It's How I Travel™ - Learn to Travel so You Can Learn Through Travel

Authentic Travel Stories from Real Experiences

Learn to Travel so You Can Learn Through Travel

Welcome to It's How I Travel, where I share authentic travel blog stories from 50+ states and countries worldwide. These authentic travel blog stories offer honest destination guides, practical tips, and real experiences to help you travel smarter and learn more along the way.

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Australia Chapter 2 | Where did Saturday Go?

Australia Chapter 2: Where did Saturday Go?

November 23, 2025 1 Comment

We made it to Brisbane, Australia! After leaving Wilmington in the early morning hours, a stop in Columbia, SC to work remotely, and a layover in LA, we landed on the other side of the world, so far from home that both locations can’t fit on my iPhone map at once. From being greeted with waving flags at the airport to our first flat white at Mount Coot-tha overlooking Brisbane, catching a local phone number, and choosing a “second wind” over jet lag recovery at Street Beach, this is how our Australian adventure began. Spoiler: it involved several pints, pokies, Chinese takeaway, and zero regrets.

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Australia blog post for chapter 1

Australia Chapter 1

November 12, 2025 1 Comment

We’re heading to Australia in just over a week! In this first chapter of our Australia adventure, I break down everything that went into planning this trip—from finding the best flight deals and navigating Delta upgrades, to the unexpected move that changed our departure city, securing our VISA, and booking hotels in Brisbane and Sydney. If you’re planning your own trip Down Under, this behind-the-scenes look at the research and booking process might just help you save some money and stress along the way.

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Beach with an Event Canceled image over it

Smart Tips to Handle the Current US Government Cutbacks In Air Travel

November 9, 2025 No Comments

Worried about flight cancellations due to government cutbacks? Learn how to create backup travel plans that actually work. From alternative airports and rental cars to trains and buses, discover the essential strategies to keep your travel plans on track even when flights get canceled. Get prepared with actionable tips that can save your trip.

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A quiet beach during the off-season with a red sale tag, representing travel deals and peaceful destinations.

Why The Off Season Should Be Your Season

November 2, 2025 No Comments

You ever talk to locals who say their favorite time of year is the off season? They’re onto something. Traveling when everyone else stays home means fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic experience wherever you go. From quiet beaches to cozy winter cities, the off season lets you slow down, save money, and actually enjoy the place you came to see. Here’s why the off season should be your season, and a few destinations to prove it.

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Story Time

Slightly Longer Post in More of A Story Form

authentic travel in the Copenhagen Christmas Market

A Long Weekend in Denmark (with a side of Sweden)

For under $1,900, we spent a weekend exploring Copenhagen's Christmas markets, crossing into Sweden, and discovering why off-season Europe is magic. Here's how we did it.

📖 15 min read Dec 2024
authentic travel blog stories Mexico travel

Mexico: Go

Many Americans are afraid to travel to Mexico. Is it safe? Is it worth it? From Tijuana street tacos to Christmas in Puerto Escondido, here's my honest guide to exploring Mexico.

📖 20 min read May 2025
Aruba beach durning our authentic travel

Aruba: My Honest Thoughts

I'll be transparent: I'm not a fan of Aruba. Here's why I won't return, what I did enjoy, and whether you should still consider visiting this Caribbean island.

📖 12 min read Jun 2025

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Jay - It's How I Travel™ authentic travel blog stories

Hey, I'm Jay

I'm a traveler, storyteller, and someone always in search of the real version of every place I visit. I've been to all 50 U.S. states, most of Canada, and parts of Mexico, Central America, and Europe.

For me, travel is about learning. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of the world by opening your eyes wide, asking questions, and listening closely. It's about trying new foods, sharing meals with strangers who become friends, and seeing humanity in every corner of the globe.

This blog shares stories from the road, practical tips, and honest reflections. The goal? To help you travel better, so you can learn through your own travel.

"It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it." — Anthony Bourdain

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