Sarah Chen
Senior Travel Writer & Gear Expert
Sarah Chen has spent 12 years traveling full-time, visiting 68 countries across 6 continents — including 14 countries in Southeast Asia alone. A former Lonely Planet contributor and travel editor at Away Magazine, she specializes in budget-first travel, solo female travel, and hands-on gear testing. Sarah has personally tested 40+ travel backpacks, 20+ neck pillows across long-haul routes (London–Tokyo, NYC–Cape Town), and 15+ luggage brands across cobblestone cities and international airports. Her gear picks are grounded in real-world use, not spec sheets.
Articles by Sarah Chen
Best eSIM for International Travel in 2026: Plans Compared
Forget hunting for SIM card kiosks at the airport. eSIMs give you instant data the moment you land. We compare the top eSIM providers for international travel in 2026.
April 1, 2026
Best Travel Safety Apps for International Trips in 2026
The right apps can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious problem abroad. These travel safety apps cover emergencies, communication, navigation, and health.
April 1, 2026
15 Best Underrated Travel Destinations for 2026 That Deserve Your Attention
Skip the overcrowded hotspots. These 15 underrated destinations offer better experiences, lower prices, and far fewer tourists than the places everyone else is going in 2026.
April 1, 2026
12 Hidden Gem Destinations That Are Still Affordable in 2026
These affordable destinations fly under the radar for a reason — less marketing, fewer influencer posts, and no Disneyfied tourist zones. That is exactly what makes them worth visiting.
April 1, 2026
How to Avoid Travel Scams Abroad: 20 Common Scams and How to Beat Them
Travel scams cost tourists billions every year. Learn the 20 most common scams you will encounter abroad, how to recognize them instantly, and how to protect yourself without being paranoid.
April 1, 2026
How to Get Travel Insurance: Complete 2026 Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know about travel insurance — what it covers, what it doesn't, how to compare policies, and which companies are actually worth buying from.
March 12, 2026
First Time International Travel: Complete Beginner's Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know before your first international trip — from getting a passport to landing safely at your destination. Practical advice from someone who's done this 60+ times.
March 12, 2026
Free Things to Do in Europe: 50+ No-Cost Experiences Across 10 Cities
Europe doesn't have to be expensive. Across its greatest cities, hundreds of world-class experiences cost nothing at all — from free museums and medieval streets to parks, viewpoints, and street markets that rival any paid attraction.
March 11, 2026
Travel Etiquette Around the World: Cultural Dos and Don'ts
Knowing the unwritten rules before you arrive shows respect and can transform how locals receive you. Here are the essential cultural etiquette rules for 10 major travel destinations.
March 11, 2026
Best Backpacks for Air Travel 2026: Carry-On Approved Packs Ranked
The right carry-on backpack makes every airport faster and every trip easier. We tested the best travel backpacks for air travel — from ultralight daypacks to full 40L carry-ons — and ranked them honestly.
March 10, 2026
Best Luggage Brands of 2026: Our Top Picks After Extensive Testing
The right luggage handles years of travel abuse without falling apart. We review the best luggage brands and top suitcase picks across every price range — carry-on, checked, and hardshell vs. softshell.
March 10, 2026
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel (2026): Top Picks Tested
Great noise-canceling headphones transform long-haul flights and noisy airports. We review the best travel headphones of 2026 — from premium over-ears to compact earbuds — across every budget.
March 10, 2026
Best Travel Backpacks of 2026: Top Picks for Every Type of Traveler
Choosing the right travel backpack can make or break a trip. We've tested and reviewed the top travel backpacks across every category — carry-on, weekender, and multi-week — to help you find the perfect pack.
March 10, 2026
Best Travel Gear for Women 2026: Expert-Tested Picks for Every Type of Trip
The best travel gear for women isn't just men's gear in pink — it's thoughtfully designed for different body shapes, needs, and priorities. Here's what our female travel team actually uses and recommends.
March 10, 2026
Best Travel Pillows for Long-Haul Flights (2026): Tested & Ranked
The right travel pillow turns a miserable 10-hour flight into actual rest. We tested the best neck pillows, wrap pillows, and compact options so you can sleep on planes without the neck pain.
March 10, 2026
Best VPNs for Travel in 2026: Stay Safe on Public WiFi Anywhere
A VPN is one of the smartest travel tools you can carry — protecting your banking, passwords, and data on hotel WiFi, airport networks, and café hotspots anywhere in the world.
March 10, 2026
Cape Town Safari & Day Tour Guide: Best Operators, Prices & What to Expect
Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities, and within a 2-hour drive are world-class safaris, whale watching, wine regions, and private game reserves. Here's how to find the best tours without getting ripped off.
March 10, 2026
Cheapest Places to Travel Internationally in 2026: 12 Budget Destinations That Wow
The world's best travel experiences don't require a Fortune 500 salary. These 12 destinations deliver extraordinary food, culture, beauty, and adventure for $30–60 per day — less than the cost of a mediocre hotel breakfast in London.
March 10, 2026
Denmark Travel Guide 2026: Copenhagen, Countryside & Everything Between
Denmark is Scandinavia's most accessible and least intimidating entry point — a compact country with extraordinary design, cycling culture, world-class food, and Viking heritage. Here's how to see it all.
March 10, 2026
Europe on a Budget: Complete Travel Guide for 2026
Traveling Europe doesn't have to cost a fortune. This complete budget travel guide covers the cheapest destinations, accommodation tips, transportation tricks, and how to eat well without breaking the bank.
March 10, 2026
How to Get a Passport Fast: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Need a passport fast? Whether you have a trip in two weeks or two months, this guide walks you through exactly how to get a US passport — standard processing, expedited service, and the fastest same-day emergency options.
March 10, 2026
How to Pack Light: The Ultimate Carry-On Only Guide for Any Trip
Packing light transforms your trip — no checked bag fees, faster airport transit, and the freedom to move without dragging a suitcase everywhere. Learn exactly how to pack for any trip in one carry-on.
March 10, 2026
Iceland Travel Guide 2026: When to Go, What to See & How to Plan
Iceland is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations — and more accessible than you think. This complete Iceland travel guide covers the best time to visit, the Ring Road, Northern Lights, costs, and everything you need to plan your trip.
March 10, 2026
Solo Travel for Women: The Complete Safety & Planning Guide (2026)
Solo travel as a woman is one of the most empowering experiences you can have. With the right preparation, destinations, and mindset, it's safer and more rewarding than you'd ever imagine.
March 10, 2026
Southeast Asia for First-Timers: The Complete Beginners' Travel Guide
Southeast Asia is one of the world's best first-time travel destinations — affordable, warm, full of incredible food, and endlessly varied. This guide covers where to go, how to plan, costs, and what first-timers need to know.
March 10, 2026
Top 15 Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa (2026)
From Table Mountain to the Cape Winelands, discover the best things to do in Cape Town — Africa's most stunning city. A complete guide for first-time and returning visitors.
March 10, 2026
Tokyo Travel Guide 2026: When to Go, What to Do & How to Get Around
Tokyo is one of the world's most extraordinary cities — endlessly fascinating, safe, efficient, and welcoming. This complete guide covers the best neighborhoods, transportation, food, day trips, and when to visit for cherry blossom season.
March 10, 2026
Travel Budget Calculator: How to Plan Any Trip on Any Budget (2026)
The secret to stress-free travel isn't earning more — it's planning smarter. This step-by-step travel budget framework covers flights, accommodation, food, activities, and emergency funds for every type of trip.
March 10, 2026
How to Stay Safe While Traveling Abroad: 20 Essential Safety Tips
Traveling safely is mostly about preparation and awareness, not fear. These 20 practical safety tips will help you travel confidently in any country while avoiding the most common traveler pitfalls.
March 10, 2026
Ultimate Packing List for International Travel 2026: Everything You Actually Need
The definitive international travel packing list — what to bring, what to skip, and the exact gear that makes long-term travel comfortable. Organized by category with tips on packing light without sacrificing anything important.
March 10, 2026