General Travel Tips

Couchsurfing: How to Make Local Friends Without Staying Over

February 3, 2016 by Karen Turner 34 Comments

Everyone has their opinion of couchsurfing I like to use Couchsurfing while still having my own place to stay to meet locals in a city that I’m visiting, hear some interesting stories, try some local favorites, and most importantly, have an experience that makes me want to go back.

I go through some Couchsurfing safety tips as well as specifics on how to find awesome people to meet up with on short notice as well as when/what to message to find someone who will show you around the city you’re visiting!

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The best 15+ travel games for your phone that work offline

January 3, 2023 by Karen Turner 4 Comments

As someone with limited data, I’m always astounded how few apps work well offline and without data. I’m often toying with a new phone app that I can play while on the road. After far too many apps that I’ve burned through during a long bus ride, I’ve asked my fellow bloggers for their favorite travel game apps for iPhone and Android that work perfectly offline, so even if you’re on a long plane ride, you can still enjoy playing on your phone! I’ve tried to focus this list on thought-provoking games for your phone that challenge your mind, rather than games that just keep you busy (as they’re addictive).

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11 easy ways to meet locals while traveling with stories!

June 4, 2019 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

If you’re traveling solo (or with friends), one of the best moments of trips is making a local friend who will show you the ropes of a city. There’s nothing like walking around with a knowledgeable local, hanging out all night learning about the local culture/food/language, and knowing that you have someone to meet up with next time you’re back in town. I’ve made a lot of great friends while traveling and I’ve rounded up more than 10 ways to meet locals while traveling with real stories from travelers!

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Tipping in the USA: Tipping etiquette in the United States by an American

January 3, 2020 by Karen Turner 51 Comments

As someone who has worked in the service industry, I believe that tipping in the United States is important. The United States does not have universal high wages. Although your perceptions of the United States may be different, if you’re traveling in the United States, you generally need to tip. Keep reading for tipping etiquette in the United States!

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Tips for traveling with curly hair & best curly hair travel products for every curly hair type

October 23, 2017 by Karen Turner 12 Comments

As someone with crazy curly hair, I have found many of the tips for traveling with curly hair not applicable to my own hair. I’ve asked some amazing ladies (+ one guy) with all kinds of curly hair for their tips for dealing with curly hair on vacation, the best curly hair products for them, and easy travel hairstyles for curly hair.

This includes natural hairstyles for traveling as straightening your hair 24/7 is not good for it. I also include travel beauty tips for WOC, which is often not included in tips for curly hair. Thanks to my contributors for their fantastic tips for their recommendations for travel tips for curly hair and the best curly hair travel products.

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What to wear in Muslim countries for female travelers by country

December 25, 2017 by Karen Turner 13 Comments

Let’s get this out of the way: not every Muslim country in the world is the same all around the world; what is appropriate to wear in Muslim countries differs by country and this is your guide to as many Muslim majority regions/countries that I could find advice for. Even within one country, what is appropriate clothing in one Muslim country might vary between the city and the countryside. Keep reading on how to dress appropriately for various Muslim countries for female travelers with tips on what to wear in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa by country….

How to use your smartphone in Europe without incurring roaming charges

January 14, 2019 by Karen Turner 4 Comments

As an American living in Europe, I’m a bit too used to the realities of using your smartphone in Europe. If you’re traveling from North America (or elsewhere in the world), you’ll need to do a couple of things to ensure that you can use your phone in Europe. I’ll be walking you through steps for reducing the data that you’re using, buying a SIM card (if needed), and ensuring that your phone can be used with a new SIM card.

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Traveling with IBS: Travel tips for dealing with IBS while traveling

October 26, 2018 by Karen Turner 16 Comments

Both my husband and I have irritable bowel syndrome (perfect right?). Traveling with IBS isn’t always easy, but I don’t let it stop me from seeing the world. Traveling with irritable bowel syndrome requires some extra trip planning, but it’s worth it.

Don’t let dealing with IBS stop you from visiting your dream destination. Keep reading for our tips for traveling with IBS.

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Tips for traveling overseas with a cat & moving abroad with a cat

October 29, 2017 by Karen Turner 28 Comments

If you’re considering moving abroad with your cat, you have a lot of work cut out for you. Moving from the United States to Europe (Netherlands to Belgium to Romania to France) with my cat has been interesting to say the least. If you want to bring your cat with you when you move abroad, there are some important things to consider. That said, if you’re not moving abroad, but only traveling abroad with your cat, there will be some helpful cat travel tips here.

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How to avoid jet lag when flying internationally

August 19, 2019 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

As no stranger to flying long-haul flights internationally, jet lag is an unwelcome friend. Despite taking many long-haul flights, I rarely experience jet lag as I have some tips to help you banish the worst of your jet lag before, during, and after your flight!

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