Ian Hernandez
6 Things You Should Never Photograph While Traveling
Photographing Local People Without Permission Photographing Local People Without Permission (image credits: pixabay) Capturing the charm of a destination often means taking photos of the people who live there, but snapping pictures of locals without their permission is a big mistake. According to the International Tourism Ethics Council’s 2024 report, more than 60% of travelers … Read more
7 Hotel Habits That Are Considered Rude Overseas But People Keep Doing Them
Talking Loudly in Hotel Corridors Talking Loudly in Hotel Corridors (image credits: unsplash) When you stroll through a hotel corridor late at night, you might think your conversation is harmless. But in countries like Japan and much of Europe, it’s actually considered highly disrespectful to speak loudly in hallways. The Japan Tourism Agency’s 2024 report … Read more
7 Things You Should Never Assume When Traveling Internationally But Everyone Does
Assuming Everyone Speaks English Assuming Everyone Speaks English (image credits: unsplash) It’s a shock to discover that English isn’t as universal as many people think. According to Ethnologue’s 2024 language statistics, only about 17% of people worldwide speak English, and even fewer are fluent. In bustling tourist hotspots like Paris or Bangkok, you might get … Read more
13 Booking Tricks That No Longer Work (But Travelers Keep Trying)
Booking Last-Minute Flights to Get Cheaper Prices Booking Last-Minute Flights to Get Cheaper Prices (image credits: unsplash) For years, travelers clung to the hope that booking flights at the last minute would help them score unbeatable deals. The thinking was simple: airlines would rather sell off empty seats just before takeoff than let them go … Read more
10 Tourist Poses for Photos — That Are Banned in Certain Countries
The Peace Sign with Two Fingers (V Sign) in the UK and Australia The Peace Sign with Two Fingers (V Sign) in the UK and Australia (image credits: wikimedia) The peace sign, made by lifting your index and middle fingers in a V, might look innocent in photos, but it’s a real minefield in the … Read more
12 Popular Vacation Souvenirs — That Are Technically Illegal to Bring Home
Coral and Shells from Protected Beaches Coral and Shells from Protected Beaches (image credits: unsplash) It’s tempting to pick up a beautiful shell or a piece of coral when strolling along a sun-drenched tropical beach, but many travelers don’t realize that this simple act can break the law. Coral reefs are valuable, fragile ecosystems and … Read more
11 Things You Might Say While Traveling — That Are Actually Criminal Offenses
“I’m Carrying Illegal Substances” “I’m Carrying Illegal Substances” (image credits: flickr) Announcing or even joking about carrying illegal drugs can instantly put you in hot water. In 2024, UNODC documented that drug-related arrests at airports and borders continue to rise, especially in countries like Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, where laws are notoriously … Read more
9 Things You Might Pack — That Are Banned in Several Countries
That innocent stick of gum could land you in legal trouble That innocent stick of gum could land you in legal trouble (image credits: pixabay) Picture this: You’re standing at customs with your perfectly packed suitcase, confidence radiating as you approach the checkpoint. Then suddenly, the officer pulls out something from your bag that makes … Read more
If You’re One of These Signs, August Brings Your Breakthrough Moment
Leo: Your Time to Truly Shine Leo: Your Time to Truly Shine (image credits: rawpixel) As Mercury goes direct, your ...
The 10 ‘Safest’ Destinations That May Not Be So Safe in 2025
Picture This Your Dream Destination Could Become Your Nightmare Picture This Your Dream Destination Could Become Your Nightmare (image credits: unsplash) You’ve saved for months, planned every detail, and booked that perfect getaway to one of the world’s “safest” countries. But imagine arriving at your hotel only to find out that your prescription medication could … Read more
