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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Best Travel Apps for International Travel (That I Actually Use After 15 Years on the Road)
Travel Tips, Travel Planning, Travel Resources Unsettled JD Kerwin Travel Tips, Travel Planning, Travel Resources Unsettled JD Kerwin

Best Travel Apps for International Travel (That I Actually Use After 15 Years on the Road)

These are the travel apps I actually use while traveling. After 16 years on the road, I’ve learned that a few simple apps can make planning, navigating, and staying organized much easier — without spending your whole trip staring at your phone.

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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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