91 million annual visitors. With 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops, there is literally something for everyone within this amazing maze of consumption. Shopping for everything from lanterns to ladles, its almost impossible to leave empty handed. … Continued
Separating Europe and Asia, and connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean, the Bosphorus is the lifeblood of Istanbul. It has served a strategic body of water for the Roman and Ottoman Empires alike, and remains a major shipping and trade port. The Bosphorus cruise starts out by passing under the famous Galata Bridge, where you’ll … Continued
The Blue Mosque is the quintessential landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. Visitors from all around the world travel to here to witness its architectural beauty, and experience its rich religious history. I recently teamed up with Walks of Turkey to shoot a five-part series around Istanbul – and there’s no better place to start then one … Continued
Cigarettes, seagulls and selfie sticks. Those are the first things I think of. On paper, that sounds like a terrible combination, but somehow, someway Istanbul makes it work. The cigarettes are a sign of the city’s European lifestyle, where drinking tea, coffee or beer for hours on end is a daily ritual. The seagulls connect … Continued