Author: Michelle L. Jensen

New Orleans | Louisiana | North America | USA

Save Our Cemeteries: Reviewing This Tour of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans
ByMichelle L. Jensen July 5, 2016August 24, 2026

Looking for an authentic, historically accurate cemetery tour in New Orleans instead of theatrical ghost stories? Most cemetery tours in the French Quarter prioritize entertainment over education, leaving you with spooky tales but little understanding of New Orleans’ unique burial culture. Save Our Cemeteries is different—as the city’s only non-profit cemetery tour organization, they’re focused…

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New Orleans | Louisiana | North America | USA

Haunted History Tour Review: What This Vampire Tour in New Orleans Was Really Like
ByMichelle L. Jensen June 14, 2016August 24, 2026

Searching for the best vampire tour in NOLA and wondering if Haunted History Tour New Orleans lives up to the hype? With dozens of vampire and ghost tours in the French Quarter, choosing the wrong one can ruin your trip. Nothing’s worse than spending your hard-earned money and precious time on a tour that promises…

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Rome | Europe | Italy

What to Do in Rome at Night Alone: A Safe Walking Route for Solo Travelers
ByMichelle L. Jensen May 6, 2016August 16, 2026

Traveling solo can make going out at night sometimes a bit scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Rome’s historic center at night is absolutely magical. Iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona are stunning when illuminated—and completely free to visit. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Rome at…

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Rome | Europe | Italy

Reviewing Comics Guesthouse Roma as a Fan: Is It the Best Hostel in Rome, Italy?
ByMichelle L. Jensen February 23, 2016August 24, 2026

Searching for affordable accommodation in Rome? Finding budget-friendly lodging in the Eternal City can feel impossible—especially when you want to stay somewhere central, secure, and unique. After staying in 15+ hostels across Europe and North America and navigating everything from sketchy neighborhoods to being locked out, I’ve learned what truly matters when choosing affordable accommodation….

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Warwickshire | England | Europe

Reviewing YHA Stratford-upon-Avon: The Hostel Housed within a Georgian Mansion
ByMichelle L. Jensen January 7, 2016August 24, 2026

Searching for a unique and affordable accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon? The biggest frustration? Finding accommodation close to the main attractions that didn’t cost an arm and a leg, especially when most budget options feel like afterthoughts in a town designed around Shakespearean tourism. Having stayed at 15+ hostels across Europe and North America and always being…

Read More Reviewing YHA Stratford-upon-Avon: The Hostel Housed within a Georgian Mansion
Warwickshire | England | Europe

Birthplace of William Shakespeare: How to Get Discount Tickets + Stratford-upon-Avon Tour Overview
ByMichelle L. Jensen November 17, 2015August 21, 2026

Planning to visit the Birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon and wondering what to expect inside the world’s most famous literary home, and if it’s worth the cost of admission? As someone who’s chased Shakespeare across England—from watching a £5 standing performance at the Globe in London to now walking through the house where he…

Read More Birthplace of William Shakespeare: How to Get Discount Tickets + Stratford-upon-Avon Tour Overview
Warwickshire | England | Europe

Is the Stratford Town Walk Worth It? A Review of the Guided Tour of Shakespeare’s Hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon
ByMichelle L. Jensen November 5, 2015August 21, 2026

Looking for the best way to explore Stratford-upon-Avon and walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps? Whether you’re a literature enthusiast planning a pilgrimage to the Bard’s birthplace or just a curious traveler, your biggest challenge is likely navigating between the multiple Shakespeare-related attractions spread across town. Instead of wandering aimlessly or paying for individual attraction tickets without…

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Wiltshire | England | Europe

Guide to Visiting Tolkien’s Talking Tree at the Avebury Stone Circle in Wiltshire, England
ByMichelle L. Jensen September 23, 2015August 21, 2026

You’ve likely heard of England’s famous Stonehenge, but fewer travelers know about Avebury Stone Circle. It’s Europe’s largest stone circle that offers something its famous cousin simply can’t: the freedom to walk among 5,000-year-old stones without barriers, entry fees, or tour groups breathing down your neck. As someone who’s explored both Stonehenge and Avebury during…

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London | England | Europe

Guide to Visiting Hampton Court Palace on a Short Day Trip from London
ByMichelle L. Jensen July 20, 2015August 12, 2026

With so much rich Tudor and Georgian history packed inside—from Henry VIII’s Great Hall to William III’s state apartments—you’ll want to make sure you experience everything this magnificent tour offers. As someone who waited over a decade to finally visit Hampton Court Palace and spent four full hours exploring every corner of this historic royal…

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London | England | Europe

Reviewing Astor Oxford Street: Is It a Safe Hostel to Stay at in Soho, London?
ByMichelle L. Jensen June 30, 2015August 17, 2026

Finding budget accommodation in one of the world’s most expensive cities can feel impossible—especially when you want to be steps from Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and the West End without sacrificing safety or comfort. As a solo female traveler who’s stayed at multiple hostels across London (I’ve visited six times), I know what matters most:…

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Planning | Travel Tips

44 Things to Do Before Traveling Internationally + Free Downloadable Checklist
ByMichelle L. Jensen June 5, 2015August 5, 2026

Ever stood at airport check-in only to discover you won’t make your flight because you chose poorly when deciding how to get there? International travel involves dozens of details that seem obvious in hindsight but are easy to miss when you’re caught up in the excitement of planning. From checking your credit card details (I…

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Film & TV Tourism | Travel Tips

75 Movies Set in European Destinations to Inspire Your Next Trip
ByMichelle L. Jensen May 27, 2015August 5, 2026

The problem is that most ‘movies set in Europe’ lists are stuffed with films shot on Hollywood soundstages (looking at you, the fake London sets in Mary Poppins), even though you’re searching for that perfect blend of travel inspiration and entertainment. Movies that don’t just show you beautiful locations but make you feel like you’re…

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California | North America | USA

Hearst Castle Tours: Which is Best for First-Timers + An Honest Review
ByMichelle L. Jensen May 7, 2015August 5, 2026

Planning a trip to San Simeon and feeling overwhelmed by trying to decide which Hearst Castle tour is best of the seven different options? The last thing you want is to drive four hours from San Francisco or Los Angeles, spend your hard-earned money, and walk away feeling like you picked the wrong tour or…

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Pierrefonds | Europe | France

Guide to Visiting Château de Pierrefonds, BBC Merlin’s Castle in France
ByMichelle L. Jensen February 10, 2014August 12, 2026

Château de Pierrefonds—the stunning 14th-century fortress that doubled as Camelot in the BBC Merlin series—sits about an hour from Paris, yet most travel guides barely mention it. Leaving fans and castle enthusiasts scrambling for transportation details and wondering what to expect once they arrive. As both a Merlin fan and a castle enthusiast, I made…

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Paris | Europe | France

3-Day Paris, France Itinerary: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
ByMichelle L. Jensen January 24, 2014August 12, 2026

Paris wasn’t love at first sight for me, so I spent eight days figuring out what actually earns its reputation and what doesn’t by personally visiting every attraction on this itinerary, allowing me to identify which experiences are truly worth your limited time and budget. Sitting under the Eiffel Tower at sunset? Magical. Taking a…

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