Lauren Haas

I'm Lauren, the founder of Indie Travel Guru. I'm living proof that a life of travel and adventure is available to anyone who wants it. At 40, I was a single mom with no passport, a poverty-level income, and big dreams. At 48, I started traveling the world with everything I own in a backpack. After 7 years of living as a digital nomad, I've settled down. But I still love to travel the world on a shoestring budget, and I especially love to empower others to travel!

5 Free Travel Apps To Rule Them All

Put these free travel apps on your phone and you are ready to conquer the world.

Yoga Retreat & Adventure in Peru

Join us as we immerse in yoga and Peruvian culture to nourish body, mind, and heart in the lush mountains of the Sacred Valley

How to Get a Mini-Trip for Almost Nothing

The Art of the Stopover Once in a while, you make a discovery that changes your life. That’s how it… Read More »How to Get a Mini-Trip for Almost Nothing

European Rail Travel: Brussels to Cologne

This flexible itinerary loops from Brussels to Cologne — but it takes you the long way around, with enticing stopover options in three countries.

5 North American Travel Passes to Keep in Your Wallet

Arm yourself with a National Parks Pass, an Amtrak Pass, a Museum Card, and passes for Canada and Mexico and… Read More »5 North American Travel Passes to Keep in Your Wallet

Easy Indonesian Travel Phrases on Flash Cards

Want to learn enough easy Indonesian travel phrases to get by, without all the extras? I got you. More than… Read More »Easy Indonesian Travel Phrases on Flash Cards

Can You Drink The Water?

Is it OK to drink the water where you’re going? Here’s how to find out — and what to do if it’s not.

My Favorite Travel Gear from Amazon

If you have wanderlust in your soul, you already know that travel is glorious — when it’s not a pain… Read More »My Favorite Travel Gear from Amazon

SUITEDNOMAD Compression Packing Cubes Review

I’ve been using the SUITEDNOMAD Compression Packing Cubes Set for over a year now, and these ultralight cbags are making my travel life easier. Here’s my review.

Easy Turkish Travel Phrases on Flash Cards

Want to learn enough easy Turkish travel phrases to get by, without all the extras? I got you.

Here are the phrases I use most when traveling to shop, dine, and make friends — all on flashcards so you can study & quiz yourself! I’ve given the pronunciation that an American can easily learn well enough to be understood.