Welcome
Greetings from your homeless traveler! Last Monday was move-out day: goodbye beachy Portuguese apartment, hello tiny storage unit (apparently my life fits in less than a studio couch). Packing was a logistical feat: carry-on suitcase for the next four months, leave a small box at my friend’s house to replace the contents of said carry-on suitcase for France (think winter coats and boots for a nippy French winter), and pack the rest for the Portugal storage unit. I tell you, if I could figure that out, we could surely find a cure for the common cold. For the next two weeks, I’m crashing with dear girlfriends in the Algarve before launching off to the United States. Yes, it feels like I’m drinking from a fire hose, juggling endless to-do lists, and trying to squeeze in every last hug.
After three years (blink and it’s gone), it’s a bit surreal to unplug from Portugal on every level and mentally prep to immigrate to France. It´s going to be the “summer of paperwork.” A dream I had 20 years ago is finally coming true—though I still hope French baguettes come with instructions.
Shucking Travel News
Where is the cost of living surging across the globe? Housing, energy, food, and salaries can quickly turn your potential golden dream into a big question mark.
AI travel scams are alive and well. Protect yourself from this new generation of fraud by learning The 10 Most Common AI Travel Scams of 2026.
The Silver Lining (Discount)
Summer is just around the corner, which means more travel—and more pets to spoil while you’re at it! This season, I’m hitting Richmond, VA, San Francisco, and England for museums, food, history… and maximum kitty cuddles. Want in? Join TrustedHousesitters and snag 25% off your subscription—travel more, pay less, enjoy peace of mind knowing your fur babies are well cared for, and maybe earn a purr or two along the way.
Juicy Morsels (Tips)
Just one more selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower or one more photo of a temple in Japan, then poof!... a scooter flies by, someone grabs your phone, and disappears into a roundabout. Well, your life just changed. It can happen anywhere. Pick pockets, phone theft, and what is an RFID again? Our friends at Travel & Leisure and Rick Steves share the number-one stolen item and how to protect yourself.
Strands
How many times do we not visit local tourist sites in our own region? This month, we pulled a fabulous article from the archives on exploring locally. Think, mini vacays, day trips, How To Be A Tourist In Your Own Backyard.
Turn The Page
Author Mark Kurlansky takes you on a journey through time, tracing the impact of one simple ingredient we use daily: salt. He weaves in history, trade, money, and more. Another great book club find: sure to stir conversations, preferably around a bowl of salty snacks.
Many of us are of “that” generation where life was simpler in many ways. We drank from garden hoses, raced through neighborhoods on bicycles, and ate PB & J´s like a boss. The Life and Times of The Thunderbolt Kid takes readers on a romp through midwestern nostalgia. Prepare to laugh out loud. Author: Bill Bryson
Quote
The legendary Rick Steves is quoted as saying, “There are two types of travelers: Those who pack light and those who wish they had.”