Travel with Locals — EscapingNY

Vacations can be costly - from hotels and airfare to meals and activities. Learn how to plan and stick to a budget so that you can still afford your dream vacation without breaking the bank!

CassandraAugust 27, 2018Comment

How to Spend a Week in Memphis

Memphis is known for amazing food and music but savvy visitors will also take advantage of its natural beauty, and many historically important museums and cultural sites. Learn where to go and what to do in this iconic southern city.

CassandraJuly 19, 2018Comment

READ THIS before booking an AirBnB in Cuba in 2022

Understand what can go wrong with AirbnB in Cuba. Discover what to look out for BEFORE booking an AirBnB in Havana, Trinidad, Vinales, or anywhere else in Cuba.

Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance

I learned the hard way why buying travel insurance is so important. Learn what travel insurance is, what it covers, and why you should buy it for your next trip.

7 Quick Tips for Saving Money Traveling

Learn 5 easy travel hacks to save money on your next vacation! Know when and where to book cheap flights, when to fly, and simple ways to save money on travel.

6 Things to Consider When Booking an AirBnB in Vinales, Cuba

Planning to book an AirBnB in Vinales, Cuba? Check out this post for six things to consider before your stay.

Cuba, travel tips, travelCassandraMarch 29, 2018cuba travel, cuba, vinales, how to find a casa in vinales, vinales casa, vinales casa particular, traveling to cuba Comments

What is Malaysian Food?

From spicy noodles and flavorful soups to rich curries sopped up with fluffy bread, Malaysia's blend of Asian culture and tradition makes it a top culinary destination. Learn the basics and know what to order on your trip!

malaysia, asia, vegan, foodieCassandraMarch 13, 2018malaysia, kuala lumpur, malaysian food, malay food Comments

10 Reasons to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia's distinct mix of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures and traditions, spectacular food and architecture, and varied natural landscape make it a must-visit destination. From religious festivals, city-wide street art projects, and world-class dive sites to tea plantations and “living museums, Malaysia offers something for just about everyone.

Did I Visit a Human Zoo in Thailand?

The Karen tribe, which fled conflict and violence in Burma, now earns a living by being displayed in Thailand's human zoos, where tourists are invited to gawk and take pictures of them.

What to do in Singapore: From Skyscrapers to Gardens

More than skyscrapers and shopping malls, Singapore, the world's "city in a garden" offers a unique mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian culture and everything from biking and "bumboating" to world-class art and nightlife.

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NYC Graffiti Bike Tours

Discover New York City's best graffiti and street art by bicycle. Visit world-renowned pieces by famous street artists and impressive community murals that contextualize the life of the neighborhood.

How to Pack for Cuba

Cuba is not your typical Caribbean island and though it's only 90 miles from Florida, it couldn't be further away in terms of modern day conveniences. Properly packing for a trip to Cuba requires more planning and thoughtfulness than your typical island escape.

How to Travel More in 2021

Stop living vicariously through other people and learn how to prioritize travel this year, regardless of your job, income, zip code, or family composition. Almost anyone can travel more if they prioritize it.

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How to Be Vegan in Cuba

Finding vegan food in Cuba is a much steeper challenge than in most Latin American countries. Cuban food on the island is completely different from what is found in American Cuban restaurants but with these tips and some preparation, you can eat well during your stay.

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Day of the Dead Festival & Folklore Group Trip to Mexico City - October, 2022per person

Day of the Dead is the perfect time to visit Mexico City. In addition to visiting pyramids, ancient Aztec ruins, biking through the city and taking an authentic Mexican cooking class, the Day of the Dead also brings huge parades, street festivals, and intimate ceremonies in cemeteries around the city. Learn about 2022 Day of the Dead group tours to Mexico.

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Holiday Travel Tips for Travelers Who Know it All

Let's face it, holiday travel can be expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating. Learn simple tips that will make your holiday travel more pleasant, including helpful websites, phone apps, and travel strategies.

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November 2019 group trip to Cuba - Havana's 500th anniversary

Join me for an unforgettable small group trip to Cuba for Havana’s 500th anniversary. This small group tour is for curious, active travelers that avoid big bus tours and want an authentic cultural experience.

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Day of the Dead in Mexico City

Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico City and in nearby Mixquic, which holds one of the most extravagant celebrations in the country. This small group tour will immerse you in Dia de los Muertos culture, including street celebrations, cemetery rituals, and joining families in their homes as they explain the significance of the alters they built for deceased loved ones.

Cave diving & snorkeling in Playa del Carmen

Some of the best scuba diving in the world can be found around Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Mexico, including cavern dives, cave dives, cenotes, underwater museums, and snorkeling with turtles.

Lake Titicaca's knitting men & floating reed islands

Lake Titicaca is home to many islands, including Taquile, where the men do the knitting and tell their stories through fabric, and the floating reed islands of the Uros, who build their homes, beds, and boats of reeds!

Mar 25, 2025

Bhutan on a Budget: How to Plan a Wallet-Friendly Vacation to Bhutan

Learn how to save money when visiting Bhutan, from when to go, where to stay, what to do, and whether you need a guide and driver. Here’s how to explore Bhutan on a budget.

Jul 20, 2022

Where to go in Mexico for Day of the Dead

Mexico is a hugely diverse country with many options for celebrating Day of the Dead. Learn where to go in Mexico for Day of the Dead, including tips on what cities to visit, what to do there, and how to make the most of your Day of the Dead vacation

Feb 3, 2022

How to Visit Cuba During Covid - Required vaccinations, testing, and medical insurance

Covid entry requirements in Cuba are constantly changing. Learn how to visit Cuba during the pandemic, including required vaccinations, testing, and medical insurance. You’ll also learn what to do before your trip, what to expect in Cuba, and what to do if you get sick.

Sep 24, 2020

Day of the Dead Mexico City Group Tours in 2022

Learn about 2022 Day of the Dead group tours to Mexico City. Attend intimate memorial ceremonies in cemeteries around the city, celebrate the festival with families inside their homes, participate in altar building experiences, and explore food markets with a chef, visit ancient Aztec ruins and the 3rd largest pyramid in the world, and take an authentic Mexican cooking class to learn about traditional foods served during Day of the Dead.

Jun 11, 2020

White People: Even if We're Not Racist, We Can Do Better

Racism is baked into America so as white people, we sometimes don’t see it. Though nobody wants to be labeled a racist, racist acts happen every single day. Learn how to examine your own biases and how to help dismantle racism and oppression.

Apr 1, 2020

Free and Cheap Resources to Keep You Entertained, Productive, & Healthy While Social Distancing

While you’re social distancing and self-quarantined because of Coronavirus, check out these free and cheap online resources to keep you entertained, healthy, fit, and productive!

Mar 19, 2020

Day of the Dead Parades and Preparation Group Trip to Mexico City - October, 2022

Feb 11, 2020

Vegan food in Puerto Rico: Old San Juan & Beyond

Puerto Rico has incredible vegan food, from classics like mofongo and pastelón, to pizza, donuts, & fine dining. Learn where to go and what to eat, including lists of vegan restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico and beyond.