Ready to ditch the tourist traps and find the heart of America? 🇺🇸 In our latest episode, I’m sitting down with Crystal Statskey, the creative mastermind behind Dates in the States. From a five-week "make or break" road trip in a Mustang to becoming a self-published author, Crystal’s journey is all about intentional travel and finding hidden gems.

In this episode, we dive into:

• 🏙️ The "Must-See" US Trio: Crystal’s top picks for falling in love with the US in just three days (New Orleans is a non-negotiable!).

• 🏡 The $220 Travel Hack: How she stayed in Costa Rica for eight days for free using home swapping.

• 🥨 Quirky Festivals: From Lilac-flavored gin in Rochester to the "Pickle Capital" of the world.

• 📚 Mystery Date Books: How Crystal turned her travel blog into a successful series of self-published date-night guides.

Pro Tip from the Episode: If you want to eat like a local and save your budget, talk to the people who live there—and don’t be afraid to cook breakfast in your Airbnb!

Explore Crystal’s Guides: Mystery Date Books on Etsy

Travel Like a Local: Dates in the States Official Site

Budget Tools Mentioned:

HomeExchange: Stay with locals worldwide.

Flashfood: Save on groceries while on the road.

Travel App Deep Dive: Watch Crystal’s YouTube breakdown.

We want to see where you're headed next! Follow us both on social media for daily travel inspiration, small-town highlights, and the best wine-country secrets.

Follow Crystal Statskey: @DatesInTheStates

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