Real travel advice from real experiences. These are the tips, tricks, and honest recommendations I've picked up from years on the road, the stuff that actually works, the mistakes I've made so you don't have to, and the practical insights that make travel smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable. No fluff, no sponsored nonsense, just genuine help from one traveler to another.
Traveling to a new place is fun, but it can be overwhelming when trying to navigate where to eat or what to do. Of course, you can search Yelp or Google for places, but then you’re combing through reviews and never confident they have exactly what you’re seeking. For me, I often arrive with little to no plans. Instead, I seek out certain people to help guide me, and they rarely disappoint.
Puerto Rico beats Aruba in every category that matters: no passport required, cheaper hotels, affordable dining, and authentic culture. Both are beautiful Caribbean destinations, but Puerto Rico offers vibrant history, stunning beaches, and significant savings, making it the smarter choice for your next island getaway.
Authentic travel means prioritizing genuine experiences over tourist attractions. Instead of staying at resorts, I choose local neighborhoods. Instead of buffets, I eat at family restaurants. Instead of tour buses, I walk and use public transit. The goal is connection with real places and people, not collecting passport stamps.
Looking for travel YouTubers like Simon Wilson? I’m sharing the 10 creators I actually watch—from budget adventurers to cultural journalists. I rate each on alignment with my travel values, entertainment factor, education, and rewatchability. Some align perfectly with sustainable travel, others are pure guilty pleasure entertainment. Here’s my honest take on who’s worth your time.
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.
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.
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.
Hawaii is absolutely worth visiting, but not for a typical beach vacation. After two trips to the Big Island, I’ve learned that Hawaii deserves to be experienced for what makes it unique: hiking to secluded Makalawena Beach, exploring active volcanoes, touring coffee farms with ocean views, and witnessing the breathtaking Waipi’o Valley. Save your 13-hour journey for authentic Hawaiian experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
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.
Skip the usual hotspots and discover five overlooked U.S. destinations filled with mountain trails, prairie vistas, vibrant food scenes, and small-town charm, plus practical tips on when to go and why they deserve a spot on your travel list.
We use cookies to make your experience here better. By continuing to explore It's How I Travel®, you're agreeing to our use of cookies. We respect your journey, online and off.
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Service URL: policies.google.com (opens in a new window)
You can find more information in our Privacy Policy and Privacy Policy.