THE RAMBLER

Responsible Travel. Creating Community.

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Hi Reader!

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what keeps travel meaningful.

Last month, I started trying something new: inviting people who love to travel to come share stories in a casual setting. No agenda, just conversation.

Last week was our second Let’s Ramble gathering here in Portland. We talked about trips that have stayed with us, swapped stories about creepy bugs and unexpected travel mishaps, and even shared the habits or traditions we’ve brought home from other places.

A lot of the people there backpacked when they were younger or took gap years. They may not want to sleep in hostels anymore, but they still want that same sense of connection they felt on those first big trips.

That stuck with me.

At its best, travel isn’t just about going somewhere new. It’s about paying attention — to a place, to other people, and sometimes to ourselves.

That same idea runs through a lot of what we’ve been writing lately:

Trillium are in bloom in Portland, Oregon

A reminder that you don’t need to go far to feel grounded. Our favorite local loop was full of wildflowers, fresh green trails, and that unmistakable Oregon spring feeling.

👉 Read it here: Spring Wildflowers on Our Favorite Forest Park Loop​

FAQ for Visiting the Sarcophagi at Karajía in Chachapoyas, Peru

One of Peru’s most fascinating archaeological sites continues to surprise readers. We rounded up the questions people ask us most often about visiting.

👉 Read it here: Common Questions About the Sarcophagi of Karajía​

Are you using an eSIM?

We explain the difference between an eSIM and a SIM card and consider the reasons why you might (or might not) want to use one on your next international trip.

👉 Read it here: Do You Need To Buy a SIM Card When Traveling? What We Do Instead​

New Gear Review: Small Backpack for Regional Flights

We tested the Gossamer Gear Aero Jet and shared who it’s best for (and where it falls short).

👉 Read the article: Gossamer Gear Aero Jet Review: Best Small Carry-on?​

Travel Deals We Spotted This Week

Travel deals are few and far between right now... though we are seeing a few we wonder how long they will keep showing up with the current price of jet fuel rising yet again. Best bet to find them is to sign up with Going and get notified about deals from your city to the places on your wish list. Let us know if you find a great deal!

Let’s Connect:

There is a buzz in the air when we talk to our friends here in Portland about our in-person meetups coming in May! This will be the last before summer travel begins. Please join us if you can!​

Prefer virtual?​
We have a little bit of interest in hosting an online Ramble and creating a digital space for deeper conversation. If that sounds like your kind of thing, hit reply or join our interest list here.

And one final ask:

A young Ecuadorian friend we care about, Ken Galeano, is raising funds for his senior thesis project. He’s at 43% of his goal, and every bit helps.

To put it in perspective: $20 in Ecuador can cover a full day of meals, transportation to a nearby field site, or basic supplies that help keep a project moving. It’s a small amount for many of us, but it can make a real difference there.

​Grow With Ken​

If you have $20 to spare, we’d be grateful if you’d consider helping him get across the finish line.

Thanks for Rambling With Us,

Angie & Scott

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