Over the years—and many trips later—I’ve learned that having the right travel gear can completely change the experience of a trip. From backpacks and suitcases to small accessories that make packing and long travel days easier, these are my tried-and-true favorites. Every item on this list is something I’ve personally used on flights, road trips,…
solo female travel
The Best Travel Memoirs: Books That Inspire Wanderlust and Self-Discovery
Love getting lost in stories about travel and transformation? These are my favorite travel memoirs—honest, funny, and inspiring reads that will spark your wanderlust and remind you why we explore. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My…
Places That Changed Me: Destinations That Built My Confidence and Shifted My Perspective
From Orvieto to Thailand and the Norwegian fjords, these are the places that exceeded my expectations, helped me grow, and reminded me why travel can be life-changing. Some travel experiences stay with you long after you return home. They shape how you see the world and yourself. Looking back on my travels, these are the…
The Value of a Solo Travel Sabbatical: How Four Months in Europe Changed My Life
After a decade without a real break, I took a four-month travel sabbatical through Europe. Here’s how solo travel helped me reset, grow, and return to work stronger. In 2018 I left my job for four months to travel solo through Europe, and it changed me in ways I never expected. In this post, I…
My Relationship with Airbnb: From Love to “It’s Complicated”
After 12 years of using Airbnb—from magical local stays to disappointing cash-grab rentals—I’ve seen the platform evolve. These days, it feels more like a gamble than a guarantee. Here is how the relationship has evolved and what I am choosing now. Love at First Sight My first stay with Airbnb was in February of 2013…