Nomadic Matt's Travel Site Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer 2026-04-03T11:38:30Z https://www.nomadicmatt.com/feed/atom/ WordPress Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[Why This Company is One of the Best for Finding Work]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=280855 2026-04-03T11:38:30Z 2026-04-03T11:38:30Z Most travel is extractive and passive. You show up somewhere, take photos of the same landmarks everyone else takes photos of, eat at a restaurant the guidebook recommended, and hit up some bars. You take some tours to learn about the place and, if you’re lucky, get to meet some locals on your trip. You...

The post Why This Company is One of the Best for Finding Work appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

]]> Nomadic matt with a tour group in mexico
Most travel is extractive and passive. You show up somewhere, take photos of the same landmarks everyone else takes photos of, eat at a restaurant the guidebook recommended, and hit up some bars. You take some tours to learn about the place and, if you’re lucky, get to meet some locals on your trip. You don’t really go deep. 

Even long-term travelers who talk about how they “aren’t tourists” do the same – just at a slower pace and while trying to spend less money. 

And there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s just the nature of travel. While we all imagine dropping into a place, befriending locals, and having this crazy time like we’re in some movies. But that doesn’t happen. Because we’re just passing through and, for the most part, locals don’t want to become friends with tourists. In fact, most locals don’t interact with tourists. (I mean it does happen but it’s not the norm.)

If you really want a deep travel experience, you need to stay. If you want to understand a place, you need to stay. The most transformative travel experiences I’ve ever had involved contributing something and staying somewhere long enough to build real relationships. It was being embedded in a place rather than just passing through.

I think that more travelers should give back when they travel. In the old days, it was hard to find out what organizations and opportunities were legit, vetted, and actually made the lives of locals better.

Now, there’s a ton of companies that can help you not only find meaningful volunteer jobs when you travel but also paid jobs when you travel and one of the best ones is Global Work & Travel. Use code NOMADICMATT to unlock a discount on your next trip.

What Global Work & Travel Does

Nomadic matt with a tour group in mexico
Global Work & Travel is the world’s largest gap year company and has been placing people on working holidays, volunteer programs, teaching positions, internships, and more for nearly 2 decades. They’ve helped over 116,000 people and they cover destinations across, the UK and Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

Even for experienced travelers, moving abroad can be difficult. Finding employment as a traveler, securing permanent accommodation or getting stuck in shared rooms for months on end, transport costs in a new city, interview after interview competing against locals… This is just the beginning of what long term travelers need to consider. 

Fortunately, companies like Global Work & Travel provide the scaffolding or safety net that makes working abroad possible for people who don’t want to figure everything out themselves. They handle job matching, pre-departure support, visa guidance, placement, and ongoing assistance through their gWorld portal, a personal trip management app that keeps everything organized in one place. For first-timers especially, having that support structure can be the difference between actually going and endlessly deliberating. The programs they offer span a wide range:

  • Working Holidays – Get paid job matches in countries like Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan before you even leave home. Global Work & Travel also helps you set up necessary bank accounts, tax numbers, accommodation assistance, visa support and more. Duration: 4+ months. Ages 18–35 depending on nationality.
  • Volunteer Abroad – Work with exotic wildlife, immerse into incredible cultures, teaching, community work, construction and more across many countries. Open to ages 18–85, from as little as 1 week.
  • Teach Abroad – Gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification and paid job match. Included is accommodation, cultural activities, visa application support, bank and tax set up assistance to ensure everything goes smoothly. Teach English in Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Mexico and more. Ages 18–80.
  • Au Pair – Become a local by living with a host family in Europe, UK, Australia, New Zealand, or North America. Accommodation, and most living expenses are usually covered. 
  • Summer Camp – Ever seen the movie Parent Trap? Well, this is pretty much it. Work as a guide, camp counsellor or otherwise at camps in the USA, France, Canada or the UK for 3–6 months. Accommodation and meals included. 
  • Internships – Real-world placements in international firms. Give your career a head start with specialized international work experience.  

Why I Think Working Holiday Makers Are the New “Digital Nomads”

For the past decade, “digital nomad” has been the aspirational version of long term travel. Work remotely, earn in a strong currency, live somewhere cheaper, repeat.

But that model only really works for a small subset of people. You need a remote job, a certain income level, and often a level of career stability that most younger travelers simply don’t have yet.

Working holidays flip that.

Instead of bringing a job with you, you get one when you arrive. You integrate into the local economy instead of floating above it. You meet people through work, not just coworking spaces or short-term hostels. And you build a life somewhere, not just a temporary routine.

In a lot of ways, working holiday makers are having a more grounded and accessible version of what people think digital nomad life is. You’re not just passing through, you’re actually living there. You have coworkers, a schedule, a reason to stay longer than a week, and a chance to build real lifetime connections.

It’s also far more realistic for most people. You don’t need a remote business or years of experience. You just need the willingness to go and the right setup to make it happen.

That’s why I think we’re seeing a shift. Less “how do I work remotely?” and more “how do I actually live and work abroad for a year?”

And that’s exactly where structured programs like Global Work & Travel come in. They remove the biggest barriers, finding a job, navigating visas, getting set up, so people can actually make that shift from idea to reality.

For a lot of travelers, this isn’t just an alternative to digital nomad life. It’s a more sustainable, accessible, and realistic way to actually live and work abroad.

Why I think Volunteering Matters

Volunteering abroad has a complicated reputation, and it’s worth being honest about that. There are lots of bad volunteer programs out there in the world. Programs that don’t really give back and are designed to make travelers “feel” like they did something but really are just profit driven campaigns. Global Work & Travel’s vets programs in the areas such as wildlife conservation, community development, education, and healthcare in the locations and countries it operates so you know the program you sign up for is legit.

The case for ethical, well-structured volunteering is genuinely strong. When you work alongside local Zanzibar communities on problems they’ve defined as priorities, or with wildlife and conservation in South Africa or Elephant rehabilitation in Thailand — something shifts in how you understand the world. Not only are you helping to give back to a place but you also understand the true needs of a the people and ecosystems living there, but also helping overcome the struggles they go through. It opens your mind and shifts your perspective.

Their Global Animal Welfare Fund also channels resources directly into conservation projects at their partner sites, so the impact extends beyond individual placements.

What I Love About Working Holidays

Working holidays let you truly experience a country instead of just visiting it. You immerse yourself in the culture by living like a local every day. You meet more people both locals and fellow travellers while building real friendships. Best of all, you get paid to travel, so you can stay much longer instead of rushing through in a few weeks. This lets you experience local life deeply, discover hidden spots, and understand how people really live in different places. You also build valuable skills, boost your resume with international experience, and make long-term travel more affordable since your income covers the costs. Plus, you gain a real cultural understanding that no short holiday can match. All that while stil getting paid? Not bad right?!

Working holidays turn travel into a true lifestyle, not just another 2 week vacation.

What I Like About How Global Work & Travel Operates

Global Work & Travel are the world leaders in long term travel and offer a ton of options for travelers looking to volunteer, work, or spend extended time in a destination. Some things I like about them.

  1. Their lifetime deposit policy is genuinely unusual: if your plans change, your deposit doesn’t disappear. It stays on your account indefinitely and can be transferred to a different program or destination
  2. The gWorld portal is genuinely useful. This pre-departure tool that helps you with your visa application, access exclusive deals, connect with others on your program, and even begin language learning before you arrive.
  3. They have transparent 24/5 worldwide human support. When something goes wrong abroad, being able to reach a human in local time is worth more than any amount of pre-trip planning.
  4. With over 619k followers on Instagram, it’s easy to connect with and make friends with people before you go. 
  5. A structured start to your trip is the best way to save money, time and stress. The Global network and support are there to help and guide you from start to finish. Use code NOMADICMATT for a discount on your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience to work abroad with Global Work & Travel? For most trips, generally nothing more than basic work experience is required. Teaching programs include TEFL training, and volunteering can be started from no experience.

What’s the minimum age? Most programs are open from age 18. Working holiday visas typically cap at 35 depending on the destination country but volunteer and teach programs are open to ages 18–80.

How long does the whole process take? It varies by programs and destination. Most people book their trips 6-12 months in advance for proper planning, job matching and visa quotas. You can get started for as little as $1 here.

Is my money safe if things change? Global Work & Travel and their lifetime deposit policy means your initial payment doesn’t expire. They are also members of many consumer protection services to further support travelers.

Can I go as a solo traveler? Yes, and this is actually one of the most common scenarios. The gWorld Community and programs group connections mean you’ll be meeting others in the same position quickly.

***

Travel has always been best when it’s been more than tourism. The moments that stay with you — that you actually tell people about five years later — are never the ones where you queued to see a famous landmark. They’re the ones where you connect with people. They are the moments where you did something. 

Global Work & Travel makes doing something deep accessible in a way that genuinely wasn’t available a decade ago. If you’ve been thinking about doing something like this but the logistics have felt too complicated, check them out and use code NOMADICMATT to unlock a $100 discount on your trip.

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

The post Why This Company is One of the Best for Finding Work appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

]]> Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[Don’t Visit Ko Lipe]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=280497 2026-02-23T15:59:44Z 2026-02-23T15:59:44Z After 19 years, I finally went back to Ko Lipe, the Thai island I spent close to a month on in 2006. Back then, it was one of those super off-the-beaten-path destinations that few but the most intrepid travelers visited, where electricity only ran a few hours a day, basic bungalows right on the beach...

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]]> lots of longtail boats lining the beaches near the island of Ko Lipe in Thailand

After 19 years, I finally went back to Ko Lipe, the Thai island I spent close to a month on in 2006. Back then, it was one of those super off-the-beaten-path destinations that few but the most intrepid travelers visited, where electricity only ran a few hours a day, basic bungalows right on the beach cost something like $2 USD, and there really was a last boat for the season.

There was much to do here but that was the point. You hung out on the beach, read a book, went snorkeling, went back to the beach, drank beers at the one beach bar on the island, rotated meals between the five restaurants there, and went to bed early.

It was paradise – and a place a lot of people got stuck. Days easily turned into weeks here.

If you asked me what the highlight of all my travels was, I would be the time I spent on Ko Lipe. I made incredible friends, lounged around, got to know the locals, learned a bit of Thai, and, overall, lived that idyllic backpacker life we all dream about.

Over the years, I’ve avoided going back to Ko Lipe because the memory of my time there is so strong that I didn’t want to ruin it. Any re-visit would simply be trying to recreated a magic that couldn’t be recreated because the people that it special wouldn’t be there. I’d be chasing travel ghosts. And, since I know my sleepy paradise has been developed greatly over the years, I was also too afraid seeing that would make me sad.

Tourism in Thailand tends toward the unsustainable. No island really develops in a good way. It’s all build, build, build.

And I didn’t want to see my Ko Lipe like that.

But as I was planning my recent trip through Southeast Asia, returning to Ko Lipe made sense. I was heading down the Indian Ocean side of Thailand on my way into Malaysia and I’d pass by it.

And, since I was looking for a lively place for New Year’s Eve, it seemed liked the best choice. I knew there would be travelers there and there were no other nearby islands that would work, especially since Ko Lipe has a boat to Langkawi, which was my next stop.

So, I sucked it up and went.

And I’m sad to report that Ko Lipe took the Ko Phi Phi model of tourism and is now extremely overdeveloped.

An overdevelopment of a beach on Ko Lipe, Thailand

Unsustainably so.

Most of the island is now paved over, the old dirt footpaths having become concrete for the cars and construction trucks. Swaths of palm trees are now the sites of high-end resorts with pools (on an island with no natural water supply). Construction of more resorts continues at a fast pace. The coral around the island is dying, a victim of all the boats, anchors, pollution, and overfishing. Beaches are now lined with boats, their exhaust spilling into the ocean, leaving a shiny film you can see as you swim. And the restaurants cater to tourists looking for bad Western food, not great Thai cuisine.

The island’s boom has displaced many locals, who were forced to sell to mainland developers, and much of the island’s workforce is now from the mainland. They see little of the benefits this tourism boom.

So lies Ko Lipe, another victim of Thailand’s all too common overdevelopment and exploitation of limited resources.

I met lots of people there who loved the island. If it’s your first time, I can see why you would love it. After all, the area is postcard perfect, the water is perfectly an azure blue, the sand is a beautiful white, and since you’re surrounded by a national park, a lot of tours take you to some secluded islands.

And, in comparison to Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, or Phuket, it is less developed so I can’t fault someone stepping here for the first time going “wow!”

But, as I reflect on the island and its overdevelopment, I have come to the same conclusion I have about Ko Phi Phi: people shouldn’t visit.

Tourist and boats on Ko Rawi in Thailand on a beach

I’m not against growth, but I’m against this kind of growth. It’s not sustainably managed and going there will only tax the island’s limited resources even further. You can’t put the genie back in the bottle and no local is going to say “sure, I’ll stay broke so you can an idealized vision of the world.”

But this is not the way.

And, with so many other islands to visit that are well managed (Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, and Ko Mook, to name three nearby), I think you should skip Ko Lipe.

A visit there will only make things worse.

It pains me to say that, because it was such a beautiful place, and my original visit had a huge impact on my life. But if we’re going to be good stewards and travelers, sometimes you just have to say enough is enough.

And Ko Lipe is a place where enough is enough.

Go somewhere else that is better managed.

Because your choices do have an impact.

Riding elephants in Thailand went away when consumers became more conscious of it. Eco lodges got big because of consumers. Overtourism is talked about by consumers as much as it is by locals.

Maybe if enough people start to do something, Ko Lipe will change.

I doubt it but one can hope.

But, at the very least, by not going you are at least no contributing to the problem.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Planning a Trip to Southeast asia

Get all my best Southeast Asia travel tips & free planning guides sent straight to your inbox

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    Book Your Trip to Thailand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

    Book Your Flight
    Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

    Book Your Accommodation
    You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

    Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
    Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

    Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
    Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

    Want More Information on Thailand?
    Be sure to visit my robust destination guide to Thailand for even more planning tips!

    The post Don’t Visit Ko Lipe appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

    ]]>         Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[How I Got My Visa to France]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=280456 2026-02-16T08:25:31Z 2026-02-16T08:25:31Z I’ve been in love with France ever since my first trip to Bordeaux in 2010. Friends I had met back in Thailand showed me around the area and introduced me to French culture. It was my first time in France and I loved the food, the wine, and the people. But that love became an...

    The post How I Got My Visa to France appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

    ]]>     A chateaux in France and the surrounding gardens on a beautiful summer day

    I’ve been in love with France ever since my first trip to Bordeaux in 2010. Friends I had met back in Thailand showed me around the area and introduced me to French culture. It was my first time in France and I loved the food, the wine, and the people.

    But that love became an obsession when, after Bordeaux, I stepped out of the Paris metro and onto the Champs Élysées. The lights, the energy, the mystique! There was magic in the air. I felt like I had known the city my entire life and I was simply returning home.

    Since then, Paris has had a firm grip on my heart. Over the years, I spent countless visits exploring France and Paris in particular. I’ve run tours in the city and I spent a few months living there in 2019.

    Last August, after yet another sojourn, I thought to myself, “What if I moved back?”

    I was growing a bit tired of the NYC dating scene, the rising cost of living, and felt like creatively, I was in a rut. With AI coming for creators like me and the industry changing, I was a little lost on what, career wise, would come next.

    In short, I needed a change.

    And Paris seemed like the best place to go.

    It’s cheaper than NYC, I had friends there already, I’ve always wanted to learn French, it would make a great base for exploring Europe, and I could start writing my next book there. There’s nothing like a change in scenery to get the creativity flowing!

    But the question remained: how do you move to France?

    After all, they don’t have a digital nomad visa, and you’re limited to three months if you visit on your regular Schengen tourist visa.

    Well, it turns out that it’s not actually that hard. (And while I can only speak for Americans, I suspect the criteria are similar for Canadians, Aussies, Kiwis, and other “developed” nations.)

    If you want to move to France, you have four main options:

    • Student visa
    • Long-term visitor visa
    • Entrepreneur
    • Talent visa

    The student visa is pretty straightforward. You need to enroll in a full-time university program and show you have enough funds to support yourself (around 600 Euros per month). A friend is currently there on this visa, as she is doing a nine-month intensive French program to become fluent. You still have to apply for the visa, but if you’re enrolled in an accredited school, you’ll likely get approved. Another benefit to this visa is that you can work part-time on it!

    But this visa is contingent on being in school, so if you leave or quit, it’s voided. However, when you are done, you can change this to a “job seekers” visa, which can give you up to another six months in France (or more depending on how long your program was).

    I thought about applying for the entrepreneur visa, but the application process is pretty complex and can take months to be approved. You have to set up your business in France — and that is a lot of paperwork. You have to show that your business makes money, has clients (at least one of them being French), and can support you full time (you have to make at least the French minimum wage). They will scrutinize your assets and financials a lot and you’ll need to register your business in France and pay French taxes.

    Additionally, France offers a talent visa. If you’re an expert in your field (with verifiable accreditations and accolades), this could be a good visa to apply for, especially if you plan to stay in France for a long time and want to physically work there. But, again, you’ll need to have some source of income and plan to do physical business in the France. If you’re not an academic but someone in the arts, you have to show how you are going to add to the “culture of France” in some way.

    While I would meet the requirements for both those visas, the process for either would have been time consuming, and, since I’m not sure France is going to be my forever home, I decided not to go through that process.

    So I went with the long-term visitor visa, officially called VLS-TS visiteur. This allows me to stay up to 12 months in France and is renewable in the country. It does come with a lot of restrictions, however: I can’t physically work here and I am not allowed into the French social welfare system.

    It’s also the visa a lot of Americans (and most retirees) are coming in on. If you have passive income or retirement savings and just want to live in France, this is a good option for you. It allows you to set up a bank account and it can be renewed pretty much indefinitely.

    The paperwork for this visa (which I’ll get into in a bit) essentially comes down to whether or not you can support yourself. French authorities want to make sure you won’t be a burden on the system.

    My biggest question centered around whether or not I could “work” on this visa. A lot creators and digital nomads are applying for — and getting — this visa.

    But remember: you aren’t allowed to work on this visa so how are you going to work if you can’t work?

    So let me take a moment to talk about “work” from a legal standpoint.

    As I mentioned, there’s no digital nomad visa that allows you to work in France. And the French tax office said last July that remote work is considered taxable — but there are no official laws that. That’s just their opinion and there’s been no progress in codifying that opinion. In fact, my visa doesn’t even come with a tax number, so it’s impossible for me to be taxed. I couldn’t pay taxes even if I wanted to.

    The visa office asks how you’ll support yourself when you are in France and one of the sources of income they accept is “income from work.” I was very open that my means of support would be the income from this blog and my books.

    The system there really hasn’t caught up to remote work. It still defines “work” as something you do physically that could take away a job from a French person.

    So could I run walking tours in Paris? Nope. Could you work at a café? Nope.

    But does writing this blog post count as work? After all, no one is paying for it. It’s a free resource. Does going to a café to work on the next great American novel count? What about my weekly newsletter that has affiliate links (that generate income) in it? Is writing that considered work?

    The gray area is considerable, so the best thing to do is to talk to a lawyer. I recommend Daniel Tostado (yes, that’s his real name), one of the biggest American-French immigration lawyers in Paris. He has a huge law firm and regularly meets with government officials to clarify the rules on this. He gave me some solid advice.

    For this long-term visitor visa, the application process is pretty easy. You go to the French government website, fill out your application, take the application number to the TLScontact website, and make an appointment. (France outsources the appointment process to this company, which then sends everything to the French consulate for approval.)

    The main things you’ll want to demonstrate are that you have accommodation for 90 days on your application and enough income to support yourself. They just want to make sure you aren’t going to be a burden on the system. I went overboard. Here’s what I brought to my appointment:

    • The application (you need to bring a printout)
    • A confirmation of the appointment
    • Extra passport photos
    • Proof of accommodation (this can be Airbnbs, hotels, or someone’s home — if it’s the latter, make sure that they are the owner!)
    • A letter attesting I won’t work
    • A financial summary letter explaining why I am moving there and my source of income
    • Health insurance that meets French legal requirements (I used Mondassur.)
    • Three months of bank statements showing regular deposits
    • A second bank account, my tax returns, and my W-2

    I didn’t need the second bank account, tax returns, or W-2 (they weren’t required) but the woman at the appointment said the more proof you had the better and it wouldn’t hurt. And another friend who got this visa didn’t bring beyond what was asked in the application form. But I wanted to take no chances!

    At the appointment, the staff double-checks your paperwork, takes your biometric data, collects the fees, and then sends your passport to the embassy for processing. Officially, it takes up to 15 days to process your visa, but everyone I know seems to get it back within a week.

    The worst part was not knowing if you are approved until your passport is returned. While you can track the progress of your application, you don’t know the verdict until your passport is back in your hands. While I was waiting (and anxiously spiraling), I looked on Reddit and found that most denials were for lack of income or issues with their accommodation, which seem to be the two most important things to have perfect on your application.

    Once you get your visa back, you can enter France any time after the start date. After you enter, you have 90 days to register your visa with the state (they give you a little QR code with instructions). This allows you to “officially” be on this long-term visa. (It’s a more paperwork kind of thing.)

    Once that is done, there’s nothing else to do and you can stay in France (and Europe) until your visa expires!

    So, if you’re considering moving to France, these are your options. But, as always, I’m not a lawyer and this is not legal advance. In regard to work and other issues or questions, it’s important that you seek legal counsel and get their expert opinion!

    Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

    Nomadic Matt's Guide to EuropeMy detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!
     

    Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

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      Book Your Trip to France: Logistical Tips and Tricks

      Book Your Flight
      Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

      Book Your Accommodation
      You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

      Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
      Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

      Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
      Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

      Want More Information on France?
      Be sure to visit my robust destination guide to France for even more planning tips!

      The post How I Got My Visa to France appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

      ]]>             Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[The 8 Best Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=279772 2026-02-03T07:37:27Z 2025-12-22T13:14:18Z Tokyo is one of those cities that feels endlessly deep. You can visit a dozen times and still discover new food stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that feel like completely different worlds. (I know because I’ve visited about 10 times already!) One of my favorite ways to explore Tokyo is by...

      The post The 8 Best Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

      ]]>       a peaceful garden near the Imperial Palace in beautiful Tokyo, JapanTokyo is one of those cities that feels endlessly deep. You can visit a dozen times and still discover new food stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that feel like completely different worlds. (I know because I’ve visited about 10 times already!)

      One of my favorite ways to explore Tokyo is by taking an Airbnb Experience. Led by locals and long-term residents, these tours give you a front-row seat to Tokyo’s food culture, nightlife, history, and crafts in a way you rarely get when wandering on your own. I’ve done a lot of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo over the years and think they are often even better than traditional tours you find on Get Your Guide (though Arigato Travel is next level and the best traditional tour company in the city so don’t miss out on them).

      To help you pick from the endless Experiences you can find, below are my favorite in Tokyo that combine cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and just the right amount of fun:

      Learn to Make Authentic Sushi with a Trained Chef

      Sushi-making classes are common in Tokyo but this Airbnb Experience stands out because it’s done in an omakase restaurant. This class is given by a sushi master (or his apprentice). You don’t just learn how to shape rice or slice fish; you learn why certain cuts matter, how chefs season rice differently depending on style, and how to pair ingredients to highlight texture and flavor. The class is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group experience done in the morning so you can have a filling and fun breakfast experience before going out to explore Tokyo. I absolutely loved it.

      Book here!

      Shibuya Nightlife with Unlimited Drinks

      This is my favorite nightlife tour in Tokyo. The host, Suemi, and her friends provide the absolute best time. This Shibuya nightlife tour one takes you to 3-4 izakaya spots that are very untouristy and filled without locals. You get unlimited food and drinks and it’s a really great experience. My guide, Shugo, was outgoing, spoke conversational English, handled large group dynamics well, was entertaining, explained the culture of izakaya restaurants in detail, and stayed past when the Experienced ended. He was great!

      Additionally, Suemi and her friends also run an unlimited Sake tasting class, which is the best Sake class I’ve done in Tokyo. They go into incredible detail about how sake is made and use a lot of visuals so it’s really easy to understand. It’s a small group of six, which made the Experience really personable. If you take a Sake experience, take this one. (They also un a whiskey tasting experience that I haven’t done this one yet but I bet it’s just as good).

      Book here!

      Shinjuku Izakaya Tour

      This experience is similar in spirit to the Shibuya nightlife tour but set in one of Tokyo’s other major nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is packed with tiny izakaya spots, many of them hidden in narrow alleyways or upstairs spaces you’d never think to enter on your own. On this tour, Yuma (a knowledgeable sake sommelier) takes you to several of these small, local spots and walks you through how izakaya culture really works.

      You’ll try different styles of sake along the way and learn how to read menus, what to order, and how locals typically drink and eat in these settings. Yuma is outgoing, fun, and very good at explaining things clearly without overwhelming you. It’s social, relaxed, and a great way to experience Shinjuku nightlife without feeling lost or intimidated.

      Book here!

      Historic Tokyo Walking Tour

      This is one of the most educational experiences I’ve done in Tokyo. Instead of focusing on the usual tourist areas, this tour explores quieter neighborhoods that retain a strong connection to the city’s past. The host is a lecturer specializing in Japanese history and traditional culture, and it really shows in the depth of information shared throughout the walk.

      You’ll visit places like Nezu Shrine, walk through its tunnel of red torii gates, explore the old streets of Yanaka, and learn about the Edo period, the Meiji Restoration, and how the role of the samurai changed as Japan modernized. It’s a 2.5-hour walk that never feels rushed and gives you a much clearer understanding of how Tokyo became the city it is today. I learned a lot from this tour.

      Book here!

      Tokyo Coffee Culture Tour

      Tokyo has an burgeoning coffee scene and this tour does a great job of showing it to you. You explore Jimbocho and Kanda, two very under visited neighborhoods, to learn about both old-school kissaten and modern specialty cafés. You’ll learn about brewing techniques, flavor profiles, and how Japan developed such a meticulous approach to coffee.

      The tour includes visits to historic cafés, specialty shops leading Tokyo’s third-wave movement, and even wagashi shops where you’ll learn how traditional Japanese sweets pair with coffee. It’s a really thoughtful and unique afternoon experience.

      Book here!

      Organic matcha Tea Ceremony

      This one-hour experience is a great introduction to matcha and Japanese tea culture. You’ll learn about the history of matcha, its role in Japanese society, and how to tell high-quality matcha from lower-grade varieties. The host walks you through the traditional preparation process step by step. You’ll whisk and taste authentic matcha in a calm, traditional setting that feels worlds away from Tokyo’s busy streets. It’s short but memorable, and it gives you a much deeper appreciation for something you’ll see everywhere while traveling in Japan.

      Book here!

      Tokyo Ramen Tour

      Ramen is synonymous with Japanese food, and this tour helps you understand why it inspires such devotion. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll visit multiple ramen shops, each highlighting a different style or approach.
      You’ll learn about ramen’s origins, modern trends, and regional variations while tasting everything from classic bowls to more experimental or fusion styles. The guide explains broth types, noodle textures, and toppings in a way that’s easy to follow. Come hungry as this tour will absolutely fill you up!

      Book here!

      Shibuya and Harajuku Street Art Tour

      This tour takes you through Shibuya and Harajuku to see murals and installations hidden in alleyways and less obvious spaces. Street art is a much quieter, more underground scene in Tokyo (they Japanese aren’t so keen on murals on their buildings) so learning about where it is allowed and how the culture thrives in such a restrictive environment is really interesting. he tour also includes visual examples of murals before and after they were created, which adds helpful context. I think it is one of the most interesting and unique Airbnb Experiences and gives you a really good look at a side of Japan most people don’t see!

      Book here!

       

      ***

      There’s a lot of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo and I know I’m probably I’m missing some really great ones (After all, I’m only one person) but these eight will give you a good start. Try to do at least one when you’re in Tokyo because most conventional organized tours are all cookie cutter experiences. These Airbnb tours are way more fun!

      Book Your Trip to Tokyo: Logistical Tips and Tricks

      Book Your Flight
      Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

      Book Your Accommodation
      You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

      For places to stay, check out my article on my favorite hostels in Tokyo. If you want to stay in a hotel, check out this list of favorites.

      And, for a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of Tokyo, check out this post.

      Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
      Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

      Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
      Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

      Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

      Want More Information on Tokyo?
      Be sure to visit my robust destination guide on Tokyo for even more planning tips!

      The post The 8 Best Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

      ]]>             Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[Why Your Airfare is So Expensive]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=19589 2025-11-27T19:40:51Z 2025-11-15T14:47:30Z Flight prices are on the rise, affecting the travel plans of everyone who dreams of traveling the world. Wondering why they are on the rise and what you can do to avoid paying those exorbitant prices? I chat with airline reporter Scott Mayerowitz to discuss the options.

      The post Why Your Airfare is So Expensive appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

      ]]>       A dark and obscured plane at an airport during a bright sunset

      I’ve been traveling for close to twenty years. In that time, the airline industry has changed a lot. The use of points and miles has become widespread, round-the-world tickets have gone the way of the dodo, airlines have consolidated, and there has been an explosion of budget airlines.

      Over the last few years, the cost of airline tickets has steadily risen. They get more and more expensive while their prices often seem illogical.

      Since ticket pricing is an arcane and misunderstood subject, I want to take some time to explain why your airplane ticket costs what it does.

      A Look at the Airline Industry

      Ticket prices have increased over the decade for several reasons. For starters, the industry has consolidated a lot over the last few decades. Thanks to bankruptcies and mergers, there are now only three major alliance airlines (American, Delta, and United) in the United States. And, with the recent bankruptcy of Spirit and the merger of Alaska and Hawaiian, there’s even less competition outside the Big 3.

      In Canada, there are only two major airlines – WestJet and Air Canada.

      In Europe, Air France–KLM, British Airways IAG, and Lufthansa control the bulk of the market. (Though, thankfully, in Europe, there are lots of budget airlines to choose from.)

      As airlines have partnered up, merged, or gone bankrupt, there is little incentive to provide low fares to win your business. After all, when only one or two airlines are flying a route, airlines know you don’t have much choice. Less competition means higher prices.

      Secondly, the price of airline fuel has increased tremendously. Back in 2017, jet fuel cost $1.37 per gallon. In 2024, it is $6.49 per gallon! Airlines have simply passed that fivefold increase on to the consumer.

      Thirdly, airline taxes and security fees have increased a lot, adding to the cost of your ticket. Ever fly into London? Half the ticket price is made up of fees and taxes!

      Finally, demand fell following the 2008 recession, and to compensate, airlines reduced both the number of routes they offered and the frequency of their flights. Fuller planes mean more passenger revenue and fewer costs for the airline.

      That trend greatly accelerated during COVID. When COVID shut down global travel, airlines mothballed many of their older planes and laid off many of their staff. When travel restrictions were lifted and more people started flying again, they didn’t have enough planes or staff to return to a pre-COVID schedule. This decrease in the supply of flights, coupled with the surge in demand for travel, meant that airlines had little incentive to lower prices.

      According to Rick Seaney of Farecompare.com, “Before 2008, things were in favor of the passengers. After the 2009 crisis, the scale of justice tipped towards the airlines.”

      Taken together, a consolidated airline industry that is facing more costs is simply less likely to generally offer lower fares.

      How Airlines Determine Pricing

      Prices go up and down for many reasons. There are four major factors that drive prices are competition, supply, demand, and oil prices.

      Together, those four things affect something called “the load factor.” Airlines want to fill their planes and maximize profits, and they do this by calculating a plane’s load factor. Essentially, this is the percentage of seats sold on a flight. They want this number to be as high as possible.

      To get the highest possible load factor, airlines will constantly change prices based on the four categories above in order to get people to buy tickets.

      Airlines use dynamic pricing models and artificial intelligence (AI) to figure out the maximum value they can get for each seat. Have you ever wondered why airlines seem to callously raise their prices after a big event spikes demand? They aren’t. The AI is. All it sees is sky-high demand and adjusts accordingly to its programming. More demand = higher prices.

      These advanced computer systems constantly compare booking trends to past sales history, major events, concerts, sporting events, weather, and competitor behavior. They can look at consumer searching and booking behavior and process lots and lots of data and change prices on the fly (no pun intended) in hopes of getting the best price possible.

      All of this is why one day a flight may cost $100, then $400 the next, and then back to $100 the day after that. As people buy seats on a flight, airlines raise prices, and when demand falls (at a certain price point), they lower prices until fewer and fewer seats are available, then they will raise prices again. It’s a delicate balance designed to ensure maximum revenue. It’s why prices are cheapest for 5 AM flights, more expensive over the holidays, and through the roof during peak season or if there’s a major sports event in town.

      After all, you can’t add more seats to a plane, so all they can do to raise revenue is charge higher fares!

      It’s also why prices might change in seconds. It’s not because they are tracking your cookies, it’s because the AI is responding to real-time changes in seats. Think about it. How many booking companies are out there? Lots! All of them are reserving seats. Millions of people fly each day and, with limited routes, it’s easier to fill planes, so the AI doesn’t need to discount fares as much as it had to in the past.

      On a US domestic flight, there might be 10–15 different price points. If the load factor is low and demand is low, an airline will increase the availability of cheap fares. If the load factor is high and demand is high, the airline will raise prices.

      As Rick said, the airline is advantaged now.

      But it’s not impossible to find a cheap ticket. There are many, many ways to find cheap airfare. To avoid being the person who paid the most for their ticket, the main thing to do is to be flexible.

      Airlines are constantly changing prices to increase revenue, hoping to get people into the highest price buckets possible. “About three months before, airlines start to manage those bottom price points,” Rick says. That means airlines begin to look at historical trends and current seat sales to figure out whether they will release those really rock-bottom fares or keep prices high.

      If you’re booking inside a month, you’re playing into the airline’s hands. When your dates are no longer flexible, you’ll pay whatever they charge.

      To find out how to navigate this system and get a cheap flight, check out these articles I wrote:

      The days of cheap airfares are long over. They aren’t coming back, and the prices you see now are the new normal for airline tickets. They are simply going to cost a lot more, especially if you don’t find the sweet spot when prices are their lowest.

      But by understanding how tickets are priced, you can avoid being the person who pays the most.

      How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

      How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

      My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

      Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

      Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

      Book Your Flight
      Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

      Book Your Accommodation
      You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

      Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
      Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

      Want to Travel for Free?
      Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

      Need a Rental Car?
      Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

      Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
      Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

      Ready to Book Your Trip?
      Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

      The post Why Your Airfare is So Expensive appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

      ]]>       66       Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[Capital One Venture X Business Card Review: Is It Worth It?]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=279454 2026-01-20T22:05:52Z 2025-11-10T12:39:44Z I’m a sucker for a good travel rewards card. Over the years, I’ve collected a small handful of them — not because I love juggling annual fees, but because the right cards can save you a lot of money on flights, hotels, and travel perks you’d otherwise pay out of pocket for. Not only do...

      The post Capital One Venture X Business Card Review: Is It Worth It? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

      ]]>       Nomadic Matt holding up his Capital One Venture X business card
      I’m a sucker for a good travel rewards card. Over the years, I’ve collected a small handful of them — not because I love juggling annual fees, but because the right cards can save you a lot of money on flights, hotels, and travel perks you’d otherwise pay out of pocket for.

      Not only do I have a bunch for my personal expenses but I have a couple for this business too. One of my favorite business credit cards is the Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card. It’s Capital One’s top-tier business product. I love it because there’s a big welcome offer, lounge access to over 1,300 airport lounges, annual travel credits, and a simple 2x reward on all spending (which ensures you are always earning multiples miles per dollar spent).

      To help you decide if this card is for you, here’s my full review of the card and why I love it so much:


       

      What is the Capital One Venture X Business Card?

      The Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card is a travel rewards card issued by Capital One. It comes with a $395 annual fee that is way lower than the other premium business cards out there. And I think you can easily get way more value than the annual fee costs. Here’s a quick look at the main perks:

      • Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
      • 2 miles per $1 on all purchases, no category restrictions
      • 5× miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
      • 10× miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
      • $300 annual travel credit (through Capital One Business Travel)
      • Every year, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date.
      • Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
      • Up to $120 statement credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
      • No foreign transaction fees

       

      Using Your Capital One Miles

      Capital One miles can be redeemed in a few ways. One is by booking travel directly through Capital One’s portal. While I usually don’t recommend booking through credit card portals, to fully benefit from the Venture X’s travel credit (and to get the 5x and 10x miles offers) you’ll need to use their portal.

      Another option is to use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase. For 90 days after making such a purchase, you can reimburse yourself at a redemption rate of one cent per mile. After 90 days, and for all other purchases, you can use miles as cash back, at a redemption rate of 0.5 cents per mile (but avoid doing this, as it’s not a good value).

      You can also use your Capital One miles in the Capital One Entertainment portal to book tickets for concerts, sports events, and more. Occasionally, Capital One offers cardholder-only events and presale opportunities too. While you’ll get just 0.8 cents per mile for tickets (not the best value), it’s still a fun and unique way to redeem miles.

      However, you’ll get the most out of your miles by transferring them to Capital One’s 15+ airline and hotel partners. While the actual value varies based on what you book, you can usually find airline and hotel redemptions worth much more than the aforementioned one cent per mile. (The process is pretty straightforward and can be done through your Capital One account.)

      Here are Capital One’s current travel partners:

      • Accor Live Limitless
      • Aeromexico Club Premier
      • Air Canada Aeroplan
      • Air France/KLM Flying Blue
      • Avianca LifeMiles
      • British Airways Executive Club
      • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
      • Choice Privileges
      • Emirates Skywards
      • Etihad Airways Guest
      • EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
      • Finnair Plus
      • I Prefer Hotel Rewards
      • Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
      • Qantas Frequent Flyer
      • Qatar Airways Privilege Club
      • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
      • TAP Portugal Miles&Go
      • Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
      • Virgin Red
      • Wyndham Rewards

       

      Pros of the Venture X Business Card

      As someone who travels constantly for work, I’m always looking for ways to earn miles faster and make airport life a little less painful. I like this card for the simple 2x miles on everything. I use a lot of other cards that can get you 3 or 4x on certain categories like advertising or non-portal travel spend like flights and hotels. But when it comes to dining, museums, transportation, etc, there’s not a lot of ways to get more than 2x per dollar spent on a business card. So, I use this Venture X for anything I can’t get more than 2x per dollar.

      Here’s a deep dive into some of the main perks:

      $300 Travel Credit
      Each year, you get a $300 credit toward bookings made through Capital One Business Travel (flights, hotels, or car rentals). If you’re already booking travel regularly, this credit is basically free money — and it immediately drops your effective annual fee from $395 to $95.

      The catch? You do have to book through Capital One’s travel portal. It’s powered by Hopper, so the interface is clean and prices are usually competitive. I’ve found some good deals there.

      Lounge Access
      You get access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. Capital One’s own lounges are actually great — spacious, modern, good food — though they’re still limited location. But they are expanding how many they have and I personally think they are way better than the other lounges competitor banks have. You also get Priority Pass access t o over 1,300 lounges globally, which is a common but really nice perk.

      Anniversary Bonus
      Every year on your account anniversary, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles (worth about $100 toward travel). It’s a nice “thank you” that helps offset the annual fee even further.
       

      Should You Get This Card?

      The Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card is best for small- to medium-sized business owners who travel regularly and can put at least $30,000 to ensure they meet the welcome offer requirements.

      Overall, I think the Capital One Venture X Business is one of the best-value premium business cards out there right now. It’s not as benefit-packed or as flashy as the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business?, but it’s easier to use, has a less expensive annual fee, gets you lounge access, and an easy to understand earning structure.

      It’s one of the cards I use the most often for my business. I highly recommend getting it.

      Stop paying full price for travel!

      Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to use points and miles for free travel! It's how all the pros travel so much! In this guide, I'll show you:

      • How to Pick a Credit Card
      • How to Earn Up to 10x Miles on Your Spending
      • How to Redeem Your Points
      • And a Ton of Other Money Saving Tips!
      Points and Miles

        Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

        Book Your Flight
        Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

        Book Your Accommodation
        You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

        Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
        Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

        Want to Travel for Free?
        Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

        Need a Rental Car?
        Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

        Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
        Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

        Ready to Book Your Trip?
        Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

        The post Capital One Venture X Business Card Review: Is It Worth It? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

        ]]>                 Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[My Top Gifts for Travelers for the Holidays]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=148897 2026-03-18T15:57:04Z 2025-11-05T14:00:48Z Travelers can be a fickle group of people to buy gifts for. We’re constantly coming and going, we usually don’t carry a lot of stuff with us, and no two travelers are alike. Finding the perfect gift for the traveler in your life can be tricky. While a plane ticket is never a bad idea...

        The post My Top Gifts for Travelers for the Holidays appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

        ]]>         A small digital camera wrapped in Christmas lights in front of a bright pink background

        Travelers can be a fickle group of people to buy gifts for. We’re constantly coming and going, we usually don’t carry a lot of stuff with us, and no two travelers are alike. Finding the perfect gift for the traveler in your life can be tricky.

        While a plane ticket is never a bad idea (I’m a window seat in case anyone is thinking of getting me one), I’ve put together this ultimate gift guide for travelers as there’s a lot of great travel gear out there these days that helps people travel cheaper and better.

        Even me, the gear-adverse traveler, likes a lot of this stuff!

        This is stuff I actually think is super useful. No nonsense. No fluff. Just the best gifts for intrepid travelers and globetrotting nomads.

        1. A Travel Lock

        Master travel padlockThis simple item is one of the most important for the budget traveler. Since many hostels have lockers, backpackers need to have their own travel lock when they’re on the road. While you can usually rent them at hostels, those prices add up after a while. I never leave home without a lock because I know it will come in handy.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        2. Loop Earplugs

        travel ear plugsAnyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that a quality pair of earplugs is a necessity. From chronic snorers to late-night drinkers to copulating couples in creaking bunks, hostels are known for their less-than-quiet accommodation. I suggest investing in good earplugs and not just the cheap foam ones. Not only will they help you sleep, but they’re great for bus trips and flights as well as wearing as you explore louder, more hectic cities.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        3. Travel Adapter

        travel adapterNothing is more tedious than arriving at a new destination only to realize you can’t charge your devices because the electrical outlets are different. That’s why you’ll need a travel adapter. They’re a simple accessory. There’s a million out there but this is one I use as it covers every region of the world and comes with USB ports too. It’s cheap, easy to use, and lightweight. Everything you need in an adapter.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        4. Zbiotics Pre-Alcohol

        Nomadic Matt holding a small bottle of Zbiotics
        Zbiotics Pre-Alcohol is a pre-drink probiotic that helps you really avoid those rough mornings after drinking. A friend of mine introduced it into our friend group over a year ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. It really does work. I take it with me whenever I travel and have gotten other friends, fellow travel writers, and even a tour guide in Peru onto it. It will make your next mornings bright and it helps me ensure that I’m not feeling too bad to do stuff the next day. I love this product. It works. If you or a traveler on your gift list drinks, take it. You can save 10% off with the code NOMADICMATT.

        Buy now on Zbiotics!

         

        5. Scratch Travel Maps from Landmass

        travel scratch mapScratch maps are a fun way to keep track of your past travels while helping you stay inspired as you plan your future trips. You simply scratch off the parts of the world you’ve been. Simple. Easy. Landmass is my favorite company that makes these, though there are plenty of other companies that make them now so you can find them in all sorts of sizes and colors.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        6. Passport Holder

        A blue passport walletA passport holder is a must-have for any avid traveler. Not only does it protect your passport from wear and tear, it makes your travels much more convenient. Most passport holders have slots for your travel credit cards as well as any cash you have, making it a safe and convenient way to keep your valuables secure while you travel. While there are tons of expensive and fancy passport holders out there, a simple one will get the job done and save you money in the process (money you can spend on more travels!).

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        7. Hand-drawn Food Maps

        hand drawn food maps from Legal NomadsThese are unique, hand-drawn typographic maps of food from Legal Nomads and artist Ella Frances Sanders. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to eat and travel (and who doesn’t!). They come in a variety of sizes too! Jodi’s maps are the best! (Use code NOMADICMATT to save 10%)

        Buy now at Legal Nomads!

         

        8. How to Travel the World on $75 A Day (and Other Travel Books!)

        $50 a day by Matt KepnesWant to travel more for less? Pick up a copy of my New York Times bestselling guide to budget travel and never overpay for travel again! With this book, you’ll get an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide to planning a trip on a budget. And, with super detailed sections to regions around the globe, you’ll be able to navigate every region around the world like a pro! This book takes all the knowledge from this website and puts it all into one place with even more details and resources! And it’s not just for long-term travelers either. The tactics and strategies you’ll learn apply to a trip of any length of time!

        Buy now on Amazon!
         

        Buy now on Bookshop!

         
        For more travel book suggestions, you can check out my list of recommended reading on Amazon and Bookshop (I have hundreds of book suggestions there!).
         

        9. Celiac Travel Cards

        Legal Nomads celiac logoMy friend Jodi from Legal Nomads created these helpful travel cards for anyone traveling with Celiac disease. They are in-depth resources that communicate your concerns to restaurant staff in a way that allows anyone traveling with the disease to have a worry-free meal. If you or someone you love has Celiac disease, these travel cards are a useful resource! (Use code NOMADICMATT for 10% off!)

        Buy now at Legal Nomads!

         

        10. Dry Shampoo

        Lush's dry shampoo in a clear plastic bottle
        Dry shampoo is a convenient liquid-free alternative to regular shampoo. It’s a useful minimalist solution for budget travelers who travel carry-on only and an eco-friendly choice as well. Natural dry shampoos absorb the grease and oil in your hair, keeping it clean while you’re on the road — and with minimal effort too. It works for all types of hair and hair lengths as well so you don’t need to shave your head or do anything drastic either.

        Buy now at Lush!

         

        11. Packing Cubes

        travel packing cubesPacking cubes are an awesome tool to help you stay organized while you travel. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or traveling with half a dozen suitcases, packing cubes will keep you organized as you travel the world. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. If you know a traveler who needs a hand staying organized, this is the gift for them!

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        12. HostelPass

        The homepage for the website HostelPassFor the traveler heading to Europe, consider gifting a HostelPass. This discount card offers over 130 discounts to hostels in 40 cities throughout 15 countries in Europe. With HostelPass, travelers can save up to 40% on accommodation. It’s the discount card I wish existed when I first started backpacking around Europe and it’s perfect for budget travelers planning a trip around the continent.

        Buy now at HostelPass!

         

        13. Trip Chaser

        The fun Trip Chaser boardgame being played on a table
        In this fun travel game, you have to prove who’s the most travel-savvy by buying, bartering, and gambling your way to various destinations. Just like actual travel, expect both stumbling blocks and enriching experiences along the way. You’ll rely on the luck of drawing a good event card, or proactively buying travel insurance to save you from the unexpected! It’s a family-friendly game for 2-6 players and perfect for everyone who loves to travel!

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        14. DryFox Quick Dry Travel Towel

        sea to summit travel towelUnless you’re only staying at hotels or using Airbnb, you’re going to need to bring a towel when you travel. Having a lightweight, quick-drying towel makes a huge difference when you’re on the road since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Get a travel towel for your next trip so you can travel light. They’re a compact, quick-drying solution that every backpacker needs.

        (Use code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase!)

        Buy now at DryFoxCo!

         

        15. Menstrual Cup

        A menstrual cup being held by a womanMenstrual cups are reusable, eco-friendly feminine hygiene products. While I can’t speak to their effectiveness personally, tons of female travelers I know are huge fans. It can be a hassle trying to find the products you need while abroad, making this a simple, effective, and affordable addition to your toiletry kit.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        16. Trtl Travel Pillow

        a comfortable travel pillowTravel pillows are perfect for those long-haul flights, delayed buses, and airport naps. Every traveler needs to have a travel pillow on hand to maximize that downtime and time in transit, and Trtl pillows are the best on the market. They help prevent jet lag and make even the longest, most uncomfortable trip a little more bearable.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        17. Travel Headlamp

        travel head lampThis is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. In a hostel, a headlamp is helpful if you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers. For outdoorsy folks, they’re useful for hiking, setting up camp in the dark, and for emergencies.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        18. External Battery

        A black external battery from AnkerThese days, we all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets. It can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem. Two high-output USB ports make this external battery incredibly convenient, and it can charge most phones up to 6 times in one go!

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        19. LifeStraw

        lifestraw water filterEnvironmentally, pollution from single-use plastics is something every traveler has witnessed. And, monetarily, when you’re traveling, continuously buying water gets expensive. Do your part to help the planet by traveling with a reusable filter. LifeStraw is an awesome brand with a built-in water filter. The filters last 5 years so you save money on changing them too.

        Buy now on Lifestraw!

         

        20. Travel Backpack

        REI Flash travel backpackIf you’ve got a budget traveler on your holiday list, a travel backpack is the gift that keeps on giving. A well-made bag will last for years and through dozens of adventures. Having a reliable travel backpack is one of the most important items for a traveler.

        My favorite bag is the Flash 55 from REI but other companies that make high-quality bags include Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).

        For a smaller day bag, check out the Flash 22. Or if you prefer a bag with wheels, check out the Farpoint 36.

        For more backpack suggestions, check out my ultimate guide finding the right backpack for more options!
         

        21. Travel Clothing from Unbound Merino

        Unbound Merino wool shirtThese travel clothes are some of the most versatile on the market. Made from merino wool, Unbound offers clothing that can be worn daily for weeks (and months!) without getting smelly. They are perfect for the traveler who wants to pack lighter. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!

        Buy now at Unbound!

         

        22. MacBook Air

        MacBook Air laptopThis is my favorite travel computer. It’s light, it’s powerful enough for regular use, and the battery life lasts a long time. While an iPad might be another potential travel choice, I find the Air much more versatile — especially with their new M4 chip. You can just do a lot more with it. When I’m on the road, this is the laptop I travel with.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         
        For a non-Apple phone with an equally awesome camera, check out the Google Pixel. It has an excellent camera!
         

        23. Noise-Canceling Headphones

        Bose QC35 headphonesThese are ideal for those long flights or bus trips as they block out background noise so you can read, work, or sleep without being disturbed. The wireless Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are fan favorites and my go-to brand. They are comfortable, rechargeable, and do an amazing job at removing background noise. If you’re on a budget, consider the QuietComfort 25 instead.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        24. Kindle

        A new Kindle Fire ereader from AmazonWhile I personally prefer to read physical books, I can’t argue against the convenience and simplicity of the Kindle. Hauling around physical books is a pain if you’re traveling often. With a Kindle, you can pack over 1,000 books into a single device and many versions can also use apps and access the internet. It’s a wonderful gift for the avid reader.

        Buy now on Amazon!

         

        25. GoPro Hero 12

        A GoPro Hero 12 camera with accessories Every traveler needs a camera, and few are as versatile and durable as the GoPro. They’re incredible for photos and video no matter the climate. They’re waterproof and are perfect for both everyday city exploring as well as more extreme and adventurous activities. They’re just awesome. If the Hero 12 is too pricey, grab the 10 or 11. They’re almost as good and a bit cheaper!

        Buy now on Amazon!
        ***
        Whether you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift for a traveler in your life or just looking for some inspiration for yourself, this list will help you find an awesome gift. No matter your budget, there is something here for you to help you level up your travels or the travels of a loved one.

        Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

        Book Your Flight
        Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

        Book Your Accommodation
        You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

        Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
        Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

        Want to Travel for Free?
        Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

        Need a Rental Car?
        Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

        Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
        Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

        Ready to Book Your Trip?
        Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

        The post My Top Gifts for Travelers for the Holidays appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

        ]]>         19         Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[Holafly eSIMs: A Better Way to Stay Connected When You Travel]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=279393 2025-11-07T15:04:45Z 2025-10-28T21:04:04Z When you’re traveling, staying connected is essential. Whether you’re figuring out the best route to your hostel, finding a place to eat, or translating a train schedule or menu, having reliable data makes life on the road infinitely easier. I still remember my early days of travel carrying a physical guidebook around as I wandered...

        The post Holafly eSIMs: A Better Way to Stay Connected When You Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

        ]]>         Nomadic Matt in Thailand, smiling and looking at the camera at a scenic overlook, with turquoise water peppered with lush islands behind him
        When you’re traveling, staying connected is essential. Whether you’re figuring out the best route to your hostel, finding a place to eat, or translating a train schedule or menu, having reliable data makes life on the road infinitely easier. I still remember my early days of travel carrying a physical guidebook around as I wandered the streets looking for my accommodation.

        Or, when smartphones became widespread, searching for a SIM card kiosk to buy a physical SIM, trying to poorly communicate with staff in a language I didn’t know, and spending 20 minutes swapping out tiny plastic chips.

        Luckily, things have changed and life is incredibly easier thanks to eSIMs. Rather than needing a physical SIM card, you can download an app that gives you tons of high-speed data. In a world where we need to be connected for so many reasons (for example, everything in China is paid through an app, so you need data), eSIMs are great.

        One company that’s become a major player in this space is Holafly. (Use the code MATTK to get a 5% discount.) They offer unlimited data, quick setup, and global coverage without the hassle of finding a physical SIM card.

        In a world of seemingly never ending eSIM companies, they are one of the best. In this blog post, I will tell you why!

        Who is Holafly?

        Holafly homepage
        Holafly is a Spanish-founded company that started back in 2017 and is now based in Dublin. They offer eSIMs that you can install on your phone via QR code. Once activated, they let you connect to the internet abroad using local carrier networks. What sets Holafly apart from a lot of other providers is that over 200 of their options come with unlimited data and are priced by days rather than gigabytes. You can personalize the days from 1 up to 90 days in over 200 destinations. Holafly’s coverage is also pretty extensive. They offer service in over 200 destinations, which includes most of Europe, Asia, North America, and Latin America.

        How to Set Up Holafly

        The process of setting up Holafly is incredibly straightforward. Here is how to do it:

        Check your phone first – Make sure your device is unlocked and supports eSIM (most recent iPhones and many newer Androids do). Have a Wi-Fi connection handy for setup.

        Save the email & QR – Keep the QR code and order info somewhere safe.

        Install the eSIM – While on Wi-Fi, open the confirmation email and scan the QR code from your phone camera or tap the activation link. There are three options:

        • Scan the QR Code
        • Manual Installation
        • One-Button Install for iOS 17.4 or above

        On iPhone: Settings -> Cellular (or Mobile Data) -> Add Cellular Plan -> scan the QR.

        On Android: Settings -> Network & internet (or Connections) -> SIMs or Mobile network -> Add eSIM / Add mobile plan -> scan the QR. (Exact labels vary by phone.)

        On arrival, enable data roaming for the eSIM – Go to Cellular/Mobile Data settings, select the Holafly line and turn on Data Roaming and Mobile Data for that line. (Turn off Mobile Data for your home SIM to avoid accidental roaming charges.)

        Holafly partners with local carriers, so your connection depends on whichever network is strongest in that region. Note that Holafly’s eSIMs are data-only. You can keep your home SIM card in your phone for texts or calls, while Holafly handles all your data. Apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram will still work with your regular number, so you can message friends and family just like you would at home.

        The “unlimited data” promise is what draws most people in, and for good reason. Most eSIM companies sell data in small bundles, which adds up quickly, especially if you’re using maps, social media, or video calls. With Holafly, you just pay for the number of days you need and get unlimited data during that time.

        Plans start at around $4 USD per day, though they are cheaper if you get more days or choose their new subscription options Holafly Plans.

        Plus, Holafly offers 24/7 customer support multilingual, hotspot capabilities, 15+ regional eSIMs, a global eSIM, no hidden costs, and an incredible 6 month flexible refund policy.

        I think it’s one of the best eSIM options for travelers who want reliability and ease of use. It’s especially great for people visiting multiple countries or anyone who relies heavily on mobile data — bloggers, remote workers, or digital nomads. The connection has been consistent, speeds are good, and the ability to set everything up before I even leave home is a huge time-saver

        At the end of the day, that’s really what makes Holafly appealing: simplicity. You don’t have to think about data, SIM cards, or network compatibility. You just scan, activate, and go. For travelers like me, that convenience is priceless.

        Use the code MATTK to get a 5% discount on any eSIM for your next adventure!

        Terms and Conditions:

        • For Website or App
        • 5% on eSIMs and 10% off on Holafly Plans for the first 12 months
        • No minimum purchase requirement
        • All customers
        • No usage limits
        • Can’t combine with other discounts (except Holafly Plans annual subscription 22%)
        • Active from now, no end date

         

        How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

        How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

        My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

        Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

        Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

        Book Your Flight
        Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

        Book Your Accommodation
        You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

        Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
        Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

        Want to Travel for Free?
        Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

        Need a Rental Car?
        Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

        Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
        Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

        Ready to Book Your Trip?
        Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

        The post Holafly eSIMs: A Better Way to Stay Connected When You Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

        ]]>                 Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[7 Common Travel Myths That are WRONG]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=29543 2025-10-27T11:39:42Z 2025-10-27T11:00:17Z Far too many people believe the notion that travel is expensive, unsafe, and impossible unless you are rich. They couldn't be more wrong. In this post, I break down the most common travel myths that are keeping people from taking the plunge and living their dreams. Are you one of them?

        The post 7 Common Travel Myths That are WRONG appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

        ]]>         A solo backpacker standing on a cliff looking at the scenery

        Years ago, the website Earth Porm reposted my article “The Ultimate Guide to Traveling When You’re Broke.” As I went through the comments on the post, I was dismayed by the mean and dismissive comments people shared as well their misconceptions about travel.

        These comments made me realize that, despite all the detailed websites and books on how to make travel affordable and accessible, too many people still believe the notion that travel is expensive, unsafe, and impossible unless you are rich.

        Too many say, “I can’t. It’s impossible” and become cynical about travel. The notion that travel is expensive couldn’t be further from the truth (I wrote an entire book proving that very point.)

        Yet people still have all kinds of misconceptions about budget travel and staying safe abroad.

        So, today, I want to debunk 7 of the most common travel myths I’ve encountered over the years:
         

        Myth #1: Travel is Expensive

        Nomadic backpacking hiker standing at the top of a mountain excited
        Everything costs some money — and that includes travel. But the idea that travel is only about fancy tours, beach-side resorts, and luxurious villas is outdated. Traditionally, subtle marketing language made everyone believe that “a fun vacation is an expensive vacation.” After decades of being bombarded by those insidious ad campaigns, our collective consciousness still equates travel with luxury. Heck, I used to believe this too.

        But the fact of the matter is you don’t need a trust fund or a high-paying job to have an amazing trip.

        You’ll need to learn how to plan a trip.

        You’ll need to save money.

        But you don’t need to be rich to travel. You just need to be creative and have the right priorities.

        And it can even be done on minimum wage. Sure, it may take longer to save for your trip, and you may need to make sacrifices, but if you want to travel — whether for two weeks or two years — you can find a way to make it happen. Here are some starting points that can help you lower your costs and travel on a budget:

         

        Myth #2: Travel Credit Cards Will Ruin Your Credit

        Lots and lots of credit cards in a pile
        Collecting points and miles is the art of using travel credit cards to gain free travel by using your regular spending. No extra purchases. No jumping through loopholes. Just earning free travel by putting your date nights, groceries, gas, and other regular expenses on a travel card.

        I can’t count the number of free flights and hotel stays I’ve had over the years. By collecting points and miles, I’ve been able to travel for a fraction of the price it would have cost otherwise, opening up tons of possibilities for budget travel.

        While applying for credit cards will cause a temporary dip in your credit score, that dip gets corrected within two months if you keep paying off your bills. Unless you’re looking to make a huge purchase (like buying a house) in the near future, that minor dip will not affect you. Over time, having more available credit will actually improve your credit score. And I mean what’s the point of building up a credit score if you don’t use it? You work to build a good credit score for the purpose of doing things with it.

        I have over a dozen credit cards (though I only actively use three) and a credit score of 797 out of 850. As long as you pay your card off each month, you don’t need to worry.

        Here are some resources to help you get started:

         

        Myth #3: Couchsurfing is Unsafe

        Young woman sleeping on a couch, couchsurfing around the world
        Couchsurfing is a sharing economy app that facilitates cultural exchange. Locals offer a free space in their home (sometimes just a couch) which travelers can use to then visit the city and learn about about the destination.

        While staying in a stranger’s house might not be for everyone, it’s nevertheless a safe and fun way to travel (not to mention an affordable one). Much like Airbnb, Couchsurfing hosts have reviews and profiles you can read to make sure you’re staying with someone you feel you’d get along with. It’s really not much different than Airbnb (except it’s free!).

        Of course, if you’re not ready to stay with a stranger you can also use to app to meet people for activities instead, such as a meal, coffee, or a museum visit. It’s a great way to benefit from the app without having to stay with someone.

        As long as you use common sense, read reviews, and trust your gut, you’ll be able to use the app safely while saving money and having fun. There are families who host people, solo female hosts who only host women, as well as expats looking to connect with fellow foreigners.

        Couchsurfing and websites like it have vibrant communities. Because, contrary to what the news and media like to report, not everyone out there is a secret murderer looking for their next victim. Most people are good, kind people just looking to make friends and learn new things. Don’t let fear limit your opportunities.
         

        Myth #4: Hitchhiking Will Get You Killed

        Funny hitchhiking sign from the USA
        Hitchhiking is a relatively common way to travel in many countries around the world. It was also a common (and safe) way to travel the US and Canada for a long while too.

        The idea that hitchhiking is dangerous dates back to the 1950s when the FBI led a scare campaign to get people to stop the practice, in part because civil rights activists were hitchhiking to rallies. The FBI’s campaign permanently embedded in the mind of people that hitchhiking is dangerous by claiming that most hitchhikers were murderers.

        Combined with a narrative pushed by the media that the world is unsafe, hitchhiking continues to be perceived as a dangerous activity — even if it’s not.

        My friend hitchhiked solo around the US.

        Kristin from Be My Travel Muse hitchhiked around China

        I’ve hitchhiked in Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America and met wonderful, interesting people in the process.

        Hitchhiking, like Couchsurfing, is about using common sense. Make a note of license plates, have a phone in case of an emergency, and travel with a friend if you’re not comfortable going solo. And remember, you don’t have to get into any car that stops. Use your judgment and follow your instincts and you’ll be able to meet lots of interesting people while still staying safe.
         

        Myth #5: Travel is Dangerous for Women

        Female nomadic traveling the world alone
        While both men and women face risks on the road, women often encounter additional hazards that require caution and awareness. But that doesn’t mean women need to stay home or only go to super-safe destinations.

        The “if it bleeds, it leads” approach to reporting over the years has highlighted only the negative stories of female travelers. This style of reporting bolsters the perceptions that the world is so scary that solo female travel is very, very unsafe and should be avoided.

        Fortunately, that’s not true at all. You have a higher chance of getting hit by a bus than you do of ending up like in the movie Taken.

        But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s an excerpt from a post on women’s safety:

        If I look back on the times when people have told me “Don’t go there!” or “You might die!” it’s mostly advice from people who have never been to those places and have never done any research on them. The press is hugely influential. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read international press coverage that is flat-out wrong. You need to find trustworthy sources and advice from people who know what they’re talking about. I once mentioned to my parents that I had plans to go to Rwanda. My concerned father told me, “You’re not going.” He was obviously worried about Rwanda’s tumultuous past. Had he done his research, he would have known that Rwanda is the safest country in East Africa. Once he researched it, I never heard another word about it. The crime rates in your backyard can be just as bad as the destination you’re headed to, if not worse.

        These days, there are tons of powerful, independent female creators traveling to all corners of the world — including off-the-beaten-path countries. Heck, many of them are more adventurous than I am! Here are some to follow for inspiration:

         

        Myth 6: Budget Travel is Only Possible if You are Young and Single

        Family traveling the world together and posing in front of mountains
        Too many people believe travel is something you can do only if you’re young or single. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I understand that when you are older, you may want more luxury than a budget backpacker. And I know that family travel requires more planning than solo travel. B

        ut travel is not solely the purview of the young.

        At the end of the day, age doesn’t matter. I’ve seen families and seniors backpacking around the world, staying in hostels, or driving RVs.

        You don’t need to be limited by age or your relationship status. Here are some articles that prove both families and seniors can travel on a budget:

         

        Myth #7: You Can’t Work Overseas.

        Working on a yacht while traveling
        We often think of working abroad as an challenging process not worth the effort. It’s something that requires interviews, visas, and a polished résumé. But, for the kind of jobs that you’ll get as a traveler, that’s not true.

        If you want to work and are flexible about what you’re willing to do, you can find employment almost anywhere. You can get a working holiday in countries like Australia or New Zealand, become an au pair, teach English, or even volunteer in exchange for room and board.

        Sure, you might not get a fancy or well-paying job. But if your priority is travel then what does that matter?

        Farms, schools, bars, restaurants, cafes, and the tourism industry are almost always looking for staff — especially in areas with a seasonal influx of tourists. You won’t get rich, but you will get to see the world. If you want to learn more about your options, here are some blog posts to get you started:

        ***

        These travel myths come from years of being indoctrinated with the belief that travel has to be expensive and the world is scary.

        That couldn’t be further from the truth.

        With a little research, you’ll discover that traveling the world is much safer — and much more affordable — than most people think.

         

        How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

        How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

        My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

        Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

        Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

        Book Your Flight
        Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

        Book Your Accommodation
        You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

        Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
        Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

        Want to Travel for Free?
        Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

        Need a Rental Car?
        Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

        Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
        Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

        Ready to Book Your Trip?
        Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

        The post 7 Common Travel Myths That are WRONG appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

        ]]>         48         Matthew Kepnes <![CDATA[How to Find the Perfect Apartment for Vacation Rentals]]> https://www.nomadicmatt.com/?p=25250 2025-12-26T04:46:15Z 2025-10-27T10:16:08Z Renting an apartment is a great way to balance the privacy of a hotel with the cost of a hostel. You get immersed in a local environment and have access to a host who can answer all your questions. If you're on the fence about using the sharing economy, give this article a read.

        The post How to Find the Perfect Apartment for Vacation Rentals appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

        ]]>         How to Find the Perfect Apartment on Sites Like Airbnb

        I used to hate renting apartments from websites like Airbnb or VRBO. As a solo traveler, I preferred the social atmosphere of hostels. You met people, hostels ran activities and they were where you were “supposed to stay” as a backpacker.

        When I did want something other than a hostel, I used a hospitality network liked Couchsurfing or simply stayed with friends.

        But, after close to two decades as a nomad, there are times when I like my privacy and the ability to “create a home.” I like to cook, want to relax on a couch, and just chill.

        While apartment rentals often contribute to overtourism (discussed more below), there are still plenty of real hosts out there who are renting places they live in.

        Below is a detailed guide about how they work, how to pick the perfect apartment, and how not to contribute to overtourism / make locals upset!


         

        How Do Apartment Rentals Work?

        How to Find the Perfect Apartment on Sites Like Airbnb
        Apartment rental sites allow locals to rent out an individual room, shared space, or entire home/apartment. The host lists their place online, posts photos, writes a description, hits publish, and, presto, they can start to make extra money with the unused space.

        The booking process is like booking any other type of accommodation online. You search the database, find a place you like, create an account, and request a booking. When the owner accepts, you are sent a confirmation.

        Apartment rentals represent the space between hostels and hotels. If you are traveling on business and want the comforts of home, you probably aren’t going to stay in a hostel. But hotels may be too expensive or too impersonal for you. A rented apartment is a perfect compromise.

        Traveling with friends or a big group? This is definitely the option for you. Squeezing a bunch of people into a rental home/apartment will be much cheaper per person than a room in a hostel or hotel. Plus, you get space to spread out and relax. Dorm rooms and cramped hotels don’t give you a lot of “me” time.

        If you don’t want a full apartment but are looking to save money, Airbnb has a new feature called “Rooms” which lets you search for listings in people’s homes or guest houses. It’s like how Airbnb used to be — people renting out extra rooms or guest houses for added cash. You always get your own room and, sometimes, a private entrance. You’ll also get to interact with your host, who can provide lots of insider tips and insight to your destination.

        I’ve used Rooms a lot in the last couple of years — in LA, Rome, Paris, Nice — and, to me, as a solo traveler, it’s a much better way to travel. I highly recommend doing this as a way to combat the negative effects of these platforms (more on that below). Additionally, as hostels have gotten a lot more expensive over the years, Rooms are often cheaper than hostels! You get to stay and meet with a local and save money! Win-win!

        How to Pick the Right Apartment

        How to Find the Perfect Apartment on Sites Like Airbnb
        Unfortunately, as accommodation rentals have exploded into the mainstream, it’s become harder and harder to find great hosts. A lot of hosts now own multiple properties and live elsewhere. That means you often deal with property managers and never get to interact with the actual owner. Additionally, a lot of apartments aren’t quite as nice in reality as they appear in the photos. In order to find suitable accommodation, I use the following criteria when looking for a place to stay on these platforms:

        1. Do they have positive reviews? – If other people stayed there, had a good time, and found the apartment as advertised, you probably will too.
        2. Do they have multiple listings? – This is important because many people use these sites to be property managers. They buy a bunch of apartments and then re-rent them on Airbnb. I try to avoid these places because they cause a lot of problems for the local rental market and lack the personal touch that comes when hosts rent out their own apartments.
        3. Do they have accurate photos? – Any listing that doesn’t include a lot of (quality) photos is probably hiding something (or at the very least misrepresenting the accommodation).
        4. Are they an active user or Superhost? – Active users are good users, so see when they last logged on. If it’s been a while, your query might go unanswered.
        5. Is their calendar updated? – While listings only show up in a search if they are available, hosts don’t always update their calendar. If someone hasn’t updated their calendar in 30 days, I tend to skip it. There’s nothing worse than going to book a place, only for them to cancel and say, “Whoops, sorry, it’s not available!”
        6. Are they verified? – Verified accounts are less likely to be people of suspicious quality, as the listing site has at least found some background information on them.
        7. Have they been someone else’s guest before? – If they were someone’s guest and that went well, it’s likely that they will be reliable.

        These rules are helpful guidelines, but at the end of the day, you have to go with your gut. I don’t need a listing to meet every point. I once had a host who hit only a couple of these points and she turned out to be my favorite host! And sometimes, in places without many hosts, you might have to be a little loose with this list.

        But the more points a place meets, the comfortable I feel renting.

        How to Avoid Overtourism
        Over the years, Airbnb and other apartment rental websites have dramatically raised the price of rents and pushed out the locals you want to interact with as people have started to buy multiple properties in order to rent them out to tourists. It’s a big problem.

        In many places, like Lisbon and Venice, most locals can’t afford the price of rent anymore. And it’s not just cities. Rural areas are now becoming affected too.

        There have been strong protests against Airbnb (and similar sites) in Barcelona. Throughout Europe you often see “Airbnb go home!” graffiti. Japan cracked down on Airbnb. NYC has strict laws against it now too. Residents in Mexico City have protested. Every day brings a new story about the pushback against these websites.

        Given local pushback and the issues with over tourism and the housing market, I strongly encourage you to only use Airbnb or similar services if you are renting a room in someone’s house, especially in large cities in Europe. As I mentioned above, Airbnb has a new feature called “Rooms” which allows you to easily search for rooms in people’s houses where they actually live. They are verified listings and a much better way to use the platform. It’s like how Airbnb used to be before it grew so big — people renting out extra rooms or guest houses for added cash. I highly recommend it.

        However, if you can’t, try as hard as you can to make sure that the place you are renting is either a licensed B&B (if it’s only used for tourists) or someone’s house that they actually live in. This way you won’t add to any local housing issues!

        Help end overtourism. You have the power. Don’t displace the people you want to visit!

        A Note on Safety

        How to Find the Perfect Apartment on Sites Like Airbnb
        These sites run on trust. All these companies try to verify both buyer and seller to ensure no one ends up robbing anyone else, but you sometimes hear reports of sex parties, robberies, or creepy hosts.

        However, apartment rental companies do provide a window that allows you to get your money back if you get a place that’s not as advertised. Just call their 24-hour hotline and they will set you up somewhere else (you can also reach out on social media to get the conversation started). They also hold your money in escrow so that if the place isn’t as advertised, you’ll get your money back. You never hand it over directly to the host.

        All types of accommodations have risks (cleaners can steal from hotel rooms, dorm mates can take clothes from hostels, Couchsurfing hosts can get creepy), which is why these rules are important. I don’t think apartment rentals are any less safe than your other options, and the benefits greatly outweigh the perceived danger.

        The Best Sites to Find a Rental Apartment

        I think these are three best sites for finding an apartment:

        Another option for long-term travelers is house sitting and pet sitting. In exchange for looking after someone’s property or pet while they travel, you get access to free accommodation. It’s a great option for slow/long-term travelers looking to stay in one location for longer periods of time. Check out this post to learn more about it!

        ***

        Apartment rentals, when done right, are safe, affordable, and help you have a more authentic experience. Use the tips above and try one on your next trip. You’ll save money, get away from the tourists, and have a better trip!
         

        How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

        How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

        My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

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        Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

        Book Your Flight
        Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

        Book Your Accommodation
        You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

        Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
        Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

        Want to Travel for Free?
        Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

        Need a Rental Car?
        Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

        Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
        Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

        Ready to Book Your Trip?
        Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

        The post How to Find the Perfect Apartment for Vacation Rentals appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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