James Clendenin, Author at Crazy Nomad

The 15 Travel Secrets Airlines Don’t Want Passengers to Know

July 24, 2025 by James Clendenin

The fine print and unwritten rules can save you a fortune.

The world of air travel is governed by a complex web of rules, regulations, and industry practices that often seem designed to confuse and frustrate passengers. Airlines thrive on this complexity, counting on the fact that most travelers don’t know their rights or the tricks to getting the best deal. A little bit of insider knowledge, however, can completely change the power dynamic.

Learning about the unwritten rules and the regulations they’d rather you not read can save you hundreds of dollars and a world of hassle on your next trip.

The 12 Vacation Destinations Where Tourists Are Getting Robbed Daily

July 23, 2025 by James Clendenin

In these beautiful places, the biggest risk is a quiet hand in your pocket.

Nothing can ruin a perfect vacation faster than the sick feeling of discovering your wallet or phone is gone. While violent crime against tourists is rare in most popular destinations, petty theft is a massive and highly organized industry. In certain cities, teams of skilled pickpockets and scammers have turned targeting unsuspecting visitors into an art form, thriving in the very crowds that make these places so vibrant.

Knowing where these hotspots are and the tactics they use can help you stay one step ahead, keeping your valuables safe and your trip on track.

Why Smart Travelers Are Boycotting These 12 Once-Popular Destinations

July 23, 2025 by James Clendenin

Some places are being loved to death.

The rise of social media and budget air travel has put nearly every corner of the globe within reach, but this accessibility has come at a steep price. Many of the world’s most beautiful and iconic destinations are now buckling under the weight of their own popularity. A new wave of conscientious travelers is now making a different choice: to stay away.

They are boycotting these once-popular spots not out of spite, but out of a desire to protect them from the destructive effects of overtourism, environmental degradation, and a loss of local soul.

8 Warning Signs You’re About to Be Scammed While Traveling Abroad

July 23, 2025 by James Clendenin

That friendly local might not be as helpful as they seem.

There is a world of difference between genuine local hospitality and the predatory charm of a professional scammer. Travel scammers are experts at their craft, using a variety of time-tested psychological tricks to disarm you, gain your trust, and ultimately, take your money. They thrive on the fact that tourists are often in an unfamiliar environment, a little lost, and eager to be friendly.

Learning to recognize the subtle warning signs and the specific scripts they use is the best defense you have. These are the red flags that should immediately put you on high alert.

The American Cities That European Tourists Secretly Mock

July 23, 2025 by James Clendenin

They are smiling for the photo, but they may not be impressed.

European tourists often arrive in the United States with a set of expectations shaped by movies and television. When they are confronted with the reality of American urban life, particularly its vast scale and reliance on the automobile, the experience can be a source of bewilderment and private mockery. While they appreciate the grandeur of the national parks and the energy of a few key cities, others are seen as culturally baffling.

These are the American cities where the urban planning, culture, and lifestyle are often the most alien to a European sensibility, leading to some good-natured (and not-so-good-natured) jokes.