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Send us Fan Mail Coffee is everywhere in Vietnam—from a tiny coffee stall on a boat in the Mekong Delta to bustling cafés in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of Vietnamese coffee and learn how the country went from French-introduced coffee plants to becoming the world’s second-largest coffee producer with its own style and a rich coffee culture. We’ll make and taste some of Vietnam’s most iconic coffees, including strong black coffee, creamy white coffee, famous Hanoi egg coffee, salty coffee from Hue, and sweet coconut coffee. We’ll visit Giang Cafe in Hanoi, the birthplace of egg coffee, and along the way discover why civet coffee has a fascinating history but is definitely one coffee you should think twice about trying. By the end, we had tasted our way through Vietnam—and probably consumed enough caffeine to keep us awake for the rest of our trip.  Music and Sound Credits:  Jazz Coffee Shop Music by Alex Morgan, Midnight Garden Overature by Whatssmoth and Khúc Trống Ra Trận by u_yko112bed1 provided by Pixabay Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail Hoi An is undeniably touristy. But after a few days wandering its lantern-lit streets, eating our way through some of the most unique food we found in Vietnam, and soaking up its beautiful old-world charm, I came away thinking: this place is touristy for a reason. In this episode, we explore Hoi An’s incredible food scene, from bánh bèo and white rose dumplings to cao lầu and endless cups of MOT herbal tea, while also navigating crowded markets, aggressive haggling, a somewhat questionable beach adventure, and some delightfully awkward interviews with local students. Come along to one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations—and find out why, despite the crowds, I absolutely think Hoi An is worth the hype.  Link to food tour (a local company): The specific tour we did All the tours by that company Music and Sound Credits: Samarai Acoustic by Ebunny, Dream by Atlas Audio and Sea and Beach by Upbeat  provided by Pixabay. Pickleball sound effect and Hoi An.wav by OleTerbijn -- License: Attribution License 4.0-  provided by freesound community.  Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail Laura and Carrie arrive on Phu Quoc expecting paradise but quickly discover an island full of contradictions. Between sunrise swims, snorkeling adventures with "Jack Sparrow," fish sauce factories, pepper farms, incredible local food, and a few tourist traps, they experience both the best and the most frustrating sides of Vietnam's fastest-changing island. As first impressions evolve into a deeper appreciation, join Laura and Carrie on a journey through the highs, lows, and unexpected moments that made Phu Quoc truly unforgettable.  Music Credits: Velvet Keys #17 by Velvet Keys, Christmas Still Remembers You by  FreeFlow Music Italo Disco, We Wish You a Merry Christmas by  Viacheslav Starostin, and Soft Background by The Mountain all from Pixabay Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail Travel before sunrise into the waterways of southern Vietnam as we explore the famous Cai Rang Floating Market in the Mekong Delta. In this episode, we climb aboard a tiny boat in the dark, drift through a maze of river traffic, and eat what might be the best bowl of soup I’ve ever had — all while surrounded by a floating world that has existed for generations. Along the way, we step inside a pineapple selling house boat, wander quiet canals filled with wildlife and plastic pollution, visit a tiny rice noodle factory, and wrestle with a complicated question: is tourism destroying places like this… or helping keep them alive? From sunrise markets and river culture to electric fishing, invasive snails, and rats for sale at the market, this is an unforgettable glimpse into life on the Mekong River. Musical Credits Vietnamese Rivers by Audiobay, Tết Nguyên Đán Việt Nam EDM by VPRODMUSIC_Asia_BGM , Looking for A Way to Make It Right by P Richmond and Documentary Nature by Nikita Kondrashev all made available by Pixabay Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail We leave Ho Chi Minh City behind and head south into the Mekong Delta—where life slows to the rhythm of the river, roads give way to waterways, and every stop is filled with unforgettable food and genuinely kind people.  In Can Tho, we explore tiny ferries, dirt paths, and a peaceful homestay surrounded by water and jungle. Then it’s off to explore fish farms, island villages, and a truly bizarre fish massage experience.  And just when you think the day couldn’t get more unexpected… we stumble upon one of the most unbelievable traditional food processes I’ve ever seen: puffed rice made with a literal explosion.  Musical Credits: Quiet Girl by Name Percentage PRO, Julie Carpenter, Eric Cunningham and Chris Lang was provided by Slipstream Music. We'Re In Limbo Now by  The Benign One Ones was provided by Slipstream Music. Over the Water, Humans Gather by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail In this first episode from Vietnam, Laura and Carrie land in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) and step straight into the chaos — jet lagged, wide-eyed, and trying to cross streets filled with rivers of motorbikes. They explore its contradictions: honking traffic and quiet hidden alleyways, glass skyscrapers and corrugated tin rooftops. These are their first impressions of Vietnam — loud, complicated, and unforgettable. Then we travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 250-kilometer underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War (or the American War, depending on your perspective.) Standing where history actually happened makes the conflict feel real and complex. We learn about French colonialism, Cold War politics, Agent Orange, unexploded bombs, and the lasting impact of war that continues today. We crawl into tunnel entrances, watch propaganda films in a dirt-walled bunker, and confront what it feels like to be an American visitor in a place shaped by that history. This episode is part travel diary, part history lesson, and part personal reflection — and just the beginning of our Vietnam journey. Musical Credits: Get Away In La, by Western Youths, Revolution Fever by Klaatu Verada Necktie,  Music provided by: Slipstream Music  Xanadon't by Mystery Mammal is licensed under a Attribution License.  Black Hawk City Fly-Over.wav by djfinski  License: Attribution 3.0  Whispers in the Trees by Greg Kirkelie is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.   My Native Land by Le Chaos Entre 2 Chaises is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.  Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail In this final Nicaragua episode, Laura travels to Granada the way so many locals do—by chicken bus. These colorful, chaotic former U.S. school buses are an experience in themselves, and the journey from Ometepe to Granada is filled with market noise, snack vendors, seat strategy, and a healthy dose of travel nostalgia. Once in Granada, Laura wanders the relaxed colonial streets of one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1524 and shaped by its proximity to Lake Nicaragua. Along the way, we dive into the city’s layered history—from Spanish colonization to ambitious canal plans that never fully materialized, including the long-debated alternative to the Panama Canal. This episode blends solo travel moments with big-picture history, all set against the backdrop of one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful cities. Musical Credits: Momentos by MusicBox and Hello Love by Jasmine J Walker  provided by: Slipstream Music  Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail Getting around Ometepe Island in Nicaragua isn’t as simple as it looks on a map — and sometimes the best way to explore is to grab the handlebars and go. In this episode, I take you along for the ride as I trade mountain hikes for an ATV adventure around the volcanic island. From bumpy unpaved roads to unexpected rainstorms and delicious street food, it’s a day of freedom, mud, and a few surprises along the way. When the gas gauge doesn’t function, things get interesting. Join me as I navigate Ometepe’s wild beauty, learn the local rhythm of travel, and discover how running out of gas can be empowering. Musical Credits: Ambidextrous Bilingual by Forgetful Jones and Too Much Sun by CTS provided by: Slipstream Music  VHS Dreams by Shane Ivers - provided by silvermansound Torrain Sustainable BagsEnter code TRAVELALONG for 15% offMantra MatchaEnter code TRAVELALONG for 15% offAfuera CoffeeEnter code TRAVELALONG for 15% offDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Travel Along with Laura, we’re back on the volcanic island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua.  This time, we head to the lowlands between the two volcanoes to kayak along the Río Istian, where the wildlife is on display- howler monkeys calling from the trees, caimans gliding below the surface, toothy tropical gars submerged in the muck and the curious song of the Tungara frog echoing through the dusk.  Along the way, we'll walk to a mountainside ecolodge, hear about Laura's ongoing truce with Google Maps, and get a glimpse into rural life on the island. Plus, we’ll dive into the legend of Lake Nicaragua’s freshwater sharks through a catchy song written by Raúl Planas—an ode to a creature that may or may not still haunt these waters. Musical Credits: Track: Summer Samba (Samba de Verao) by Mu'gambi and Playa Valencia by The Like Thes provided by: Slipstream Music https://slipstreammusic.com El Tiburon del Lago Cacibolca was used with permission from its authors:  Raul Planas and the Ritmo en Los Barrios project. Torrain Sustainable BagsEnter code TRAVELALONG for 15% offMantra MatchaEnter code TRAVELALONG for 15% offAfuera CoffeeEnter code TRAVELALONG for 15% offDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Ometepe, the magical island in Central America's largest lake! In this episode, Laura takes you on the ferry, shares the story of Ometepe’s twin volcanoes, and dives into the island’s deep history, wild creatures, and sacred spirit. You’ll visit El Pital Chocolate Paradise to learn about cacao—from ancient traditions to modern chocolate-making—and even hear how bull sharks have learned to thrive in fresh water. This is just the beginning of Laura’s Ometepe adventure!  Musical Credits: Track: Summer Samba (Samba de Verao) by Mu'gambi provided by: Slipstream Music https://slipstreammusic.com Como Yo Lloro Por Ti by Maya Solovéy and Shark Food by Greg Gibbs are licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Relaxing massage (ambient relaxing calm yoga meditation).mp3 by Musinova is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Laura takes us to León, Nicaragua — a city of striking colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and surprising adventures. From climbing the roof of its dazzling white cathedral to exploring bustling markets, León offers both authentic charm and plenty to do. We’ll venture beyond the city to experience the adrenaline rush of volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, complete with the highs, lows, and honest realities of this famous activity. Then we wind down at nearby Las Peñitas beach, sharing what to expect, what to skip, and why León offers a uniquely authentic side of Nicaragua. Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Musical Credits: Cue 38-instr by Douglas Fonseca and  CNickel_Opening2_MIX by GRB TV were provided by: Slipstream Music . El Cha Cha Man by Juanitos is licensed under a Attribution 2.0 France License. Bat sound from https://quicksounds.com“ Atlantic Ocean Waves by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/197714/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Travel Along with Laura, we’re continuing our adventure on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. From serene black-sand beaches to unexpected jungle detours, this trip has it all. Join Laura and her partner Carrie as they explore Playa Negra and Playa Grande, trek through island trails, search for old sugar mill ruins, and get more adventure than they bargained for while stumbling across abandoned U.S. Navy bunkers hidden in the forest. Plus, we’ll talk about the “wild” horses of Vieques, visit a local rum distillery, and reflect on the beauty — and complexity — of this Caribbean gem.  If you're into off-the-beaten-path adventure, tropical beaches, and a little travel drama, this episode is for you!  Listen now and come explore Vieques with us — bugs, bunkers, beaches, and all.  Musical Credits:  Track: "Yguacu Blues" and  "Rum And Spice"  provided by https://slipstreammusic.com Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail Off the eastern tip of Puerto Rico lies the Caribbean island of Vieques. In this episode, we trade San Juan’s buzz for beach bars and an unforgettable ride through the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Along the way, Laura takes a tiny airplane, sips painkillers under the stars, and pops the question! From glass-bottom kayaks to an island wide power outage, Vieques gave us more adventure—and romance—than we ever expected. Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Musical Credits: Tracks: "The Grind", "Yellowstone 001",  "Rum And Spice" Music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com Auld Lang Syne | 2024 Christmas Songs by LOPKERJO is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail Join Laura on a flavorful journey through the lush landscapes of Puerto Rico! We’ll explore the famed "ruta de lechon," where succulent pork is roasted to perfection at lechoneras dotting the mountain roads. Our adventure takes us through the Carite rainforest where you can hike to breathtaking swimming holes and sip holy spring water at a catholic pilgrimage site.  Listen in as our guide, Adrian, shares insights about the island’s history, from the original Taino inhabitants to the vibrant culinary scene that flourishes today. We’ll uncover the significance of plantains, the rhythms of salsa music, and the remarkable wildlife of the rainforest, including the iconic coquí frog. With a mix of adventure, culture, and culinary delights, this episode is not to be missed! Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Musical Credits: Free Guitar Riding Blues (F 014) by Lobo Loco is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Taino music- track 1 provided by TainoAge.com Spanish Guitar solo by Sonican, Mabarebare by Kbwabana, holyChorus.wav by BFMGames and Buena Suerte by FJRAV Travel Vlog are available under the Creative Commons Zero license. Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Send us Fan Mail We're heading to the vibrant capital city of San Juan, Puerto Rico! Join Laura as she explores the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town, surrounded by historic castles and forts, before venturing into the modern neighborhood of Santurce. She'll also take you inside the Ron de Barrilito distillery to uncover the secrets behind Puerto Rico’s world-famous rum. Come along as she learns about the complexities of Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. commonwealth and the island’s fascinating cultural mix. Grab your bags, let’s go explore San Juan together!  Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Music Credits: Track: "Una Noche" and  "rum night-MM" and  "Fuego" music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com Gotta Love Me by Kellee Maize is licensed under a Attribution License.  "La Borinquena" performed by the US Navy Band is licensed under public domain. Support the show Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too! Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.   Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.   Music in advertisement by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay