Crazy Nomad

Cramped Seats and Crying Babies: 11 Super-Irritating Things About Air Travel and How to Cope

March 24, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Here’s how to stay sane when air travel feels like pure torture.

If air travel were an Olympic sport, surviving it with your sanity intact would definitely earn you a gold medal. Sure, the idea of jetting off to some dreamy destination sounds amazing, but the reality? It’s more like a test of patience, endurance, and the ability to ignore things that make you want to scream. Flying used to feel glamorous, but now it’s mostly an exercise in seeing how much nonsense you can put up with before you snap. And while travel itself can be amazing, the journey to get there? Not so much.

But before you swear off flying forever and start planning a cross-country road trip, it helps to know that surviving the most irritating parts of air travel is totally doable. With the right tricks up your sleeve, even the most miserable flights can feel slightly less horrific.

Travelers Who Ask These 11 Weird Questions Always Have Better Trips

March 24, 2025 by James Clendenin

The right questions can turn an average trip into an unforgettable experience.

Traveling abroad isn’t just about booking flights and packing bags—it’s about making smart decisions before and during your trip. While spontaneity has its perks, asking the right questions ahead of time can save you money, keep you safe, and help you experience a destination like a local. The travelers who consistently have the best trips aren’t necessarily the most adventurous or experienced—they’re the ones who know what to ask.

Whether it’s figuring out the best way to exchange money, knowing how to avoid tourist traps, or learning the unspoken cultural norms, a few well-placed questions can make all the difference. These aren’t just minor details—they’re the key to traveling smarter, reducing stress, and making sure you get the most out of every trip. Before you set off on your next adventure, these 11 essential questions will help you plan better, travel with confidence, and avoid common pitfalls.

11 Hidden Dangers of High Elevation Day Hikes and How to Prepare

March 24, 2025 by James Clendenin

High-altitude hikes can be breathtaking—but they come with serious risks.

Hiking at high elevations isn’t just about stunning views and fresh mountain air. The higher you go, the thinner the oxygen gets, and that’s where trouble can start. Many hikers underestimate how quickly altitude can affect their body, leading to exhaustion, dehydration, and even life-threatening conditions. A beautiful day hike can turn dangerous fast if you’re not prepared for the unique challenges that come with high elevations.

It’s not just about altitude sickness, either. Weather can change in an instant, dehydration hits harder, and your body works overtime just to keep up. If you push too hard or ignore the warning signs, you could end up in a situation you never saw coming. But don’t let that stop you from exploring the mountains—just make sure you’re ready. These 11 hidden dangers of high-elevation hiking will help you stay safe and fully enjoy every step of your adventure.

11 Iconic Cities That Could Be Completely Unlivable in Just a Few Decades

March 24, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Climate change is turning these famous cities into danger zones.

It’s hard to wrap your head around. Some of the most iconic U.S. cities could be completely unlivable in 50 years or less. It sounds dramatic, but experts are sounding the alarm, and the predictions aren’t pretty. As climate change ramps up, beloved places many of us have called home could face harsh realities—rising sea levels, scorching heat, extreme weather, and even dwindling resources. The thing is, most people aren’t ready to accept what’s coming. And honestly, who wants to think about their favorite city turning into a disaster zone?

But this isn’t just some wild theory—it’s a brutal reality we all need to face. While some cities are fighting back with bold initiatives, others are slipping toward inevitable catastrophe. If you’re living in or planning to move to one of these places, you need to know what’s at stake.

They Said I Was Crazy to Move to California in My 60s—Here’s Why It Was the Best Decision Ever

March 24, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

People thought I’d regret it, but they couldn’t have been more wrong.

People thought my husband and I were nuts. While everyone in California was flocking to the Southeast—where we’d been living for years—we decided to do the exact opposite. Yep, we sold most of our furniture, one of our cars, and packed what was left into a small SUV. Then, we hit the road and drove across the country, heading straight for the Golden State. We were in our 60s, chasing a dream most people couldn’t understand. “Why California?” they asked. “It’s so expensive. Everyone’s leaving.”

But something about it just felt right. And you know what? We’ve never looked back. The move was bold, maybe even a little reckless, but it was hands-down the best decision we’ve ever made. California has given us something we couldn’t find anywhere else, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.