What happens when you take 30 adults, put them in the Wisconsin Dells with craft cocktails and summer camp activities, then throw in epic storms, a pickle fountain, and spontaneous tattoo decisions? You get Camp Lola Whiskey - the inaugural summer camp for grownups that turned into an unforgettable weekend of chaos, connection, and pure Wisconsin magic. From Rachel's two-day commitment to adventure to Megan's impromptu old fashioned tattoo before catching her flight home, this weekend proved that sometimes the best adventures come from embracing chaos with good people.

Let's be honest - nobody gets excited about buying travel insurance. It's not Instagram-worthy, it's not fun to research, and most of us would rather spend that money on literally anything else. But after witnessing countless travel disasters and talking with travel insurance expert Erin Fish, I'm here to set the record straight on the myths that could ruin your trip. From why your credit card "coverage" probably isn't enough to the real cost of medical care abroad, these are the 7 travel insurance myths every traveler needs to stop believing.

The world feels pretty intense right now, and it's no wonder so many people are second-guessing their travel plans. Between endless news cycles and global conflicts, that voice asking "but what if something happens?" gets louder every day. But here's the thing: there's a difference between being smart about travel and letting fear keep you home forever. A travel industry expert with over 25 years of experience shares how to navigate your fears, assess real vs. perceived risks, and become a prepared traveler (not a paranoid one) in today's uncertain world.

So there I was in Antalya, Turkey, on what was supposed to be a romantic double date, except the guy was a total asshole and there was only one of him. My travel buddy Kari and I were stuck at dinner with this insufferable man who kept interrogating us like we were applying for citizenship instead of just trying to have a drink. That's when Kari started swirling her wine glass and accidentally created an international incident involving fake American traditions and armpit fart noises. Nobody talks about this stuff in travel guides, but these ridiculous disasters? They're the moments that stick with you long after you've forgotten what you ate for breakfast in that beautiful café overlooking the Mediterranean.

When leadership coach Andrea Andree felt overwhelmed and bored by working mom life, a solo trip to Cuba changed everything. Despite leaving her husband and two kids at home, she returned as a better mother—more present, energized, and authentic. Learn how she overcame the three major fears that hold parents back from solo travel: fear of death, mom guilt, and control issues. Discover practical strategies for planning your own solo adventure, handling critics, and why modeling self-care teaches your children that the world is big, exciting, and accessible. Sometimes the most generous thing we can do for our families is to remain fully ourselves—adventures and all.

Listen, I've had my share of questionable travel decisions—like that time I quit my job to start a travel business. But my friend Tamara? She's collected international dating disasters like I collect passport stamps, and somehow turned it into an art form. From getting abandoned on an Italian cliff by a manipulative boyfriend to explaining her mother's ashes to confused airport security, Tamara's 20 years of travel dating stories are equal parts cringe-worthy and enlightening. Here's what she learned about romance, safety, and finding love while exploring the world—plus the plot twist ending that proves sometimes the best relationships come from the most unexpected places.

What happens when a travel photographer prioritizes authenticity over Instagram perfection?

Allie Jorde, the 28-year-old "desert rat with a camera" behind Allie Jorde Creative, joined the Type 2 Travel podcast to share her refreshingly honest approach to travel photography. From her early days shooting weddings in Arizona to documenting retreats across the globe, Allie's philosophy is simple: capture people as they really are.

"The best camera is the one that you already have," she insists, debunking the myth that you need expensive equipment for great travel photos. Whether it's a smartphone or an old Canon Rebel, authentic storytelling matters more than gear.

Her approach to balancing presence with documentation? "Take a photo of whatever I'm seeing and then put it down. It really doesn't matter if I got that shot... I'm still gonna have this amazing memory in my head."

When most tourists visit Tokyo, they settle for Instagram-worthy food photos. But our small-group mochi making workshop led by Miyuki, a Certified Nerikiri Art Instructor, offered real immersion. We crafted colorful hanami dango and delicate strawberry daifuku, culminating in a traditional matcha tea ceremony with our handmade creations.

While Tokyo's famous sites deserve their reputation, it's these intimate cultural workshops that create the most meaningful travel memories.

What happens when you choose a path society questions—and then build a community around it?

Angela Gentile, speaker and founder of the Single Child-Free Network, joined the Type 2 Travel podcast to share her journey of embracing life without children or a partner. But her story isn't the "spring break every weekend" fantasy people imagine.

"I think one of the assumptions people have about single child-free folks is that we are all out here just spring breaking it... I wish that was my life sometimes. I'm tired," Angela explains. The reality includes financial constraints (covering all living costs solo), decision fatigue, and safety concerns that partnered people rarely consider.

After hitting rock bottom two years ago with "$500 to my name," Angela built a global community from a viral TikTok rant about feeling unheard. Now she's planning passport stamps and meaningful connections—including a Morocco group trip specifically for single child-free women.

Ready to embrace authentic travel that aligns with your actual life choices? Your tribe is out there.

What happens when a travel journalist refuses to stay silent about the industry's biggest problems?

Yulia Denisyuk—storyteller, photographer, and founder of Going Places media—joined the Type 2 Travel podcast for a conversation that went far beyond typical travel content. Born in Kazakhstan and raised in Estonia, Yulia brings an immigrant's perspective to American travel culture, and her observations are eye-opening.

"I don't want to be here anymore," she said about living in the United States, describing how the promise of a better life through hard work no longer feels attainable. But her critique extends beyond borders to the entire travel industry.

From "tourism leakage" (where money doesn't actually stay in local communities) to the "frictionless" nature of modern travel that removes authentic human connection, Yulia challenges travelers to think deeper about their impact. Her message isn't anti-travel—it's pro-consciousness.

Ready to travel with more awareness? Start by questioning who really benefits from your travel choices.

In the inaugural episode of Type 2 Travel, host Laura Erickson shares how she transformed from a resort-vacationing married woman to the founder of a unique group travel business built around "Type 2 Fun"—those experiences that might be miserable in the moment but become your favorite memories later.

Fresh off getting "absolutely demolished by mosquitoes" in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands, Laura reveals how her post-divorce desire to visit "sketchy" places led to an accidental discovery: other people desperately wanted these authentic, challenging travel experiences too, they just needed someone else to plan them.

This episode dives into the philosophy behind transformational travel, why Laura scouts every destination first, and her belief that "if you can afford to travel, you can afford to give back."

Are you constantly postponing your travel dreams, waiting for the "perfect moment" when your finances align, the world feels stable, or when Mercury isn't in retrograde? Here's the truth: that perfect moment doesn't exist. Every election cycle, global event, or economic fluctuation gives us new reasons to delay our adventures—but life continues moving forward regardless.

Remember how quickly those lockdown "few weeks" in 2020 turned into two years of staring out windows while passports gathered dust? The harsh reality is that you'll blink and suddenly be years older, with the same dreams but potentially less freedom to pursue them. Your dream destinations will still exist, but will you have the same energy, health, or opportunity to experience them fully?

Stop letting uncertainty paralyze you. That Moroccan camel ride through the Sahara, that authentic cooking class in an Indian home, that breathtaking sunset from a Cuban mountaintop—these experiences are waiting for someone brave enough to say "yes" now. Your future travel-obsessed self will thank you for not waiting until "someday."

I've dragged suitcases through enough airports and survived enough questionable hotel bathrooms to know what actually works when you're living your best travel life. These aren't your typical "influencer must-haves" that look pretty but fall apart the second you use them—these are the products that have earned their spot in my luggage through real-world testing. From $14 sunglasses that can handle Sahara sandstorms to pajamas that society deems acceptable public wear, this is my no-BS guide to 30 summer essentials that actually make travel (and life) better.

"Let me start with a confession: The night before flying to India, I was frantically contemplating whether I should pack an emergency loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter. Seriously. I was worried I'd get there and starve for 12 days.

But here's the thing about Laura's trips—I trust her enough to follow her literally anywhere. And holy shit, am I glad I did.

Picture this: I'm a self-proclaimed clean freak who hates being dirty. Now imagine me letting complete strangers pour unknown liquids on my head and smear colored powder all over my face while I'm walking BAREFOOT through street puddles of questionable origin. If you know me, you're already laughing.

But that first Holi celebration was nothing like I ever thought I'd experience. I've got the photos to prove it—apparently, I became something of a micro-celebrity, gaining nearly 2,000 followers from the pictures Laura took of me covered head-to-toe in pink powder."

Morocco is a traveler's dream where ancient medinas meet stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences await at every turn. From the vibrant corniche of Casablanca to the iconic blue streets of Chefchaouen, the historic medina of Fes, magical nights under Saharan stars, refreshing infinity pools overlooking palm oases, and luxurious riads in bustling Marrakech - each of our carefully selected accommodations offers a unique glimpse into Morocco's enchanting character while providing the perfect balance of authentic charm and modern comfort.

Tired of cheesy travel quotes that don't capture the real essence of wanderlust? After traveling across six continents, I've collected 12 travel quotes that actually hit different—the ones that make you nod your head and think "damn, I need to book a trip."

These aren't your typical vision board quotes. They're honest reflections of what it feels like to choose street food in Morocco over dinner parties, desert tents over five-star resorts, and adventure over comfort. Travel isn't always Instagram-worthy—sometimes you're crying in airports or getting food poisoning. But it's also about unexpected dinner invitations, laughing with strangers who become friends, and coming home with stories that make your old life feel too small.

If you've been bitten by the travel bug and never quite recovered, these quotes will speak to your soul. Ready to stop making excuses and start planning your next adventure? The world isn't going anywhere, but your reasons for not exploring it are getting old.

Discover how to bring India's vibrant flavors home with this incredible spice-infused gin recipe from Camp Lola Whiskey. Learn to create Juniper Bar's signature gin blend using cardamom, ginger, and vanilla, plus master the Silk Road Sour cocktail. Get step-by-step instructions and bring the world to your glass, one sip at a time.

From spontaneous decisions in Medellín Ubers to flower-adorned designs in Mexico City, Laura Ericson shares the meaningful stories behind her four travel tattoos. Learn her practical tips for getting inked abroad safely and why marking your body with the places that have marked your soul creates lasting memories more powerful than any souvenir.

Ever feel guilty for wanting to explore the world on your own terms—even when you're happily married? You're not alone. We interviewed Jenna, a passionate traveler in a thriving marriage, who believes independent adventures aren't just acceptable—they're essential. "I always knew that whoever became my spouse had to support my love of travel and doing things on my own," she explains. Discover how solo travel helps you rediscover yourself, build confidence, and ironically, appreciate your partner even more. Because the healthiest relationships have room for individual growth.

While most travelers focus on famous landmarks and local cuisine, I've accidentally documented something entirely different: cats from around the world. These furry opportunists have crashed my breakfasts, judged my outfits, and somehow wormed their way into my most cherished travel memories. Join me on this completely unnecessary but utterly delightful catalog of international feline encounters that prove speaking "Cat" might be the most universal language of all.