Hi friends,

I hope 2026 is treating you kindly so far, or at least not completely wiping you out.

It’s been a little while since I popped into your inbox, so I wanted to say hi, share a quick travel trick I’ve been loving, and catch you up on what’s new on the blog and YouTube (including my latest video on things to do in Dublin).

A Weird Little Travel Hack That Actually Works

You know that panic that hits right as you’re leaving the hotel or walking to your gate?

“Did I grab my passport?
Where’s my wallet?
Did I unplug the charger?
What am I forgetting?”

Here’s the tiny thing that’s helped me chill out:

👉 On travel days, I turn my phone lock screen into a “don’t forget” checklist.

It’s stupidly simple:

1. Make a short checklist in your notes app — just the non-negotiables for you:
   • Passport / ID
   • Wallet + credit card
   • Phone + charger + power bank
   • Medications / glasses / contacts
   • Headphones
   • [Add your must-have here: favorite hoodie, camera, etc.]
2. Take a screenshot of that note.
3. Set that screenshot as your lock screen wallpaper for your travel day.

Now every single time you check the time at the airport, in a taxi, or before you walk out of the hotel room, you’re also seeing that checklist. It’s like having your anxious inner voice on your lock screen, but in a useful way.

Is it fancy? No.
Does it save you from leaving your meds in a hotel drawer or your passport in the safe? Absolutely.

If you try this on your next trip, reply and tell me what ends up on your must-not-forget list.

New on the Blog

I’ve also been busy over on the site. Here’s some of what’s new:

• ​17 Fun Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland for First-time Visitors​
• ​These Are the 10 Best U.S. Destinations for 2026, According to Tripadvisor Travelers​
• ​G Adventures Just Put 600+ Bucket-List Tours on Sale for 2026 — With Savings Up to 25%​
• ​People Are Calling Cairo the “Final Boss” of Travel Scams — Here’s What They Wish They Knew First​
• ​Experts Say These Will Be the Biggest Home Interior Trends of 2026 — And You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Try Them​
• ​Stop Assuming Travel Is Expensive—A Money Expert Reveals 7 Jobs That Pay You to See the World​
• ​You Could Get Through the TSA ID Check in Under 10 Seconds Now — Here’s How​

New on YouTube: Things to Do in Dublin

I also finally hit publish on my new YouTube video:
​17 Fun Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland for First-time Visitors​

If Dublin is on your list, or you just want to daydream about lively pubs, historic neighborhoods, and all the fun things to do there, you can watch it here:

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Thanks for sticking around, even when I go quiet for a bit. I really appreciate you being here.

If you’ve picked up a travel or packing habit that saves your sanity, hit reply and share it — I’m always collecting these little tricks (and I might feature a few in a future email).

Talk soon,

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