Young woman with braided hair in casual clothes, crouching on stone ruins at an ancient Mayan archaeological site with stone stairs and structures, surrounded by green trees and under a bright sunny sky.

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.

How to Go Through Airport Security Like a Pro (First-Time Traveler’s Guide)

How to Go Through Airport Security Like a Pro (First-Time Traveler’s Guide)

If airport security makes you nervous, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through what to pack, how to organize your bag, and what to expect in the security line so you can breeze through like a pro — even on your very first flight.

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Flights: The Good, The Bad, and The Almost Missed
Travel Stories, Travel Tips, Lessons Learned Unsettled JD Kerwin Travel Stories, Travel Tips, Lessons Learned Unsettled JD Kerwin

Flights: The Good, The Bad, and The Almost Missed

I’ve never missed a flight — but that doesn’t mean they’ve all gone smoothly. From sprinting through airports in China to watching my luggage take its own trip to Prague, flying has taught me patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. After 15 years of travel, I’ve learned that the journey between takeoff and landing is full of lessons — and sometimes, the best stories happen before you even reach your destination.

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7 Common Travel Insurance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Travel Tips, Safety & Preparation, Travel Planning Unsettled JD Kerwin Travel Tips, Safety & Preparation, Travel Planning Unsettled JD Kerwin

7 Common Travel Insurance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Buying travel insurance isn’t exciting — but needing it and not having it can ruin your trip. After 15 years of traveling, I’ve seen it all. From cheap plans with no coverage to missed claims and policy loopholes, here are 7 common travel insurance mistakes — and how to avoid them.

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Travel Insurance: To Buy or Not to Buy?
Travel Stories, Travel Tips, Safety & Preparation Unsettled JD Kerwin Travel Stories, Travel Tips, Safety & Preparation Unsettled JD Kerwin

Travel Insurance: To Buy or Not to Buy?

When I first started traveling, I thought travel insurance was a waste of money. I was young, healthy, and reckless. But from hospital visits in Australia to trip interruptions in Shanghai and NYC, I’ve learned the hard way why coverage matters. Here are the real stories that changed my mind.

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