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5 Reasons To Avoid Visiting The US This Year (Plus Great Alternatives)

March 21, 2025 by Matthew Karsten

Statue of Liberty

As summer travel plans begin to take shape, many are rethinking U.S. getaways. Here's why you should avoid traveling to America as well as some great alternatives!

Goodbye America! (We're Moving To Europe)

March 13, 2025 by Matthew Karsten

Goodbye America. It's been a memorable few years. But now it's time to leave. We moved to Europe this week.

20 Safest Cities in Mexico To Visit Or Live In

February 3, 2025 by Matthew Karsten

Safe cities in Mexico

Thinking of traveling to Mexico? Or maybe moving there? Here are the top safest cities in Mexico to help you plan better.

10 Best Things To Do In Mérida, Mexico

September 20, 2024 by Matthew Karsten

Merida, Mexico

Merida is a popular & vibrant colonial city located in Mexico's Yucatan. Here are some of my favorite things to see and do in Merida!

Tren Maya: Travel The Yucatan By Mayan Train

September 18, 2024 by Matthew Karsten

Mayan Train

Tren Maya (the Mayan Train) is a new way to explore Mexico's beautiful Yucatan Peninsula. Learn where the train goes & how to buy tickets.

Best Things To Do In Valladolid, Mexico

September 11, 2024 by Matthew Karsten

Valladolid Mexico

Valladolid is a small colorful colonial town in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. Here are some of my favorite things to do in and around Valladolid!

Renting A Car In Mexico: Everything You Need To Know

January 24, 2024 by Matthew Karsten

Renting Car in Mexico

Renting a car in Mexico and driving around the country yourself is a wonderful way to experience the Land of the Maya.

Best Things To Do In Marrakesh, Morocco

August 3, 2023 by Matthew Karsten

Marrakesh Morocco

Marrakesh is a beautiful city in Morocco with great food, palaces, and riads. Here are some fun things to do in Marrakesh!

Tips For Visiting The Colosseum In Rome

August 16, 2022 by Matthew Karsten

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum one of the most popular sights in Rome, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire world. Here are some useful tips for visiting the Colosseum!

13 Best Things To Do In Annecy, France

July 13, 2022 by Matthew Karsten

Annecy France Travel Guide

Annecy is a beautiful mountain town in France with great food, castles, and a lake. Here are some fun things to do in Annecy!

Driving In Costa Rica: Everything You Need To Know

March 30, 2022 by Matthew Karsten

Driving in Costa Rica

Renting a car and driving in Costa Rica is a great way to experience the Rich Coast. Here's the best way to do it.

Where To Stay In Cancun, Mexico (5 Best Hotels)

January 25, 2022 by Matthew Karsten

Cancun Beach View in Mexico

Learn where to stay in Cancun during your trip. Find the best places to stay organized by neighborhood and budget!

Best Cenotes In Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula (Ultimate Guide)

December 23, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Cenotes in Mexico

Discover Mexico's most beautiful cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) for swimming adventures in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Best Travel Insurance Options For Nomads

December 1, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Best Travel Insurance Options

Travel insurance can be a very confusing part of planning your trip. Learn which companies are the best, and how to get good coverage.

21 Best Things To Do In Tulum, Mexico

November 23, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Things To Do In Tulum

Once an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum is now a celebrity vacation playground. Here are the best things to do in Tulum, Mexico!

How To Become A Professional Nanny (Au Pair)

November 22, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Au Pair & Nanny Jobs

Learn what it takes to become a professional nanny or au-pair for rich families living overseas.

15 Great Gift Ideas For Photographers

November 13, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Best Gifts for Photographers

Looking for the perfect photography gift this year? These are best gifts for photographers, no matter what your budget is.

25 Important Travel Safety Tips

October 26, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Travel Safety Featured

Want to stay safe while traveling? After 10-years exploring the world, here are my top travel safety tips for beginners...

25 Best Things To Do In Rome, Italy

October 26, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Things to do in Rome

Rome is the historic capital of Italy with great architecture, food, and museums. But there are so many more fun things to do in Rome!

What's In My Camera Bag? Photography Gear

October 15, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Travel Photography Gear

As a travel photographer for 10 years, I get a lot of questions about what travel photography gear I use. Take a peek inside my bag!

Best Camera Backpacks For Hiking & Travel (Reviews & Tips)

October 14, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

The Best Camera Backpacks

Looking for the best camera backpack for hiking & travel? Here's my detailed guide to choosing a camera bag - with options for any budget.

30 Photos From Afghanistan That You Won't See In The News

August 19, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Photos from Afghanistan Trip

Discover the beauty & hospitality of Afghanistan from an American traveler's perspective. A photo essay of landscapes & people in the Wakhan.

Mysterious Matera: Italy's City Of Caves

August 3, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Matera Italy Things To Do

Matera is one of the coolest places we visited in Italy. An ancient town made of caves, carved into the side of a ravine!

15 Things To See & Do In NYC On A Budget

July 15, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Things To Do In New York City

New York City boasts a unique mix of people, foods, and cultures from around the world. Here are the best things to do during your visit!

Visiting Shipwreck Beach In Zakynthos, Greece

June 9, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Shipwreck Beach (Navagio)

Navagio Beach on the Greek Island of Zakynthos is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Renting A Car In Greece: Ultimate Guide For Tourists

May 28, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Renting a Car in Greece

Renting a car in Greece and driving around the country is a great way to experience the Hellenic Republic. Here's the best way to do it.

How To Become A Professional Freelance Photographer

April 29, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Become A Freelance Photographer

Becoming a professional photographer is a dream for many people. While difficult, it's definitely possible. Here's how.

25 Best Things To Do In Athens, Greece

April 22, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Things To Do Athens

From ancient architecture to tasty street food, Europe's hottest city has much to offer curious travelers. Top things to do in Athens!

VIRAL VIDEO: Penguin Escapes Killer Whales (By Jumping In Boat!)

March 2, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Penguin Escape in Antarctica

Watch as a penguin miraculously escapes a pod of hungry Orcas (Killer Whales) by jumping into a boat full of tourists.

20 Magical Photos From Venice Carnival

February 7, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Venice Carnival Photos

Italy's Carnival of Venice was canceled, but check out these photos from a past festival to experience the wild costumes & masks from home!

25 Best Things To Do In Key West Florida

January 30, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Things To Do In Key West

Key West is the highlight of the Florida Keys, with great nightlife & sunsets. But there are so many more cool things to do in Key West too!

Renting A Car In Europe: The Ultimate Travel Guide

January 12, 2021 by Matthew Karsten

Renting A Car In Europe

Renting a car in Europe and driving between countries is a great way to experience the continent. Here's my advice for how to do it right.

Kauai's Grand Canyon: Visiting Waimea State Park

December 16, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Waimea Canyon Kauai

Check out Kauai's incredible massive red & orange canyon called Waimea -- aka the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

15 Best Gifts For People Who Work From Home

November 19, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Best Gifts for Home Office

Looking for the perfect present for someone who works from home? These are the best work from home gift ideas for remote workers.

Visiting The Hidden Mayan Ruins Of Calakmul In Mexico

October 26, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Calakmul Mayan Ruins Guide

Calakmul is an ancient Mayan city located deep within the jungle on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Not many people make it out this way due to it's remote location.

10 Awesome Online Photography Classes To Improve Your Photos

October 15, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Online Photography Classes Review

Want to become a better photographer? Looking to improve your skills? Check out these great online photography courses!

Peak Design Travel Tripod: My Full Review

September 17, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Peak Design Travel Tripod

After years of development, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is finally out! Here's why I think it's the best lightweight tripod for travel & backpacking adventures.

How To Save Money On Flights With Mistake Fares (Pro Tip!)

September 16, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Find Mistake Fares for Cheap Flights

Want to save money on flights? Pro travelers have a secret trick called "mistake fares" which helps them find amazing airline deals...

21 Countries With Digital Nomad Visas (For Remote Workers)

September 10, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

Want to live & work from a foreign country? Special international visas for digital nomads and remote workers are finally here!

How To Become A Digital Nomad (Work Online From Anywhere!)

August 27, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Tips for Digital Nomads

As a long-time digital nomad, I'm able to work online from anywhere in the world. Here are some useful tips if you'd like to give it a shot!

The Biltmore Estate: Visiting America's Largest Private Home

August 18, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Biltmore Estate in Asheville

America's largest private home is located in Asheville, North Carolina. Welcome to George Vanderbilt's incredible Biltmore Estate! Here are some tips for visiting.

Killarney National Park: Tips For Visiting

July 15, 2020 by Matthew Karsten

Killarney National Park

Killarney is a small town in Ireland with rolling hillsides, ancient castles, pristine lakes, and its own National Park. Here are some of the best things to do in Killarney!

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HI! I'M MATT

Travel blogger, digital nomad, and American expat living abroad in France. Join me & my family as we share useful travel tips from 10 years traveling around the world.

MORE ABOUT ME

Popular

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    5 Reasons To Avoid Visiting The US This Year (Plus Great Alternatives)
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    20 Safest Cities in Mexico To Visit Or Live In
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    10 Best Things To Do In Mérida, Mexico

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    Tren Maya: Travel The Yucatan By Mayan Train
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    Best Things To Do In Valladolid, Mexico
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    Renting A Car In Mexico: Everything You Need To Know
  • Marrakesh Morocco
    Best Things To Do In Marrakesh, Morocco

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