SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD $250 Visa Integrity Fee Could Make America One of the Most Expensive Countries to Visit Posted on July 20, 2025September 2, 2026 The proposed \$250 Visa Integrity Fee could reshape U.S. tourism, adding significant costs for international visitors. Industry leaders warn it may discourage travel ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. This ongoing situation requires close monitoring as details remain unclear and potential impacts continue to unfold. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES The Side of Africa You Never See in the Media Posted on July 20, 2025September 2, 2026 I look for street food, quiet cafes, hikes with a view, and places that hold meaning. I’ve found them all over the world. Now I want to find them in Nigeria, Togo, and Benin—three countries in Africa tied to my history that I’ve never seen with my own eyes. I’m ready to see the truth about Africa for myself. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Driving to Èze: Unexpected Beauty, Panic, and an Unexpected Lesson Posted on July 17, 2025September 2, 2026 A stalled car. A stranger’s help. A mad uphill dash with my kids in the backseat. That’s how my day in Èze began. What followed was a quiet walk through flower-filled alleys, castle ruins, and a handmade perfume that now holds the memory of one beautiful, chaotic, unforgettable day. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD How to Avoid Being Turned Away at the U.S. Border Posted on July 14, 2025September 2, 2026 I’ve crossed more borders than I can count. But something has shifted. Under the Trump administration, even the most routine arrivals into the United States feel tense. I’ve read stories about tourists being turned away for vague reasons—missing hotel bookings, saying the wrong thing, having the wrong stamps in their… Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Dear Spammers, My Blog Isn’t Free Marketing for You Posted on July 10, 2025August 13, 2026 I receive guest post requests almost daily, but most feel like cold, careless spam. I’ve lost count of how many emails I’ve received that start with flattery and end with a request to use my blog to sell someone else’s product. They don’t care who I am. They haven’t read… Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD The Truth About Instagram vs. Real Travel Experiences Posted on July 6, 2025August 13, 2026 Social media inspires travel—but also distorts it. This post explores the power-of-influencers and how curated content shapes where we go, what we expect, and how much we spend. From crowds to debt and cultural strain, we need a more honest conversation about the real impact of picture-perfect travel online. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend a Awesome Weekend in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posted on July 3, 2025August 20, 2026 Looking for an easy weekend escape from the Quad Cities? Cedar Rapids offers art, history, markets, and museums—all within 90 minutes. Whether you’re strolling through Brucemore or sampling food at NewBo City Market, this Iowa city packs just enough charm and culture to make the drive worth it. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Starved Rock Reveals Its Story One Step at a Time Posted on June 29, 2025August 30, 2026 I’ve hiked a lot of trails, but there’s something about Starved Rock State Park that keeps pulling me back. Just under an hour from my front door, it feels like another world since Rock Island is so flat. The 2,630-acre park in LaSalle County, Illinois, is located along the Illinois… Read more