Field Notes from the Road
Real stories from the road—wins, weird moments, and the “wish-I’d-knowns.” These posts are my unfiltered take on places I’ve actually traveled, with honest opinions and the simple tricks that help solo women feel confident. Expect practical takeaways tucked inside personal tales, from budget blunders to street-food gold. No fluff, no filters—just the truth and a nudge to go.
Am I Too Old to Stay in Hostels? What Hostel Travel Looks Like at 40
I first stayed in a hostel at 23. Now, at 40, I still choose dorm rooms, social hostels and even the occasional party hostel—but I am far more selective. Here is how hostel travel has changed as I have gotten older and why I do not believe adventure has an age limit.
One Year Later: Was Starting Unsettled JD Worth It?
One year ago, I clicked "Publish" on Unsettled JD without knowing where the journey would lead. Here's an honest look at the highs, the doubts, the little wins, and why I still believe sharing real travel stories is worth it.
Beach Hopping in El Salvador: Quiet Mornings, Loud Beaches & Learning When to Move On
A slow, unplanned week along El Salvador’s coast — from quiet beaches and tide pools to loud surf towns — and the lessons that come with knowing when to stay and when to move on.
Why I Love Packing
Packing isn’t just about clothes — it’s where every adventure begins. After 15 years of travel and living out of a 65L backpack, I share why packing brings me joy, how it connects me to the journey ahead, and why it’s become part of the magic of travel.
A Very Unsettled Christmas: Finding Holiday Magic Around the World
Christmas has followed me through hostels, beaches, classrooms, and nightclubs. No two years look the same — but the magic always finds me.
Guatemala Beginnings — From Belize to a Brand-New Adventure
A deserted border crossing, a Hong Kong vaccination card written in Cantonese, a random Flores shuttle van, steak at Los Amigos, dancing to Gasolina, and a golden sunset at Yaxhá — this is how my Guatemala adventure began.
Hostel vs. Hotels (and Everything In Between)
Hostel or hotel? I’ve stayed in both — and everywhere in between. From learning salsa in a Colombian hostel to camping on the Great Wall of China, every type of accommodation has its pros, cons, and surprises. Here’s what I’ve learned after 15+ years of travel.
Questions I Always Get Asked While Traveling (or at Home)
One of the first questions I always get asked — at home or abroad — is: “What’s your favourite country?” Having travelled to 50+ countries, I simply can’t pick just one. Each place has left me with unique memories, from mystery meals in Thailand to volcano views in Guatemala.