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 I Plan Every Trip: My 10-Step Travel Planning System
First-Time Travel Guides, Travel Tips, Travel Planning Unsettled JD Kerwin First-Time Travel Guides, Travel Tips, Travel Planning Unsettled JD Kerwin

How I Plan Every Trip: My 10-Step Travel Planning System

After travelling to 55 countries, I've developed a travel planning system that keeps me organized without planning every minute. Here are the 10 steps I use to choose a destination, book the essentials, manage my budget, pack and get ready for my next adventure.

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13 Travel Mistakes I've Made After 16 Years of Solo Travel (And How to Avoid Them)
Travel Tips, Travel Mistakes, Travel Stories Unsettled JD Kerwin Travel Tips, Travel Mistakes, Travel Stories Unsettled JD Kerwin

13 Travel Mistakes I've Made After 16 Years of Solo Travel (And How to Avoid Them)

Travel is the best teacher—sometimes the lessons are just expensive. Here are thirteen travel mistakes I've made over the past 16+ years, from booking the cheapest flight to forgetting offline Google Maps, along with the stories that changed how I travel today.

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