Why Do We Travel?
Let's take a break from planning, shall we? Let's talk about why we travel because it is the why that makes all of the effort of planning worthwhile. My Travel Background From...
Travel Psychology
A Word of Warning About Reviews
Reviews of tourist locations and activities, restaurants, and lodging are all extremely useful when planning a trip, but it is important to know how to read reviews in a helpful manner. Negativity...
Research — What to See and Do
Researching the places you want to visit can be overwhelming, so it is important to pay attention to what you've identified as your priorities. It is also useful to think about why...
Research — How to Stay Safe When Traveling
Safety is a concern that prevents many people from ever venturing into independent travel, but it's often the illusion of what is or isn't safe rather than the reality that we focus...
The ROI of Travel Research
If you've picked a location and your travel companions, it's time to start your research. Wait! Please don't leave yet! I promise this isn't going to be as painful as you think...
How to Avoid Death by Committee
If you're considering traveling with more than one person, or maybe if it's only one but you both have big personalities, it's important to not let group dynamics stop the planning process....
The Traveling Brain is a Healthy Brain
With the rising rates of dementia from multiple causes, most of us have at least a passing concern as to how to keep our brains healthy. While your brain benefits from a...
How to Avoid Ruining a Good Friendship
All the friends and family you enjoy hanging out with will make great travel companions, right? Actually, not always. A group of us making memories on the cobblestones somewhere in England. Don't...
Some Questions to Get the Travel Party Started
It's important to make sure that you and your potential travel partners are well matched when planning a trip together. (See the post How to Avoid Ruining a Relationship.) Don't assume that...
When Less Is More
When you take that dream vacation, you need to plan to do everything, right? Well, in reality, independent travel...actually, all travel...is a situation when less is often more. More enjoyment. More spontaneity....