Book The Damn Trip — My Thoughts on Travel Right Now

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."

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Travel Inspiration Lauren Richards Travel Inspiration Lauren Richards

From Skeptic to Superfan: My India Adventure

"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."

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Travel Quotes I Live By

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.

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Group Trips: They’re Not Just for the Ladies

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.

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Meet Stav: Your Greek Islands Sailing Guide

Journey through the Greek islands with Stav, a passionate local guide who transformed his love for the sea and people into unforgettable sailing adventures. From secluded beaches to authentic tavernas, Stav reveals how exploring Greece by sailboat offers a unique perspective away from the tourist crowds, while sharing personal stories that bring the Mediterranean experience to life.

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Places to Go & Plates to Break: The Bucket List That Grows

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.

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Cuba, Cultural Experiences Lauren Richards Cuba, Cultural Experiences Lauren Richards

Meet the Charming Cowboys of Viñales, Cuba

In the UNESCO World Heritage site of Viñales Valley, a remarkable group of Cuban cowboys (guajiros) maintain centuries-old traditions while sharing their culture with visitors from around the world. From Changa, the Clint Eastwood lookalike with a heart of gold, to Yasel, the charismatic tobacco expert, these men represent the authentic soul of rural Cuba. Through their daily lives tending horses, rolling cigars, and preserving local customs, they offer travelers more than just guided tours – they provide a genuine window into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged by time. Whether it's sharing stories over dominoes under a palm-thatched palapa, demonstrating traditional tobacco cultivation, or leading horseback adventures through the valley's stunning landscape, these guardians of Cuban tradition exemplify the warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage that make Viñales an unforgettable destination.

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Everyone Is Going to India and Here’s Why

When I first landed in Delhi, the sensory overload was overwhelming – from vibrant colors to aromatic spices filling the air. Like many first-time visitors to India, I felt anxious about what lay ahead. But from chaotic rickshaw rides through Delhi's streets to celebrating Holi with locals in Nandgaon, each experience revealed India's true magic. Beyond iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, it was the off-the-beaten-path moments that left the deepest impression: cooking authentic dishes with newfound friends, learning traditional crafts from local artisans, and surrendering to the joyful chaos of Holi celebrations. While India can be overwhelming, its beauty, spirituality, and transformative power make it an unforgettable destination. Join our March 2025 group trip for a carefully curated journey that balances must-see highlights with authentic local experiences, all while maintaining the perfect blend of cultural immersion and comfortable travel.

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Travel Safety, Cultural Experiences, Photography Lauren Richards Travel Safety, Cultural Experiences, Photography Lauren Richards

Safari Secrets: What I Learned About Kenya's Wildlife

Nature documentaries capture stunning moments, but spending time in Kenya revealed the raw, complex reality of wildlife. Between conversations with our guides and quiet moments of observation, I discovered surprising animal behaviors and partnerships that changed how I see the natural world - like giraffe-warthog alliances, zebra defense strategies, and the true nature of hippos that most tourists never learn about.

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Kenya Stole My Heart: A Journey Beyond the Typical Safari

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.

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Trip Recaps Lauren Richards Trip Recaps Lauren Richards

Sandstorms, Spaghetti, and Saharan Surprises: Morocco Memories

Hey friends! I am FRESH off another mind-blowing trip to Morocco with an unbelievable group of fearless travelers. Buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a whirlwind tour of our recent escapade through this magical country. From unexpected sandstorms to pushing 4x4s out of mud (yes, really!), this trip was packed with unforgettable moments that'll make you hungry for your next adventure.

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