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.
Category: TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
DuffelBagSpouse Travels is your passport to a world brimming with TRAVEL EXPERIENCES. Whether it’s a colorful parade, a traditional dance, or a local festival, DuffelBagSpouse’s blog is your gateway to experiencing the world’s most festive gatherings.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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When the Mail Stops: How Trump’s Tariff Rule Cut Off Global Packages to the U.S.
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.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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The Decline of the U.S. Passport and What It Means for Travelers Like You & Me
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.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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When Airports Say “No” to Government Messaging
Airports are my happy place. And yes, travel has always been political. Every passport line, security check, and boarding group reflects systems of privilege and control. Who moves freely, who gets stopped, and what stories are told—it’s all power. So when DHS released a video of Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the shutdown, it didn’t surprise me. It’s just another reminder that politics doesn’t wait at the gate—it boards with us, finds its seat, and flies right alongside.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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What You Need to Know Before Booking a Budget Flight on Air Asia
The seats are tight for a two-hour flight, let alone a six-and-a-half-hour one. I am typing sideways because my husband’s broad chest leaves no room to face the cockpit. We have no choice. The rows press in, far too close for comfort. They feel designed for smaller frames, likely East Asian travelers, not for someone like me. Asking for a seat extender made me cry, but it also made something clear. If I want to travel through Asia more comfortably, I need to lose weight. This A330 Airbus holds 377 passengers, and today it feels like every inch of space matters.
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15 Must-Download Apps for Traveling Around Asia and Southeast Asia
Travel in Asia feels smoother with the right apps. Beyond Google Maps and Booking.com, tools like Wise, Moreta Pay, Grab, Airalo, 12Go Asia, LINE, and WhatsApp make everyday travel easier. They cover payments, transport, connectivity, and communication, turning stressful trips into seamless experiences across South and Southeast Asia.
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The Best Summer Vacation a Military Spouse Could Ever Take
Dive into the adventure with “Road Trips and Lots of Bull.” Join a military spouse’s unforgettable summer vacation without kids or husband: road trips with friends in Eastern Europe to Spain’s thrilling running of the bulls alone.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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5 Simple European Conveniences That Would Improve Life in America
Living in Europe revealed how true convenience comes from thoughtful design, not endless highways or megastores. High-speed trains, walkable towns, reliable transit, welcoming cafes, and daily markets make life easier for everyone. They build community, conserve resources, and create equality—details I miss deeply in America’s car-driven, consumption-focused model.