Sarah Chen
Senior Travel Writer & Gear Expert
Sarah has been traveling and writing about it for 12 years, visiting 60+ countries across 6 continents. A former Lonely Planet contributor, she specializes in budget travel, solo female travel, and Southeast Asia. She tests every piece of gear personally before recommending it.
Articles by Sarah Chen
Free Things to Do in Europe: 50+ No-Cost Experiences Across 10 Cities
Europe doesn't have to be expensive. Across its greatest cities, hundreds of world-class experiences cost nothing at all — from free museums and medieval streets to parks, viewpoints, and street markets that rival any paid attraction.
March 10, 2026
Travel Etiquette Around the World: Cultural Dos and Don'ts
Knowing the unwritten rules before you arrive shows respect and can transform how locals receive you. Here are the essential cultural etiquette rules for 10 major travel destinations.
March 10, 2026
Best Luggage Brands of 2026: Our Top Picks After Extensive Testing
The right luggage handles years of travel abuse without falling apart. We review the best luggage brands and top suitcase picks across every price range — carry-on, checked, and hardshell vs. softshell.
March 9, 2026
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel (2026): Top Picks Tested
Great noise-canceling headphones transform long-haul flights and noisy airports. We review the best travel headphones of 2026 — from premium over-ears to compact earbuds — across every budget.
March 9, 2026
Best Travel Backpacks of 2026: Top Picks for Every Type of Traveler
Choosing the right travel backpack can make or break a trip. We've tested and reviewed the top travel backpacks across every category — carry-on, weekender, and multi-week — to help you find the perfect pack.
March 9, 2026
Europe on a Budget: Complete Travel Guide for 2026
Traveling Europe doesn't have to cost a fortune. This complete budget travel guide covers the cheapest destinations, accommodation tips, transportation tricks, and how to eat well without breaking the bank.
March 9, 2026
How to Get a Passport Fast: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Need a passport fast? Whether you have a trip in two weeks or two months, this guide walks you through exactly how to get a US passport — standard processing, expedited service, and the fastest same-day emergency options.
March 9, 2026
How to Pack Light: The Ultimate Carry-On Only Guide for Any Trip
Packing light transforms your trip — no checked bag fees, faster airport transit, and the freedom to move without dragging a suitcase everywhere. Learn exactly how to pack for any trip in one carry-on.
March 9, 2026
Iceland Travel Guide 2026: When to Go, What to See & How to Plan
Iceland is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations — and more accessible than you think. This complete Iceland travel guide covers the best time to visit, the Ring Road, Northern Lights, costs, and everything you need to plan your trip.
March 9, 2026
Southeast Asia for First-Timers: The Complete Beginners' Travel Guide
Southeast Asia is one of the world's best first-time travel destinations — affordable, warm, full of incredible food, and endlessly varied. This guide covers where to go, how to plan, costs, and what first-timers need to know.
March 9, 2026
Top 15 Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa (2026)
From Table Mountain to the Cape Winelands, discover the best things to do in Cape Town — Africa's most stunning city. A complete guide for first-time and returning visitors.
March 9, 2026
Travel Insurance: What You Actually Need (And What You Can Skip)
Travel insurance can save you from a $50,000 medical evacuation bill — or be a complete waste of money. This guide explains exactly what coverage matters, what's overpriced, and which policies are worth buying in 2026.
March 9, 2026
How to Stay Safe While Traveling Abroad: 20 Essential Safety Tips
Traveling safely is mostly about preparation and awareness, not fear. These 20 practical safety tips will help you travel confidently in any country while avoiding the most common traveler pitfalls.
March 9, 2026
Best Travel Pillows for Long-Haul Flights (2026): Tested & Ranked
The right travel pillow turns a miserable 10-hour flight into actual rest. We tested the best neck pillows, wrap pillows, and compact options so you can sleep on planes without the neck pain.
March 9, 2026
Best VPNs for Travel in 2026: Stay Safe on Public WiFi Anywhere
A VPN is one of the smartest travel tools you can carry — protecting your banking, passwords, and data on hotel WiFi, airport networks, and café hotspots anywhere in the world.
March 9, 2026
Cape Town Safari & Day Tour Guide: Best Operators, Prices & What to Expect
Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities, and within a 2-hour drive are world-class safaris, whale watching, wine regions, and private game reserves. Here's how to find the best tours without getting ripped off.
March 9, 2026
Tokyo Travel Guide 2026: When to Go, What to Do & How to Get Around
Tokyo is one of the world's most extraordinary cities — endlessly fascinating, safe, efficient, and welcoming. This complete guide covers the best neighborhoods, transportation, food, day trips, and when to visit for cherry blossom season.
March 9, 2026
Best Backpacks for Air Travel 2026: Carry-On Approved Packs Ranked
The right carry-on backpack makes every airport faster and every trip easier. We tested the best travel backpacks for air travel — from ultralight daypacks to full 40L carry-ons — and ranked them honestly.
March 9, 2026
Best Travel Gear for Women 2026: Expert-Tested Picks for Every Type of Trip
The best travel gear for women isn't just men's gear in pink — it's thoughtfully designed for different body shapes, needs, and priorities. Here's what our female travel team actually uses and recommends.
March 9, 2026
Cheapest Places to Travel Internationally in 2026: 12 Budget Destinations That Wow
The world's best travel experiences don't require a Fortune 500 salary. These 12 destinations deliver extraordinary food, culture, beauty, and adventure for $30–60 per day — less than the cost of a mediocre hotel breakfast in London.
March 9, 2026
Denmark Travel Guide 2026: Copenhagen, Countryside & Everything Between
Denmark is Scandinavia's most accessible and least intimidating entry point — a compact country with extraordinary design, cycling culture, world-class food, and Viking heritage. Here's how to see it all.
March 9, 2026
Solo Travel for Women: The Complete Safety & Planning Guide (2026)
Solo travel as a woman is one of the most empowering experiences you can have. With the right preparation, destinations, and mindset, it's safer and more rewarding than you'd ever imagine.
March 9, 2026
Travel Budget Calculator: How to Plan Any Trip on Any Budget (2026)
The secret to stress-free travel isn't earning more — it's planning smarter. This step-by-step travel budget framework covers flights, accommodation, food, activities, and emergency funds for every type of trip.
March 9, 2026
25 Travel Tips for Beginners: What Every First-Time International Traveler Needs to Know
Everything I wish someone had told me before my first international trip — from booking flights and packing smart to staying safe and navigating unfamiliar airports. These 25 tips will make your first trip dramatically smoother.
March 9, 2026
Ultimate Packing List for International Travel 2026: Everything You Actually Need
The definitive international travel packing list — what to bring, what to skip, and the exact gear that makes long-term travel comfortable. Organized by category with tips on packing light without sacrificing anything important.
March 9, 2026
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December 31, 2025