12 ways to be a more responsible traveller
Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way that both respects and benefits local people, their culture, their economy, and their environment. But if you’re not familiar with the term, sometimes it’s hard to know what people mean by...
How to master your next stopover
Why visit just one country when a stopover can let you see two for little-to-no extra cost? Many airlines permit a stopover on their transit routes, and making the most of it means you can experience the cafés in Paris or hit up the markets in Hong Kong. Not only does...
40+ things locals say you should know about their cities when you visit
There are some basic rules that follow travellers around wherever they go: watch out for pickpockets in tourist zones; negotiate a taxi rate before you get in the cab; when in doubt, don’t drink the water. But then there are some specific rules for each country, and even each city....
How to survive (and thrive) during your first 24 hours in a new city
Getting off an airplane after flying around the globe can be disorienting at the best of times (as in, when you actually managed to get some decent sleep on the plane), and extremely overwhelming, even for frequent jetsetters. You’re finally in . Yay! But you’re also jet-lagged...
So you wanna book a last-minute trip…
It’s true that planning far ahead can often secure you the best prices and options when it comes to travel — you’ve got your pick of flights, of Airbnbs, and of reservation times for that hot new restaurant that just opened up. But sometimes, the chance for travel pops up...
Ramadan kareem! Stories of devotion from around the world
I’ve spent five years living in the Middle East (based predominantly out of Cairo but also doing lengthy stints in Turkey and Morocco), and so non-Muslim travellers often ask me if Ramadan is a good time to visit the Islamic world. From my own experience, I can say with some...
Tips for travellers during Ramadan
Travelling to a Muslim destination during Ramadan and not sure what to expect? We’ve got you covered with all the basics you’ll need to know about the holy month. What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the holy month of the Islamic calendar, when all Muslims dedicate themselves to religious thoughts. It’s...
A woman abroad: Lessons in going alone
On my first night in Athens I stepped out of the airport and into an unmarked taxi. As the driver sped through the dark and empty streets, I felt overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by my lack of sleep in the 24 hours it took me to arrive. Overwhelmed by my first solo...
Have baby, will (still) travel
Having a baby doesn’t mean you have to give up your adventures in travel. Here’s how to bring the kiddies along for the ride. I didn’t attend last year’s annual Urban Adventures conference because my due date was two days after it. Of course I considered going — how could I...
Traveller’s guide to Chinese New Year
For many destinations around the world, New Year celebrations would be reason enough to visit. We think of wild parties, epic firework displays, and a lively atmosphere of eat, drink, and be merry. However, for Chinese New Year, this isn’t exactly the case. In China, the welcoming of the New...