Brandy Bell loves adventuring around the world. She's been a solo female traveler since 2006 and has visited over 25 countries, made countless international friends, and now writes to inspire you to travel in a sustainable and responsible way.
My expectations for Persian cuisine are very high ever since I had the chance to host some wonderful Couchsurfers from Tehran a few years ago. I still remember the fragrant smells of lemon rind and sautéed onions wafting all the way down the corridor, welcoming me into my own home before I even opened the…
One of the first fully vegan restaurants in Madrid, Rayen Vegano, is found in the charming literary neighborhood Barrio de las Letras. It’s just a moments walk from the beautiful Plaza Santa Ana; this area was a favorite corner of Ernest Hemingway back in the day. Nowadays this area shines brightly in stark contrast to…
A short walk from the city center (address below) is the unassuming entrance of VEGA, a trendy tapas bar and restaurant serving creative and delicious vegan dishes to as many people as the space can hold. The menu offers Spanish as well as international wines and several non-alcoholic drinks. I ordered a local wine…
Few things are as delicious as wrapping your hands around a burger and taking a big, sloppy bite. Don’t you agree? Luckily, vegans no longer have to play around with sad pre-packaged patties when in Madrid thanks to the innovative creations coming out of Viva Burger. These are serious burgers served with a generous portion…
Though it was chilly, it was the perfect time of year for our stay at The Ritz, Madrid. The leaves of the Ginkgo tree across the street from the entrance were backlit by the sun setting behind the Royal Palace; the branches proffered golden tree stars gently falling to carpet our feet. The doorman gave…
Sometimes a destination can hold a plethora of delights for visitors, including museums, gardens, parks, and palaces. Other times, the best way to delve into a country is by picking up your fork and knife — or your chopsticks — and digging in. Here are some of our favorite picks for tasty clean food in…
Hummus is a staple of vegetarians and vegans around the world. The simple harmony of chickpeas, tahini, and oil can become anything: a spread for sandwiches, an appetizer for parties, or a protein-packed salad dressing. But at La Hummuseria in Madrid, it’s the main event. Tucked off a side street from Calle Fuencarral is the…
Have you ever been somewhere so beautiful it boggles your mind? That’s the Royal Kirana Spa. Just 15-minutes from the center of Ubud you’ll find this getaway. We went down, and down, and down the steep driveway until reaching the entrance of the Restaurant and pathway to the spa. We arrived early for our appointment…
Walking across the long wooden bridge in the middle of the jungle, I feel it sway beneath my feet — is it supposed to do that? The river is rushing 30 feet below me and the trees are loud with the almost electronic sound of buzzing, it must be crickets. At the end of the bridge…
Ubud is a winding maze of tiny alleys, never-ending rice paddies, and temple after temple … after temple! If it’s ceremony day, (and so often, it is) streets are filled with processions of women in batik sarongs and lacy kebayas, woven baskets carefully balanced on their head filled with offerings. Men in traditional garb, flowing…