Travel Tips
After living in over 20 countries, we have compiled dozens of articles to pass on our tips and lessons learned.
Select a category from the dropdown below to filter the articles or simply search for text to find exactly what you’re looking for.
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.
Staying connected while traveling internationally doesn’t have to be a hassle, thanks to eSIM technology. What is an eSIM and how do you use one? We answer that question and give our recommendations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When important life events happens and you’re on the road, nothing says you care as much as a mailed card. A text can work, but it’s not nearly the same. I’ve been using a new app that allows you to handwrite a greeting and the company will stamp and mail it.
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.
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!
You’re on the road as a full-time traveler and you notice that your credit or debit card is nearing expiration. What do you do? Typically a bank or credit card company will send out a replacement card…
This traditional ginger cake is a celebratory dessert in parts of Vietnam and Cambodia. If you're looking for a way to mix history, culture, and food, this mildly sweet donut-like dessert is a perfect fit.
Extending your tourist visa in Thailand is supposed to be easy. But there's conflicting information everywhere. We walk you through every step of the process, from the forms you need to complete to what to expect when you arrive at an immigration office. We have sample forms to guide you in filling out all the paperwork to make it simple and straightforward.
As full-time travelers, we look forward to eating exotic foods and checking out famous UNESCO sites, but we know that with those cool experiences come the inevitabilities of homesickness, overwhelm, and various travel challenges. We’ve crafted strategies to help us swiftly navigate through these tough spots…
Embarking on a new travel adventure brings a rush of excitement, but concerns about safety and belongings can linger in the background. By implementing these extra precautions, you’ll be equipped with more peace of mind and enjoyment as you enjoy your next trip.
In the whirlwind of full-time travel, our Airbnb kitchens are more than places where we cook; they're the heart of our nomadic home. The simple joy of preparing a meal, the comfort of familiar tools, and the occasional indulgence in local flavors define our journey.
No one wants to have their vacation ruined by being a victim of a scam. We walk you through six scenarios that scammers use and how you can avoid being parted from your money.
There’s no reason to limit your travels to countries where you speak the local language. We’ve got a bunch of tips and helpful hints to help you navigate language barriers and communicate confidently.
One of the common worries for people considering full-time travel is how they will refill their prescriptions while living internationally. Here are some strategies to ensure your medications come along with you without interruption.
Our first destination as full-time travelers was to Italy. We’d visited a few cities there previously, but we knew we wanted to explore at least Napoli and Sicily for our maiden month-long trip.
Full-time travel is a big decision, and we had to ease our way into the idea of it.
The long, steep climb up to our Airbnb in the medieval town of Cagnes Sur Mer robs the breath from my lungs and puts a fire in my legs.
Vacations are supposed to be fun. But by their very nature, it can mean being uncomfortable a lot of the time because so much can be unfamiliar, which isn’t relaxing or easy.
The more we visualized what this new life would be like, the more flaws we saw. Everyone is saying that 60 is the new 40, and while we agree, how long do we prioritize work over living the life we’ve always dreamed of?
Our ideal morning starts with a walk to a local coffee shop or pastacceria with outdoor seating where we leisurely sip cappuccinos…
Discover the secrets to packing smart and light with our expert tips. From wearing your heaviest items to utilizing pockets, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to baggage fees and hello to stress-free travel! ✈️👜
Exhausted after your vacation or did it pass by in a blur? Most people are able to get away once or twice a year and don’t notice the patterns that prevent them from experiencing everything they want to get from their time on the road. Here are eight tips that will make your vacation more successful.
You’ve made the decision to pack light, but your destination is hot and sticky. How do you travel minimally and comfortably when you don’t want to spend all your time doing laundry on vacation? These easy tips will keep you looking fresh with minimal hassle…
Each and every time we walk to or from our Airbnb, we can expect a dozen or more people to ask where we’re from and how long we’ll be here and then pitch us to either take…
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.