Posts

Buying a Sailboat in Hawaii for $8,000 (What Went Wrong) — Tiny Bubbles Chapter 1

Image
A true sailing story about Hawaii, bad decisions, and the beginning of a Pacific adventure. If there is a single moment where everything quietly goes off the rails, it’s usually disguised as a good idea. In our case, it started on a beach in Maui. Josh and I met while teaching there, which sounds respectable, but most of our time was spent diving, exploring, and generally behaving like two twenty somethings who had not yet been properly introduced to consequences. Everything was more fun together. That should have been our first warning. One evening, we were watching the sun drop into the Pacific, painting the water gold like it was trying to impress us. Josh said, “I want to get a sailboat and go between the islands.” I nodded, like a reasonable person. Then I said, “We should sail to the South Pacific.” And just like that, we ruined our perfectly normal lives. How to Save Money in Hawaii (Questionable Methods) Sailboats cost money. We did not have mone...
Post a Comment
Read more

Eat Right Backpacker!

Image
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on genuine trail experience and research. If you've spent any time on trail forums, you've seen the diet: Pop-Tarts for breakfast, Snickers at every mile marker, ramen at camp. It technically keeps you moving — but it also wrecks your gut, crashes your energy, and leaves your joints running on empty by the time you hit the Sierra. There's a better way. The Pacific Crest Trail demands somewhere between 3,500 and 6,000 calories per day depending on your pace, elevation gain, and pack weight. Most hikers target 1.5 to 2 lbs of food per day , which means every ounce needs to earn its place. The candy bar crowd isn't wrong about calories — where they go wrong is ignoring protein for muscle repair, fat quality for sustained energy, and micronutrients that keep you healthy over a months-...
Post a Comment
Read more

School in Costa Rica

Image
Can Kids Go to School in Costa Rica? Real Experience (No Spanish Required) Short answer: Yes — and kids adapt much faster than you expect. Our children walked into a Costa Rican public school with zero Spanish. Within weeks, they were making friends and figuring it out. Enrollment Process Passport copies 2 Passport photos Birth certificate Previous school records The system is surprisingly flexible. What It’s Actually Like The first days are confusing. Kids watch, copy, and slowly understand. Within a month, they begin participating. Language Barrier This is the biggest fear — and the least important long-term problem. Immersion works fast. Daily Schedule 7am–1pm, leaving afternoons free. FAQ Do kids need Spanish before enrolling? No — they learn quickly through immersion. Are public schools safe? Generally yes, but always evaluate locally. Disclaimer: Education policies vary by region. Always confirm requirements with local schools.
Post a Comment
Read more

Costa Rica to Nicaragua

Image
Crossing Costa Rica to Nicaragua With Kids (2026 Guide) Short answer: Plan for 2–4 hours, bring USD, and expect chaos. Why You Need to Cross Tourist visas typically last 180 days, requiring exit. Step-by-Step Process Arrive at Peñas Blancas Pay exit fee Walk border Enter Nicaragua (USD required) What Nobody Tells You Taxi drivers will swarm you Lines can be confusing Bring small bills FAQ How long does it take? 2–4 hours typically. Is it safe? Generally yes, but stay aware. Disclaimer: Border requirements change frequently. Always verify with official sources.
Post a Comment
Read more

Costa Rica with Kids

Image
Traveling to Costa Rica With Kids (2026): What It’s Really Like Short answer: Costa Rica is one of the best countries in the world for family travel — but your experience depends heavily on where and how you live. We traveled through Costa Rica with three kids and quickly realized something important: the experience you have here can feel completely different depending on location, budget, and expectations. Best Places in Costa Rica for Families Not all destinations are equal when traveling with kids. Caribbean Coast (Cahuita, Puerto Viejo): Lower cost, quieter, more community feel Pacific Coast (Tamarindo, Nosara): More developed, more expensive, more tourists We found the Caribbean side far better for long-term family living. What Kids Actually Love Wildlife everywhere — monkeys, sloths, birds Warm ocean water year-round Outdoor lifestyle with freedom to explore This isn’t a theme park — it’s real life, and that’s what makes it powerful. Challe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lower Waste Travel

Image
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear and services we personally use and love — thanks for supporting Nomadventure! Short answer: A few simple swaps can eliminate some travel waste — without making life harder. We spent 3 years traveling through Central America with three kids. These are some low-waste habits that actually held up in real life. 1. Reusable Water Bottle (Essential) This eliminates the majority of plastic waste. A filter bottle is ideal in areas with questionable water quality.  LifeStraw Filter Water Bottle 2. Stainless Steel Straws Durable, easy to clean, and actually useful — especially for fresh coconut water. Get one with a pouch and straw cleaner:  Stainless Steel Straws 3. Reusable Utensils Perfect for street food and markets where plastic utensils are common. Try light weight titanium:  Travel...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Skoolie

Image
BaseCamp — 2012 Chevy Express 3500 Camper Van / Bus Conversion | Maine Registered Motor Home |  BaseCamp is a proven family adventure rig — she’s carried us from Maine through the deserts and mountains of Mexico all the way to the Pacific Ocean on a camping, climbing, and surfing winter journey. 🔧 The Rig • Chevy Express 3500 | 6.0L gas • 155K miles — strong runner • New transmission (2023) • Synthetic oil (Mobil 1) always ☀️ Power • Solar + AGM battery bank • High-output alternator (2025) • Inverter + USB outlets • MaxxFan ventilation 🛏️ Sleep / Seating • Sleeps 5 | Seats 7 • Loft bed (6’+ headroom) • Triple bunks (~5’7”) • Original bus seats — great for kids 🍳 Kitchen • Slide-out 2-burner propane stove • Fold-out table + 12V cooler 🌡️ Comfort • Rear heater • Backup camera 🎒 Extras • Huge gear storage (surf, climb, bikes) • Comes stocked with tools, spares & med kit Not a tiny home — a purpose-built adventure vehicle.
Post a Comment
Read more