The Roavi Blog
Stories from people who live there.
Travel tips, city guides, and local insights from the Roavi team.
974 articles
Travel Tips
Travel Like a Local: 10 Tips From Real Locals Around the World
We asked Local Friends on Roavi for their #1 tip. Here's what they said.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Become a Local Friend
The Best Side Hustles for People in Tourist Cities (2026)
Live in a city tourists visit? These are the best ways to earn extra money from the tourism economy.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Comparisons
Local Guide vs Tour Company: Pros, Cons, and Real Costs
Tour companies charge $50-150 for a group experience. A local guide costs less and delivers more. Here's the breakdown.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Food
Best Food Cities in Asia 2026
Asia's food scene is unmatched. These cities deliver the best eating experiences on earth.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Travel Tips
The Carry-On Only Packing Guide for Any Trip (2-Week Formula)
I've traveled carry-on only for 3 years — Southeast Asia in summer, Europe in winter. Here's the exact system that works for any destination.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Tips
Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance? (2026 Honest Answer)
Most travel insurance is a waste of money. Some is essential. Here's which scenarios actually justify the cost — and which ones your credit card already covers.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Guides
15 Best Honeymoon Destinations in 2026 (By Budget and Vibe)
Not every honeymoon needs to cost $10,000. Here are 15 destinations organized by vibe — from $150/day all-inclusive to $500/day luxury.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Travel Tips
First Time Traveling Internationally? The Complete 2026 Checklist
Everything you need to do before your first international trip — from passport timeline to what to download on your phone. No step skipped.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Travel Tips
Traveling Internationally with Kids: The Parent's Survival Guide
International travel with children isn't harder — it's different. Here's what actually matters, what doesn't, and the destinations that make it easiest.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Tips
Visa-Free Countries for Americans in 2026: The Complete List
US passport holders can visit 186 countries without a pre-arranged visa. Here's which ones just need your passport, which need an e-visa, and which require advance planning.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Safety
23 Travel Scams You'll Encounter in 2026 (And How to Avoid Every One)
From the friendship bracelet trick in Paris to the taxi meter 'broken' scam in Bangkok. Every scam, every city, every countermove.
Oscar Garcia··6 min read
Travel Tips
The Only 12 Travel Apps You Actually Need in 2026
Skip the 47-app travel toolkit. These 12 apps cover flights, language, money, maps, safety, and communication — nothing else needed.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read