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Itineraries, Destinations Judy Hoctor Itineraries, Destinations Judy Hoctor

An Introduction to European Train Travel

Trains have had appeal for children of all ages. They’re a more relaxed mode of travel than planes, require less time before and after departure and arrival, and offer stunning scenic views of mountains, valleys, countrysides, and small towns. In this article, we’ll be sharing everything we think you’ll want to know about traveling by train through Europe.

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Destinations, Itineraries Judy Hoctor Destinations, Itineraries Judy Hoctor

Everything to Know About Visiting Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is the jewel of the Inca Empire and a dream destination for many travelers, but the path to experiencing it can often feel overwhelming and complex. In this article we share all the logistics we learned during our two days in Machu Picchu so that your visit can be the best possible experience. From navigating altitude to buying tickets and transportation, this article includes all you need to know.

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Destinations, Itineraries Judy Hoctor Destinations, Itineraries Judy Hoctor

Uruguay Travel Guide: Colonia and Montevideo

Nestled between the bustling giants of Brazil and Argentina, this inviting country offers a unique blend of historical richness and modern comforts that make it an irresistible destination for travelers and retirees alike. Montevideo, the capital, is a lively hub of art, music, and gastronomy, while the enchanting Colonia del Sacramento invites you to wander its cobblestone streets steeped in colonial history. We explore the delights of two of its most celebrated cities, Montevideo and Colonia.

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Nomads Judy Hoctor Nomads Judy Hoctor

Trials and Triumphs of Haircuts and Haircolor Abroad

One of the lesser-discussed challenges that many full-time women travelers face is navigating the unpredictable world of hair salons while on the move. Oh, the stories I could tell about my hair experiences during my travels! I’ve ended up with orange hair, too short hair,

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Packing Judy Hoctor Packing Judy Hoctor

The Case for Packing Cubes

It seems counter intuitive when you’re trying to pack less that you’d pack extra containers for your stuff. Wouldn’t you want every spare ounce to be necessities? Not necessarily. The minuscule amount of weight that packing cubes add does not come close to offsetting the benefit of using them. We share all the reasons that we will never travel without them!

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Destinations, Planning, Itineraries Judy Hoctor Destinations, Planning, Itineraries Judy Hoctor

Iguazú Falls / Igauçu Travel Guide

Iguazú Falls is celebrated as one of nature’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, and because it is situated on the Argentina-Brazil border, you can see it from multiple angles. You'll hear the thundering cascade of water before you see it, surrounded by the lush rainforest that envelops the falls. This travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know and what to expect.

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Tours, Destinations, Itineraries Judy Hoctor Tours, Destinations, Itineraries Judy Hoctor

Egypt Trip Planning (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan)

With its rich history, breathtaking landmarks, and vibrant culture, Egypt is an unforgettable destination that draws travelers from around the world. While we have an entire video series detailing our adventures, here are some additional insights and tips to help you make the most of your journey. From the incredible warmth and hospitality of the local people to navigating language differences, you'll find that with a little effort, you'll easily connect with the culture around you. Join us as we explore the must-visit sites and experiences that Egypt has to offer.

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Destinations, Food Judy Hoctor Destinations, Food Judy Hoctor

Where to Eat in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

During our week in Colonia del Sacramento, we were delighted by its cozy cafes and restaurants. Italian immigrants have impacted the Uruguay’s food culture, making Italian dishes a significant part of everyday eating, with adaptations using local ingredients and cooking styles. We think you’ll be impressed by the flavorful offerings of this charming port city.

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Nomads, Relationships Judy Hoctor Nomads, Relationships Judy Hoctor

Freedom in Simplicity: Why We Don't Regret Getting Rid of Everything to Travel

Afraid of letting go and embracing a life of travel? We were too. Leaving behind our possessions felt daunting, but it opened the door to incredible adventures and boundless freedom. Our journey has shown us that life is richer when experiences take precedence over things. Discover how letting go helped us truly live and why this leap may be the key to overcoming your own fears and finding fulfillment.

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Health, Nomads, Money Judy Hoctor Health, Nomads, Money Judy Hoctor

Peace of Mind Abroad: Choosing the Right Health Insurance as Retired Travelers

As full-time retired travelers, navigating health insurance can feel daunting—what do you need to know to stay protected on your adventures? One of the most common questions we receive is about how to choose the right policy. Good coverage and affordability were our top priorities when selecting health insurance for our travels.

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Packing Judy Hoctor Packing Judy Hoctor

The Heavy Truth About Big Suitcases

Minimalist packing is all the rage, but is it just a trend or is there validity worth discussing? Why is it such a taboo subject to talk about bringing a 50-pound suitcase for your two-week vacation? Isn’t it supposed to be a good thing to be prepared for contingencies? We discuss the weighty issue of luggage size.

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Accommodations, Packing, Nomads Judy Hoctor Accommodations, Packing, Nomads Judy Hoctor

Don't Forget: Must-Do Checks Before Leaving Your Hotel or Airbnb

There’s a sinking feeling you get when your hotel or Airbnb door clicks behind you for the last time and you wonder if there’s anything you forgot. And it’s SO annoying when you get a call or an email from them to let you know that indeed you left something behind. We put together this checklist so we can avoid that unnecessary anxiety and instead move towards our next destination more confidently.

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Recipes, Family, Nomads, Food Judy Hoctor Recipes, Family, Nomads, Food Judy Hoctor

Aunt Kathleen’s Ricotta Gnocchi

Imagine yourself eating fluffy clouds of pasta that practically melt in your mouth. Not only are they full of flavor, but these pillows are packed with memories and history. That's what it felt like making and eating my Aunt Kathleen's ricotta gnocchi, which happens to be my nonna's recipe as well. Learning how to make these over a Zoom call in 2020 was one of the highlights of my year, especially after finding my Italian birth family when I was 55 years old.

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Health, Nomads, Planning Judy Hoctor Health, Nomads, Planning Judy Hoctor

18 Expert Tips to Conquer Jet Lag

It may seem inevitable, but it isn’t. It is possible to avoid the common symptoms of jet lag: fatigue, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and general feelings of malaise as your body adjusts to the new time zone. We give you our best tips so you can function at your best as soon as possible after stepping off a plane.

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Nomads Judy Hoctor Nomads Judy Hoctor

How to Stay Connected to Your Mail While Traveling the World

We made the decision to travel the world, but one of the many things that concerned us was how to deal with physical mail. There are serious consequences for not responding to certain mail in a timely manner. We found a service that's worked seamlessly for us for nearly two years. Here's how it can help you, too.

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Nomads, Citizenship Judy Hoctor Nomads, Citizenship Judy Hoctor

Voting While Living Abroad (As a US Citizen)

Are you a US citizen embarking on full-time travel and wondering whether you still are eligible to vote? Are you concerned about how to vote when you don’t have a US residence and won’t be in your precinct on Election Day? This comprehensive, step-by-step guide tells you everything you want to know. The good news is that if you’re a US citizen, you have a Constitutional right to vote.

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Nomads, Food, Recipes Judy Hoctor Nomads, Food, Recipes Judy Hoctor

Taco Salad in Madrid on a Budget

Restaurants in Madrid as full-time travelers give us sticker shock! Tapas can be an affordable option, but they’re often too carb heavy, especially in summer. Add drinks and it starts to get expensive. The grocery stores and farmers’ markets have budget-friendly ingredients, so it made sense to do our own cooking. This taco salad cost only €7.27 for two people, including a side of tortilla chips!

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