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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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.
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The well-trodden trails around Lake Superior are stunning year-round, but if you're not a fan of crowds you might want to try some of these lesser-known gems.
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Sunburn is no fun at all, and this unexpected item of clothing might not jump to mind as the best way to avoid it. Prepare to be stylishly surprised.
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What are the top foodie destinations? You might think Italy, France, or Japan. But Samantha Brown actually says this country has the best food in the world.
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There is no shortage of spectacular road trip opportunities in Montana, but the beauties waiting in lake country make for a seriously compelling option.
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With five colleges across three towns, this area in Massachusetts has it all: museums, outdoor activities, nightlife, and lots of energy with small-town charm.
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Icelanders are known for being friendly and welcoming, but you may want to avoid making this comparison when you're exploring the country – here's why.
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We've all been to a drive-thru McDonald's, but what about a float-thru? This unique version of the Golden Arches can only be found in one famous city in Europe.
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While taking a guided tour can be a rewarding way to visit a European city, Rick Steves warns about one particular type of tour it’s wise to avoid.
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Rick Steves, our favorite European travel expert, loves the Amalfi Coast but advises against the cheaper scenic bus route for a very important reason.
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Hiking is a must for anyone visiting Arizona, and if you love a good challenge, this beautiful trail will reward you with stunning views from start to finish.
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Good food and good company? You can’t ask for more when you visit this city in Louisiana that’s known for its festivals and Cajun and Creole cuisine.
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As a tourist visiting Europe, there are lots of differences you'll notice, but being prepared for this one can help if you plan on renting a car.
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America's outstanding national parks are the perfect place for creating aesthetically stunning content, but you might need to shell out for a permit beforehand.
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Travel light around Japan by sending your suitcase on a solo mission to your next destination. Here's how the country's luggage transfer system works.
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The madness of Las Vegas can get overwhelming, but there is a fantastic state park just down the road from Sin City that provides gorgeous tranquility.
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The U.K. is more famous for its dreary weather than for its beaches, but that doesn't stop the locals! And Rick Steves has coined a special term for them.
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Visiting Spirit Lake is a captivating experience but not an easy one to do on your own. Thankfully, there's a highly-rated cruise that will take you there.
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Travel expert Rick Steves could rack up thousands of miles as a frequent flier, but isn't a member of any airline loyalty programs - here's why.
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TSA has an extensive list of items that are subject to the 3-1-1 rule. We've collected some of the most bizarre items it considers liquid.
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Given the astronomical prices for air travel these days, everyone could use advice for finding cheap flights. Rick Steves’ son Andy Steves has a great tip.
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If your cruise ship is docking in Falmouth, Jamaica, you may be concerned about its bad reputation. Here's what docking in the popular port is really like.
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This scenic byway between two of Utah's national parks is perfect for adventurous road trippers looking to explore some of America’s best natural hidden gems.
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Nevada might be a desert, but this top-rated RV park is the perfect spot for lakeside camping, complete with the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas nearby.
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Explore stunning islands with towering volcanoes and pristine beaches, then plunge into their crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable adventure.
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Singapore is famous for its strict rules like the ban on chewing gum and fines for littering, but can you be fined for something you do in private?