Rachel's Ruminations

I had fun writing this one!

Arasan Spa, Almaty: A naked, awkward, and surprisingly great cultural experience - Rachel's Ruminations Step-by-step guide to Arasan Spa in Almaty, Kazakhstan + the awkward, funny story of my naked bathhouse experience + why I'd still recommend it.

*If you're planning a fall or winter trip to Europe, you should know that things have changed a bit for those traveling here.*

On August 11, join Michelle and Jedd (founders of Intentional Travelers) alongside expert guests for a live roundtable event.

You need to register, but it's FREE to attend. You’ll hear about:

✔ EES and ETIAS updates (what they mean for your trip and how to prepare).
✔ The best destinations and events for Fall and Winter 2026
✔ What changes when you travel in the off-season (and what gets better).
✔ Smarter arrival prep (from the airport to your accommodation without the stress).

Here's the link to register:

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If you’re planning a trip to St. Lucia, there are a few things I wish I’d known before I went.

Questions like where to stay in St. Lucia, whether it’s worth renting a car, what the beaches are really like, and how much cash you’ll need aren’t always obvious when you’re planning.

So I put together a St. Lucia travel guide with everything I learned to help answer those questions (and more) before you go.

Comment “ST LUCIA” and I’ll send you the link!

Planning a trip to Bangkok sounds exciting until you have to decide where to stay.

The city is huge, every neighborhood has a different vibe, and there are thousands of hotels to choose from. It’s easy to spend hours comparing options and still not know which one is right for you.

Over the years, I’ve stayed in 10 different hotels across Bangkok, from a simple 2-star stay to a 5-star luxury hotel.

I wrote a guide with honest reviews of all 10 hotels, and tips to help you choose the right place for your trip.
Comment “BANGKOK” and I’ll send you the link!

Mumbai is chaotic, colorful, and full of surprises. The thing I loved most is how quickly the city changes around you.

One minute you’re standing inside a centuries-old religious site. The next, you’re looking at the city’s Gateway of India, a UNESCO-listed train station, or the billion-dollar home of Mukesh Ambani.

And somewhere between all of that, there’s a massive open-air laundry, a sacred water tank, and the home where Gandhi spent 17 years of his life.

I put together 11 places that capture Mumbai’s different personalities, all possible to see in one day.

Comment “MUMBAI” and I’ll send you the link!

Have you ever started packing and thought: “How can I possibly fit this all in?”

I think most of us have been there. We pack for every “what if” and before we know it, we’re dragging a heavy suitcase through the airport and paying extra baggage fees.

But there are lots of little things you can do to reduce how much you take with you. Things like checking your airline’s carry-on luggage limits before you pack, planning to do laundry on longer trips, choosing clothes that work together, and being honest about what you’ll actually use.

Julien at Julien Mordret and I put everything we’ve learned into one minimalist packing guide, including a travel packing list, tips for choosing luggage, what to leave at home, and how it’s possible to travel with just one carry-on bag on longer trips.

Comment “MINIMALIST” and I’ll send you the link!

If you love German Christmas markets but December isn’t the easiest time for you to travel, try the Bremer Freimarkt in Bremen, Germany, in October.

For transparency: My trip to Bremer Freimarkt was by Stadt Bremen. They had no say in what I write, though, which I base entirely on my own experience.

What makes the Bremer Freimarkt different is that it’s more than just a fair. It has been part of Bremen for almost 1,000 years, and today it combines a historic market in the city centre with a huge festival filled with rides, food, games, and local traditions.

When I was planning my visit, I couldn’t find one guide that answered all my questions. So I wrote one! In my Bremer Freimarkt travel guide, you’ll find:

✔️the history behind Germany’s oldest fair;
✔️the difference between the Kleiner Freimarkt and the Bürgerweide;
✔️opening hours and the 2026 dates;
✔️the parade and fireworks;
✔️practical tips to help you plan your visit.

Comment “Freimarkt” and I’ll send you the link!