HOTELS The Bad Reviews That Actually Matter When Choosing a Hotel Posted on December 16, 2025October 16, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters This post explains why reading hotel reviews with care matters more than ever. Travel has changed, and many hotels charge more while offering less, which makes it harder to know what you’re walking into. I break down the reviews that deserve your attention and the ones you can ignore. I show how tone, patterns, and real guest experiences reveal far more than the polished photos hotels and influencers share. By learning what to look for, you’ll choose stays that feel worth your money, your time, and your peace—and skip the places that no longer try. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Feeling Older Than You’d Like? Travel Might Be the Remedy Posted on November 1, 2025August 13, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Travel may be one of the best ways to slow aging. A new study from Edith Cowan University links positive travel experiences to better physical and mental health. Exploring new places reduces stress, strengthens the heart, and enhances creativity. In short, travel keeps the mind sharp, the body active, and the spirit youthful. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES 15 Must-Download Apps for Traveling Around Asia and Southeast Asia Posted on September 13, 2025September 10, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What You Need to Know About the Thailand Digital Arrival Card Posted on April 27, 2025July 31, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Starting May 1, 2025, all travelers to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online. This new requirement replaces the TM6 paper form and applies to all entry points. Be prepared with your travel details, and submit the form within 72 hours before arrival to avoid delays at immigration. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Everything You Need to Know About the Mae Sa Waterfalls in Chiang Mai Posted on April 24, 2025September 8, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Mae Sa Waterfalls, just 19 km from Chiang Mai, offers 10 beautiful cascades surrounded by lush greenery. Perfect for hiking, swimming, and picnicking, it’s a serene escape into nature. Avoid weekends for a peaceful visit and enjoy nearby attractions like Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and Mon Jam for a full-day adventure. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD 10 Ways We Avoid Travel Mistakes with Simple Planning Posted on April 21, 2025August 14, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Before we land in a new country, we follow a simple routine—check visa rules, download maps and apps, prep our documents, and pack chargers where we can reach them. These small steps save time, reduce stress, and help us feel ready to explore the moment we touch down, not scramble to catch up. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD From Memories to Mistakes: When Photos Go Too Far Posted on April 20, 2025August 15, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES How to Hike to Wat Pha Lat in Chiang Mai and What You’ll See Along the Way Posted on March 27, 2025September 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters One warm February morning in Chiang Mai, I set out alone to hike the Monk’s Trail. With each step, the noise faded. In its place—silence, birdsong, and the peaceful hush of Wat Pha Lat. That quiet temple in the forest reminded me what it feels like to arrive, not chase. Read more
BLACK WOMEN WHO TRAVEL The Truth About Black Beauty Products: Are they Killing Us? Posted on March 3, 2025June 10, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters If you’re anything like me, you remember the smell of hair grease on Saturday mornings. The way it clung to your fingers, soaked into your pillowcase, and signaled it was time to sit still. You remember the sound of a hot comb heating on the stove, the hiss as it met your hairline. And the sting of a relaxer—one we sat through, teeth clenched, hoping it wouldn’t burn too badly. Read more