Aerial view of a cityscape through an airplane window with a wing in sight, showcasing things to do near LAX.
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21 Things to Do Near LAX: Your Guide to a Long Layover in Los Angeles (2026)

Got a long layover and looking for things to do near LAX? As a Los Angeles local for over 15 years, with my alma mater being Loyola Marymount University right next to the airport, and having lived in Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista, I’ve got the insider scoop. 

A woman in white stands smiling in front of a historic stone fountain with statues, set against an old brick building—the perfect spot to discover the easiest way to learn Italian and immerse yourself in the local culture.

The Easiest Way to Learn Italian (From an American Living in Italy)

The easiest way to learn Italian isn’t necessarily the most intensive method or the one with the fanciest study plan. For me, it’s been the method I can *actually* stick with while juggling work, life, and everything else that fills up my day. I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a busybody, hence the name, Jen…

Ornate room with stained glass windows, curved wooden doors, a chandelier, and patterned parquet flooring in a modernist architectural style, reminiscent of the stunning interiors found inside Casa Batlló.
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Inside Casa Batlló: Organic Shapes, Mosaics and Gaudí’s Creative Vision

Casa Batlló is one of those places that makes you stop, stare, and wonder how one person came up with so many wild and creative ideas. When I visited, I paid for my own ticket and walked away completely inspired by Gaudí’s organic shapes, colorful mosaics, and deep connection to the natural world. Inside, almost…

A tabby cat and a white dog are on a yellow couch with multi-colored pillows. The cat is lying down and the dog is sitting upright.
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TrustedHousesitters Review: My Experience as a Pet Parent Who Loves to Travel

Whether you’re looking for a reliable sitter or want to explore new places as a sitter, this TrustedHousesitters review covers it all, based on my very own experience using it for my dog, Casper, and cat, Meow Meow. Last month, I tried it for the very first time. From getting signed up, to finding a…

Large octagonal building with a weathered dome roof seen at sunset, surrounded by city buildings and distant hills under a clear sky.
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The Best eSIM for Italy? This One Saved Me While Living Without WiFi

If you’re heading to Italy and wondering how you’re supposed to stay connected without racking up a $300 phone bill, you’re not alone. Sorting out data abroad can feel unnecessarily complicated, especially if you’re new to the world of eSIMs. When I spent a summer living in Sardinia, finding housing was already a challenge. The…

A person wearing a denim jacket uses a smartphone outdoors, with a lanyard and small device hanging from their neck—perfectly equipped with an eSIM for Europe for seamless connectivity.
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Best eSIM for Europe: My Honest Review After Traveling Across Multiple Countries

If you’re Googling “best eSIM for Europe,” chances are you’re standing in a train station somewhere trying to find wifi, or you’re planning ahead so that doesn’t happen to you. Either way, welcome! You’re in the right place. I’ve been exactly where you are. Lost in Lisbon with 3% battery and no signal? I’ve been…

A woman stands in a busy plaza holding an umbrella, with a historic, ornate building in the background and people and pigeons around. Amidst the crowd, she's engrossed in a debate about Airalo vs. GigSky for her next travel eSIM provider.
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I Tested Airalo vs. GigSky: Which eSIM is Better? A Full Review

Getting ready for international travel and not sure whether to go with Airalo vs. GigSky for your eSIM? You’ve come to the right place! It can be a bit confusing at first figuring out how to get mobile data while traveling abroad, but I’m here to break it all down for you. Since I frequently…

Several black truffles are placed on a decorative white plate with flower patterns.
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Truffle Hunting in Florence: Is It Worth It? My Honest Experience

The first time I went truffle hunting near Florence, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. One minute I was on the train watching the Tuscan countryside roll by… and the next, I was standing in the woods watching a small, determined dog sniff the ground before suddenly digging, and within seconds, I was holding…