I've traveled to 17 countries and have learned that a checked bag is always worth it. Here's why.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Silhouette of a woman with a carry-on bag surrounded by seats looking out onto a runway at an airport
Checking a bag makes my travel experience more enjoyable.

IgorTsarev/Getty Images/iStockphoto

I met a man on the street, and our third date was a 12-day Mediterranean cruise. It was a surreal experience.

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Man and woman smiling on cruise ship
I went on a 12-day Mediterranean cruise with a man I'd only been on two dates with. The risk paid off, and I'm so glad I trusted my instincts.

Jodie Hughes

After living in South America for 7 years, there's just one region I always recommend to first-time visitors

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer hiking up a volcano in Ecuador.
captionTK

Kirstynn Joseph

I'm a dietitian on the Mediterranean diet. After visiting Greece, I incorporated these 5 changes to my meals at home.

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Plates of food on a table near the water in Create, Greece.
I went to Greece for the first time, and the food was a major highlight.

Toms Auzins/Shutterstock

I traveled over 8,000 miles on Amtrak in one year. These are the 10 items I never board the train without.

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Kylie holds a bag on top of a suitcase on a train platform.
My travel bag is one of my favorite things I pack for train rides.

Kylie Stoltzfus

I spent 15 days hiking the Dolomites in Italy. These are 7 biggest mistakes I made during the trip.

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Lily Voss sitting down at table in the Dolomites Italy
My June trip to the Dolomites was incredible, but I made several logistical errors along the way.

Lily Voss

I quit Bain after a 43-hour workday and now own an outdoor adventure business. Consulting prepared me for anything.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Sports
Sunny Stroeer in the mountains wearing an orange jacket, white helmet, and glasses.
Sunny Stroeer said her work as a consultant at Bain prepared her for her career in the outdoors.

Sunny Stroeer

The lounge is for losers. Bring back the airport bar.

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A cocktail glass with three olives and an airplane

Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI

After 2 layoffs and a breakup in New York, I booked a one-way flight to Asia. Travel changed how I define success.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A woman standing on the DMZ between South and North Korea.
Spending two years traveling across Asia, Australia, and Europe helped Macie Strum define success.

Provided by Macie Strum

I moved to Coral Gables for my dogs. I'm spending almost $2,000 more in rent, but we get to walk everywhere.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Woman posing with two French Bulldogs
The author moved to a more expensive neighborhood in Miami for her dogs.

Courtesy of the author

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