CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Travel Smarter: Lessons from My Top 5 Mistakes Abroad Posted on July 8, 2026July 24, 2026 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, 2026July 24, 2026 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
BLACK WOMEN WHO TRAVEL 11 Observations of a Black Traveler You Can’t Ignore Posted on March 29, 2026June 10, 2026 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, 2026July 24, 2026 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
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES The Best Summer Vacation a Military Spouse Could Ever Take Posted on September 7, 2025December 21, 2025 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. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK A Table for One, Please: How I Learned to Love Eating Alone While Traveling Posted on August 18, 2025December 20, 2025 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 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
BLACK WOMEN WHO TRAVEL Black Woman in South Korea: Life in the 97% Posted on May 1, 2023June 10, 2026 Living in South Korea as a black woman can be a challenging experience due to unique obstacles such as beauty standards that favor light skin, difficulties finding suitable clothing and hair products, and navigating stereotypes and discrimination. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to breaking down these prejudices by sharing my experiences and connecting with other black women. Read more