Laura Jones
School
University Of York - UK
Expertise
European And 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 in North America, Australia and New Zealand by car and RV. 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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Escape to the great outdoors and avoid crowds at this lesser-known destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even just a scenic road trip.
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The Grand Canyon State has no shortage of hikes and trails, but this gorgeous route is something else. If you like your hikes intense, you'll love this one.
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You might think that lining up the espressos is a surefire way to fight off travel fatigue, but professional globetrotter Samantha Brown has other ideas.
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Sometimes it's fun to go with the flow when you travel. But for bigger purchases like train tickets, you can save a lot of money by booking in advance.
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We all want to look good on vacation, right? But we're limited by luggage space. Samantha Brown recommends carrying this one item, and we offer more ideas.
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Are you ready to see a 77-foot waterfall among rugged hiking trails? That's just one scene you'll get to experience at this underrated state park in Oklahoma.
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Nothing can ruin a vacation quite like a bout of food poisoning. Thankfully, travel pro Rick Steves has some expert advice on how to avoid getting sick.
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Even the most seasoned travelers have odd habits while on the road that would make you do a double take, and Samantha Brown is no exception.
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Souvenirs are an integral part of any trip, but making room in the suitcase can be challenging. Nothing a little forward planning can't fix, of course.
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Imagine a village in Switzerland with no cars, more cows than people, and stunning Alpine views. That's what you'll get at Rick Steves' favorite Swiss town.
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Even if you want an authentic travel experience in Southeast Asia, avoid certain local cultures, especially those involving scooters. We'll tell you why.
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Rick Steves is a travel expert on Europe, so naturally his favorite country would be there, right? Not exactly. Find out where his favorite country actually is.
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If anyone can spot a tourist trap, it's Rick Steves. So, it's best to listen when he warns that this popular European destination isn't worth the hype.
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If relaxing on a calm beach, easy watersports, and beautiful wildlife is your idea of a perfect vacation, then you have to check out this beach in Costa Rica.
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While most airline passengers are well-behaved, too many are unruly and aggressive. This increase has caused cabin crew to get more of this type of training.
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Rick Steves has a packing hack of mailing items home during your trip. But you need reliable postal service -- and you won't get that at this European country.
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Disney is home to magic, wonder, happiness and ... rashes? That's right, you might be at risk for developing an itchy rash the next time you're in Disney.
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When headed to Europe as a solo traveler, skip these destinations in favor of spots where it’s easier to make friends and find affordable accommodations.
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If you're looking for a place to camp in the Appalachian Mountains this summer, this beautiful state park offers a stunning place to take in superb views.
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Cruises can be fun, as long as you're not one of the many people who get seasick. Here's the medicine for seasickness that many cruisers swear by.
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This special western state ski resort believes skiing is an activity for families and communities, and offers budget-friendly accessibility for all.
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It may have a European flair in appearance, but this lovely city is full of U.S. colonial history. A diverse culinary scene, museums, and natural beauty abound.
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Discover hidden gems with this picturesque road trip. Wind your way through stunning mountain roads and charming villages with Steves as your guide.
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Kara and Nate have been traveling the world for over six years, so they know a thing or two about packing. Here are their top tips and tricks.
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This unspoiled and serene island in the Philippines is perfect for a tranquil tropical getaway. Here is what you need to know for your trip.
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To buy a Eurail pass in Poland or not to buy, that is the question. Luckily, we have Rick Steves to help us answer it. Here are some important considerations.
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Would you sit in first class while your kids sat in coach? That's what Gordon Ramsay does when he flies, and his reason is more important than you think.