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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.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Flights The Hidden Costs of Cheap Flights (image credits: unsplash) The lure of a cheap flight is hard to resist—at first glance, those ultra-low prices look like a ticket to adventure for less. But dig a little deeper, and the story takes a turn. According to a 2024 study by …

Read More about Travel | Why I Avoid Cheap Flights Now—and You Might Want To, Too

Stepping Into the Sky Stepping Into the Sky (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: The scent of brewed coffee mingles with jet fuel as you shuffle down the narrow aisle, backpack bumping against armrests, heart beating with anticipation. The world outside the window shrinks to a patchwork of clouds and city lights. It’s not a private …

Read More about Travel | Why I Don’t Fly First Class—and You Might Want To, Too

The Summer Rush The Summer Rush (image credits: unsplash) You know that feeling when you’re packed like sardines on a subway car, everyone holding onto the same metal pole, barely breathing each other’s air? That’s what summer travel can feel like. Every hot spot is crawling with bodies—all jostling for the best view, the perfect …

Read More about Why I Don’t Travel in Summer—and You Might Want To, Too

The Allure of Independence The Allure of Independence (image credits: unsplash) There’s a certain thrill that comes with wandering a new city with no plan but your own curiosity. When you travel without a group, every choice feels like an adventure—whether that’s taking a spontaneous detour down a cobblestone alley or spending an afternoon people-watching …

Read More about Travel | Why I Don’t Take Group Tours—And You Might Want To, Too

What if you planned your dream journey, packed your bags, and then found the doors to paradise quietly closing? It’s happening now, right under our wanderlusting noses. Across the globe, some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places are quietly raising drawbridges, rewriting the rules of who gets to experience their magic. If you’ve ever wanted …

Read More about 10 Countries Poised to Say “No” to Travelers

France: The Overrated Experience France: The Overrated Experience (image credits: pixabay) For decades, France has been the dream destination for millions, but in 2025, that dream is cracking for many. Paris, once called the City of Light, is now infamous for its endless lines and soaring prices. A striking 62% of recent visitors said they …

Read More about Top Countries Tourists Regret Visiting Most in 2025

Banff, Alberta Banff, Alberta (image credits: pixabay) Banff, tucked away in the majestic Canadian Rockies, has become a magnet for travelers from all corners of the globe. In 2024, the town saw visitor numbers surge past 4 million, a remarkable leap that has left both awe and anxiety in its wake. The crystal-clear lakes and …

Read More about 10 Canadian Towns Overwhelmed by Tourist Influx

North Korea: The Last Fortress of Isolation North Korea: The Last Fortress of Isolation (image credits: unsplash) Stepping into North Korea is like stepping into a parallel universe, where time moves differently and secrets are tightly guarded. In 2025, this reclusive nation has grown even more wary of foreign eyes. The government reduced the number …

Read More about 10 Nations That May Soon Close Their Doors to Visitors

China: Strict Travel Restrictions China: Strict Travel Restrictions (image credits: wikimedia) China’s once-bustling tourist spots have become eerily quiet, and it’s not just because of lingering pandemic fears. Since 2024, China has ramped up its already-tough border controls, requiring lengthy quarantines and exhaustive health checks for anyone hoping to visit. Public health is the government’s …

Read More about Top 10 Countries Expected to Turn Tourists Away Soon

Waking up in a place where laughter floats through open windows, where the air smells like fresh bread and wildflowers, and where neighbors greet you by name—what if this was the everyday, not the exception? Around the globe, a handful of countries have cracked the code to happiness, creating communities where joy isn’t just possible, …

Read More about 7 Happiest Countries to Live In (Plus 3 Unhappy Ones to Avoid)