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Backpacking the Appalachian Trail
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
May 12
The 'suitcase swap' scam that's causing fear at major airports
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
May 10
How to Travel Light and Smart: Hacks from Full-Time Nomads
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
May 1
Family Hiking Made Simple
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
May 1
How To Find Free Walking Tours In Almost Any City
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
Apr 30
Weird Wisconsin Attractions
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
Apr 27
Traveling With Kids
My dad should've been canonized a saint for having the fortitude to travel all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico with my sister, brother and I as kids. The only light Motel 6 left on when they saw the 3 of us little hooligans coming was... If Dad had been smart, he would've packed the car full of food and let us eat our way to our seatbelts. That would've kept us quiet at least until we reached the city limits. He could've been spared "Dad! He's looking at me! Make him stop lo
Apr 22
TSA Carry-On Rules: Everything You Can and Cannot Bring on a Plane in 2026
The complete guide to TSA carry-on rules for 2026. Covers the 3-1-1 liquid rule, prohibited items, food, razors, medications, electronics, and what happens if you pack something banned. Every year, TSA officers confiscate millions of items from travelers who did not realize what was and was not allowed in a carry-on bag. The rules can feel confusing, especially when some items are allowed in carry-on but not checked luggage, and vice versa. This guide covers every TSA carry-o
Apr 22
UPDATED - My 2026 Travel Must Have's
I don't travel anywhere without my daily use backpack. It leaves my hands free. LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack for Men Women, Waterproof Carry On Backpack for Work & Travel, Flight Approved Personal Item with 3 Packing Cubes, TSA Bag Fits 17.3" Laptop 7 Pack Silicone Luggage Tag for Suitcases with Stainless Loop, TSA Approved, Privacy Protection Travel Essentials Bag Tags I hate waiting at baggage carousels, trying to determine which out of 30 other look-alike suitcases are min
Apr 22
Jules Undersea Lodge
I was surfing the Net when I came across another travel destination to put on my bucket list - Jules' Undersea Lodge. "Located in the lagoon at MarineLab Undersea Park, Jules’ Undersea Lab is the world’s only underwater habitat where any recreational diver can experience what it’s like to live and sleep underwater! It’s an educational experience with overnight options. Jules’ has been an undersea research station, an exclusive hotel, and now an educational attraction as part
Apr 22
Travel Journal for Teens
Traveling with teens can be stressing and tricky. Yes, teens can be dramatic and make a trip unbearable. They're at that in between stage - not quite a child anymore, not quite an adult and everything and everyone are "LAME!" I've found one way to defuse a temperamental teen while traveling is to make them a travel journal kit. I began making my first travel journal when I was about 8 years old. I've kept one ever since for nearly every trip I've taken. Each one represents so
Apr 21
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