Articles by: Valerie Conners

My sublet's living area, complete with tree decals :)

Adventures in Subletting: Moving on Down(stairs), to the West Side

For 2 digital nomads on a budget, landing the perfect NYC summer sublet would be nothing less than a gift straight from the New York City gods. And despite the odds stacked against us — we did it! Take a peek inside our latest digs.

Central Park pond

Summer 2014: Doing It Well, New York City-Style

Nearly a month into my newest location independent jaunt in New York City, I’ll give you a glimpse of Gotham’s highlights in the summer season. Thinking of planning a trip this summer? This could be your inspiration!

Central Park, New York City

Where Have You Gone, Passenger Conners?

There’s been an eerie silence on the interwebs of Passenger Conners these past few weeks. My laptop keyboard has felt a bit less clacking. Cobwebs are collecting on my Wordpress dashboard. And wait — was that a tumbleweed that just rolled past my screen?

Bivalves, Lobsters and Foraged Things: Welcome to Portland, Maine!

Bivalves, Lobsters and Foraged Things: Welcome to Portland, Maine!

I was downright giddy to finally visit Portland, ME, said by those in the know to be one of America’s top food cities. Eat and see the city’s sights with my top picks for Portland.

Best Trip Ever? Maine.

Best Trip Ever? Maine.

The Maine fantasy I concocted began years ago, and like most of my fantasies, I have absolutely no idea from whence it sprung or why. It just … felt oh-so right. Did the reality live up to the dream?

New York City (justininsd via Flickr)

Hot Child in New York City

With my South American exploits safely behind me, it’s time to focus on the next destination in my location independent adventures: my former haunt, New York City. “Why, oh why are you returning?” The question keeps being asked. Here’s my answer…

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo in Cusco.

Cusco, Peru: Breathe In, Breathe Out

Perched 11,000 feet up in the Andes, Cusco took my breath away — quite literally. I’d heard tales of how captivating Cusco is, and the stories resonated. Tucked amidst dramatic mountain peaks, Cusco’s red tile roofs, cobbled streets and colonial architecture leave most travelers smitten — I was no exception.

The agricultural terraces of Moray.

Peru’s Sacred Valley: On the Road to Machu Picchu

Look past the obvious, the big glittery jewel of a destination. Tucked into the cracks, the side roads, the small towns nearby lie the less conspicuous gems. They will be your small joys.

Machu Picchu with Wayna Picchu in the background.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Into the (Crowded) Mystic

Wanna know a little secret? Machu Picchu is positively TEEMING with tourists. Here’s what to know to avoid the crowds and make the most of your bucket-list trip to the iconic ruins.

Parque del Amor

Inside the Belly of a Dead Whale: A Peek at Lima, Peru

When a city is described as similar to being “inside the belly of a dead whale,” I’m intrigued. Such was Lima.

A plate of ceviche mixto at Canta Rana in Lima's Barranco district.

How to Eat Your Way Through Lima, Peru Like a Boss

See my collection of standouts — restaurants, markets, food and drink — from Lima, Peru. Git in mah belly!

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs...

You Say Cerrado, I Say Fechado: Learning Languages on the Road, Kinda

I totally get not already speaking a foreign language. But not trying to learn it once you’re living in the culture? That seems, shall we say … insulting.