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Rio de Janeiro is my favorite city on earth!  This city has a life and pulse that I have never been able to find anywhere else.  No one knows how to party like Brazilians, and this is especially evident in Rio!

Beyond the parties, the city is a mix of elements that typically are not combined.  It features some of the most beautiful natural geography in the world, but with urban development sprawling over and through it.  There is unavoidable evidence of poverty and crime, but is coupled with absolutely picturesque development and extremely friendly locals.

Brazil is not the easiest country to get to as flights can be difficult, and the visa application process is a pain. Do not let this deter you from seeing this incredible city. There are way too many things to see and do in Rio to include in one post, but the list below should give you a great starting point.

1. Copacabana Beach

The beaches are a great place to start in Rio.  Brazilian women are often described as the most beautiful on earth, and seeing them walk down the beach makes you feel like you are watching a runway fashion show. Brazilian women are famous for their itty bitty string bikinis; this may explain why the word they use for string bikini literally translates to dental floss (fio dental).

Miles of white sand, water in various hues of turquoise and blue, and crashing waves attract thousands of visitors.  Some of the top things to do on the beaches besides relax on the sand are…

Footvolley –  Footvolley is a sport that started on the beaches in Brazil, and is basically volleyball with no hands. Obviously there are correlations to soccer skills.  I consider myself to be decently athletic, but attempting to play footvolley with the locals immediately made me feel incredibly awkward and out of place.  Regardless, watching this unique game was still enjoyable.

Surfing –  Consistent waves, cheap rentals, and great instructors make this an excellent place to learn to surf, or even enjoy watching the experts. Shopping –  There are miles of unique shops, locals that set up tables across the sidewalks, or vendors that will even approach you as you are lounging on the beach to sell you anything from a drink to a new swimsuit.  The options are very affordable, but remember to negotiate.

2. Corcovado (Cristo Redentor – Christ the Redeemer Statue)

Photo: Wikimedia, Yane

Corcovado (Cristo Redentor – Christ the Redeemer Statue) Corcovado is the name of the hunchback style mountain that the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue sits on.  This huge monument presides over the city of Rio, and represents the Christian faith of most of the locals.  Hiking up the mountain is definitely worth it, and not just for the statue, but the views of the entire city and ocean.

Lightning strikes have knocked fingers off of this statue before (one finger of this statue is easily the size of a person), so be careful during a storm!

3. Enjoying the Urban Mountains

Rio is built right around numerous mountains that jut up on the edge of the ocean.  Urban development continues to push around and sometimes over the mountains, but there are still a ton of opportunities for leisure left with them.  Some of the best avenues for entertainment are..

Hang gliding and paragliding – evidently the combination of favorable winds and many cliffs make Rio and ideal location for the adventurer to learn to hang glide or paraglide. Hiking – There are numerous hiking trails on mountains throughout the city. Surprisingly, they can provide a retreat in to nature, even while you are in the middle of a humongous city.  Corcovado features some amazing trails with challenging terrain. Sugarloaf is also known as one of the best urban rock climbing locations in the world, and many climbers can be seen testing their luck.  There are many great rocks to scale, all while in the heart of the city. Various cliffs reach out into the ocean, and allow the adventurous to cliff dive.  While I did not partake, there are many fearless that do.

4. Favelas

The favelas are slums that are often built straight up the side of mountains in the middle of Rio.  The flimsy neighborhoods are built of all kinds of all kinds of random materials and are a testament to the industriousness of the Brazilian people.  Seeing these humble yet happy people makes you appreciate everything you do have.

The last time I was in Rio, I was told, “due to extreme crime, do not go in the favelas! Do not go alone, do not go with your translators or tour guides, and do not even go with the police!” Supposedly, in the last couple of years in preparation for the World Cup and Olympics, the police have made a concerted effort to clean drug dealers out of the favelas, and they are safe enough to actually visit.  There are many tour companies that can show you that you are the 1%.  Rio de Janeiro is the best city

5. Maracana Stadium

The Maracana Stadium is the biggest religious edifice that Rio has to offer, but the edifice doesn’t have to do with the Christian faith, but the other religion of the locals, soccer (football). This huge stadium has previously seated up to 199,854 (though there are a lot less seats in it now).  Even if you are not a soccer fan, it is mesmerizing to watch the zeal of the fans.  I watched a game in this stadium and was shocked to see barb wire fences blocking off sections where opposing fans would sit.  Games include cheering, screaming, dancing, and the hurling of insults to the opposite side of the fence.  If you want to make instant friends in Brazil, I recommend buying a $5 Brazilian national soccer team jersey from a street vendor and wearing it around town.

6. Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Cars

Photo: Wikimedia

This mountain juts out into the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of Rio de Janeiro, and is another iconic destination.  It is most famous for its cable cars that take tourists up to the top, while giving breathtaking views of the city along the way.  The ride isn’t for the faint of heart, but once at the top, you can relax at a café, or peruse some of the shops.  The first time I went, I mistakenly rode up at night which severely hampered the views.

7. Carnival

Carnival is a six day party that takes place before the beginning of the Catholic observance of lent, but Carnival is anything but a religious holiday.  Even though there are Carnivals around the world, the one in Rio is the biggest and best.  This six day extravaganza is marked by parades, block parties, ridiculous costumes, samba dancers, and free flowing drinks.  This spectacle attracts millions of people each year.

8. Jardim Botanico (botanical garden)

Photo: Paty Ribas / Flickr

This exquisite garden is located just below the right arm of the Christ the Redeemer Statue. The grounds are immense, so make sure you have your walking shoes and a little bit of time.  The site features an incredible variety of tropical plants, many of which I had never seen anything like before.  About one half of the park is planted and maintained by grounds crew, while the other half is left in its naturally occurring state.  Both halves are worth a tour.

9. Eat

Photo: jakob dorof, Caio Vinícius, Yutaka Seki / Flickr

Being an international city, one can find any type of food in Rio, including the omnipresent McDonalds, Subways, and even Taco Bells, but there are so many more great local options.  The most common foods in Brazil seem to be rice, beans, tropical juices, and pastries.  Being on the ocean, Rio is also an awesome place to get seafood.  My favorite Brazilian treat is the churrascaria, which is an all-you-can eat skewered meat restaurant.  Waiters endlessly walk by your table offering you freshly grilled meats.  Sorry vegetarians, but I can’t resist this temptation.

10. Capoeira

Photo: Wiki

A capoeira display is a must see!  If you do not know what capoeira is, imagine breakdance fighting, but with the legitimacy of a real fighting style.  This ingenious style of dance/martial arts was developed by early Brazilian slaves whose masters opposed them learning how to fight.  The dance disguised martial arts that taught the slaves to defend themselves, while entertaining all those around with music and acrobatics.  There are many schools that will put on shows, or even give lessons to those wanting to learn.

Seeing Paris is on every traveler’s list, however, making the most of their trip might just put them in a fix.

When To Go

Paris is the most visited city in the world, attracting about 27 million visitors per year. Who wants to be there in the hotchpotch of tourists? Summer time (Jul – Aug) is a terrible time to visit Paris, where you might miss on some great sights because there are just too many people hovering around them. To experience Parisian culture, architecture and cuisine fully with complete peace of mind, the recommended time is spring (Apr-Jun) or fall (Sept-Nov). 

  Book Your Tickets In Advance 

Set yourself in motion by booking your Paris flight in advance. These days it has just become so competitive that you might bag a deal in half the price by booking your flights at least three months in advance. So, what’s the benefit? It will not only make you save some huge bucks but also initiate the process of “when’s and how’s “of your trip. Additionally, book your tickets to guided tours and “skip the line” tickets to see Eiffel Tower or other attractions to ensure everything is as smooth as a cakewalk! 

Find A Hotel Close To Most Attractions And Within Your Budget 

Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods or arondissements and you may want to check out the pros and cons of staying in central part of Paris or farther into the neighborhoods.  Staying closer to main attractions is a great deal as you will be able to explore them on foot easily. And, another advantage of staying an area with attractions is that you have easy access to public transport that takes you to suburbs. However, Paris hotels here would be quite expensive. If you have given importance to my second point, which is booking tickets in advance, then you can put the saved money in getting a good hotel close to attractions. The 1st, 2nd, and 8th arondissement have attractions like Champs Elysees, Louvre, Grand Palais, Basilica of Notre Dame des Victoires and many more. Finding cheap Paris hotels in these arondissements is the best way to see the sights without wasting time in traveling around in public transport. Hotels like Hotel Astor Saint Honore and The Hotel Pont Royal are located close to popular attractions.

Know About The Public Transport In Paris

Paris is well connected by different means of public transport. Finding out about the metros, buses, taxies, and ferries well in advance will let you navigate the city in the best possible way. Get the idea about fares and hours of operation to ensure routing gets easier. Mind you, taxis are expensive, especially at night time.   

Eat Out At Some Of The Great Eating Joints 

Paris is famous for its bakeries and patisseries and even though you are not a foodie, you cannot miss on some delightful pastries, breads, and cakes. Some of the must-try boulangeries include Le Grenier a pain, Maison Kayser, and Poilane. If you are a foodie, make a list of popular of must-try restaurants and bakeries to ensure the food does not go off your plate even though there’s already too much on your plate! 

Get To Understand The People Of Paris 

Vacationing should be an escape, a relief and an adventure, not a nightmare of logistics and worries. By taking care of vital but frequently overlooked details before you grab that cab to the airport, you’ll avoid last-minute mad scrambles, neutralize potential stress, and maximize your chances of having the trip you dreamed about.

Got Pets? Call The Kennel (Or Sweet-Talk The Neighbour)

Lots of travelers don’t think of this until the day before they leave. What if your local pet-boarding facility is closed for the holidays, or has suddenly jacked up its prices? Do you really want to put Mrs. Henderson next door on the spot for cat detail at the last minute? Also, Rover and Detective Whiskers probably won’t like being left alone for a week in a dark house with a giant bucket of kibble. Take care of pet care needs in advance. 

Arrange For Stop Orders And Advance Payments 

Do you regularly pay for newspaper delivery or lawn care? Have deliveries arriving? Plan ahead. Pay in advance. Ensure there won’t be a parcel from Amazon containing a plasma TV sitting on your doorstep for six days—and that you won’t incur the wrath of the paperboy or the gardener (who owns several sharp tools). 

Copy Important Papers 

Photocopy your passport and birth certificate. Put them in a ziplock bag. Bury it deep in your luggage. Or in the sole of your shoe. Really. If you lose your originals, having copies to show to officials will help to expedite the process of replacing them. 

Plan Your First Day

The first day of a vacation typically gets lost to logistics. You’re going to be in a strange place. You probably don’t speak the language. You don’t know which taxicabs are safe, and which are abduction vans with roof lights. You’re not sure how far your hotel is from the airport, nor where to find all the amenities you read about in the brochure once you arrive, nor where the currency exchange place is, or which hours it keeps. Even if you like to wing it on vacation, making a more detailed plan for your first day ensures you’ll get more out of it. 

Unlock Your Cell Phone 

You can save a bundle (seriously – a lot of money) if you buy a SIM card locally in your destination country, rather than use your existing service while abroad, and rack up roaming charges. Cellular and data service are cheap in other parts of the world. In many places, merchants sell SIM cards for local telecom companies at roadside stands. Cell phones are typically locked to work only with a particular carrier, so in order to use an out-of-country SIM card in your device, you should have your cell phone unlocked before you leave. Many electronics shops and websites offer this service for not much money. Look into it. It’s worth it. 

Check Public Transit Maps On The Web 

Just spending a few minutes studying a transit map of a strange city will make getting around in that city much less of a baffling ordeal. At a minimum, you should have a sense of distances between attractions, and how many transfers you’ll need to make between your hotel and the airport or train station. It’s not necessary to memorize every detail, but forming a mental picture ahead of time makes a difference. Side note: many travelers find that riding public transit is a much better way to feel like they’re “in” a country, than driving a rental car with their significant other crinkling a map beside them, shouting instructions. 

Have Travel Insurance – At The Very Least For Health Care 

Even very basic medical care in a foreign country – for instance, to treat an infection, or patch up a broken ankle – can be devastatingly expensive. Travel insurance will only cost a few dollars, and might literally keep you from losing your house, if the ridiculous and unthinkable happens while you’re on vacation. Insurance is also available to protect you in the event of flight cancellations and missed connections, expenses paid in advance to tour operators who disappear, stolen wallets and passports, and a number of other misfortunes that could ruin your trip to paradise. Travel insurance is even available if you need to cancel your trip and wind up facing non-refundable fees.

Have Important Numbers Handy 

Your hotel’s concierge. Your airline. Your country’s embassy. Your insurance broker. Your third cousin who lives down there. A cab company you’ve vetted ahead of time. Having a list of important numbers handy makes you more self-reliant and puts your mind at ease in unfamiliar surroundings. Program them into your cell phone, or at the very least, put them on paper and store them in a couple of different places. 

With winter creeping up on us and nights getting longer, we can’t wait to start planning our next holiday to soak up the rays and get a bit of colour. If you want to start considering things such as destination, length and holiday type early, then it’s a good idea to think about how you can save money at the same time. To help you get started, here are some top tips that will maximise your savings giving you more spending money once you jet off.

Common practise on any trip abroad; don’t leave your travel money to the last minute. Airports buy in to the fact that you are held captive and notoriously offer the worst rates giving you poor deals in turn. High Street Banks offering low commission aren’t much better and you are constrained to their high markups. When planning a holiday, try to buy your travel money a month before you leave.

 The best way to exchange your money and maximise your savings is by using an online currency specialist. Websites such as My Travel Money find you the cheapest deals on over 60 currencies and most of the compared only bureaus will even deliver it to your  front door the next day.  

Visit areas that don’t thrive on Tourism 

With package holidays getting cheaper and tourist hotspots becoming more built up, there is unfortunately the price of inflation that comes with it. Of course you don’t have to travel to the built-up areas to catch some rays and relax; there are places equally as nice if not more beautiful and secluded. If you have an idea of the kind of climate and type of holiday you’re after, then speak to a Travel Agent who will be able to advise you on destinations that give you the trip you’re after but at a more favourable price.   

Avoid eating out

No matter whether you’re staying in a top tourist location or the rural outskirts, eating out can unfortunately be rather expensive. If you plan to go on excursions during the day then pack snacks and a light lunch if you can get to a supermarket. If you can, going half-board or all-inclusive might seem pricey but it will save you a lot of money in the long run as you wont need to be paying for any extras such as food and drink throughout your stay.  

 Book Tourist Attractions in Advance

If you plan to take a culture holiday, maybe seeing a few tourist attractions or famous landmarks then planning in advance is key to saving money. As soon as you know your dates of travel, research the places you want to see and things you would like to do in order to find out what days are cheapest to visit and whether you can save money by pre-booking your tickets in advance. If you are going on a family holiday, you might be interested in water parks and theme parks, which are renowned for offering much cheaper entry when booked online.   

Travel off-peak 

Lastly, the time of year you travel is key to your budget. Summer holidays are at their peak prices during school holidays, ranging from mid-july to the end of August. Travelling just a couple of days before or after peak season can often make the difference between hundreds of pounds so try and avoid these dates to ensure that you get the cheapest deal on your holiday.

Some wintery scenes are magical. Whilst unfortunately we don’t get them quite so much here in the UK, unless you head far north, and even if we do, they don’t last so long, there are some destinations, not too far away, where you can experience a true winter wonderland, and get away from it all for a few days.

I’m not necessarily talking skiing, because personally skiing would probably land me with a leg in a pot, however I know many people who love nothing more than swooping down snow-covered hills. No, I’m talking about sipping hot chocolate in a log cabin, in front of a roaring fire – bliss? I think so.   All this might sound expensive, but it’s surprisingly cheap if you grab a low cost airline flight to one of the colder European cities. Add on cheap airport extras, helping you get to the airport on time, such as Gatwick Airport parking, for those cheaper London flights, and you could be looking at a bargain-busting break that will be quite the relaxing few days. 

Ski holidays are plentiful, so if that’s your bag, then you won’t struggle to find a deal to many fantastic ski locations in not only Europe, but worldwide, however if you’re like me, and you love the scenery but prefer to relax without getting too energetic, then a log cabin break is a wonderful idea. I’ve always loved the idea of going to Lapland, and although this is an expensive choice around the festive season, there are several other choices that don’t cost quite so much – maybe Switzerland, Austria or Norway, for example.   

Packing for this chilly break could be a poser however, as you’ll need warmth and layers, which does tend to mean a bigger suitcase! The best advice I would give is to wear your biggest coat to travel in, and your heaviest boots, because at least you can take them off on the plane and store them in the overhead locker. This will cut down on luggage weight and reduce the risk of having to pay costly excess luggage charges. If you choose to drive yourself to the airport too, which I always do nowadays, then that bulky suitcase won’t be so much of a problem. If you are planning to do this, then I would recommend looking at www.parkbcp.co.uk for fantastic deals and a high level of customer service. I’ve used this several times, at various different airports, and can’t rave about it enough.   

The excitement of a road trip can sometimes be slightly dimmed by the difficulty over what to pack. While on one hand you may be willing to travel light, on the other, you don’t want to be relentlessly berating yourself for the items you left behind. 

So whether you are planning to drive across a state or across the continent, here is a road trip packing list of 50 essential items that you need to take with you:

1. Music/Playlist: Your mood is likely to change quicker than you think, especially when you get into unlucky situations. So before you even put key in the ignition , ensure that you have at least 30 playlists for the trip. This is also an opportunity to learn the names of new artists.

2. First Aid Kit: Whether you accidentally cut yourself while gathering wood for a camp fire or you have just eaten a wrong snack on the road, first aid kit will come in handy than you think.

3. Camera: You will need to take some photos to remember the trip and memorize that delighted look on your face when you reached your favorite destination (Great gift idea! See Amazon’s Most Wished For List).

4. Snacks/Food: Your wallets will get empty sooner than you think when you are constantly eating out. Though eating at different restaurants is often one of the most exciting parts of a road trip, you can always do your wallet and health a favor by carrying your own snacks/food.

5. Mosquito Spray: Gotta keep the bugs away!

6. Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from those harmful UV rays. Definitely a must!

7. Hand Sanitizers: You can’t predict the amount of dirt your hands will be exposed to.

8. Auto Essentials: A spare tire and some motor oil, among other motor essentials can help you a great deal when you wind up with a minor accident or when you misjudge the distance from destination A to B.

9. Sleeping Gear: There are unprecedented numbers of places that you can sleep under the stars if you wish not to waste your hard earned cash staying in a hotel every night? If you do need to stay in a hotel, I would suggest booking a room in advance, through Vacay Bookings. At least you can save some money with their price comparison search engine.

10. National Identification card or Driver’s License: These will confirm that you are indeed a homosapien who pay bills and taxes.

11. Travel Alarm Clock: Hotel wake up calls can sometimes be bothersome. You need a familiar sound that will wake you up without a problem.

12. Good Friends: Your company is ultimately what will make your road trip worth it.

13. Portable Power Device: To keep your phone and tablet charged at your convenience take a portable charger. Never rely on rest stops and hotels to recharge your electronic essentials.

14. Journal: A record of those weird local jokes, breakthroughs, surroundings, and thoughts will help you process them later.

15. Keys: You cannot afford to get very far without them.

16. GPS: Your phone’s GPS will be great until you find yourself in No man’s land with no internet or network coverage.

17. Sofa Cushions: No matter the number of songs that you listen to or the number of stories you tell, eventually boredom will set in. This is the time that your friends in the backseat will need to build a fort out of the cushions.

18. Map: Navigating your destinations with a real map is not only a fun challenge but makes you feel like a real explorer as well.

19. Phone: Besides updating your friends about the destination that you will be spending a given night, you can jam to your favorite music playlist while updating your Instagram feed from the road.

20. Sunscreen: A road trip without sun protection is a recipe for disaster. Be sure to lather up on sunscreen periodically throughout the trip.

21. Water: You have to stay hydrated throughout the trip. Don’t even think about soda or juice ; they will make thirst worse.

22. Extra set of Keys: You never know when you will lose the set you are used to.

23. Binoculars: There will be several moments when you will want to whip out your binoculars to get a clearer look at stuff off in the distance.

24. Appetite: You will be snacking on those chemically loaded snacks you never thought you would, under normal situations, put in your precious body.

25. Hygiene Bag: You will hardly come by showers while on the road. A hygiene bag with deodorant and towelettes will help cover those unfriendly stenches of sweat. Also bring eco-friendly shampoo and shower soap if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon a lake or outdoor shower.

26. Safety Pins: To mend some of your wardrobe malfunctions, clasp the zippers of your day packs together, tack your kid’s pant legs, especially when they are hiking through a mucky terrain among other uses.

27. Pocket Knife: You cannot simply count the number of times that you will use or need to use a pocket knife.

28. Lucky Charm: To keep you free from those bad road juju. For ladies, this will allow you to easily find keys amidst piles of lip glosses, hum packs and old movie stubs.

29. Games and activity sets: A deck of cards or backgammon will break up the monotony of the trip.

30. Roadside Emergency Kit: This kit will come in handy in case something goes wrong.

31. Rain Gear: People get rained on even in the desert! A rain gear or waterproof jacket will be useful when you visit misty destinations as well.

32. Tote Bag: To toss around picnic and beach items. You can also use them to cordon off dirty laundry items in your suitcase to preserve the freshness of the unused items.

33. Comfortable items: Wearing comfortable clothes during your time in the car is a given but you should also bring a blanket or a sweater in case you travel through a mountainous area at night or you disagree about an appropriate level of air conditioning with your travel mates.

34. Reading materials: A book or magazine will help you pass time, especially if you like reading.

35. Folding Shovel: You may need a folding shovel to dig out your truck’s tires from unexpected snow or to fill spots where you are stuck in the mud.

36. Good Walking Shoes: Though this sound like a normal road trip gear, you will seriously need them, especially if you find yourself wandering in grounds where flip-flops or flimsy shoes just won’t do.

37. Travel Mug: To stash transport sunglasses and other delicate souvenirs in your hotel room. Remember, a coffee-stained mug is an unlikely target for thieves.

38. R2-D2: When you plan to drive a cross a country, it is always a great idea to have a co-pilot with a few mechanical skills or at least an idea of how to change a tire.

39. Toilet paper: This will be very handy whenever you think about having that Big Gulp from 7-Eleven.

40. Voting system: To guide you and your team on how you decide on when to stop or where to eat.

41. Silicone Travel Bottles: Generally, TSA-approved mini travel bottles are often considered old news to any avid road traveler.

42. Duct Tape: From bandaging your exploded items to removing lint from your clothing, duct tape will always earn its all-purpose reputation.

43. A cooler: To stuff restaurant leftovers, roadside snacks, soda and anything you want to keep cold. This is a lot cheaper than constantly buying beverages and related food stuffs at roadside stops or gas stations.

44. Underwear: Bring more of them (even 10 more pairs) than you would practically need.

45. Positive Attitude: Nasty things that will push your buttons will obviously happen on the road. You need just to have a positive attitude and remember that pretty soon you will be back home on your comfortable couch.

46. Bandana: The list of obvious uses for this versatile carry-on is long—you can use it as a lens cleaner, hair tie, hand towel, scarf, head band or a cooling devise (when you dampen it).

47. Ziploc Bags: To prevent sandy beachwear from soiling your items and to protect some of your delicate clothing from snags.

48. Multi socket Power strip: This will help you charge most of your electronics at a go. Besides, plugging all your electronic in the same place, a multi socket power strip lessens your chances of leaving any behind.

49. Disinfectant Spray: It’s convenient when you plan to stop by public places like a restaurant or hotel.

50. Plan B: No matter how prepared you are, sometimes a road trip may not work out. Reveal your alternate vacation plan early to avoid crying out loud if things don’t go as planned.

Your road trip packing list plays a major role in the outcome of your road trip, especially if you are not used to long trips. Remember to always be well-prepared and hopefully this list will help make packing easier for you.

1. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

One of the most popular jobs that people who want to travel will do is English Teacher. Almost every country in the entire world is looking for English teachers, and in some places, they’re DESPERATE to hire teachers with or without experience. That being said, a large portion of these jobs require some sort of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification from a reputable organization, but this can even be done online from the comfort of your own bed.  Typically, countries that are in need of English Teachers are willing to train and pay for visa (such as some countries in Asia and the UAE) while for some of the more desirable locations (like Italy and Spain) you’ll be required to at least have your TEFL certification before applying.

Some perks of the job — you often don’t need a ton of experience to land your first position, you can choose to go anywhere in the world, and you usually don’t have to know the native language of a country in order to teach there (although some language skills are always helpful for your day-to-day business and your sanity in a foreign country.) Salary is largely based on your chosen region and particular position, but there’s no doubt that this could be a rewarding and enlightening mission, should you choose to accept it.

How to get your TEFL certification and find open positions: •  Here’s our guide on how to get your certification to teach English abroad. •   Websites such as Dave’s ESL Cafe are constantly updated with job opportunities around the world. •   Some TEFL certification organizations offer job-search assistance, so be sure to take advantage of that.

2. Cruise Ship Staff

If your idea of traveling is less about solid ground and more about the open sea, joining a cruise ship staff may be the perfect option for you. There are countless types of jobs dealing with the cruise ship industry, so, if you don’t get seasick, there’s a good chance you can find a position that suits your fancy. If you’re one of the lucky ones who has a gift for performance, maybe you can get a musical gig; if you’re into cooking, well, the guests need to eat! While there are seasonal positions available, do keep in mind that this job may involve long periods when you can’t see your landlocked friends. A lot of cruises do, however, make frequent pit-stops on their journeys, which could allow you to see countless new cities and countries and potentially be a part of the excursions offered by the cruise company.

How to get a cruise ship job: •   Websites such as All Cruise Jobs are great resources that post jobs all over the world. •   It’s also a good idea to check out company websites directly for current postings– try Carnival Cruises and Princess Cruises.

3. Tour Guide

What about becoming a tour guide in the city or region of your dreams? There’s a couple of ways that this could go– you could based in one location and offer your typical city tour or you could be a tour guide that travels from country to country leading excursions. It definitely helps to have some living experience in the region so you can bestow your infinite wisdom on your lucky customers, but qualifications vary and a quick learner with excellent people skills are the most important thing. You may find a position that’s a full-time job with a set income, or you could be giving “free tours” and relying on tips from generous attendees. That’s when you’ll have to break out the real knowledge and spunk if you intend to make a living off of it.

How to find tour guide jobs: •   The “Work for Us” page on tour operator websites. Try New Europe Tours, Bus2alps, Contiki, etc. •   A general web search on Indeed or Google is always a good way to go too.

4. Peace Corps

If you’re at a point in your life that you think you’d like to really give back to the world, then maybe the Peace Corps is right for you. Keep in mind that this can be up to a 27-month commitment, and in a developing country where you may or may not have most of the modern luxuries that you know and love, so this is definitely not for the weak-willed wanderer– but it can potentially be an incredibly rewarding experience. Assignments range from teaching English to school children to working with sustainable development and disease prevention. While you’ll only make a modest living during your service time, you’ll be granted a reacclimation stipend upon your successful completion and will return to the States with priority recruitment opportunities in the State Department for a year. Not a bad deal — and you’ll have made a difference along the way.

How to find out more about the Peace Corps: •   For information on what it takes to get into the Peace Corps, check out the Application Process page on their website. •   The website also has tons of information about the types of volunteer work you can do, as well where volunteers may go.

5. NGO (like Doctors Without Borders)

If the Peace Corps doesn’t seem quite right for you but you still want to give back, what about working for a non-governmental organization, or NGO? These organizations are often non-profit and typically work on the same sort of community development or human rights projects, but they all have their own structure and commitment responsibilities. NGOs hire people from all different career fields and may suit you whether you’re looking for a summer volunteer opportunity or a new job. Doctors Without Borders, for example, recruits medical and non-medical volunteers to help provide medical treatment to those in need all over the world. If you’re going into the medical profession, think how great an internship with this NGO could be!

How to get a job with an NGO: •   There are a lot of job board websites, like NGO Jobs Online and DevNetJobs, that provide listings for countless organizations across the planet. •   It’s also a great idea to look into specific NGOs that interest you, such as Doctors Without Borders or BRAC, to find out what specific opportunities they offer.

6. State Department

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a big fancy job working for the US government. You can still travel! In a nutshell, the US Department of State prides itself on “Careers Representing America,” so you better be up for the challenge. The two main categories of these jobs are Foreign Service Officer and Foreign Service Specialist. While they both deal with foreign diplomacy, there are multiple career tracks to choose from and are geared towards a wide range of interests. Here’s the rub: there’s a test involved as part of the application process for both of these positions. But hey, if you can get past it, you may have a potentially life-long career representing the good ol’ US of A in your future.

How to get an international job with the US government: •   The US Department of State’s website give general information about what working for the government entails. •  For more specific information about being a Foreign Service Officer or a Foreign Service Specialist, check out their respective sites. •   If you’re concerned about the aforementioned selection process for either of these career tracks, check out the Test Information and Selection Process tab for being a Foreign Service Officer and the selection process tab for being a Foreign Service Specialist.

7. Roadie

Ok, so this may not be exactly what comes to mind when you think of working in a different country, but, if you’re into music, being a roadie may just be the best job for you. Depending on your gig, this could range from occasionally traveling to constantly traversing the world. As a technician or some other crew member for a famous musician, you could be in constant transit and working a lot of hours, but it could also be a great way to see countless cities and meet tons of new people everyday. Plus, if you’re a music geek, what’s better than a backstage pass to your favorite performer every night?

How to become a roadie: •   Sites like Roadie Jobs and Music Jobs are great to check for posts about current job openings. •   Any connections you may have in the industry could always be milked to get your foot in the door to work for your favorite performer.

8. Au Pair or Nanny

Do you only have a summer to dip your toes in the international waters? Maybe being an au pair is right for you. An au pair is an international nanny that typically lives with a family to take care of their kids for a certain amount of time. There are countless websites that help find potential matches between families and budding au pairs, depending on things like availability, experience, and country preferences. Payments can range from just room and board to flights and a salary being included. Many times, families are looking for somebody to speak to their little munchkins in just English (as they want them to learn it from you!) but if you’re interested in picking up a new language, this could also be a great way to practice your skills or do a sort-of language exchange with your new family.

How to get a job as an au pair: •   Websites like Au Pair World and International Au Pair Association help match hopeful au pairs with potential families. •   Networking is also a great way to set up these types of positions. A lot of times family members have international coworkers or friends who would just love to have somebody come visit and babysit their kids or teach them English for the summer.

9. Travel Nurse

If you’re on the nursing track, you should consider being a travel nurse. These positions are applicable to a wide variety of health-care professionals and include both national and international traveling as a way to help with the international nursing shortage. Assignments can range from a short span to multiple years, so they could work for someone who’s a nursing student or a certified nurse looking to do something different. Compensation varies and many times housing is provided by the agency. If you’re tired of the same old scrubs in the same old hospital, it might do you some good to expand your horizons and try offering up your services in a new part of the world.

How to get a job as a travel nurse: •   Depending on if you’re hoping for domestic or international travel, there are a lot of great sites, such as Continental Travel Nurse and Worldwide Travel Staffing to get you set up. •   These organizations and others like TravelNursing.com  are set up to match you with a travel nurse agency or position that best suits your fancy, ideal location, and skill set.

10. WWOOFing

Suppose all these options still seem a bit too mainstream for your vagabond soul. Not to worry–there’s always WWOOFing, or Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. While many of these positions are not technically paying jobs, the deal is that you usually work for a farmer in exchange for room and board. And what’s better for a hippie like yourself than a way to move about the world in a self-sustaining way all the while nurturing the organic greens that make this world thrive? This flexible position often allows you to set your own timetable and enables you to bop around the world from farm to farm as much as your little heart desires.

I’ve decided to compile the absolute best seven compelling experiences not to miss in Lisbon, Portugal. After all, who better than a Lisbon lover and a local for almost 10 years (auch!) to give you insider advice?Although I’ve moved to Barcelona now, I still somehow consider Lisbon my city, where I lived some of the best years of my life and which is now one of the most trendy cities in Europe.If you’re expecting beaches, sorry, but I’ve addressed them in another post: here are the best beaches near Lisbon. If you’re looking for more than that, great, let’s get started! 

1. Eat The One And Only Pastel de Nata

Pastéis de nata are also known as portuguese custard tarts. In case you haven’t try them, you don’t know what you’ve been missing all your life. They taste as delicious as they look and are available in virtually EVERYWHERE in Lisbon. Together with a bica, a portuguese espresso, is the favorite snack for Lisboners.

If you are looking for the real thing, the aledgelly original ones are made in Pastéis de Belém factory, in Belém district. This place is often packed, particularly on weekends. Interestingly enough, they never won the annual award for the best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon. Yes, this award is real and for three years in a row the winner was Aloma, in the trendy Campo de Ourique neighborhood. My favorites are from the superbly located Manteigaria, in Largo de Camões. These are creamy as ever and come fresh out of the oven: it’s impossible to eat only one.

2. Go Off The Beaten Track

Explore the tiny streets in Lisbon and get lost at the typical neighborhoods of Graça and Alfama. This is where you will find the real city. Older people shopping for groceries on local shops and boys playing football on the narrow streets while they mothers chit-chat about the neighbors nearby. Observing the everyday life of the people living there is acknowledging they live in a small village within a big city and they love every single bit of it.

Bairro Alto is another of those picturesque places, but this comes with a plot twist.  At night, specially during the weekends, eclectic crowds rush to turn the neighborhood into Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife mecca, where you hang out in the street chatting with your friends with a glass in your hand. Yeah, Lisbon is that easy-going.

3. Live a Fairytale In Sintra

In case you are single, you have all the ingredients to find your life partner in Lisbon. With the warm weather, beautiful sun-kissed people and the great Portuguese wine, the odds are EVER in your favor. But the fairytale I meant is a place called Sintra, a village where imposing castles and ancient palaces live in harmony with exotic gardens and greenery. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.

Undoubtedly, the main attraction is Palácio da Pena, a colorful palace brimming with over-the-top designs that seems to come straight out of a fairytale. It is located on top of a hill and from up there, you can delight yourself with breathtaking views from all the Sintra-Cascais-Lisbon region.  

4. Go For a Yellow Ride on Tram 28

Elevador da Glória.

The legendary yellow Tram 28 is one of the symbols of Lisbon and at the same time, one of the most inexpensive ways to get to the traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon, like Graça and Alfama. Hopping on and off this tram is a one of a kind experience which has made it as a tourist favorite in the last few years.

However, during rush hours the tram is packed with locals who also use it as mean of transportation. Perfect time for the pickpockets to enter the scene and make their day, so beware. Another option is to ride the funiculars in Glória and Bica. Not as charming, but still gets you inside a yellow tram-like vehicle!

5. Fish, Fish, Fish

I’m sure you agree finding cheap fresh is extremely difficult anywhere in Europe. Anywhere except in Portugal. Sharing the majority of its border with the Atlantic, is probably the fish-friendliest country in Europe. Enough to say the symbol of the biggest festivities in Lisbon, Santos Populares, is a…. sardine. 

Actually, one of the things I miss the most about my country is how simple it is to find good fresh fish. So since you’re there, make sure you take advantage of this sweet sea-kissed location to enjoy the best fish you’ve ever had in your life. There are almost as many cheap restaurants in Lisbon who serve fresh fish dishes as actual fish on the sea. 

Enter any typic Lisbon restaurant and ask for a grilled Dourada, Robalo or Salmão. You won’t regret it. If I still can’t convince you, at least give it a try to my favorite fish dish: Bacalhau à Brás, a delicious combination of codfish, scrambled eggs and fries. It still isn’t meat, but it does not taste that fishy.

6. Visit The Best Aquarium In The World

The Universal Exhibition of 1998 (Expo’98) in Lisbon encompassed a major urban redevelopment project in all the eastern end of the city’s waterfront. When it was over, a new urban district named Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) was born. 

A walk among this area gives you a dramatically different perspective from the rest of the city and reminds you that Lisbon is not exclusively made of tiny streets and corky neighborhoods. It has a modern side which we do not commonly hear about.Parque das Nações stands out as an impressive open-air contemporary architecture portfolio, includes two striking twin towers designed to look like giant sailboats (!), a ship-shaped mall, water gardens, a casino and of course, the biggest bridge in Europe – Ponte Vasco da Gama. Everything is big here. But even in this futuristic setting, Oceanário still stands out.

 It’s the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and recently voted in TripAdvisor as #1 in the world. If you find it beautiful on the outside, I can assure you it’s even more impressive inside!

7. Enjoy The Sunset With a View

The one travel tip I always give for someone who comes to Lisbon for the first time is to end at least one day in a viewpoint (or in portuguese, miradouros). In the last few years, the municipality has finally found some value in those and made an effort to renew them around the city, building some cafés and bars that bring added value to the already beautiful setting. 

For the best views of the city, head to Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte, in Graça district. It’s a quite challenging walk uphill but it’s not that crowded and you’ll have this view as a reward.

Whether you sail into a bright and beautiful harbour or listen to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, whether you fly low over cobalt waters in a twin-engine propeller-driven plane or you stumble upon the antiquity here and there, the Greek Islands are the most wonderful holiday dreams to say the least. Exquisite to fuel the intense imagination, the Greek Islands can be best defined by these words by one of Greek’s favourite sons, Homer: “…There is the heat of Love, the pulsing rush of Longing, the lover’s whisper, irresistible—magic to make the sanest man go mad.”

Considering that no Greek island is any lesser than the other, the vital question here is not ‘what islands to visit in Greece’ but ‘what to leave to be explored in the next trip’. However, some of the Greek Islands are so gorgeous and seductive that they make it to the top of holiday-makers list of must-visit and best Greek Islands, here are the Top 10.

1 – Santorini

If Greece is the most magical place on earth, Santorini is its magic wand. The amber skyline blending with the azure seascape at the horizon and the absolutely stunning whitewashed Cycladic dwellings gleaming like gold in the afterglow of dusk, Santorini is not just exquisite but spellbinding. One of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the world, officially Thira in Greek, Santorini is gracefully perched on the cliff of the mountain 200kms south-east of Greece mainland in the Aegean Sea. Unparalleled beauty of hilltop villages, excellent wineries, some of the Cyclades finest dining experiences, the sandy multi-coloured beaches in Red, Black and White, rich antiquity and the Greek hospitality are a few of the many other reasons which make Santorini the most popular and best Greek island. The sunset of Oia, the black pebbled beach of Kamari, the bustling markets and white cobblestones streets of Fira, the Venetian castle and Byzantine churches of Pyrgos—Santorini’s charm is irresistible.

Copyright Olga Gavrilova

2 – Mykonos

If you ever wondered where exactly the white, round shaped, 16th-century Venetian windmills with a pointed roof and very small windows are? Then the answer is—Mykonos, a beautiful Greek island, which is also a part of Cyclades. And keeping the iconic windmills in mind, if you are expecting it to be a quaint village, then Mykonos will be a surprise for you. Pack your most stylish clothes and put your best fashion foot forward in Mykonos. Yes! The stunning Cycladic maze hosting crowds of fashionistas and riches from across the globe, Mykonos is the most glam and glitzy of Greek Cyclades. The pricey bars and cafes, designer stores, crowded clubs by the beaches, Mykonos is called Ibiza of Greece for obvious reasons. However, between the all the style and razzmatazz, the ‘Island of the Winds’ is holding fast to its gorgeous Greek charm and impressive antiquity. As per Greek mythology, it was in this rocky island of Mykonos that the great battle between Zeus and Titans were fought and also the invincible giants were killed by Hercules.

Copyright looks

3 – Corfu

Flaunting its intellectual and artistic heritage, Corfu or Kérkyra as it is called in Greek, is one of the most popular and best Greek islands on the Ionian Sea. Corfu refers to both the main town and the island. Loved for its scenic villages, gorgeous Byzantine churches, stunning Venetian fortresses and exhilarating nightlife, Corfu also has dramatic coastline with steep mountains. Wander through the tapered, cobbled streets and explore the impressive New Town to discover the bounty of history that this lovely Greek island has inherited.

Copyright Limpopo

4 – Zakynthos

The third largest island in the Ionian Sea, named after Zacynthos, son of legendary Arcadian chief Dardanos, Zakynthos borrows it beauty from the abundance of olive and grape farms, picturesque villages and towns and the crystalline water in impossible shade of blue against the backdrop of lush green forested mountains. Fondly called To fioro tou Levante meaning The flower of the East in English, Zakynthos is home to many great Greek poets and writers. High on music, striking a perfect balance between a party paradise and a quiet hermitage, Zakynthos is often thronged by tourists in huge numbers.

Copyright Samot

5 – Paros

Not far behind in popularity, Paros is the third most popular Greek islands after Santorini and Mykonos. Enchanting and stylishly vibrant with its rich culture, Paros has known for the white marbles all around the world. The second largest island of Cyclades, Paros has come a long way from being a ferry hub to one of the most popular holiday destinations under the sun. Characterized by its marvellous beaches and lovely villages, Paros also has some great relics of olden times. Be ready to fall in love with the capital city Parikia, a stunning sight in itself with traditional flat roofed Cycladic houses. The blue-painted doors, window frames and shutters in a striking contrast with white-washed walls, shadowed by lush vines, and adorned by the gardens of oranges and pomegranates, Paros in simple words is utterly romantic.

Copyright imagIN.gr photography

6 – Kos

Don’t go by the size of this tiny Greek island. Although, it measures just 40 by 8 kilometres, it has the power to blow your senses with its magnificent relics from history, sylvan valleys, vernal hills, rocky patches and the cobalt vista. Go sailing and snorkelling while in Kos. If not anything else, just relax, grab a bite at a chic café and gaze upon the wonders of nature in this amazing Greek island.

Copyright devilfire369

7 – Nisyros

At a distance of few miles from Kos, Nisyros, has less than 1000 permanent inhabitants. Famous for having a caldera at the centre and an active volcano in its very land, the island of Nisyros was created in the past 150,000 years. The otherworldly ‘Stefanos’ caldera (volcano crater) with a view of the smoking fumaroles is not the only exciting thing about this Greek island, but the hilltop villages like Nikea and Emborios offer a perfect hiking and exploring opportunities. Beaches are rocky here but keep a keen eye on the local products especially Koukouzina, a drink made from figs and grapes.

Copyright Jiri Vavricka

8 – Rhodes

The largest of Dodecanese islands, Rhodes has everything one would expect in a Greek Island. A bounty of antiquity, buzzing nightlife, vibrant beaches, spectacular wooded valleys, inviting cobbled alleys and more than 300 sun days in a year—what else do you wish for? The island of the Knights, as Rhodes is fondly referred to, proudly houses the famed Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the Medieval Old Town—a world heritage site. Also called the ‘Island of Roses’ due to the rock roses, Rhodes is one of the best Greek islands.

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9 – Skiathos

Sitting pretty in the northwest of Aegean Sea, Skiathos is a blessed by nature with over 60 beautiful beaches with the coastline stretch of around 44 kms. The pine forests also make the island one of the greenest in Greece and has often been touted as the most popular Greek destination. Visit close by islands such as Alonissos and Skopelos to see the seals living in the caves of the island. Apart from sparking sea and nature’s beauty, Skiathosfor also has an exhilarating nightlife to keep the holiday-makers grooving to its tunes.

Copyright Mila Atkovska

10 – Crete

The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete has everything in abundance, from history to natural splendour. Artistic landscape, sun-soaked beaches, vibrant cities, dreamy-moody villages, amazing culture, lip-smacking local cuisine and generous hosts, Crete gives you a perfect backdrop to make the most wonderful of memories in Greece.

Copyright Dmitry Laudin

If you are visiting the United States for less than 90 days Australians (and nationals from 37 other countries) can get a visa waiver known as the ESTA Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This is a form which you pay for so you don’t have to pay for an actual visa (ironic, I know) and will set you back roughly US$10 - $15. An ESTA Visa Waiver can be purchased very quickly online here, not the way I mistakenly forked out $70 back in 2012. We’ve come a long way! :D

BUT:

The US is huge. And when we were last there in 2012-13 we could not explore all we wanted to in such a relatively small amount of time. On top of that when you leave the US, they don’t consider Canada and Mexico as “departing from American soil”. Somebody failed Geography 101. So you can’t just spend time across the border and come back.

WE NEEDED LONGER! And we got it. During our stay in Melbourne, Australia we applied for a 6-month business/tourism visa so our next trip to the US will be much more fulfilling (especially considering the cost of the flights to get over there).

Quick Facts You can apply for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) or a combination of both. The application is done online and costs US$160 for each person (including children). You must have a passport-quality photo of each person which has been taken in the last 6 months. An interview is then arranged at the US embassy at a specific time. If you pass the interview and choose a visa length of longer than 1 year it will cost an additional US$25 per person to process. Maximum visa length period is 5 years, but you could be granted less. This type of visa provides you with a maximum of 6 months in the US at one time. As far as research suggests you can visit Canada and return to the US, unlike the ESTA. Your passport is held onto the US Consulate for about a week and then posted back to you via courier. Total cost for a 5-year visa is US$185. You should NOT book transport or accommodation in the US until your visa is approved. Just common sense.

Our Process Of Getting A Visa We decided to do a combination of B1 and B2 since we wanted to attend a few conferences in the US. The application was relatively straightforward, but long. Very long. The application asked every question under the sun including “are you a terrorist?”. I’m not joking.

The visa application can be started on this official website by clicking “create account” on the right and following the prompts.

Expert tip: Thankfully if you are applying for multiple people like we were, the majority of the questions can be transferred to the additional applications by choosing to resume an existing application AFTER it’s been submitted. So it’s not as tedious as it could be.

We paid US$160 per person via credit card online (recommended) or you can also pay in person at a post office. Since we had multiple applications (for our family), payment was made after we completed all applications. A summary sheet needed to be printed which was basically a receipt proving that we made payment. Multiple applications will be displayed on a single sheet. Paying the fee does not guarantee your visa application will be successful, nor does it guarantee entry to the country and it’s not refundable. So think carefully before applying.

Once we printed the summary of our application confirmation (1 page per person), we arranged an appointment at the nearest US consulate/embassy. This was done on the same website as the payment. Check this page for current wait times. Remember, you need to bring a passport size photo for each person taken within the last 6 months old.

What To Bring Checklist Bring the following to your visa interview:

Your passport Passport style photo Application confirmation summary (1 page per person) Payment receipt (1 page)

Our appointment at the Melbourne US Consulate was scheduled for 10:30am. We found 1 hour parking out on the street in front of the building and arrived about 10am. There was already a queue outside the door to the embassy, which we joined.

They let people in 4 at a time so it was about a 15-minute wait.

Once inside we were asked to register on a computer. Then we handed over all our possessions to the security staff and walked through an airport-style security scanner. We were not allowed to bring mobile phones (or pretty much anything else, including car keys) so they were confiscated and we were given a numbered token to claim them back at the end.

This is probably the most irritating part of the procedure since there is little available to pass the time beyond this point and a smartphone would have helped the time pass by faster. The guards provided a sticker with our name and barcode which needed to be visible at all times.

We were then escorted 4 at a time up an elevator with a guard.

On the next floor we went through a similar procedure. Showing our ID sticker and passports, we handed over any possessions, went through another security scanner, issued a numbered ticket and then entered a beige waiting room.

We waited approximately 20 minutes before we were called up. At this stage, they just asked for fingerprints and took our paperwork and photos.

“Is your daughter here?”

“Yes.”

“Can I see her?”

Mia came over and grinned at the lady behind the glass.

“The photo is over 6 months old, but she still looks the same so I will let it pass.”

PHEW!  Forgot about that one. By this time more than 1 hour had passed so Josh needed to go pay for parking again. And yes, he had to go through the whole same process to get out of the building… and then back in. He paid for the maximum possible parking time – 1 more hour.

We sat in the waiting room for another 40 minutes. In the far corner a wall-mounted TV played a video loop encouraging people to head to the US, filled with cheesy propaganda. Certainly nothing entertaining. Obviously everyone in that waiting room already wanted to go to the US, and I got the impression that the purpose of this video was to inspire attendees not to slip into a coma and that the exceptionally long and boring wait would be worth the while.

Near the back wall a small basket of kids’ books provided a much-needed distraction for our children and we read to them quietly, making the most of our time. A bathroom was located around the corner along with a sign explaining that only 1 person was allowed in at a time. Although I’m not quite sure why there were multiple toilet stalls in that bathroom.

Finally we were called to the interview booth. We were asked how we planned on funding the trip (Josh’s self employment), if Josh planned on working in the US (no) and then, “You’ve been approved, please see the cashier and we will send your passports to you within 5 business days.”

Done.

Wow.

It was almost anticlimactic, but with a tangible sense of relief.

We visited the cashier where he asked for another US$25 per person for the visa issuance fee, which we paid via credit card. And our visa application process was done. With a sense of accomplishment we left the building.

It was exactly 6 days later (4 business days - 1 day early) that the passports arrived on our doorstep in the hands of a smiling courier. And this was just in time for us to apply for our next visa – Indonesia.

The beautiful land of Copenhagen is lined with colorful houses, sprinkled with bicycling locals, bursting with phenomenal food, and home to the best ice cream on the planet. It’s a metropolis designed for meandering on foot, bike, or boat. Every street offers a view of impeccably streamlined design, smiling faces, and dozens upon dozens of beautifully curated shops, cutting-edge museums, and delicious gastropubs. As you know, we have a great affinity for everything “Dansk.” From home and office design to work-life balance, the Danes have achieved a quality and vibrancy of life that is often missing in America. We really can’t convey in words the magic of this laid-back city of heavenly design, but we can share how we’d spend three days in one of our favorite European cities. Read on for a full-proof Danish itinerary you’re going to want to book!

The Admiral Hotel

The Copenhagen Admiral Hotel is all about location. Situated right on the Nyhavn canal, at the center of the city, the Admiral Hotel is an ideal place to stay for a three-day adventure. Book a room on the top floor overlooking the canal for a stunning view of the gorgeous Royal Opera House, the Royal Playhouse, and the boat-filled harbor. Make sure to order the breakfast package when you make your reservation. For a modest price, you are welcome to a generous buffet every morning of your stay, filled with Danish delicacies, fresh fruit, coffee, and even some American favorites to ease you into the foreign city.

Rent a Bicycle

Copenhagen was built for cyclists as much as drivers. Every street has a separate bike lane with its own set of traffic lights. Bicycle shops appear on every block, and you can rent the two-wheel favorite on a daily basis. Make sure to bike to nearby Amelienborg, the home of Danish royalty that resembles a miniature Place Vendome, the famous Little Mermaid Sculpture, and the epic Gefion Fountain.

Christiania

Once you’ve visited all of the quintessential Copenhagen landmarks near the Admiral Hotel, bike across town to Christiania, aka Freetown Christiania. This self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood is recognized as a large commune by Danish law. Copenhagen law enforcement does not police the area, which exists under the Christiania Law of 1989. Photography is strictly forbidden, so keep your camera out of sight as you stroll through the green gardens, cannabis shops, and graffiti-covered structures and enjoy the warm sounds of musicians strumming their guitars throughout the space.

Papirøen and Experimentarium City

By now, if you’re like us, you’ll be more than ready for a delicious lunch (and a cold beer). Make your way back toward the Admiral Hotel for a bite at the Papirøen Copenhagen Street Food. Filled with dozens of stalls, each offering a delicious speciality, the Papirøen is a great place to chill, eat, drink, and watch the boats pass the canal. After lunch, check out Experimentarium City next door. The hands-on science and technology museum is the perfect way to walk off our favorite pulled pork and spare rib sandwiches.

Kul

Located in Copenhagen’s newly trendy Meatpacking District, Kul is the creation of celebrated Danish chefs Christian Mortensen and Henrik Yurk. The two Michelin-star chefs created Kul as a hybrid of Danish and Californian fare, and we can’t get over how delicious their menu is—does rib on the bone with mac and cheese sound good to you? We love the striking blackness of the restaurant. The noir setting of this minimalist gem is inspired by a charcoal cave, hence the restaurant’s name (kul means charcoal in Danish).

The Coffee Collective

Danes take their coffee very seriously. If you’re looking for the coolest coffee bar in the whole of Copenhagen, look no further than The Coffee Collective. We love its Jægersborggade location. Ask for an iced espresso (you won’t be allowed milk), and enjoy as you wander the hipster-chic street. We love sifting through the records at Beer & Vinyl and tasting artisan sweets at Ro Chocolate.

The Design Museum Denmark

Next, make use of Copenhagen’s flawless metro system and head over to The Design Museum. The Instagram-worthy location is the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary design in every form, from architecture and fashion to graphics and typography. Bring a notebook on you tour as it's hard not to be inspired by the innovations on display at this futuristic complex.

Tivoli Gardens

One of the most noticeable characteristics of Danes is their love for life and play. Working after 5:30 p.m. is not normal, and putting in weekend hours is utterly unthinkable. Copenhagen’s tremendous sense of play is embodied in the Tivoli Gardens, a whimsical toy land filled with roller coasters, performances, candy shops, and delicious restaurants. We recommend having lunch at the Brasserie. You might spot a peacock roaming the courtyard or see teenagers doing impressive skateboard tricks on a makeshift half pike.

Glyptotek Museum and Café

After enjoying the summer carnival grounds, cross the street and visit the Glyptotek Museum. Founded by an heir to the Carlsberg brewing fortune, the Glyptotek is home to a collection of Danish art and traveling exhibitions. But the real treasure of this museum is its café. Surrounded by palm trees in the building’s lush winter garden, Café Glyptoteket always has a minimum of seven homemade cakes on offer. Art and cake… You can see why we love this spot!

Fiskebar

The Meatpacking District is too much of an It spot to only visit once. Head back to the foodie neighborhood for a delicious meal, and dangerously good gin and tonics at Fiskebar, one of the hottest restaurants in Copenhagen. Surprisingly, the sensational fish menu is not excruciatingly pricey, and the food will blow your mind. Its fresh rhubarb dessert is an absolute must—it outdoes any rhubarb we’ve tried stateside.

Warpigs

For an après dinner drink, walk next door to local favorite Warpigs, where you can order one of its 30-plus home-brewed beers or, if you’re really ambitious, a platter of Danish meat for your second dinner.

Noma

How to Save Money to Travel the World

Daunted by how to save money for your round the world trip, extended long break or just a weekend away? It can seem like a mammoth task to build up your savings but I’ve put together a collection of 20 tips and ideas from my own, personal experience to help you save money to travel. Read on and you’ll be booking that flight in no time!

Travel and Accommodation Savings 

How to find cheap hotels, how to find cheap flights to anywhere and how to earn cashback on travel purchases.

Use cashback sites such as Quidco to earn money on purchases at high street favourites such as M&S, Tesco, Boots and Amazon. How does it work? Quidco rewards you with cashback every time you shop by simply passing on the retailer commission to your account – and you can earn an average £280 a year. You can earn cashback on travel sites such as Booking.com, Lastminute.com, Expedia, Laterooms.com and lots more. Sign up to Quidco here!

Instead of paying for your accommodation upfront, use sites such as Booking.com and look for the deals with free cancellation and pay later options. This means when you make a reservation, you lock in the price you originally booked at so there are no unexpected price increases later – and if you find a cheaper deal in the meantime or change your mind, you can cancel with no charges to pay. I use Booking.com for all my reservations and highly recommend it! For an even better deal, use Booking.com through Quidco and get cashback on your reservation – see tip 1!

Be flexible with your dates.

 Save money on flights by using Skyscanner and search for your destination and choose ‘cheapest month’ for depart and return, then you can see the cheapest dates on which to fly. Be flexible with your destination! I love Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ option. Just choose your departing airport and then pick ‘everywhere’ and it will show you the most pocket friendly destinations you can fly to – along with throwing up some destinations you may not have thought of. This is how I found direct flights from Glasgow to Barbados in December for £299!

Are you a frequent or long haul flyer? 

Consider getting an airmiles credit card. When you shop with an airmiles credit card you’ll earn points based on what you spend, and these can later be put towards flights to worldwide destinations of your choice, or you may benefit from extras such as priority boarding or airport lounge access. Compaire airline credit card here.

Little Ways to Save Money To Travel

How to collect points to turn into cash, make savings on your mobile phone contract and get budget beauty products. Sign up to your local supermarket points rewards scheme. I use the Sainsbury’s Nectar card and collect points on my weekly shop and petrol. I even collect points on eBay purchases and on Expedia – I received 2000 points after booking my Venice trip through Expedia! The points soon build up and I use these to pay for my weekly food shopping.

Save money on beauty products and be a guinea pig by signing up to home product testing trials such as Alba Science where you will receive products in exchange for filling out questionnaires about them. I recently received a full size tub of intensive conditioner and my friend received St Tropez tanning mousse (which isn’t cheap!).

Cancel all those non essential direct debits. 

Yep – that’s means Netflix, your unused gym membership, magazine subscriptions and those monthly subscription boxes you never get around to opening. Renegotiate your mobile phone contract. Sign up to Billmonitor and it will analyse your bills and match you with the best contract for your buck. DIY beauty. Forego the monthly salon trips and do your own nails, tanning and waxing.

Earn Some Extra Money

How to earn money by working from home, get paid for watching TV and where to sell books, clothes and electronics. Sell your skills. Great with Photoshop? A dab hand at copywriting? Advertise your services on Fiverr or Upwork and set your price. Take on a second job. What about waitressing, a weekend retail job or working in a bar after your 9-5?

Earn cash for your opinions by completing surveys online for points which you can then redeem for gift cards (or sometimes even just cold, hard cash). Try I-Say, Valued Opinions, Swagbucks, Crowdology, MySurvey and Toluna. Sell all the stuff you don’t need. Put all your old clothes on eBay (private sellers get 20 free listings per month) or Depop. Sell household items on Gumtree.com, local Facebook groups for your area or a good old fashioned car boot sale. Trade in old CDs, DVDs, games, phones and electronics at Music Magpie. Sell your old books on Amazon Marketplace. For anything that doesn’t sell, use a recycling service that will pay cash per kilo for your clothes, household goods and bric a brac, such as Cash 4 Clothes.

Get paid for your TV opinions. Sign up to The Viewers and get paid between £40-£70 for a group discussion, offering your feedback for all things telly. Online surveys and tasks are also available.

Drastic Ways to Save A Ton of Cash How do you save enough money to travel the world? You make some big changes in your life and make your bank account richer. Move back in with your parents or another family member. Own your own house with more than one bedroom? Consider renting out your spare room to a lodger. Rent out a room or your entire house on Airbnb. Renting a place by yourself? Think about moving into a large house share instead.

Sell your car and take public transport instead. What did you think of these tips? Do you have any money saving ideas to add?

How to Make Valentine’s Day Fit Into Your Budget

With Valentine’s Day being less than two months after the holidays, most people are still recovering from the spending they did and have a hard time fitting Valentine’s Day into their budgets. Here are 10 Ways to make Valentine’s Day Special and fit it into your budget:

If you have your heart set on getting your Valentine flowers, make sure you get the best deal. Skip the dozen roses because they will be the most expensive. Instead, get in season flowers and make the arrangement yourself. Do love notes. Make sure you place them everywhere you can think of. Make it a game between the two of you. Place one in lunches, on bathroom mirrors and in cars. Finding these throughout the day can really make an impression and a memorable time. Did you do something special and frugal on your first date? Play it out again! Of course you won’t be able to find the same movie in the theater, but you could rent it and watch at home. Spend some time making your own chocolate-covered strawberries. It can be fun, messy and romantic. The good news is, it is also thrifty. For less than $10 you can do this at home. Go around and ask for free samples at local candy or chocolate shops. Spend the day taking a tour of the best chocolate shops in your area and come home and snuggle.

Hold a “contest” between the two of you to see who can spend the least amount of money and make the day the best. The competition should be great to see when it comes together! Do a scrapbook page together of your favorite memory. This could either be an activity you do together or a gift you present your love.

If you do a dinner out, make sure you don’t pay more than you need by getting any coupons you can as well as eating at non-peak times such as lunch. If you are really strapped for cash, you could just go out for dessert at a fancy place instead of an entire meal. Scour the local paper for free events going on, on Valentine’s Day.  Many communities have ‘Sweetheart’s Dances” at local Senior centers that are open to the public of any age. Get a glimpse into the future by going and seeing how much love the elder generation has for each other. Buy Flowers at a discount and make your own arrangement. You can buy flowers cheaper at grocery stores than floral shops and with a little help from the dollar store, you can make a very nice arrangement. (you can check sites like Groupon for a 50% off deal) Lastly, remember that with Valentine’s Day, it really is the thought that counts. Don’t get too hung up on spending money and instead think of ways you can spend time, even if all it is, is a walk in the local park. Be sure to check out awesome deals you can find on Groupon with 50% off savings and more!

Here are some more Valentine’s Day tips, ideas and recipes to try:

A lot of individuals are not informed knowledgeable travelers. It is something which just comes with on the road encounter. At first, you make lots of errors it’s natural. Journey savviness is a process born of innumerable miniature mistakes, irrational behaviour, ethnic unawareness, and missed buses. Afterward, let yourself dive into new cultures like a fish out of water and one day, you will start to move through airports like you have done it a million times.

Pack a towel. It is the real key to successful world travel and simple common sense. You never know when you’ll want it, whether it is on a picnic, at the seashore, or simply to dry off.

Purchase a small backpack/bag. It’s going to make you pack light and avoid taking an excessive amount of material(This will save your back, literally).

Pack light. It is okay to wear the same t-shirt a day or two in a row. Bring half the clothes you believe you are going to want….you will not want the remainder of it.

Get additional socks. So packing additional will come in handy, you will lose a group to laundry gremlins.

Take credit card and another bank card alongside you. Catastrophes happen. It is always a good idea to have a back-up in the event you get robbed or lose a card. You do not need to be stuck someplace new without accessibility to your funds.

Ensure that you use no-fee bank cards. Do not give banks your hard earned cash. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your experiences.

Travel on your own at least once. You will learn the best way to become independent and a lot about yourself. It is cliche, but it is accurate. Traveling alone instructed me speak to all kinds of people, the best way to fend for myself, and manage unknown situations easily. In turn it will make you a much better person.

Do not be scared to use a map. Appearing in the manner of a tourist isn’t as bad as ending up in the wrong area and becoming extremely lost.

But do not be scared to get lost. Drifting through a fresh city is a great method to get to understand it and see things you normally wouldn’t see.

Constantly go to with the local tourism office. They know everything. They’re able to point you to free fun, everything in between, and special events occurring during your stay.

In order to rest your head on international flights, get window seats. Additionally, window seats near the front in order to beat everyone to the passport line.

Do not purchase a money belt – they are not bright. Burglars understand they exist and being seen with one essentially yells, “Look at me, I am a tourist with cash! Take my money!”

Take just the things you need when you go out. Limit the quantity of money and credit cards you take with you if something does occur, it is simple to get back on your feet.

Always take a lock. They come in handy, particularly when you need to lock up your things and stay in dorms/hostels.

Make additional duplicates of important files and your passport.

Learn how the traffic works. Particularly in states whose traffic flow is different than you are used to.

Locals understand good times and low-cost meals. It will be appreciated by the locals and it’ll make your interactions a lot easier.

You can not recognize the present in a location if you do not know anything about its past.

Do not be embarrassed to walk into a Starbucks. Occasionally familiarity is comforting.

In case you go into McDonald’s, be embarrassed. Seriously. That shit is disgusting and unhealthy for you.

Shop for flights near your destination. When reserving flights, occasionally it’s more affordable to fly into airports close to your final objective, and to where you can take a train or bus.

Do not be scared to ask for an update, when you check into the resort. They’ve lots of flexibility and it can’t hurt to inquire.

Many cafes, Starbucks, and libraries have free Wifi if you are staying somewhere that bills you to get in touch.

Lunchtime is the greatest time to go to historical sites. The sites empty out and you will have fewer bunches to fight.

Before I discover somewhere to eat, as a rule of thumb, I walk five blocks in either direction.

Eat during lunch at high-priced restaurants.

Pack a flashlight. It’s going to allow you to tell ghost stories, assist you to avoid stepping on things, and see through the night on a possible camp out.

Injuries occur, so be prepared. I take with me bandaids, antibacterial lotion, and ointments for scrapes and cuts.

Publication flights 3-4 months ahead of time to receive the best cost. And do not drive yourself overly mad trying to get the absolute most economical fare. Spending five hours to try and save $10 will cause you lot of headache.

Hostels are awesome!They’re not expensive and you will meet with lots of folks! Don’t let the movies scare you.

Use Meetup, and hospitality sites to meet locals. They will have the ability to provide you with the insider’s view in your own destination.

Stay Aware of your surroundings. Many people do bite, so keep a wholesome degree of feeling.

Try new food. Do not inquire what it is. Simply put it in your mouth you may enjoy it. Should you put up your guard, you might pass up on some unusual and delicious local cuisine.

No cabs. They’re consistently a budget buster.

When you can drink from the faucet use it – you will save money.

Try walking tours that are free. These tours will provide you with a great orientation and backdrop of the city you’re in besides they’re free.

Get city cards. You will save!

Shoot photos of clothing and your bags. In case your bag gets lost, this can help speed the procedure for having your travel insurance reimburse you up and identify it more readily.

Take emergency cash. Because crises occur, hide it in odd places.

Get great shoes. Do not beat your feet up. Adore them as much as they adore you, and they will take you to amazing places.

Get vaccinated. Because falling victim to an illness in a foreign state isn’t pleasure.

Haggling is a fun, lively way of not becoming billed the foreigner cost. It is the skill of negotiating and one that can help you throughout all of life, not only at the marketplace.

Use miles and points for free travel. It’s possible for you to go a good deal farther in the planet when you do not have to pay for it.

Get a coat. Nighttime can get chilly.

You pass up on culture, should you bypass the street food. Do not be frightened. Try to find areas where children are eating, if you are nervous. If it’s safe for them, it’s safe for you.

Do not be silly. You do not need to be out thousands of dollars in bills, if something bad happens. Travel insurance is the main idea you get that you don’t ever need to use.

Be patient. No one should hurry. You will get to where you’re going in due time.

Be respectful. Locals will willingly assist you, but there is likely a language barrier, when something does not go your way, thus keep your cool. You will end up just looking like an asshole tourist, in the event you do not.

Do not over plan your excursion. Let your days unfold. Have two or three things to do and allow the day fill in the rest. It is less nerve racking and you will have a much better experience.

Relax. Don’t be impatient.

Be frugal – but not cheap.

Take earplugs. Snorers are a thing and you need your sleep.

Hunt incognito. In the event you are definitely going to be hunting for flights, use the incognito attribute in your browser so your cookies aren’t tracked by booking sites to conceal your browsing history and increase the cost on you. Yes they do this, to everyone.

Always have an additional USB charger. Batteries die. Your great disposition should not.

You already know that there are so many awesome ways to travel when you’re on a serious budget. But what’s equally important is ~where~ you go in the first place.

Your dollar will get you pretty far in these 13 countries — which means they are pretty much the best places to go when you’re watching your wallet.

Happy travels!

1. Indonesia

Eat Pray Love is just the tip of the iceberg: There is so much more to this beautiful country, including the fact that it is majorly budget-friendly. Click here to find out how much things typically cost there. Highlight: A full dinner costs about 13,500 Indonesian rupiah, or $1!

2. Cambodia

Cambodia is a staple go-to for budget travelers. You can see the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat (above), go diving on the cheap, and hit up any of the country’s beautiful, sparkly pristine beaches — and it’s all so affordable. Find out ~just~ how inexpensive everything is here. Sneak peek: A restaurant meal is rarely over $5, and beer starts at — wait for it — just 25 cents!

3. Vietnam

In a sentence, Vietnam is just stunning. That’s Ha Long Bay above, a 600-mile turquoise bay filled with huge limestone islands, and there are many more just-as-beautiful views around the country. It’s affordable, too: Check out how much you’ll end up paying here. Hint: You can get your favorite Vietnamese dish, which you WILL learn to pronounce correctly, for about $1, or 22,000 Vietnamese dong.

4. Laos

Laos is a Southeast Asian country known very much for its beautiful mountains, Buddhist monasteries, and “tubing parties,” where you basically float down a river and stop at tons of bars and “happy” restaurants along the way. So, of course, be responsible! You can get a room for about $10 to $30 a night (depending on how fancy you go), and you can get street food (like plates of sticky rice) for about $1. Find out more about average travel costs here.

5. Thailand

Even though Thailand has gotten pretty touristy and it’s not AS cheap as the other Southeast Asian countries, it’s still a super affordable place to max out your dollars. Here’s how much everything typically costs. Should probably mention: Rooms (known as guesthouses) in the countryside will set you back, oh, you know, only about $4 (135 Thai baht).

6. India

It’s a beautiful, majestic country. And, if you know how to navigate your way around, you will be able to stretch your dollar to the max. A plate of hot dhal and rice, for example, can cost around 40 Indian rupees — that’s about 60 cents! And you can also get on a train and travel around for a few days at a time for just a couple bucks. Find out roughly how much other things cost here.

7. Nepal

Yes, there was a big earthquake in Nepal back in April 2015. But the country is still very much open to tourism — in fact, much of their economy depends on tourism, so they would be very happy to have you. (Wait until September to go, though — it’s monsoon season until then.) Nepal is practically heaven for budget travelers, too. A cheap meal costs around 150 Nepalese rupees (about $1), and a more expensive, three-course dining affair costs about $8. Find out more Nepalese prices here.

8. China

The cool part about China is that it’s a huge country, yes, but it’s also pretty easy to get from one place to another, so it isn’t ever too overwhelming in that way. And, on top of that, the transit itself is especially cheap — taxis start at around $1. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for everything else.

9. Bulgaria (or, really, anywhere in Eastern Europe)

You may think that Europe is generally more expensive than, say, Southeast Asia and Central America. And, generally speaking, you’d be right — except that Eastern Europe is actually much cheaper than its western cousins. In Bulgaria, for example, you can get an entire liter of beer (32 ounces) for $1.50. Find out what else your dollars can get you here.

10. Nicaragua

Many people say Nicaragua is the new Costa Rica, which basically means that it’s getting to be an increasingly popular Central American destination. So get there while it’s still on the rise! Bonus: You won’t have to pay much once you arrive. The country is known for all of its high-adventure outdoor activities, particularly surfing — so do it up on the cheap. And you can get a dorm bed for as little as $5.

11. Guatemala

Those waterfalls are as beautiful as they look. This country is known for its gorgeous outdoor landscapes, as well as its cool arts-and-crafts handiwork. You can find tons of cool wooden sculptures and knickknacks in the weekend markets. It’s all affordable, too: A good meal, for instance, is roughly $3, and everything else is similarly budget-friendly.

12. Honduras

Most people think of Costa Rica and even Nicaragua when they think of Central America. But Honduras is quickly becoming one of the rising hot spots for budget travelers looking to backpack on their own path. Fortunately, it’s very affordable — here’s what everything typically costs. Our favorite: A good local meal costs about 65 Honduran lempira, which is $3. Sold.

13. Peru

Whatever you do, please, please put Machu Picchu on your travel bucket list. It is one of the coolest and most magical structures in the world. And the other parts of Peru are equally stunning — not to mention affordable. A taxi all around Lima, for instance, is about $7 (25 Peruvian nuevo). *Dances around apartment in joy*

So go go go and book that ticket! The world is waiting for you…

How was I able to save enough money to travel long-term?  It had very little to do with being a travel blogger.  When I started Adventurous Kate, my goal wasn’t to live off my blog (not that I would have objected to that!) — it was to run one of the world’s top travel blogs.

My initial plan was to travel Southeast Asia for seven months.  I budgeted $1,000 per month (in retrospect, I should have budgeted closer to $1,500), plus airfare to and from Asia ($1,500), travel insurance ($800), gear ($700), student loan payments for seven months ($1,232) and some extra financial cushion ($1,500 — should have budgeted $2,000 or more). My goal was to save $12,800 — which I dropped to $12,500 when I spent $280 less than I expected to on airfare. I started with very little savings in February, having just paid off debt.  From February 2010 until September 2010, a period of just seven months, I managed to save that money. I am going to be 100% honest with you and show you exactly how I did it.

On February 6 — incidentally, the same day Adventurous Kate went live — I started a new job as an account manager at a search marketing agency outside Boston.  My salary was $50,000 (up from $48,000 at my last job) and my take-home pay after taxes was almost exactly $3,000 each month, or $1,500 on each semi-monthly paycheck. At that time, I was still saving up for the RTW trip I would take “someday,” or the apartment in New York City that I would get with my sister.  I decided to save aggressively.  It wasn’t until March that I decided to travel through Southeast Asia for seven months instead and to start in October.

Monthly Expenses

My first task was to figure out my essential expenses.  They were as follows: Rent (half of one-bedroom split apartment in Fenway, downtown Boston): $800 Utilities: app. $100 Student loans: $176 CharlieCard (public transit pass): $59 Gym: $90 Netflix: $10 Chiropractry: $80 Food: app. $300 Social activities and impromptu food purchases (bars, movies, going out for lunch or dinner, nights out with friends): $200 Miscellaneous Expenditures: $150 Total: $1,965 If I managed to watch my expenses, I would be able to save $1,000 per month.  If I changed my lifestyle, I’d be able to save even more.

Changing My Lifestyle

I took a look at my spending and saw that I had a lot of ways to trim my expenses.  It was easy to eliminate things like trips to Vegas and cocktails at fancy bars with the girls.  The everyday things were much harder. As much as it broke my heart, I gave up my gym membership.  This was the only time I have ever been in shape — I found a gym that I loved, a high-end women’s gym with lots of fun classes.  It was sad to give it up. I stopped shopping at expensive grocery stores like Whole Foods and switched to the super-cheap Trader Joe’s. I stopped dating.  I used to be on OKCupid and go on dates all the time.  While most of the guys insisted on paying for everything, I’d always chip in for our second round of drinks or more food.  That added up quickly. I changed my social and food habits.  Instead of going out for dinner with friends, we’d go out for coffee or just hang out and watch movies at home.  Instead of stopping for a burrito on the way home from work, I’d have one of the Trader Joe’s eggplant parmesans I’d purchased. And, most significantly, I decided to move home when my lease ended.  It made sense both financially and logistically and wasn’t a huge sacrifice, considering that my family lives just outside Boston. My lease was due to end on August 31, which meant that my last time paying rent would be July 1 (as I had already paid the last month’s rent).  I expected the full security deposit back as well ($775).  After that, I could move home to either of my parents’.

Saving Cash

The very moment I woke up on payday, I transferred the money from my Schwab checking account to my HSBC savings account — my “travel account.”  I got paid $1,500 twice a month, on the 15th and on the last day. I would allow myself no more than $500 every two weeks to spend on groceries, student loans, doctors’ appointments, everything.  On the 15th of the month, I would transfer $1,000 to my travel account.  On the last day of the month, I would transfer $100 to my travel account (accounting for $800 for rent and $100 for utilities). If there was anything left over in my Schwab checking account on payday, I would transfer it to my savings account.  If there was $43 left on the last day of the month, I would transfer $143; if $27 remained on the 15th, I would transfer $1,027. Keeping a maximum of $500 in my checking account at all times prevented me from overspending. After July 1st, with no more rent to pay, I began transferring $1,000 from each pay check.

Extra Income from Freelance Work

A few months back, I found a gig writing about Boston nightlife for AOL Travel, which I found on Craigslist. I wrote short posts five times per week and got paid $20 for each one.  After a few months, the job was eliminated, but they soon hired me back for a similar project. Additionally, shortly after I started my new job, a former boss of mine came to me wanting to hire me for a project.  Talk about brilliant timing. As a travel blogger, you shouldn’t expect to make any money for the first year — but there are exceptions. I was one of them. I started selling my first ads at about five months in. Everything that was supplemental — everything from AOL, my side gig, or ads on my sites, went straight into my travel account. I got most but not all of my security deposit back as well, netting me another $740.

A Day in the Life of Money-Saving Kate

6:15 AM: Alarm goes off.  I snooze for about 30 minutes. 7:06 AM: The last chance I have to jump on the D line if I want to make it to work on time. 8:30 AM: Work begins.  I hate my job and draw a notch at every 30-minute interval that passes. 1:00 PM: Lunch break.  I spend it taking an hourlong walk around town, stopping for a $1.29 wrap from Dunkin Donuts on the way back. 2:00 PM: Back to work.  I eat the wrap and the food I brought from home: a yogurt and an apple. 5:30 PM: Work over.  Time to head home. 7:00 PM: Home.  I have a Trader Joe’s eggplant parmesan for dinner and watch a bit of TV. 8:00 PM: Freelance work time.  Writing for AOL, working on the project for my old boss, working on Adventurous Kate. 2:00 AM: Collapse into bed. Believe me, I know how unhealthy this schedule was.  I felt like I was losing my mind.  I spent my weekends sleeping and didn’t do anything but work during the week.  Which, of course, kept me from spending money. I don’t recommend living like this for longer than a few months — but I am ultimately very happy that I did. I saved a LOT of money.  And because I was eating so little, I lost 20 pounds as well.

Moving Home

I moved home to my mom’s house outside Boston at the end of August.  Within days, she was horrified by my work habits and I immediately scaled back, going to bed at 1 instead of 2. While I was no longer paying the $59 per month for public transportation, I was paying much more to 1) get my car back on the road, 2) pay my car insurance and 3) pay for gas.  Commuting by car from north of Boston to metro-west took an hour each way. I also paid my mom a small amount for rent and groceries. Within a week of putting my car back on the road, my car broke down.  It turned out that it needed $900 worth of repairs.  I felt like crying. I didn’t succeed in hitting my savings goals every month.  Sometimes expenses creeped up on me, and I didn’t always save as much as I had hoped.  But I kept going.

Purchases

I had a list of items that I needed to buy for my trip, which I did over the course of several months.  Buying some of the more expensive items in New Hampshire helped me save on sales tax.  Here is my packing list from that time. Backpack (REI Venturi 40L): $100 Sandals (Tevas): $40 with REI savings Toshiba Netbook: $400 Sneakers: $85 Little items: everything from solid shampoos from Lush to tank tops from Target.  Estimated $200. And then came the biggest purchase: my plane ticket.  I spent a lot of time looking at different routes and timetables on Kayak — Boston or New York to either Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore.  Finally, I found a round-trip ticket from New York to Bangkok on KoreanAir for $1220. (Looking back, I shouldn’t have booked a round-trip ticket.  I ended up getting it only partially refunded because I chose to fly back via England instead.)

And Then I Left

My job couldn’t have been a worse fit for me, and I knew within a few days that taking it had been an enormous mistake. My original plan was to work until October 15, saving up the maximum amount of money before departure on October 20.  But as time and those little notches added up, I told myself that I didn’t have to last quite that long.  Maybe October 1 would be okay. But on the morning of September 14, I had had enough.  I picked up my belongings and simply walked out. I drove a few blocks away, parked, and emailed my resignation from my iPhone. I drove myself home and got back to work immediately — on Adventurous Kate, my labor of love and new (if scant) source of income.  I told myself that I would need to make about $1,500 in advertising over the next eight months to make up for the lost income from leaving my job early. And there you have it! By the time I left on October 20, 2010, I had saved just over $13,000.

Kate’s Tips for Saving Money for Travel