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Beware of International Travel Scams with this Epic List
It’s pretty easy in the USA to tell who is a scammer and what is a scam no matter what city you go to. But when you travel outside the United States and into foreign lands, things get confusing and complicated as you’re usually jet-lagged, tired and have no clue where you are half the time. You can try to blend in with the local fashionistas however usually as an American, foreigners just know… and you’re a walking target. Read below to learn some of the most common scams from around the world and keep this list handy! How Scammers Are Tricking US Travelers in Famous Destinations Free walking tour…
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Why CBD Is a Natural Solution for Unwinding During Travel
Let’s be honest – travel can be absolutely exhausting, even when it’s supposed to be fun. Between navigating crowded airports, dealing with flight delays, adjusting to new time zones, and sleeping in unfamiliar beds, what should be an adventure often turns into a stress marathon. You may find yourself lying awake at 3 a.m. in hotel rooms, mind racing about tomorrow’s itinerary while your body refuses to adjust to the local time. While many travelers reach for a glass of wine or rely on over-the-counter sleep aids, there’s a growing interest in CBD as a more natural approach to managing travel-related stress. Unlike quick fixes that might leave you groggy…
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Weft and Warp Transports Guests to Portugal Passport Wine Dinner at Andaz Scottsdale
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I almost married the mayor of Lisbon, Portugal‘s son. Before you come at me, yes I am aware they don’t have “mayors” per say like in the USA but close enough translation without going into a Portuguese political rant. Anyway, I met this gentleman fresh after a breakup and visit to New York City to hang with my fashion designer friend. He had an accent – and abs of steel and came to the Big Apple to chase his dream of becoming a model and actor, leaving an almost finished law degree and his pissed off family behind him. He chased me for…
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Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders
Photos, video, story by Cassie Hepler My first experience at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona was overwhelming and awesome! Sponsored by Subaru, I had no idea what I was getting into expect for camping in the woods at the Flagstaff Extreme campgrounds where I previously climbed around in the trees like an Ewok. With over 400 vendors and created by a woman, it’s “educating and inspiring through overland and adventure travel events” which means you will learn literally every camping thing, gadget, gear, RVs, trucks, off-roading and more at this massive moving outdoor convention. After this Overland Expo West 2025, it shifts across the USA to the Pacific Northwest…
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Indulge at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I was forced to visit Tucson, Arizona for a few nights at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa! Oh, no… A truly stunning resort on the inside, the Westin Paloma as locals call it, is a great place to settle in for a relaxing visit to Southern Arizona. With an inclusive resort shuttle, you can even explore some more without driving which means more tequila – or mezcal – tastings with their over 70 bottles available. Each room is nicely anchored at a cool 65 degrees and my room had a great balcony space overlooking the mountains and the pools. It’s also…
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Sabores de Tucson Festival Celebrates Mexican Culture, Community and Culinary Flavors
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Don’t sleep on the Sabores de Tucson festival! Presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, it’s a wonderful celebration of culinary heritage, community, and culture that was made possible this year by partners Visit Tucson and hosts The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Every dollar supports essential arts programs (that are now getting funding cut) across Arizona from mariachi education and arts therapy to creative aging and youth arts access which fosters connection, healing, and cultural pride. Sabores honors each region of the powerful culinary traditions of Mexico that shape Southern Arizona. It’s truly…
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Explore Maui, Hawaii from Aston Maui Hill Resort in Kihei on a Budget
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Getting to Maui, Hawaii for this vacation was like pulling teeth! Originally I had booked The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali through my Marriott affiliate deals which was a steal… but it was over my birthday on September 7 and we all know what happened then – the tragic Lahaina fires. Immediately I canceled everything once it happened that August and had to fight with The Westin to get refunded, but eventually it happened. My heart broke for this beautiful island and its amazing community of people. So once the new year rolled around in January, my friend offered to book her…
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Supporting Small Businesses at Pecan and Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I come from a family of entrepreneurs who owned small businesses. My grandfather Hepler owned his own carpentry company and my father started Hepler Geothermal heat pumps and air conditioning in central Pennsylvania before being green was considered cool. My brother now runs it and is slaying – without any advertising needed. My grandmother on one side was a nurse and the other was working for a bit as a paralegal, without the formal education. We’re natural born hustlers and even my niece when she was in elementary school started a side hustle selling slime! Pecan And Wine Festival So supporting small…
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Dramatic Fine Dining at Elvira’s DC Ranch in North Scottsdale
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Family owned since 1927, Elvira’s has been a staple in Tubac, Arizona located 30 minutes south of Tucson which is a long hike for even the most eccentric foodie from Phoenix! Now open in DC Ranch Scottsdale, Chef Ruben Monroy takes the lead as the grandson of the original founder, keeping this family-run fine dining establishment running like a smooth sailing ship. Master Sommelier Thomas Kaufman is in charge of the beverage program and even with some mocktails, we were impressed with the taste. Opened in January of 2025, it features signature dishes from the Tubac menu, including its iconic Chile en Nogada.…
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Huge American Sized Portions at Red White & Brew in Prescott, Arizona
Story, videos and photos by Cassie Hepler You’ve heard of glimmers by now I hope? If not, they are those giddy moments in life that give you joy and happiness. Well, there’s also what I call bread crumbs from the universe that make sure you’re on the right path. And I followed mine all the way to Prescott, Arizona because of Red, White and Brew restaurant! They reached out via email with a holiday special and I noticed there was a location in Mesa, Arizona and one in downtown Prescott. I had been trying to plan a Northern Arizona snow angle story for months but the weather was not cooperating…
