In Which I Bring Back An Old Series

When I first started blogging, I used to do a Live and Learn segment, where I would tell you about things I learned on vacation, so you wouldn't make the same mistake, or at least try not to. I started just incorporating my lessons learned into my regular writing, but realized it might be fun to bring it back, not only because it helps me remember what went wrong and how we dealt with it, but also makes it clear that we are always learning from travel, even if we don't think we are.

What's something I recently learned on a trip? 

On a trip to San Francisco, we had a lot of things go wrong in the very short time we were there. One of those things was that our rental car got broken into and both of our backpacks were stolen out of the trunk (there wasn't anything in the car that was visible when we parked it on the street). We were, literally, 20 feet away in a tea shop having afternoon tea, and when we came out, one of the back windows was smashed, the seat was pulled down to be able to reach stuff in the trunk.

What I learned:

Thieves now have bluetooth/RFID detectors to find electronics in cars, so they broke into the car to steal my laptop, even though it was in the trunk and not visible.

What we did:

• I went onto my phone and signed out of Google for my laptop and deleted any personal info that they might have had access to to sign into websites.
• We made a report to our insurance to cover our luggage and everything inside. 
• We also had to call the rental car company and make a claim through them for our insurance.
• We took as many pictures of the damage as possible for ourselves and insurance.
• Eric tried to make a police report, but they said there are so many break-ins that they almost never follow up, so that's...discouraging.
• Once I got home and ordered a new laptop, the next thing I ordered was a set of Faraday bags, so no signal could get in or out and detect my laptop. So far, in the 2 1/2 years I've been using them, I've had zero problems. I put my laptop in a large one and put it in my bag. Eric puts all his electronics and key fob in a smaller one, which also keeps it all together in his bag and then at our destination, too. Once I left my laptop in it in the car for the entire day we were at Universal Studios and had no issues.

So, don't leave your belongings in the car where people can see them, and if you leave them in the trunk, either take your electronics with you or get protection for them like I did. Things happen on vacation that you can't always prepare for, but when you can and it's an easy fix, you should do it before it becomes a problem. Did I freak out at the time? Yes. But did everything work out? Also yes. Did I also say I was never going back to San Francisco? Yes, but I didn't mean that. I just probably won't drive if I don't have to.

I'm hoping to make this its own series instead of an addition to regular content, but it's going to be much shorter, so let me know if this is also content that you enjoy and/or tell me in the comments what are some of your travel live and learn moments. 

Having The Best Time in Thailand Without Breaking the Bank

Thailand has a reputation for being affordable. That doesn’t mean that a trip to Thailand is going to be inexpensive, but you can make it more budget-friendly while still having a fantastic time. With a little strategy, you can stretch your budget while still enjoying comfort, culture, and a few well-earned luxuries along the way. Whether you’re planning a two-week escape or a longer stay, living your best life in Thailand is all about balance.

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Master the Accommodation Combo

If you're traveling on a budget, short-term apartment rentals can be a smart move. Platforms like Airbnb often offer better value for one- or two-week stays compared to nightly hotel rates, especially if you want a kitchen and extra space. Condos in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai frequently include amenities like pools and gyms.

That said, timing can be tricky. The best value rentals aren't always available for the exact dates you need. One simple solution? Start your trip with a few nights at a comfortable hotel to recover from jet lag and get your bearings. Booking a stay at a luxury property https://thesalilriverside.com/ allows you to relax in the best possible environment.

Get to Know the Locals

Thailand becomes far more affordable when you tap into local knowledge.

If you’ve connected with people online through shared interests, language exchanges, or travel communities, reaching out for recommendations can lead you to incredible hidden gems.

Locals know which restaurants serve authentic dishes at fair prices and which attractions are genuinely worth your time. They can also steer you away from overpriced tourist traps.

The key is building real connections first. Nurturing genuine online friendships or community ties can open doors to experiences you’d never find in a guidebook.

Transportation: Spend Smart, Travel Easy

Getting around Thailand through public transport is cost-friendly, as per autourasia.com. In Bangkok, public buses cost just a few baht, and the BTS Skytrain offers an affordable and efficient way to cross the city.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt are widely used and often cheaper than traditional taxis.

In northern cities like Chiang Mai, shared songthaews (converted pickup trucks) provide low-cost transport within town.

For longer distances, trains and intercity buses are budget-friendly options, and overnight sleeper trains can double as accommodation savings.

If you are feeling brave, renting a motorbike is common in smaller towns and islands, but it’s only advisable if you’re experienced and properly insured.

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See the Sights Without the Crowds

Thailand’s biggest attractions are popular for a reason, but there’s magic beyond the most photographed temples and beaches. Consider exploring Sukhothai Historical Park instead of only visiting Ayutthaya, or head to Khao Sok National Park for dramatic landscapes without Phuket-level crowds.

In the south, provinces like Chumphon and Khanom offer quieter coastal experiences. Up north, towns like Nan and Pai provide cultural charm without the bustle of major hubs. Traveling slightly off the main tourist trail often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace.

So, if Thailand is on your bucket list, you can plan an unforgettable trip without breaking the bank. It’s about spending intentionally. Thailand is already an affordable country for most Western tourists, but that is the key challenge. When everything seems cheaper than at home, you can easily overspend! So, with thoughtful planning, Thailand lets you experience richness in culture and comfort without draining your wallet.

What are your favorite budget-friendly things to do in Thailand?

Why I Make Plans with Strangers On Trips

Travel can get us out of our comfort zone, teach us about ourselves, and allow us to learn new cultures. I want to broaden my horizons and meet new people and that's why I make plans with strangers and make friends while on vacation.

Okay, so they aren't entirely strangers, but they are people I've never met before. When I plan trips, I want to go where locals go. I want them recommendations for their favorite places. I use Facebook groups and pages I'm a part of to reach out to people in destinations I'm headed to and I'll ask them to give me their must-do restaurants, because I love eating great food. 

An awesome coffee shop we met a new friend at in Vancouver

This gives you a great opening to ask them more questions about why they like the places they picked and if they're close to anything else you want to do. It's this point that I ask if they'd like to come out and have coffee or dinner with us, because they obviously have good taste and we get a chance to spend time with others in a relaxed environment. 

You already have something to talk to them about, because you're on their territory - eating at their favorite establishment in their city. I've made real life friends this way. In fact, I met a new friend in Vancouver, BC, and then was able to meet up with her again in Vegas and also here in Portland. We give each other recommendations for our respective cities or ask the other to go check out places we've heard about to see if it's cool and worth time on our next trip. She also tells people that we are fun and worth meeting up with when she sees me post for other destination requests. 

Our dinner was as good as this photo is bad :)

Maybe you don't use Facebook, but you can use Instagram or Threads to find new friends that will happily give you there reccs and want to meet up with people to show off their city. While it doesn't always work out, it's still a wonderful way to learn about restaurants, coffee shops, and even attractions for your trip, plus it saves you time scouring the internet for strangers to tell you what they liked and didn't, which may or many not align with your own likes/dislikes. 

People are always eager to tell you about what they love and why, but they can also give you ideas based on what they know about you, or can ask you questions to better help you. Yes, I love a good sit-down restaurant, but tell me about your favorite food truck or independently-owned coffee shop. Tell me what you order all the time, because it's so good. 

Send me to the best hole-in-the-wall bar, boutique shop, or attraction that flies under the radar. I want it all. And while our schedules may not line up while I'm in town, I'm absolutely going to tell you how much I loved it after I've been there and thank you profusely for it. I also may just ask you to make reservations, too, because I made reservations for the wrong day that one time and felt like an idiot, but we went somewhere nearby that they also enjoyed and I think it was better and less stuffy. 

So, yeah. Meet strangers and go to their favorite places with them, if you can. It gives you a local's insight into your destination and helps you make friends, too. 

Have you ever done this?