While Cuba is famous for classic cars, cigars, and free healthcare, the reality of daily life tells a very different story. Based on my conversation with Andres, a Cuban tour guide who has spent his entire 38 years on the island, here are the eye-opening truths about Cuban life that most tourists never see - from highly educated doctors who earn less than waiters to locals who've never tasted the "Cuban" cocktails served to visitors.

After stumbling off a 4am flight from Morocco (fueled by exactly zero sleep and one too many espresso martinis), I found myself on a bus to Donegal for TBEX—one of my favorite travel creator conferences. What followed was a perfect mix of Irish hospitality, questionable life choices involving 72-kilometer bike rides after carb-heavy lunches, and meeting Buttons, my new alpaca best friend who had some serious bathroom priorities. Between traditional music sessions, the best clam chowder of my life, and a car breakdown that somehow turned into Irish Tetris with our luggage, Ireland reminded me why sometimes the most magical travel moments happen when absolutely nothing goes according to plan.

Just got back from Morocco with my latest group, and honestly, I'm still processing everything that went down. Here's the real, unfiltered story of nine days that reminded me why I love this crazy job—even when it nearly kills me. From Operation Wine Stockpile in Casablanca to monkey attacks in the cedar forest, heat exhaustion in the Sahara, and way too many leather bags in Fes, this trip had it all. Follow along for the authentic behind-the-scenes of what boutique group travel really looks like—complete with 80 billion cats, drum circles under the stars, and the kind of transformational moments that change you forever.

Patagonia isn't a country—it's a region spanning both Chile and Argentina. And choosing which side to visit sparks heated debates among travelers. Travel writer Steph Dyson, who lived in Chile for three years, breaks down the real differences: "The Argentines are so good at tooting their own horns... but the Chileans frustrate me because they just need to promote themselves a little bit better."

While most people think "Argentina" when they hear Patagonia, that's largely due to superior marketing rather than superior experiences. Chilean Patagonia offers more diverse landscapes, better value, and authentic experiences without the crowds—but requires more planning to discover its hidden gems.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Travel has a way of surprising us, challenging our assumptions, and opening up new possibilities. In this candid discussion, two travelers - Vince and Rich - share how group travel transformed their perspectives, from making mojitos in Cuba to exploring Colombian coffee culture. Their experiences reveal how the right balance of structure and freedom can create meaningful connections and authentic cultural immersion.

After 14+ countries and too many suitcases, I've got strong opinions about what's worth the precious luggage space. Not the Instagram-perfect crap that travel influencers push, but the real MVPs that have saved me from disasters across four continents. These are the things I've panic-bought in foreign pharmacies, stolen from friends, and finally invested in after one too many "well that was completely preventable" moments.

India did not disappoint! Who wants a resort trip when you can get out, experience and truly immerse yourself in the culture? From the breathtaking scale of Holi celebrations to custom-made saris, rickshaw adventures, and heartwarming school visits, our group experienced the true beauty of India beyond stereotypes. The vibrant colors, infectious energy, amazing food, and humbling perspectives left us with memories and friendships to last a lifetime.

Looking for bucket list inspiration? Meet Amanda, whose aspirations range from breaking plates in Greece to naming someone's child. Through her eclectic mix of dreams—both accomplished and pending—we discover how bucket lists become more than just checkboxes; they're repositories of family history, personal healing, and pure adventure, reminding us that the best life goals combine grand adventures with everyday joys.

There's nothing quite like your first Holi celebration. As ancient traditions burst to life in a dazzling spectacle of colors, you'll find yourself swept up in a joyous frenzy that transforms strangers into friends and paints the world in rainbow hues. But like any great adventure, proper preparation makes all the difference between a magical celebration and a potentially uncomfortable day. From protecting your skin to packing the right gear, here's your complete guide to celebrating Holi like a pro.

Coming home from an amazing trip can feel like landing on a different planet. This guide explores the delicate art of transitioning back to everyday life after transformative travel experiences, offering practical tips and emotional support for dealing with post-vacation blues, jet lag, and reintegrating into your routine while keeping your travel spirit alive.

Tired of rushing through destinations and feeling like you never have enough vacation days? Drawing from years of leading small group adventures, this guide reveals insider strategies for turning limited PTO into transformative travel experiences. Learn how to combine holidays strategically, create deeper cultural connections, and transform 15 PTO days into more than 50 days of meaningful global exploration—all while maintaining the perfect balance between adventure and authentic immersion.

Ever wondered what Kenya feels like beyond the typical safari circuit? Join me as I share how a FAM trip turned into a soul-stirring journey of unexpected connections - from cycling through dramatic landscapes and dancing with Maasai warriors to supporting women-led enterprises and finding family among strangers. This is Kenya as you've never seen it, where authentic experiences and responsible tourism create magic that Instagram can't capture.

Calling all adventurous souls and cultural explorers! Ever wondered how to capture those breathtaking travel moments without feeling awkward or missing out on the experience? Get ready to transform your travel photos from ordinary to extraordinary! In this blog, I'm spilling my top secrets for nailing those Instagram-worthy shots, even if you're camera-shy. From blending into stunning landscapes to catching the vibrant colors of Holi, learn how to tell your unique travel story through photos. Discover how to look natural, use props creatively, and capture those candid moments that truly reflect your journey. Whether you're a solo traveler or part of our amazing group trips, these tips will help you create memories (and photos!) that'll last a lifetime. Ready to dive in and make your next adventure as colorful as you are? Let's turn those travel dreams into frame-worthy realities!

#AuthenticTravel #PhotoTips #AdventureCalling

Discover 17 game-changing travel essentials. From smart gadgets to packing hacks, learn how to travel lighter, smarter, and more authentically with our expert guide