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Adventure Smarter Blog

Travel Smarter, Explore Deeper

Welcome to the Adventure Smarter blog—your go-to resource for curated travel insights across Europe and beyond. We share firsthand experiences, practical tips, and honest reviews to help you plan journeys that resonate with your travel style.

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All the Things

Find every resource, guide, and must-know in one convenient place.

Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

10-Hour Road Trip with a Baby: What We Learned & What Actually Helped

Lessons from a first-time long-haul road trip with our baby. Thinking about taking your little one on a long car ride? When our daughter was 10 months old, we tackled a 10-hour road trip—and came out the other side with a trunk full of lessons. From early departures to on-the-go baby meals, here’s what actually worked (and what we’d skip next time) so you can road trip smarter with your baby in tow.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

If You Love This U.S. Destination, You’ll Love This European One

Love Napa, Nashville, or New York? There’s a European twin waiting for you. From Tuscany for wine lovers to Iceland for adventure seekers, this “city-swap” guide matches your favorite U.S. destinations with their perfect European counterparts—so you can start exploring what’s next across the pond.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

Thinking About Becoming a Travel Advisor? Read This First.

Thinking about becoming a travel advisor but not sure where to start? This honest guide breaks down the real differences between joining a team or working under a host agency, what commission structures look like, how long it actually takes to get paid, and what you should consider before becoming a travel agent.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

Best Trips to Take with Kids by Age: From Babies to Teens

Family travel gets a whole lot easier when you match the destination to your kids’ ages. From toddler-friendly beach houses to teen-approved international adventures, here’s how to plan trips that actually fit your family’s current season of life—and make memories everyone will love.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

How to Choose the Right Travel Advisor: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)

Anyone can Google “good travel agent,” but finding the right travel advisor takes a little more finesse. From checking their website and credentials to reading what clients actually say, here’s how to choose a travel pro who fits your style, your trip, and your sanity. Because this isn’t just another purchase—it’s your vacation.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

How to Choose Your Next Vacation: A Simple Guide for Real Life✈️

Your travel bucket list isn’t getting any shorter—and “someday” isn’t a real date. Whether you’re planning a milestone celebration, craving a far-flung adventure, or just ready to stop waiting for the perfect time, this guide will help you choose your next destination with confidence (and maybe a little nudge to actually book it).

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

Costa Rica Packing List: What You’ll Actually Use (and What You Won’t)

Packing for Costa Rica isn’t your average “beach vacation” situation. Between rainforest hikes, waterfall swims, and surprise rainstorms, I learned quickly what actually earned space in my suitcase—and what I could’ve totally left behind. From the gear that saved the day (hello, dry bag!) to the “cute but useless” outfits, here’s what I really used in Costa Rica—and what I’ll skip next time.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

10 Common London Travel Mistakes (and What to Do Instead)

Avoid these slip-ups to make your trip smoother, smarter, and way more fun. London is one of the most exciting, historic, and diverse cities in the world—but it’s also huge, busy, and full of small details that can trip up first-time (and even second-time) visitors. This guide covers 10 common mistakes travelers make—and what to do instead—so your London adventure feels less stressful and a whole lot more spectacular.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

🐘 Things That Surprised Me on Safari

Even as a travel advisor, my first safari surprised me in more ways than I expected. From early wake-ups to off-road adventures and the reality of “middle seat views,” here’s what really stood out—and what you’ll want to know before planning your own safari adventure.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

🦁 What I’ll Be Advising My Safari Clients

After my first safari, I realized it’s not just about seeing animals—it’s about understanding the rhythm of safari life. From timing and rest to what to pack (yes, neutrals really do matter), here’s what I’ll be sharing with future clients to help them plan smarter, smoother, and more magical safaris.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

🦛 Was Hippo Lakes Worth It?

Your first safari lodge sets the tone for the whole adventure. For me, that was Hippo Lakes in South Africa—an approachable, family-friendly introduction to safari life that blended comfort, conservation, and community. Here’s what made it the perfect “first safari” pick (and whether I’d go back).

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

When I’d Go - Timing Your Dream Trip the Smart Way

The best time to travel isn’t just about weather — it’s about how you want to travel.
From whale season in Hawaii to wine harvest in South Africa, here’s when I’d personally go (and why it might not be the same answer Google gives you).

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

The Best Trips Aren’t Discounted… They’re Reserved Early

“Last-minute deals” sound exciting—but the truth is, the best trips are booked well in advance. From Europe vacations to bucket-list safaris to holiday getaways, here’s why planning early is the real key to securing the flights, hotels, and experiences you want.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

10 Rome Travel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) ✌️

Rome is magical, chaotic, and… easy to get wrong. From tipping too much to hunting for Alfredo, I’ve made (and seen) plenty of rookie mistakes in the Eternal City. After studying abroad here and returning more than a dozen times, I’ve rounded up the 10 most common Rome travel mistakes—and how to avoid them so your trip is smooth, delicious, and unforgettable.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

New UK ETA Requirement: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know for 2025 🛂

Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. travelers (yes, even babies!) will need a UK ETA—Electronic Travel Authorisation—to visit or transit through England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Here’s what it is, who needs one, how much it costs, and how to apply so your trip isn’t delayed.

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Kathryn Morga Kathryn Morga

What to Look for in a River Cruise

Thinking about a river cruise but overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone. Between inclusions, excursions, cabin styles, and onboard vibe, choosing the right river cruise is about more than just the name you recognize. In this post, I break down what actually matters — and share a free one-page River Cruise Cheat Sheet that compares 10 major lines side by side so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence.

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