Articles (3566)
Do You Want to Open Your Own Hostel?
Opening a hostel is not an uncommon dream among travelers who return from a trip around the world, but is the dream the same as the reality? After turning a parking lot into a 132 bed hostel in Kyoto, Japan, Nobu Tabata speaks to Jo Fitzsimons about the highs and lows of the hostel business.
5 Reasons to Road Trip the United States
What makes road tripping a uniquely American experience? Jenn Molholt explores the reasons why road trips are a way to connect with our pioneer history in a uniquely indie way.
Why You Should Hostel with Your Family
Hosteling is not just for the young gap-year traveler anymore. Jennifer Miller shows families how to choose a hostel, what to pack, how to make the most of the experience, and maybe even score a private room. (Hint: have more kids!)
10 of the Best Places to Hike in the United States
After a long winter for many in the US, hiking and outdoors season is upon us. Check out Adam Seper’s list of 10 great places to hike in the United States and get out there and go!
Practical Advice for Location Independent Professionals
Jenn Miller shares a laundry list of practical advice for the would-be Location Independent, from banking to tax issues and whether or not you’re violating your visa to a list of useful Apps.
Home Exchange
When Margaret Foley and her family began traveling using home exchanges, they discovered that nothing about home life is universal.
19 Hosteling Resources
Hosteling might be a bit confusing or even intimidating if you’ve never done it before. This fantastic collection of articles will tell you all you need to know before you check into a hostel dorm room for the first time.
Indie Travel in Canada for $60 Per Day
Home to glitzy modern cities, arctic tundra, boreal forests, rocky mountains, glaciers, prairies, oil sands, and over 100,000 lakes, Pamela MacNaughtan reveals how you can discover the wonders of Canada on a budget.
10 Ways Long Term Open-Ended Travel Sucks
Seven years into long term, open-ended travel, Jenn Miller comes clean about the ways that living on the road often sucks. It’s not all wine and roses, there are some very real struggles, and people considering taking the leap might want to know!
15 Things That Can Make a Hostel Great
As a backpacker, hostels are your home away from home. Conni Biesalski fills you in on the must-haves of a good hostel so you know what to look for.
Indie Travel in Egypt for $35 Per Day
Even the most disengaged student was impressed when the history lesson turned to the Ancient Pyramids, and getting a chance to visit them is on many travelers’ bucket lists. But there’s much more to Egypt than the pyramids, and Paris Marx is here to offer a guide to getting the most out of your trip to this amazing and unique country.
8 Tips to Automate Your Finances For Travel
No one likes to miss paying a bill, and when you’re on the road, staying on top of your finances can be difficult. By taking these 8 steps to automate your life, you are setting yourself to make travel much easier.
Should You Add Israel to Your Trip Itinerary?
Despite the number of Israeli travelers making their way around the world, there are comparatively few who put this small nation on their travel itinerary. And yet, the country is thick with history, culture, and contemporary places to party. Jo Fitzsimons explains why Israel and the Palestinian Territories should be on the backpacking trail.
Why You Should Add the Middle East to Your Big Trip
If you pay attention to the news at all, we are told to fear the Middle East. Why don’t we instead listen to someone who has actually been to the region as a traveler? Paris Marx shows us there’s a lot for travelers to discover, safely, if you quit listening to the fear mongering.
Valentine’s Day Travel Articles Round-Up
It’s not too late to inject some travel-related romance into your Valentine’s Day plans, and these articles gathered by Jessica Spiegel might just help you out.
How Long-Term Travel Made Me a Better Parent
Jenn Miller steps outside th Mommy Wars to share how travel has made her a better parent
10 Reasons to Embrace Budget Travel
In 2026, budget travel isn't about making do - it's a deliberate choice that shapes how we move through the world. Here's why we still choose it.
The Female Guide to Traveling Solo in Muslim Countries
Many brave female travelers shy away from travel in Muslim or Arab-influenced countries because of the intimidating travel advice and horror stories in guide books and the internet. Stephanie Pelser tells you why you should go and gives tips on how to have a harassment-free trip.
Avoiding the American Cliche Destinations
Jenn Miller encourages you to up your game by resisting the tried and true American cliche destinations and branching out a bit. Why not swap Mexico for Guatemala or Costa Rica, the Czech Republic or Ukraine for the usual Euro round up, or the cayes of the barrier reef off of Belize instead of that Caribbean cruise? Better yet, take that brand new passport and do something bad ass, like over landing Borneo or attending a Bedouin festival that no one else does. Get out of your travel rut.
A Practical Guide to Planning a Short RTW
How much time do you have for a RTW trip? What do you have to consider in order to plan your adventure? Stacey Ebert has traveled on both a long and short RTW and shares her planning logistics for a short nine-week journey around the world.
The White House Travel Bloggers Summit
Jenn Miller responds to the White House’s study abroad initiative. She discusses why it’s a good start, but not enough, and she introduces the Travel Access Project. TAP combines education and travel in a way that is truly unique for each student and accessible for everyone.
Travel Central America: Honduras to Panama
Central America is such a small slither of land that many indie travelers forget to put it on their travel plan, which is a shame as it has some of the best sights in Latin America. In two parts, Jo Fitzsimons explains how to plan an extended trip in Central America with part 2 covering Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
What’s Wrong With America?
America gets a lot of things right, but they get a few things wrong, too. Jenn Miller discusses what’s wrong with America and how travel provides a dose of perspective
The Ultimate Guide to Travel in Central America
Central America is such a small slither of land that many indie travelers forget to put it on their travel plan, which is a shame as it has some of the best sights in Latin America. In two parts, Jo Fitzsimons explains how to plan an extended trip in Central America – with part 1 covering Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador.