Traveling the world comes with plenty of unexpected, unplanned moments: stumbling upon undiscovered gems, striking up conversations with new friends, and encountering spontaneous events on the streets. Of course, this also means there’s a potential for unpleasant surprises, like food poisoning, motion sickness, and never-ending jet lag. But don’t let the unknown deter you from…
In case you haven’t noticed, Tulum has been having a moment. The bohemian vibe, picturesque beachside ruins, and lively-but-still-local town experience attract travelers from near and far and give tourists a solid reason to venture beyond the tried-and-true staples of Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Though the once-sleepy town has gone through a quick touristic…
Whether they’re spoken about openly, or talked about in hushed tones, there are corners of almost every major city where the sex trade is thriving. From Nevada to Amsterdam, Paris, and Bangkok, red light districts have occupied a place in the minds of artists, writers, self-professed bohemians, moralists, ethicists, and travelers for centuries. Of course,…
Machu Picchu/Oyster If you’ve been paying attention, you know that Latin America is rapidly ascending lists of the world’s must-see destinations. According to the World Trade Organization, inbound tourism to Latin America grew by three percent in 2018, and the figure is predicted to grow. And with landscapes as varied at the Atacama Desert, the…
Front Desk at the Hotel Christiania Teater/Oyster If the question of asking for an upgrade is the only thing running through your head at check-in time then you’re losing out. Hotels have plenty of extra amenities that might make your stay more comfortable, but the average visitor often doesn’t ask about them. Even if you’ve…
These days, there are more ways than ever to skip the line and get to your gate faster. However, TSA PreCheck remains the most popular security pre-clearance program in the U.S. While the L.A. Times reports that TSA wait times in the United States have shown a small average decrease, you’ll still find epic waits…
Sri Lanka is a beautiful, exotic destination full of culture, nature, wildlife, and smiling faces. For a country with such a violent (and recently so, at that) history, the island is actually home to some of the friendliest people out there. Located between India and southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is neither quite like India nor…
Ordering street food in Harajuku, Tokyo. In a country with a unique culture like Japan, visitors can feel daunted by the rules and social norms that regulate public life and interpersonal relations. Foreigners visiting Japan are not expected to be familiar with Japanese etiquette, but knowing a few basics will go a long way in…
One of the biggest resort developments in the Caribbean, the Atlantis Bahamas compound on Paradise Island can be more than a little overwhelming — at first glance, it can even be exhausting to comprehend. There are also a few misconceptions that come with the Atlantis Bahamas. You might think of the resorts here and picture…
Simply put, Japan is a fascinating destination. Here, you’ll find a seamless blend of old traditions and new technology. You’ll also discover gorgeous natural landscapes just a short train ride from sparkling, sprawling cities and loud, jarring outlets a short distance from quiet areas full of nuanced rules. It’s the kind of place where people…
