“I’m Carrying Illegal Substances” “I’m Carrying Illegal Substances” (image credits: flickr) Announcing or even joking about carrying illegal drugs can instantly put you in hot water. In 2024, UNODC documented that drug-related arrests at airports and borders continue to rise, especially in countries like Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, where laws are notoriously …
Sophia Reed, M.Sc. Economics
Picture this: you’re standing elbow-to-elbow with strangers, sweat trickling down your back, the smell of street food mixing with exhaust fumes, and all for that one photo you’ve seen a thousand times on Instagram. Sound familiar? For thousands of travelers, these “must-see” moments often turn into letdowns rather than lifelong memories. Let’s pull back the …
Picture this: golden sunsets melting into turquoise seas, laughter floating through ancient plazas, the aroma of roasting lamb and wild thyme drifting on a warm breeze. For decades, Spain, Greece, and Turkey have been the ultimate backdrop for dream vacations—places where every sense is overwhelmed in the best way. But lately, something’s changed. The crowds …
Venice Prepares for Entry Fees Venice Prepares for Entry Fees (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: you step off the water taxi onto a weathered stone dock, the salty breeze carrying whispers of a thousand years of history. But soon, that first breath of Venetian air might come with a price tag. This year the city …
You’re strolling down that sun-kissed stretch of sand, feeling the warm breeze on your face and hearing the rhythmic crash of waves. Your Instagram-worthy bottle of rosé catches the light perfectly, and you’ve found the ideal shells for your collection. Life feels perfect — until those blue and red lights start flashing behind you. The …
Your Check-In at the Airport Departure Lounge Your Check-In at the Airport Departure Lounge (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: you’re buzzing with excitement, standing in the departure lounge with your passport in hand, ready to jet off to your dream destination. That Instagram check-in seems harmless, right? It’s fun to check in, like from the …
Lisbon, Portugal: A Welcoming Haven for Expats Lisbon, Portugal: A Welcoming Haven for Expats (image credits: flickr) Lisbon continues to shine as a favorite among expats, and it’s not hard to understand why. The city’s mild climate means you can enjoy sunny days almost all year, and the cost of living remains affordable compared to …
Switzerland – The Perfect Paradise with a Price Tag Switzerland – The Perfect Paradise with a Price Tag (image credits: rawpixel) Picture yourself waking up to snow-capped Alpine views every morning, breathing the cleanest air on Earth, and living in a country where everything runs with clockwork precision. Switzerland is consistently ranked as the world’s …
From Ocean Breeze to Woodland Calm From Ocean Breeze to Woodland Calm (image credits: unsplash) Trading the constant hush of ocean waves for the earthy silence of a forest was like stepping into a new world. Instead of sunscreen and salty air, the first thing I noticed was the scent—deep, mossy, and fresh, like the …
Netherlands: Where English Feels Like a Second Home Netherlands: Where English Feels Like a Second Home (image credits: wikimedia) Walk down the bustling streets of Amsterdam, and you might be surprised by how quickly conversations slip into English. According to the 2024 English Proficiency Index (EPI), the Netherlands retains its crown with a score of …