WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Feeling Older Than You’d Like? Travel Might Be the Remedy Posted on November 1, 2025August 13, 2026 Travel may be one of the best ways to slow aging. A new study from Edith Cowan University links positive travel experiences to better physical and mental health. Exploring new places reduces stress, strengthens the heart, and enhances creativity. In short, travel keeps the mind sharp, the body active, and the spirit youthful. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES The Great Wall of China: Climbing the Dream I’ve Had Since Childhood Posted on October 30, 2025August 20, 2026 Visiting the Great Wall of China was a lifelong dream realized. At Badaling, I felt the history under my hands and the rhythm of time in every step. Though our guided tour limited exploration, the climb reminded me why travel still feels magical—a connection to stories, endurance, and dreams older than memory. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES When the Mail Stops: How Trump’s Tariff Rule Cut Off Global Packages to the U.S. Posted on October 27, 2025December 21, 2025 Trump’s 2025 decision to end the *de minimis* exemption halted duty-free imports under $800, triggering global mail disruptions. More than 30 countries limited or paused shipments to the U.S. as postal systems adjusted to new customs rules. The policy added tariffs, raised costs, and strained everyday connections across borders. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES The Decline of the U.S. Passport and What It Means for Travelers Like You & Me Posted on October 26, 2025July 24, 2026 The blog explores how the U.S. passport, once a symbol of global freedom, has lost influence due to shifting politics, stricter visa policies, and America’s declining global image. It reflects on how these changes affect travelers, especially slow travelers, and what this means for freedom, privilege, and the perception of the United States abroad. Read more
HOTELS Trails and Tastes of Cinque Terre: Our Stay at Sostio a Levante Agriturismo Posted on October 25, 2025August 10, 2026 We had lunch in town and everything we ate was absolutely delicious.There are no museums or tourist attractions per se along the Cinque Terra. Just restaurants, some family owned shops, B&Bs and the hiking trails and the ocean and I hope that never changes. The drive back to the station a few days later was far less adventurous. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Leaving America: Living Abroad When You Don’t Know the Language Posted on October 23, 2025March 30, 2026 Living abroad without knowing the language isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and often rewarding. With patience, curiosity, and technology, you can navigate daily life, connect with locals, and grow through small wins. It’s not about fluency—it’s about finding confidence, humor, and humanity in every new interaction. Read more
HOTELS Resting in Bangkok: Your Best Options in Suvarnabhumi Airport Posted on October 20, 2025August 16, 2026 Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport makes layovers easier with new ways to rest inside the terminal. From quiet lounges and short-stay transit hotels to capsule pods like Avagard, travelers can recharge without leaving the airport. This guide covers the best sleep options, where to find them, and practical tips for getting real rest before your next flight. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Discovering Galena: The Illinois River Town That Once Rivaled Chicago Posted on October 19, 2025August 13, 2026 Explore Galena, Illinois—a historic river town once larger than Chicago. Climb its hillside steps, stroll streets marked with bronze plaques, and visit sites tied to Lincoln and Grant. From trolley tours to panoramic river views, Galena blends beauty, history, and endurance in a way few towns still can. Read more