I finally got my REAL ID after putting it off for years. With the May 2025 deadline approaching, I didn’t want to risk delays at the airport or issues with identification. Here’s what the process was like, what it cost, and why I think it’s worth having one now.
Tag: travel trends
Explore the latest travel trends with our expert insights. Discover emerging destinations, popular travel tips, and new experiences. Stay ahead of the curve and make your next adventure memorable with our up-to-date blog posts on travel trends.
LIFESTYLE
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Leaving America: The Truth About Staying in the U.S. for Family
I used to say we stayed in the U.S. for family. It sounded noble. Responsible. Like something a good daughter, mother, or sister would say. But after moving back from South Korea and spending a year and a half trying to make that reason feel true, I’ve started to question…
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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From Memories to Mistakes: When Photos Go Too Far
Photography has never been easier—or riskier. As smartphones replaced film cameras, convenience surged but safety declined. From cliffside selfies to impulsive snapshots, this post explores how modern photography habits have shifted and why awareness matters more than ever when capturing life on the go.
LIFESTYLE
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White Lotus Season 3: How to Avoid the Mistakes Victoria Ratliff Makes Abroad
The White Lotus Season 3 brings luxury to Thailand, but one character—Victoria Ratliff—reveals something deeper. Her offhand remarks about monks, culture, and belonging reflect real-world entitlement. This post explores what her character gets wrong about travel, spirituality, and respect—and why those attitudes aren’t just fiction. They’re familiar.
LIFESTYLE
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Leaving America: When You’re Living a Life You Don’t Want
After years of staying for family, I’ve realized leaving America—at least part-time—offers the space to feel present, free, and fulfilled. Living abroad isn’t about escape. It’s about choosing a slower rhythm, deeper connection, and a version of life that feels more honest than what I’ve settled for here.
LIFESTYLE
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The Truth About Korean Temple Stays: Stillness Hurts When You Sit Crosslegged
A Korean temple stay tests more than patience—it challenges the body. Sleeping on a traditional hanok floor, waking at 3 a.m. and meditating for hours pushed me past discomfort. With no phone, no distractions, and no escape from stillness, I faced every ache, every numb limb, and kept going.
LIFESTYLE
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How to Celebrate Galentine’s Day: Ideas, Traditions, and Why It’s More Popular Than Ever
Are you tired of the same old Valentine’s Day routine? What if I told you there’s a better way to celebrate love and friendship that doesn’t involve romantic clichés or expensive gifts? Enter Galentine’s Day – a celebration of female friendship that’s gaining traction worldwide. But with so many misconceptions and questions surrounding this emerging holiday, it’s time to set the record straight and explore its significance in today’s culture.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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What I Learned About Travel in 2024 (That I’m Taking Into the New Year)
Looking back on 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for a year of diverse adventures. While I traveled to Italy and Spain early on, most of my trips were closer to home, exploring the Dickeyville Grotto in Wisconsin, hiking Morton Arboretum in Lisle, and savoring coffee at charming cafes in St….