Saily eSIM: How to Get Started Using eSIMs

I’m adding a third option for your eSIM needs: Saily.

Along with Airalo and Firsty, Saily is an easy-to-use eSIM that won’t trip up even the most tech-challenged travelers.

In case you’re new to the eSIM conversation, here’s a quick recap:

ESIMs are one of the most flexible and dynamic options that travelers have when it comes to using their smartphones abroad. Rather than replace a physical SIM card in your phone, you download an eSIM provider app, choose the plan that’s right for you, and then hit ‘activate’ when you land at your destination.

There are dozens of eSIM companies to choose from—and more are hitting the market every year.

I’ve been using Airalo for a few years with great success, but think that both Firsty (covered in another article, linked above) and Saily are great choices. Here’s why Saily is on my radar.

How can you get an eSIM from Saily?

To start using Saily, download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store. Or if you want to start shopping around for plans first, you can head to their website.

From there, you can select which countries you’ll travel to. Click on the country, then select which data plan you want.

This part is a little tricky. If you’re anything like me, you don’t know the difference between 1 GB and 20 GB—and how much internet use either covers.

A good way to gauge how much data you’ll need is to think about how often you want to stream videos on your smartphone, from Netflix to TikTok.

The more video streaming you want to do, the more data you need. For the average traveler like me (who wants to use Google Maps and send a few emails), 5GB is plenty for a five-day trip. That being said, I’d recommend doing a little research before finalizing your eSIM data plan.

How do you activate the eSIM once you touch down?

There’s one catch when using the Saily eSIM platform: your data plans are automatically activated over a 30-day period.

That means that your data plan(s) will automatically activate after 30 days of the purchase. So, you need to buy your Saily plan within one month of arriving at your destination.

That’s a pretty big catch—so make sure you set a note in your calendar in case your vacation plans change. That being said, what I love about Saily is that it automatically activates when you arrive at your destination.

Most other eSIM providers require you to manually change your phone’s settings and activate the eSIM—but not Saily.

What makes Saily stand out?

That automatic activation makes Saily stand out from other eSIM providers that I’ve used. But it’s not my favorite feature.

The reason I think Saily should be on your radar is its added security tools. Saily automatically routes your connection through other countries, sort of like a VPN or a virtual private network.

VPNs are one of the best ways to stay safe when using your smartphone abroad—especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi. While Saily doesn’t use an actual VPN, it lets you change your virtual location to over 30 countries.

That lets you browse more privately—and even access content that you’d normally see at home.

There’s also an ad blocker, which can help you save money by limiting the number of online trackers that suck up your precious data. On top of that, the Saily eSIM also blocks malicious sites, protecting you as you browse the web while traveling abroad.

9 Wonderfully Weird Things to Do in Nebraska

Similar to Kansas and Iowa, Nebraska is usually dubbed a fly-over state.

I hate that moniker.

Half because I’m from Missouri, which is often regarded as a flyover state, and half because I personally think the flat prairies in places like Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas are underrated. As a fan of wind, sunlight, and open spaces, I think they’re outright beautiful.

But let’s not get derailed by why endless expanses of sky and tallgrass are appealing. For now, I’m shining a light on what makes Nebraska a fascinating stop for travelers—and, no, I’m not going to suggest you aimlessly wander across a prairie.

So long as you know where to go, you’ll find that this state is speckled with pleasant surprises. To pique your interest, I’m highlighting the weirdest activities that are open to visitors.

(If you’re on the hunt for even more things to do, start with Visit Nebraska’s comprehensive list.)

9 wonderfully weird things to do in Nebraska

Carhenge (Alliance, Nebraska)

During the summer solstice back in 1987, artist Jim Reinders unveiled his large-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge. Instead of hauling massive standing stones into a circular position, Reinders carefully placed vintage American cars into position.

And he dubbed it Carhenge.

Spray-painted matte gray, they sort of resembled the megaliths. A total of 39 cars were used to recreate Stonehenge, while another three (all foreign-made) lay buried beneath the site.

Kool-Aid Days Festival (Hastings, Nebraska)

Hastings is the birthplace of Kool-Aid—oh, yeah! If you’re a big fan of this sweet drink, you can visit Hastings’ Kool-Aid Museum. However, I’d suggest planning a visit during the three-day Kool-Aid Days festival, which is held annually in August.

The festival includes live music, a parade, fireworks, and special events like a Kool-Aid drinking contest.

Toadstool Geologic Park (Oglala National Grassland)

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the state, this geological area is technically a badlands landscape. (Told you I wouldn’t recommend any prairies!)

The barren, desolate landscape at Toadstool Geologic Park almost looks lunar, and is dotted with unique formations. Don’t forget to look out for the sod house replica on the grounds—it showcases how early European settlers survived on the Nebraska frontier.

Happy Jack Chalk Mine (Scotia, Nebraska)

View from the top of the mines (TripAdvisor)

Welcome to Nebraska’s only visitable mine. On weekends, you can take a short tour of Happy Jack Salt Mine through the abandoned caverns to learn about chalk, how it’s mined, and what it’s used for.

After, you can climb atop the mines for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding plains. Despite that very simple premise, visitors have found the tour to be interesting—someone TripAdvisor even dubbed it a ‘hidden gem in the countryside’.

Bigfoot Crossroads of America (Hastings, Nebraska)

Meet your Big Foot guide, Harriet (TripAdvisor)

Hastings doesn’t only host the Kool-Aid Days festival—it also welcomes the annual Nebraska Bigfoot Conference. And that event is hosted by the Bigfoot Crossroads of America center, which functions as both a museum and research facility.

You can learn everything there is to know about Sasquatches here, along with how today’s leading Bigfoot hunters study them. There’s even a fantasy forest to wander through.

International Quilt Museum (Lincoln, Nebraska)

I know this is going to make me sound nerdy but… quilts are cool. From the vestiges of European hand-sewing traditions and the utilitarian need for warmth, American colonists made this art their own.

As of 2025, the US is home to quilting traditions that stem from European American, African American, Native American, Amish, and Hawaiian traditions. The International Quilt Museum is one of the best places to learn about these traditions while enjoying contemporary quilting storytelling.

Ashfall Fossils Bed (Royal, Nebraska)

Didn’t catch your attention with the quilting recommendation? Let me lure you in with some fossil beds. Ashfall Fossils Bed has been called ‘the Pompeii of prehistoric animals’ by Nat Geo, which should clue you in.

This site entombs dozens of prehistoric animals, which paleontologists and archaeologists are still carefully studying after its discovery in 1987. In the Rhino Barn, you can get a closer look at rhinos that were buried in volcanic ash over 12 million years ago.

Museum of Shadows (Omaha, Nebraska)

I’m one of the first people to recommend haunted museums and ghost tours. I love a little dark tourism, along with touching on related topics like true crime. But if you’re a hardcore fan of ghosts, haunted locations, and haunted items, look no further.

The Museum of Shadows includes over 3,000 haunted artifacts from around the world. You can explore the museum at your own pace, take a guided tour, or even join ghost-hunting programs.

The Villagers (Taylor, Nebraska)

The Museum of Shadows is designed to scare guests—but The Villagers might also catch you off-guard.

To make the town appear more populated and welcoming, Taylor local Marah Sandoz put together a life-sized painting on a wooden cut-out depicting historic townspeople. Since then, she’s amassed over 100 ‘Villagers’ throughout the town.

7 Things to Do in Marin County Near San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge leads from San Francisco to Marin County, guiding travelers north like a grand red carpet.

Removed from the city’s foggy domain, Marin is a sunny, coastal escape with a population of around 250,000.

You may not have heard of its largest city, San Rafael—but you might know other iconic Marin spots like Muir Woods redwood forest, the houseboats of Sausalito, and San Quentin State Prison. (Any true crime fans out there?)

It’s one of the best day trip options for travelers in San Francisco. Marin is home to some of California’s most rugged, gorgeous hills and beaches. It’s also one of the wealthiest counties in the US, which means there are plenty of hidden treasures to uncover—including the famous Marin County Civic Center, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Have I caught your interest yet?

If you want to get out of San Francisco and foray into a world of pure Northern California vibes, book a rental and head into Marin. Here’s what to do when you arrive.

7 best things to do in Marin County

Lounge on Black Sand Beach

Hidden amid the Marin Headlands is one of California’s hidden black sand beaches. Sometimes shrunk by the rising tide, this quiet, peaceful beach faces Bonita Cove, letting you gaze into the sunset after a long day.

To get there, head into the Marin Headlands toward Upper Fisherman’s Lot. From there, you can hike down to Black Sands Beach. Just be warned that this is a very steep (but short) trail, so be ready for a workout.

See Alamere Falls

Alamere falls in Point Reyes National Seashore (Getty)

Alamere Falls is located on the southern edge of Wildcat Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. You may have heard of this famous natural landmark before; it’s one of few coastal waterfalls, which descends directly onto the sand.

As with Black Sand Beach, you need to be prepared for a hike. In this case, you need to cover a 13-mile loop if you want to see the famous falls.

Shop at the Sunday Marin Farmers Market

You might be picturing a quiet plaza with a few vendors selling bright produce—but that’s not an accurate depiction of the Sunday Marin Farmers Market. This is the third-largest farmers market in California and is home to around 150 vendors who sell produce, artisanal crafts, and more. Some popular tents even have cult followings.

Walk through the largest Frank Lloyd Wright construction: the Marin County Civic Center

North America, United States of America, California, San Rafael (Getty)

The Sunday Marin Farmers Market is hosted in the lot of the Marin County Civic Center, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1962. (Wright passed in 1959; his protégé oversaw the building’s construction.) It was his largest project, which spans various buildings, the largest of which is the Administration Building and Hall of Justice. You can take tours of the building, which has become a hotspot for visitors.

Head to Heidrun Meadery

Forget wineries, breweries, and distilleries. In Marin County, you can visit a meadery—used for making mead. Mead is a popular drink from the Middle Ages, which is made from honey instead of grapes.

Heidrun Meadery takes things even further by brewing its mead in a Champagne style, which produces a breathtakingly light and honey-infused drink. Instead of fields of grapes, you’ll find a bee forage at this Marin County destination.

Feel bougie in Sausalito

California-Sausalito-Sausalito Floating Homes

Sausalito is a coastal area that’s known for its lanes of houseboats. Though Sausalito grew rapidly as a shipbuilding center during World War II, it’s better known for its high number of quirky, wealthy artists, from Alan Watts to Shel Silverstein to Isabelle Allende.

Even if you aren’t interested in Sausalito’s famous residents, its houseboat docks are still worth checking out.

Watch a performance at Throckmorton Theater

This gorgeous community theatre first opened its doors in 1912, when it was known as The Hub Theatre. Over a century later, the theatre continues to host a range of performances, from high school orchestras to productions like Chicago.

Even if you don’t buy tickets for a show, you might want to stop in just to see the interior. Throckmorton has been preserved with many of its historic features, which makes you feel like you’re walking into Marin’s past.

7 Etiquette Tips in Southeast Asia

Etiquette is based on layers and layers of unwritten rules. From regional tendencies to larger social structures, it’s a complex topic.

As a former student of culture, I learned that most etiquette comes from historical context, religious and folk beliefs, environmental factors, and beyond. Some customs change quickly, while others are focal to a culture’s identity.

One of my favorite places to study culture was in Southeast Asia, where cultural cues and norms are influenced strongly by the region’s distinct Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim histories. Thailand, for example, is Buddhist; Malaysia is largely Muslim; and Indonesia’s Bali is a Hindu enclave.

Folk religion is also prevalent, which is tied to certain locations, family lines, and other hyper-specific realities. Toss in other factors like the presence of filial piety and gender norms, and you can start to see how studying something as simple as ‘etiquette’ becomes a quagmire of sidebars.

I personally love the messiness of these topics—but I remember how disorienting it was to travel to Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali for the first time.

Customs are different in each destination; and even in each town and city. That being said, there are a few overarching rules you might want to keep in mind. Even if you don’t nail every interaction, these tips will serve you well throughout the region and show locals that you’re, at least, trying.

Ready for your crash course in Southeast Asian etiquette? Here’s a short introduction with the most important tips.

7 etiquette tips in Southeast Asia

Dress modestly anytime you’re going to a religious site or an important meeting

This rule of etiquette is pretty standard throughout the world, but cover your shoulders and down to your knees if you’re planning to enter an ashram, temple, or another holy site.

Even if you’re just visiting a more conservative or professional part of town for a more formal meeting, consider covering up.

Don’t touch anyone’s head—and don’t point your feet at people

In Buddhist and Hindu cultures, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. The feet are considered the dirtiest.

For this reason, avoid touching the top of anyone’s head—even children. By contrast, avoid pointing your feet at others. It’s common to sit on the floor in Southeast Asia, which was usually when I accidentally pointed my feet at people.

Keep your cool in public

To put it bluntly, it’s a very embarrassing lapse to lose your cool and raise your voice in public in Southeast Asia. That’s doubly true if you raise your voice to a child.

Children are held in very high regard; someone who raises their voice to a child is then seen as being more infantile. In Southeast Asia, public harmony and displays of respect are the cultural norm.

Losing your temper is the same as losing face.

Be subtle when giving and receiving—and say no the first time

And speaking of losing face—you might be wondering what it means. To put it as simply as possible, saving face is guaranteeing the dignity of yourself, especially when in a public setting.

This was a tough concept for me to wrap my head around; though humility is big in St. Louis where I grew up, the concepts are different in practice.

One way that you’ll save face in Southeast Asia is by very subtly giving and receiving gifts. Even when paying the bill in a restaurant, do so quietly. If a friend is offering you a gift, say no the first time. If they insist, accept with both hands and bow your head.

Accept items with both hands

Accepting an item with both hands is a sign of respect. It’s expected when receiving gifts, in particular, but you might want to make it part of your daily habits as you travel around the region.

Whether accepting money, food, or even business cards, using both hands signals that you’re grateful. It’s especially important when there’s an age difference; elders are held in very high regard, so they should be shown deferential treatment.

Watch out for your left hand

If you’ve read my work on squatty toilets, then you might remember that the left hand is considered unclean in many cultures around the world—from Southeast Asia to India to the Middle East.

That’s because the left hand is always used for cleaning up after using a squatty when there’s no toilet paper. Even in areas that are fully on the TP-train, this custom holds strong. If you’re offering or accepting something, use your right hand.

Slight bows are favored over handshakes

This last one isn’t necessarily a breech in etiquette—everyone will shake your hand if you offer it in greeting. But it’s worth mentioning here that many people in Southeast Asia greet one another with their hands pressed together and a slight bow of the head (Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos).

It’s a sign of greeting, farewell, and apology, and is associated with respect. In Malaysia and Indonesia, you can set your hand on your heart. In Vietnam, a simple nod will work.

Travel Tips: 5 Countries My European Friends Recommend

When I write for American travelers, I tend to focus on destinations in North America, Europe, and South America. They’re more accessible to us in terms of budget, culture, and geography.

While Asian stops like Japan and Bali are high on the priority list for some Americans, the vast majority of us focus our travel goggles on the closest tropical and historical destinations.

We’re usually lying half-asleep on a beach with an empty cocktail nearby or breaking in a new pair of shoes while museum-hunting in Italy or France.

But what about non-American travelers?

Here in Barcelona, my immediate friend group includes people from around Europe, and they often set their sights on more exotic, distant locations. Many also work at companies that are legally required to offer employees six weeks of paid vacation. (One of my friends realized she was below the quota last year and had to take off. Mind-blowing, right?)

So, where do they go when it’s time to take off work—sometimes for weeks at a time?

Two of my friends just returned from a month-long jaunt across Sri Lanka. Last year around this time, they were returning from South Korea. And they aren’t the only ones drifting farther and farther off well-trodden tourist tracks.

Ever wondered how European thirty-somethings without children are traveling?

Take a peek behind the curtain with me. I’m listing out where each of my close friends in Barcelona has traveled over the last year. (Currently, two friends are on separate trips to Sri Lanka and Malaysia—so I’ll have to report back on how their trips go.)

Japan

One of my best friends (from Croatia) headed to Tokyo, Japan for his three-week honeymoon last November. It was the third time that he and his partner (from Spain) had visited—and they have plans to go back.

The pair are obsessed with Tokyo and Japanese culture.

They like Tokyo because it’s a vertical city, and you never know what unique adventure will await you on a skyscraper’s 26^th floor. Despite the dense urban atmosphere, Japanese culture values respect, which means it’s gauche to make noise or disrupt others in public—and that goes a long way in keeping Tokyo peaceful.

Lastly, they’re in love with Japanese food.

South Korea

Two good friends of mine (both Italian) went on a three-week vacation in South Korea last year, hitting hotspots like Seoul and Jeju Island.

Their journey was inspired by pop culture and personal recommendations; one of our friends here in Barcelona is South Korean and has been selling our group on a trip for a while now.

The pair enjoyed the big-city vibes in Seoul. Korean skincare is enjoying a cult-like following around the world, so spas and shopping were high on their list. In Jeju, they were able to get outdoors, hiking through gorgeous national parks and relaxing by the water. They raved about the sites in Jeju—which they ended up liking more than Seoul.

Morocco

Almost everyone I know in Barcelona has been to Morrocco—and loved it. From just about every angle, you can expect an incredible trip.

Moroccans are known for being incredibly hospitable, meaning you’ll be able to find a helping hand just about anywhere. Though you need to be mindful of cultural cues and safety, I don’t know anyone who’s had a dangerous run-in in the country.

If you stay in cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen, you can enjoy world-class architecture and bazaars. (Plan to shop a lot in Morocco!) Or you can drift out of cities to explore some of the most intact Roman ruins in the world.

You can also delve into the desert to sleep under the stars in the Sahara. There are even Mediterranean surf towns where you can get the hang of catching a few waves.

Georgia

Currently, Georgia is going through a period of political upheaval—so you may want to plan a visit to this Caucasus country a bit later. (There’s a ‘lively debate’ on whether the country should join the European Union.)

That being said, don’t forget about Tbilisi, the nation’s capital city.

The city is a blend of old and new, with modern brutalist structures sitting alongside Byzantine ruins. The food, such as dishes like khinkali and khachpuri, isn’t like other Eastern European dishes. And the people are renowned for being hospitable—and are often curious about life outside the region.

Colombia

It feels like everyone I know is going to Colombia. Many close friends who have gone had a personal tie to the country; their friends married locals or their own partners are hosting jungle retreats. Others just want to take it easy in warm, laidback outposts for a month.

Regardless of why they travel to Colombia, they come back raving.

From the food to the warm people to the natural wonders to the artisanal craftsmanship, it’s an alluring and colorful destination. Personally, I’ve been interested in visiting since reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a famous author of magical realism who comes from Aracataca, Colombia.

12 Things to Do in Seattle as a Solo Traveler

Seattle is hard to beat when it comes to US-based solo travel.

The city is near-perfect for a few reasons. First, it offers a great balance between more rugged, outdoor sensibilities and modernity. Second, it’s safe and easy to navigate—even without a car rental. Third, you can probably name a few famous landmarks, artists, and restaurants around the city.

Even if you only have a few days to explore Seattle, you’re guaranteed to make lasting memories—and possibly uncover new interests.

But what should you do during your solo trip to Seattle?

I’ve got a recommendation for every type of solo traveler out there, whether you want to dive into the hustle downtown, skip town on an outdoor adventure, or delve into the city’s diverse cultural scene. Here’s what to do.

Best things to do in Seattle for solo travelers

Make friends: Trivia nights, swing dancing, and Meetups

In the mood to put on your social butterfly wings? Headier travelers might want to look out for one of Seattle’s many well-established trivia nights. Many are hosted at popular bars, from the Admiral Pub to Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern.

You can sign up as a solo competitor or invite a friend you make on the trip—the select few might even be recruited by friendly teams.

Another great choice in Seattle is swing dancing. While swing dancing might not seem like a pastime typical in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve got options on where to go. There’s Century Ballroom, Live 2 Dance, and Swing It Seattle. The last option looks like the most solo traveler-friendly option thanks to their social dance program.

If neither option tickles your fancy, don’t forget about Meetup.com. There are dozens of events to choose from, from techy AI boot camps to board games for outdoorsy types to poetry meetups.

Get out into nature: Hoh Rainforest, Bainbridge Island, and whale watching

Even if you don’t want to rent a car on your solo trip to Seattle (you don’t need one to get around the city), you might consider it for a day.

That way, you can experience the magic of nearby wonders, including Hoh Rainforest, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. (Hoh has been high on my list for a while!)

That being said, you can still access gorgeous parks and forests from Seattle using public transportation. The most accessible options are taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island or signing up for a whale-watching tour that leaves from Seattle.

If you’re interested in taking on even more adventure day trips, consider taking the Victoria Clipper Ferry up to Victoria, British Columbia. The ferry leaves daily on a three-hour journey between the cities, letting you spend the night in Canada before heading back to your Seattle stay.

See what the hype is about: Starbucks, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass

Some travelers want to avoid popular tourist destinations; I’m often one of them due to my hatred of crowds. However, you might want to see what the hype is about at some of Seattle’s most well-known spots.

For example, I don’t drink Starbucks even though there’s one almost right outside my apartment—but I’d absolutely stop by the flagship store in downtown Seattle. I also feel obligated to mention the iconic Space Needle.

But even if you aren’t one for heights or gorgeous views, you can stay on the ground level. Nearby the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, a larger-than-life glass art display from Seattle’s most famous contemporary artist. (He was born in nearby Tacoma.)

Uncover a new leaf: Seattle Japanese Garden, The Pink Door, Seattle Underground

I like blending the known with the unknown on my solo travel adventures. When you’ve had your fill of Seattle’s well-known tourist spots, I suggest setting aside time to explore Seattle’s other famous offerings—ones that locals probably know well but that some tourists might not notice.

First is Seattle Japanese Garden. Located on the edge of Seattle’s massive Washington Park Arboretum, this garden project was first launched back in 1909. Since then, it’s been painstakingly improved and maintained. In fact, in the 1950s, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Japan sent over architects and designers to complete the park.

Switching lanes, I also suggest look into The Pink Door, a well-known Italian restaurant that doubles as an entertainment space. Along with your tortellini, you can enjoy aerial performances, live music, and even cabaret.

My final recommendation is to delve in the city’s underground history on a tour. I mean that both literally and metaphorically. To explore Seattle’s violent, dark past, tour guides will take you into the city’s underground tunnels, which connect many downtown establishments—and may or may not be haunted by ghosts.