Every travel hack seems to start with “use your points.” Cute. What if you don’t have any? 😂 From using AI to find better-value hotels and hidden gems to free walking tours and knowing exactly where to splurge, these are the 5 things I actually do to travel for less without sacrificing the hotels, food, experiences—or, most importantly, the vibes.

Sometimes the seasons that feel like we’re standing still are actually the ones changing us the most. A tiny cicada named Jeremiah reminded me that there’s nothing wrong with spending a little time underground before you’re ready to fly.

No passport.

No TSA.

No jet lag.

Just one beautifully set table surrounded by great people who all shared one thing in common: a love of incredible food and wine.

Perfectionism is bullshit, and I’m finally starting to learn it. This is about bad weeks, McDonald’s drive-through cries, the imaginary court case I keep building against myself, and why none of it means I’m failing. Bad days are part of a great and sexy life too.

Please don’t ask me to book your trip. I’ll give you everything I know for free instead.

Finding Wanderland somewhere between my first and second squall.

Who says you can’t have it all?

Come for the world of Game of Thrones, stay for the vibrant, historic city that will entice all of your senses.

Trust me, just buy the damn plane ticket or book the hotel, you won’t regret it.

The most bizarre experience that lead to writing an article I never thought I needed to write or even thought about…until now.

Living in one of the most touristy cities in the world, you spend the majority of your time trying to avoid the high-traffic areas and it’s easy to forget how fun it is to be a tourist in your own city.