Dave Lee

5 days ago | gobackpacking.com | Dave Lee |David Lee

For as long as I've lived in Texas (about 10 years), I've been aware of South Padre Island on the southern tip of the Texas Gulf Coast. When I finally traveled there for a long weekend in November with Kel, I found a laid-back barrier island always open for business. Beach walks at sunrise, visiting rescued sea turtles, and drinks under the stars were among the many fun things to do on South Padre Island. It's no wonder SPI receives millions of visitors annually.

2 weeks ago | gobackpacking.com | Dave Lee |David Lee

Galveston Island is a popular vacation destination on the Texas Gulf Coast, just an hour's drive from Houston. When I visited for the first time with Kel over a weekend in April, we found lots of free things to do to help keep our costs down. Between meals, museums, and other paid attractions, we walked along the Seawall, explored the historic Strand District, and saw a submarine on land. Here are ten ways to enjoy Galveston Island for free, laid out over a day.

1 month ago | gobackpacking.com | Dave Lee |David Lee

During my summer of island-hopping in Greece, I spent a few nights on the island of Paros in the Cyclades, primarily because it was a convenient waypoint between Ios and Mykonos. If you're looking for things to do in Paros, Greece, there's plenty to fill a few relaxed days. Paros is not as expensive or well-known as the island of Santorini. Yet, it still attracts approximately 450,000 visitors during the peak summer travel season.

1 month ago | gobackpacking.com | Dave Lee |David Lee

Ios might have a legendary reputation for all-night partying, but I discovered the Greek island’s quiet charm over one day in July. Renting a car allowed me to wander beyond the clubs and crowds. My day unfolded slowly. I beach-hopped along golden coves where turquoise waters sparkled beneath clear skies. I strolled Chora’s whitewashed alleyways by late afternoon, captivated by bougainvillea-draped doorways and hidden cafes.

2 months ago | gobackpacking.com | Dave Lee |David Lee

Sailing through the caldera of Santorini at golden hour is the kind of Greek Island experience that feels dreamlike even as it's happening. On my first full day in Santorini, I joined a sunset cruise that began with a hike up Tholos Naftilos volcano, followed by a swim in the mineral-rich waters of Palea Kameni's hot springs. As the sun descended, we drifted toward Amoudi Bay, where Oia and the cliffs glowed in fiery hues, and the sun dropped into the Aegean Sea.