CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES 7 Powerful Ways Travel Teaches Us About Ourselves Posted on July 30, 2026October 29, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Travel pushes me out of my comfort zone and forces me to confront my beliefs, values, and fears. It reveals strengths I never knew I had and shows me new layers of myself, helping me grow through unexpected challenges and experiences. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Travel Smarter: Lessons from My Top 5 Mistakes Abroad Posted on July 8, 2026August 3, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Travel has taught me incredible lessons, but not all of them came from perfect experiences. Looking back, I regret a few choices, from supporting unethical animal attractions and wasting money on disappointing excursions to letting my guard down against theft and failing to research changing visa requirements. Each mistake cost me something, whether it was money, time, or peace of mind, but each one also made me a smarter, more thoughtful traveler. If my experiences help you avoid the same pitfalls, then those regrets were not entirely in vain. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Sistine Chapel at 8:AM: Twenty Quiet Minutes Under a Painted Sky Posted on April 20, 2026August 26, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I arrived at the Sistine Chapel when the doors opened and found myself almost alone beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling. For twenty quiet minutes, I lay on a wooden bench and looked up without distraction. What happened in that silence changed how I understood the art—and the man who painted it. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES 10 Practical Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers at Night Posted on April 3, 2026July 28, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Traveling late at night? Ensure your airport safety with these essential tips. From securing your cash at ATMs to booking reliable transportation, learn how to protect yourself and avoid stress during your next solo adventure. Read more
BLACK WOMEN WHO TRAVEL 11 Observations of a Black Traveler You Can’t Ignore Posted on March 29, 2026August 6, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Nope, not even close. Although… even though I am NOT rich, I may be the only black person they meet and I want to leave a positive impression. I often feel the need to over tip or otherwise over-compensate for my skin color. Its totally unnecessary because I’m not a hotel pig, I find myself doing things like straightening up the room so the maids don’t see any mess. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES How to Travel Without an Itinerary Posted on February 28, 2026August 7, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Travel without an itinerary and let your days unfold naturally. This guide shows how to choose a home base, follow simple anchors, ask locals for tips, and move with intention. It’s an easy, peaceful way to explore—perfect for travelers who want freedom, connection, and memorable experiences without the stress of planning. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD What You Need to Know About Taking Separate Vacations (and Why It Helps Your Relationship) Posted on February 22, 2026August 7, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters While traveling together creates beautiful memories, making space for solo adventures can be just as important. The benefits of separate vacations include personal growth, breaking free from routines, nurturing friendships, and avoiding unnecessary compromises that can lead to frustration. Instead of seeing separate travel as a sign of distance, it should be embraced as a way to enhance the relationship. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK A Table for One, Please: How I Learned to Love Eating Alone While Traveling Posted on August 18, 2025August 30, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I used to avoid dining alone, hiding behind my phone or takeout. Traveling taught me to choose my seat, savor my food, and slow down without worry. From street stalls to window views, eating solo feels freeing—not lonely. Now I linger, watch, and enjoy every moment. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Are You Risking Your Life for the Perfect Selfie? Posted on July 3, 2024December 26, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters Selfies are a fun way to capture memories but can also be dangerous. A 2022 study found that 379 people died from selfie-related accidents over 13 years, compared to 90 fatalities caused by shark encounters. These numbers highlight the need to avoid dangerous selfies. The quest for a perfect shot often leads people to overlook basic safety measures. With the rise of social media, the popularity of selfies has surged, increasing dangerous behaviors like standing too close to cliff edges, ignoring warning signs, and taking selfies in hazardous locations. Prioritizing safety over the perfect shot is crucial, as no selfie is worth risking your life. Read more