Poland felt like a country torn between progress and prejudice. I’ve traveled through places that challenged me, but I’ve never felt so unwelcome. The stares weren’t curious—they were cold. I don’t regret visiting, but I left with no desire to return. Some places aren’t meant to be revisited.
DESTINATIONS
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Where to Stay in Seoul: 4 Great Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors
Choosing where to stay in Seoul shapes your whole trip. This guide highlights four ideal neighborhoods—each offering safety, easy transit, and a unique local vibe—to help first-time visitors feel confident, comfortable, and connected. Find the base that fits your style, and let the rest of Seoul unfold from there.
LIFESTYLE
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I Tried Hundreds of Travel Products—These 11 Are Now Part of My Daily Life
Some of the travel essentials I use every day started in my suitcase but never made it back to storage. From organizers to power banks and skincare staples, these items keep me comfortable and organized whether I’m at home or on the go—and now, I wouldn’t want to live without them.
LIFESTYLE
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How to Know If the Wanderlust Gene Is Real: I Took the DNA Test to Find Out
I’ve always felt a deep, restless pull to explore the world. When I heard about the wanderlust gene, I had to know—was my obsession with travel something deeper? I took a DNA test to find out if this craving to go was written into my code. Here’s what happened.
DESTINATIONS
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How to Shop Chiang Mai’s Markets—And Always Leave With Something Unexpected
Chiang Mai’s markets aren’t about souvenirs. They’re about life moving at full speed—unfiltered, unscripted. You walk in and get swallowed by motion. A man fixes a fan with one hand and counts change with the other. A woman stacks woven baskets while yelling prices over the hum of scooters. Nothing is quiet, nothing is staged. It’s part trade, part theater, part heartbeat. And if you pay attention, if you stay long enough, you stop being a visitor. You become part of the noise.
RELOCATE ABROAD
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Leaving America: What a Better Life Actually Looks Like
Most mornings feel flat, like I’m just going through the motions. I make coffee, scroll my phone, and nothing feels real. But then I think about the life I had when I lived abroad—how even simple things felt new and meaningful. I remember walking through markets, hearing languages I didn’t know, sitting in cafes with no pressure to rush. That life made me feel awake. I don’t want another quick trip or break from routine. I want a life that feels like it matters—where I’m curious again, where things make sense, and where I feel like myself.
LIFESTYLE
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How to Choose the Best Anti-Theft Travel Bag for 2025 (Before It’s Too Late)
After having my bag stolen in Spain, I never travel without anti-theft protection. These 11 anti-theft travel bags for 2025 combine hidden zippers, RFID pockets, and slash-resistant straps—all in practical, stylish designs. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, these bags offer peace of mind without sacrificing function or style.
DESTINATIONS
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36 Hours in Des Moines: How to Plan a Fun Weekend
36 hours in Des Moines gives you just enough time to get a feel for the city. It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from the Quad Cities, which makes it an easy weekend trip. Spring and fall are the best times to go. The gardens are full of color, the air feels crisp, and the trails make it easy to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. The Capitol building is worth the time—it’s grand, detailed, and full of history. We went once in the dead of winter. It was cold, gray, and everything felt shut down. I wouldn’t go back that time of year. Des Moines has its charm, but it shows up best when the weather does too.