Author: Ryan Monico

Visiting the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay Singapore

I was super excited to visit the Cloud Forest attraction at the Gardens by the Bay in SIngapore.  The Cloud Forest is the largest glass greenhouse in the world and boasts the world’s largest indoor waterfall. Say whaaaaat! I would describe it as The Lost World meets Bio-Dome. If you are like me and grew up in the late 80s to early 90s then experiencing the Cloud Forest was like getting to play a small part in the movies Jurassic Park and Bio-dome with Pauly Shore.  So go check ‘um out Buuud-eee. The Cloud Forest is the largest glass...

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Do I Need a Tourist Visa when Visiting Singapore from the United States?

Are you planning on taking a trip to Singapore? Not sure if you need to apply for a Singapore tourist visa?  No worry beef curry (Don’t worry in pidgin). Follow these steps and you’ll be cherry (alright). Singapore is one of the most technologically advanced, easiest to get around, and cleanest cities in Southeast Asia.  In fact, not only is Singapore a city that is great for shopping, international cuisine, and a taste of Asian luxury, it is also a country.  Singapore is a tiny city/country located at the southernmost tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. Like most countries you...

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How to Pack Your Backpack for a 2-month Trip to Southeast Asia

So many people ask how we pack for long trips. They are almost all dismayed when I tell them that we backpack. We each have one big backpack and bring a packable day bag in case we have snacks or personal items we want to access on flights or use for day trip activities along the way. How to Pack Like an Elephant (What to Pack for Her) Ryan bought packing cubes last year, but decided to buy a new waterproof backpack this year, so I am making use of two cubes. Here is what I am packing for...

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Adrenalin Forest–“Level 6, There is No Option!”

New Zealand is a country full of beautiful sights, friendly people, and extreme activities. The Adrenalin Forest at the Bay of Plenty is an attraction perfect for any thrill seeker looking for a rush.  Or, if you are deathly afraid of heights like me, the perfect place to “eat some concrete and harden up.” It’s a saying that Surina’s Cousin Tautane (Gorilla) constantly shouted at me as a way to encourage me by testing my manhood.   How to Get There The Adrenalin Forest at the Bay of Plenty is located just outside of Rotorua.  It’s a 30 minute...

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Mangapohue Natural Bridges and Marokopa Falls: A Quick Side Trip from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Are you visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?  Are you wondering if there are any side trips worth taking in the area?  If so Natural Bridges and Marokopa Falls are two spots worth checking out.  It’s a half hour drive from the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.  What You Can Expect to See So what are the Natural Bridges?  Natural Bridges is actually a single arch.  Actually, it’s a 17m high natural arch that was formed when an ancient cave system collapsed.  Did you know that the area is littered with underground cave systems and that you can even go inner-tubing...

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