Location
North Holland, Netherlands
School
Ohio State University
Expertise
Slowmad Lifestyle, Tokyo, Dog-Friendly Travel
- As a child, Brie moved around a lot — racking up a total of 10 schools — which helped her adapt to different environments and cultures.
- In her 20s, she spent seven years living in Japan.
- Today, you'll find her hopping around Europe with her husband and dog.
Experience
Brie spent her childhood studying magazines from cover to cover (including during math class, much to her teacher's dismay), which opened her eyes to the world of lifestyle journalism. As an adult, she moved to Japan to become an English teacher, where she explored the neighborhoods of Tokyo between grammar lessons. She eventually pivoted to writing, contributing to SavvyTokyo, Guidable Japan, and other publications. She now writes for Explore and other media outlets full time.
Education
Brie received her B.A. from The Ohio State University, where she double-majored in sociology and sexuality studies.
Explore’s content is created by qualified and experienced writers and editors, bolstered by outside field experts. Our mission is to provide readers with well-rounded and accurate information by way of entertaining and engaging articles that deliver a diversity of content, including everything from detailed guides for exotic locales to easily accessible information on domestic travel.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process available here.
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Rick Steves is just about as intrepid as mainstream explorers get, but there is one famous destination that the expert thinks is too dangerous for most.
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With his breadth of experience, Anthony Bourdain amassed a wealth of practical wisdom on where to spend the local currency. Here are his simple tips.
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Budget Travel
By Brie Schmidt
Key West is a notoriously expensive destination, but there are lots of free activities you can do if you're traveling on a budget. Here's what to check out.
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By now, we all know of TSA's liquid rules, but do they apply to roll-on deodorant? Here's the answer and how to avoid any potential TSA security issues.
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You might think toilets are all the same around the world, right? Not exactly. If you're traveling to Southern Europe, be prepared to try one unique feature.
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If you have a short layover between flights, you'll want to prepare as much as possible. We talked to a flight attendant to learn the best seats to book.
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We all know the stress of going through TSA, but what about people who take a private jet or airplane? Here's the security protocol for private passengers.
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AirTags can give you peace of mind and security, but airlines don't always like them. Here's the unfortunate reason why airlines hate luggage trackers.
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TSA PreCheck offers expedited security screenings at airports, but make sure you double check your boarding pass ahead of time. Here's why.
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Travel Etiquette
By Brie Schmidt
You might think using a restroom is pretty straightforward, even in another country, right? Not exactly. Here's one item you won't find in a Japanese bathroom.
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Can you fly with a warrant? Or maybe you're concerned about your fellow passengers being wanted for a crime. Here's what to know about TSA checking warrants.
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Train stations in Japan often have secret customer service walls behind the ticket kiosks to help customers. Here's everything you need to know.
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Disney Vacation Club is a great option for frequent Disney visitors. But as a timeshare, timing is important. Here's when you should book your DVC reservations.
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Some travelers believe the TSA's security screening is an unnecessary step in the travel process, and expensive for taxpayers. Here's what they're saying.
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Road Trips
By Brie Schmidt
Americans are used to driving long distances, but you can get so much more out of a road trip in Europe. Here's why European road trips are better.
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Solo Travel
By Brie Schmidt
Solo travel is a fantastic way to experience the magic of the world, but it always comes at a price. To stay on top of spending, remember these budgeting tips.
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Ready to plan the perfect Europe trip? Here are the countries where you'll find the friendliest locals, according to first-hand experiences from travelers.
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Attractions
By Brie Schmidt
This mega-popular attraction in California attracts masses of awestruck visitors every year, but its parking facilities might just be the worst in the country.
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Don't bother trying to bring or purchase these typically-harmless celebratory items onboard a cruise ship - surprisingly, they're banned! Here's why.
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Cinque Terre is a region of five cliffside villages in Italy, but it can get crowded. Here is Rick Steves' favorite and his advice on how to avoid the crowds.
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Flying comes with a lot of frustrations. You have to deal with TSA stress and airlines nickel-and-diming you, including with your luggage. Enter: luggage rage.
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This iconic market in Charleston is 200 years old and a perfect place to shop, eat, and experience the local scene while supporting independent vendors.
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If you always feel hungry after a long flight, it's not just because you don't like plane food. Here's what causes those pangs of post-trip hunger.
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You won't find Starbucks here. This town in Veracruz is known as Mexico's "Coffee Capital," and for good reason. Here's the best way to experience it.
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Travel Guides
By Brie Schmidt
"Europe's premium blend" isn't a type of coffee. It's what Rick Steves calls this beautiful region between Spain and France. You won't want to miss it.
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Hardside luggage can be more secure, more durable, and more waterproof. But they can also cause some problems. Here's one accessory you don't want to forget.
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If you need to contact TSA's customer service, there are plenty of ways to do so. The avenue in question may depend on what you are calling about.
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