“I'm passionate about sharing the human side of business (and insider stories) on travel. ”

Katie Morell

Katie Morell

San Francisco-based Katie Morrell writes about business, travel, social justice and human interest topics. Contributes to Fast Company, Hemispheres, Bloomberg Businessweek, San Francisco , BBC Travel & others.

55 Articles Written

6 Categories Included

Recent Articles

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Budgeting for backpacking across Europe

Planning to backpack across Europe? Believe it or not, you can do it on a budget. Follow these cost-efficient tips for the trip of a lifetime.

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25 under $25: Denver, Colorado

Looking to vacation in Denver, Colorado on a budget? Check out these 25 things you can do for less than $25 each.

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10 under-the-radar ways to cut costs on your next trip

Find out how you can save on food, air travel, hotels, amusement parks, and more with money-saving tips and ideas for spring break and summertime family travel.

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Affordable wanderlust: How I traveled for a year

Dream about quitting your job and traveling the world? It is possible! Read how this traveler was able to save enough to afford to travel for a whole year.

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Q&A: A saving guide for millennials

Some analysts say millennials are enthusiastic about saving money, but aren't sure where to start. We asked a financial planning expert to help devise a few strategies.

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Building an emergency fund

Do you have an emergency fund if the unexpected happens? Find out why you need one, how much to save, and tips for building your emergency savings fund.

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Can you afford to stay home from work? Six questions parents should ask

Does staying at home make financial sense? Here are the questions you should ask.

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The baby budget: A 9-month calendar

Newly pregnant? Start preparing for the arrival of your baby and the related expenses.

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Can you afford to be a stay-at-home parent?

Ask yourself these questions to decide if staying at home with the kids is the right choice for you and your family.

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Europe: 15 checks on your summer bucket list

Spending a summer in Europe doesn't need to break the bank. We detail 15 things to do while still living on a budget.

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Budget travel: A northeasterner's guide to four states in one week

Follow our travel guide for must-see spots in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York all in one week.

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South America: 15 checks on your summer bucket list

South America is a massive continent and it can be difficult to figure out where to go next. Here are 15 must-sees.

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Your ultimate guide to a California road trip

California here we come! Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Check out this California road trip itinerary and budget-friendly tips to start planning.

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25 under $25: Houston, Texas

Visiting Houston, Texas? Check out our list of frugal family activities for under $25.

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Affordable wanderlust: Vietnam on a budget

Vietnam offers beach towns, picturesque lakes, hillside communities, and affordability. Here are tips on traveling to Vietnam on a budget:

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How to make your overseas trip affordable

Check out tips for a budget-friendly trip to Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand.

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25 under $25: Birmingham, Alabama

What can you do for under $25 in the "Magic City"? This list details 25 fun activities to help you enjoy Alabama's largest city on the cheap!

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A southerner's guide to 3 states in a week

Want to tour some of the South's favorite cities in a week? We have a budget road trip guide for you!

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The United States: 15 checks on your summer bucket list

Check out these fifteen must-see spots on our American bucket list to pick your summer destination today!

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Talking money with aging parents

Talking about money with family can be difficult, especially with aging parents. Here are tips to make money talks with Mom and Dad easier.

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6 ways to inspire charity in your children

Want to see your kids grow up to be the kind of adults that give back? Here are 6 steps for fostering charity in your children.

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How to help your child be an entrepreneur

If your children are interested in starting a business, here are some tips on how to encourage them along the way.

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How to ace a job interview

Got an interview lined up? Congrats! Now you just need to get the job. Here are six techniques to help you ace any job interview.

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Back-to-school shopping money saving tips

Back-to-school shopping can be daunting and result in parents spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars each year. Here are 8 cost saving tips to stay on a budget

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Easy ways to save on home renovation

Many homeowners dream of renovating, but worry about the price tag attached. Find easy tips for to help you save money on your renovation.

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Teaching kids the value of saving

Teaching kids to save at an early age can help them save later in life. Here are some tips for teaching children the value of saving money.

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Budget travel: A southwesterner's guide to four states in one week

Want to explore the Southwest? Here is a roadmap to seeing four states in one week, all on the cheap.

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The penny pincher's guide to moving

Whether you're moving across the street or across the country, save money on your next move.

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Credit reports: Four FAQs answered

Got questions about your credit report? Find out everything you need to know: where to get your credit report, how to read it, and what your score means.

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How to reduce credit card debt in 7 simple steps

Struggling with credit card debt? With the right plan, you can reduce your debt in as little as 12 months. Check out our 7 Tips to get you back on track!

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Protecting your Social Security Number

Your Social Security number is something to be carefully guarded. Test your knowledge on when it's OK to share those nine digits.

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IRA vs 401(k)

Planning for retirement and need to know more about the difference between IRAs and 401(k)s? We break down Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, and 401(k)s to help.

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Travel: When to save and when to splurge

Sometimes you can't avoid spending money when you travel. But if you make thoughtful choices, you won't break the bank when you do. Get tips now.

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Affordable wanderlust: Volunteering

Check out how one traveler funded a year abroad. Her secret? Doing good for others.

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25 under $25: Dallas, Texas

Headed to Dallas with your family? Take note of 25 things you can do for less than $25 each!

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Affordable wanderlust: The financial case against round-the-world flights

Learn how one traveler avoided flight costs and made memories.

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Affordable wanderlust: 10 best free walking tours and why you should go on them

Going to San Francisco, Warsaw, Prague, Singapore, LA, Melbourne, Portland, Medellin, Cape Town, or Buenos Aires? Check out these tours to save money!

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Best travel tips from a career traveler

Imagine taking a year off to travel. Now imagine doing that for 10 years. This career traveler did just that.Check out her best travel tips now.

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25 under $25: Gulf Shores, AL

Your next vacation doesn't need to break the bank. Gulf Shores is an excellent place to visit; this article details 25 things to do with your family for $25 or less.

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25 under $25: Phoenix, Arizona

Vacations can get pricey, especially when you are bringing the whole family along. Be nice to your bank account on your next trip to Phoenix with these fun activity ideas.

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25 under $25: Redwood City, CA

Headed to Redwood City, CA for a vacation? Take note of these 25 things you can do with your family for less than $25 each.

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How I afforded a year abroad

You won't believe what this traveler did for cash after quitting her job with no savings.

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15 checks on your summer bucket list: Asia

Visiting Asia? Check out our guide to must-see places in China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and India to check off your summer bucket list.

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25 under $25: Beaumont, Texas

Vacations can get pricey and it is always nice to save a few bucks. The next time you are headed to Beaumont, Texas, take note of these 25 things you and your family can do for less than $25.

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Affordable wanderlust: Volunteering may be your ticket to affordable travel

Voluntourism (the intersection of volunteering and travel) is a great way to travel on the cheap.

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25 under $25: Tucson, AZ

Family vacations can get expensive. Those headed to Tucson, Arizona, are smart to check out this list of 25 things to do for less than $25 per person. Live it up!

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25 under $25: Boulder, Colorado

Headed to Boulder, Colorado? Take note of these 25 things you can do for less than $25 each!

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A midwesterner's guide to 4 states in 1 week

Take a tour of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin with our guide to four Midwest states in one week.

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25 under $25: Panama City, Florida

Vacations can get pricey. If you are visiting Panama City, Fla., check out our list of affordable, and fun things to do.

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Affordable wanderlust: Traveling with children

Flying with children or a baby? Follow these expert tips to plan your next family vacation.

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Budget travel: A westerner's guide to 3 states in 1 week

Taking a West Coast road trip? San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle are must-sees.

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Trade in your car or sell it yourself? It depends

So you've picked out a new car and can't wait to call it yours. But what do you do with your old car—trade it in as cash against your new car, or sell it on your own?

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Can you afford a dog?

Are you considering adopting a dog? Four-legged friends can bring companionship but can also be expensive. Take our quiz to see if you can afford a new pet!

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Gen X: Finding financial wellness for a unique generation

Gen Xers face unique financial challenges thanks to the impact of recessions, bubbles, and other economic hurdles. But here are 3 financial fixes for them.

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