We’ve all done it—tried bringing a piece of a trip back home, only to find that it doesn’t really have a place in your life. In order to stop this practice of buy > take home > don’t use > throw away, I’ve gotten a lot pickier with the things I bring home…
Continue reading How to Choose Souvenirs You Won’t Regret
Paris feels like a city of artists, and I’m convinced they do this by making you feel like you’re not one. Everywhere I looked in Paris, I saw art—beautiful city streets, galleries in every arrondissement, bakeries with featuring artisan pastries. And people who really look like they belong to a bohemian, beautiful city. And it made me want to be part of it. But although … Continue reading Three Places That Inspired Creativity in Paris
It turns out, a “fine” hotel can put a really negative spin on a trip if it feels unsafe. As I said in my post about bad reviews , there were a lot of things about this hotel’s design and staff practices that lead to creeping feelings of unease, and concern for my safety. Continue reading How Hotels Can Make Themselves Safer for Solo Female Travellers
This is a story about a gorgeous park, a dumpster dive, and how sometimes I get little reminders that the world is full of good things, and good people. Continue reading Losing My Camera – and Almost, My Mind – at The Jardin du Luxembourg
Honesty is the best policy—but I hate being negative. A super unsafe hotel situation has forced me to ask—when am I willing to come forward with important traveller information? Continue reading When Is a Bad Review a Good Idea?
Solo travel can be awesome. But it can also be lonely.
I’ve found that there are a few ways to feel less alone while travelling solo—for a short time, or for multiple days, depending on what you’re seeking. Continue reading Six Ways to Cultivate Community While Travelling
How will the recession impact the travel and tourism industry—and our wallets? Continue reading How I’m Travelling Cheaply As We Head Into A Recession
I’ve taken books on many trips, and I’ve found there’s a formula for books that really enhance a trip—and others that just end up being dead weight in my luggage. Continue reading The Best (and Worst) Books For Travelling
Brussels is the perfect place to visit for introverts and foodies; the culture, the walks, and the shopping made it an amazing city break! Continue reading What I Loved About Brussels, Belguim
Tipping is one of those things that makes me nervous while travelling.
I understand that in different cultures, there are different practices. You’ve got to respect the customs of the place you are, despite what your personal preferences are.
But here’s the thing: that minute when you set down your card or cash, and the waiter takes the bill away…if I’m somewhere I’m not familiar with, that’s a high-anxiety moment for me. Have I tipped too much? Too little? Have I offended the server in the amount I’ve given? Continue reading My Tipping Point: How To Tip Internationally
No Small Wander 