Travel Journal Archives • Page 4 of 22 • Jessie on a Journey

How To Hike To Bhutan’s Breathtaking Tiger’s Nest

By Jessie Festa | Updated on September 14, 2021

The Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Palphug Monastery) is one of Bhutan’s most important places, and hiking to it is an amazing spiritual experience. Here’s why.Read more...

The Truth About Becoming A New York City Tour Guide

By Jessie Festa | Updated on September 15, 2025

“I can’t wait to get back to New York City where at least when I walk down the street nobody ever hesitates to tell me exactly what they think of me.” – Ani DiFranco I just want to start off by saying IT’S OFFICIAL. After much studying and a lengthy exam — on which I…Read more...

Woman with backpack and straw hat standing at railroad station platform and looking at arriving train

11 Epic Travel Fail Stories From The Road

By Jessie Festa | Updated on January 23, 2026

These epic #travelfail travel stories from the road will make you laugh and learn at the same time. Read more...

An Open Letter From The Father Of A Female Solo Traveler

By Jessie Festa | Updated on April 29, 2025

In “An Open Letter From The Father Of A Female Solo Traveler” my dad talks about his experiences and how he copes with my solo trips. Read on. Read more...

An Open Letter From The Mother Of A Female Solo Traveler

By Jessie Festa | Updated on May 30, 2025

In this open letter, my mom shares how she coped with my solo travels and reflects on my earliest trips alone.Read more...

Notes On Dating A Non-Traveler (And How I See Love On The Road Differently Now)

By Jessie Festa | Updated on April 8, 2020

Okay, so let me start off by saying that when I say “non-traveler” I don’t mean my boyfriend doesn’t travel. In fact, he speaks fluent Italian, loves getting away to remote destinations and is super adventurous (he just took me rock climbing in Brooklyn — who knew?). What I mean is that he doesn’t travel…Read more...

Staying Safe Abroad: Scary Encounters & What I’ve Learned From Them

By Jessie Festa | Updated on March 16, 2026

Staying safe abroad is important, though traveling isn’t always a picnic. Sometimes, we encounter situations that threaten our safety and make us second guess our security. The important thing when something like this happens to you is not to let it scare you into not traveling, but to learn a lesson from the experience. Here…Read more...