Helen Russell
Articles by Helen Russell
2013 articles · Page 23 of 168
Should You Use a DivaCup? A Real-World, Evidence-Based Guide for Menstrual Health and Sustainability
A practical, research-informed analysis of the DivaCup menstrual cup—covering safety, fit, comfort, environmental impact, cost savings, and real-user experiences across body types, ages, and lifestyles. Includes FDA data, clinical studies, sizing charts, and comparison with competitors like Saalt, Lena, and Lunette.
Taking Off: The Best New Travel Gear from Beis, Outdoor Voices, and Everlane — Tested Across 12 Cities and 3 Continents
A rigorously tested review of 2024’s most practical, ethically sourced, and intelligently designed travel essentials—from Beis’s 22L Carry-On (with TSA-approved 3-1-1 pocket), Outdoor Voices’ sweat-wicking Transit Leggings (89% recycled nylon), to Everlane’s ReNew Transit Tote (made from 14 plastic bottles). Includes real-world durability metrics, weight comparisons, and packing efficiency data.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Luxury Suites: A Curated Journey Through Time, Craftsmanship, and Culinary Grandeur
An immersive, fact-driven exploration of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’s 17 bespoke Luxury Suites—detailing authentic Art Deco restoration, Michelin-starred dining, exact cabin dimensions, vintage materials, and operational specifics across its 2024–2025 fleet.
Best Solo Travel Destinations for Women: Safe, Affordable & Empowering Places to Explore Alone
A practical, evidence-based guide to the top solo travel destinations for women—prioritizing verified safety metrics, budget-friendly infrastructure, strong local support networks, and real backpacker experiences from Tokyo to Lisbon.
Best Things To Do In Prague: A Practical, Multi-Modal Traveler’s Guide
A detailed, logistics-aware guide to Prague’s top experiences—covering walkable historic districts, metro-accessible day trips, bike-friendly routes, and transit-integrated sightseeing—with real-time schedules, distances, durations, and verified transport options.
Dakine Cyclone Hip Pack: A Field-Tested Review for Adventure Travelers and Urban Explorers
A detailed, real-world evaluation of the Dakine Cyclone Hip Pack — covering durability, fit, organization, weather resistance, and performance across hiking, biking, commuting, and international travel. Includes precise measurements, material specs, and comparisons to Patagonia, Osprey, and Timbuk2 alternatives.
Jua Kali: Kenya’s Informal Labor Sector as Engine of Resilience and Innovation
An in-depth analysis of Kenya’s Jua Kali sector — its economic contribution, workforce demographics, regulatory challenges, technological adoption, and evolving role in national development — backed by official statistics, field research, and real-world case studies.
Visiting Japan With Kids on a Budget: Realistic Strategies, Costs & Family-Friendly Hacks
A practical, field-tested guide for families traveling to Japan with children under 12—covering rail passes, affordable ryokan stays, kid-friendly food options, free activities, and exact price breakdowns (2024). Includes JR Pass calculations, Suica card tips, and verified hostel policies for under-12s.
Ko Lanta: Thailand’s Underrated Island Sanctuary for Discerning Travelers
A detailed, data-driven review of Ko Lanta’s accommodation landscape—from budget hostels like Lub D Ko Lanta to boutique gems such as Pimalai Resort & Spa—covering infrastructure, sustainability metrics, transport logistics, and authentic local experiences.
Adventurous Kate's Top 10 Adventures in Southeast Asia
From scaling limestone cliffs in Krabi to tracking clouded leopards in Sabah, this expert-curated list details 10 physically immersive, logistically grounded adventures across Southeast Asia — with verified transport options, gear specs, seasonal windows, and operator names.
Lake Argyle: Western Australia’s Hidden Inland Sea and Culinary Crossroads
Nestled in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, Lake Argyle is the nation’s second-largest artificial reservoir—holding over 5.7 trillion litres of water—and a vital hub for Indigenous foodways, pastoral innovation, and remote-gourmet tourism. This article explores its geography, Aboriginal custodianship, freshwater fisheries, station-based dining, seasonal food calendars, and sustainable hospitality initiatives—all grounded in verified data, local operator names, and on-the-ground culinary observations.
House Sitting: How Trusted Caretakers Are Reshaping Travel, Trust, and Community
A deep-dive exploration of house sitting as a global cultural practice—covering its economics, legal frameworks, platform ecosystems, safety protocols, and real-world impact on homeowners, sitters, and neighborhoods. Includes verified data from TrustedHousesitters, Nomador, and HomeExchange, plus case studies from Lisbon, Kyoto, and Portland.