About Matt Long
Who am I? I am a typical Gen-Xer and recovering cubicle-dweller who has a passion for all things travel. My site brings a unique perspective that is hard to find online. I am not a backpacker, nor am I...
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Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
11 April 2013 11:55 PM | 15 Comments -
20 Things Every Smart Traveler Should Know
11 March 2013 11:55 PM | 33 Comments -
Five Foods You Must Eat in Europe
12 November 2012 8:10 PM | 23 Comments -
Five Reasons to Stop Dreaming and Travel Now
16 April 2012 11:55 PM | 45 Comments -
So What’s Reykjavik Really Like?
28 February 2012 11:55 PM | 30 Comments
As Seen In:
Africa Archive
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Safari in South Africa: Fact, Fiction and Photos
Posted on May 21, 2013 | 13 CommentsThere they stood in the lobby of the lodge; dressed in khaki and British pith helmets. I imagined that in a few hours they would be taking tea in the savannah while being attended to by their man-servants. I caught a my reflection in a... -
Meet South Africa Instagram Video
Posted on May 16, 2013 | 2 CommentsI returned just a few days ago from beautiful South Africa, where I was part of an exciting project designed to promote the country. The campaign included 15 international bloggers following a variety of different routes around the country in order to explore and share... -
Quick Thoughts on South Africa
Posted on May 13, 2013 | 6 CommentsAs I board a plane back home to Washington, DC today I find myself reflecting on my second experience traveling through South Africa. After my first visit last year to Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula I fell in love, but I wasn’t sure how... -
Meet South Africa: Adventure Travel Itinerary
Posted on April 30, 2013 | 12 CommentsLast week I received an unconventional invitation in my email inbox from South Africa Tourism. It was a video inviting me to return to South Africa and explore more of this wonderful country. In August 2012, I was part of a remarkable campaign to highlight... -
Sex, Slaves and Song: An Unusual Walk Through Cape Town
Posted on March 24, 2013 | 9 CommentsI’ve been on about 4,312,131 walking tours in my life. Well, maybe not that many but definitely close to it. I like them on the whole, but lately I’ve been very picky about which ones I book. No longer am I content for a run... -
Penguins Will Bite – A Visit to Boulders Beach Near Cape Town
Posted on February 14, 2013 | No CommentsOne of the things I remember most about Cape Town is the stunning natural beauty that exists in clear overabundance. I thought that I’d get over the amazing vistas at every turn but I never did, and one of my favorite places to visit combined... -
Five Not to Miss Cape Town Experiences
Posted on February 10, 2013 | 10 Comments1. Table Mountain – No visit to Cape Town can be considered complete with a visit to the city’s most iconic image, Table Mountain. Well, unless you’re me. When I visited the cable car to the top was out of service, so I sadly never... -
On Safari in Botswana
Posted on February 3, 2013 | 11 CommentsLast year I had a remarkable opportunity to explore Southern Africa for the first time. It was just a small taste, but it immediately provoked a deep and unabiding love of this sometimes confounding but always beautiful region. As an animal lover a highlight were... -
Five Things You Should Know Before Going on Safari
Posted on November 28, 2012 | 25 Comments1. Be prepared – Going on a safari is not your standard travel experience. First of all, it’s probably the result of a lot of planning and saving on your part and because of that you expect to get a lot out of the experience.... -
Victoria Falls – Natural Wonder or Just Some Noisy Water?
Posted on November 19, 2012 | 12 CommentsIn 1855 David Livingstone found himself in a canoe traveling down the Zambezi River towards what the locals called ‘smoke that thunders.’ The sound is what he heard first, a tremendous roar heard from miles away. Then as they approached the thick columns of spray,... -
Meeting a Black Rhino in Africa
Posted on November 14, 2012 | 7 CommentsI love animals and the opportunity to go on multiple game drives in Africa was a once in a lifetime experience I’ll never forget. The fun and excitement turned serious though when I found myself a couple of feet from the elusive and endangered Black... -
Cape Town’s Alcatraz – A Somber Visit to Robben Island
Posted on November 11, 2012 | 4 CommentsThe sign at the ticket office said that all tours for the next two weeks were sold out, weird for winter in South Africa. But sure enough, the ferry was packed with tourists and locals alike as we made the short trip to one of... -
Five Words To Know Before You Visit South Africa
Posted on November 4, 2012 | 15 CommentsEvery country has its own unique linguistic quirks and picking up on these is inevitable when you visit. I heard many new terms during my trip to Cape Town, but these are my five favorite South Africa words and phrases. 1. Pleasure – Pronounced [Pleeee-sure].... -
Lessons From a Boat Safari in Botswana
Posted on October 24, 2012 | 6 CommentsThe opportunity to observe remarkable animals in their natural element was a precious treat for me on a recent trip to Namibia and Botswana. I stayed on a luxury cruise boat and every day the group set out for new adventures and new animal... -
Politics and Prose: Some More Thoughts About South Africa
Posted on October 22, 2012 | 1 CommentThe other day during the Presidential debates a South African Twitter follower commented how she wished their elected leaders would debate each other. That made me pause for a second until I realized that most countries in the world don’t have debates per se as... -
Walking the Fringe in Cape Town
Posted on October 7, 2012 | 2 CommentsWhen I first heard that Cape Town had been named the World Design Capital for 2014, I didn’t fully appreciate what that really means. Images of Project Runway filled my brain and I weakly congratulated my Cape Town hosts when I heard the news, secretly... -
Living Inside a Game Reserve in Zimbabwe – The Stanley and Livingstone Hotel
Posted on October 4, 2012 | 2 CommentsImagine sitting down on a sweeping verandah, sipping your morning coffee as unknown and exotic birds twitter in the distance. Just as you set down the steaming mug after your first sip, you see it, in the distance, a solitary elephant approaching the water hole... -
Exploring the Colorful Bo Kaap Neighborhood in Cape Town
Posted on September 24, 2012 | 11 CommentsWalking into the colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town is like going from black and white to amazing Technicolor. The sun peeked through the clouds compounding the dazzling effects of the bright colors gracing the homes and businesses; I felt like Dorothy waking up... -
Six Funny Signs I Found in Africa
Posted on September 18, 2012 | 9 CommentsI’ve seen a lot of strange, unusual and downright odd sign around the world, but for some reason I saw more than normal while traveling through southern Africa. I realize that most of these signs are funny to me because I don’t live there, but... -
42 Things I Love About Cape Town
Posted on September 16, 2012 | 18 Comments1. Being surrounded by natural beauty at every turn 2. Koeksisters and coffee 3. Visit to Robben Island, where Mandela was once imprisoned 4. Playing with kids during a biking tour of Masiphumelele Township 5. Jamming along at late night jazz clubs 6. Eating a... -
Controversial Travel – What To Say About Zimbabwe?
Posted on September 13, 2012 | 26 CommentsWhen I first learned that I would be visiting Zimbabwe, I was excited. Then I began to worry. I didn’t worry just about my physical safety, but for my moral well-being. Not too long ago I chided people who travel to Uganda, propping up a... -
Finding Joy in an Unlikely Place – Exploring South Africa’s Cape Peninsula
Posted on September 10, 2012 | 7 CommentsThere are some places on this great planet that just resonate with our souls on a very base, almost instinctual level. There’s no rhyme or reason to this metaphysical travel experience, it can happen anywhere at anytime to anyone. I’ve been fortunate enough to feel... -
Floating Luxury in Namibia – The Zambezi Queen
Posted on September 6, 2012 | 11 CommentsGetting to Namibia wasn’t the easiest experience in the world, as I detailed in this post, but it was fun. It was fun to get out of my comfort zone and see parts of Africa I never thought I’d see. That doesn’t mean though that... -
The Other Side: Biking Through a Township in Cape Town
Posted on September 3, 2012 | 4 CommentsGrowing up in the 1980s as an American had its advantages. I have fond memories of the Smurfs, shirts with iron-on decals and big hair. It was also an interesting time to grow up politically, and I remember first hearing about South Africa as a... -
Why (and How) I Crossed Three African Borders in Two Hours
Posted on August 30, 2012 | 5 CommentsIf you travel internationally, border crossings are by definition a necessary (and necessarily unpleasant) part of the experience. While I personally find the process of declaring my travel intentions to a bored, low level civil servant to be pointless and time consuming, there’s not much... -
Salt is Love and Other Lessons Learned From a Cape Malay Cooking Experience
Posted on August 27, 2012 | 7 CommentsI was a little worried walking into the house at #109 on the slopes of Signal Hill. Before my trip to Cape Town I’d never heard of Cape Malay; I knew nothing about the people or culture; and certainly had no idea what comprised a... -
Great White Shark Diving in South Africa
Posted on August 20, 2012 | 27 CommentsI’d like to think I’d try just about anything once, well except for watching the Spice Girls in concert. That I cannot do. But as far as adventurey, travely experiences go I’m willing to try it all. Jump off the wall of a gorge attached... -
African Safari Close Ups
Posted on August 16, 2012 | 18 CommentsThis week the #FriFotos theme is Close Up, a perfect opportunity to highlight some wildlife shots from my trip to Africa. In Namibia I was the guest of the Zambezi Queen, a luxury ship that offers remarkable access to wildlife. From the ship we visited... -
Five Ways Cape Town, South Africa Surprised Me
Posted on August 14, 2012 | 29 CommentsI recently returned home from an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime journey exploring Cape Town and the surrounding region. I spent a week in the Mother City as the guest of Cape Town Tourism and it was my first time visiting both South Africa and Cape Town. I... -
The Big Reveal: My Next Trip is to…
Posted on July 22, 2012 | 15 CommentsOk, so if you follow me on Twitter then you’ve probably figured this out already, but I thought I’d make the announcement official. This Friday I leave for a once in a lifetime adventure in Cape Town, South Africa. It will be my first visit... -
Passports with Purpose 2011 – How You Can Help Build Libraries in Zambia
Posted on November 30, 2011 | No CommentsI am pleased to announce that LandLopers is once again joining the massive online fundraising effort known as Passports with Purpose. This year the goal is lofty but simple: raise $80,000 to build two libraries to help the children and communities of two villages in... -
Three of the World’s Best Walking Tours
Posted on September 5, 2011 | 12 CommentsEven though I love unique and sometimes unusual ways to experience new travel destinations, one of the best ways to learn about a new place is through a classic walking tour. Organized tours can highlight a neighborhood or entire city, while self-guided walks offer precious... -
Travel Spotlight – Visit to Saadian Tombs in Marrakech
Posted on July 12, 2011 | 1 CommentLocated next to the Kasbah Mosque in the Marrakech medina rests the hauntingly beautiful Saadian Tombs. Built in 16th century, the ornate tomb complex is the final resting place of Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour, who gained his wealth through the sugar and slave trades. The tombs... -
Getting Naked in Marrakech
Posted on April 26, 2011 | 13 CommentsI have a love/hate relationship with spas and related treatments. I really like the idea of them; being pampered and emerging from the den of relaxation in a Zen state of mind. I almost never enjoy them though, instead I stress out about whether or... -
Palm Tree, Happy Tree
Posted on March 3, 2011 | 6 CommentsWhen people are asked to name a dream travel destination, a majority usually select fantastic tropical locales featuring swaying palms. Work, family obligations and the general routine of normal life makes many of us dream about exotic travel; windy beaches, margaritas by the pool and... -
There’s Nothing to do in Marrakech
Posted on February 14, 2011 | 16 CommentsIt may sound contrived, but we decided to tour Marrakech after looking at a map and deciding it seemed as good a place as any to visit. Our trip was in two stages, we first visited Madrid and then flew down to Marrakech to spend... -
Egypt Unrest, Tourism and What it All Means
Posted on January 31, 2011 | 2 CommentsUnless you’ve been in forced isolation for the last week, then you undoubtedly have been closely following the civil unrest currently underway in Egypt. As I write this, President Mubarak is still in power, the people are organizing a million person march and foreigners are... -
Leopards and Luxury at Phinda Private Game Reserve
Posted on January 3, 2011 | 3 CommentsToday I am pleased to share a guest post written by the remarkable Dave Dean, the man behind What’s Dave Doing? - a terrific resource for travel information and inspiration. Dave was good enough to do this guest post about a country to which I... -
Lopers Award for Favorite Experience of 2010
Posted on December 28, 2010 | No CommentsEvery day this week I will be highlighting a favorite travel experience from 2010 with something I call the Lopers Awards. Today I want to share with you two of my favorite travel experiences from the year. I love anything to do with the water,... -
Favorite 2010 Travel Photos: Day 1 – Marrakech Night Market
Posted on December 26, 2010 | 2 CommentsMy first favorite 2010 photo was taken while visiting Marrakech, Morocco. Marrakech is a fast paced and slightly confusing city, especially in the ancient square – the Djemaa el Fna. Every night this largest square in North Africa plays host to a large night market,... -
Lopers Award for Best Travel Food Experience of 2010
Posted on December 26, 2010 | 6 CommentsEvery day this week I will be highlighting a favorite travel experience from 2010. I’ve explained the Lopers Awards here. Today, the first day of Awards, I want to share my favorite food experience from the year. While I have had some great meals and... -
Apothecurious – Adventures in Marrakech
Posted on December 21, 2010 | 2 CommentsI can honestly say that I have never tried to find the closest apothecary. Drug stores, supermarkets, yes; apothecaries, not so much. Of course that was before my trip to Marrakech, where seeking out the best apothecary suddenly became a must-do travel experience. The old... -
Whitewater Adventure in Morocco
Posted on July 20, 2010 | 6 CommentsWhen I was planning our trip to Marrakech earlier this year, I made it a point to include a more active pursuit. After copious internet research, a Twitter referral introduced me to Splash Morocco. Oddly enough, this Scotland based company recently began whitewater tour operations... -
Inspiring Design
Posted on June 20, 2010 | 7 CommentsWhenever I travel, I always pay particular attention to architectural and design detail. I have no background in either graphic arts or architecture and I usually don’t know what I’m looking at, but for some reason I am drawn by them. Whether it be using... -
The Perfect Vista – Marrakech
Posted on June 13, 2010 | 3 CommentsWe were lost and there was no sugarcoating the fact the driver had left us nowhere near the location I had in mind. Maps were useless; the fact that any exist for the Marrakech medina must be a joke amongst map publishers. Finding... -
Never Again in Nigeria
Posted on June 8, 2010 | 14 CommentsToday’s guest post is written by two Australian lads on a trip of a lifetime. Benny and Harty began their travels in Berlin and are slowly making their way to South Africa for the World Cup. In this post they detail the sometimes randomness... -
Experiencing Marrakech Through the Senses
Posted on May 18, 2010 | 2 CommentsTraveling through Marrakech’s medina is a journey back through time. One of the Royal Cities of Morocco, Marrakech combines modernity with the eloquence of 1,001 Nights. While the city can be confusing at times, there are certain things every visitor must experience. If a city... -
Leaving the Island and Traveling the World With LOST
Posted on May 17, 2010 | 4 CommentsSince the first episode of LOST premiered on September 22, 2004, viewers from around the world have been captivated not only with the storyline, but with the destinations featured. While most of the episodes have centered around the mysterious, moving island (actually filmed in Hawaii),... -
Mastering Moroccan Tagine Recipes
Posted on May 4, 2010 | 4 CommentsIf you spend any amount of time in Morocco, then you will become indoctrinated into the cult of tagine enthusiasts. This delightfully simple yet delicious meal seems easy to make, but I soon learned that mastering the art of tagine recipes and Moroccan spicing is... -
How to Navigate the Djemaa el Fna Night Market
Posted on April 28, 2010 | 4 CommentsDjeema El Fna We had been through Marrakech’s famous square, Djeema El Fna, many times in the few days we were there. However, we were a little hesitant to explore the famous night market found every evening in this huge open air circus. Unable to...
