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  • Plane Travel

    A Sloppy, Sweaty Trek in Sapa, Vietnam

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    The drive into Sapa was a cavalcade of buses. And, despite the many switchbacks, they were vying to be first, passing in the shortest of lanes so that often the bus being passed and the vehicle coming from the other direction had to slam on the brakes so the impatient driver could shoot through the gap.

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    Nice Carnival: Battle of the Flowers

    February 15, 2020
    River cruise of New York City with skyline views

    4 Days in New York City During Covid

    August 4, 2021

    Akaroa in the Spring, New Zealand

    October 19, 2023
  • Plane Travel

    Trekking a Trio of Deadly Volcanoes in East Java

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    I'm cold. I'm in Indonesia and I'm cold. Shivering. Shivering, on an island that is about 8 degrees of latitude away from the equator. To be fair, I am about 6,000 feet above sea level and it is 2:30 am. Why, you might be wondering, am I awake at 2:30am?

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    Nice Carnival: Battle of the Flowers

    February 15, 2020

    Dizzy and Delighted in Kaikoura

    October 11, 2023

    Dueling Volcanoes and Fire Power in Tongariro National Park

    February 6, 2024
  • Plane Travel

    World of Waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park

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    The fog was so low and heavy that I felt as though I were in a snow globe that started and ended at the ends of the block. Church spires rose like phantoms, trees were mere shadows. I could hardly get a feel for the town of Katoomba, much less what lay beyond.

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    Covid Catastrophe in the Czech Republic

    March 14, 2020

    Barcelona Basics: Food, Friends, and Gaudi

    March 4, 2020

    Highway to Heidelberg: a Must-See Stop on the Way Through Germany

    May 22, 2022
  • Guides

    Three Actual Trip Itineraries I’ve Done in New Zealand

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    This post includes three actual itineraries for trips I planned and executed with the participating parties. Each group came for a different amount of time with different goals (which I've also listed). Each was a successful trip, though I will include a few lessons learned at the end of each itinerary.

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    NZ Working Holiday Visa: Buying a Car in New Zealand

    July 31, 2023

    Cooking in Communal Kitchens: Cheap, Yummy Hostel Dinners

    January 18, 2024

    Easy, Yummy Hostel Dinners: Almost Instant Pizza

    December 15, 2023
  • Plane Travel

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing – A Love Affair with a Volcano

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    When we went out to the car in the morning, the air was crisp and chilly. A thin layer of ice coated my windshield. I was reminded of Colorado, of pink-nosed mornings watching the sun come up while out hunting. Hardly a cloud threaded the sky.

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    Ducking Ropes and Slippery Slopes in Piha

    August 10, 2023

    Seek and Ye Shall Find (Antlers)

    May 12, 2023

    My School Abroad: Institute of American Universities

    February 2, 2020
  • Plane Travel

    Everything I Know About the Kunkel Curse

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    For as long as I can remember, my dad has talked about the Kunkel Curse. Along the same veins of Murphey's Law, the Kunkel Curse says: The more I want something, the more likely it will never happen. Already, just talking on the phone with my dad before he flew to New Zealand, he was already warning me of the Kunkel Curse. I really wish someone would invent an app where you can punch people through the phone.

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    Carcassonne Castle at dusk

    Carcassonne: a Castle Playground

    February 3, 2020

    Ducking Ropes and Slippery Slopes in Piha

    August 10, 2023

    A Hidden Paradise in Whiritoa, New Zealand

    September 3, 2023
  • Plane Travel

    The Kunkel Clan Arrives in New Zealand!

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    It starts months ago. First there are flights to buy. Then, when I buy a four-seater Suzuki Swift, there's a five person rental car to reserve. Later, there are emails and phone calls and FaceTimes, accommodations to choose, activities to book, bikes to rent.

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    vaulted ceiling and arches of church carved from rock in Cappadocia

    Cappadocia: Land of Hidden Cities and Fairy Chimneys

    March 31, 2019
    Palais de Papes Palace of the Popes

    If Even Popes get Castles…Why Can’t I Have One?

    January 28, 2020

    World of Waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park

    April 28, 2024
  • Plane Travel

    The Magical Milford Track and the Invention of Sandflies

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    A car. A bus. A boat. Finally, I arrive at the beginning of the Milford Track. One of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks and often dubbed the Finest Walk in the World. So here I am. At the beginning of the Milford Track. Ahh, breathe it in. Take in the view. Snap a photo…

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    A Backpacker’s Life, Introvert Style

    January 17, 2024

    1 Year of New Zealand Selfies: September & October

    September 22, 2023

    A Quarter of a Century Old in Sydney, Australia

    April 24, 2024
  • Plane Travel

    Middle Earth Magic in New Zealand

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    I've never been one to obsess over actors, over sets, over costumes. I don't care about who played the character or where the movie was filmed or how the magic happened. I like the characters, the plot, the story. However, there is one film series that is a little bit different.

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    The Lone Mussel: My Moana Moment

    August 30, 2023

    Nice Carnival: Battle of the Flowers

    February 15, 2020

    Photos from New Zealand Christmas and New Year

    January 13, 2024
  • Plane Travel

    Dueling Volcanoes and Fire Power in Tongariro National Park

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    What I imagined I would see when I reached Tongariro National Park was a battle ground: Open horizons. Scars of black rock, like charred ground. Rubble. Dry, choking air. A barren place. Hard. Void. Dark... Blame Mordor, I guess.

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    Covid Catastrophe in the Czech Republic

    March 14, 2020
    steep stairs and colorful houses of Annecy

    A+ for Annecy and the Alps

    February 7, 2020

    Crashing through the Catlins + Cool Coastlines

    January 5, 2024
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Traveler, Reader, Writer

Hi! My name is Maddie. I am a traveler, reader, and writer. Pages to Planes is where I catalogue stories of my (history-obsessed) adventures and write reviews of my favorite books. Welcome!

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