Laura Jones
School
University Of York - UK
Expertise
European & Asian City Breaks, Budget Travel, Road Trips
- Laura started traveling alone during college on a real shoestring budget (think 28-bed dormitories and 20-hour bus journeys). While her budget isn't quite as tight now, she still likes to find ways to save money while on a trip.
- As a lover of road trips, Laura has traveled extensively by car and RV in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. As such, she knows what to pack and what to leave behind, how to get discounted rates in motels, and where the best places to camp are along the way.
- Many travelers don't make it to Central and Eastern Europe beyond Prague, but — as a resident of the region — Laura is passionate about bringing lesser-traveled destinations in this area into the spotlight. She can persuade anyone to visit Sarajevo, Skopje, or Sofia.
Experience
Laura started her writing career in 2017 after working as an English as a second language teacher for many years. Her job allowed her to live and work in several countries and pursue her passion for travel. Now settled in Poland, she writes for sites including Explore, Booking.com, Matador Network, and the English language school Lingoda.
Education
Laura graduated from the University of York in the UK with a bachelor's degree in history. She also has an English teaching qualification. History and travel go hand-in-hand for Laura, as she loves discovering the present and past of new places. Teaching English gave her an appreciation of the nuances of the language and set her up for a career in travel writing.
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Stories By Laura Jones
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Follow the (almost) 100-mile scenic road this season to catch a brilliant display of fall foliage along a route with plenty of worthwhile stops along the way.
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Explore ruins, an old jail, and a mining tunnel shaft at this hauntingly pretty ghost town that features one of the best small-town museums in the West.
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Texas is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime road trips, and a jaunt through the Swiss Alps of the Lonestar State showcases its spectacular natural beauty.
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Greece is a destination with delicious food where you should make the most of every meal. So here's why you should avoid eating in Plaka when in Athens.
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Do you love everything fall, including pumpkins and Halloween? Then don't miss out on this town in Illinois, where they make most of the world's canned pumpkin.
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While China offers incredible history, fascinating culture, and tasty cuisine, Samantha Brown says this city is the best destination for delicious street food.
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There’s so much to think about when traveling that we often don’t consider what happens behind the scenes, like how luggage is actually loaded on the plane.
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Rick Steves has learned much from his years of travel - including about the danger lurking behind seemingly innocent commotions while traveling abroad.
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If you’re looking to explore Cape Cod in Massachusetts, you can’t go wrong with camping at this popular scenic state park and making it your home base.
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Only an hour from Milwaukee, this lake in Wisconsin offers stunning fall foliage and, of course, tons of fall activities, like pumpkin picking and corn mazes.
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Few know better than Samantha Brown when it comes to travel, so follow her advice for this go-to outfit accessory that takes little space in your luggage.
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When Rick Steves sings the praises of a hotel, you know the place is doing something right. This is where to stay in Nafplio, the expert's favorite Greek town.
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Rick Steves isn't shy about singing the praises of France, but there is something special about the gorgeous hill towns of this lesser-visited region.
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Mississippi's Highway 49 is a fabulous road trip packed with history, culture, and gorgeous views, but travelers should be extra careful when out on this drive.
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"The best sandwich in the West" is no small claim, but this take-out spot in Big Sky Country isn't messing about. For the ultimate sandwich, head to Montana.
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If you're looking for the finest dining available in the sky, one particular European airline should be at the top of your foodie flying bucket list.
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There are some national parks in California that have banned bear spray, despite there being bears. Here's what you need to know before you visit.
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A pub is a pub, right? Not quite! Rick Steves has some choice tips to find the best traditional pubs in Ireland, and we offer a few suggestions of our own.
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In this country popular with tourists worldwide, your hotel will probably leave a set of cozy, fresh pajamas on your bed you can wear for free.
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Getting a reservation for a bucket list adventure to Yosemite can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways to visit the famous park without needing one.
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Learn how to find California's off-the-beaten-track hot springs, where you can soak in perfectly hot water with incredible surroundings for a relaxing getaway.
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Escaping the summer heat is the travel trend you need to embrace, and Samantha Brown has some special recommendations if you're visiting New Hampshire.
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There are many places to shop in London, but none are like this street. With distinctive murals and vintage shops (not to mention the food), it's a must-visit.
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Make some space in the camera roll, because this magnificent beach destination in the U.K. practically demands to be photographed. This one is special.
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While it might not be your first instinct, an Alaskan cruise can be perfect for families. We scoured reviews and found the top cruises that are ideal for kids.
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Finding fresh food on any road trip can be challenging, but that isn't always the case in Europe. Rick Steves gives these stops his stamp of approval.
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Iceland is one of the most expensive places you can visit, but also one of the most beautiful! Here's how to save money when exploring the island.