Top Packing Hacks: Best Travel Accessories for 2023
I’m a sucker for packing hacks, and I’ve tried just about every packing tool out there. Here are the best travel accessories for both saving space and staying organized.
Financial Case Study: Phoebe Gill, Freelance SEO Consultant and Blogger
Phoebe Gill’s online career has evolved into freelance SEO and blogging. Learn how she quadrupled her income and how she used it to create new opportunities.
My Location Independent Life: 2019 Expense Report
The location independent life can involve full-time travel, no travel, or any combination thereof. In 2019 I maintained a home base while traveling half the year. Thus, this is not a travel budget, but rather, a LIFE budget.
Financial Case Study UPDATE: The Denning Family, Online Teacher and WorldSchool Academy
Learn how Rachel and Greg Denning and their 7 children have traveled full-time for the last 13 years, earning money as online teacher and WorldSchool Academy founders! Learn how their careers and lifestyles have evolved in the last 5 years with this updated Financial Case Study.
My 2019 Location Independent Income Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of my 2019 Location Independent Income, along with an analysis of how this year compares to others, and what’s in store for 2020.
How to Become Fluent in Spanish (and Other Languages)
Learning Spanish – or becoming fluent in any language – takes a lot of hard work. But for me, there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to converse with and understand people in their own language, in their own country. It takes travel to an entirely new level.
Redefining My Travels in 2019 (Where I Went)
Here’s a summary of where I went in 2019; how my travels have changed and been redefined over the years….and how they may continue to change in future.
Financial Case Study UPDATE: Deborah Benbrook – Working Along the Way
In this updated Financial Case Study, Deborah Benbrook shares how her traveling life has evolved over the last 5+ years, while working along the way.
9 Reasons Why I Want to Return to Riga Latvia
While this article isn’t an exhaustive list of things to do in Riga Latvia, nor a cultural summation, it is a teaser; just enough of both to entice you to learn more about this Baltic country – because in a sense a teaser is all I got as well. But believe you me – I want to return. Here’s why.
Financial Case Study UPDATE: Dalene and Pete Heck – Media Marketers
Dalene and Pete Heck are the Hecktic Travels writer/photographer duo, and National Geographic Travelers of the Year! But 2016 threw them a curve ball, so they made lemonade. Read this updated Financial Case Study to see how things have changed.
A Beginner’s Guide to Frequent Flyer Miles and How to Start Travel Hacking Like a Pro
By using frequent flyer miles strategically and knowing how to travel hack (ie: reading this post!), you can save even more money and even fly for free. This article is the ultimate beginner’s guide and will help you dip a toe in the ocean of frequent flyer mile opportunities.
2019 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Gifts for Travel Lovers
This 2019 Holiday Gift Guide for Travel Lovers travel-tests Western Rise merino, Wiivv custom insoles, SleepPhones, The Airhook, Eustachi, KeepGo mobile WiFi hotspot, and Let’s Roam scavenger hunts.
Financial Case Study UPDATE: Janet Brent, Graphic Designer turned Digital Storyteller
Here’s a financial case study of graphic designer Janet Brent, and how she makes ends meet while living and traveling around the world.
This is the Best Way to Visit Newfoundland
In this article I discuss the best way to visit Newfoundland (spoiler alert: it’s by boat), along with insights into the history, language, and culture of Newfoundland.
The Best Carry On Backpack For One Bag Travel
This is my quest to find the best carry on backpack for one bag travel – not just minimalist travel backpacks, but REAL one bag travel, with unrivalled versatility.
Financial Case Study: Becky van Dijk – We Are Travel Girls
Becky van Dijk (of We Are Travel Girls) is super-honest about her location independent lifestyle with this case study! She has some great real-world advice.
The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel and Long-Term Travel
Looking for the ultimate packing list for full-time travel? Here’s exactly what I pack to travel the world as a digital nomad – down to every last item. This interactive packing list widget is sure to give you lots of ideas for your next trip.
Best Things to Do in Yellowstone Country Montana
During a Montana road trip, I covered off the best things to do in Yellowstone Country Montana, which is about so much more than Yellowstone National Park.
Financial Case Study: Isabel Leong, Travel Blogger and Digital Nomad
Isabel Leong is Bel Around the World; a travel blogger and digital marketing & SEO consultant. Learn more about her lifestyle, career, and income in this case study!
My Zero Waste Kit for Travel (and Home)
With this simple zero waste kit, you can eliminate single-use waste when you travel (and at home). Here’s how to do it, and why it’s important.
Financial Case Study UPDATE: Sharon Gourlay: Blogger, Website Manager
Sharon Gourlay shared her blogger career/lifestyle financial details here 2016. Now in 2019, she’s kind of a big deal, so I asked her to give us an update. Read on for this unique comparison of her lifestyle and business in 2016 and 2019!
Dealing with Parasites: A Guide to Clean Water Around the World
After suffering everything from parasites to heavy metal poisoning, I’m now a clean water guru. And it’s not just about clean drinking water; it’s also about how to brush your teeth, what foods to eat, how to cook, and much more. This article gives you everything you need to know.
The 10 Commandments For All Travelers
Here are the 10 commandments for all travelers; some fun rules to live by when you travel that ensure you – and others around you – will have a great time.
Financial Case Study: Lidiya K, Full-Time Blogger
Lidiya K is a full-time blogger and creator of Let’s Reach Success teaching millennials to achieve financial freedom through side hustles. More on her location independent career and lifestyle here!
Best International Phone Plans, SIM Cards, and More
Want to avoid international roaming but not sure what your cell phone travel options are? There’s something for everybody, and this article outlines ALL your options along with pros and cons and what kind traveler/trip each strategy is best for.
Financial Case Study: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, Millionaire Blogger
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner hustled her way from $40k in debt to becoming a millionaire blogger. Learn more about her amazing journey in this fascinating Financial Case Study!
How to Get 50% off Airfare With Travel Mystery Shopping
With travel mystery shopping, you’ll subsidize travel with free hotels, discount flights, and more. Read my mystery shopping tips from personal experience.
Financial Case Study: Mitch Glass, Project Untethered
Mitch Glass of Project Untethered earns his location independent living through blogging, copywriting, content writing, and real estate investing. Learn more here!
A Week-In-The-Life of Ben: The Human Earth Project and Sisters For Sale
Here’s a riveting week-in-the-life of Ben in Myanmar, as part of a 6-month photographic and film project (called The Human Earth Project) to raise awareness of human trafficking. It turned into a 5-year mission that has culminated in a multi-award-winning documentary called Sisters For Sale.
24 Classic Travel Scams, and How to Avoid Them
As a foreigner, you’re an automatic target for theft, pickpocketing, and more. Scammers these days can be quite creative! Here are 24 classic travel scams (REAL scams, experienced by these pro travelers) – with tips on how to avoid them.
Financial Case Study: Kelly Hayes-Raitt, HouseSit Diva
Kelly Hayes-Raitt has been housesitting around the world, full-time, for the last 10 years! Here’s how the lifestyle helps this HouseSit Diva earn a living.
Traveling to Guatemala: 7 Mistakes I Made
Here is the tale of my recent trip to Guatemala, which I cancelled and left half way through. While I made many travel mistakes (some old, some new), the real mistake was….well, I’ll let you read the post to find out!
Where to Eat in Antigua Guatemala – and More!
Antigua (where I spent almost a month) has the highest concentration of excellent restaurants and coffee shops of anywhere I’ve been! Here’s where to eat in Antigua Guatemala, along with things to do and where to stay.
Financial Case Study: Hannah and Chad, Wall Street Minimalist
Hannah and Chad have developed a truly passive income through Wall Street Minimalist, and are flying around the world (in business class!) for nearly free. Learn how they manage this idyllic lifestyle and what their finances look like!
My 2018 Location Independent Income Report
In this article, I outline my location independent income for 2018 along with income sources, income trends over the years, and future business plans.
The Best Travel Websites: Super Useful Sites You’ll Use All The Time
The internet is packed with websites for travelers, but sites come and go everyday. This is the most up to date list of the best travel websites around!
Financial Case Study: Explore With Erin, Social Influencer and Blogger
Erin’s a social influencer and founder of Explore With Erin, her 2nd blog built from scratch. Here’s what life/finances are like, with kids & (now) a home base.
My Full-Time Travel Expenses: 2018 Report
Here is my 2018 travel expenses report, with summaries and a monthly breakdown of expenses that not only include the cost of full-time travel, but LIFE.
How to Create a Long Term Travel Budget: Financially Sustainable Travel
I’ve been asked repeatedly to provide long-term travel budget templates. Here’s a framework, with info on what financially sustainable travel REALLY means.
Financial Case Study: Rosemary and Claire – Authentic Food Quest
Rosemary and Claire transitioned from employees to entrepreneurs in their 40s, with their site Authentic Food Quest paving the way. They discuss the realities of this income and lifestyle here!
2018: 6 Countries, 32k Miles, And Some BIG Changes
Here’s a summary of where I went in 2018; although none of the 6 countries were new to me, the places I visited and experiences I had TOTALLY were! Enjoy.
Financial Case Study: Mikkel Thorup – Expat Money Show
Mikkel Thorup has a substantial portfolio of investments, real estate, and businesses (including the Expat Money Show) – all of which (more than) fund his full-time travel lifestyle. Learn more about his lifestyle and career here!
The Best (Must Have) Travel Apps (25 of My Personal Favourites)
These 25 killer best travel apps will help you travel more efficiently, safely, cheaply, and fun(ly). Smartphone travel apps like these are changing travel entirely!
THE IRONY OF EXPAT LIFE: Pros and Cons
After years of living in expat communities around the world, in this article I make some observations about expat life, including ironies, pros, and cons. Expat life is not necessarily what you would think it is!
Top Gifts for Travelers in 2018
Check out these great travel gifts for men and women! These best travel gifts for 2018 include custom sandals and insoles, an adventure backpack, passport wallet, gift collections, tripods, and clothing!
46 Hidden Travel Costs You Can Avoid To Save Money (like airline fees, hotel fees, & more)
Here are 46 hidden travel costs that could derail your budget if you’re not prepared for them. From airline extras to hotel add-ons and more, these tips will help you plan and save money on the road.
Financial Case Study: Where in the World is Nina, Travel Blogger
Less than 2 years ago Nina Ragusa’s travel blogger career was new, and now she makes a living that financially sustains her full-time travel lifestyle! Learn more about how she built her career thus far, and where she’s headed (literally and figuratively).
How To Travel On A Budget: 14 Creative Tips That No One Talks About
After a dozen years of traveling, I’ve learned a few ways to save money that nobody talks about. Here’s how to travel on a budget and stretch your money with 14 killer secret budget travel tips.
Travel Vaccinations: How to Decide if You Should Get Vaccinated
Trying to decide which travel vaccinations to get (if any)? This guide is packed with info to help you make an informed decision about your health.
Financial Case Study: Jon Pepper, Owner of Tigit Motorbikes in Vietnam
Starting a business abroad may seem intimidating, but Jon Pepper built and ROCKS Tigit Motorbikes in Vietnam. Here’s how he did it, challenges and all, and how he plans to be a millionaire in the next two years.
Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad: A Simple Guide to Visas, Documents, and Other Important Things
Some things just have to get done before you travel. Things like visas, important legal documents, even proof of onward travel! This guide outlines it all. It finishes off with instructions on how to sell everything to travel.
My Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Best Wrinkle Free Travel Clothes for Women
In this article I dissect what makes for the best wrinkle free travel clothes for women, as inspired by a capsule wardrobe challenge by Anatomie Travel Clothes. I took two tiny packing cubes of clothes and traveled ULTRAlight. Here’s what happened!
How to Manage Your Money: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Planning for Travelers
Debt management, organization of finances, saving for retirement, asset allocation, and more: Financial planning is always sticky, but when you’re traveling the world? Eek. This guide gives you everything you need to manage your money on the road.
Financial Case Study: Amar Hussain, Blogger and Digital Marketing Consultant
Amar Hussain turned his “gap year” into a “gap life”! The last 9 years has taken him to 7 continents and almost as many income streams! Now the bulk of his work is as a digital marketing consultant and blogger. Learn how he has modeled and changed his career over the years!
How To Start A Travel Blog: an Epic In-Depth Guide
Want to know how to start a travel blog? Here’s everything you need to know to go from concept to money-making machine (including why you shouldn’t do it)! This post is the ultimate in unbiased advice.
The Creative Guide to Free or Cheap Accommodation
This gigantic free guide to finding free and cheap accommodation around the world is guaranteed to save you hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars on your next trip. Click through and see for yourself!
How to Become a Digital Nomad and Go Location Independent: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
From career options and ideas, to overhead costs, experiential advice, logistics, and more… This guide outlines all the basics you need to learn how to become a digital nomad and go location independent. Want to work online? Let’s get started!
Financial Case Study: Jamie Campbell, Gaijin Crew
After a life-changing trip to Japan, Jamie Campbell started his blog Gaijin Crew as a way to financially sustain his travel lifestyle. In this post he shares how amazing – and challenging – these beginning stages can be.
How to Make Money While Traveling (7 Surefire Ways)
Knowing how to make money while traveling can be the difference between a lifetime of long-term travel and going home when your savings dries up. This guide goes WAY in-depth into 7 effective ways to make money while you travel.
My (Epic?) Search for a Home Base
It’s time for a new chapter. Problem is, the page I’m writing on seems to be a moving target. Either way, the ultimate goal is to find a home base. Here’s where, and why.
Expat Health Insurance: Travel Insurance for Full-Time and Long-Term Travelers
How do long-term / full-time travelers insure themselves against medical emergencies? Expat insurance is a solution. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Complete & Easy Guide to Insurance for Travelers
What are the different kinds of travel insurance – and which kind do you need the most? Answer every possible question you have about travel insurance with this guide, which includes a glossary of terms and claims advice.
Financial Case Study: Daniel Kiteski, Careers Around the World
Daniel Kiteski has enjoyed a fascinating variety of careers and jobs around the world! In this case study, he outlines what he’s done and where, how he financially sustains his full-time travels, and shares some great advice.
Staying Healthy While Traveling – Natural Preventions and Cures
I’ve suffered a ridiculous number of illnesses and diseases on the road; now I’m an expert on staying healthy while traveling! Learn what’s in my travel medical kit, what supplements I use, natural cures, and all my tips and techniques for staying healthy while traveling and avoiding illness in the first place.
Travel Security: How To Keep Your Finances, Data, & Identity Safe On The Road
It’s important to keep your documents, data, finances, and identity safe while traveling. In this ultimate guide to travel security, you’ll learn everything you need to know, including VPNs and more.
12 Truths About Travel…and Life
In this article, I share 12 truths about travel, one truth learned for each year of my full-time travel career thus far. 12 years of pictures included!
The Ultimate Guide To Traveling with Money
Credit cards, cash, debit cards, prepaid travel cards, etc….throw in international travel, and it gets complicated. In this guide, I outline the best ways to travel with money, securely and safely and without losing your shirt in fees.
Financial Case Study: Chelse Hensley, Social Media Manager
Chelse Hensley is a digital nomad who supports her lifestyle and world travels as a social media manager. She also blogs at HashtagTourist and is the founder of RechargeSocialMedia. Learn more about her nomadic lifestyle and career as a social media manager here!
My Search for the Perfect Travel Sandal
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect travel sandal balancing fashion and multi-function; read this post and learn from my mistakes!
Checked vs. Carry-On Luggage: Which is Best?
When it comes to luggage, I’ve had it all. Checked luggage, carry-on luggage, rolling, backpacks, wheeled backpacks, hybrids, and more. Here’s why I now travel with checked luggage, along with criteria fo you to decide if carry-on or checked is best for you – and the best road-tested luggage recommendations.
Financial Case Study: Susi Kaeufer, Coaching Female Entrepreneurs
Susi Kaeufer took skills she was already good at and built a career of coaching female entrepreneurs. This earns her a consistent 5-figure income each month, and allows her to travel the world full-time, living as luxuriously (or frugally) as she wishes. Learn more about her awesome life and lifestyle here!
All Life is Suffering: A Month in Koh Phangan, Thailand
While pampering, starving, shitting, and massaging myself into wellness on the idyllic island of Koh Phangan in Thailand, I embraced the first noble truth of Buddhism with great irony: All Life is Suffering. This gripping story has three parts: The Irony, The Agony, and The Ecstacy (scratch that: The Massage).
Best Virtual Mailbox Service: How to Get Mail When You Travel
Don’t want to burden a friend to deal with your mail while you travel? Here is everything you need to know about virtual mailing services; who might need them, how much they cost, who to use, where to use them, and criteria to evaluate your needs.
Financial Case Study: Robyn Hartzell, Scuba Diving Instructor
Robyn Hartzell’s intended 12-month career break grew into a 32-month sabbatical, after she got into Scuba diving along the way and became a scuba diving instructor. Here’s how and where Robyn (known as Robyn Around the World) traveled and worked as a scuba diving instructor, and what it’s like to dive around the world.
Filing Taxes for Traveling as a Digital Nomad: Full Guide
How do you go about filing taxes as a digital nomad? With an ever-increasing population of digital nomads taking to the road, this is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue. Learn from experienced digital nomads in this GIANT guide with everything you need to know about filing taxes as a digital nomad.
Financial Case Study: Elaine Mendoza, Online Teacher, Writer, Tour Guide
Elaine Mendoza learned she could live and travel around the world for a fraction of the amount of money she formerly needed to live in Washington D.C. Now she fills her days with activities she loves that also earn her money: online teaching, freelance writing, leading tours/retreats, and even professional singing!
6 Weeks in Hoi An, Vietnam
Here is a photographic expose of the six weeks I spent in Hoi An, Vietnam. The old town, amazing cuisine, fresh market, after-game frivolities, and Tet flowers. Along with these photos are some key pieces of information about Hoi An and some tips to help you maximize your own visit.
Expat Life in Hoi An, Vietnam
I spent six weeks in Hoi An, Vietnam; a shorter stay than intended (due to some poor choices in timing and neighbourhood). But what I learned about expat life in Hoi An while living there was fascinating. Click through to read more about expat life in Hoi An, Vietnam!
Financial Case Study: Fiona Harper, Freelance Travel Writing
In this financial case study, Fiona Harper shares some great advice based on 15 years of freelance travel writing experience. Read on to get her take on work-life balance, setting rates, and the inner challenges of an outwardly glamorous lifestyle.
The Professional Hobo Reveals All: 2017 Income Report
Welcome to my 2017 income report! Every year I publish my annual income and expenses demonstrating that my lifestyle of full-time travel is financially sustainable. Here is my 2017 income report, reflecting a year of big struggles, and preceding a year of big change.
Financial Case Study: Joanne Amos, Wandering Wordsmith
Joanne Amos is a Wandering Wordsmith who has been running two interrelated businesses while traveling the world full-time for the last three years. In this case study she shares some honest observations and great advice about her career and lifestyle as a wandering wordsmith.
10 Countries for 20k: What I Spent in 2017
Every year I publish annual expense reports of my cost of full-time travel (including absolutely every penny spent). What I spent in 2017 was a hair under my “sweet spot”, and a lot less than most people would think full-time travel would cost. Check it out!
Financial Case Study: Kim and Ryan Desmond, CodingNomads
Kim and Ryan Desmond are the cofounders of CodingNomads, a traveling coding bootcamp helping aspiring digital nomads learn career-changing tech skills while on an international trip. Learn more about how they live their own lives abroad educating an empowering others to do the same through CodingNomads!
How to Find an Apartment in Chiang Mai: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chiang Mai is well set up for digital nomads to spend a few months at a time enjoying its cheap comforts and luxuries. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to find an apartment in Chiang Mai quickly and easily.
Financial Case Study: Laura Nalin, English Teacher and Blogger
Laura has been working abroad as an English teacher since 2013 and it has allowed her to save a huge amount of money to travel extensively. Reach on to learn more about her career/lifestyle as an English teacher and blogger here!
Chiang Mai’s Nimman: The Unapologetic Bubble
Chiang Mai is the Digital Nomad Centre of the Universe, and the neighbourhood of Nimman is the capital thereof. In two months of living in Nimman, I explored what makes Nimman the thriving bubble that it is today, for better or worse.
Chiang Mai, 10 Years Later: The Impossible Search
10 years later, some full-circle poetry led me back to Chiang Mai Thailand – where I started an international NGO and nursed my boyfriend through dengue fever. This time in Chiang Mai, I was on a very special mission to find a very important person.
10 Countries and 29,254 Miles: This was 2017!
2017 was a year of new experiences and surprises. I visited 10 countries (seven of which were in Asia and almost all new to me). I started off in Ecuador “doing shaman things”, and ended up house-sitting in Japan, chilling in Bali, going crazy in India, and 10 countries later, finishing up in Thailand.
Financial Case Study: Kara and Nate, YouTube Professionals
Kara and Nate are among the increasing ranks of people making a full-time income from YouTube. They blur the lines of work and play by creating daily YouTube videos about their full-time travel adventures around the world. And they make good money too! Check out how Kara and Nate earn their YouTube living.
Traveling on the Deccan Odyssey (Pt 3): Palaces, Caves, and Bollywood!
Join me for my last few days aboard the Deccan Odyssey luxury train, chillin with the maharaj at Laxmi Vilas palace, singing in Ellora Caves, and even trying out some Bollywood moves!
Financial Case Study: John Clites, Teaching English Online
John Clites is an avid wanderluster, who has visited 30 countries and spent the last 9 years based in Brazil, teaching English online. Learn more about his portable career and Brazilian lifestyle here!
Udaipur India, with the Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Traveling with the Deccan Odyssey is more than just a luxury train ride; it’s like a cruise on rails, except better. Here’s what we did in Udaipur India – a full itinerary of impossibly cool activities.
Heaven and Hell: Panchakarma as a Reflection of (My Time in) India
My month in India – as well as my two weeks of Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments – were both heavenly bliss and hellishly unbearable. Here’s what happened, and what I learned from it all. Enjoy this epic, funny, and poignant tale.
Touring India’s Deccan Odyssey: Most Luxurious Train in the World!
What does the most luxurious train in the world look like? It’s epic. Join me on the Deccan Odyssey in India, for the ride of a lifetime! I even take you on a full video tour of the joint. You won’t believe your eyes when you see what this train has on board.
Financial Case Study: Lauren Juliff, Blogger, Author
Lauren Juliff is the author of How Not to Travel the World (great book btw), and a travel blogger who has found an amazing work-life balance that allows her to work just half the year. I’m envious of her lifestyle, and plan to take a few pages from her book (literally and figuratively).
Acclimatizing to India, In Jaipur (Vlog Ep. 29)
Despite being totally freaked out about my first trip to India, I had a pretty soft landing in Jaipur. Join me on my adventures landing in the lap of luxury, then walking through the famous Pink City of Jaipur India!
Best Travel Gifts: Packing Cubes, Global Data eSIM, Trackers, and More!
The best travel gifts for 2017 include the Ultimate Travel Dress, expandable packing cubes, Eagle Creek compression sacs, Chipolo tracking device, Fat Chick Goes Awol (book), and Flexiroam global data micro-SIM card. Learn more about them here!
I Love You Mom! Crying on Television, and Other Quirks of Jakarta
I’ve never seen more people bawling on tv, nor so many selfies taken in one place! After 3 weeks of living with a few different families in Jakarta, I learned some amusing quirks that will give you an insightful cultural giggle.
Financial Case Study: Beck Power, Entrepreneur
Beck Power has her fingers in a few entrepreneurial pies that mean she has a wildly variant income and lots of work on her plate…and she loves it. Read more here!
Ubud Mashup (Vlog Ep. 28)
This Ubud Mashup is a visual depiction of my five weeks in Ubud Bali; walking the streets, eating the foods, and stumbling on a few special surprises.