Most travel is extractive and passive. You show up somewhere, take photos of the same landmarks everyone else takes photos of, eat at a restaurant the guidebook recommended, and hit up some bars. You take some tours to learn about the place and, if you’re lucky, get to meet some locals on your trip. You […]
Tokyo is one of those cities that feels endlessly deep. You can visit a dozen times and still discover new food stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that feel like completely different worlds. (I know because I’ve visited about 10 times already!) One of my favorite ways to explore Tokyo is by […]
I’ve been traveling for close to twenty years. In that time, the airline industry has changed a lot. The use of points and miles has become widespread, round-the-world tickets have gone the way of the dodo, airlines have consolidated, and there has been an explosion of budget airlines. Over the last few years, the cost […]
I love walking tours. Long time readers know I always recommend doing them first thing when you’re in a city. It doesn’t matter the type you do. Food, history, art – whatever! Just do something. They’re an incredible way to learn about a destination, get your bearings, and talk to a local about life in […]
I used to think “home” was a dirty word. Out there — on the road — was where life happened, full of exciting adventures, fascinating people, and endless possibilities. No dreary commutes, 30-minute lunch breaks, mind-numbing meetings, or endless lists of to-dos squeezed into a rushed weekend. Why would anyone want to be home, the […]
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Advertiser Disclosure Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. When I first started traveling, I lived out of hostels. They were cheap and my budget was tight. Plus, as an introvert, they were perfect for meeting fellow backpackers […]
Having reliable mobile data when you travel is a must these days. It’s helpful not only for finding things to do or the right bus route, but communicating in an emergency and locating your accommodation if you get lost. While I think a lot of travelers spend too much time on their phone, the fact […]
Quebec City is beautiful. While it’s regularly overlooked in favor of bigger destinations like Toronto and Montreal, this is where European explorers first arrived in the 16th and 17th centuries. A cultural hub in the province of Quebec (as well as the province’s capital), the city’s Old Town is one of the best preserved in […]
Straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a bustling, sprawling metropolis of over 15 million people. Formerly known as Constantinople, the ancient center of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires was one of the most important in the world for centuries. As such, there’s an eye-watering amount of history here, with tons to see and do. […]