I've been to 20 Caribbean islands. Here are 7 mistakes first-time visitors should avoid making.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Mariette, wearing a red dress and sunglasses, walks along a pier on a cloudy day. The ocean is a beautiful turquoise color.
After visiting 20 Caribbean islands, I've observed some common mistakes from first-time visitors.

Mariette Williams

I traveled 17 hours to Indonesia, but was immediately sent home because I'd made a simple mistake with my passport

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Claire stands on top of a mountain, with rolling, greenery-covered hills in the background.
I traveled to Indonesia and had to fly back home because of a passport mistake I won't make again.

Claire Gallam Volkman

I email my 106-year-old grandmother every Friday. It's one of the most meaningful commitments I've ever made.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author posing with her grandmother.
Emailing my grandmother every week is a tradition that helps us stay connected despite the distance.

Catherine Work

I've visited all 63 major US national parks. Here are 10 of my all-time favorites.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Emily, wearing a green top, a flannel around her waist, black leggings, high socks, and hiking boots, sits on a mountain looking out at the trees.
In my opinion, New River Gorge is one of the best US national parks to visit.

Emily Hart

I've had an executive Costco membership for 10 years. It pays for itself — and then some.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Gabrielle holds up a Costco executive member card in front of the store.
I've had a Costco executive membership for 10 years.

Gabrielle Lenart

I went to Aldi for the first time in 40 years. I was impressed by how far my money could go.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
The author taking a selfie outside Aldi.
I recently started shopping at Aldi, and it's become my go-to grocery store thanks to great savings.

Trisha Daab

I moved from the US to the Netherlands. Though I speak the local language, a lot has surprised me about living here.

Tech Insider : Business, Politics
sara posing on a stone bridge next to autumnal trees in the netherlands
I've lived in the Netherlands for five years.

Sara Wegman

8 cocktails that will be everywhere this fall, according to bartenders

Tech Insider : Business
An espresso martini with chai.
Bartenders weighed in on the fall cocktails they think will be popular this year.

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

I'm an American who spent 6 months living in Europe. Here are 5 lifestyle changes I'll be taking back with me to the US.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Buildings behind a bridge with five openings along a canal in Amsterdam.
After spending six months in Europe, I'll be incorporating some lifestyle changes at home.

a_Taiga/Getty Images

I took a one-night solo trip to a different country. It taught me how to transform discomfort into confidence.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author posing in London.
I took a one-night solo trip to a different country, and it transformed my confidence and independence.

Taila Lee

Subscribe to Freelancer