Travel stories
Travel stories with real planning notes
These travel stories are short reads with practical notes on routes, budgets, and what worked in the real world.
You will find honest takeaways from recent trips, including what we would do differently, how much time each stop actually needed, and which costs were worth it. If you like a destination, jump to the linked playbooks and build a plan that matches your pace and budget.
What to expect in each story
- Route choices and how transfers impacted the day.
- Budget notes on transport, meals, and stay zones.
- Simple planning tips you can reuse on your next trip.
- Shortlists of neighborhoods or day trips that were worth it.
How we write travel stories
We focus on decisions that impact the day: where we stayed, how long transfers took, and which expenses were worth it. Stories avoid hype and highlight the tradeoffs so you can decide if a similar route fits your budget and schedule.
All Travel Stories and Route Notes
Longer-form notes on pacing, costs, and the routes we would repeat.
The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travel in Europe
A rail-first 10-day loop with real costs, smart booking windows, and a balance between cheap stays and great food.
Hidden Gems in Tokyo: Quiet Neighborhoods and Local Eats
Tokyo's best days happen off the main crossings. This guide maps quiet streets, small cafes, and easy day trips.
10 Must-Visit Places in London (With a Budget Plan)
A clean London hit list with free stops, easy routes, and a cost-friendly way to see the city in 2-3 days.
Santorini Travel Tips: Where to Stay, When to Go, What It Costs
A practical Santorini guide with base towns, transport tips, and cost ranges you can plan around.
Bali Island Hopping: Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Gili
A realistic island hop plan for Bali with boat times, safety notes, and where to base on each island.
New York City on a Budget: A 3-Day Plan
Three days in NYC with free views, low-cost eats, and a subway plan that keeps expenses under control.