Elizabeth Lavis

DirectBooker contributor

Elizabeth Lavis is a travel journalist and co-author of four Lonely Planet guidebooks, with bylines in HuffPost, Business Insider, American Way, and TripAdvisor. She writes about responsible travel, local culture, and off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world.

If you open the Calculator app on your iPhone and tap the icon in the bottom left, you’ll see a ‘Convert’ tab. It lets you check currency exchange rates without internet—perfect for budgeting or ATM withdrawals while traveling.

Elizabeth Lavis is a seasoned travel journalist and the co-author of four Lonely Planet guidebooks. Her bylines appear in major outlets including HuffPost, Business Insider, American Way, and TripAdvisor, where she covers everything from cultural travel and local economies to the best places to stay, eat, and explore around the world.

With a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from St. Bonaventure University, Elizabeth has spent over a decade living and traveling across more than 25 countries, including extended stays in Thailand, Colombia, Peru, and Georgia. Her work is shaped by a commitment to spotlighting lesser-known destinations and encouraging responsible, culturally aware travel.

Outside of writing and research, she’s an avid mountain trekker, sea kayaker, and runner. Whether climbing in the Caucasus or sampling regional cuisine, Elizabeth seeks out deep connection and local insight in every place she visits.

Areas of Interest

Off-the-beaten-path travel, rock climbing, running, hiking, and kayaking.

All articles

• \n\nWhat’s an Accessible Hotel Room? Definition & How to Book\n\n7 min read\n\nAug 15, 2025](/content/the-direct-route/article/accessible-hotel-rooms/index.html)
• \n\nHow Free Room Upgrades Work (And How to Increase Your Chances)\n\n6 min read\n\nAug 8, 2025](/content/the-direct-route/article/hotel-room-upgrades/index.html)
• \n\nHotel Fees Explained: How to Avoid Surprise Charges\n\n8 min read\n\nJul 25, 2025](/content/the-direct-route/article/hotel-fees-explained-how-to-avoid-surprise-charges/index.html)
• \n\nWhy Hotel Prices Fluctuate—and How to Time the Best Rate\n\n8 min read\n\nJun 18, 2025](/content/the-direct-route/article/do-hotel-prices-fluctuate/index.html)
• \n\nWhat Is an OTA? How Online Travel Agencies Work\n\n8 min read\n\nJun 18, 2025](/content/the-direct-route/article/what-is-an-ota-online-travel-agency/index.html)