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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.

Border Agents’ Expanded Authority Border Agents’ Expanded Authority (image credits: unsplash) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers possess broad authority to inspect travelers’ electronic devices at ports of entry. These searches can include smartphones, laptops, and other digital equipment, often without a warrant, under the “border search exception” to the Fourth Amendment. In Fiscal …

Read More about Private Data Alert: Entering the U.S. Just Got Riskier

Picture this: You’ve saved for months, counted down the days, and finally landed at your dream destination—only to find yourself elbow-to-elbow with selfie sticks, overpriced drinks, and a gnawing sense that you’ve been sold a fantasy. In 2025, more travelers are sharing their disappointment about places that just didn’t deliver. If you’re planning your ultimate …

Read More about Top Places Tourists Regret Visiting in 2025

Denmark: Leading the Charge with Wind Power Denmark: Leading the Charge with Wind Power (image credits: wikimedia) Denmark is often described as the poster child for wind power, and with good reason. As of 2024, wind turbines produce more than 47% of Denmark’s electricity, and the government plans to push this even further, targeting 70% …

Read More about 8 Countries Phasing Out Fossil Fuels Faster Than Others

Vietnam: A Budget Traveler’s Paradise Vietnam: A Budget Traveler’s Paradise (image credits: pixabay) Vietnam stands out in 2025 as a haven for those eager to stretch every dollar. The average daily cost hovers around $30, making it one of the most wallet-friendly options worldwide. Street food in bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and …

Read More about 10 Affordable Countries in 2025 & 3 That Aren’t

The Fantasy That Pulled Me In The Fantasy That Pulled Me In (image credits: wikimedia) Picture this: a golden sunrise creeping over emerald rice terraces, the air heavy with the sweet scent of jasmine and incense. My Instagram feed was flooded with people swinging over jungles, sipping coconuts on empty beaches, and living their best …

Read More about Why I Stopped Dreaming About Bali—And What I Learned the Hard Way

Overview of the Current Travel Advisory Overview of the Current Travel Advisory (image credits: unsplash) It might come as a shock, but the official U.S. Department of State advisory for Mexico in 2025 is at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. This isn’t just a bureaucratic label—it’s a real signal for travelers, especially families and solo adventurers, …

Read More about The Mexico Travel Advisory You Might’ve Missed—And Why It Matters This Summer

Imagine yourself weaving through a maze of cobblestone streets, sunlight flickering off ancient facades, as the aroma of garlic and rosemary calls you toward a tiny trattoria. You’re hungry for the real Italy—the Italy you’ve seen in glossy food magazines and binge-worthy travel shows. Yet, as your fork hovers over another plate of spaghetti carbonara, …

Read More about Why Italy Isn’t the Top Food Country Tourists Think It Is

Bali, Indonesia: The Island of the Gods Bali, Indonesia: The Island of the Gods (image credits: pixabay) Bali continues to enchant travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. According to the Bali Central Bureau of Statistics, the island welcomed 625,665 international visitors in July 2024 alone, marking a 20.11% increase compared to …

Read More about 6 Dreamy Destinations That Deliver (And 3 That Just Don’t Live Up to the Hype)

The Allure of Abandonment The Allure of Abandonment (image credits: unsplash) Chernobyl’s abandoned cityscape is unlike anything else on earth. Visitors are captivated by the stark, frozen-in-time appearance of Pripyat, where personal belongings still lie scattered in classrooms and apartment blocks. The iconic Ferris wheel, rusted and motionless, stands as a symbol of interrupted innocence. …

Read More about Why People Still Risk Their Lives to Visit Chernobyl