When I first began traveling on my own I discovered there was a learning curve involved and that not every trip will go off as planned. Nowhere will that become more evident than in my attempt to backpack the Appalachian Trail.​ ​ In my young and stupid days (vs. the 'having a senior moment' stupid days I currently have) when my then boyfriend suggested we take a vacation together and backpack the Appalachian Trail, I replied "What a great idea! That's something we've never d

Reprinted from MSN: Article by Daniel Monroe Most travelers worry about delayed bags or broken zippers. Very few stop to think about something far more sinister: the possibility that the suitcase they wheel out of baggage claim isn't theirs at all, or worse, that it's been turned into a weapon against them. The so-called "suitcase swap" scam has moved well beyond isolated incidents. It now represents a sophisticated, coordinated form of airport crime that's landing innocent p

Reprinted from Axpil Minimalism meets mobility — pack less and do more with these tried-and-tested tips from travelers who live on the road. Overpacking kills freedom. Ask any full-time traveler: when your life fits in a backpack, every item matters. Smart packing isn’t just about saving space — it’s about maximizing mobility, reducing stress, and freeing your mind for what matters most: the experience. Here’s how modern nomads do it. 1. The One-Bag Rule “If it doesn’t fit, i

Want to hit the trails with your young hikers without the drama? Here’s what really works for successful hikes at any skill level: 🥾 Choose kid-friendly trails with water features and interesting features to keep the whole family engaged 🍎 Always pack plenty of water, fresh fruit, and trail mix for energy levels 🧗‍♀️ Let kids make age-appropriate decisions on easy trails to build confidence 🌲 Teach the next generation trail etiquette and environmental stewardship 🩹 Bring

Let's be honest: Some of the best travel tips never make it into glossy guidebooks. They're whispered between travelers over hostel coffee, overheard on long bus rides, or casually dropped by a stranger you'll probably never see again. Free walking tours fall into that category — one of those golden nuggets of advice every traveler should have tucked in their back pocket, right alongside a willingness to wander. Here's how it works: You show up, link up with a local guide, a

Wisconsin is a beautiful state...but it's a state full of weirdness. I attribute at least some of this weirdness to the fact winter traps us inside for 8 to 9 months of the year, cabin fever sets in...and well, the cheese begins to slide off our crackers... But not all of our weirdness is Cheesehead cabin fever induced insanity at work. Some of the weirdness in our state just seems to happen naturally, all on its own. Or at the hands of aliens. Or the Rhinelander Hodag. Or th