Brandon Himpfen

Brandon Himpfen

Brandon Himpfen builds open systems, projects, and digital infrastructure, focusing on tools, datasets, and platforms designed for clarity, reusability, and long-term utility.
02
Jan
The “AI Scam” Panic Is a Symptom of a Bigger Trust Problem

The “AI Scam” Panic Is a Symptom of a Bigger Trust Problem

The panic over “AI scams” misses the real issue. Artificial intelligence is exposing long-standing failures in digital trust, verification systems, and institutional credibility rather than creating an entirely new threat.
3 min read
01
Jan
How to Stay Safe as a Solo Traveler

How to Stay Safe as a Solo Traveler

A practical, experience-based guide to staying safe as a solo traveler. Learn how to plan smarter, protect your belongings, navigate transportation, stay aware, and travel confidently while exploring the world alone.
6 min read
01
Jan
The Cost of Convenience: How Time, Transfers, and Layovers Quietly Shape Travel Prices

The Cost of Convenience: How Time, Transfers, and Layovers Quietly Shape Travel Prices

Airfare prices aren’t just about distance or seasonality. This analysis explains how time saved, transfers avoided, and layovers tolerated quietly shape flight pricing — and why convenience is one of aviation’s most powerful economic levers.
3 min read
31
Dec
Building Partnerships with Other Travel Bloggers

Building Partnerships with Other Travel Bloggers

Learn how travel bloggers can build genuine partnerships, collaborate effectively, and grow sustainably. A practical, end-of-year guide to collaboration, community, and long-term blogging success.
3 min read
31
Dec
Vulnerability Discovered in Redirection for Contact Form 7 WordPress Plugin

Vulnerability Discovered in Redirection for Contact Form 7 WordPress Plugin

A vulnerability in the Redirection for Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to upload or copy files under certain server configurations. Users are advised to update to version 3.2.8 or later.
1 min read
30
Dec
Introducing Open Source Weekly

Introducing Open Source Weekly

Introducing Open Source Weekly, a new LinkedIn newsletter curating programming projects, open source tools, developer infrastructure, and data. Published weekly with a focus on clarity, usefulness, and signal over noise.
2 min read
29
Dec
Google’s Top Searches of 2025 Highlight a Year Shaped by AI, Global Events, and Everyday Curiosity

Google’s Top Searches of 2025 Highlight a Year Shaped by AI, Global Events, and Everyday Curiosity

Google’s Year in Search 2025 reveals how AI, global events, politics, entertainment, and travel shaped what people searched for worldwide and in the U.S., highlighting a year defined by technological change, cultural moments, and public curiosity.
3 min read
27
Dec
Trusted Travel Resources in the Age of AI: What the Conversation Gets Wrong—and What Actually Matters

Trusted Travel Resources in the Age of AI: What the Conversation Gets Wrong—and What Actually Matters

A clear, balanced analysis of AI in travel research. This article explains how AI really affects trust, scams, and credibility, and offers practical standards travelers can use to evaluate information from blogs, search engines, and AI tools.
4 min read
26
Dec
Solo Traveler–Approved: The Best Travel & Travel Tech Essentials for 2026

Solo Traveler–Approved: The Best Travel & Travel Tech Essentials for 2026

Discover the best travel gear and travel tech essentials for solo travelers in 2026. Thoughtful, experience-tested picks for safety, comfort, and independence—perfect for Boxing Day deals and year-ahead travel planning.
9 min read
23
Dec
Why I Build Public Travel Resources (And Keep Them Free)

Why I Build Public Travel Resources (And Keep Them Free)

Why I build public travel resources and keep them free. A reflection on accessibility, preparedness, and designing practical travel tools that remove friction, support solo travelers, and remain useful when people need information most.
3 min read