A South African woman convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter has been sentenced to life in prison, along with her two accomplices.
The jail terms for Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn’s come more than a year after Joshlin Smith mysteriously disappeared outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town.
Despite a highly publicised search for the girl, who vanished in February 2024, she is yet to be found.
The sentencing follows a six-week trial that captivated South Africa, with witnesses and prosecutors making a number of shocking allegations.
Judge Nathan Erasmus said he “drew no distinction” between the trio in handing down the sentences.
“On the human trafficking charge, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. On the kidnapping charge, you are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” he said to loud applause in the courtroom.
Judge Erasmus took over an hour to deliver the sentence and was measured as he gave a brief summary of the case and highlighted points that stood out during the trial.
He rebuked the trio, especially Mr van Rhyn and Ms Smith, saying they showed no remorse for their actions.
“There is nothing that I can find that is redeeming or deserving of a lesser sentence,” he said.
He also spoke of the impact their conduct had on the community of Middelpos, where the girl lived, saying it had left residents “fractured”.
Smith, 35, and her accomplices showed no emotion as their sentences were read out in the community centre in Saldanha where the trial was held to allow residents to attend proceedings.
Police said the search for the little girl would continue, even beyond South Africa’s borders.
“We will not rest until we find [out] what happened to Joshlin. We are continuing day and night looking for her,” Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile told local media.
Emotions were high ahead of the sentencing, with angry community members saying the trio should get a “harsh sentence because they deserve it”.
Ahead of sentencing, Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, once again pleaded with her daughter to “bring my [grand]child back or tell me where she is”.
“I don’t feel that any sentence they get will bring my grandchild back,” she told local broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
Ms Smith-Daniels said that Joshlin’s disappearance had left her family “broken”.
She urged her daughter to stop blaming others for her misfortune as she “was the person that did the deed”.
During the trial, the court heard testimonies from more than 30 witnesses, who painted a picture of the young girl’s troubled life and subsequent disappearance.
Kelly Smith and her accomplices refused to testify or call any witnesses for their defence.
The most explosive came from Lourentia Lombaard, a friend and neighbour of Smith who turned state witness.
Ms Lombaard alleged that Smith told her she had done “something silly” and sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, known in South Africa as a “sangoma”.
The “person who [allegedly took] Joshlin wanted her for her eyes and skin”, Ms Lombaard told the court.
A local pastor testified that in 2023, he had heard Smith – a mother of three – talk of selling her children for 20,000 rand ($1,100; £850) each, though she had said she was willing to accept a lower figure of $275.
Joshlin’s teacher then alleged in court that Smith had told her during the search that her daughter was already “on a ship, inside a container, and they were on the way to West Africa”.
It was the testimonies of Ms Lombard and the clergyman that were key to securing a conviction.
During sentencing hearings, Smith was described as manipulative and someone who told “bald-faced lies”. A social worker appointed to compile a report on Smith and her accomplices, went so far as to say it would not be a “stretch to conclude that [Kelly] Smith is the mastermind behind the trafficking of her own daughter”.
The court also heard powerful statements from those who knew Joshlin about the devastating effect of her disappearance on the community.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be an archeologist. I loved history (and still do), and the thought of uncovering temples and tombs in jungles excited me. I used to read books on Greek and Roman history and have discussions with my history teacher, even as young as 13. In short, I was a huge geek from the get-go.
Being such a huge history geek, visiting Pompeii, the city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, has always been high on my list of things to do.
When the volcano erupted, the falling ash came so quickly that it preserved the city just as it was, burying Pompeii in 4–6 meters (13–20 feet) of ash. It’s a city frozen in time.
The earliest settlements in the area date to the 8th century BCE, though most people know Pompeii as the Roman city that it was at the time of its demise. The rich agricultural land combined with its location on important trading routes meant that, over time, Pompeii became a wealthy provincial city. It had a population of over 20,000 people.
The city was also a regional cultural center, with a large amphitheater, forum, public baths, various temples, and an extensive aqueduct system providing clean water. Many of these buildings, including expansive private villas in the surrounding countryside, were buried during Vesuvius’s eruption.
The eruption itself lasted over two days, with the first phase of falling ash and pumice lasting over 18 hours. While the 1,150 bodies discovered is significant, it was only a fraction of the overall population. Most inhabitants likely had a chance to escape during this initial eruptive phase, though the final casualty count remains unknown.
While the eruption was the biggest tragedy of its time, the falling ash also kept the buildings, frescoes, streets, pots, and bodies incredibly well preserved. And while there was some looting after the eruption, eventually Pompeii’s location was lost with the passage of time.
It wasn’t until the rediscovery of the nearby town of Herculaneum (buried in the same Vesuvius eruption) that interest was renewed in the area. The first excavations at Pompeii occurred in 1748, with archaeological work continuing to this day. There is still a significant portion of the site that remains unexcavated so who knows what they will discover here in the future!
I’ve traveled the world for a while and have seen plenty of marvelous ruins over the years. But this is one of the best. Even though a lack of upkeep has taken its toll on the site, I still found it a fascinating place to spend the day. My only hope is that the Italian government will get its act together to keep this site from falling into further disrepair.
Located near Naples in Italy, Pompeii takes a full day to see. If you truly want to indulge your inner Indiana Jones and visit every building here, schedule an extra half day. At over 160 acres, it’s a huge site and you could easily spend even more time than that.
I saw a lot on my full day, but there was a lot that I missed. To help you make the most of your visit, here is everything you need to know to visit Pompeii:
The Top 12 Attractions in Pompeii
1. The Brothel
The ancient lupanar (brothel) is a tiny house with stone beds and scenes of the acts customers might pay for. It’s essentially ancient porn, though whether the frescoes served a practical purpose or were merely decoration is unclear.
Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most visited houses in all of Pompeii (it was probably just as popular before the eruption — no pun intended — too). It’s the largest of the pleasure houses uncovered in Pompeii (so far) and so historians think it was the city’s main brothel. After all, the Romans did enjoy their…rest and relaxation.
2. The Forum Baths
Located near the forum (the main public space), these baths are incredibly well preserved. You can peek inside the wall to see how they heated the baths back when they were still in use. Their innovation is incredibly impressive, and it’s not hard to picture the baths as they were.
While the forum baths are the smallest of the various bath ruins in Pompeii, they are arguably the most elegant. There were separate areas for men and women, including separate entrances. The bath not only had hot baths but cold and tepid baths as well.
3. The Villa of the Mysteries
Located outside the main area, the frescoes here are amazingly well preserved in their full vibrant color. In fact, they’re some of the best examples of 1st-century Roman painting. The frescoes seem to depict a woman entering into the initiations for a Greco-Roman mystery cult, hence the name the villa is known by today.
The villa, which is on the outskirts of Pompeii proper, was excavated long after the rest of the city (excavation of the villa began in 1909). Since it’s a bit of a walk, not many people come here either, giving you the place virtually to yourself.
4. The Forum
The most crowded place in Pompeii, the forum is located right near the main gate. It was the main center of life in Pompeii, the cultural and civic nerve of the city. Any significant religious or commercial events would occur here; it was essentially the main square and heart of the city. When you wander around here, you can really get a sense for what life in Pompeii was like.
5. The Stabian Baths
Another well-preserved bath, this one is the oldest in Pompeii. It also has a slightly bigger chamber and sees a whole lot fewer crowds. You can also see some preserved bodies here, which is unsettling (though you’ll get used to it the more you wander the ruins).
The bath area also had a gym and workout area (for wrestling, as well) and a large, almost Olympic-sized, swimming pool.
6. House of the Small Fountain
A beautiful house with a large back room, wonderful frescoes, and a beautiful mosaic fountain. Almost all of the rooms lead to the central atrium and you can see that the house was owned by someone who was wealthy.
The sloped roof was used to collect rainwater and doubled as a fountain, a great example of innovation at the time.
7. House of the Faun
This is the biggest house in Pompeii and gets its name from the statue in the front courtyard. Built in the 2nd century BCE, there’s a large courtyard in the back where you can also find a very detailed mosaic of a battle scene.
It’s one of the most complete surviving examples of a wealthy and luxurious private residence from the time — even better preserved than many sites in Rome itself!
8. Garden of the Fugitives
Located in the back of Pompeii, this old vineyard has preserved casts of people who didn’t make it out of the city alive. There are 13 bodies in the garden, frozen in a grotesque and agonizing tableau that reflects the horrible final moments of the city. It’s both incredibly interesting and unsettling at the same time.
9. House of Venus in the Shell
Another place located far away from the crowds, this house has a colorful fresco to the goddess Venus. There are also a few gardens here and a detailed statue of Mars.
The house was actually under renovation when Vesuvius erupted and was also damaged during the bombing in World War II (though it was restored in the 1950s).
10. The Amphitheater
This huge amphitheater is where the citizens of Pompeii held the ancient games that entertained them. It’s a quiet place to walk around and given its position at the far end of Pompeii, you’ll see very few people there, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours.
Built in 70 BCE, it was one of the first amphitheaters to be built of stone. Today, it is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater in existence.
11. Great Palestra
Right next to the amphitheater, the “great palace” was an exercise park and place for youth groups. It was used for sports and games, and there was also a swimming pool here as well.
It’s another great place to escape the crowds as not so many tourists make it here.
12. House of Sallustio
This is one of the oldest houses in Pompeii, with sections dating to the 4th century BCE. It was most likely an elite residence, owing to its location and size. The upper floors may have even been used as an inn at some point in its history.
There’s a small garden and covered porch in the back, a fresco of the goddess Diana, a bakery, and even a little food shop in the front. During World War II, a bomb partially destroyed the back walls, though these were restored in the 1970s.
12 Tips for Visiting Pompeii
Here are 10 super important things to remember when visiting Pompeii:
1. Watch out for closings – Not all the attractions are open, even if they say they are. I found a number of places you were supposed to be able to get into closed. They even started closing one while I was looking around. Check the hours when you arrive, since information online might not be accurate.
2. Start in the back – To avoid the crowds, move from the farthest temples toward the front. The majority of people stick to the center of Pompeii, and you can visit the main area when the crowds have gone by late afternoon.
3. Don’t do the audio guide – I bought the audio tour and found it to be a waste of time. The free book they give you includes enough information. The audio guide doesn’t explain much more.
4. Limited time? Do a guided tour – I listened to a number of guided tours while I was walking around and I was impressed with their knowledge. Plus, I like being able to ask questions that can further explain things. The guided tours simply take you to the highlights, unless you do a personal tour.
5. Bring lots of water – During the summer, it gets scorchingly hot. Bring lots of water and some sunscreen to avoid getting burnt. A hat is a good idea too.
6. Pack snacks – There are a few cafes and snack bars here, but if you wander far into the ruins, you might not be near them for a while. It’s best to bring some food with you for the day’s explorations.
7. Take the train – This is the easiest way to visit. Just make sure you go to Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri station as the main Pompeii station only takes you to the modern city.
8. Watch out for scams and pickpockets – As Pompeii is such a popular attraction (over 2.5 million people visit each year), there are many people who try to take advantage of visitors. Common scams include trying to sell fake (or overpriced) train and bus tickets or saying that the entrance is closed (but they can get you in). Also watch out for pickpockets around the entrances and train station.
9. Don’t bring a large backpack – Security likely won’t let you bring in a large rucksack, so only come with a smaller purse or day bag.
10. Choose your tour carefully – If you’re going to do a tour, do an official tour from inside the gate. There are plenty of tours offered outside of the gate, but they are much larger and not as good (though they are cheaper). I suggest going with Take Walks. I always learn a ton on their tours.
11. Wear sturdy footwear – The ruins are actually quite spread out and you’ll be on your feet all day. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes (no flip flops).
12. Buy tickets in advance – To beat the line, buy your tickets online in advance. Pompeii can get super busy, meaning long lines when they open. Avoid the hassle and get your tickets ahead of time.
How to Get to Pompeii
The train is the best way to get to Pompeii if you’re coming from Naples. To get here, catch the Sorrento Circumvesuviana train from Naples and get off at Pompeii. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs around 3.50 EUR. The site is just 5 minutes from the train station.
If you’re coming by car, it’s about a 30-minute drive. Note that there is no free parking lot for the site, though there are many paid municipal and private parking lots nearby.
Starting in 2025, the site has put restrictions on daily visitors to help preserve the site:
From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, a maximum of 15,000 admissions (subdivided into 12,000 for Pompeii express and 3,000 for Pompei +)
From 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm, a maximum of 5,000 admissions?(subdivided into 3,000 for Pompeii express and 2,000 for Pompei +)
From April 1st to October 31st, the entire site is open from 9am-7pm (last entrance at 5:30pm). From November 1-March 31, the site is open from 9am-5pm (last entry at 3:30pm). However, each individual attraction has its own opening and closing times, with last entrances starting 1-1.5 hours before closing time of the entire site. For updated hours, check pompeiisites.org.
FAQ on Visiting Pompeii
How long do you need in Pompeii? You’ll want to spend a full day here if you want to see everything. If you just want to see the main sites, 3–4 hours will suffice.
Do you have to pay to visit Pompeii? Yes! Tickets are 18 EUR per person for the basic ticket (this gets you the main sites) and 22 EUR for the comprehensive, all access ticket.
Should I book a guided tour? If you don’t have a guidebook or if you want a deeper, more insightful visit then getting a guide is a good idea. There is minimal signage here so you’ll get much more from your visit if you have a guide.
You can either book a guide on arrival (you’ll see a bunch hanging around the entrance) or go with a reputable company like Take Walks. They have a comprehensive and informative 3-hour tour of the site as well as a full-day tour that includes Pompeii and a drive along the Amalfi Coast. Tickets are 59 EUR for the three-hour tour and 189 EUR for the full-day tour (including tickets that let you skip the line).
Do you need to book tickets in advance for Pompeii? Tickets can be bought online in advance, which includes access to Pompeii, Oplontis, and Boscoreale. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or public holiday, you must book online in advance.
How many tourists visit Pompeii each year? Pompeii is one of the most popular attractions in Italy, bringing in over 2.5 million tourists each year. It gets busy!
When should I visit Pompeii? The summer offers the best weather, but it is also incredibly hot and busy. Consider visiting in the shoulder season (May or October) in order to beat the crowds and also have cooler weather. But if you are going to visit in the summer, bring sunscreen as the site is very exposed to the sun.
Where to Stay in Pompeii
Pompeii is located near Naples, which is the best place to base yourself for your visit. There are plenty of accommodation options in the city, from hostels to hotels, so you’ll be able to find something that fits your budget. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
Hostel of the Sun – This laid-back, social hostel is conveniently located in the city center, making it the best choice for budget travelers. It has a cozy and colorful common area, and the staff are incredibly welcoming. The homey atmosphere makes it feel like you’re staying at a friend’s place.
Villa Margherita – While the rooms in this three-star hotel are a bit small, they are very comfortable. The location is great too, but the real highlight is the delicious fresh pastries on offer each morning (served with amazing coffee). If you want great service at an affordable price, this is the hotel for you.
Palazzo Alabardieri – If you want to splash out, this four-star hotel boasts a massive, ornate lobby and spacious rooms decorated with relaxing pastel colors. Located in a former cloister, the rooms have AC (a must in the summer), free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, and there’s a bar on-site should you want to relax with a drink after a day of exploring. It’s in a great neighborhood too.
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In the time I was there, I barely scratched the surface of Pompeii — and I filled a whole day! One day, I’d love to go back and visit all the buildings I missed. But then again, I’m a history geek and could spend days upon days among ruins. If you don’t live and breathe history as I do, one day would be enough to see the highlights.
Make sure you move away from the city center to see some of the lesser-known and less crowded sites. Walking among the ruins is an eerie but beautiful feeling.
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Nature has long served as a blueprint for scientific and technological progress—a field known as biomimetics or biomimicry. A recent breakthrough from Finland exemplifies this approach: a team of researchers has devised a method to replicate the intricate microarchitecture of tree leaves and apply it to the fabrication of flexible electronic components. This technique not only enhances device functionality but also points toward more energy-efficient and sustainable production methods.
In this article you will learn about:
Natural fractals: the blueprint lies in the leaves
Tree leaves are characterised by fractal geometries—repeating patterns across scales that maximise efficiency in processes such as nutrient transport and light capture. Drawing on this natural optimisation, the researchers used dried Ficus religiosa leaves as biotemplates. By coating them with various materials and lifting the imprint like a decal, they achieved microstructural replication with over 90% fidelity.
This approach enables the direct transfer of complex biological architectures onto flexible substrates, marking a significant step forward in the field of soft electronics and biomimetic design.
Functional benefits of biomimetic surfaces
The replicated leaf-inspired surfaces offer multiple advantages for the next generation of flexible electronics:
Enhanced surface area with maintained flexibility: The hierarchical architecture increases the available surface without compromising the material’s ability to bend or stretch.
Improved electrical performance: These natural patterns promote efficient charge transport, mechanical responsiveness, and energy dissipation, ultimately boosting device durability and reliability.
Wider applicability: The technique lends itself to emerging technologies such as wearable sensors, transparent conductors, and artificial skins for robotic and prosthetic systems.
Real-world use: pressure sensors and artificial touch
One of the most immediate applications lies in the development of ultra-thin pressure sensors. In a proof-of-concept experiment, researchers integrated one such sensor into a robotic fingertip, allowing it to detect physical contact and respond to stimuli in a way that mimics tactile sensing.
This technology could be adapted for use in smart prosthetics to improve environmental interaction, or in wearables capable of real-time motion tracking and physiological monitoring.
Sustainable and scalable: advantages over conventional methods
Unlike artificial methods such as origami or kirigami that engineer fractal structures manually, this biomimetic strategy leverages pre-optimised natural patterns. The process also eliminates the need for sterile cleanroom environments and resource-intensive fabrication, cutting down on energy use and environmental impact.
Because the leaf skeletons are inherently fragile and non-elastic, the replicated patterns are transferred onto more robust materials such as nylon. This step preserves the functional structure while enhancing durability and flexibility—crucial for scaling up production and ensuring long-term mechanical integrity.
Moreover, by incorporating bio-based polymers and alternative conductive materials in place of rare or non-renewable metals, the process further reduces its environmental footprint.
Looking ahead
The research was carried out by the “Materials for Flexible Devices” group at the University of Turku, which focuses on nanomaterials, bio-inspired system design, and microfabrication techniques tailored to soft electronics.
Their work aims to bridge the adaptive intelligence of nature with the material versatility of modern engineering. This biomimetic fabrication method not only opens up new possibilities for device performance but also invites a fundamental rethinking of manufacturing—less like an assembly line, and more like an evolving ecosystem.
To stay up to date with advances in technologies like flexible electronics, subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page.
new video loaded: U.N. Condemns Israeli-Backed Aid Distribution Program in Gaza
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U.N. Condemns Israeli-Backed Aid Distribution Program in Gaza
United Nations officials said that the new system, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, violated humanitarian principles by requiring many Palestinians to travel miles to obtain aid.
We have seen yesterday the shocking images of hungry people pushing against fences, desperate for food. It was chaotic, undignified and unsafe. We used to have, before, 400 distribution places in Gaza. So it’s also a way to incite people to be forcibly displaced to get humanitarian assistance.
The California Gold Rush changed the country forever. 300,000 people came from across the US and every corner of the world to strike it rich. Dozens of towns sprang up overnight in what was once the backwaters of Mexico, sparsely populated with Native Americans. While the 1849 Gold Rush had terrible consequences for the indigenous people, a fact that can’t be overstated, The Rush is what gave California its foundation as the most diverse state in the country, its entrepreneurial spirit, and its love of adventure.
To get back to California’s Wild West roots and many of my favorite places as a Cali kid, we took a three-week Gold Country road trip! CA Highway 49 winds through the Sierra Nevadas, connecting dozens of 19th-century Gold Rush towns from Yosemite National Park to north of Lake Tahoe. So in addition to historic sites, this route serves up gorgeous mountains, raging rivers, alpine lakes, and wine country for a trip that’s got it all!
See our guide for the best things to do in Gold Country and get ready for one of California’s greatest road trips.
Gold Country California Map & Road
Gold Country is a huge region of Central and Northern California, running through ten counties (Madera, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Amador, Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, and Sierra). While these are all incredible regions worth exploring (we fell hard for Mariposa on a previous vacation), for this trip, we honed in on Tuolumne, Calaveras, El Dorado, and Placer. We moved from south to north along Highway 49…a bucolic two-lane highway that winds under oak trees, over rivers, and rarely sees a chain business. We added some adventurous side trips into the High Sierras along the National Scenic Byway of Ebbetts Pass and Highway 108 into the Emigrant Wilderness. While we didn’t go to Lake Tahoe on this itinerary, it’s an easy and fabulous addition. If you’re flying into Gold Country, Sacramento International Airport is the best place to start your road trip, but if San Francisco is more in your flow, that’s just two hours from the heart of Highway 49.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY
First stop…Tuolumne County! While it’s most famous for Yosemite, we were blown away by the surrounding nature that few see, like the Emigrant Wilderness and Stanislaus National Forest…which have that same national park beauty without the crowds! We loved that this county takes its role in Gold Rush history seriously, preserving its most iconic places as living museums and state parks over tourist traps. During our four days here, we totally got into the Western spirit, from riding shotgun on a 19th-century stagecoach in Columbia to horseback riding with Kennedy Meadows Pack Station…and hope you do too!
Best Things to Do in Tuolumne
Explore Main Street Sonora
As the Queen of the Southern Mines, Sonora has been the Tuolumne county seat since 1851. A delightful mix of grand old mansions and dusty saloons, this town is worth a good wander. Along Main Street (aka Highway 49), pop into cute indie shops like American Buffalo Trading and Legends Books, Antiques, & Soda Fountain. Walk up the hill to the charming wooden “Red Church” for great views over town, then explore the backstreets to see the grand homes and County Superior Court, and kick up your boots with a drink at the historic Serventes Saloon.
Go Back in Time at Columbia State Historic Park
With the help of its state park status, Columbia is arguably the best-preserved California Gold Rush town. They kept the dirt streets, wooden plank sidewalks, false-front buildings, and businesses true to the era (without the commercialized crap!) Start your morning with a ranger tour to learn what life was like in the 1850s and get special access to historic buildings like an original Wells Fargo Bank and a miner’s mercantile. Don’t miss 19th-century inspired shops like the generations-old Nelson’s Candy Kitchen, Towle & Leavitt “fancy goods,” the candlepin bowling alley, and Kamice’s Photographic Studio. We made a special stop at Kamice’s to recreate a photo that I took in Columbia with my buddy when we were 8-years old. Between my game-for-anything husband and Kamice’s talented team of costume designers and graphic artists, we created a portrait that’s as creepy as it is comical.
Tip: Try to come to Columbia State Historic Park on a weekend, when most of the special events take place…like ranger tours and 19th-century stagecoach rides! Check Sierra Repertory Theater’s schedule for the latest plays at the historic Fallon House….we were super impressed with their performance of Route 66!
Ride the Rails at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
When the railroads connected Gold Country, the area was running on all cylinders, seamlessly moving ore and people between the cities and the diggings. Though, as the Gold Rush was coming to a close, it was Hollywood’s nostalgia for the era that kept Jamestown station in continuous operation. Dubbed the “Movie Railroad,” Railtown 1897 Historic Park has set the stage for upwards of 300 films (East of Eden, Back to the Future III, Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, and more!). During our visit, a crew was even filming the new Sherlock Holmes! Today, you can still ride the rails and visit the roundhouse full of century-old trains, the original machine shop, and their impressive museum. Check Railtown’s calendar for special events and themed rides like the Polar Express.
Horseback Riding Kennedy Meadows
We’re not big on horseback riding, but we could tell Kennedy Meadows Pack Station was a special place and the best way to experience the Emigrant Wilderness in a day. Outfitting trips into the Sierras since 1917 and carrying on that tradition for generations, Kennedy Meadows is the real deal. We joined their seasoned guide and hearty horses for a ride on the Huckleberry Trail into the raw Emigrant Wilderness, only accessible to horseback riders and hikers. Riding between the granite peaks, along sheer cliffs, and the raging Summit Creek, this was one of the wildest and most scenic rides we’ve ever done! Don’t miss the video above.
Drive Scenic Highway 108
We had no idea how gorgeous the drive to Kennedy Meadows would be and wound up making so many unexpected and fantastic stops along the way. Stop at Donnell Vista for a short hike and incredible views across the river valley, the Columns of the Giants for unique volcanic formations, and swim or kayak at the popular Pinecrest Lake. If your car can handle the 20% grade to reach Sonora Pass, the second-highest road in California at 9,624 feet, it is supposed to be stunning!
Where to Eat & Drink in Tuolumne County
Eproson House
Set in Twain Harte’s old post office and former home of the town fire chief, Eproson House has been renovated into a fantastic restaurant and bar. They serve upscale dining until 8pm and keep the bar rollicking until midnight. We came for dinner on the patio, then stayed for a fun karaoke night with a dozen new friends.
Emberz
This is a locals’ favorite right on the Sonora main street. With wood-fired ovens roaring and cocktails shaking, Emberz has a lively atmosphere and quality, casual fare (think organic and locally sourced ingredients).
Nature’s Whole Food Depot
What was once the town of Standard’s 1897 train depot is now an excellent health food store with a delish smoothie- and acai bowl bar. Their thoughtfully curated selection makes it the best place to provision for picnics and road trip snacks, particularly for anyone with dietary restrictions!
St. Charles Saloon
One of oldest saloons in Columbia (est. 1858), St. Charles has kept its Wild West ambiance and updated the menu with the best pizzas in town. The people-watching is amazing here!
Sitting high above Sonora town, this 1920s mansion of the influential Segerstrom family has been meticulously restored over a seven-year renovation. Think mahogany banisters, crystal chandeliers, and hand-painted wallpaper. Each room is named after their famous guests, from President Hoover to Helen Keller, and lavishly decorated. Innkeeper Rhonda’s incredible multi-course breakfast, set with fine china around the grand dining table, is reason enough to book!
This AAA Four Diamond B&B in the town of Twain Harte is a charmer. The McCaffreys make you feel like family in their three-story mountain home, with pots of help-yourself coffee in the mornings and wine hour in the evenings. Book a room on the top floor for balconies and views that make you feel like you’re in a treehouse.
More than a packstation, Kennedy Meadows has rustic cabins, an old-fashioned saloon, a beloved restaurant, and an extensive activity program for a full-service stay in the woods. Camping is also available.
CALAVERAS COUNTY
Ever heard of Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”? This short story brought this great American author and county to fame. Why I know it so well is because every summer from age 8-14 I came here with my best friend and her grandparents for unforgettable Sierra Nevada adventures. Flash forward two decades, and it’s been so much fun revisiting my special spots and discovering how much more there is to do as a big kid! The county is home to over 35 wineries, a leading NorCal concert venue, and so much talent from the artists to the chefs.
Driving into Angel’s Camp (where Twain’s famed story took place), frog statues, paintings, and insignia let you know you’ve arrived. The town even hosts an annual Frog Jumping Jubilee every May and celebrates the biggest jumpers on their walk of fame. Its origins are, of course, as a Gold Rush town, with 1860s mercantiles still standing strong on Main Street and 200 miles of mining tunnels below the streets. Be sure to visit the Angel’s Camp Museum for a deep dive into the county’s history with fantastic exhibits on everything from the Young Samuel Clemens to the most impressive collection of stagecoaches and covered wagons we’ve ever seen.
As a kid, we always went to Calaveras’ Mercer Caverns and never realized that just seven miles down the road is California’s largest single cave chamber! Getting down to see Moaning Caverns is half the fun, starting with a ladder and ending in a 100-foot-tall spiral staircase made from a WWI ship! Miners abandoned the cave when gold didn’t pan out, but tourism entrepreneurs saw its potential and reopened it in 1920 as a show cave to appreciate its striking formations. Take the classic hour-long tour or embark on a half-day hardhat expedition, complete with rope descents and belly crawls.
Tip: Book a tour in the heat of the day for the coolest thing to do in Calaveras and make reservations ahead, tours fill up.
Winery Hop on Murphys Main Street
The town of Murphys is named after two of the Gold Rush’s smartest miners. When the pair of Irish brothers struck it big, they didn’t double down; they left town with their millions and legacy intact. Eventually, Murphys town gave up mining, but it found new gold in its grapes. They have capitalized on the area’s bounty of vineyards, and Main Street is now home to two dozen tasting rooms! Newsome Harlow is one of the oldest and best in town, serving bold zins and laid-back vibes. Jazz Cellars is not just great for wine but also an impressive Saturday concert series, while Allegorie’s location in a 167-year-old apothecary makes it one of the most charming.
Enjoy Ironstone Vineyards & Amphitheater
The biggest vineyard in Calaveras, Ironstone Vineyards, is a world unto itself. Take the Estate Tour to explore its 1,100-acre grounds with its network of wine caves, manicured gardens, major amphitheater, Alhambra ballroom and its 1,000-pipe organ, and the Heritage Museum, which houses the largest gold leaf specimen in the world! (FYI, the Kautz family outbid the Louvre to keep it in Gold Country where it belongs!). To round out your Ironstone and Calaveras wine country experience, you have to see a concert at Ironstone Amphitheater. Huge acts grace the stage, from Steve Miller, Cake, and Robert Plant to Brad Paisley (whom we got to see!) Listening to a country legend, drinking great wine, dancing with the grass between our toes, and singing along with 7,000 fans was a blast!
Watch the video compilation of the show and our favorite Brad Paisley song, “Same Here” (above).
Mountain Bike the Arnold Rim Trail
Attention mountain bikers, you’ve gotta ride the Arnold Rim Trail! Winding through the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Mountains and Stanislaus National Forest, it moves from perfect single track to sculpted berms and big vistas. We rode 16 miles with 2,333 feet of elevation gain (yay for Bear Valley Bicycles turbo e-bikes!) and had a freaking blast. The Arnold Rim Trail is a community-built labor of love that’s been in the works since 2007, with plans to make it a 35-mile biker and hiker heaven. Watch this ride (above) and saddle up!
Play Around at White Pines Lake
This is the gorgeous lake where I would spend every single summer! My best friend’s great-grandpa built a cabin here when White Pines started as a mill town in 1938…and five generations later, their family and friends are still enjoying it! That once hard-working lake is now fantastic for recreation, with non-motorized boats, rope swings, a forested disc golf course, and the impressive Sierra Nevada Logging Museum with history and artifacts from around Gold Country.
Tip: The Logging Museum has limited hours, but the outdoor exhibit is always open to the public and a great way to enhance your day at the lake. If you are coming to Calaveras around Labor Day, don’t miss the classic Sierra Nevada Logging Jamboree!
Hike Calaveras Big Trees State Park
There is nothing like standing before the largest trees in the world, particularly Calaveras’ groves of Giant Sequoias, where these living fossils were brought to international attention. In 1852, a miner chasing an injured bear deep into the forest found a 300-feet-tall tree with a base 83-feet around. He started telling everyone about it, and people from around the world clamored to see the giants. As a result, the state park’s North Grove is considered to be California’s longest-running tourist attraction. For even more sequoias (over 1,000!), take the 5-mile trail into the serene and dense South Grove.
Drive Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway to the Alpine Lakes
Starting in Arnold, this national scenic byway is engulfed in glacially carved valleys, granite outcroppings, basalt columns, ancient volcanic peaks, deep river canyons, thick forests, Giant Sequoias, hot mineral pools, and pristine lakes. Alpine Lake is the easiest to access and has a great lodge and restaurant to kick back and enjoy the views. We went the more adventurous route and camped on Lake Union with our kayak in tow. Waking up at sunrise and paddling the glassy waters among the rock islands was one of our favorite parts of the trip!
In addition to the wine-tasting rooms mentioned above, we’ve got another libation station you need to try…Hinterhaus. This distillery in Arnold is racking up awards with their South Grove Gin, earning a double gold in Sunset Magazine International Spirit Competition, their Warming Hut holiday blend scoring the American Craft Spirits Innovation Award, and dozens more. Plus, it’s run by the adorable Randall family, with its father-son brewing team and mom who’s hostess-with-the-mostess. For those who don’t love sipping straight liquor, we can highly recommend their cocktail flight, with cute paper umbrellas and fruit to boot!
Pickled Porch
An Angel’s Camp favorite for breakfast and lunch. In a vine-covered house, you order inside and dine on the wooden porch. Great for soups, sandwiches, salads, and down-home character.
V Restaurant
This female- and locally-owned business is arguably the nicest restaurant in Calaveras County without being too stuffy! European-inspired American fare is served in casual bistro-style midweek and as an upscale dining experience on weekends.
While the 1970s isn’t particularly old for a Gold Country saloon, the Lube Room’s vintage Western decor, good grub, draft beers, and cowboy attitude make it a real deal watering hole. Plus, this Dorrington outpost is hip to the times with a great backyard of lawn games and a weekly music lineup. Check out their website for upcoming bands, plus the ski report and fishing report!
Where to Stay in Calaveras County
Three Bridges on Love Creek
You know we’re obsessed with glamping, right? So, when it comes to the cabin category, this one is out of the storybooks! In a secluded forest, a series of wooden bridges bring you over the creek to your cabin, yoga deck, and chill spaces in the trees. Over the course of six years, the owner Desiree (a fascinating woman of German and Mexican descent) has renovated the 1930s cabin and decorated it with chic antiques from her global travels. Plus, there are four glamping tent sites, and a vintage teardrop camper spread about the forest. Can’t recommend this place highly enough for a romantic getaway in Calaveras County!
Murphys Hotel
Built in 1856, this stone building, adorned with bougainvillea, iron shutters, wagon wheel fountains, a glorious patio, and a raucous saloon, is a registered National Historic Landmark and the place to be in Murphys. Rooms have kept their old-time charm with four-poster beds and period wallpaper. More modern rooms surround the old hotel, but we vote for the original…if it was good enough for guests like J.P. Morgan, President Grant, and William Randolf Hearst, it’s good enough for us!
EL DORADO COUNTY
Where did the Gold Rush actually start? The town of Coloma in El Dorado County. Home to Sutter’s Mill and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, this is where our gold fever really set in. Thinking about the thousands of people from around the world who flocked to these river banks, we too felt inspired to gold pan here! Though, like us and most 49ers, few got rich on gold. Even James Marshall, the nugget-finder himself, found farming to be more lucrative, and today, El Dorado County is equally known for its agriculture. Apple Hill is a fantastic community of 50+ local farms offering idyllic countryside experiences. Adding to the whimsy of this place, we stayed at a historic cabin on a Christmas tree farm to launch our El Dorado adventures. These are our favorites…
Across from Sutter’s Mill in Coloma is one of the most comprehensive history museums in California’s Gold Country, plus the historical context of the place can’t be beaten. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park is also working hard to address the marginalized history of the Nisenan, Maidu, and Miwok native people who had a thriving culture here for 6,000 years, were the true discoverers of California gold, and the innocent victims of the Gold Rush. To honor their memory, be sure to visit the Nisenan Village site and support native businesses whenever possible.
Go Gold Panning
Take a panning lesson at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP (their rangers are champion panners!), then take to the river banks. They say at least 80% of the gold is still left in the hills, so it is entirely possible to find gold! Even though we could have chosen a more remote spot (i.e. not the one where thousands of 49ers panned), we loved being on Sutter’s gorgeous section of the South Fork and feeling the history of this place. No matter what you find, spending a day in the American River looking for treasure offers a quintessential Gold Country experience.
Shop Old Town Placerville
The first big town and transit hub to spring up from the gold strike of Sutter’s Mill, Placerville is still the county seat. Historically called Hangtown for its swift and severe sentences for those who broke the law, it’s come to be a friendly and artsy town! Nineteenth-century buildings now have nicely curated boutiques and galleries like Brass and Oak Home, Empire Antiques, Panic & Swoon, and Creekside Studio. The Placerville Hardware Store will thankfully never change…it’s the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi, with library ladders to reach the wooden drawers filled with every nut and bolt imaginable.
Tip: At the Placerville Hardware store, ask to see the “Raccoon Tomb” below the floorboards for a good laugh, and keep your eye out for more Easter eggs…the owners are such jokesters!
Explore Gold Bug Mine
Right outside of downtown Placerville is a great example of California Gold Country’s “neighborhood mines” that dotted the Sierra foothills. These were claims shared by a handful of independent miners making the most of basic tools and hard labor. Get an audio guide for a cheeky narrated tour and a rare chance to walk through a mine alone. With your ticket, you can also see the working stamp mill and blacksmith, who may just make you a nail ring for a souvenir.
As much a state of mind as a region, Apple Hill is made of 50 family-owned farms committed to preserving and sharing their agricultural traditions. When a blight in the 1960s devastated the area’s pear orchards, they came up with a way to think beyond their main crop and individual businesses to create a stronger community and an idyllic destination. Today, Apple Hill has grown to include a wide variety of fruit & vegetable farms, bakeshops, wineries, flower fields, and Christmas tree farms. We adored 24 Carrot Farms for their u-pick (thornless!) berries, certified organic farm stand, and community garden that feeds over 70 families! Hidden Star Orchards totally surprised us with their 20+ ciders on draft, which were doppelgängers for a wide range of cocktails and wines. Oenophiles need to visit Delfino Farms’ Edio Vineyards (more on that below). If you’re short on time but want to try a bit of it all, Boa Vista Orchards offers tons of samples, homemade goods, and picnic tables with beautiful mountain views.
See a Concert at Folk on the Farm
Founded by the genius who started Apple Hill Growers, Delfino Farms is a wonderful example of how generational farms can innovate. The Delfino grandkids grew up working on the farm and went off to college to pursue various careers, but in 2017 decided to band together to run the farm in the most fun way possible…starting a winery, building a modern tasting room, updating grandma’s bakery, and starting an epic concert series…Folk on the Farm! Using their vineyard hillside with sweeping views, they’ve created an outdoor music venue with cafe lights, food trucks, wine bars, and emerging talent. We saw Clay Street Unit and literally danced all night long, and I can’t stop playing their music.
Volunteer at Wakamatsu Farm
El Dorado was full of surprises, including Wakamatsu Farm…the site of the first Japanese Colony in the USA and the birthplace of the first Japanese-American. The former tea and silk farm from 1869 is now run by the American River Conservancy as a dynamic cultural center with a Japanese Tea house, native garden, a museum to the early settlers, and an events space hosting everything from concerts to fishing nights on the pond. At HoneyTrek, we always like to give back to the communities we visit, so when we heard about Wakamatsu Workdays, we were thrilled to join their latest project. The courtyard that hosts many of their concerts needed a more polished Japanese aesthetic, so we built a rock garden alongside their awesome volunteer crew! See their events calendar for how you can get involved at Wakamatsu and with the American River Conservancy’s many dynamic projects to protect the American River and upper Cosumnes River watersheds for future generations.
Where to Eat in El Dorado County
Argonaut Farm to Fork Cafe
On the main street of Coloma, this historic building and cafe is great for a healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack to fuel your day at the Marshall Gold Discovery SHP and gold panning.
Smith Flat House
Stagecoach stop, hotel, mine entrance, and voting precinct, the Smith Flat House has been many things since 1853. Today, it’s one of El Dorado’s most beloved upscale eateries, regularly hosting live entertainment.
Bricks
Great neighborhood joint with American fare and a proper bar. Love that they have a Buddy Board, where patrons can pay it forward and buy drinks for an unsung hero or friend who deserves a shout-out. We bought a cocktail for the next Placerville preservationist who walks through the door.
We love a good co-op and Placerville’s happens to be excellent, with their community-owned and locally-grown offerings. We loved Placerville Food Co-op’s made-to-order wraps and homemade soups.
One of the most unique and atmospheric restaurants in Gold Country, this fairy-inspired restaurant is set under the boughs of a twinkling tree on Placerville’s main street. Adding to the whimsy, they give every guest a light-up floral crown and often have live traditional Irish music. It’s not for everyone but adored by many…especially Game of Thrones fans, children of any age, and plant-based diners like us!
Known as the Jewel of Placerville, the Cary House is as historic as it gets in Gold Country, with antiques dating back to 1857 and countless stories to tell (the 4th-floor addition was paid for with gold flecks found between the floorboards!) Everyone from Buffalo Bill to Elvis has stayed here, with a hand-written guestbook in the lobby to prove it. While it might not be as shiny new as it once was, its main street location and legacy make it worth a stay.
Set on a family-owned Christmas Tree farm in a miner’s cabin from 1937, this is a perfect place to stay in Apple Hill. The owners did a fabulous renovation on the interior, and its massive deck and backyard make it feel wide open and blissfully private.
PLACER COUNTY
Our jaws dropped as we crossed the Placer County line. The confluence of the American River sends rapids through the canyon and under the tallest bridge in California for a dramatic entrance. A few miles later, we reached Auburn…the county seat and one of the most unique towns in Gold Country. You can see it from a mile away with the courthouse’s golden Renaissance Revival dome high in the sky; from there, you have the choice of visiting their two charming 19th-century downtowns. Not just resting on its laurels as a California Historical Landmark, Auburn has embraced its location in the Sierra Nevadas and love of a good challenge to become the “Endurance Capital of the World,” regularly hosting some of the most historic and hardcore races (like the Western States 100-Mile Run!). No matter if you’re an extreme athlete or not, there are plenty of adventures to tap into, from rafting the Middle Fork of the American River to sipping your way down the Placer Wine & Ale Trail.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about Placer County was its wine country. When the 1849 Gold Rush brought people from around the world, many Europeans brought along their craft of winemaking. By the 1860s, there were more vineyards in Placer County than Sonoma and Napa combined! And while those famous wine regions may dominate the spotlight today, Placer’s vineyards are some of the most awarded in North America, and their craft beer scene is making headlines with their farm-to-glass breweries growing their own ingredients for the freshest beers on tap.
Best Things to Do in Placer County
History Crash Course at Placer County Museum
On the first floor of Auburn’s beautiful courthouse, this museum offers a great overview of the county, with Native American artifacts, a clear bank vault with an impressive gold collection, a 19th-century Sheriff’s office with original “Wanted” signs for bandits, and more. Don’t be shy and talk to the volunteer guides; they are so friendly and knowledgeable!
Wander Old Town Auburn
With its hilly topography to its eclectic architecture, this might be the most charming town in Gold Country. Wander under the covered wooden walkways and stairwells, admire the cute red-striped firehouse, take a statue selfie with miner Claude Chana, who put Auburn on the map, get outfitted like a true cowboy at the Used Saddle Connection, and see the artists at work at the Metal Arts Academy or even sign up for a class!
With 23 boutique wineries, 21 craft breweries, a cidery, and a distillery, Placer County decided to connect the dots with the Wine & Ale Trail. Get the Sips & Suds Passport for $40, which comes with $150 worth of specials and tastings. Love that the passport is good for three months, but if you only have a day, head to Paza’s Wine Shed, Fowler Ranch (an 1880s homestead turned farm brewery), Casque Wines on The Flower Farm pond, and Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewery for bands and a lively scene.
Vintner and Doctor Lee Grover started by saying, “Ever been on a wine tour?” We all nodded, and he responded, “This won’t be like that.” As we moved from the barrel room to the vines, he proceeded to pull back the curtain on the wine award system, the differences between European and American wines (the US’s have a lot more alcohol), wine chemistry 101, and what it takes to be a Certified California Sustainable Winery. The tour ends with a tasting and gourmet lunch from their on-site restaurant. The vineyard was so pretty we decided to take our meal outside at a trellised table overlooking the vines.
Derelict storage sheds, from Loomis’ days as California’s epicenter of fruit growing, are no longer housing produce but a multi-faceted space of makers. Wander their beautiful nursery, dine in their glass conservatory cafe, browse the art gallery and artisan shops, sip a pint at their depot-inspired brewery, and catch a show at their music venue.
One of California’s greatest river rafting adventures is undoubtedly The Middle Fork of the American. Set 2,000 feet deep in a canyon of the Tahoe National Forest, this river is stunning and bursting with Class IV rapids. There’s even a Class VI rapid, so gnarly the boat gets hurled over the 30-foot waterfall, and the guides have to catch it at the bottom! We set out with All-Outdoors Rafting, the OG and family-owned company running this river for over 60 years. They took the fun up a notch with their masterful navigation, stops for slot canyon hikes, cliff jumps, and a yummy picnic lunch. Watch the video above and feel the rush.
This unsuspecting taqueria in a Roseville strip mall earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand! Started by a cool young couple from Monterey, Mexico, they specialize in an ancient style of tortilla-making where the corn is treated with lime, cooked, and then ground. They had six vegan tacos on the menu…so we ordered them all!
So glad we found this plant-based restaurant in the new town of Auburn. Eating in their cheery dining room, we thoroughly enjoyed the Jerk Sweet Potato Bowl and Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and want to come back to try their Stuffed Avocado and Tempeh Ruben.
A craft coffee and beer bar with 28 taps, pulling everything from nitro cold brew to IPAs, this place has your pick-me-up of choice. Love the community vibe with weekly events, chill spaces, and artsy decor. Drinking a cold brew here left a frothy mustache smile on my face.
Stay in the farmhouse from 1905 or their charming cottages among the orchards, ponds, and grape vines. The Flower Farm has a fantastic cafe (get the veggie breakfast burrito!), an adorable boutique, and a winery for a stay that puts you in the center of the Placer Wine Trail. Plus, the owners, Annie & John, are so sweet and adventurers after our own hearts.
High up in Foresthill and perfectly situated next to AO Rafting, these updated 1920s logging cabins used to move from camp to camp on skids and have found new life as chic tiny houses. Ours came with a kitchenette, but their outdoor kitchen set-up was so cool we opted to grill out and play cornhole as we cooked each night.
Gold Country: The Missing Piece of a Great California Road Trip
After road-tripping Gold Country for three weeks, we were amazed at how much there was to see and do. So many people look to the Pacific Coast Highway for their epic road trip, but adding Highway 49 to the route, experiencing the beauty of the Sierras, history of the Gold Rush towns, lesser-known wine regions, and all the creative communities…a true California road trip would not be complete without it!
Many thanks to Visit Gold County for inviting us to explore this incredible region and for supporting our content creation.
Elite field hockey summer league for current, graduated, and incoming college athletes. A U19 rostered club player (in any area Club) is welcome to play in this league even if they are a junior or sophomore in HS.
***NCAA Compliance: No more than 5 teammates from any one college team can be rostered on the same team***
Teams consist of at LEAST 18 players. Each team is guaranteed 6 FULL regulation games
Start Date: June 3, 2025 End Date: July 31, 2025
Games will be played on Tuesdays or Thursdays evenings Game Times: 6:30pm & 8:30pm
Field Player Registration Fee: $180 GK Registration Fee: $100
Teams can be formed prior to registration or individuals can register and be placed on a team.
Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water.
In the beginning, you’ll make a lot of travel mistakes.But I want to help speed up the process and help you avoid my mistakes (and I often make a lot of them), so I put together this giant list of my best travel tips that cover everything under the sun to help you reach your full travel ninja potential.
I’ve learned these tips over almost twenty years of being a nomad.
These tips for traveling will have you saving money, sleeping better, getting off the beaten path more, meeting locals, and just being a better traveler.
So, without further ado, here are the best 61 travel tips in the world:
1. Always pack a towel. It’s the key to successful galactic hitchhiking — and plain common sense. You never know when you will need it, whether it’s at the beach, on a picnic, or just to dry off after a shower. While many hostels offer towels, you never know if they will or not, and carrying a small towel won’t add that much weight to your bag.
Make sure it’s a lightweight, quick-drying towel since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Dry Fox travel towels are my favorite (use the code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase)!
2. Use a small backpack/suitcase. By purchasing a small backpack (I like something around 35–45 liters), you will be forced to pack light and avoid carrying too much stuff. Humans have a natural tendency to want to fill space. Even if you pack light initially but have lots of extra room in your bag, you’ll end up going, “Well, I guess I can take more” and fill that space.”
The same rule applies to suitcases. Don’t take a huge suitcase because they are a pain in the butt to lug around, especially if you’re traveling long term (short term, not so much). I like Level 8 suitcases. They are durable, quite spacious, nicely designed, and well-priced (luggage can be pretty damn expensive). Plus, they have a TSA lock built into the zipper. You can click here to learn more and buy one.
I also recommend packing cubes, which are essential if you’re going to be living out of a backpack for a few weeks (or months), or you just want to keep your suitcase better organized. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. They’re great for making it easy to find everything in your backpack or suitcase.
3. Pack light. Write down a list of essentials, cut it in half, and then only pack that! Plus, since you bought a small backpack like I said above, you won’t have much room for extra stuff anyways! Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. It’s OK to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row.
I love Unbound Merino, as their travel clothing can be worn daily for weeks without getting smelly. They are super light and they look stylish too. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever! (I wrote a review of the company here.)
But bring extra socks! You’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. Take a few more than you need. Trust me on this.
4. Stay in hostels. They are cheap, organize events, you’ll meet a lot of people, and they are just tons of fun! Plus, hostel bars sell cheap beer. Hostelworld is the best hostel-accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and highest availability. I use it for all my hostel bookings.
If you’re planning on backpacking Europe, it’s worth getting HostelPass, a card that gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money, and they’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and so I’m glad it finally exists. Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off.
5. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you Disasters happen and things get stolen or compromised. I once had a card duplicated and a freeze put on it. I couldn’t use it for the rest of my trip. I was very happy I had a backup. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds. This happened to a friend once and they had to borrow money from me for weeks while they waited for their new card to arrive. Here are some helpful articles on banking:
6. Make sure to use no-fee bank and credit cards. Don’t give banks your hard-earned money. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your travels. Get a credit card and debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee. Over the course of a long trip, the few dollars they take every time will really add up! This article will tell you how to do that.
7. Don’t always fly direct. When booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly to airports close to your final destination, and then take a train, bus, or budget airline to your final destination. To use this method, find out how much it is to go directly to your destination. Then, look at prices to nearby airports. If the difference is more than $150 USD, I look to see how much it is to get from the second airport to my primary destination.
My favorite flight search engine is Skyscanner. This is my go-to website for finding cheap flights. It searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss.
8. Travel by yourself at least once. Solo travel teaches independence and confidence. It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Traveling solo taught me how to fend for myself, talk to people, and handle unfamiliar situations with ease. It can take some getting used to if you’ve never done it before but do it at least once. Make yourself uncomfortable and surprise yourself. You’ll learn valuable life skills when you push yourself! Here are some helpful articles on solo travel:
9. Always visit the local tourism information center. This is probably one of the most underused travel tips in the world. Tourism information centers know about everything going on in town. They can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between. They even offer discounts on attractions and transportation. It is their job to help you experience the destination better. They are staffed by locals who can tell you all the ins and outs of their city and where to eat or drink that aren’t filled with tourists.
Plus, they often offer city tourism cards that can get you into multiple attractions for one set price, saving you a lot of money if you are going to do a lot of sightseeing.
10. Take free walking tours. Besides being free, these tours will give you a good orientation and background of the city you are visiting. I love, love, love taking walking tours when I travel. You pass the time, you get to pepper the guide with questions, and you get to learn so much about where you are. And, in the last few years, they have exploded in popularity and now most cities around the world have one!
If you’re looking for paid tours, Walks is one of my favorite paid walking tour companies, offering in-depth history and cultural tours in cities around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours also tend to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access you can’t get elsewhere. For fellow foodies, Devour Food Tours has all kinds of amazing food tours around Europe.
You can also use Get Your Guide to find plenty of unique day tours.
11. Don’t be afraid to use a map. Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to use a map or ask for directions and look like a tourist. After all, you are one!
12. But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost. Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps. Travel is the art of discovery and you never know what cool little spot you’ll come across.
13. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there. Hostel staff deal with budget travelers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it.
14. Sign up for flight deals. When it comes to travel, your flight(s) will likely be your biggest expense. Save money by signing up for flight deal websites. You’ll get epic flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you time and money. Also be sure to sign up for airline newsletters, since that is where they will announce their sales first.
The best websites for finding travel deals are:
15. When you go out, take only what you need. Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you when you go out, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. My rule for cash is to limit what I carry to $50 USD.
16. Always carry a lock. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms. Most hostels use lockers, so budget travelers need to provide their own travel lock to keep stuff secured. While you can usually rent or buy them at hostels, it’s much cheaper just to buy one before you go. (Just don’t use one with keys because if you lose the keys, you’re screwed!)
17. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents. Don’t forget to email a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen, having a copy will come in handy for your police report.
18. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination. The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you tried. Here are some tips on how to learn a language.
19. Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s. Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free wifi and public restrooms you can use. (Just don’t eat the food at McDonald’s! That shit is gross and unhealthy for you! You can get it back home!). Libraries and most modern coffee shops also have free Wi-Fi too.
20. Always get behind business travelers when in security lines. They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line!
21. Never get behind families in airport security. They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take a while.
22. When you check in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade. They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Oftentimes they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice!
Note: If you stay in hotels frequently (or want to), it might be worth it to get a hotel credit card. You can earn points on your everyday spending at home and convert those points into free stays. The best cards come with status, making upgrades more likely too!
23. Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites. Lunch time is one of the best times to visit historical sites. You’ll have fewer crowds getting in your way as big tour buses, groups, and most travelers head to lunch. It’s always best to visit an attraction super early, late, or when people eat. You’ll have even the most popular places to yourself!
24. Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attraction. I don’t eat within five blocks of a major tourist attraction or area. I simply walk in any direction and search for a place to eat when I hit five blocks. There’s an invisible line at this area: tourists don’t go past it. All of a sudden you notice that the crowds are gone, and that’s when you want to start looking.
Sure, you might find a good meal in a tourist area, but you’ll find a better, cheaper meal outside it. Go where the menus aren’t in multiple languages. Go to those little tiny hole in the wall places that you are unsure about. The meal might not knock your socks off each time but it will be a memorable and more local experience.
Use websites like Yelp or Google Maps to find some delicious and popular restaurants around you.
25. Locals don’t eat out every night and neither should you. Go grocery shopping. You can learn a lot about locals’ diets by seeing the type of food they buy. Plus, it will save you a lot of money. You won’t regret it. Cook your food, save money, and surprise yourself!
26. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch. Most expensive restaurants offer lunch specials featuring the same food they would serve for dinner but for a fraction of the cost! That’s the best time to eat out when you travel. I share more tips on how to eat cheaply around the world here.
27. Pack a headlamp. This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. If you’re going to be staying in a hostel, having a headlamp is helpful when you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers by turning on the lights. They’re also helpful in emergencies.
28. Carry a basic first-aid kit. Accidents happen, so be prepared. I always take band-aids, antibacterial cream, and ointments for minor cuts and scrapes. You never know when you’re going to need it and you can’t always get it when you travel.
29. Don’t believe the cheap flight myths. Don’t drive yourself too crazy trying to get the absolute cheapest fare. There are a lot of myths online about how to find cheap flights, but there is no magic bullet or one secret ninja trick. It’s not cheaper to book on a particular day of the week or if you search in an incognito window. To learn how to actually find a cheap flight, check out these two posts I wrote:
My favorite company for finding cheap flights is Skyscanner. I start all my searches there.
30. Use technology to meet locals. These websites will help you get an insider’s perspective on your destination by connecting you with locals in the places you visit. The sharing economy has changed the way people travel allowing you to meet locals, get off the tourist travel, and save mega money! It’s a triple win — and I use these resources all the time when I travel.
31. Be open to strangers. Not everyone bites. Say hi to people on the road. Turn strangers into friends. Remember they are just like you! They want to live a happy, full life and have hopes and dreams too! You never know. You just might make some lifelong friends.
32. But keep your guard up. Some people do bite, so keep a healthy level of suspicion. You don’t want to fall for any travel scams or get yourself into uncomfortable situations. Be open but cautious. Here is a list of travel scams to avoid.
33. Avoid taxis. They are always a budget buster. Never, ever take a taxi unless you absolutely have too!
34. Take a reusable water bottle through airport security and fill it up at your gate. Single-use plastics are common in a lot of countries around the world. They’re also polluting our oceans and destroying the environment. Drink from the tap when you can — you’ll save money and help the environment. If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink the water, be sure to get a water bottle with a filter. I love Lifestraw.
35. Take pictures of your luggage and clothes. If your bag gets lost, this will help identify it more easily and speed up the process of having your travel insurance reimburse you.
36. Carry emergency cash. Because emergencies happen, like that time in Romania when I couldn’t find an ATM and needed money for the bus to the hostel. I usually try to keep around $200 USD in emergency cash in case something happens!
37. Get vaccinated. Because falling prey to an illness in a foreign country is not fun — and many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them. So regardless of your opinion on the subject, you just might have to.
38. Learn to haggle. Haggling is a fun, playful way of not getting charged the foreigner price. It’s the art of negotiating and one that will help you throughout all of life, not just at the market. Just don’t argue over pennies — it’s not worth it!
39. Use points and miles for free travel. You can go a lot further in the world when you don’t have to pay for it. Learn how to collect points and miles through your everyday spending so you can get free flights, accommodation, train tickets, and other forms of travel. It’s what all expert travelers do to lower their travel costs and something you should do too!
Here are some articles to help you get started with using points and miles:
40. Eat street food! If you skip the street food, you miss out on culture. Don’t be scared. If you’re nervous, look for places where kids are eating. If it’s safe for them, it’s safe for you.
41. Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is the most important thing to get that you never want to use. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills. Travel insurance will be there if you get robbed, flights get canceled, you get sick or injured, or have to be sent home. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few dollars a day, one of the best investments you can get for a trip.
You may think you’re superman/woman but so did my friend who broke her arm, didn’t have insurance, and had to pay thousands out of pocket. Insurance was there when I had to replace my camera and when I popped an eardrum scuba diving! Get it! Here are some tips on how to find the best travel insurance.
My favorite companies are:
SafetyWing – A budget-friendly choice for travelers who need basic coverage. They are affordable, have great customer service, and make it easy to make a claim. If you’re on a tight budget, go with SafetyWing!
Insure My Trip – The best insurance for those over 70 years old.
Medjet – This is a membership program that provides emergency evacuation coverage should you get into a dire situation while traveling and be hospitalized. Medjet is meant to supplement your regular travel insurance.
42. Be patient. Things will work out in the end. No need to rush. You’ll get to where you are going in due time. Travel is about the journey, not the destination.
43. Be respectful. Locals are willing to help you out, but there’s probably a language barrier, so keep your cool when something doesn’t go your way. If you don’t, you’ll end up just looking like an asshole tourist.
44. Don’t over plan your trip. Let your days unfold naturally. Schedule two or three things and let the day fill in the rest on its own. It’s less stressful, and letting the day just take you is one of the best ways to travel. Here’s my advice on how not to over plan your travels!
45. Be frugal — but not cheap. Don’t be penny wise but pound-foolish. Look for deals and don’t waste money, but don’t miss out on great experiences or walk 10 miles to save a couple of dollars. Time is money. Spend them both wisely.
46. Take earplugs. Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that earplugs are a necessity. Snorers are everywhere and you need your sleep. Even if you’re not going to be in a hostel, they’re still helpful for sleeping well if your accommodation is located on a busy street, or for sleeping in buses, overnight trains, and other types of transportation. A good night’s sleep is priceless — be prepared!
These earplugs are reusable and work much better than the cheap foam ones, blocking out any distracting noises.
47. Remember that you’re not alone even if you’re traveling solo. Traveling alone never means you’re really alone. Wherever you go, there is a network of travelers who will be your friends, give you advice or tips, and help you out. They will guide you, point you in the right direction, and be your mentors. You aren’t out there on your own. You’ll make lots of friends and tons of memories.
If you’re not sure about traveling on your own for the first time, you can always join a group tour, such as those we offer at The Nomadic Network. I’ve designed all the itineraries myself to ensure they cover the highlights, get you off the tourist trail, and connect you with friends and locals.
48. Take photos of and with people. When you do make those new friends on the road, take photos. Lots of photos. Years from now, you’ll want to look back on those nights you can’t remember and the people who made them memorable.
49. Pre-book your tickets to attractions, activities, and excursions online. If you’re planning to do any activities or excursions on your trip, book them online. Companies usually offer a discounted price when compared to buying in person. Not only that but you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, giving you some extra protection as well as more travel points!
Many major attractions also allow you to reserve your spot and skip the line. Always look online to see if this is an option. This will help you avoid wasting time in multi-hour lines and go right in. I’ve seen people wait hours for the Paris Catacombs, Louvre, London Churchill War Rooms, churches, temples, historic fortresses, and more. Pre-book the day before, skip the line, get to see more during your day!
Get Your Guide is my favorite place to book activities in advance. It’s a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions, with tons of options in cities all around the world, including skip-the-line attraction tickets, cooking classes, walking tours, and more!
50. Avoid TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor is fine when you need opening hours or an address, but when it comes to reviews I ignore it completely. People always leave a negative review when something bad happens but rarely leave a positive review when something good happens so the reviews tend to be skewed.
On top of that, it’s very easy to create fake reviews and make a place seem better than it is. Many hotels and restaurants hire firms to artificially inflate their reviews on the platform. Additionally, TripAdvisor has been known to take down reviews that are overly negative as well as reviews on sexual assault. Use TripAdvisor with caution. Or better yet, don’t use it at all.
51. Finally, wear sunscreen. For as the Baz Luhrmann song “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” goes:
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable Than my own meandering experience.
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There you have it! My top travel tips! Follow them and you’ll be the best traveler you can be in no time flat!
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day
My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
