• Buy Travel Tools
  • Commercial Photography
  • Creative Photography
  • Travel Blog
  • Contact
  • About
SAMANTHA KARAM
  • Buy Travel Tools
  • Commercial Photography
  • Creative Photography
  • Travel Blog
  • Contact
  • About

How to Have a Car-Free Vacation in North America

Biking to brunch!? What a radical idea!

This post is for people like me: The 40% of Americans who can’t ditch their car today but are curious about what a different kind of life could unlock. Maybe, after your car-free vacation, you’ll return home a little more convinced that freedom from cars is worth building toward on a nationwide scale.

Read more

tags: Logistics
categories: Advice/Experience
Monday 04.13.26
Posted by Samantha Karam
 

How Airlines Turned Discomfort Into a Core Business

POV: You’re crammed in the window seat with a full bladder and a grumbling stomach :’)

I am not a tall person. At five feet and one inch, I am an objectively compact traveler. I’m the size of person who airlines should theoretically have no trouble accommodating. Yet, on a recent two-hour flight, I found myself crammed into a window seat so restricted that shifting my weight felt like an act of violence against my neighbor.

Read more

tags: Logistics, Reflections
categories: Advice/Experience
Tuesday 04.07.26
Posted by Samantha Karam
 

A Local’s Guide To Pittsburgh: Explore The Steel City With Ease

The Duquesne Incline cable car operates daily between Station Square and Mount Washington. Photo courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh.

This guide is my tribute Pittsburgh, which I built from years of lived experience and local adventures. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong local looking to fall in love with your hometown all over again, I hope this helps you uncover something new and exciting in The Steel City.

Read more

tags: Itinerary, Logistics, Solo Travel
categories: North America, Advice/Experience
Sunday 08.17.25
Posted by Samantha Karam
 

A Weekend in Minneapolis: Exploring “The Happiest City In America”

In 2024, Minneapolis was named the Happiest City in the United States. That designation is likely thanks to its bikeability, ample green spaces, vibrant arts scene, and diverse food offerings. So read on as I outline how you can get a slice of happiness and fill a weekend in this Midwestern metropolis.

Read more

tags: Itinerary, Logistics
categories: North America
Sunday 06.08.25
Posted by Samantha Karam
 

A Local's Complete Guide to Salem, Massachusetts

Photo courtesy of Joseph Prezioso.

If you're daydreaming about a Halloween visit to one of America’s most unique destinations, Salem, MA, should be at the top of your list. As a former local, I’ve got the best recommendations for experiencing Salem’s witchy Halloween fun and exploring its rich history. From haunted happenings to iconic landmarks, here’s everything you need to know for a spooky and seamless adventure in Salem.

Read more

tags: Itinerary, Logistics
categories: Advice/Experience, North America
Sunday 10.06.24
Posted by Samantha Karam
 

Charleston Cafe Culture: A Great Remote Work Destination in the American South

The Pineapple Fountain at Charleston Harbor is one of the many landmarks within walking distance of the city’s vibrant downtown.

Not only is Charleston, SC, a city with rich history and beautiful weather, it also has an impressive cafe culture and a solid walkability score. Make Charleston your next remote work destination with my top cafe recommendations!

Read more

tags: Solo Travel, Logistics, Food
categories: North America, Advice/Experience
Sunday 06.30.24
Posted by Samantha Karam
Comments: 1
 

A Weekend In Portland: Experience The Beauty of Coastal Maine

Portland is the closest American transatlantic port to Europe and one of the largest fishing ports in the country.

Portland, ME, is a quaint coastal town with something for everyone, from the arts to Civil War-era history and more. It’s also incredibly walkable and compact, which allows you to indulge in all the food and beer that make this small scruffy city so enjoyable.

Read more

tags: Itinerary, Logistics
categories: North America
Sunday 06.02.24
Posted by Samantha Karam
Comments: 1
 

3-Day Montreal Itinerary: A European Feel in North America

The view from atop Montreal’s Mount Royal Park.

Montreal is a testament to rich culture and iconic fashion. Plus, this city is a European daydream within North America. Read on as I outline the perfect 3-day itinerary, including food, shopping, nature walking and more.

Read more

tags: Itinerary, Logistics
categories: North America
Sunday 04.28.24
Posted by Samantha Karam
 

How to Curate Authentic Travel Experiences

I visited Lisbon Portugal during the colder off-season, and was one of just a few tourists around.

Through my own travels, I've learned the art of curating authentic experiences and fostering genuine connections with the people and places around me. Read on as I highlight some of my favorite authentic travel experiences and share tips for how you can cultivate some of your own.

Read more

tags: Logistics, Reflections
categories: Advice/Experience
Monday 02.19.24
Posted by Samantha Karam
 

How I Travel With a Chronic Illness

I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2019, but that doesn’t prevent me from enjoying travel in a safe way.

My diagnosis poses some logistical and psychological barriers to care-free travel. However, I've learned a lot and have managed to explore beautiful and diverse parts of this world while protecting my health.

Read more

tags: Logistics, Reflections
categories: Advice/Experience
Sunday 09.17.23
Posted by Samantha Karam
Comments: 3
 
Newer / Older

Powered by Squarespace.