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Sophia Reed, M.Sc. Economics

Sophia Reed loves to travel and explore new cultures. She is also the Chief Editor of TBL.

Current Travel Restrictions in Bali Current Travel Restrictions in Bali (image credits: unsplash) As of late 2023, Bali has opened its doors wider to international visitors, easing many pandemic-era restrictions. The Indonesian government now requires all travelers to show proof of at least two COVID-19 vaccine doses to enter the island. There’s also strong encouragement …

Read More about Bali Is Back — But Should You Be Going?

Garlic and Onion-heavy Foods Garlic and Onion-heavy Foods (image credits: unsplash) Garlic and onion-heavy foods are infamous for their lingering odors, which become even more unpleasant in the limited space of an airplane cabin. According to a 2024 survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), over 65% of passengers reported feeling discomfort due to …

Read More about 10 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat on a Plane But Passengers Keep Choosing Them

Talking Loudly in Hotel Corridors Talking Loudly in Hotel Corridors (image credits: unsplash) When you stroll through a hotel corridor late at night, you might think your conversation is harmless. But in countries like Japan and much of Europe, it’s actually considered highly disrespectful to speak loudly in hallways. The Japan Tourism Agency’s 2024 report …

Read More about 7 Hotel Habits That Are Considered Rude Overseas But People Keep Doing Them

Vatican City: The Smallest Sovereign State Vatican City: The Smallest Sovereign State (image credits: unsplash) Tucked away in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the world’s tiniest independent country. With an area of just 44 hectares, it’s smaller than many city parks and has a population hovering around 800. Despite its size, the Vatican …

Read More about 9 Countries Smaller Than Most Cities (And 2 You Can Cross in Under an Hour)

The United States: The Appalachian Trail The United States: The Appalachian Trail (image credits: wikimedia) The Appalachian Trail is a legendary hiking path that stretches more than 2,190 miles, running from Springer Mountain in Georgia all the way to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It allows hikers to walk through 14 U.S. states, experiencing everything from …

Read More about 7 Countries You Can Cross on Foot (And 3 That Feel Never-Ending)

Sweden: A Model of Renewable Energy Sweden: A Model of Renewable Energy (image credits: pixabay) Sweden stands out as a trailblazer in the global push for sustainability, and the numbers back it up. As of 2024, over 54% of Sweden’s energy comes from renewable sources, setting a benchmark for other countries eyeing a green transition. …

Read More about 10 Countries Leading Sustainability (And 3 Falling Behind)

Ever wandered through a midnight market, breathing in spicy air, feeling utterly free and safe? Imagine strolling cobbled streets or wild mountain trails, your only worry being which pastry to try next. Some places on Earth, believe it or not, make this possible. Today, let’s escape to nine countries where crime is almost a foreign …

Read More about 9 Countries With Low Crime Rates (And 3 You Might Fear)

Portugal Sunsets and City Buzz Portugal Sunsets and City Buzz (image credits: wikimedia) Picture yourself sipping a creamy coffee in Lisbon as the golden sunlight spills over pastel rooftops. Portugal has quickly become a digital nomad’s dream, where cobblestone streets meet world-class Wi-Fi. The air hums with Fado music drifting from cozy taverns, while surf …

Read More about 9 Best Countries for Remote Work

Georgia: The Culinary Jewel of the Caucasus Georgia: The Culinary Jewel of the Caucasus (image credits: unsplash) Georgia’s food scene is like a hidden treasure chest waiting to be discovered. Tucked between Europe and Asia, the country’s kitchens burst with flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Khachapuri, a gooey cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, savory dumplings, …

Read More about 10 Countries That Are Secretly Gourmet Paradises

Venezuela: Economic Crisis and Safety Concerns Venezuela: Economic Crisis and Safety Concerns (image credits: wikimedia) Venezuela has long been admired for its natural beauty, but the reality in 2025 is deeply unsettling for potential travelers. The country has experienced an 80% contraction in GDP between 2013 and 2023, according to the World Bank, plunging millions …

Read More about 10 Countries That May Fall Off Every Traveler’s Bucket List