Travel Stories & Blog Posts | The Portable Life

The Best Places to See Animals in Costa Rica: Where to See Sloths, Monkeys, Birds & More

Costa Rica is home to an astonishing 5% of the world's biodiversity, making it one of the best places on Earth to see wildlife. From the iconic sloths hanging in the trees to colorful toucans and elusive eyelash vipers, this Central American paradise offers incredible animal encounters for tourists, digital nomads, and eco-tourists alike. Whether you're planning a weekend wildlife adventure or looking to combine remote work with nature exploration, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly where to find Costa Rica's most fascinating animals.

Dominical, Costa Rica: A Two-Day Guide for Surf, Nature & Relaxation

Dominical is a laid-back surf town on Costa Rica’s sunny west coast. This guide highlights the top things to see and do in Dominical. It also provides useful information on how to get there, where to stay, and top-tips for when you arrive. I visited with my partner in November 2025 and we loved Dominical for its walkability, great food, and wild untamed nature. It felt like a great way to experience the wildness of Costa Rica whilst still having great restaurants and café culutre.

A Digital Nomad's Guide to Living in Florianopolis

If you're curious about Florianopolis or considering moving there as a digital nomad, you are in the right place! After spending a month living and working in Florianopolis, here’s an honest look at what life on the island feels like — from accomodation, living costs, Wi-Fi, and safety, to the day-to-day rhythm of working remotely in Brazil’s most talked-about island city. Florianópolis (“Floripa” to locals) is known for its long white-sand beaches, surfing culture, and access to nature. But it’s also growing quickly as a digital nomad destination, attracting remote workers looking for a slower pace of life with plenty of outdoor adventure.

One Day in Colonia del Sacramento: The Perfect Day Trip from Buenos Aires

Historic, atmospheric and wonderfully compact, Colonia del Sacramento is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Buenos Aires. Sitting on the banks of the Río de la Plata, this UNESCO-listed town is perfect for a slow, unstructured day of wandering. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and later contested by Spain, Colonia’s historic quarter is a rare mix of colonial influences, with cobblestone streets, low stone houses and irregular lanes that feel very different from typical Spanish-built cities.

Is Airbnb better than Booking.com?

Airbnb can be great — their user interface makes it easy to find and book quality apartments on short notice. But that convenience can come at a cost, sometimes quite literally, with trade-offs that aren’t always obvious at first glance.

Best Things to do in San Gerardo de Rivas: Costa Rica's Hidden Gem

Planning a trip to Costa Rica and looking for an authentic and peaceful wildlife experience? This guide brings together my favourite experiences in the small, lesser-known mountain village of San Gerardo de Rivas and the surrounding area — from epic hikes and natural hot springs to quiet moments in the cloud forest and encounters with rare wildlife.