Travel Tips
Practical advice, packing and gear from our own trips.
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AirBNB
Airbnb has completely changed the game for travellers.
No longer do we to have face the all too limited choice between a hotel or hostel for our accommodation. Now we have the potential to choose a cute little Parisian studio, a townhouse in New York’s hipster district, a secluded Italian farmhouse or a modern, centrally equipped apartment in London – and everything else in between. And we get to have it all to ourselves.
We’ve used Airbnb countless times, from short weekend trips to Berlin, week long stays in Buenos Aires and nearly a month in Brazil. And it’s something we’ll continue to use for lots of future adventures.
With its dramatic global growth, it’s now a more feasible alternative for long-term slow travellers too and it helped us out more than once during our two year Latin American adventure. In fact, alongside housesitting, a week or two in our own place when we were just about ready to kill our dorm mates (through no fault of their own) and had pretty much got bored of travel, it saved us.
Whilst it may not come with a four-legged friend, and it’s certainly not free, renting on Airbnb can often work out significantly cheaper than a hostel or hotel, especially if there’s more than one of you or you plan on staying for more than a week. It’s also a great way to get out of the hotel district and into a real neighbourhood, which is a fantastic thing in our opinion!
However, for first-timers used to the flexibility, convenience and security of a hotel/hostel, we recognise that Airbnb can be a little daunting. And maybe a little strange. That’s why we’ve come up with this beginner’s guide – so that you can understand how it works, learn from our mistakes, find the perfect room or apartment, and hopefully save a bit of money on your next trip!
Set up a profile
As you can imagine when people are renting out their home, they want to be pretty certain that you are who you say you are. That means that once you create a profile (complete with great photo!), in order to be accepted for a number of bookings you will need to go through an additional verification process. This is pretty easy to do but will involve linking a social media account, uploading a photo ID (driving license, passport) and confirming your email address and phone number.
Check out previous reviews
If your Airbnb of choice has been around for a while, there should lots of comments from previous users. Read them.
Of course, don’t focus on the single bad review in a sea of gleaming references, but if lots of people mention that the area isn’t great, that the flat was a mess or that the host was useless, it’s probably worth moving on to the next rental.
If you’re truly an Airbnb virgin, we’d recommend that your very first rental is in fact one with lots of good reviews. Once you’ve been through the system a few times, you’ll be more likely to let certain ‘quirks’ slide and understand the process better, but newbies may need to ease themselves in gently. We think Airbnb is amazing, so we want your first time to be great!
Be aware of weekly / monthly discounts
A substantial proportion of Airbnb hosts knock off a significant amount for stays of a week, and even more for stays of a month – which is why it’s so popular with digital nomads and long-term travellers.
In fact, on a couple of occasions we’ve discovered that by actually booking longer than we’ve technically needed or wanted, it’s worked out cheaper.
Check the location
After a particularly ‘interesting’ stay in the suburbs of Toulouse, we’ve learnt to check and double check the location of our potential Airbnbs verrrry carefully. One factor that affects the price of properties quite significantly is location, so if it seems too good to be true, make sure that you’re not in the middle of nowhere or the sort of place you shouldn’t go out in at night.
Another good way to assess this is in the comments. Remember, the host can say anything and, as a first-time visitor to the city, you might not be aware of the city’s no-go areas. Previous guests are usually pretty good at alerting future guests to this in the reviews. Similarly, simply looking at a flat on a map can be misleading – before booking, check out public transport options to/from the city centre from the apartment to make sure that there is a convenient and cost-effective option and that you are not hours away from the sights you want to visit on your trip.
Check the facilities carefully
Whilst you can select certain facilities within the search function, it’s really important that you check the facilities listed very carefully.
A good example of this is whether or not there is a kitchen. We’ve found several apartments where it stated there was a kitchen (the host had selected it in the facilities check-list) but in the written description, it became clear that this was purely for making breakfast or using the microwave – not at all suitable for cooking a proper meal.
We’ve also found it really useful to double check about the quality of the internet connection and whether their claim to aircon is actually true. Whether hosts intend to mislead potential guests or not, sometimes what is specified is neither correct nor accurate. So, if you depend on quick internet or plan on cooking lots of meals, it’s best to make certain before spending your money and confirming your booking.
The price depends on numbers of occupants
Unsurprisingly, if you plan on bringing a horde of mates with you, it’s going to cost a little more than a couple’s retreat.
You can put the number of guests in the initial search, so please do so or your results will not reflect the true cost of your stay, and you may miss out on better value accommodation.
Be flexible
If you’ve already booked your flights, then of course, you’re going to be limited. However, if you’re dreaming of a long weekend in Rome, then it might pay to check out the accommodation options in tandem with potential flights. By looking at availability a week or few days either side of your preferred dates, you might find an absolute gem of an apartment available within your budget.
There really is something for every budget
When you’re brought to your initial search results page, some of the nightly rates may look more like weekly. However, do not fear – Airbnb really does cover every budget (it’s just that it covers some very large budgets too!). Have a tinker about with the search criteria and request that only rentals within you min/max budget appear.
For those travelling independently and on a smaller budget, consider renting a private room as opposed to the entire place. It will be significantly cheaper and give you the opportunity to make some local friends – but don’t forget….
...if renting a private room you need to check the small print
As we use Airbnb to get a little alone time, we usually choose to rent entire apartments rather than private rooms. However, on a recent last minute trip to Valencia in peak tourist season, when anything that was vaguely pleasant and affordable had been booked up for months, we had to look into renting a room instead. There are so many extra things to consider when doing this!
Things such as who will I be sharing with (some people run there apartments like hostels and rent out multiple bedrooms to different people), what is the bathroom situation, is security a concern (most private rooms don’t have their own locks), does the host have kids (that’s certainly an apartment we’d choose to pass-over) and will I have access to all the facilities (several places we’ve come across limit you to your room only) are all issues that need to be considered.
Ask questions in advance, understand that each private room offer may differ vastly in terms of what they’re offering and, if you aren’t comfortable with what’s on offer, do not book.
Don't forget extra fees
When you’re working to a particular budget, you need to consider the extra fees that will be applied. For starters, an Airbnb service charge applies to all bookings and is non-negotiable. Additionally, a significant number of hosts will apply a hefty cleaning fee to your rental cost. Often, an apartment that is perfect for your budget on first look will reveal itself to be way more than you can afford when you factor in all these costs.
Also bear in mind security deposits. We’ve only ever rented one place that required this, and had no problem getting it returned, but always check the small print to establish whether this is applied to your booking. Unless you completely wreck the place, you’re unlikely to lose it, but if it means having an extra couple of hundred pounds stopped on your credit card – it might not be money you have to spare.
Booking is not always instant
So, you’ve found your perfect apartment and you want to get it locked in as soon as possible. Unfortunately however, it’s often not that straight forward.
Whilst there are certainly a number of ‘instant book’ properties on the website (those with the lightning bolt next to them), for most you have to contact the host to check the availability. This may mean a quick response and a booking not long after, but in some situations, such as during high season, you’ll be met with stoney silence or a polite message from the host stating that they’re fully booked.
And so, it’s on to the next one!
...which is why you need to contact lots of hosts!
From years of booking with Airbnb, we’ve learnt to send out lots of feeler messages to potential hosts. Of course, it’s probably best not to approach places you have no interest in staying, but usually you’ll find a handful that fit your requirements – send them all a message!
This way, you should always secure at least a couple of offers and pre-approvals and hopefully, you won’t be left homeless for the night.
And remember, when you do reach out to potential hosts, add a few lines about yourself, why you’re visiting their home town and why their place would be perfect! If they like you and have availability, then they’ll often reply quickly and ‘pre-approve’ you, which means your booking can be made much quicker.
It's not a hotel
If you’ve been used to a concierge service or on-site assistance, Airbnb could be quite a shock. Whilst a number of hosts are available to check you in personally, provide a tour of the property and tell you how everything works, lock-boxes or keys with neighbours (who often don’t speak English) are not uncommon. In case this happens, it’s often best to ask your host any important questions prior to arriving at the property.
You’ll also be responsible for your own housekeeping. This might not be a problem if you’re only there for a couple of days, but if your stay is longer than a week, you’ll need to consider the issue of clean towels and sheets. We’ve never stayed anywhere where these have been changed during our stay, so for long-term rents it’s worth renting somewhere with washing/drying facilities etc or a laundrette nearby.
Not all rentals are created equal
Every Airbnb will be a little bit different – often dependent upon the motivation for the rental.
You see, as the company has grown, so too have the number of hosts utilising the site as a business, meaning it’s really not uncommon to stumble across users with 25+ different properties in one city (this is now generating a lot of controversy in some cities).
The benefits to renting with one of these guys is that you do achieve much more of a hotel set-up. There won’t be any clothes in the wardrobe, photos of the owner or knick-knacks about the place, but often you also won’t find cupboards full of condiments or plenty of tea bags. Of course, there are exceptions, and a number of these ‘business renters’ have supplied fridges stocked with beer and even a Nespresso machine.
We actually quite enjoy staying in someone’s home, but there’s no denying there’s a difference. Here, you are surrounded by treasured possessions and fragile keepsakes, shelves full of books and a real sense of the place and city that you’re living. Whilst you should still make yourself at home in these rentals, everything should be treated with the upmost respect – and that includes not rooting through their underwear drawer!
Just remember as well that if you have that one truly amazing experience in a genuine ‘home’, the next one may well not measure up – each host is different and offers a different level of care or support. Some will sit down with you and explain where to find hidden gems in the city, whilst others will just give you the key and leave.
Only pay via AirBNB secure system
This should be obvious, and yet we ourselves have been asked to pay external to the website. Whilst it may be tempting to avoid the Airbnb service fees (which can become pretty steep should your stay be of significant duration), you will lose all the protection that the company can give you should everything go tits up! Also, if someone is asking you to pay outside the system, you really have to question their motivations.
Communication is key
As we’ve mentioned elsewhere in this article, once you’ve got your reservation sorted, communication with your host is really important.
Let them know when you’ll be arriving and the best way to contact you. You may well be in a country where you don’t have internet, so those messages your host sends with Whatsapp on the day of your arrival will be lost in cyberspace until you hit internet again.
Find out all the important information before you board your flight, train or bus. Mobile phone number, address, how to get to the accommodation, specific instructions for entry – all are essentials that you’ll need to store off-line. The Airbnb app has a number of these available even without internet, so make sure you download it.
If you want to check-in a little earlier in the day, or your flight home doesn’t leave till late at night, make your host aware in advance. We’ve found people to be quite flexible and willing to suit our schedule, but only when they are given a heads up.
The hosts get to review you too
We told you earlier how important reviews are when choosing a place to rent, however do remember that your hosts can leave a review about you too.
Their purpose isn’t to moan that you left a sock in the bed or a bit of sand in the shower, but if you leave the flat in an absolute tip, with bags full of rubbish in the kitchen and a broken bathroom door, they may well call you out for it.
Despite paying a cleaning fee, the unwritten rule is that you leave the place reasonably tidy upon departure – make sure you do.
What if I need to cancel?
What happens next really does depend upon the property.
Some are very flexible, and even cancelling last minute means you’ll only lose the Airbnb fees. However, some others (especially if you’ve booked during high season) are much stricter, and even cancelling 30 days before your reservation will see you sacrificing a significant amount of the total booking fee.
The hosts can opt for a ‘Flexible, Moderate, or Strict’ cancellation policy, and their choice will be very clearly marked in the rental information. Always make sure to check this small print, especially if you’re booking quite far in advance.
Once you’ve clicked on the hyperlink, you’ll be taken to the cancellation policy page where it very clearly outlines exactly what you’d be entitled to in the event of a cancellation.
You should also be aware, that although rare, hosts sometimes cancel too. In fact, this happened to us, at incredibly short notice. Should this happen to you, depending on how far in advance, your host may well face a financial penalty. Although we managed to secure alternative accommodation at really short notice (on the day in fact!), we have heard of situations where Airbnb have assisted users to find another place to stay (sometimes providing additional funding if the cancellation is last minute).
AirBNB has a resolution team
If the above happens to you, there is thankfully support at hand. If your host cancels unexpectedly, or your dream apartment turns out to be not so perfect, then Airbnb does have a fantastic resolution service. We’ve never really had to use them, but travellers we know have had great success in getting issues resolved and support very quickly.
If you’re not happy, don’t be afraid to reach out – that’s what they’re there for!
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Hestra Ergo Grip Active Gloves
Hestra place the Ergo Grip Active within both their ‘Alpine Pro’ range and the ‘Outdoor’ category, which hints at their versatility. Ergonomic construction, supple and durable leather and the addition of a Gore Windstopper membrane ensure these gloves can be useful in almost any situation.
These gloves felt superb from the first try-on. The pre-curved fingers of the Ergo Grip construction are a large part in that. At first I thought this feature was not needed as I had never had gloves that were shaped to hold items easier and never felt like I needed. After using the gloves for a couple months now I am in love. The gloves hold a pre-curved shaped to allow your fingers to actively grip items with ease.
But it is the choice of materials that really makes the difference. The leather is soft and fine enough to feel like a second skin yet gives a surprising amount of grip as well. The Goat leather used on the palm of the glove has broken in nicely and now even moves better than before. Every stitch on the Ergo is in line and feels perfectly placed. The backs is made with a breathable but Windproof Gore-Tex lining to keep out the breeze. It allows for great movement and space for the knuckles to move as well. The index finger has a leather reinforcement patch, cut away to allow easy bending of the finger. This provides a little extra protection when using, for instance an ice-axe.
The surprise though is the very simple brushed polyester lining – the fine denier and soft touch go a long way to creating the feel of a dextrous but substantial glove. The lining is also a great indicator of the quality of construction; it maps to the outer flawlessly with no excess, baggy material, and in a close-fitting glove that is no mean feat.
The Ergo grip is not fully waterproof which is somewhat of a downside, for that you will have to spend another $60 for the Ergo Grip Outdry.
The gloves were tested hiking in the UK and canoeing in both Sweden and Canada in late-Autumn. What I didn’t expect was the degree of warmth these minimalist gloves are able to provide. The Windstopper no doubt has an effect (although placing it only on the back of the hand greatly aids breathability) but the brushed polyester is clearly punching above its weight in this regard. The gloves secure with a Velcro strap and a stretch collar for easy on and off. Using the Velcro was very easy and it gives a great feel when strapped up.
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10 mistakes every first time traveller till make (and how to avoid them)
Gearing yourself up to go travelling for the first time can be daunting. Whether you’re backpacking for a year or just for a few months that first adventure is a whirlwind of emotions and planning.
And yes you are going to mess up a few things – it’s only natural!
We can give you a heads up on a few common mistakes we’ve seen heaps of first time travellers make so you can hopefully avoid them and streamline the stress out of travelling…and yes we are guilty of making a lot of them ourselves!
Taking Too Much Stuff
Even now we have this problem! Figuring out what to take and what to leave behind is a nightmare – but what if XXXX happens, how about XXXX?! It’s stressful simplifying your life into a single backpack.
The old saying goes “lay all out your stuff out on the bed and halve it” ….and it works!
The worse thing though is if you’re heading through a variety of climates – sure it might be swelteringly hot in Asia but New Zealand will have snow by the time we get there. The best advice on this we can offer is remember you can always buy new stuff on the road and offload some old stuff.
We are still guilty of trying to over pack now, it’s a hard habit to break. You’ve got to be ruthless! Trust us you might pack 10 t-shirts but you’ll probably only wear 5. If you REALLY have to pack heaps of stuff we are sure you’ll soon get tired of lugging it around and you can always lighten the load by donating clothes to charity shops en-route.
Not Saving Enough
The other half of the saying after halving your clothes is to double your money. Many people underestimate how much travelling can cost – especially when you’re budgeting in flights and travel insurance too, so do some solid research. Our best advice on this is to budget around $1,000 a month – as it tends to even out across countries. The worst thing you can do is leave quickly and suddenly realize you don’t have enough dollar behind you – worrying about money will wreck your trip.
So even if it means delaying your planned departure date it’ll be worth it in the end.
Not Researching Costs
Along with the budgeting research make sure you have a rough idea of how much things like taxis, hotels/hostels and food should cost you. That way you hit the ground running and wont end up paying $40 for an airport taxi when you could’ve bartered to $20 or even got the shared shuttle for $10!
Planning Too Much...
Ok so we’ve told you to do some planning to avoid some mistakes and save some money – but on the flip side you can over plan.
Don’t land somewhere and have the next 3 months of your travels planned out day by day, where’s the fun in that!
Make sure you have a rough idea of where you’re heading but enough flexibility to embrace opportunity.
…Or Too Little!
If you haven’t over planned the extreme you might fall into is to land in a place with NO plans. That’s just as disastrous, especially if you’re only just starting out on your travels. We always have a few things in mind for each place – whether is some restaurants, places to stay or a couple of day trips.
Suddenly landing in a new place with no idea on where to stay or what to do is the worst way to start any adventure!
It’s also important to make sure you know what the deal is with visas too. Some airlines wont let you on without onward flights (we’ve experienced this first hand with Singapore!) but also make sure you know if you can get a visa on arrival or places if you’ll need something like the ESTA visa for the USA and have to apply before travelling.
Along with this comes the length of stay (usually in days, which includes the day of arrival!) and many countries such as Thailand will impose hefty fines if you overstay and in some cases you can even get banned from re entering for a certain period of time.
Travelling Too Fast
This is a personal pet peeve of ours! I’ve met people who have travelled to 50 countries…sounds good hey?
But then you learn they did that in like 2 months and all we can think is “well you cant have really travelled them much if you’ve blasted through them that quickly“!
This isn’t a race guys, nor is it about collecting passport stamps! The whole point of travel is to embrace the country, the culture, the food, the experiences.
a lay-over in a country doesn’t count, so get over yourself!
Our advice is always that it’s better to spend more time exploring less places than rushing simply for the sake of saying you’ve been there.
….so yeah – take your time and really enjoy everywhere, you’ll avoid backpacker burnout too…travel slow, travel far!
Underestimating Distances
Maps can be pretty deceiving sometimes and we’ve met a lot of people who have massively underestimated the distances between places – both actually distance but also travel time.
Before you set plans into stone do some research, ask some people. A mistake here can really mess up your trip and feel you left totally drained and stressed out.
Waiting Too Late For Jabs
When it comes to travelling it’s always good to keep some boring stuff in mind too, especially insurance and vaccines. It might not be the most exciting stuff to deal with but it’ll certainly make life easier.
As soon as you know where you’re going book an appointment with your GP or travel clinic and let them know where you’re heading. Some places you might not need anything, some you’ll need a heap of needles to be stuck in you – it all depends on location and your personal medical history. The main thing to keep in mind here is that some vaccines – like rabies – need a course of jabs across a few weeks.
So basically the earlier you get started, the less stressful it’ll be. Don’t leave it to the last minute!
Worrying About The Small Stuff
Worrying about travelling is totally normal – it’s part of the fear and excitement that we’ll all love about travel so much. The unknown is daunting but don’t let it get to you too much else you’ll be stressing out before you even get on the plane.
Breathe guys!
Not Finding Out For Yourself
When you’re on the road for the first time you’ll be chatting to heaps of new people, hearing about where they’ve been, where they’re going and of course sharing where you want to go to as well. But in every travel conversation there’s always one person who thinks they know everything and are now a walking talking Lonely Planet. They’re usually this self righteous people who are trying to find themselves or after a culturally immersive experience, or try to avoid the tourists.
In short they’re stuck up their own ass and will judge every part of your itinerary and look down at their nose at your newbie backpacker status. The worst thing you can do is take everyones advice on face value. At the end of the day this is your adventure, your money and your life – so if you want to do something don’t let anyone else’s judgement stop you!
Our lives. Our rules.
Now I’m not saying don’t listen, just take everything with a pinch of salt.
Everyone has their own style, agenda, passions – so by all means take their opinion into account, but don’t let others dictate your trip or make you feel bad about your plans.
The bottom line with all of these common mistakes is be prepared!
Do your research, chat to people and give yourself plenty of time to get everything in order.
…but the most important thing you need to remember to do is to enjoy every part of it – the fun and adventure starts at the planning stage!
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The hitchhiker’s guide to becoming an expat
I Want to Move Abroad – Where Do I Start?
With 195 countries in the
world, becoming an expat is an enchanting idea. However, moving abroad is an
enormous decision that comes with a laundry list of to-dos and what-ifs — How
do I obtain a visa? Where will I work? What if I can’t find a place to live?
How will I make friends?Becoming an expatriate comes
with its challenges and with a lot of preparation, but at the end of the day,
experiencing all the world has to offer can be a fulfilling life experience
with opportunities to learn about new places and cultures. Living in another
country can push you outside of your comfort zone and force you to appreciate
life in the moment.To help you plan this new adventure, here’s a list of things to keep in mind before moving overseas.
Is your passport up to date?
Before you even begin packing to make the move abroad, make sure you’re legally able to board the plane! If you haven’t traveled in a while, pull that passport out of your drawer, clean off the dust and double check the expiration date. If your passport expires in less than 2 years and you’re not 100% sure how long you want to be abroad, go ahead and renew! Your passport is the most important thing you’ll own when you’re moving overseas. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the dates or the only place you’ll be moving to across the street, not across the world.
What’s your planning timeline?
An international move doesn’t happen overnight! I mean, maybe the actual flight happens overnight but the logistics sure don’t. Give yourself time to organize your life back home and your future move. Prepare your friends and family for the move while ensuring you’re completing everything on your moving abroad checklist (i.e. passport, vaccines, visas). The more in advance you plan, the more organized your move will be!
What will you do with your possessions?
Most likely, you’ve accumulated lots of “stuff” in your life. Sell off everything? Keep things in storage? An important fact of living abroad for a year or more is that everything you own will not be making the move with you. Maybe your parents or a friend has a closet they’re willing to let you store things in. If you have a car, consider selling it! Bedroom furniture, kitchen appliances, clothing items — go through it all and clean it out.
Where are you thinking of moving?
If you’re asking yourself “I want to move abroad where do I start?” chances are you already have a destination in mind. There’s a lot to consider when choosing which destination to settle down in. Consider questions like…
Do you need a visa?
Visas are the gatekeepers into the country you wish to live in.
Making sure you’ve applied for
the right visa is the biggest thing! Each country differs, and unfortunately,
it’s totally up to you to do all the research to ensure you can actually enter
the country. You’ll probably find that there are many different visas when you
go to apply, though if you plan to work, or you’re heading over to study, it’s
really important to apply for the right visa. For instance, restrictions on a
tourist visa won’t allow you to work, and in many countries may only permit you
to stay for 30 days. It’s a big deal if you breach the terms of your visa, so
make sure you’re getting the right one.Visa applications are often
drier than doing your taxes, but print all the forms and information, pull out
your highlighters and read through everything a couple of times. I find that
physically printing something out and being able to highlight it means I
understand the process better than if I was reading it online. I then make my
own checklist of everything I need to do and include. Visa applications can
take a lot of time to process, and they often cost a lot. If you’re denied
because you forgot to include something, you won’t get a refund of your money
or your time. So be meticulous in checking, double checking and triple checking
your applications.The best place to find visa
information is usually on your government website, and the government website
of your chosen country. There may also be a website set up for your embassy in
the country you hope to move to.A simple Google search will usually point you in the right direction but be careful with third party websites that claim they can get them for you fast.
What’s the cost of living like?
Your money will go further in some countries more than others. For example, lunch in Thailand will cost you about 2 dollars while lunch in Rio de Janeiro will set you back more like 8-10 dollars. Consider the cost of living and your budget.
How do I find a place to live?
It’s so much easier to find a place to live when you’re already abroad. Before you move, go visit the country you intend to move to and make sure to get a sense of neighborhoods and pricing. When you arrive, consider renting an Airbnb for a month (you may be able to do at a discounted rate since it is a longer-term stay). This will allow you to dedicate the majority of your time to apartment hunting.
Will I find a community of other expats?
You’ll
quickly realize after you settle into your new home the importance of community
and friendships. If you’re moving abroad alone, it’s important to consider if
there will be opportunities to become friends with other expats or locals. Traveling alone
and working remote can feel isolating at times. It’s always nice to make
connections, whether they’re digitally or in-person.Thankfully,
because of social media, there are so many wonderful online resources for
expats. From private Facebook groups to online forums, there’s really something
out there for everyone.But
don’t forget to get out and explore the city as much as possible. Markets, art
galleries, street food, events. There are always questions to ask and people
interested in sharing their culture with you. Select cafés, shops and
restaurants where you can become a regular. It’s such a nice feeling to be
recognized and sometimes even called by your first name. Most often, this is
the beginning of quite a few friendships.Many expats are eager to meet other like-minded people; others focus on meeting locals—try to do both. There is always a lot of coming and going within the expat community, so it is nice to also have some local friends.
How will you support yourself abroad?
It’s all about the money, honey. Unfortunately, the entire world revolves around it — even small villages in the Philippines. Once you move abroad, how are you planning on continuing to live abroad? You can work online, teach English, move somewhere with a working holiday visa to support your living or survive on hostel and tourism jobs.
Consider where you’ll be relocating and what the opportunities might be. If there are limited options for traditional employment, it’s time to start thinking creatively. In today’s global, connected world it’s possible to have a career and build your own financial path online. Consider what your work history is, what skills you have and what possibilities exist. If you can begin trialing this before you leave your home country, you can have an understanding of what’s required. If you do decide to look for traditional employment, get connected with local expats as soon as possible. People who are on the ground already have a pulse for what’s available and where to start looking. Ideally having some sort of employment in place before you move is the best option.
Plan for transportation
You should try to work out if you are going to need a car. This means you will need to decide if you are going to commute to work or live near your workplace or, perhaps you are lucky and work from home. Even if commuting, perhaps there are public transport options like rail, bus or ferry. You may not need to buy a car if you live in an urban center where it is easier to get around by non-car options.
These days we are a bit spoiled and
always try right away to see if Uber works in the country we go to. If it’s a
far distance though, try a Google search on the best way to get from A to B
using public transportation and use Google Maps on your phone to get info on
the next train/bus and how to get to the platform (you’d be surprised how much
info you get from the Maps app!).With easy-hire car options available, many city-based expats just rent a car for weekends if they are driving outside the city for sight-seeing or doing a trip somewhere. Other expats in the suburbs or regional areas will need to buy a car, and then they will have to think about the requirements for doing so e.g. car purchase process and costs, car insurance costs and if a local driving license is needed to legally purchase a car. Getting a driving license though is often required, so that means getting the necessary paperwork, passing driving tests etc, before buying. Many expats living in the suburbs will end up renting a car until they can get a driver license and meet car purchase requirements.
Ground control to Major Tom (stay close to friends and family back home)
Depending on how far away you move, it’s not likely you’ll have the time and finances to make the trip back home for every holiday. Moving abroad means missing out on important things back home. Birthday parties, weddings, holiday dinners….are all thousands of miles away. The reality is: your move abroad affects your loved ones back home. Are you willing to make sacrifices? WhatsApp is our #1 communication tool to use to keep up with family and friends. You can text internationally with no fees.
Prevent culture shock
We love learning about new cultures and venturing to far-off
lands that we couldn’t have even imagined existed when younger. This yearning
for knowledge and deep interest in new cultures always pushes us to do our
research before we travel to a destination.The more you take time to understand the culture, rituals, and
beliefs of a society, the less likely it is that you’ll be “shocked” when you
step foot off that plane. We’ve spanned the globe and have definitely felt like
a fish out of water in certain countries, cities, or townships, but, our
willingness to be open and accepting is what has allowed us to see the beauty all
over the world.It all depends on your destination and where you’re coming from. For us Europeans, America and the United Kingdom can be a very easy transition as they are similar to Italy. Although, when we decided to move to the Middle East, we had to adapt to the culture and respect the country costumes and traditions.
Learn the language…
Some people find learning a language easy, others struggle.
Some prefer to learn in a formal class while others would rather work at it in
private. Find out what works for you. Being surrounded by the new language all
day – full immersion – is the quickest and most effective way to learn.Let’s be honest, as an adult, it’s extremely difficult to learn
a new language, especially when you’re busy with travel, work, and life! But,
showing natives your willingness to try makes all the difference. A lot of
people are so afraid of making a mistake that they just give up altogether.
Give it a go! Most locals will be happy that you’re trying to communicate, even
if it’s “broken.”To start with, just focus on the basic phrases you need to
get through day to day life: greetings, numbers, food and directions. Then, you
can eat and get home if you get lost. Have a local language radio station on
whenever you can. Simply absorbing the spoken word, with all the intonations
and rhythms, helps set the language in your mind, almost subconsciously.Look at online newspapers written in your chosen language.
They are up-to-date and relevant, and you can use the pictures as clues to aid
comprehension. Following a specific story over a few days can help build and
confirm vocabulary.TV and films help too. Most satellite TVs have some foreign language channels where you can learn while watching. Alternatively, select a different language option on your favorite movie.
…and eat the food!
Go out and try everything! One of the best parts of moving abroad is tasting the cuisine and finding the new ways that people make food. Check out the local markets in your area or see if you can take a cooking class. Make sure to try the restaurants in your neighborhood or ask your neighbors where they like to eat.
Feel at home!
Adding little touches of home, like a simple blanket, candle or a book, really make any space feel like home. Bringing sentimental items into a new space can make it feel cozy. One of my favorite moments of my days as an expat is cooking in my new kitchen. The ritual of doing everyday things while abroad makes everything a little closer to home. It also helps to seek out restaurants that remind you of home.
Getting the opportunity to experience what life is like in other countries and in other people’s shoes is one of the most rewarding things you can ever experienced. When you live abroad, you get the chance to learn and feel what life is really about, and meet new people who can help show you that as well.
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The hitchhiker’s guide to becoming an expat
With 195 countries in the world, becoming an expat is an enchanting idea. However, moving abroad is an enormous decision that comes with a laundry list of to-dos and what-ifs — How do I obtain a visa? Where will I work? What if I can’t find a place to live? How will I make friends?
Becoming an expatriate comes with its challenges and with a lot of preparation, but at the end of the day, experiencing all the world has to offer can be a fulfilling life experience with opportunities to learn about new places and cultures. Living in another country can push you outside of your comfort zone and force you to appreciate life in the moment.
To help you plan this new adventure, here’s a list of things to keep in mind before moving overseas.
Plan your timeline
An international move doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself time to organize your life back home and your future move. Prepare your friends and family for the move while ensuring you’re completing everything on your moving abroad checklist (i.e. passport, vaccines, visas). The more in advance you plan, the more organized your move will be.
Deal with the clutter in your life
Most likely, you’ve accumulated lots of “stuff” in your life. Sell off everything? Keep things in storage? An important fact of moving abroad is that everything you own will not be making the move with you. Maybe your parents or a friend has a closet they’re willing to let you store things in. If you have a car, consider selling it. Bedroom furniture, kitchen appliances, clothing items — go through it all and clean it out.
Update your passport and get a VISA
Before you even begin packing to make the move abroad, make sure you’re legally able to board the plane. If you haven’t traveled in a while, pull that passport out of your drawer, clean off the dust and double check the expiration date. If your passport expires in less than 2 years and you’re not 100% sure how long you want to be abroad, go ahead and renew. Your passport is the most important thing you’ll own when you’re moving overseas.
Visas are the gatekeepers into the country you wish to live in. Each country differs, and making sure you’ve applied for the right visa is, unfortunately, totally up to you. You’ll probably find that there are many different visas when you go to apply, though if you plan to work, or you’re heading over to study, it’s really important to apply for the right visa. For instance, restrictions on a tourist visa won’t allow you to work, and in many countries may only permit you to stay for 30 days. It’s a big deal if you breach the terms of your visa, so make sure you’re getting the right one.
Print all the Visa application forms and information, pull out your highlighters and read through everything a couple of times. I find that physically printing something out and being able to highlight it means I understand the process better than if I was reading it online. I then make my own checklist of everything I need to do and include. Visa applications can take a lot of time to process, and they often cost a lot. If you’re denied because you forgot to include something, you won’t get a refund of your money or your time. So be meticulous in checking, double checking and triple checking your applications.
A simple Google search will usually point you in the right direction but be careful with third party websites that claim they can get them for you fast. The best place to find visa information is usually on your government website, and the government website of your chosen country.
It's all about the money
Your money will go further in some countries more than others. For example, lunch in Thailand will cost you about 2 dollars while lunch in Rio de Janeiro will set you back more like 8-10 dollars. Consider the cost of living and your budget before jet-setting!
Find a place to live
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How to pack for a desert adventure
As nice as it would be, there is no cut-and-dry packing list that will work for every person for every trip.
The best way to come up a packing list for you is to pull ideas from people you trust and adjust to fit your needs depending on your travel style and where in the world you’ll be going.
1. Travel Backpack
Let’s start with the vessel that will carry all of your gear: a backpack.
For a week of trekking in the desert we suggest a 30-40 L small minimalist backpack carry-on sized. These backpacks are typically 30-40 liters in size and don’t usually have compression straps or an internal frame as they are small enough to carry a load without them.
Carry-on size is the number one benefit – they can be taken as carry-on luggage on many airlines. No hassle of airlines losing your bag when it’s checked, plus you’re keeping all of your expensive digital equipment right there with you. Having a carry-on sized pack is also awesome for making sure you’re just bringing the essentials, nothing else. This keeps your load lighter and encourages minimalism. Environmental win for the small backpack!
There is no doubt that a number of these packs were designed by digital nomads, for digital nomads. They often offer integrated packing cubes that help you organize everything you need for a trip. A number of them have optimized their design so that it takes you the least amount of time possible to whip out your laptop for airport security checks. As a bonus, they’re usually designed with tactical openings for charging all of your tech devices. Pretty awesome stuff when you’re working on the road.
When you have a smaller load on your back it’s also a lot easier to retain your style. These bags tend to have fewer unruly straps and are more minimalistic in their designs. While some of these minimalist travel bags can look a bit boxy, there are a number of them that are really awesome looking packs.
A second downside can happen when you get the dreaded request from an airline attendant to weigh your bag. You’ve finally gotten all of your belongings snuggly fit into your new pack and you were feeling pretty excited not to have the hassle of checking that bag. But then it’s undoubtedly too heavy so you end up having to check your bag anyways and scramble to rearrange things.
The lighter you can pack, the better (for your back, for the environment, and for convenience!), but there are some justifiable reasons why some people still choose to travel with a larger variety of pack. If you’re travelling to multiple different climates and engaging in different types of activities, you often need versatility that is difficult for these smaller backpacks to facilitate. A 35 liter pack wouldn’t fit the gear you need for a trip through multiple climates (maybe just your sleeping bag!).
RECOMMENDED CHOICES:
The North Face Overhaul 40 
The Minaal Carry-on 2.0 
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L 
The Cabin Max Malmo This 40 liter backpack comes highly recommended, especially when you’re carrying a number of high-tech devices with you. The bag has a separate laptop compartment and tons of fleece-lined pockets for every gadget you bring with you. It has the ability to morph into a briefcase-style bag by unclipping the shoulder straps and tucking them into the back slots, while still offering some slightly more technical features including load lifters and sternum straps.
The creators of Minaal are two guys from New Zealand who built a loyal following after a super successful Kickstarter campaign back in 2013. The backpack’s straps can be concealed and carried as a briefcase like the North Face Overhaul. Its laptop compartment has velcro straps to keep your laptop in place, so even if the bag is dropped, your laptop isn’t likely to suffer any damage. It’s also easy to pull out your laptop when you go through airport security. It has all of the compartments you could need and these are really well thought out. Hip pads and a shoulder strap (if you want to carry it messenger bag style) are sold as add-ons. This is a pretty small bag, so be prepared you’re not going to be able to fit those hiking boots in here.
Check out our review of this amazing 35 L backpack here.
Not feeling ready to give up on the rolling abilities of a suitcase yet? In that case, the Malmo may be the choice for you! This hybrid between a backpack and a suitcase is both adaptable and affordable.
2. We highly recommend bringing a packable day pack. It’s perfect for short day hikes and folds up small when stored.
Camping Accessories
3. Raincover
4. Tent with guylines and repair sleeve
5. Sleeping bag
6. Sleeping pad
7. Watch
8. Knife
9. Compass
10. Topo map
11. LED headlamp with batteries
12. Water treatment system
13. Stove fuel and repair kit
14. Matches or lighter
15. Cookset dishes, bowls utensisl cups
16. Duct tape
Clothes
In desert environment (such as Joshua Tree or Liwa Oasis) sun protection is essential. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Some trails can be overgrown, so long or convertible pants are best to avoid scratches and protect against cactus spines. Because the temperature in the desert can change as much as 40 degrees in 24 hours, you should bring plenty of layers.
17. Underwear (wicking and quick-drying)
18. T-shirt and long sleeve shirt
19. Convertible, quick drying lightweight pants
20. Shorts
21. Insulated jacket
22. Rain jacket
23. Hat
24. Boots
25. Socks
26. Sandals (for relaxing in camp)
Personal Items
27. Sunglasses
28. Water bottle
29. Sunscreen
30. Lip balm
31. Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable tooth paste
32. Biodegradable soap
33. Sanitation towel
34. Hand sanitizer
35. Wipes
36. Eyeglasses and spare contacts
37. Medications
38. Plastic zip-top bags
39. Insect repellent
40. First aid kit
41. Quick drying towel
42. Camera
43. Toilet paper
Food and Water
You have to bring all the water you’ll need for your backcountry trip. For desert environment we recommend 1–2 gallons per day, depending on the temperature and your activity level. That’s just for drinking. For hygiene and cooking, you’ll need more.
Quantity of food varies depending on activity and length of trip. Keep in mind the trade-off between the water you need to hydrate dried foods and the weight of canned and fresh foods. If you want to cook, you’ll need to pack in a stove and fuel because fires are often prohibited in the backcountry.
o Breakfast (oatmeal, granola, freeze-dried breakfast, etc.)
o Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)
o Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice, freeze-dried dinner, etc.)
o Snacks (cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
o Energy gels
o Energy bars
o Electrolyte replacement drink mix
o Extra day’s supply of food
First Aid Kit
You never want to use these items, but it’s always good to have them handy. Extra small toiletry bags are great for keeping pill bottles in one location. Pick some up at the dollar store or you could use a small packing cube.
- Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
- Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)
- Assorted adhesive bandages
- Gauze pads (various sizes)
- Medical adhesive tape (10 yd. roll, min. 1″ width)
- Blister treatment
- Ibuprofen / other pain-relief medication
- Insect sting / anti-itch treatment
- Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
- Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
- Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)
- Sunburn relief gel or spray
- Anti-diarrheals and laxatives (a.k.a. stoppers and goers), sometimes a good idea when traveling to far and unfamiliar places
- Antacid (Tums)
- Activated charcoal pills (removes toxins to prevent food poisoning)
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COTOPAXI BACKPACK REVIEW: MEET THE ALLPA 35L TRAVEL PACK
It’s official: My first Cotopaxi backpack has replaced my decade-old carry-on suitcase. You know, the kind of luggage that rolls not-so-gracefully over bumpy surfaces, won’t properly stand up because one of the feet is broken off, and is annoying to pack because of that metal bar in the bottom.
As wonderful as it felt to say goodbye to that old thing and embrace the functionality of a backpack-meets-suitcase “travel pack,” I needed something that I could use for longer trips–a durable backpack that would be versatile enough for international flights, road trips, and camping adventures.
Enter the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack. This is the stuff Type A dreams are made of, my friends.
I was pretty stoked when I learnt about Cotopaxi and I’ve quickly become obsessed with these Cotopaxi bags. The Allpa backpack was launched through an Indiegogo campaign, and Cotopaxi managed to smash their goal of $50K–raising over $1.3 million to kick off production. Crazy!
I’m excited to finally have my hands on one, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you after having road tested it. In this Cotopaxi Allpa 35L review, I’m sharing a breakdown of the features, a sneak peek inside with my unboxing, what I like, and what I might change.
About Cotopaxi Gear
Cotopaxi goes beyond making great travel and adventure gear with their Gear for Good philosophy. In addition to funding sustainable poverty alleviation with a portion of their profits, they also ensure fairness, sustainability, and quality in every step of the manufacturing process.
The travel philosophy we embrace here in the GolbETrotters community aligns well with Cotopaxi’s core values:
- To get outside and see the world
- To inspire people to give back to others
This video gives a good background about how they got started and what they’re all about (and it makes me think we should all head to a cabin in the mountains every once in awhile).
Allpa 35L Travel Pack Features
Here’s a quick rundown of the Allpa 35L features:
- Weight-distributing, low-profile harness system
- Carry-on-compatible 35L capacity
- TPU-coated 1000D polyester
- 1680D ballistic nylon paneling
- Suitcase-style, full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment
- Large zippered mesh compartment on the right side
- Subdivided zippered mesh compartment on the left side (makes my Type A heart swoon)
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeve
- Shortcut zipper to main compartment
- Top zippered pocket
- Security YKK zippers
- Carabiner lash loops
- Tuck-away straps
- 4 reinforced grab handles
- Included rain cover
There are also optional accessories you can purchase as a bundle:
- Collapsible mesh laundry bags
- Nylon shoe bag
- Mesh water bottle sleeve
- Batac Del Día Backpack
What I Love About the Allpa 35L
Okay…so let’s get to the good stuff already. What do I think of Cotopaxi’s Allpa pack? I have flown with it and I’ve taken it on a road trip and so far, I’m enjoying it.
The suitcase/backpack convertible design has me hooked! Here are the features I love:
Solid, sturdy design: The material is really durable and I know it’s ready for adventures. And…it’s not cat-hair-attracting–for the win! The zippers are hefty, too. Of course, time will be the test in terms of quality, but the build and quality feel rugged. Plus, Cotopaxi guarantees their products for 61 years (the average lifespan of a person living in the developing world), and they offer a replacement, repair, or exchange if anything goes wrong with the product.
Spacious: the main suitcase side is really roomy and deep, as is the front pocket (it’s DEEP). And it’s got compression straps to help you fit even more inside.
Theft-prevention zippers: I don’t know if that’s the official term for this zipper design, but that’s what I’m calling them. The laptop sleeve, main compartment, and back access have a loop that the zipper has to pass through, which helps prevent easy access.
Organized and convertible design: I love the organization factor with various zippered compartments. There’s a zippered access from the back of the pack that lets you get into one side of the main compartment without having to open the entire pack. This could come in handy as long as you packed intentionally… The convertible design that lets you carry it like a backpack OR a suitcase (with backpack straps that tuck away), and the fact that it’s not top-loading like a traditional backpack, make it really flexible and convenient.
Extras: I love the accessories that you can get with it, especially the size of the Batac Del Día daypack. It’s such a perfect size for day trips and short adventures–I’ve even been using it to take to the gym while I’m home. The water bottle sleeve is really nice as well, and it comfortably fits my 32-ounce bottle. I’ve also found the shoe bag and mesh laundry bag to be handy (because I’m always searching around for plastic bags for this stuff, but trying to stop using them as much as possible).
Padded laptop and tablet sleeve: Always helpful when you need to minimize the number of bags you’re taking on a trip.
What I Might Change About the Allpa 35L
There’s not much I would change, but here are a couple things to think about:
Rain cover: Technically, this is mostly a “pro,” given that having a rain cover while traveling is so helpful, and the Allpa comes with one automatically. However, I’m curious about whether Cotopaxi considered making this built in, as that is something I could see making it even more convenient. The major benefit of having it built in is that you can’t lose it or forget it. It also wouldn’t take up space in one of the compartments.
And, you don’t have to remember how to fold it. On the other hand, not having it built into the bag itself could be convenient if you’re trying to save every last bit of space and weight possible and don’t need to take it with you.
Waist strap is bulky to tuck away: I found that the straps (mainly the waist straps) don’t tuck away as easily as they should.
As a little bonus tip/”don’t do what I did”: I had a bit of trouble when packing because I packed the big compartment full of clothes, tightened up the compression straps, added a couple other things…then tried to put my laptop in the sleeve, and it wouldn’t zip. I think it’s not so much of a design “con,” but just make sure to watch how you’re packing if you use the compression straps in the main compartment.
Recommended For
Depending on weather, clothing size, and packing style, the Allpa 35L can be easily used for weekend trips or longer, and is spacious enough for a week or more if you’re a light packer in warm weather. Overall, I highly recommend the Allpa 35L Travel Pack for anyone looking for a spacious travel backpack with an organized design that fits carry-on restrictions. Check out the latest prices and more details here.
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
Del Día Dopp Kit // I just picked one of these up recently, and I love how nicely it keeps all my toiletries snugly organized. It fits perfectly in the front pocket of the Allpa 35L.
Agua Bottle // A reusable water bottle is SO handy for traveling and an easy way to cut down on plastic.
There are several options for add-on accessories with the Allpa 35L that include: mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and water bottle holder that clips onto the outside of the pack. Plus one of the day backpacks below. While I haven’t used the water bottle holder much so far, I love the laundry bag and shoe bag!
Batac 16L Backpack or Luzon 18L Daypack // These are great to roll up and pack in your suitcase so you have a smaller pack for day trips or hikes on a weekend camping trip. I have both and find the Batac 16L to be a great size for my needs.
(Want something even smaller than a daypack? Grab the Bataan Del Día fanny pack!)
