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

Welcome to It's How I Travel

Learn to Travel so You Can Learn Through Travel

Real stories and honest advice from a traveler who's visited all 50 states and beyond. This blog shares practical tips, city guides, and personal experiences to help you travel smarter, and learn more along the way.

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Our latest posts in all catagories

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

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

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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Decorative Hawaii title graphic over a beach scene with black lava rocks, white sand, and turquoise water.

Hawaii | Worth the Flight?

Is Hawaii really worth the long flight? Absolutely. But not just for the beaches. In this post, I share what makes the islands so special—from hiking volcanic landscapes and discovering quiet valleys to sipping fresh Kona coffee with ocean views. Hawaii is more than a vacation spot; it’s an experience that stays with you.

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Hand inserting hotel key card into door lock with welcome sign, blog graphic titled “Hotels | My Perspective After 1,000+ Nights.”

Hotels | 1,000+ Nights

After spending more than 1,000 nights in hotels, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and everything in between. From loyalty perks and booking strategies to reviews, luxury, and location, here’s my honest perspective on what makes a hotel worth it and what doesn’t.

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Story Time

Slightly Longer Post in More of A Story Form

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.

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.

Aruba beach

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.

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Tips & Suggestions

Practical advice for smarter travel. From packing hacks to booking strategies, find actionable tips you can use on your next trip.

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All Blog Posts

Browse every story, guide, and review. From city breakdowns to personal reflections, explore the full archive of travel content.

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Jay - It's How I Travel™

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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