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Just Got Back from the East Coast—Short Trip to NYC and DC!

I've been a bit behind on things lately, as I was at a 95th birthday party! 🎂🎂🎂

She's a family friend whom I consider to be 'my grandma' as she was there, right next door, as I grew up. She's also my godmother. So I was a wee bit busy showing up on her doorstep as a surprise!

We also stopped by the Met, where my cousin works. He showed us around and provided a lot of insight into what it takes to create mounts for the art and artifacts.

I then headed down to DC by train (super easy and affordable on Amtrak if you book in advance) for my uncle's funeral at Arlington.

But to top it off on a happier note, I was invited back to the Folger Shakespeare Library for a tour of their new exhibit!

Last time I visited was 2019, when they had a teeny-tiny exhibit that has expanded significantly now, and I'll be covering it on the blog shortly!

For fans of the Bard or any literary traveler, it's a true gem in the capital.

Travel Updates You Need to Know

If you're heading to Europe: Be aware that there have been reported delays at the border due to the new ETIAS system.

I'm not saying it's a guarantee you'll be in a line for hours, but going in as prepared as you can will likely save you from surprises or from showing up without the proper paperwork.

One of the airline employees in Turkey nearly cried last year when I told him that I had already filled out the ETA (the UK version of the ETIAS) since so many had come in unprepared.

My Latest Travel Must-Haves

MEGAN MOJO

Replying to @Marsala part 2 🗣️ Yall wanted more, oh I’ve got more hahahaha Shop @Matador Equipment in my 🔗 for soap bags and pocket blanket @I Dew Care comes in clutch with their dry shampoo These are all products I’ve purchased with my own money and love! Packing for travel should be unique and fun because not everybodies bags should look the same. #solobackpacker #whatsinmybag #travelhacks #solofemaletraveler #uniquefinds

♬ original sound - MEGAN MOJO

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​Matador Soap Bags: Shoutout for Megan Mogo for this, because I've been looking for an alternative to the tins I use to transport my solid shampoo and conditioner bars.

Speaking of bars... while on my trip, I realized my conditioner bar had gotten old or something, cause it wasn't lathering up. I've had this bar for a few years, so it's time to replace it.

My go-to for anything body-related like this is Ethique because they're eco-friendly and create products that don't bother my eczema.

What I'm Listening to Right Now

​Jurassic Park​ #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

Like you, I watched the Steven Spielberg film as a kid. However, I had never even thought to ​listen to the book​ it was based on until the past year.

I finally dove in, and it's been a super fun listen that even without seeing the dinosaurs, I can still feel the suspense!

I get my audiobooks from Libro.fm—they split the profits with an independent bookstore of your choice.

Today's Deal: The Insta360 Camera

​Insta360 just kicked off their Big Deal Days sale, and as someone who's used it solo, I wanted to flag it before it's gone.

If you've ever wished you had a second pair of hands to film you walking into the Colosseum, climbing into a tuk-tuk in Bangkok, or just proving to your mom you actually made it up that mountain alone—this is your answer.

No tripod-juggling, no asking strangers, no awkward selfie-stick shots.

What's on sale right now:

• Up to $200 off top sellers like the X5, Ace Pro 2, and GO Ultra (which is the one I have)
• Free gifts with select purchases—while supplies last
• An extra $50 off if you trade in your old camera or gear

This sale runs through July 2, so if you've been eyeing an upgrade for an upcoming trip, now's the time.

If you're not sure which camera fits your travel style, there's a quiz for that, which I took myself before deciding. But here are some quick recommendations:

• Solo hands-free vlogging: GO Ultra (clips on, tiny)
• Best all-around 360° + action footage: X5
• Best for low-light, night markets, city walks: Ace Pro 2

Got your old action cam sitting in a drawer? The trade-in stacks with the sale price, so it's worth checking before you buy new.

I cover everything you need to know (what wearing it is like, how good the video quality is, ease of use, battery life, etc.) in my full Insta360 Go Ultra review:

👉 www.travelherstory.com/best-camera-for-solo-travel​

Happy travels​ ✈️ — Michelle L. Jensen ​travelherstory.com​