International Travel

If you are going to Phuket and you only do one thing off the island, make it Phang Nga Bay. The bay sits about 90 minutes north of Phuket and is home to one of the most dramatic landscapes in Southeast Asia, hundreds of limestone karst islands rising vertically out of green water, some of them hollow, some of them accessible only by kayak. What a Full Day Tour Actually Looks Like Most tours pick up from your hotel between 8 and 9am and return by 4 to 5pm. The day moves throug

After nearly two weeks on the island, splitting my time between work conferences, island hopping, temple visits, and market shopping, I can tell you this: Phuket is one of the most manageable solo destinations I have ever visited, and as a woman traveling alone, I felt genuinely safe throughout. Just like anywhere else, that does not mean you don't take the same measures as anyone else or don't have a plan. Here is everything I learned, including the things nobody tells you b

Before I left for Thailand, I made the classic traveler's mistake of thinking shopping was the main financial opportunity. Load up on goods, bring home gifts, stock up on things that are cheaper there than at home. That is true to a degree, but it is the wrong frame. What I figured out over two weeks in Phuket is that Thailand's real value is not in what you buy. It is in what you do. Let me explain what I mean, and then break down both sides so you can make the most of the b

Let me save you the anxiety I did not have to have. Before I left for Phuket, multiple people told me Thailand would be difficult food-wise if I was picky. I do not eat seafood, any of it. I cannot stand mayo, mustard, or ketchup. White sauces are generally out. I ate extraordinarily well in Thailand. Here is the thing about Thai food that most articles skip: it is not inherently a seafood cuisine the way coastal food in many countries is. Yes, fish sauce is in almost everyth

Family cruises can be an incredible way to bond, explore new destinations, and relax without the stress of detailed trip planning. But if you're not careful, cruising with your family can lead to unexpected expenses. Cruising on a budget with your family, in this case, adult siblings, is possible with a few smart strategies. 1. Rethink the Drink Package Drink packages can be tempting, especially when the cruise line offers all-inclusive deals. But before you shell out hundred