-
The Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without (After 20 Years of Solo Adventures)
After 20 years of solo travel, I’ve learned a few things: you don’t need nearly as much stuff as you think, safety and comfort are priceless, and the right gear makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my packing list down to the items I absolutely can’t live without—things that keep me light, safe, and ready for whatever adventure comes my way. If you’re a solo female traveler (or aspiring to be one), consider this your shortcut to a streamlined, stress-free, and safer packing experience. Modest Dress Merino Wool Quick Dry Underwear Clothing Must-Haves Merino Wool BasicsIf I could only pack one fabric, it would be merino wool.…
-
Why a Walking Food Tour Should Be Your First Stop in Any New City
Why Start Your Trip with a Walking Food Tour? One of my favorite things to do when I land in a new city? Book a walking food tour. Sure, walking tours make sense—fresh air, moving your body, seeing the city at street level. But why a walking food tour? For me, food is the quickest way to understand a place. What people eat, how they eat, and where they eat tells you so much about the culture. And when you combine that with a guide who knows the city inside and out, you get an experience that’s both delicious and insightful. Here’s why I think walking food tours should be…
-
New European Entry/Exit System Coming October 2025
Traveling to Europe this fall? Big changes are coming! Starting October 12, 2025, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamping and track all non-EU travelers electronically as they enter and leave 29 EU countries. The system will be gradually rolled out, and by April 2026, it will be fully live across Schengen borders. NOTE: This is not to be confused with the long-promised ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) that is currently slated to start operation in late 2026. What the EES means for you Assuming you are non-EU-national and have a short-stay visa (or do not need a visa to stay in Schengen borders for a…
-
15 Italophile gifts for people who love Italy
Whether you love Italy or love someone who loves Italy, these Italophile gifts are sure to please! Foodie Things Ravioli Spoon Rest You might be tempted to eat this giant ravioli (I certainly was!) but this saucy spoon rest is strictly practical—and pretty! Pistachio Butter Slather this pistachio butter on, well, everything! Croissants are my personal pistachio butter delivery vehicle of choice, but it’s also perfect as a macaron filling or ice cream topping. Cannoli Sampler What’s better than cannoli? Cannoli imported from Sicily! These tasty treats will take you back to Italy from the comfort of your couch. Novelty Pasta Candle I love candles, quirky things, and pasta, so this…
-
TripIt Review: How This Free Travel App Keeps Me Organized on Every Trip
If you’re anything like me, you’re always juggling multiple trips at once. Between flight confirmations, hotel bookings, car rentals, and dinner reservations, travel planning can quickly get overwhelming. Instead of endlessly searching through emails for confirmation numbers and itineraries, you can forward your booking confirmations to TripIt (not sponsored!) and automatically create a comprehensive itinerary for your entire trip, allowing for seamless access to all travel details in one place. I’ve been using this app for years, and it’s seriously saved me so much time and hassle. Whether you’re traveling for work, going on vacation, or planning a big adventure, having everything in one place makes a huge difference. What…
