How to Celebrate Halloween in Ireland—The Birthplace of Samhain

Halloween is my favorite holiday.

It’s nestled in with all the best autumn activities, like pumpkin picking, harvest festivals, and haunted houses. The weather is crisp and perfect as the leaves put on a stunning display.

It feels like an American dream to me—but the United States isn’t the birthplace of Halloween.

That distinction belongs to Ireland where the holiday was is also known as Samhain.

And it’s one of the best times to be on the Emerald Isle, as cities and villages come alive with the wonders of Halloween.

Not only is it a historical and cultural affair, but the parties are also top-tier—which shouldn’t be a surprise. We’re talking about the Irish, after all. They’re experts in artforms like good conversation (aka ‘craic’), folk music (aka ‘trad’ music), telling tall tales, and more.

Ireland and the Irish are also the keepers of Celtic mythology—which is still alive throughout the island via folk practices and folktales. The best time to feel this living history, in my opinion, is during Halloween.

Heading to the Emerald Isle in late October? Here’s how to celebrate Halloween in Ireland.

From Samhain to Halloween

Let me make a few distinctions before I dive into Ireland’s Halloween party scene.

Halloween was once known as Samhain. Samhain is a Gaelic festival that marks the harvest season and the arrival of winter.

(There are three other seasonal festivals throughout the year—you may have heard of Samhain’s spring counterpart, Bealtaine.)

Samhain is an ancient tradition that was first mentioned in literature in the 9^th century. It’s known as a short period of time in which the line between the ‘Otherworld’ and our world is blurred.

That allows for naughty spirits to cross over into our reality—which is where our modern spooky Halloween sensibilities come from.

But the US has a very commercialized version of Halloween—one that focuses on candy and costume sales. In Ireland, you’ll find similar fare in the way of pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and other popular activities.

But in many places, you’ll also notice that the holiday is celebrated in more intimate ways. Pubs are lit with candles and stories are told. Decorations are hung up and pumpkin patches pop up around towns and cities.

Halloween festivals also pop up during this time. Want to know where to celebrate Halloween in Ireland? Go to Galway, Dublin, or Boyne Valley. They have some of the country’s best festivities. Here’s how to celebrate Halloween in Ireland in these places.

How to Celebrate Halloween in Ireland

Galway

Galway is located on Ireland’s western shores—and it’s a tourist favorite for a reason. The small and picturesque town is walkable, charming, and cultural.

During Halloween, it comes alive as locals help put together dozens of themed activities.

The Galway Aboo Halloween festival is one of the most famous, which regularly sees around 80,000 participants rush in from the surrounding area. The best part of the festival is the Macnas Halloween Parade, which brings ‘magnificent Halloween chaos’ to the streets—I’m quoting Galway Tourism on that.

It’s actually pretty terrifying… in all the right ways.

Dublin

Dublin is pretty spooky no matter the time of year thanks to its winding streets and old brick buildings. But the city really goes above and beyond during Samhain to treat locals to spooky fare.

There are famous haunted houses like The Nightmare Realm and Malahide Castle, along with cemetery tours of Glasnevin Cemetery.

But I suggest you stick to the city street parade. The Bram Stoker Festival includes a parade route that was relaunched last year with a few new additions. From what I’ve seen in photos and heard from attendees, it’s a larger-than-life creative endeavor.

What I like is that locals also go above and beyond to incorporate history and culture into the parade. Aside from the holiday’s Celtic origins, Dubliners also honor Bram Stoker—author of Dracula and Dublin local.

Boyne Valley

Want a bit more of a folk emphasis on your Halloween celebration? Skip the big cities and head to Boyne Valley.

It’s home to sites like Tlachtga, where ancient Celts celebrated Samhain. Rather than host a spooky Halloween parade, Boyne Valley instead throws an annual Púca Festival to honor its past.

It includes old-school Samhain festivities like feasting, bonfires, and plenty of trad music. There are also high-flying acrobatics and other unique displays.

But beware the Púca—these spirits can shapeshift and have been terrifying locals for well over a millennia.

Best Earthships and Earthen Rentals in the US

Some travelers love to go backpacking through nature, doing things like climbing mountains and traversing rivers to get in touch with their wild side.

Others just want to relax. They want to soak up the sunshine, eat well with loved ones, and sleep in comfortable mattresses in minimal-effort, maximum-impact form.

And some travelers are like me—interested in the best of both worlds.

I’m often on the hunt for comfort and natural wonders.

I want to graze the great outdoors knowing I have a proper shelter to return to at the end of a long day.

Welcome to the allure to Earthships and earthen homes.

What are Earthships and earthen homes?

The name Earthship comes from a flagship company based in Taos, New Mexico that pioneered a new ethos and practice of off-grid living.

The company offers a school where off-gridders can learn the basics of living with and off the land—from solar power to rain catchment to water reuse.

Earthen homes, by contrast, are a more casual label placed on homes that are integrated into nature—no official Earthship templates or paperwork involved.

Earthen homes might use partly sustainable resources and materials—or they might go whole-hog when it comes to off-grid living.

As someone with lofty dreams of one day building an Earthship, earthen rentals are some of my favorite offered.

Want to take a closer look at how these unique homes function and what you can expect from one? Here are my US picks for the coolest rentals and Earthships integrated into nature.

Earthen Home

Colorado Springs, Colorado

I’m starting this list with a totally off-grid Earthship.

That means it’s built entirely from sustainable materials, recycles its water for multi-usage, draws its power from solar, and stores electricity in batteries.

That last point is the most important here: Electric power isn’t infinite. The main trade-off at this Earthship is hot water; it’s not infinite.

Additionally, this home uses thermal heat from the earth to keep warm—which isn’t always as efficient as a fireplace, so you should bring layers.

That being said, the design and layout are beautiful. This Earthship is located on multiple acres of private land that’s covered with pines. From its feel to its immersion in nature, this is one of my top rentals in the US – earthen and beyond.

Book here

Romantic Treehouse

Bloomington Springs, Tennessee

This Earthen home isn’t sustainable—but it was built by the Amish, so I think it belongs on this list. Amish constructions are (usually) completed by hand and rely on minimal modern technology, which makes the whole process pretty sustainable.

This rental is also located in a treehouse and surrounded by fertile green woodlands. The best part? Those who aren’t wooed by off-grid living won’t have to go without.

The Romantic Treehouse rental comes with shared amenities like a barrel sauna, cold plunge, putting green, and pickleball court.

If you’re here to dip a toe in Earthen-style living, here’s a great place to start.

Book here

Spectacular Earthship

Taos County, New Mexico

Stay where it all began—in Taos County, New Mexico.

In case you’re unaware, Taos is one of New Mexico’s best destinations. Want to ski? You’ve got great mountains close by. Want to enjoy endless desert views? It’s impossible not to.

At this rental, you get to experience an Earthship in its full glory. Earthships aren’t uniform, meaning they can be incrementally and modularly expanded over time. In this case, that’s an interior garden that’s fed with grey water runoff from the shower. (Science!)

(At their most powerful, Earthships can even recycle blackwater into surrounding land to generate a functional wetland.)

Despite being fully off-grid, the internet is also billed as ‘surprisingly good’. The interior design showcases local Taos tastes, as well.

If you’re a fan of Taos and haven’t had the chance to stay in an Earthship yet, start here.

Book here

House on the Edge of Time

Jerome, Arizona

It’s not necessarily Earthen—and it’s definitely not an Earthship. But the Hosue on the Edge of Time is a fully bespoke project.

It was constructed with materials that are locally sourced, from the stones to the wood to the stained glass. While parts of the home are sunken into the earth for temperature control, most of the construction is built on a vision of artistry and architecture.

It’s dusty, it’s off the beaten path, and guests can expect a distinct experience depending on the season. Despite the uniqueness, this home is quirky, includes unique features like a hot tub, and is highly rated by guests.

As in, visitors come back here years after their first stay. They love the design, the atmosphere, and the host.

Book here

Cob Cottage

Mayne Island, Canada (very close to Seattle)

I’m rounding off this list with a Canadian pick—but don’t worry, it’s only a few miles across the border from Washington State and an hour from Seattle.

I wanted to include Cob Cottage because of its high design. The home was constructed by CobWorks and includes locally sourced and sustainable materials.

Thanks to the care and vision of the Cob architectural firm, guests are treated to some truly unique and beautiful interior design. The arched, wooden ceilings feel fluid and natural, while the curved fireplace and windows feel like they’re out of a storybook.

This place was built with love, care, and optimism—which I think you can feel just by looking at the pictures.

Book here

What Are Digital Detox Retreats?

Travel isn’t always about exploring the unknown. At least, not in a physical sense.

For some travelers, the true journey points inwards.

Though wellness travel has been around for hundreds of years, the concept of wellness retreats is a relatively new concept. Rather than focus on external adventures alone, many wellness retreats are focused on growth, rejuvenation, and community.

In other words, the focus is on mental and spiritual wellness just as much as physical relaxation and alignment. Nature is usually involved, along with healthy foods and group meetings.

But there’s a decidedly modern sort of wellness retreat that’s gaining popularity: The digital detox.

What is a digital detox?

A digital detox involves putting (or maybe locking) away most forms of technology.

The goal is to detoxify the mind from the stresses and mindsets that we take on when glued to our screens. Given the rise in social media addiction, many digital detoxers are hoping to change their relationships to platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok.

But digital detoxes aren’t solely tied to social media.

After all, most adults spend their workday glued to a screen. Just as many detoxers are looking to simply minimize the amount of time they’re looking at laptops, computers, smartphones, tablets, and similar devices.

So, a digital detox retreat is one that gets participants away from their phones and computers.

But what happens in the meantime changes according to each company.

What are digital detox retreats like?

Every digital detox retreat is distinct.

Though the main goal of minimizing screen time is mutual, most retreat organizers focus on activities and lifestyles that suit their participants.

Some digital detox retreats involve like-minded communities that want to share their stories and listen to others. Some retreats are more geared toward nature in order to ‘reset’ the mind and body. Others might involve activities like cycling, camping, or kayaking.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg.

As with their ‘theme’, every digital detox retreat is different in terms of organization and infrastructure.

If you want to itch your travel bug while you detox from blue light, check out retreats in wellness-focused countries like Costa Rica. Or if you’re on the hunt for community instead, look for a soulful retreat that brings together participants to exchange stories and wisdom.

In other words, every digital detox retreat looks different.

Unfortunately for men, many trips are geared towards women—and there’s a solid number of retreats that are women-only. On the other hand, some retreats can be booked with private groups, which would be great for any guys who want to put together a men-only retreat.

What sorts of travelers are going on these retreats?

Given the sheer range of digital detox themes available, there’s no single ‘type’ of traveler that fits the bill.

In fact, that’s something that I love about digital detox retreats—they tend to feel more accessible for the average traveler because the topic is more neutral. Who doesn’t want to spend less time on a screen, after all?

If you’re someone who has considered going on a wellness retreat, a digital detox variant might feel less intimidating than an outdoor camping excursion, New Age spiritual quest, or similar type of retreat.

Incoming Airline Sales: Best Times to Book Flights by Airline

It’s time to start thinking about holiday travel.

And that means it’s also time to start thinking about savings. If you’re interested in saving by booking during certain timeframes, check out Google’s advice on when to book holiday flights.

Here’s the short of it: For Thanksgiving and Christmas flights, Google recommends booking in late October and early October, respectively.

But what about airline discounts during seasonal booking periods? For the most part, the US’s largest airlines—including Delta, American, and United—offer limited sales and deals.

But during certain times of year, even the largest and most popular airlines offer savings.

Want to know the best times to book flights by airline? You need to know when they slash prices. Here’s what you need to know about upcoming sales in October, November, and December.

Best times to book flights in October

Domestic sales in October

Alaska Airlines usually offer deals to Hawaii and Mexico during September and October

European sales in October

Lufthansa sometimes offers deals around Oktoberfest for those traveling domestically around Europe
easyJet also offers discounts during October for seasonal European events

Best times to book flights in November

Domestic sales in November

JetBlue runs sales on Black Friday
Hawaiian Airlines runs sales on Black Friday
Alaska Airlines runs sales on Black Friday
American Airlines runs sales on Black Friday

European sales in November

Lufthansa usually runs sales in early November prior to the Black Friday rush
Aer Lingus runs sales in the week or two prior to Black Friday
Virgin Atlantic runs sales on Black Friday
Finnair runs sales on Black Friday
Scandinavian Airlines runs sales on Black Friday

Other sales in November

Japan Airlines runs sales on Black Friday
Air New Zealand runs sales on Black Friday
Singapore Airlines runs sales on Black Friday

Best times to book flights in December

European airlines that offer deals in December

British Airways runs promotions on Boxing day, which is the day after Christmas
Singapore Airlines offers deals during the Christmas period
Virgin Atlantic offers deals during the Christmas period
Scandinavian Airlines offers deals during the Christmas period

Minimalist Packing Guide

Do you struggle to pack for vacation?

Don’t feel bad. Packing is a tricky art—one that travelers slowly get the hang of thanks to experience. (And a few mistakes.)

Nailing down a packing list is already hard enough, even with modern and techy accessories at your disposal. It’s not uncommon for frequent travelers to leave behind important items, pack their gear poorly, and experience spills from toiletries.

One of the best ways to avoid packing mishaps is to understand the basics of packing—from a minimalist perspective, specifically.

The minimalist perspective strips away all the unneeded clothing and accessories people often have trouble leaving behind.

It also lays out a framework for travelers to rethink their trip. (As in, do you want to lug around a heavy suitcase? And why do you need so many items?)

Let’s dig into the basics of the minimalist packing approach. Don’t worry—you don’t need to leave behind your favorite things. I promise.

What is minimalist packing?

The goal of minimalist packing is two-fold.

First, to help travelers reframe their understanding of their trip. A minimalist approach digs into the core of why people travel. Why are you going? What do you hope to accomplish? How does what you pack inform and improve the goal of your trip?

Second, to help travelers efficiently pack their luggage. A minimalist approach will prevent you from overpacking while making sure you have precisely what you need.

Minimalist packing is also helpful for those who will be backpacking or otherwise manually carrying around their luggage.

Alternatively, it’s a solid solution for travelers who want to downsize their carry-on to a more portable option, like an under-seat suitcase.

A new approach to packing

Below, I’m going to lay out a step-by-step guide so that you can pack your bag with only the basics. But before we get to the nitty-gritty of how to fill up your suitcase, let’s focus on what you should be packing in the first place.

As outlined above, the minimalist approach will challenge you to be mindfully cut-throat when selecting which items to take with you. Every item should support the main reason of your travels.

Are you visiting family? You should probably focus on comfort more than glamor.

Are you flying to attend a work conference? Don’t worry about packing so many leisure clothes.

Are you heading to a bachelorette party? You don’t need more than two pairs of shoes. (I repeat: You don’t need more than two pairs of shoes.)

Aside from the purpose of your trip, consider length. The longer the trip, the more complex minimalist packing becomes. (Or fun, depending on your personality.)

Here are the most commonly overpacked items:

Shoes. Boots are the main culprit. Avoid packing boots at all costs.
Jewelry. Only bring pieces that you’ll wear daily.
Clothes. Slashing down the amount of clothes can be a challenge. Consider going modular with your wardrobe. Bring pieces that you can mix and match with one another. Neutral colors pair together most easily.
Coats and cold weather gear. When possible, opt for compressible coats like those sold at Uniqlo. If possible, wear your heaviest gear on the plane.
Toiletries. Do you really need your own loofa? Probably not.
Electronics. Aside from e-readers, you probably won’t need too many fancy gadgets.

Minimalist packing: step-by-step guide

Minimalist packing might feel stressful at first. That’s normal. In fact, some psychologists believe that overpacking is a symptom of catastrophic thinking and, more generally, anxiety.

So be kind to yourself as you start slashing your packing list. It’s normal to feel weird, and by weird, I mean nervous.

Now that you’ve got your gear laid out, here’s how to pack your bags like an expert:

Use a smaller bag or suitcase. We’re starting with the obvious here.
Organize what you’re going to pack next to your suitcase. If it’s too much, you’ll notice immediately. Keep removing items as needed.
Experiment with arrangements. If you have a new suitcase, you might need to work to figure out how to most efficiently pack your bag. Think of it like Tetris! Fun!
Roll clothes. This can help you save on space—though it’s not absolutely necessary if you have a larger piece of luggage.
Stuff things inside of other things. Socks, for example, fit wonderfully inside hats—and also prevent hats from losing their shape.
Pack heavy stuff at the bottom. If you have a rolling suitcase, pack your heaviest gear near the wheels. If it’s a backpack or duffel, do it at the bottom.

More Than Fly-Over Country: Most Beautiful Places in Kansas

Want to know one of my most controversial travel opinions? Kansas is beautiful.

I grew up in Missouri, surrounded by similar fly-over states in the Heartland—so I might be biased thanks to the amount of time I spent in Kansas as a kid. The same for Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, and Illinois.

Against popular opinion, I feel strongly that Kansas is one of the most stunning places in the world.

Sure, it’s flat as a pancake, but that’s part of the magic. The land is so flat that you can see the Earth’s curvature on the horizon.

While Montana’s state moniker is ‘Big Sky Country’, that label feels a lot more appropriate for the flat plains of Kansas. They make you feel like a tiny speck amid an ocean of sky and land—or golden wheat, depending on which part of the state you’re passing through.

And who doesn’t like feeling dwarfed by Mother Nature? Isn’t that the point of getting into the great outdoors?

So let’s revisit Kansas with rose-colored glasses. Here’s a love letter to all the fly-over states that are regularly listed as the least lovely in the US—and proof that mountains and lakes aren’t the end-all of great scenery.

Here are the most beautiful places in Kansas.

Flint Hills

The Flint Hills are home to ecologically important tallgrass prairies—some of the last in the world.

Some of these grasses grow up to ten feet tall, obscuring the horizon. That’s an important feature of Flint Hill’s rolling prairies, as these grasses provide shelter and nourishment for millions of birds and mammals.

In other words: The biodiversity is off the charts, making Kansas a fantastic place to spot birds on seasonal migrations. If you want to explore the extensive wonders of Flint Hills’ tallgrass prairies, then head to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve or Konza Prairie.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

And speaking of birdwatching, the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is a hot spot for millions of those migratory birds.

Like the tallgrass prairies, Cheyenne Bottoms is a crucial ecological site for thousands of species. It stretches over 41,000 acres, making it the largest interior wetlands in the US.

If you want to see millions of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds, then head to this spot in late April and early May. Along with plenty of birdwatching, you’ll also be able to spot the ample wildlife that rely on the wetlands, from bobcats to mink to bats to armadillos.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

This park stretches over 330 acres of badlands. If you’re new to geography, badlands are a dry terrain area. They usually have steep slopes, little vegetation, and plenty of rock debris.

In other words: No farming. That makes for rugged natural wonders like Little Jerusalem.

Here, you’ll find dozens of narrow canyons that weave between towering sedimentary rocks. In fact, the area got its name from how tight some of these passages are, which recalled the narrow streets of Jerusalem.

If you enjoy wandering through these giants, you can also explore nearby Kansan wonders like Castle Rock and Monument Rocks.

Ozark Plateau

Here’s where my Missouri roots come into play. The Ozarks is a stretch of rolling forests that stretch through a narrow belt in the Midwest.

These expansive hills are still rugged and remote—and filled with caves perfect for escaping the law, which legends like Jesse James did back in the day.

Though you won’t find too much of the Ozark Plateau to explore in Kansas (its confined to the southwest portion of the state), it’s one of the US’s most underrated forests—once again, in my humble and Missouri-influenced opinion.

Those caves are really worth writing about, as the limestone that forms them is hundreds of millions of years old.