The AI Travel Stack: From Overwhelm to "Auto-Pilot"

Let’s be real: Travel planning usually feels like a second job. You have PDFs in your downloads document, confirmation emails buried in your inbox, and random screenshots of "must-visit" spots in your camera roll.

It’s a mess. And when you are travelling with kids, that mess turns into stress. I used to spend hours sorting through tabs, much like the process I described in my guide on the millennial way to plan a trip.

I stopped doing it the hard way. I upgraded my system. By combining Google NotebookLM and Gemini, I built a personal travel agent that helps me keep track of where I need to be and when, without me having to search for anything.

Here is the breakdown of the system and why you need both tools to make it work.

What is an AI travel stack?

An AI travel stack is a workflow that uses AI tools to organize trip research, store documents, and help you find travel information faster. In this setup, NotebookLM acts as the research base and Gemini acts as the assistant

The Brain vs. The Doer: What’s the Difference?

Think of your AI travel system like a team:

• NotebookLM is "The Brain" (The Librarian)

  It is where you dump everything. It ingests your massive PDFs, travel guides, messy notes, and web clippings. It organises them and, crucially, it grounds its answers in your data. It doesn't hallucinate; it grounds answers in the sources you add.

  • Use it for: Deep research, organising complex itineraries, and "grounding" the facts.

• Gemini is "The Doer" (The Assistant)

  It is the interface. It connects to the outside world (Google Flights, Maps, Hotels) and your personal world (Gmail, Drive). It is dynamic, conversational, and active.

  • Use it for: Quick answers, real-time updates, and executing tasks.

The problem? Until recently, they were siloed. The Brain didn't talk to the Assistant. Now, they do.

The "Magic Link": Why Connecting Them Changes Everything

This is the cheat code. You can now enable NotebookLM as an extension inside Gemini.

Why does this matter?

Because Gemini already has access to your Gmail. It can "see" your flight confirmation from your airline, your Airbnb booking in Tokyo, and your Klook activity tickets.

When you connect NotebookLM, you are giving Gemini a "Deep Memory."

The Workflow:

1. Feed NotebookLM: Upload your "travel destination document" that stores all your research: blogs, PDFs, and that custom "Hidden Gems" guide you wrote.

2. Connect Gemini: Ask Gemini a question like, "Based on my flight arrival time [pulled from Gmail] and the train schedule in my Notebook [pulled from NotebookLM], can I make the 4 PM connection?"

Gemini can help me bring together the relevant information. It gives me an answer based on my reality, not generic internet advice.

Your Personal Travel Guide (Hands-Free)

The "Killer Feature" for parents isn't the organisation: it's the entertainment.

When we were in London, I didn't want to be the dad with his nose buried in a guidebook, reading dry facts. I wanted to be present.

So, I fired up Gemini Live (Voice Mode).

Since Gemini had access to my itinerary and the historical context of where we were standing (via NotebookLM data), I simply said:

"Hey, tell the kids a fun, spooky story about the Tower of London where we are right now."

It wasn't a generic Wikipedia summary. It was an interactive story. My kids loved it. They started asking it questions. "Who lived here?" "Did they have dragons?"

Gemini answered them in real-time. It became a personalised tour guide, freeing up my hands and letting me actually look at the architecture and snap a few photos, instead of looking at my screen.

How to Execute This Today?

Don't overthink it. Here is how you start:

1. Create a Notebook in NotebookLM titled "Trip to [Destination]."

2. Upload your PDF tickets and any travel blogs you've saved.

3. Open Gemini and ensure the "NotebookLM" and "Workspace" extensions are active.

4. Prompt:"Look at my 'Japan' notebook and my emails. Create a day-by-day summary of my trip, including check-in times."

Stop organising folders. Start building systems.

Want to build your own Travel brain?

I’ve shared the exact AI prompts I use with Gemini and NotebookLM to turn travel research into a personal, on-demand travel guide, without overwhelm.

I host these systems inside my online community LifeDesignOS hosted on Nas.io, where I share the behind-the-scenes frameworks I use for travel, work, and lifestyle design.

👉 Download the free guide “How To Build Your Travel Brain” and adapt it to your own way of travelling.
(Templates included. No shortcuts, just systems you make your own.)

If you enjoyed reading this blog article, make sure to like it, it actually makes a difference. And if you know someone who would benefit from it, feel free to share it to support my work!

Safe travels

FAQ section

How is NotebookLM different from Gemini?

NotebookLM is best for grounding answers in the documents you upload, like PDFs, notes, and saved travel research. Gemini is better for live assistance, conversations, and connecting with Google services.

Why use both NotebookLM and Gemini for travel planning?

Using both gives you the best of both worlds: NotebookLM keeps your travel research organized, while Gemini helps you turn that information into fast answers and actions. Together, they reduce the need to search through emails, screenshots, and tabs.

Can Gemini read my emails and travel documents?

Gemini can work with connected Google services in supported setups, which may include Gmail and Drive. The exact behavior depends on your account and which integrations are enabled.

Is this useful for family travel?

Yes. It is especially useful for family travel because it helps you stay organized, reduce stress, and spend less time managing logistics. That means more time being present with your kids.

What kinds of travel files should I upload to NotebookLM?

You can upload flight confirmations, hotel bookings, rail passes, insurance documents, destination guides, and your own notes. You can also add screenshots and other trip-related reference material.

Can I use this system for city breaks and long trips?

Yes. It works for both short and long trips because the same system can handle a simple weekend itinerary or a multi-country travel plan.

Is this better than using spreadsheets?

For many people, yes. Spreadsheets are good for lists, but NotebookLM and Gemini make it easier to search, summarize, and ask natural-language questions about your trip.

Will this replace my travel planning completely?

Not completely. It will reduce manual work, but you still need to review the information and make your own decisions. Think of it as a travel operating system, not a replacement for judgment.

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We flew to Japan dreaming of perfect photos in front of Cinderella Castle and angelic kids smiling on cue.

The reality was a bit different. Freezing Winter wind. Walking 20,000 steps a day. And eating Lawson snacks in our hotel room at 3 AM thanks to jet lag. As a dad traveling with my pregnant wife and our kids aged 4 and 7, the stakes were high.

But when our kids' faces lit up during the nighttime parade at Tokyo Disneyland, it was pure magic.

And here's the honest part. Overall, our personal experience was not a mind-blowing wow. A few things were truly beautiful. The Cinderella Castle atmosphere, It's a Small World, the Beauty and the Beast attraction, and the final Reach for the Stars firework show were great. But as adults, we expected to feel more entertained ourselves.

This is the real, unfiltered guide to doing Japan Disney with toddlers and coming out the other side mostly sane.

At a Glance: Japan Disney With Toddlers

• Best park for little kids: Tokyo Disneyland over DisneySea.

• Ideal ages: Toddlers and preschoolers who can sit upright on their own.

• Non-negotiables: Stroller, snacks from outside, and the Tokyo Disney Resort app.

• Energy strategy: Protect one solid nap, don't rush the gates, and leave before a full meltdown.

• Who this is for: Parents planning Japan Disney with young kids, not Instagram-perfect influencers.

1. Pick Tokyo Disneyland over DisneySea

Japan Disney actually means two parks. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. If your kids are under four or easily overwhelmed, choose Disneyland first.

Admission is free for children under three. That is a big win for your budget. Most family rides have no height limit. Kids just need to sit upright unassisted.

Fantasyland and Toontown are designed for little kids. They feature gentle rides and play areas where toddlers can wander and touch things. DisneySea is visually stunning and brilliant for older kids. But it is much less toddler-centric. Save it for a future trip.

2. Skip the crack of dawn wake-up

On paper, arriving at Japan Disney for rope drop sounds smart. In reality, dragging jet-lagged toddlers onto crowded trains at sunrise is a fast track to disaster. We did the opposite.

We skipped the early alarm. Instead, we booked a spacious minivan taxi through Uber. (You can get 50% off your first 5 trips using my Uber invite link).

We left around 9 AM and arrived just before 10 AM. It took less than 10 minutes to get through the gates. The weather was freezing, but the kids were rested, fed, and excited. If your budget allows, a taxi is the easiest option with strollers.

Don't forget: Japan Disney is outside central Tokyo

One easy detail to underestimate is how far Japan Disney is from central Tokyo. The resort sits out in Chiba. It is not in the middle of the city. With toddlers, every extra minute of travel time matters.

We stayed at a hotel near Shin-Koiwa. It was about a 26-minute ride by Uber to Tokyo Disneyland. That does not sound like much on paper. But you have to factor in walking to the station, waiting for trains, navigating with a stroller, and possible transfers. With small kids, that extra time is often the difference between arriving calm or arriving already exhausted.

If you can, choose accommodation with:

• A direct or simple route to the park, like one train or a short taxi ride.

• Minimal transfers and stairs, especially if you have a stroller and luggage.

• A realistic travel time you are happy to do twice in one day with tired kids.

When you plan Japan Disney with toddlers, treat location as part of your energy budget. The closer and simpler the route, the more patience you will all have left for the actual park.

3. Build a flexible ride and nap strategy

You don't need to do every ride. In fact, you shouldn't. Think of your day in terms of a few anchor rides plus lots of low-stress experiences in between. For us, the real highlights were classics like It's a Small World, Beauty and the Beast, the castle atmosphere, and the Reach for the Stars firework show more than any single thrill ride.

This is where your stroller strategy matters. Tokyo Disneyland is very stroller-friendly. You can rent a reclining Japanese B-type stroller inside the park for a small daily fee. We used ours as a mobile nap station.

One parent walked slow loops with the sleeping toddler. The other grabbed a coffee or used the rider swap system to do a bigger ride with our 7-year-old. With a rider swap, one adult queues and rides while the other stays with the toddler. Then you switch without queuing again. Protect the nap at all costs.

4. Pack your own familiar snacks

We were excited to try the famous Japan Disney snacks. Then we met reality. We tried the popcorn. We had the pizza and fries. We even tried a bagel. But it was mostly bread or sugar. Finding plain vegetables or balanced toddler meals was almost impossible.

So pack plenty of your own familiar snacks. Bring simple, low-mess foods the kids already like. Both parks have fantastic Baby Centers. They are free to use and include nursing rooms, changing stations, high chairs, and microwaves for heating baby food. We used these spaces for practical needs and as a quiet escape when the noise got too much.

Also, carry extra supplies. Our four-year-old son got terrible food poisoning the following day. I spent 40 minutes walking around the neighbourhood hunting for diapers until I finally found a 100 yen store. You don't want to run out of supplies.

5. Master the mandatory Disney app

Japan Disney runs on your phone. You need three things sorted before you ever see the castle.

First, reliable data. We used the Ubigi app for an eSIM. It gave us flawless 5G coverage all day. (You can use my code WEP1XCQQ to get 20% off your first purchase on Ubigi).

Second, a travel card. We paid for everything using our Wise card to dodge terrible exchange rates.

Third, the Tokyo Disney Resort app. Download it, create an account, and link your tickets the night before. The app is mandatory for checking live wait times and ordering food. Pack a power bank because your phone will be in constant use.

6. Bypass the official website for tickets

The official Tokyo Disney website can be temperamental with foreign credit cards. It is not exactly intuitive if you don't read Japanese. To avoid error messages and stress, use a third-party booking platform.

I booked our park passes using Klook. It supports international cards and shows everything in English. Book your tickets as early as you can. The fewer unknowns on the day, the more mental energy you have for snack negotiations.

7. Leave the heavy camera gear at home

I am a photographer. But even I left my big camera kit at home for Japan Disney. Crowds, toddlers, and a heavy mirrorless body are not a good mix. I left my Sony a6300 camera and my 18-105mm travel zoom lens behind.

Instead, I used my iPhone for quick, wide shots. And I relied on my Oppo Find X3 Neo for its 10x zoom quality to capture closer shots of the parades.

If you want to shoot professional photos on your phone while still being present with your kids, check out my free playbook on how to Leave the Heavy Camera at Home . You can also read more about my minimal gear approach in my guide on travel for photography.

What We Actually Enjoyed (And What Fell Flat)

Our kids absolutely loved Japan Disney. They were all in on the castle, the colours, the rides like It's a Small World and Beauty and the Beast, and the fireworks at the end of the night. From their perspective, it was magical.

From our adult perspective, the experience felt more muted than we expected. We went in imagining constant character interactions, performers engaging directly with kids, and that over-the-top show feeling you see in promotional videos. In reality, character encounters were more distant and structured. Much of the park felt like moving between queues rather than being swept up in a story.

Part of that is on us. We probably set the bar too high for our very first Disney experience. There is also a cultural layer to Japan Disney. Politeness, order, and subtlety are huge strengths of Japanese culture. But they can make the park feel less loud and in-your-face compared to what you might imagine from American-style Disney marketing.

You will find plenty of parents who say Tokyo Disneyland is their absolute favourite park. You will find others who, like us, thought the kids loved it, but we didn't have our minds blown. Both reactions are valid. Going in with realistic expectations helps. Think of it as a beautiful, well-run theme park where kids have a great time, rather than a constantly interactive show for adults.

Sample One-Day Japan Disney Toddler Itinerary

Think of this as a flexible template, not a strict schedule.

• Morning (10:00 to 12:00): Arrive at Tokyo Disneyland around 10 AM. Do one or two low-stress rides. Take a snack break before anyone gets too hungry to queue.

• Late Morning to Lunch (12:00 to 14:00): Tackle one anchor ride timed with the app for shorter waits. Eat lunch early or late to avoid peak times.

• Early Afternoon (14:00 to 16:00): Stroller nap window. One parent cruises the park with the sleeping toddler. The other does a bigger ride or grabs coffee. Use a Baby Center for a quiet reset.

• Late Afternoon (16:00 to 18:00): Chill activities. Visit Toontown play areas, do another gentle ride, or just people-watch.

• Evening (18:00 to 20:00): Decide between the parade or an early exit. If everyone is fading, leave on a high note rather than pushing through a meltdown.

FAQs About Japan Disney With Toddlers

Is Japan Disney good for toddlers?

Yes. Tokyo Disneyland is very toddler-friendly. Most family attractions just require kids to sit upright. There are parades, shows, and dedicated Baby Centers to support families.

Which is better for young kids, Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea?

For toddlers and preschoolers, Tokyo Disneyland is usually the better choice. It has more gentle rides and entire zones built around small children.

Can I rent a stroller at Japan Disney?

Yes. You can rent a lightweight stroller inside the park for a small daily fee. The parks are designed to be stroller-friendly.

Are there Baby Centers and changing tables?

Yes. There are well-equipped Baby Centers with nursing rooms, changing areas, hot water, and microwaves. Most restrooms also have changing tables.

Is Japan Disney Worth It and What's Next for Us?

So was Japan Disney worth it? For our kids, absolutely. They still talk about Cinderella's Castle, It's a Small World, Beauty and the Beast, and the final Reach for the Stars fireworks. For us as adults, it was more of a good, not mind-blowing experience. We were expecting more live character engagement and constant entertainment aimed at grown-ups as well as kids. That just wasn't what we found.

That doesn't mean it isn't worth going. Tokyo Disneyland is still one of the most affordable Disney parks worldwide, especially when you compare ticket prices to other Disney resorts. It delivers a lot of value if you are already in Japan or planning a family trip there.

We also recognize that this was our very first Disney experience. Our expectations were probably shaped by marketing, reels, and other people's highlight moments. There is a cultural aspect too. Japan Disney feels organized, polite, and restrained compared to the louder, more theatrical style some people associate with Disney.

As a European family, our next step is to visit Disneyland Paris so we can compare the two. Experiencing both Japan Disney and Disneyland Paris will give us a better sense of how each park feels for kids and for parents, and which one truly fits our family's style of travel and fun.

Building a Business That Funds Japan Disney Trips

Trips like this don't happen by accident. Being able to take a random Tuesday off for Japan Disney comes down to systems. Your business needs to run without breaking while you are away.

Next time, we will probably ride even less and rest even more. But watching our kids experience Tokyo Disneyland made every step, snack negotiation, and jet-lagged meltdown worth it.

If you are trying to build a work life that actually supports family travel, I share the systems I use in my article on Balancing Work and Travel. It is not about escaping your life for a week at Japan Disney. It is about designing a life where taking your kids to Tokyo on a whim feels normal.

Come join us in the LifeDesignOS community to learn how to build those systems. If you need 1:1 help fixing your current bottlenecks so you can finally step away from your desk, you can also book a solo parent audit call with me.

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Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025. It was busy, and the yen was weak. But 2026 is different. It is calmer, the country is better prepared, and it is still much more affordable than it used to be for families coming from Europe or the US. With new trains and hotels from the Osaka Expo and a government focusing on better quality tourism, parents have a rare window. This is the year Japan with toddlers actually feels manageable.

This guide is based on our three-week trip across Japan and South Korea with two kids (4 and 7) and my pregnant wife. We spent two weeks in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, plus a week in Seoul. This was not a “cocktail by the pool” holiday. It was a full operation: 20k steps a day, strollers in crowded stations, and a €1,000 hospital visit in Tokyo. And yet, it was the best choice we made for our family this year.

If you are wondering if Japan with toddlers and a pregnant wife is actually doable, the answer is yes. You just need the right systems around you.

1. Making your money go further and the 3 a.m. snack run

The weak yen matters to parents because it lets them buy comfort. It means better locations, better logistics, and more recovery time for less than you’d pay at home. During our trip, we found that eating out didn't have to be a stressful or expensive event. Conveyor-belt sushi chains like Kura Sushi regularly fed our family of four for around €20 to €25. It was the perfect solution: no cooking, no dishes, and the kids were entertained by the moving plates.

However, the real "parent hack" for Japan is the 24/7 convenience store. Jet lag with toddlers almost guarantees you will be wide awake and starving at 3 a.m. Shops like FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven are open all night and stocked with surprisingly fresh food. We relied on them for rice balls, high-quality baked goods, and bottled smoothies that were a lifesaver for sneaking nutrients into the kids when they refused to eat their dinner.

When it comes to managing the finances of a big family trip, travel insurance is non-negotiable. I use Revolut Metal because the travel insurance is included in the subscription and covers the whole family. This proved its worth when we had to pay a €1,000 hospital bill upfront at St. Luke’s. I simply tapped my card and submitted the claim through the app later. For those looking to manage exchange rates without the bank fees, I also recommend using Wise for mid-market rates. You can read more about my full financial setup in my detailed Revolut strategy guide.

2. Forget the JR Pass: A better way to handle the trains

For a long time, the JR Pass was the default advice for anyone visiting Japan. However, recent price hikes mean it is no longer the best deal for families. Buying point-to-point tickets as you go is often cheaper and much more flexible. In 2026, the best way to handle the rails is through the Smart EX app. This app lets you book Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets directly on your phone. The biggest advantage for parents is flexibility; you can change your seats or train times at the last minute when a toddler meltdown or an unplanned nap throws off your schedule.

To make the transit days even easier, you have to use Yamato (Takkyubin) to send your luggage ahead. Dragging big suitcases through busy stations with a stroller is where family trips go to die. For about €15 per bag, Yamato will collect your suitcases from your hotel and deliver them to your next destination. This allowed us to board the train with only our backpacks and a few Ekiben (station bento boxes). It turned the journey from a logistical chore into a relaxing family ritual where we could actually enjoy the views of Mount Fuji. If you're looking for more ways to simplify your movement, check out my top travel apps for parents visiting Japan.

3. Real talk: What happens if someone gets sick?

Travelling while my wife was pregnant added an extra layer of worry regarding food safety and exhaustion. Unfortunately, we had a food poisoning scare in Tokyo that landed us in St. Luke’s International Hospital in the middle of the night. The experience was world-class, though: the facility is modern, English-speaking, and even has a dedicated maternity ward. They were incredibly efficient and kind, which is exactly what you need when you're in a foreign country with sick family members.

The cost for a few tests and an IV drip was close to €1,000, which had to be paid upfront. This is where having a reliable card and insurance becomes critical. Because I kept every receipt and document, our insurance claim was settled without any hassle within a couple of weeks. My best safety tip for parents is to save the location and phone number of one international hospital for each city you visit (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) in your notes app before you leave. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it, but the peace of mind is worth the five minutes of research.

If you are from Europe, I highly recommend using a neobank like Revolut or Wise, which often have travel insurance included in their subscription. You can learn more in this article that I wrote.

• Revolut Travel Card Review: Is Revolut Safe For Travelling

4. The simple tech stack for parents

Japan in 2026 is more digitally friendly than ever, but you need your "tools" ready before you land to avoid stress at the airport.

Aside from the train apps, we found Flush to be an absolute essential. When you have a pregnant wife and small kids, quick access to clean toilets is everything. The app finds the closest ones and provides directions. In Japan, these are usually spotless and safe, which makes life on the go much easier.

Connectivity is the other half of the puzzle. I recommend skipping physical SIM cards and using the Ubigi app for an eSIM. Their Asia-wide plan covered both our Japan and South Korea legs perfectly with high-speed 5G. You can use my code WEP1XCQQ for 20% off your first plan.

Finally, make sure to use the "best car" feature on Google Maps. It tells you exactly where to stand on the platform to be closest to the elevators or exits, which saves a massive amount of walking when you are pushing a heavy stroller and have young kids.

5. How to do Disney without the 7 a.m. chaos

Tokyo Disney is often the #1 bucket-list item for families visiting Japan, but it is also the #1 source of travel anxiety due to rumors of 2-hour lines and extreme crowds.

The classic advice for Tokyo Disney is to arrive at 7 a.m. and "rope drop" the park. With toddlers and a pregnant wife, that is a recipe for a mid-day collapse. We took a much more sustainable approach by arriving at 10 a.m. instead. We walked through the gates in about 10 minutes with no dawn chaos and everyone feeling rested and fed.

Once inside, we used the Klook app to have our tickets ready and the Disney Resort App to book Premier Access for the big rides around our kids' nap windows. We also treated our stroller as the family "HQ." Park food is often sugary and fried, so we packed our own sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water. The stroller basket became our moving pantry and a quiet nap zone when the crowds got too much.

I wrote a full guide that you can find here or below to help you plan your first visit.

• 7 Ways To Survive Japan Disney With Toddlers

6. Why Japan in 2026 is the "sweet spot" for families

There are structural reasons why 2026 is such a sweet spot for parents. The 2025 World Expo brought major upgrades to transport and multilingual services across the Kansai region. In 2026, those improvements are fully operational, but the massive Expo-level crowds have moved on.

The government is also focusing on better quality tourism now, which means clearer signage and better crowd management in heritage areas like Kyoto.

We are also in a unique window before the next big tourism push for 2030. Japan has a target of 60 million visitors by then, which will likely drive up prices and strain the infrastructure again. By traveling in 2026, you get the benefit of the new upgrades and the weak yen before the system hits full capacity.

7. What we would change: The battle scars

Even with all our planning, the trip still taught us some hard lessons. I have written a separate post about the mistakes we made, including why we will never book a house with three flights of narrow stairs again. Next time, we would prioritise a central location over having "extra space" every single time. Rushing between three cities in two weeks was also a bit much; I’d recommend spending a full week in one city to build a routine and find the local playgrounds.

• Read: 5 Mistakes I Made Travelling Japan with Kids And How You Can Avoid Them

Ready to capture your own family memories?

Japan is a great adventure with toddlers, especially in this 2026 window. Just remember to enjoy the moments when they happen. If you are going to make the trip, make sure your photos do the memories justice.

Get the free guide to better travel shots. Stop letting blurry or dull photos ruin your memories. My free Mobile Photography Playbook shows you the simple framing and lighting tricks I used in Tokyo and Kyoto to make my phone shots look professional.

👉 Download the Free Mobile Photography Playbook Here

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Japan is a country that rewards the prepared. On our recent three-week journey from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto, I realized that while Japan is incredibly organized, the sheer scale of the transit systems and the language barrier can quickly drain your "decision battery."

If you’ve been following my journey as TheMillennialNomad, you know I’m a big believer in intentional freedom. But as a parent travelling with two young kids and a pregnant wife, "freedom" only happens when the logistics are invisible. I don’t look for travel "hacks", I look for digital systems that reduce friction so I can stay present with my family rather than staring at a map.

When planning your Japan family travel budget for 2026, digital tools are your highest leverage point for saving both time and money. After 21 days on the ground, 20,000 steps a day, and even one unexpected hospital emergency room visit, here is the exact digital stack I used to manage our logistics, energy, and sanity.

1. Staying Connected: The Foundation of Japan Family Travel

The biggest mistake you can make is relying on public Wi-Fi or those bulky "Pocket Wi-Fi" rentals. Carrying an extra device that needs charging is just another point of failure you don't need when you're already juggling snacks and strollers.

We used the Ubigi app for a 30-day Asia plan. It gave us a seamless 5G connection across Japan and South Korea for about €60. My advice? Install and activate the eSIM before you leave. The moment your wheels touch the tarmac, you have data for navigating Japan and checking train times.

Bonus: Use my code WEP1XCQQ to get 20% off your first purchase.

One critical safety note: Keep in mind that high-capacity power banks are no longer authorised in checked luggage on most flights. Always keep your power bank in your carry-on, and check your airline's Watt-hour limits to avoid having it confiscated at security.

2. Accommodation: Why We Chose Hotels Over Airbnbs

In my younger nomad days, I loved the "local feel" of an Airbnb. But for a Japan with kids itinerary, Booking.com was our primary tool. In Japan, hotels are often far more convenient for families.

You get daily cleaning, breakfast is usually included (a lifesaver to avoid the morning "I'm hungry" rush), and you avoid those hidden cleaning fees or the stress of unstaffed apartment check-ins. Most importantly, hotel staff are pros at handling the Yamato luggage forwarding service, one of the best Japan travel tips for families. They’ll ship your heavy bags to your next city for about €15, letting you travel between cities with just a backpack and free hands for your kids.

3. Breaking the Language Barrier

Japan is much more English-friendly than it was a decade ago, but the "Camera" feature in Google Translate is still your ultimate superpower for first-time Japan travel. We used it to decipher everything from laundry machine buttons to ingredient lists, which is vital when managing food sensitivities or pregnancy restrictions. It turns "Russian Roulette" dining into an intentional experience, allowing you to find those secluded gems like the 7-seat duck ramen spot I found in a Gion alley in Kyoto. Best ramen noodles I ever had.

4. Mastering the Maze: Japan Public Transport with Kids

Do not waste time at ticket machines. We added a Suica card directly to our Apple Wallets and topped it up instantly via Revolut. For our 7-year-old, we got the physical "Welcome Suica" card; it’s a tangible souvenir she’s still proud of.

For the Shinkansen, the JR EX App is essential. I pre-booked our seats to avoid the hour-long queues at the station. There is something truly meditative about eating a Bento box while watching a snow-capped Mount Fuji pass by at 300km/h. If you're looking for Tokyo family travel hacks, using these digital passes to avoid queues is the number one priority.

When the kids hit their limit, we used Uber to call local taxis. In Tokyo, you can often get spacious Toyota Sienna minivans, which are so comfortable for a family that I’d honestly choose one over the local taxis.

• Referral: Use my link here to get 50% off your first 5 trips!

5. Vetted Activities and Family Sanity

Planning for a family of four requires pre-vetting kid-friendly activities in Japan. We used Klook for everything from TeamLabs to the Railway Museum. Booking in advance lets you skip the line, which is mandatory when it's zero degrees outside, and kids are involved.

• Savings: Sign up via this link for a €5 discount on your first booking.

Finally, download Flush. When you have a 4-year-old and a pregnant wife, the question "Where is the toilet?" is always urgent. It’s a database of public restrooms that saved our sanity more than once in the crowded shopping districts of Dotonbori and Shibuya.

The "Parent-Operator" Safety Layer

Sometimes, things go wrong. When we needed an emergency consult at St. Luke’s International Hospital, my Revolut Metal insurance was a lifesaver. Also, a quick tip: if your flight from the EU is delayed by more than 3 hours (like our Dublin-Abu Dhabi leg), use AirHelp. Under European Law (EC 261/2004), you could be entitled to up to €600 per passenger. It’s the easiest way to claw back some of your travel budget.

Planning Your 2026 Japan Adventure

This trip reminded me that while the logistics are intense, the memories are what remain. I spent my quiet moments on the Shinkansen editing photos and reflecting on how travel changes our perspective as parents. Japan is remarkably safe and efficient, but it requires a "Systems" mindset to truly enjoy.

If you want to move from just "surviving" the trip to capturing it beautifully, I’ve put together a few things for you:

• Capture the Magic: My Mobile Photography Mastery ebook is designed for parents who want world-class photos and travel photos without lugging around a heavy DSLR.

Safe travels, fellow nomad. See you on the road.

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We just returned from three intense, beautiful, and exhausting weeks in Japan and South Korea. If you’ve been following TheMillennialNomad, you know I value intentional freedom. But Japan, with a 4-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a wife who was eight weeks pregnant, was the ultimate stress test!

Japan is often portrayed as a seamless, high-tech wonderland. While that’s true on the surface, the reality for families is a bit more nuanced. We walked over 15,000 steps a day, navigated station labyrinths, and handled a mid-trip hospital emergency room visit the night before our flight to South Korea.

Looking back, there are five specific mistakes I made that I want to share so your Japan family adventure is smoother than ours.

1. The "Speedrun" Trap: Moving Too Much

Our itinerary took us from Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto, and back to Tokyo. On paper, the Shinkansen makes this look easy. In reality, moving a family of four between cities every few days is a logistical heavy-lift. By the second week, the "transit friction" was visible on everyone’s faces.

The Lesson: If I were to do it again, I would stick to one or two hubs. Japan rewards "slow travel." Instead of checking off three cities, stay in one for two weeks and do day trips nearby. Your kids (and your back) will thank you.

2. Choosing "Residential" Apartments Over Central Hotels

In Tokyo and Osaka, we opted for residential apartments to get that "local feel" and a kitchen. However, these were often a 15–20 minute walk from the nearest station. When you're carrying heavy gear and a tired toddler, that "local walk" feels like a marathon.

The Strategy: Use Booking.com to find hotels centrally located near major stations (like Shinjuku or Shin-Osaka). You’ll get the amenities you need, breakfast is often included, and you won't have to navigate a 20-minute walk at the end of a long day.

3. Underestimating the "Hidden" Sugar and Salt

We expected Japanese food to be the healthiest part of the trip. The mistake? Thinking our kids would eat rice and grilled fish every day. In reality, Japanese "kid-friendly" food is often very sweet; even the omelettes (tamagoyaki) and meat sauces have a high sugar content because sweetness is viewed as a fundamental balancing agent rather than just a dessert flavour.

Examples of Sweet "Savoury" Foods

• Tamagoyaki: Recipes often call for up to one tablespoon of sugar per three eggs to achieve a custard-like, caramelised finish.

• Meat Sauces (Teriyaki & Hamburg): These rely on sugar or mirin (sweet rice wine) to create the signature glossy, addictive glaze that kids love.

• Sushi Rice: Traditional sushi rice contains significant sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.

We also experienced the dark side of "eating out" when both my son and wife suffered from food poisoning.

The Fix: We survived thanks to 7-Eleven smoothies (the only consistent source of fibre) and doing our own grocery shopping at local supermarkets to cook basic meals. If you’re travelling to Japan while pregnant, be extremely cautious with raw or undercooked foods.

4. Overpacking and Ignoring the "Yamato" Hack

I carried way too much manual weight in the beginning. Navigating the subway with kids and large suitcases is a recipe for burnout.

The Game-Changer: We eventually discovered the Yamato (Black Cat) luggage forwarding service. You can drop your bags at a 7-Eleven or your hotel front desk, and they will ship them to your next destination for about €15 within 24h. Travelling between Tokyo and Osaka with just a backpack and free hands for your kids is a game-changer. Less hassle and more freedom to enjoy the journey and little moments.

5. Not Having a "Health Buffer"

When my wife woke up nauseous and vomiting in Tokyo, the trip ground to a halt. We ended up at St. Luke’s International Hospital for an emergency consult, an IV, and blood tests. Because we had a Revolut Metal subscription, which includes travel and medical insurance for all family members, we had an emergency travel fund that allowed us to pay the €1,000 upfront without panic.

Safety Tip: If you are departing from the EU and your flight is delayed over 3 hours (like our 3-hour layover in Abu Dhabi), remember that European Law (EC 261/2004) entitles you to compensation. Use a service like AirHelp to claim up to €600 per person.

Conclusion: Is Japan Worth It with Kids?

Despite the soreness and the sick days, seeing my kids’ eyes light up at the Tokyo Disneyland fireworks or teaching them how to behave at a Shinto temple made it all worth it. Japan is a bootcamp for parents if you overplan, but with the right systems, it’s a memory-maker like no other.

If you want to make sure your next trip is captured perfectly without the stress of carrying a "real" camera, check out my Mobile Photography Mastery ebook. It’s exactly how I shot the photos for this guide using just my phone.

Safe travels, and remember: slow down, stay central, and always use the luggage forwarding.

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]]>5 Mistakes I Made Travelling Japan with Kids (and How to Avoid Them)IrelandLifestyletravelThings to dotravel guidetravel tipsTheMillennialNomadThu, 30 May 2024 09:48:56 +0000https://www.alexandrekan.com/mytravels/family-fun-avondale-treetop-walk-dublin-day-trip54c65950e4b0579944c39167:565b0c95e4b01110e1d7e450:62e145bfc166fe4e99c1f2cc

Are you looking for a way to escape Dublin City and connect with the great outdoors? Well, look no further than Avondale Forest Park in Wicklow! This hidden gem boasts a brand new attraction that's sure to get your adrenaline pumping – the incredible Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower.

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Imagine this: soaring amongst the lush Wicklow Mountains, the wind whispering through the leaves, and breathtaking panoramic views stretching out before you.

Yeah, it's pretty epic and always a great experience to explore Nature!

Getting There: Avondale Forest Park Directions

• By Car: Avondale Forest Park is conveniently located just outside of Dublin. About an hour and 15 minutes drive. From the city center, follow the M50 south towards Wexford. Take exit 18 for Cill Mhantáin/Wicklow S/Redcross, then follow the signs for Rathdrum and Avondale House. There's a good size car park with overflow carparks around the grounds, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a spot. They even have plenty of wheelchair spaces (around 12), EV charging points, and age-friendly parking spots for your convenience.

• By Train: If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, you can take the train from Dublin Pearse Station to Rathdrum. The journey takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes. From Rathdrum, you can either grab a taxi or enjoy a scenic walk (approximately 1.5km) to Avondale Forest Park.

So pack a picnic basket, grab your walking shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Avondale Forest Park!

Not Just a Walk in the Park (But There's Plenty of Those Too!)

While the Treetop Walk is the star of the show, Avondale Forest Park offers something for everyone. It's more than just a place to stretch your legs (although there are plenty of scenic trails to explore!). This park is all about immersing yourself in nature and creating lasting memories.

The Treetop Walk & Viewing Tower: Ireland's #HudsonYardsVessel

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Okay, so maybe it's not an exact replica of New York's trendy honeycomb structure! But Avondale's Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower is pretty darn cool in its own right.

This isn't your average stroll through the woods. You'll be weaving through the treetops on a specially designed walkway, feeling like a true explorer amidst the emerald canopy. And then there's the pièce de résistance – the Viewing Tower. Reaching a mighty 38 meters, it offers those jaw-dropping 360-degree views we mentioned earlier. Picture yourself soaking up the beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River snaking its way through the valley, and the charming Vale of Avoca – pure magic!

Avondale Forest Park Prices: Making the Most of Your Adventure

Now, let's get down to the practicalities. Tickets for the Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower are €14 for adults and €12 for children (over 3 years old). Little ones under 3 get to explore for free! They've also got fantastic family deals, making it a perfect day trip for the whole crew.

Avondale Forest Park Opening Times

Be sure to check the Avondale Forest Park website for current opening times, as they may vary depending on the season. Generally, the park is open daily during Summer from 9 am to 7pm. However, it's always best to confirm before your visit.

Here are some other things to keep in mind:

• Playground: The kids can burn off some energy on the fantastic playground while you relax.

• Cafe: Refuel after your adventures with delicious treats from the delightful cafe.

• Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly: Everyone can join in on the fun, as the entire park is accessible. ♿️

• Pre-book Tickets: This place is getting popular, so avoid disappointment and secure your spot online.

• Giant Slide (Optional): For an extra €2, you can whizz down a 360-meter corkscrew slide from the Viewing Tower – an exhilarating way to end your adventure (just be prepared for a potential wait later in the day).

A Perfect Escape from Dublin

Avondale Forest Park is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Dublin. It's an easy drive from the city center, making it perfect for a day trip. Pack a picnic basket, grab your walking shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

I hope you will have a great time visiting it.

If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure to like it, it actually makes a difference. And if you’d like to receive more travel tips, feel free to join our private online travel community here.

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Remember how I raved about my trip to Estonia a while back? Well, this year, I took the whole family for a Christmas adventure in the beautiful winter wonderland that is Tallinn! We were all craving a snowy escape, and Estonia delivered in spades.

In this post, I'll be sharing all about our magical Christmas experience in Tallinn. I’ll share with you the logistics of getting there, explore our unique accommodation choices (from city apartments to cosy seaside houses!), and uncover the exciting activities that keep the whole family entertained – from husky hikes and enchanting museums to indoor playgrounds and Tallinn's Christmas market.

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the festive charm of Christmas in Tallinn!

Getting There

Flying directly from Dublin to Tallinn used to be a breeze, but unfortunately, those days seem to be over. We ended up traveling with Lufthansa, with a layover in Frankfurt.

Pro tip for savvy travellers: Beware of short layovers in massive airports!

1.5 hours in Frankfurt with a family in tow was an adrenaline rush, to say the least. Thankfully, we made it to Tallinn in one piece, and the kids surprised us with how well they handled the journey (bonus points for them!). As soon as we landed, the magic began – snowflakes swirled around us, setting the scene for a perfect Christmas experience.

Accommodation Adventures

We decided to mix things up a bit and try out two different types of accommodation during our stay. First, we explored city life with an apartment near the Tallinn city center and Old Town.

It was a quick 15-20 minute walk from the action, nestled in a charming residential area filled with cosy local cafes. Getting around was a breeze – we used Bolt, the Estonian equivalent of Uber, which was super affordable and convenient. They even offer a car rental option through their app, with vehicles parked on almost every street corner.

For the second part of our trip, we opted for a house near the sea. Picture this: a spacious, traditional Baltic-style house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the pièce de résistance – a private sauna! Yes, saunas seem to be practically mandatory in Estonia, and I have to say, it was an absolute delight.

Activities for All Ages

Estonia kept the whole family entertained with a variety of activities. Here are some highlights:

• Lottemaa Amusement Park: Language barrier? No problem! Lottemaa, a beloved Estonian cartoon character, comes to life in this giant city designed especially for kids. Most staff members spoke English, and the kids had a blast exploring the park and attending the various shows throughout the day.

• Husky Farm Adventure: We learned all about these magnificent dogs and even got to go on a hike with them! Each participant was paired with their own husky, making for a memorable and fun-filled day (and a great workout in the snow!).

• Indoor Playgrounds: When the Estonian weather wasn't cooperating, these massive indoor playgrounds became our saving grace. Think trampolines, slides, climbing walls – all catering to kids of all ages. We spent a few happy hours here during our stay.

• Museum Adventures:

  • Estonian Maritime Museum: This interactive museum offered a fascinating glimpse into Estonian maritime history, complete with games for the kids. The rooftop boasts stunning panoramic views of Tallinn's Old Town. (Adult tickets start at around €14)

  • Energy Discovery Centre: Here, we learned all about different energy generation methods in a fun and interactive way. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!

  • PROTO Invention Factory: This place stole my heart! Spend an hour or two here exploring a variety of VR games suitable for both adults and kids. You can even take a trip down memory lane with classic video games, board games, and other nostalgic entertainment options. They even have a cafeteria serving delicious and affordable food – I highly recommend the hearty portion of harčõ soup (soup) for just €5!

Exploring Tallinn

No trip to Tallinn during Christmas would be complete without experiencing the Christmas market. While the food prices were a bit on the steep side, it was still a lovely experience to wander through the stalls and discover unique Estonian products like handcrafted ornaments, woollen scarves, and local delicacies.

For some outdoor fun, we ventured to the ice skating rink in the Old Town, just a short walk from the main square. It was a great way to soak up the festive atmosphere and burn off some energy!

A Taste of Estonian Christmas

Beyond the Christmas market, we also tried to immerse ourselves in some more traditional Estonian Christmas experiences. One evening, we enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner at a local restaurant. Think roasted goose, gingerbread cookies, and mulled wine – a feast fit for a Yuletide celebration! We also learned about some interesting Estonian Christmas traditions, like attending a church service on Christmas Eve or leaving a lit candle in the window to welcome home good spirits.

Overall Impressions

Our Estonian Christmas escape was an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The kids were mesmerized by the snow, a first-time experience for them, and Tallinn's festive atmosphere captured our hearts. Getting around the city was easy and affordable with Bolt, and the delicious food, with hints of our previous Latvian adventure, kept us well-fueled for our explorations.

Estonia has undoubtedly earned a spot on our "dream places to live" list. Even if that doesn't happen in the future, Tallinn will forever hold a special place in our hearts. This charming city, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and winter wonderland beauty, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a magical Christmas getaway.

Planning Your Own Estonian Christmas Adventure

Inspired to create your own Estonian Christmas memories? Here are some quick tips to get you started:

• Consider purchasing a Tallinn Card for free entry to many museums and public transportation discounts.

• Be prepared for potential layovers when flying – give yourselves ample time between connecting flights.

• Pack warm clothes, sturdy winter boots, and waterproof gear to embrace the snowy Estonian winter.

Do you have any questions about planning a Christmas trip to Tallinn? Feel free to leave a comment below and I'd be happy to share more details about our experiences!

I hope this article has given you a glimpse into the magic of Christmas in Tallinn. Now, it's your turn to start planning your own unforgettable Estonian adventure!

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I'm thrilled to dive into a conversation about one of my favourite topics: making money while travelling. As someone who has been bitten by the travel bug, I get the excitement of exploring new corners of the world.

And guess what? I've been there, and done that – traversing the globe while juggling my 9-to-5 jobs. How, you ask? Well, it's all about the magic of remote work and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit.

• 6 Tips To Create Your Life As You Want it

Picture this: me, a laptop, and a world of possibilities. Over the years, I've held down traditional jobs that tie you to a desk and mastered the art of making money on the go. It's like having the best of both worlds – earning a steady income and savouring the freedom to wander.

In this article, I'm thrilled to spill the beans on some of the methods that have not only financed my globetrotting escapades but have also allowed me to turn my travels into a self-sustaining adventure.

So, grab a seat, get ready to embark on this digital journey with me, and explore how you can fund your wanderlust using a blend of remote work and savvy income streams.

1. Freelancing in Your Niche

   Leverage your skills and expertise by offering freelance services online. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients seeking various talents, from writing and graphic design to programming and digital marketing. Work on projects while soaking in the vibrant cultures of different destinations. You can also leverage your own network via Facebook and Linkedin letting them know that you are now offering freelance services. Do not underestimate the value of the people you already know.

2. Remote Work Opportunities

   Many companies now embrace remote work, allowing employees to work from anywhere worldwide. Explore job boards and websites dedicated to remote job listings, such as Remoteok.com or We Work Remotely, to find positions that align with your skills and interests. LinkedIn can also be a good source of job opportunities, however, the remote filter is not always accurate and can be time-consuming.

3. Blogging and Affiliate Marketing

   Share your travel adventures through a blog and monetize it through affiliate marketing. Recommend travel gear, accommodations, or experiences with affiliate links. As your audience grows, so does your potential income, creating a passive revenue stream while you continue exploring new horizons.

   Blogging takes time, it requires you to understand SEO, copywriting and social media marketing. But it is worthy and does not require you to always be creating content on a daily basis like social media influencers depending on the platform algorithm gods!

   What I love about blogging and affiliate marketing is that you put in 20% of the work and get 80% of the results over time (Pareto principle). And when done correctly, you can earn a good living from writing articles on the internet!

   This is what I did and still do up until today. If you are interested in learning more about my journey, you can click on the links below.
   
   How To Start A Blog And Make Money
   How To Make Money With A Blog For Beginners
   Everything You Need To Know About Affiliate Marketing
   

4. Teaching or Tutoring

   If you excel in a particular subject or language, offer your teaching services online. Platforms like VIPKid, Teach Away, and Preply connect educators with students globally. Conduct lessons from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to teach and travel simultaneously.

5. Photography and Stock Images

   Capture the beauty of your travel experiences through photography and sell your images on stock photo websites. Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Alamy enable you to earn royalties every time someone downloads your photos, turning your passion for photography into a lucrative venture.

   I personally do not do it because it requires a lot of time to invest and can be very tedious work to do for a little bit of return on investment. To be successful with stock photography, you really need to be on top of the trends in this field and this does not necessarily match with the type of photography I enjoy capturing. But I have known a few photographers who have been quite successful at it and started earning a living with it.

6. Remote Consulting

   Offer your expertise as a consultant in your field. Whether you're a business strategist, marketing guru, or IT specialist, provide remote consulting services to clients around the world. Utilize video conferencing tools to conduct meetings and consultations while immersing yourself in different cultures.

   You only need an appointment booking system like Google Forms or Calendly and video conference tools like Zoom or Google Hangout to run your consulting calls.

   You will need a way to drive your ideal client to contact you either by using organic content like a blog article you are reading right now or using advertising. You can click on the link below to read an article I wrote about it.
   
   What Is A Marketing Funnel And Why Does Every Online Business Needs One

7. Virtual Assistance

   
   Assist businesses or entrepreneurs remotely by providing virtual assistant services. Tasks may include email management, scheduling, data entry, and more. Websites like Time Etc and Belay connect virtual assistants with clients seeking support, offering flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere. It is a good way to get your hands on how to run a business working for someone to mentor you while you earn a living and learn from them.
   

8. Online Courses and Ebooks

   Share your knowledge and skills by creating and selling online courses or ebooks. Develop content that aligns with your expertise and can be accessed by a global audience, generating income as you travel.

   It will require you to learn how to promote your product online, but if you have the budget, you can leverage social media advertising and recruit an ad specialist to promote your offer.

   All you need is an online platform like Podia, Teachable or Systeme.io which are all-in-one platforms to host your course and manage your community.

9. Tour Guiding and Travel Writing

   Share your love for travel by working as a tour guide or travel writer. Local tour companies often hire knowledgeable individuals to lead tours, while travel publications may pay for well-written articles about your experiences. Turn your passion for exploration into a source of income.

10. Social Media Influencing

    Build a presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok by documenting your travel adventures. Collaborate with brands for sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or product placements. As your follower count grows, so does your potential to monetize your online presence and fund your travels.

I hope these insights have ignited a spark of inspiration for your adventures. So, let me spill the beans on the real MVPs that funded my global escapades – blogging, affiliate marketing, content creation, consulting, and a sprinkle of digital products and online courses.

Imagine this: typing away on my laptop, creating content for brands, and helping others with my consulting gigs – all while soaking in the beauty of new places. It's been a wild mix of 9-to-5 jobs, remote work, and a dash of entrepreneurial flair that's kept the adventure alive.

Now, here's the kicker – what I've shared is just the tip of the iceberg. The online world is bursting with possibilities.

Are you curious about my journey and how I got paid to be a globe-trotter while dealing with a full-time gig?

I shot a series of 4 free videos where I break down my journey and how you could replicate it step by step.

But hey, this isn't the end of our story. Share this blog with your travel buddies, your crew, or anyone with a passion for exploring. Hit that like button if these tips sparked some ideas, and drop a comment below. Let's create a community where wanderers unite and lift each other!

Safe travels, and may your adventures be as epic as mine. Catch you on the flip side! 🌍✈️ Don't forget to access your free guide!

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Welcome to Riga, the charming capital of Latvia, where centuries of history and a vibrant modern vibe come together in a delightful mix.

Picture cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that's uniquely Riga. Whether you're exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the city's historical old town Riga, strolling along Alberta Iela with its gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings, or checking out the bustling Central Market, you're sure to be captivated. Be sure to try Riga's specialities like Riga Black Balsam and rye bread. But it's not just about history and food in Riga. This is a city with a thriving cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and live music venues. Whether you're a history buff or an art lover, a foodie or a party animal, Riga won't disappoint.

I travelled to Riga in 2007 and lived there for 6 months back in 2019. This is a small country in the Baltic States but very charming and the outdoor lifestyle is definitely one of the things that I loved the most when living there.

If you are planning to relocate to Latvia for work purposes, here is a guide that I wrote that tells you what you need to know and do. If you are just planning on visiting the city, then this guide will provide you with all you need to know to make it an unforgettable experience.

A Slice of History and Culture

Riga isn't just a city; it's a living history book. Imagine wandering through the enchanting Old Town, where medieval spires and colourful buildings whisper tales of times gone by. Latvia's culture is a beautiful blend of Baltic and European influences, and the locals take immense pride in their traditions. The lifestyle here? It's a harmonious blend of old and new, where cosy cafes coexist with hip galleries and historic landmarks.

So, Why You Must Visit Riga?

Well, imagine strolling through streets that have seen knights and kings, poets and philosophers. Riga's got a special kind of magic that'll whisk you away into a world of architectural wonders and cultural discoveries. Plus, the locals' warmth and the city's vibrant energy make it impossible not to fall in love.

Fun Facts About Latvia

- Ever heard of a song festival? Latvia's got 'em, and they're a big deal! Every five years, a grand event called the Latvian Song and Dance Festival engrosses the entire nation.
Tens of thousands of singers and dancers, professional and amateur, flood the cities with an enchanting blend of traditional and contemporary music
- Riga's been rocking Christmas trees since way back in 1510 – they pretty much invented festive decor!
- Forget the Eiffel Tower – the Latvian countryside boasts Europe's widest waterfall, Ventas Rumba.

Navigating Riga: Getting Around and Airport Arrival

Getting around Riga is a breeze! You've got buses, trams, and trolleybuses crisscrossing the city like a local's best-kept secret. Now, let's talk airport to city: Riga International Airport (RIX) is your gateway. Buses, taxis, and shuttles make it easy to dive into Riga's charms from the moment you touch down.

If you decide to take the bus, you can buy tickets directly on the busfrom the driver. Remember to have small changes ready as they might not give change. Alternatively, you can get a transportation card from any Narvesen convenience store. These are reloadable and convenient for those intending to use public transportation frequently. 

For those who prefer faster and more private transport, taxis are readily available. Be sure to hail only from reputable companies to avoid overpricing. Bolt is the equivalent of Uber in Europe and is very popular. Just a few minutes' ride and you are in the heart of Riga, ready to start your adventure.

Finally, you can also rent a car. There are free shuttles leaving from the airport that will bring you to the renting car companies. They usually require:

• ID

• Credit card to cover the deposit

• a photocopy of your driver's license and an insurance policy. 

Always make sure to thoroughly check the car before leaving the rental lot.

However, I’d recommend renting a car only if you are planning a road trip. For getting around within Riga city centre, walking is highly recommended.
Riga's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best explored on foot. The winding cobblestone streets, Art Nouveau architecture, and charming squares are not to be missed. 

Finally, be sure to check the driving regulations in Latvia before you hit the road. It's important to note that the speed limit is usually 50 km/h in the city and 90 km/h on highways. But nobody respects them, so watch your mirrors!

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Mastering Latvian Lingo

Got a few Latvian phrases up your sleeve? Here are some essentials:
- Sveiki: Hello
- Lūdzu: Please
- Paldies: Thank you
- Uz redzēšanos: Goodbye

I'd recommend downloading Google Translate and keeping the offline version available because not all Latvians speak English, mostly the younger generation. The main languages spoken in Latvia are Russian and Latvian.

Thirty-six per cent of people in Latvia speak Russian, while a quarter of the population identifies as ethnic Russian, not all of whom are Latvian citizens.

Where to Make Yourself at Home

Hotels in Riga offer a wide range of accommodations suitable for every type of traveller. From the lavish Grand Hotel Kempinski to the boutique-style Monika Centrum Hotels, you'll find something to meet your needs. For more modern and minimalist options, consider staying at the Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa. 

I usually use booking.com to look for hotels wherever I travel. You can use their search engine below to plan your stay.

For those looking for budget options, Riga also has several hostels and guest houses like the Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel and the Riga Style Hostel. 

If you prefer a more local experience, there are numerous Airbnb options available throughout the city, ranging from cozy single rooms to spacious, fully-equipped apartments. 

Whatever your style or budget, Riga is sure to have an accommodation solution that's just right for you.

**5. Riga's Bucket List: Top things to do in Riga**

Visit the stunning Riga Cathedral with its unique combination of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. 

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Pop by Alberta Iela, a street famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and explore the awe-inspiring District known for its unique and intricate designs.

Get lost and walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Riga Old Town with its narrow cobbled streets and medieval buildings.

Three Brothers in Riga is a collection of buildings that represent different architectural styles throughout the centuries. 

Firstly, the white brother showcases Gothic architecture and dates back to the 15th century. 

Secondly, the Middle Brother, with its Dutch-inspired design, was built during the 17th century. 

Lastly, the Green Brother exhibits a style popular during the Baroque period, which is known for its extravagance.  

Riga's central market is a bustling hub of activity. Explore different pavilions dedicated to meat, dairy, fish, and vegetables.

Visit the impressive Freedom Monument, a symbol of Latvia's independence. Take a stroll at the beautiful Bastejkalna Park and enjoy the city's peaceful green space.

Discover the historical significance of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.

Visit the unique Riga Motor Museum where you can witness the collection of vintage cars, including the one used by the former Soviet leader, Brezhnev. 

Bask in the beauty of the Riga Opera House and if possible, catch a mesmerizing performance.

Don't miss the chance to savour authentic Latvian cuisine at one of the traditional restaurants in the city.

Unwind in the serene Mezaparks, also known as "Forest Park", offering a refreshing nature getaway.

Explore Riga Central Libra for book lovers.

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Honour the past a Laima Clock, a historic landmark and meeting point. 

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Soak in the panoramic views of the city from St. Peter's Church Observation Tower.

Lastly, join a boat tour to appreciate the city’s skyline from the Daugava River.

When visiting, consider going on a guided tour to learn about the rich history of these buildings and how they reflect the changing architectural trends over the centuries. 

Also, remember to bring your camera to capture the uniqueness of each structure!

• 7 Tips To Take Great Travel Photos With Your Smartphone Camera

• 12 iPhone Photography Tips Any Photographers Should Know

Latvian Delights and Sips

Foodies, rejoice! Try "Grey Peas and Bacon," a traditional Latvian favourite.

And don't miss Riga Black Balsam, an herbal liqueur that's as Latvian as it gets. For a taste of elegance, dine at Rozengrāls, a medieval-themed restaurant, or step into the modern world at Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs.

Savour a hearty meal of `pīrāgi`, Latvia's delightful bacon-filled rolls, or tuck into a traditional plate of `sklandrausis`, a sweet pie made from dark rye dough.

Wash it all down with a jug of `kvass`, a unique fermented bread drink ( I did not personally like it), or a locally brewed craft beer (much better with a wide range of choices).

For seafood lovers, head to Kolka, the meeting point of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, for incredibly fresh fish and shellfish dishes. Finally, end your culinary adventure with `maizes zupa`, a sweet soup made from rye bread, often hailed as the most Latvian dessert ever.

The best spot to experience Latvian traditional food in my opinion, remains Lido, a popular chain of restaurants renowned for their extensive selection of hearty Latvian dishes in a buffet-style setting. Every meal at Lido feels like a grand family feast.

Finally, for an authentic Latvian street food experience, explore the Central Market in Riga, where local vendors serve everything from potato pancakes, and smoked fish to pickled vegetables. This culinary journey across Latvia is not just about the food but also about connecting with its rich culture

Retail Therapy

Get your shopping fix at Galerija Centrs or Spice, where malls meet fashion. There, you will find the most known high fashion brands.

For authentic finds, Central Market is your go-to for souvenirs, from traditional crafts to local treats.

Don't forget to check out Berga Bazārs, a hidden gem filled with quaint boutiques, or end your shopping spree at Kalnciema Quarter's weekend market.

Riga's Day Trip Escapes

Go beachy at Jurmala, Located in the heart of Latvia, a quick 30-minute drive from Riga. Known for its extensive sandy beaches and serene pine forests, Jurmala provides the ideal spot for relaxation.

Delight in the local cuisine at seaside cafes or embark on an adventure through Dzintari Forest Park. With the Jurmala City Museum, art galleries, and concert hall nearby, there's plenty to satiate the cultural enthusiast. 

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Explore medieval vibes in Cesis, another stunning Latvian town steeped in ancient history. Cesis is home to one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Latvia, where you can delve into the mysteries of the past. Wander through the cobblestone streets, visit the charming town square, and admire the beauty of the old churches. 

Discover the exceptional beauty of Gauja National Park, feast your eyes on the stunning landscapes, and immerse yourself in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Have a taste of the local beer and traditional Latvian dishes in cosy taverns. Don't miss the annual Cesis Art Festival for a unique blend of contemporary and historical art.

Find adventure in Sigulda, known as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Breathtaking views of the Gauja Valley are provided by the Turaida and Sigulda Castles. Experience the thrill of bungee jumping, cable car rides, and skiing in the colder months.

Get lost in Kemeri Bog's eerie beauty, where the boardwalk trails guide you across the vast, water-soaked peat bogs. Home to a variety of bird species, it's a dream for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Marvel at the pristine landscapes and the tranquillity that only untouched nature can bring. Visit the Kemeri National Park to witness the stunning sunset views and the therapeutic Kemeri mineral springs famed for their healing properties.

Feel royal at Rundale Palace also known as the Versailles of Latvia, nestled in the southern part of Latvia. This is a baroque masterpiece designed by the famous Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Explore the elegant French-style gardens, visit the Rose Pavilion, and marvel at the ornate frescoes inside the palace.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the historical events and figures associated with the palace in the meticulously curated museum. Conclude your tour with a delightful high tea at the palace café, and find yourself transported back in time.

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Planning a weekend getaway in a tree house located in the middle of the Gauja National Park? I recommend staying at this Airbnb.

• Best Airbnb in Latvia? Going Off The Grid At Ciekurs Tree-House

Savvy Traveler Tips

- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for a pleasant vibe. Late summer nights are perfect for a stroll along the river, with live music playing and dining options.

- Stay Safe: Riga's generally safe, but mind your belongings in tourist spots.

- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and conservative attitudes. From an occidental point of view experiencing talking with people in Latvia might feel quite different.

Latvians are known for their reserved and private nature. They appreciate personal space, and quiet conversations, and do not usually engage in small talk. It's expected that visitors will mirror this behaviour, especially in public places.

Avoid loud and boisterous behaviour, which can be seen as disruptive and disrespectful. Make sure to learn a few basic Latvian phrases to show respect for their language and culture.

When dining out, it is customary to leave a small tip, usually around 10% of the total bill. Lastly, always remember to be patient and understanding, as cultural differences might lead to misunderstandings, but these can be easily overcome with a respectful and open mindset.

- Budget Wisdom: Riga offers a range of options for every budget. From budget travellers to luxury travellers, you will find experiences that suit every type of traveller.

Riga is for sure a unique destination in Europe that I recommend to everyone I know to visit. The Latvian lifestyle is one of a kind, and the food and nature are two of my favourite things to experience in this city every time I visit it.

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As someone who loves to travel, I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to visit Tallinn, Estonia for the first time. I heard a lot about Tallinn back in 2017 when I was looking at Digital nomad destinations and learned about their e-residence and the possibility to set up a company based in Estonia remotely.

Estonia is also the last Baltic country that I did not visit and was curious to know how different it would be from the two others Latvia and Lithuania.

Tallinn is a beautiful city and not so well known from the rest of the world but it remains an excellent destination for a city break.

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In this article, I will share my experience visiting Tallinn and share with you some of the best things to do for anyone planning a city break to Tallinn.

What You Need to Know About Estonia

Before we dive into Tallinn, it's essential to know a bit about Estonia. Estonia is a small country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, Latvia, and Finland.

The country has a rich history, and you can still see remnants of its Soviet past. Estonia is a member of the European Union and uses the euro as its currency.

Few Estonian Words

As with any country, learning a few words in the local language can go a long way. Even though Estonians do speak English and I haven’t had a chance to practice my Estonian while I visited Tallinn, here are a few Estonian words to get you started:

• Tere - Hello

• Aitäh - Thank you

• Vabandage - Excuse me

• Head aega - Goodbye

How to Get to Tallinn, Estonia. Airport and Flights

Tallinn has an international airport, Tallinn Airport (TLL), which is serviced by many airlines. Flights to Tallinn from other European cities are frequent and affordable. If you're coming from further afield, connecting flights are available through Helsinki, Stockholm, and other European hubs.

There used to be some direct flights from Dublin, Ireland to Tallinn with the low-cost airline company Ryanair. But the route has been cancelled since April 2023.

As of today, all flights require at least one layover to a nearby country.

Transports in Tallinn: How to Get from Tallinn Airport to City Centre

Getting from Tallinn airport to the city centre is straightforward. The most convenient and affordable option is to take the tram. Tram line number 4 runs from the airport to the city centre. The journey takes around 20-25 minutes, and tickets can be purchased from the driver or at the airport.

I personally purchased a 3-day travel card from the R-kiosk that provides you with unlimited travel on all Tallinn public transports.

But on the day I arrived, the tram did not work.

So, the other option is to use the equivalent of Uber which is Bolt, an Estonian company. The transport fees are very affordable and make the journey hassle-free.

Where to Stay in Tallinn, Estonia

There are many great places to stay in Tallinn, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The Old Town is the most popular area to stay in, but there are also many great options outside of the Old Town. Here are some of the top places to stay in Tallinn:

• Old Town: The Old Town is the most popular area to stay in, and there are many great options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

• Telliskivi Creative City: This trendy neighbourhood is home to many bars, restaurants, and clubs, and is a great place to stay if you're looking for nightlife.

• Kadriorg: This neighbourhood is located just outside of the Old Town and is home to many beautiful parks and gardens. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for a quieter, more residential area.

• City Centre: The City Centre is a great place to stay if you want to be close to everything.

  Tallinn has accommodation options for every budget. If you're looking to stay in the city center, there are plenty of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options available.

  If you're on a budget, I recommend staying in the Kalamaja neighborhood, just a short walk from the city centre. Kalamaja has a bohemian vibe, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and street art.

  I personally stayed at Citybox hotel. It was located 10 minutes walk from the old town and got all the amenities needed as a solo traveler.

  Not only the decor was very nice and modern but the rooms were completely isolated from any noise. I never stayed in a hotel that was so quiet in the past.

Top Reasons to Visit Tallinn

Tallinn has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Tallinn:

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• Old Town Tallinn: No visit to Tallinn is complete without a visit to the Old Town. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. It's a joy to wander around the cobbled streets and explore the colorful buildings. The Old Town is divided into two parts: the upper town and the lower town. The upper town is home to Toompea Castle, which houses the Estonian Parliament. The lower town is where you'll find most of the restaurants, cafes, and shops.

  One of the highlights of the Old Town is the Town Hall Square. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and is the perfect place to relax with a coffee or a meal. During the summer months, the square is bustling with street performers and live music.

  If you're interested in history, be sure to visit the Kiek in de Kök tower. The tower is part of the city's medieval fortifications and houses a museum about Tallinn's military history. From the top of the tower, you'll get a fantastic view of the Old Town.

• History: Tallinn has a rich history, and you can learn about it at one of the many museums or on a guided tour. The KGB Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Soviet history.

• Food: Estonian cuisine is a mix of Scandinavian, Russian, and German influences. The food in Tallinn is delicious, and there are plenty of great restaurants to try. My favourite is a restaurant chain called Lido where you can try a little bit of everything.

• Smart City: Tallinn is considered a smart city, and it's easy to see why. The city has free public Wi-Fi, and many services, such as public transport, can be paid for with a mobile phone. Tallinn is considered a smart city because of its innovative use of technology. The city has free public Wi-Fi, and many services, such as public transport, can be paid for with a mobile phone. The city also has a digital ID system, which allows residents to access government services online.

• Nature: Estonia is known for its beautiful nature, and Tallinn is no exception. The city is surrounded by parks and forests, and there are many hiking trails just a short bus ride away.

• Nightlife: Tallinn has a vibrant nightlife scene, with something for everyone. The old town has plenty of bars and pubs, while the Telliskivi Creative City neighbourhood is home to many clubs and live music venues.

Is Tallinn a Beautiful City Worth Visiting?

Yes, Tallinn is a beautiful city and is definitely worth visiting. The city has a unique blend of medieval and modern architecture, and the Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe dating back to the XIII century.

The city is also surrounded by beautiful nature, and there are many parks and forests just a short bus ride away.

How Safe is Tallinn? Is Tallinn Safe for Tourists?

Tallinn is generally a safe city, and it's safe for tourists.

As with any city, it's important to take precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.

How is Nightlife in Tallinn for Non-White Foreigners?

Tallinn is a multicultural city, and everyone is welcome.

The nightlife scene in Tallinn is diverse, and there is something for everyone. However, like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.

I personally did not feel threatened or looked at when walking the streets of Tallinn. I met with one of my friends in Tallinn who brought me to many places around the old town.

Here is a short list of places we visited:

Beer House - if you enjoy craft artisanal beers, you will love this place.

Pub/ sports bar - Irish pub Mad Murphy’s - It’s become a tradition to visit Irish pubs abroad to taste the local Guinness.

Cocktail bar Sigmund Freud bar - If you enjoy great cocktails, this bar was excellent. Do not hesitate to chat with the bartender to get a custom made cocktail for your taste.

Karaoke bar - Retrokteek Baar - I am not a fan of Karaoke bar, but the club was vibin. Everyone was going up on the stage to sing a song and the audience was fire!

What is There to Do in Tallinn, Estonia?

There are plenty of things to do in Tallinn. Here are some ideas:

• Visit the Old Town and explore the cobbled streets and colourful buildings.

• Learn about Tallinn's History at one of the many museums.

• Enjoy Estonian cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants.

• Take a hike in one of the nearby parks or forests.

• Visit the Telliskivi Creative City neighbourhood for live music and clubbing.

• Relax in one of the city's many parks.

My personal experience of Tallinn

A weekend in Tallinn is the perfect opportunity to explore the Old Town, enjoy some delicious Estonian cuisine, and soak up the city's unique atmosphere.

There are plenty of things to do in Tallinn. In addition to exploring the Old Town, there are many museums, galleries, and parks to visit. Here are some of the top things to do in Tallinn:

• Visit the Kiek in de Kök tower and museum to learn about Tallinn's military history.

• Explore the beautiful Kadriorg Palace and park.

• Visit the Seaplane Harbour museum, which is housed in a historic seaplane hangar.

• Take a walk along the coast and enjoy the sea views.

Tallinn is an excellent destination for a European city break. The city is compact and easy to explore, and there are many things to see and do.

The city is also well-connected, with frequent flights to other European cities.

Living in Tallinn, Estonia?

In every new country I travel to, I try to imagine what life could be like.

Tallinn is an excellent city to live in. The city has a high standard of living, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other European cities.

Even though things are changing since the inflation in 2023 and Estonia is the country with the highest inflation rate, 15.6% compared to 6.9% in the Eurozone in March 2023.

The city is also well-connected, with frequent flights to other European cities. The city has a vibrant expat community, and there are many opportunities to meet new people. I recommend joining the ex-pats in Tallinn Facebook group.

Overall, Tallinn is a beautiful and vibrant city that is well worth a visit. The Old Town is a must-visit, but there are many other things to see and do in the city, too. The city is well-connected and is an excellent destination for a European city break or a weekend away. With its unique blend of medieval and modern architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Tallinn is sure to charm visitors from around the world.

Here is a YouTube channel with a lot of useful information I personally use to help me prepare for my trip to Tallinn.

If you found this article helpful, make sure to like it, it actually makes a difference. You can also join along my community on telegram by clicking here.

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Have you ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find solace in nature?

Well, I did just that by booking an Airbnb in Estonia. It was a unique experience spending 24 hours in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature.

I must say, it was the best Airbnb experience I have had so far.

In this blog post, I'll share my experience and provide useful information on how you can enjoy this experience too.

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How to Get to the Airbnb from Tallinn

The Airbnb location is situated 1h15 from Tallinn. It's in a small town called Laokula that's easy to access by train. Luckily I did not need to hire a car during my whole stay in Estonia. The public transport are modern and very well equiped.

The host provided me with clear directions, which made it easy to find the location.

I must admit that when I stepped out of the train at this tiny station in the middle of nowhere with nothing around and saw the train leaving, I started thinking twice about my decision!

The daylight was almost gone, and I had no choice but to start walking in the direction of my Airbnb.

After walking for 10 minutes in the snow I finally arrived, and I was not disappointed. It looked exactly like in the photos.

Visit of the Airbnb/ Indoor/Outdoor

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The Airbnb location was stunning. It's surrounded by nature and has a breathtaking view of the countryside. The interior of the house was cosy and welcoming. It had everything we needed, from a well-equipped kitchen to a comfortable bedroom.

The highlight of the Airbnb was the outdoor space. It had a large deck that was perfect for lounging and enjoying the view. There's also a private sauna that's perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking or exploring.

Private Sauna

The private sauna was a unique feature of the Airbnb. It was located in a separate building, just a few steps from the main house. The sauna was clean and well-maintained. It had everything we needed, from towels to a bucket and ladle. We enjoyed a relaxing sauna session in the evening, followed by a dip in the nearby lake.

Self Catering

One of the advantages of staying in an Airbnb is that you can cook your own meals. The Airbnb in Estonia had a well-equipped kitchen with everything we needed to prepare our meals. We brought our own groceries and enjoyed cooking and dining on the deck with a stunning view of the countryside.

Peaceful and Quiet

One of the things that we loved about the Airbnb was how peaceful and quiet it was. It was a refreshing change from the noise and chaos of the city. The only sounds we heard were the birds chirping and the wind rustling through the trees. It was a perfect escape from the stress of everyday life.

Price, Reviews, Night

The Airbnb in Estonia was reasonably priced, and the reviews were excellent.

It's clear that the host goes above and beyond to make their guests feel comfortable and at home.

I had an excellent night's sleep in the comfortable bed and woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Perfect City Break Getaway

If you're looking for a unique city break, then this is the perfect destination.
The Airbnb location is just 1h15 from Tallinn, making it a perfect base for exploring the city. However, the real highlight of this Airbnb is the location: in the middle of nowhere. You feel fully isolated and everything is so quiet and peaceful that you can even hear your thoughts!

This Airbnb accommodation is the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

Link to Airbnb

If you're interested in booking this Airbnb in Estonia, here's the link here.

I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a unique and peaceful experience surrounded by nature.

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Overall, my experience of spending 24 hours in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature in this unique Airbnb location in Estonia was unforgettable.

It was the best Airbnb experience I have had so far, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city.

Its stunning countryside view, private sauna, and well-equipped kitchen make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

So, if you're planning a vacation in Estonia, don't miss out on this unique Airbnb experience. You won't regret it. With its excellent reviews, comfortable accommodation, and stunning views, it's a vacation rental that you won't want to miss.

I hope this blog post has inspired you to book your next vacation rental on Airbnb. Remember to bring your camera and capture the beautiful scenery, and most importantly, take the time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Happy travels!

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What do you think of when you hear the term “digital nomad”? While some people immediately think of business entrepreneurs with laptops in exotic destinations, others might be imagining a teenage hacker lounging in his parent's basement — or an entirely different, imagined scenario.

The term “digital nomad” is used to refer to someone who works remotely and chooses to live abroad so he or she can travel frequently, usually only for extended periods of time.

I'm sure you've heard about the perks of the digital nomad lifestyle.

Maybe you're just starting out, or maybe you've just returned home from a long trip. If you haven't, here's some information to help fuel your desires to travel.

The most common way people make a living while being location independent is freelancing, or working remotely as they travel the world.

Here is a list of 9 digital nomad jobs you can start or do while traveling. If you’re looking for a job that will pay you to travel the world, these are some options to explore.

1. Blogging

Blogging as a digital nomad career is the path I decided to take back in 2015.

There are many ways you can use your skills to make money while traveling, but blogging is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to earn money online in my opinion.

I have been able to work remotely as a blogger for many years and share my experiences as a digital nomad with others who want to do the same.

But, as you may have noticed, not all blogs are created equal.

Some blogs make thousands of dollars per month while other blogs struggle to get more than $100 in advertising revenue each month.

The goal is to multiply your streams of income as soon as you can. With blogging here are the various ways you can earn money

• write sponsored posts

  Sponsored posts are the most common way that bloggers make money. You can write sponsored posts for your own blog, or you can write them for other people’s blogs. The latter is more common and easier to get started with because you don’t have to worry about creating a brand or following yet.

• Affiliate marketing

  Affiliate marketing is a form of advertising that allows you to make money by promoting other people’s products or services. You’ll usually get paid when someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, but it can also work with subscriptions and memberships. You can use blogger networks like BloggerLinkup and Amazon Associates to find affiliate offers. Here are more resources to help you get started with affiliate marketing.
  
  Affiliate Marketing For Bloggers
  Low Ticket VS High Ticket Affiliate Marketing

• Sell advertising placements
  You can sell advertising placements in your blog. This is what most people think of when they hear “make money with a blog” because it was once the primary source of income for many bloggers. There are many different ways to do this, but the most common ones are:

• Sell digital products
  You can sell your own digital products like e-books, courses, or other digital content. You can use platforms like Gumroad or Shopify to create and sell these products.

• Sell physical products
  You can sell your own physical products like t-shirts, mugs, posters, etc. You can use platforms like Printful or Teespring to create and sell these products. This is a great way to build your brand and get new customers into your sales funnel.

• Sell services
  You can sell your own services like coaching or consulting. This is a great way to build your brand and get new customers into your sales funnel. You can use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Dribbble to find people looking for services like yours.

If you are interested in going down the blogging path, have a read at this guide I wrote about How To Make Money With A Blog For Beginners.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

In the past, SEO was the realm of webmasters. Today, with the rise of digital nomads, SEO has become a job for freelancers.

They are responsible for ensuring that their clients’ websites are optimized for search engines. They do this by creating content that meets specific criteria and then promoting the content through various channels.

The best SEO experts can help you get more traffic and conversions, but there are many things that can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why it is preferable to hire an experienced professional who can do everything from keyword research to link building.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a competitive niche, especially when it comes to backlinks (the links pointing back to your website). Because there are so many other SEO experts out there, aiming for the same keywords to rank among the search engine first results page, and trying to build up their backlinks.

It can be difficult to make money through SEO alone without some type of marketing funnel or funneling strategy.

3. Social Media Manager

Social Media Manager is a popular job nowadays. It's an online job, so it's perfect for digital nomads. You can work remotely and be location independent. You'll have to have good knowledge of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

To become a social media manager, you need to have excellent writing skills as well as good knowledge of the platform's algorithms.

The work involves researching and analyzing topics relevant to your audience and posting them on the platform. You also need to create content that will generate traffic and engagement for the brand or business you represent.

Many bloggers are looking for a Social Media Manager who can help them out with their blog by posting regular updates on their blogs and social media accounts, along with handling their email subscriptions, comments and inquiries from readers.

4. Proofreader

Proofreading is a great entry level job for digital nomads. That's because it's an easy and fast job to verify text files.

You can do it at home, on the beach or even in a coffee shop.

Proofreaders are able to work remotely, which makes them ideal for digital nomads who want to work from home or travel around the world.

Proofreading is an easy job that anyone can do with just basic skills and knowledge of English grammar and spelling. You don't need any experience or degree to become a proofreader!

5. Translator

If you speak another language fluently and have a knack for translating documents, then this could be a great opportunity for you.

Translating is usually done through freelance websites like Upwork or Freelancer, but it's also possible to do this kind of work as an employee of a company who has international clients or partners.

Translating is a great way to make extra money as a digital nomad. You can work from anywhere in the world, and often, clients are willing to pay for your translation services before even seeing them.

The best part about translation is that you don't need any training or certification to get started. All you need is access to the Internet and a good working knowledge of another language (or two).

Translators are often paid per word or per page, depending on how busy they are or how much they charge their clients. It's not uncommon for translators to charge between $1 and $10 per word, which translates into roughly $100 per hour. This means that if you're translating an average-length novel (50,000 words), it'll take you approximately 10 hours of work at $100 an hour – or just under $1,000 total!

6. Freelance Consultant

A freelance consultant is someone with specialized skills who provides advice and assistance in a specific field of expertise. They may work as part of a larger company or independently as an independent contractor (IC). Consultants are usually paid by the hour or day for their services.

Consulting work can involve anything from general advice about a broad topic like marketing or human resources management, to specific advice on an individual project such as building an ecommerce website or training staff on corporate policies and procedures.

Consultants might work with one client at a time or with several clients simultaneously depending on the nature of their business and specialty areas of expertise.

You can find jobs on Upwork, Fiverr and other similar sites. You could also create your own website and list yourself as an expert in a particular field.

7. Graphic Designer

If you're good with graphics, then this is an excellent option for you. There are many graphic design jobs available on sites like Upwork and Freelancer.com, but what's more interesting is the idea of becoming an online freelancer. You can offer your services to companies all over the world and make money while you travel.

Graphic designers can also create their own freelance businesses by creating products such as e-books or courses that teach people how to become better at graphic design.

The best way to make money as a graphic designer is to become a freelance contractor. You can find work not only through sites like Upwork but also by networking with other designers and agencies on LinkedIn. And there are several other ways to make money as a graphic designer, including:

Becoming an in-house graphic designer at a company or organization. This option may be better suited for those who have experience working in an office environment and have a more traditional background in design and art.

8. Web Developer / Coder

The online world has become so big that it's impossible for any one individual to know everything about the field. That's why it's important for you to specialize in a specific area of web development.

Here are some of the most common areas of specialization:

Front-end development: Working on the front end means creating HTML, CSS and JavaScript code. You'll also be responsible for testing and debugging your code before it goes live.

Back-end development: Back-end developers work on the "behind the scenes" functionality of websites by writing code in languages like PHP or Python. They're also responsible for making sure that all data flows smoothly through your website without any disruptions or bugs along the way.

Mobile app development: Mobile apps can be games, productivity tools or simply tools that allow users to interact with a company or brand. These apps usually require a lot of programming knowledge but they can also be created by using drag-and-drop templates like those found at www.appmakr.com

It's not as easy as it sounds though, especially if you're just starting out. The first step is to learn how to code and then make sure that you have some projects on your resume before applying for remote jobs.

9. Photographer

If you have a passion for photography, you can use it to make money as a digital nomad. The internet is full of people who will pay good money for quality photos, especially if they’re taken by an expert in the field.

There are many different types of photography jobs available as a digital nomad.

You could be hired by someone to take photos at an event or even just take product photos for their business. If you’re more interested in travel photography, then there are plenty of agencies that will hire you to shoot photos while on your travels.

You may also be able to make some extra income by selling your images online through sites like Shutterstock or iStockPhoto.

Check out these Top 5 Ways To Make Money As A Photographer article I wrote where I share my personal experience working as a photographer.

My personal experience

It took me 2 years to transition from an office job to working remotely. I had to build up the skills necessary to sustain an income online with my blog.

I have a background in digital marketing. So, I also decided to offer my services as a digital consultant to help people brand themselves online and attract the right clients to their business.

That allowed me to transition into the digital nomad lifestyle.

I then started to learn photography to document my travels around the world. And as my Instagram account grew in popularity, brands started to reach out to me for collaborations.

This allowed me to diversify my streams of income using social media platforms.

Today, I work remotely with a company as a contractor and have my business on a side.

How do I manage everything while keeping a work life balance you may wonder?

One word: Automation!

The beauty of Internet marketing is that everything can be automated.

And that’s become my specialty: Leverage technology to simplify my life.

If you need some help automating parts of your business or need any marketing advice, do not hesitate to schedule a call in my calendar and I'd be happy to offer you some guidance.

The best digital nomad jobs can give you the freedom, flexibility and income to travel more often.

But bear in mind that it is a lifestyle and there are challenges to travel often while working remotely. It is not always as cool as it looks. It takes time and hard work and it can get lonely if you do not know where to find the right community.

But once you got the basics covered, you will never look back.

If you liked this article, make sure to like it, it actually makes a difference. And if you’d like to learn more about the digital nomad lifestyle, I’d encourage you to join my new Facebook group where I share more regular information.

Related articles

• 11 lessons to be learned from traveling as a digital nomad

• The ultimate course on how to become a digital nomad for beginners

• How to become a digital nomad

• How to travel often with a full time job

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When I read in the news that a new forest hideaway was going to be opening in Leitrim in Ireland, I immediately shared it with my wife. Finally a glamping spot in Ireland that is family friendly and that looks modern with all the amenities needed to enjoy a great experience.

Our last forest experience was in Latvia where we stayed in a tree house and this experience was amazing. Needless to say, that as soon as I got my wife green light, we booked our stay online within a few hours. As expected, there is a high demand and it is preferable to book your stay months in advance.

In this article, I will share what you can expect from your stay at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway.

Located in Leitrim, 2 hours drive away from Dublin. The drive is quite enjoyable and fast from Dublin. You will mostly drive on the highway (top speed 120km/h) and have the most scenic scenery to look at which makes the drive very pleasant.

Drumhierny estate

Upon arrival, the entrance is marked with a giant, artfully rusted metal sign, and when the gates open up, you drive up a long, tree-lined path past the first few lodges on both sides.

This exclusive hideaway offers 16 self catering lodges nestled within their own private area of the woodland.

You will need to go all the way up the path to check-in at the reception to collect your access card for the house and receive your welcome package.

Check-in can also be completed online in advance, with your lodge key sent directly to your phone via the JustIN app, which is very handy.

It is a car free site. once unloaded you are asked to park your car to the closest car park from your lodge.

Drumhierny lodges

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There are 16 lodges in total, all made from natural woods and sleeping 6 people. What I loved are the furniture all made of woods, from the dining table to the lamp stands and clothing racks.

You can choose between four different designs, but the focus of each is the giant, floor-to-ceiling glass façade, which gives you incredible views on the forest.

We personally stayed in the Foxes den ‘A’-frame cabin. On the ground floor you can find the main living area, with a living room, well equipped kitchen, a dinner table, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower.

And up the stairs, you can find the mezzanine with the master bedroom and an en-suite bathroom with another walk-in shower.

Everything is clean, modern and the lodges are well isolated, dry and warm.

The focus is on self-catering which is ideal as a family or if you are on a budget. However, the local cafe offers pizzas, hot dogs and other lite bites and drinks if you are not a fan of cooking.
We tried their pizzas and really enjoyed them. The base of the pizzas were thin and crispy and very tasty.

Lodges start at 450 euros for two nights. Check-in time is 4pm and check out time 10 am.

Visit website here.

Things to do

Drumhierny Woodpecker cafe

If you’d like some lite bites, refreshments or a glass of wine during your stay, head over to the Woodpecker cafe a short 5 minutes walk from most lodges in the estate.

There are delicious croissants and sausage rolls available every morning from 10 am while pizza, chips and hot dogs are available from 12 noon.

Don’t miss the ambience of the camp fire every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The fire is lit each of these evenings from 6pm to 8pm depending on the weather. A great way to have a chat with other travelers.

Drumhierny spa

The outdoor well being sanctuary is a private haven of tranquility tucked away in the original walled garden of the estate. You can experience luxurious facilities from seaweed baths, outdoor hot tubs, sauna with a glass wall that overlooks the gardens and loungers. A great place to be one with nature and take time off for yourself.

The Seaweed Bath Experience costs about €65 and €35 if you just want the hot tub and sauna. You’re allotted two and a half hours in total to enjoy the area. Plenty of time to sit back and relax without rush.

Drumhierny Forest trails

There are 100 acres of woodland to explore, with 5km of walking trails weaving around the land.

I personally recommend to walk the Fairy trail and the loop to enjoy the scenic views. You can tell that this forest is old. The moss climbing up the trees really make it look like an enchanted forest.

Is it family friendly?

Having 2 young kids, one of my highest requirements is to have a safe environment my kids can roam freely. The lodges are family friendly. Just make sure to barricade the entrance of the stairs if your kids are not familiar with them yet.

There is a small playground nearby the cafe where the kids can let some steam off while parents can enjoy their beverages.

**Update 2024** Drunhierny Woodland Hideaway just upped the family fun factor with a brand-new playground! This isn't your average swing-set situation – we're talking about a haven for energetic explorers, designed to spark imaginations and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Picture this: your little adventurers zip down thrilling zip lines, their laughter echoing through the trees. They conquer towering slides, their tummies doing joyful flips with every descent. In the fort-building area, creativity reigns supreme as they construct kingdoms and embark on daring pirate voyages. Swings send them soaring through the air, and endless climbing opportunities challenge their agility.

This isn't just about burning off energy, though that's certainly a bonus for parents! The new playground fosters imaginative play, encourages exploration, and provides a safe space for little ones to connect with nature. It's the perfect complement to Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway's already enchanting surroundings, offering a balance between outdoor adventures and imaginative fun.

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Kids are able to explore the nature and play freely. We did not worry once about their safety as it reminded our childhood, my wife and I, playing outdoors all day long. A great way for them to discover what nature has to offer and familiarise themselves with bugs and insects.

Insider tips

• be mindful of leaving windows and doors open as woodland creatures may enjoy the comfort of your lodge. In the evening lights on while windows or doors are open will also attract flies, bugs and insects.

• Plant a tree campaign - in order to offset the carbon footprint of your stay, they will plant a tree for all guests who book directly with them via their own website. and you will be able to see throughout the estate that there’s been an extensive planting done already this year.

• Be prepared, ensure you have the correct clothing and footwear for the terrain as it is quite uneven ground.

• You can get a fire pit delivered to your lodge complete with a massive stack of logs and giant marshmallows for €25.

• Pets are welcomed. Just be mindful of keeping your furry friend on leads at all times when outdoors. A number of Lodges are pet friendly & come with dog bed & blanket

• You can request an early check-in and late check out time at 1pm for an extra 50 euros if you do not want to rush in the morning. I recommend it if you have a young family.

• Baby cots and high chairs are provided upon request. No need to bring anything with you.

  The best thing in my opinion is to recharge in whatever way suits you best. I personally enjoy going for a photo walk along the many foot trails or bringing a good book to read while listening to the sound of the wind blowing the trees.

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Overall, our stay as a family was excellent. The weather was great and allowed us to spend most of our stay outdoors enjoying the forest trails. This is great for families as kids can roam around freely and enjoy the nature.

It is the ideal place to disconnect from our busy lifestyle and get back to nature to just relax in this splendid environment.

It is for sure a place I would love to return to whether with friends or family. It is the perfect woodland retreat.

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Japan was on my travel checklist for a long time. I have always been attracted by this country.

When I was younger I was a big fan of Mangas (a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels, typically aimed at adults as well as children.).

I also practiced a martial art called karate Shotokan that originated from Japan and I studied at University their business cultural etiquettes. This year was the opportunity to go visit this amazing country. I was looking forward to the cultural shock. 

The first stop of my trip in Japan was Kyoto. Only 3h away from Tokyo by train and first time jumping on the famous bullet train which speed can go up to 603km/h but the maximum operating speed is 320 km/h.

Here is my experience of Kyoto.

Travel restrictions [2022]

Learn the main travel restrictions according to where you are flying to Japan from via this website I personally use every time I travel somewhere.

Quick facts

Some of Japan's oldest tradition such as tea ceremony, flower arranging, and geisha schooling are said to originate from Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan's capital city and home to emperor's resistance from 794 to 1968

Nintendo originated from Kyoto

Kyoto Where to stay

I stayed in Kyoto at Suzuki guest house. It is a very lovely traditional house with an outdoor terrace, a common area and the bedrooms upstairs.

The hosts were a very friendly couple, very helpful and can give you advice on things to do as soon as you arrive. They keep the place very clean and tidy.

You'd sleep in bunk beds that are very spacious and comfortable. The place is located in a very quiet area close-by many grocery shops, restaurants and easy access to bus and metro.

I had a great experience staying there, it was like feeling at home.

Things to do

Fushimi Inari Taisha

I guess this is the most famous landmark of Kyoto. This is a Shinto shrine or temple dating from 711 A.D with its famous traditional red torii gates. The walk is about 4 km up the mountain with small shops along the way where locals sell food and beverages.

This temple was dedicated to the gods of rice and sake by the Hata family in the 8th century. You will see many stone foxes while exploring the shrine.

They are considered the messenger of the god Inari. If you are a photographer, I'd recommend going there very early in the morning as it gets very crowded already from 10 am.

Once you finished to visit the temple, go check the food stands and shops to get some souvenirs.

Stroll around Gion in Kyoto also known as the Geisha District

Gion is known as Geiko/Geisha district because of its reputation of Kyoto's largest pleasure district.
In the mid 18th century, that's where Geishas who act as hostesses were in tea houses catering for visitors. Today it is an entertainment district with many traditional restaurants and tea-houses dating from 17th century, but also exclusive establishment for geisha entertainment.
It is definitely worth a stroll in this old town as it gives you a sense of what the city looked like couple centuries ago.
If you go there just to see the Geishas, I wish you good luck, it is very rare to see them.

Kyoto Temple Kenninji

I stumbled upon this temple by accident and I am glad I did.

For 1000 JPY you could visit this historic Zen Buddhist temple considered one of the five most important Zen temples of Kyoto.

From the wooden floor to the zen Japanese garden, it is a sanctuary within the city, far from all noise pollution.

It felt great to visit it after a long day walking and just take a moment to refuel.

Kyoto International Manga museum

I realized a dream by going to visit the manga museum. It looks like a big library with walls full of  shelves with any manga you can imagine, or that you have ever known.

People would go there as a normal library to read or rent books, others, tourists like me, would go to visit the exhibition and get down memory lane.

You also have the opportunity to get one of the manga artists to draw your portrait according to your drawing style preference.

Day Trip From Kyoto

Arashiyama

Feed the monkeys at Iwatayama monkey Park

Located on Mount Arashiyama, you will have to climb for 1o minutes by walk, before reaching the park inhabited by Japanese macaque also known as snow monkeys where you can see them roaming freely.

They are used to Human presence and are very friendly.

You will have the opportunity to feed them, but only through the fenced windows from the little cabin where you can buy peanuts or sliced apples to feed them.

Be aware that some are very greedy! Once at the top you will also be able to enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto.

Visit the Bamboo Forest Japan

Arashiyama bamboo forest also known as the bamboo grove is very close by other attractions. It is easy to do everything by walk.
Otherwise, you still have the choice to hire a rickshaw to take you around.

The bamboo grove is something unusual to see for a westerner, it is worth seeing it.

Be aware that it will be packed with tourists unless you manage to go there very early in the morning.

Tenryu-ji temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 14th century. It used to be ranked as the largest Zen monastery in Western Japan.

Go visit a cat café

It is pretty unusual in occidental countries, although it's becoming more popular now.
But the lifestyle in Japan is so busy and fast pace that people barely have time to take some time off. 

The apparition of cat cafés have proven that spending couple minutes in company of furry companions helped to reduce stress and anxiety, lowered blood pressure, boost immunity and more.

How to get around

I was staying in train the district nearby Nijo Castle and it was very easy to get around Kyoto. You can pick your preferred method depending on the type of traveler you are. 

I enjoy walking when I arrive in a city I don't know. Getting lost is the best way to get to know the city and get familiar with the landmarks. It is also a great way to remain active and work out during your holidays!

The second method if you are tired of walking (which I was after 2 days walking between 10 and 15km every day!) is to rent a bike.

The guest house I stayed at offered us to rent their bike for 500 JPY per day which is the equivalent of 4,50 EUR a day or 4,80 USD. There are cycling paths all around the city. However, it is not allowed to cycle in some areas of the city. So pay attention to the signs.

Finally, the metro is the third option you can use to get around the city. If you own a JR rail pass you can use some JR lines for free as it is included in the price of your pass. You just need to show it to the station staff every time you go through the gates.

What to eat: Kyoto Restaurants

Street food

The street food is the best in Japan. It is cheap, tasty and filling. From ramen noodles to sushis or local treats, it is an obligation to try as many dishes as you can when you travel to Japan. I believe street food is part of the culture of a country and what makes its identity. Visiting the country without tasting any street food would be a pity. 

Best Ramen in Kyoto

If you go to Kyoto you need to stop by  Menbakaichidai, a fire ramen restaurant. Trust me you will have a blast. It is a small restaurant owned by a family who welcomes you as soon as you get in and set you up before your fire ramen experience. They were very friendly and can give you tips on great things locals enjoy to do in Kyoto.

Kyoto sushi

It is mandatory to try the sushis once in Japan. no need to comment more on that!

Shopping IN KYOTO

Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade

Two parallel running, covered pedestrian street packed with restaurants and shops that sell day-to-day clothes and goods.
This is the perfect spot to buy some souvenirs at a reasonable price tag. If you get hungry, stop by Tapioca Belize to try one of their very tasty crepes with interesting flavours.
I tried the sweet potato crepe and I was pleasantly surprised.

Higashiyama district

if you are looking for a more traditional old Kyoto atmosphere, this is the perfect spot. There, you will find a wide range of handicrafts, specialty foods and a range of souvenirs including the famous Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.

Furthermore, this district has kept its traditional feel with its wooden buildings, stone paved  and narrow streets. Very charming by night.

Overall, Kyoto is an amazing city.

It's a human size city easy to get around by train or bikes. I really liked the mix between modern and traditional.

And the old town of Gion is a very photogenic area to visit to see the houses dating from the Edo period (16th century) and the Geiko/Geisha walking down these streets are images that cannot be erased from my memory.

It was a great experience overall. I really fell in love with this city.

If you found this guide helpful, make sure to like this post, it actually makes a difference. And if you know anyone planning a trip to Kyoto for the first time, feel free to share this guide with them.

Next Stop of this Japan travel guide is Osaka!

Safe travels.

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]]>A First Timer Travel Guide To KyotoGreecetravel guidetravelThings to doTheMillennialNomadThu, 02 Jun 2022 10:57:00 +0000https://www.alexandrekan.com/mytravels/greece-itinerary-10-days54c65950e4b0579944c39167:565b0c95e4b01110e1d7e450:578584212e69cfd170afe0f9

So, you’re planning a trip to Greece, but with over 1,000 islands to choose from, you don't know where to start.

Despite the headlines you might see on the news regarding the economy, Greece remains one of the most incredible travel destinations I have ever experienced. The people, the history, the food, it all delivers. As long as you do a bit of planning, your trip will be unforgettable.

Here is my exact 10-day island-hopping itinerary, starting from Athens and ending with a flight back to my home base in Dublin.

Day 1: Athens

I absolutely loved Athens in the summer. The city center is alive until late in the evening. People eat out on restaurant terraces, the bars serve incredibly modern cocktails, and there are ancient ruins at almost every street corner. Plus, the Greeks are incredibly welcoming, the street art is vibrant, and the street cats are everywhere!

English is widely spoken, but learning a couple of basic Greek words goes a long way. I recommend using a simple language app before you land.

You can find many applications to practice. I used Greek Language guide & audio - World nomad.

Things to do

Take a free walking tour of the city to familiarize yourself with the streets and the history of the city

Visit the Acropolis and the acropolis museum

Visit the flea market in Monastiraki: If you like to browse around and discover antiques, vintage clothing or just souvenirs from your trip to Athens. The flea market is a great area for it.

Go see the change of soldiers at the unknown soldier monument

Visit the national gardens, perfect spots for shady refuge during summer

Go out in Gazi: The Nightlife area. This is the place to go in Athens city centre if you want to go out. This area gathers bars located one next to another. No cover for the entry, you just pay for your drink and enjoy the party. And if you get tired of one you can go to another one and so on until early in the morning!

Go shopping on Ermou Street, one and half kilometer long of main brand shops. 

Explore the street art.

Good thing to know: The city celebrates the biggest and brightest full moon of the year with grand, late opening of the main city attractions, and most importantly free admissions. I happened to go out for dinner around 10pm one evening and was surprised to see such a big crowd in the streets. Most attractions will remain opened until 1am.

Day 2: Delphi

From Athens, you can take a day tour to Delphi back memory lane.

Also known as the temple of Apollo, it was once home to a legendary oracle everyone from all over the country came to see to have good fortune.

Located in the mountains, it contains the remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, plus a stadium and a theater. There is also a museum you can visit that displays artifacts found among the ruins.

If you are into History, you will like it. It is also a great hike to go up the mountains to visit the whole sanctuary, so make sure to wear some good shoes and have a bottle of water with you.

Day 3-4:  Athens To Ios

I spent the next two days in Ios. I left Athens early in the morning from the main sea port of Greece, Piraeus. This port is huuuuuge! Make sure to know the gate number beforehand or you will spend 20 minutes browsing around by car to find it.

I could not thank enough my taxi driver who managed to get me on the ferry right on time.

The ferry journey to Ios lasted about 3 hours. Once there, my hostel offered a free shuttle service to pick up their travelers. That was very handy.

I stayed at Francesco's on the top of the hill with a great view over the island and on the sea. The hostel offered a bar crawl in the evening, a great way to get to know other travelers and experience the nightlife on the island.

Things to do in Ios

Go to the main beach and chill by the sea

Do some water sports: snorkeling, jet skiing, sailing, banana boat

Explore the many bars by the beach that offer pool parties in the afternoon until early evening

Rent a quad and go explore the rest of the island

Watch the sunset with your fellow travelers

Play some sport with the local kids on the main playground of the island: basket-ball, volley-ball, football, the choice is yours.

Day 5-6: Ios To Santorini

I caught the first ferry from Ios and arrived in Santorini early.

From the port, a shuttle bus drops you off at the main villages on the island. I was in Fira and had a hotel room for 60 euros for one night.

Yes, Santorini can be pretty expensive, which is why it is known as the world famous destinations for honeymooners, weddings, and travels. However, by searching early on Booking.com, I managed to find a great boutique hotel room in Fira for just €60 a night.

Once I arrived at the hotel and dropped my bags, I got some tips from the receptionist at the main desk and went directly on a day tour. I only stayed for 24h, so I wanted to make the most out of it.

Things to do

I believed the easiest way for me time-wise was to take a day tour, but if you are staying longer, I recommend renting a quad and exploring on your own. I had a great experience and visited the main attractions of the island and its surroundings, which included:

Cruising around the 3 islands that composed Santorini (Thíra, Thirassiá and Asproníssi)

Visit Santorini's most famous volcano: Nea Kameni. Santorini islands is still an active volcano and the activity is monitored constantly.

No worries, the last eruption occurred 3,600 years ago. But it is impressive to be on it. It was also freaking hot and the smell of the sulfur was not really enjoyable, but worth the experience.

Enjoy a soak in the nearby hot springs.  I did not go swim in it personally, the color looked like a rust coloured sulfur mixed with mud and this has no medical benefits.

Mostly a tourist attraction in my opinion.

Explore the island of Thirassia and enjoy the local food.

This lunch break was perfect. Very peaceful, you can take a dip in the sea, soak in some sun and after enjoy some sea food for lunch in one of the many restaurants by the shore.

We then headed to Oia village to enjoy the sunset. But before, you will have to climb the stairs up to the village either by walk or with the famous tourist attraction, the donkeys.

That's the effort before the comfort, once up there make sure to find the perfect spot as it get's crowded very fast once the sun set. But it must be one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever watched. Definitely in my top 3!

After the sunset, get through the crowd and grab a bus from Oia back to Fira if you are staying there and Visit of Fira by night.

I went out for a couple of drinks at Murphy's and highlander's Scottish bar before heading back to my hotel.

I was wrecked. But also going out in Santorini is pretty pricey.

The tour cost me about 60 euros but was worthy for a last minute plan, I managed to see most of the attractions of the island.

Day 6-8: Santorini To Mykonos

Believe it or not, I did not know that Mykonos was a party island and famous as being the Ibiza of Greece.

I planned my vacation at the last minute. And to be honest, that was the island I appreciated the least from my whole trip.

The people who worked at the hostel were not helpful or welcoming at all. I believe they are so used to seeing tourists that as long as you don't spend any money, they are not interested. Sorry to be so harsh, but that was my experience on this island.

There is not much to do either except party on the beach during the day, farniente and chill, eat, drink and go to nightclubs at night.

It is a party island, party during the evening and rest during the day on the beach. I was expecting more...

Places to go in Mykonos:

Paraga Beach

Tropicana Beach

Paradise Beach

Little Venice

Mykonos windmills

Day 9: Mykonos to Athens

Back to Athens for my last evening before taking my flight back to Dublin. After sleeping all these days in hostels and walking around with my backpack, hoping from island to island, I usually like to treat myself on the last night and take a nice hotel room to have a good rest before my flight.

Day 10: Athens To Dublin

Grab your last souvenirs, buy your postcard and pack up before heading back to the airport and taking your flight. The ride from the city centre by metro is about 45 minutes, so plan ahead enough to be there on time.

Overall, Greece was an amazing experience. I met so many travellers, mostly from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Finland.

The Greeks are such lovely people, very welcoming and helpful, except in some very touristic places like Mykonos, where they don't bother. I had no issues communicating, haven't seen anything of what the media showed on TV.

So again, it is better to form your own opinion of a country and not always listen to the media. I saw amazing sunsets and just had the perfect summer holiday that ticked all the boxes.

That is an idea of an itinerary, but of course, there are many other things you can do. There are more than 1000 islands; the choice is yours.

And one more thing, do as the Greeks would do, remove your watch and soak in their unique lifestyle to have a great experience.

Safe travels 

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]]>Greece Itinerary 10 Days: Athens, IOS, Santorini, mykonosblogtravelUSNorth AmericaTheMillennialNomadWed, 01 Jun 2022 22:46:00 +0000https://www.alexandrekan.com/mytravels/san-francisco-to-los-angeles-road-trip54c65950e4b0579944c39167:565b0c95e4b01110e1d7e450:572070cd7c65e49229186817

Back in 2016, I was lucky enough to work for a company with very flexible work hours and also the possibility to work remotely. Everything can be done from a phone or laptop as long as you got an Internet connection (#millennialworkstyle).

I went for the second time to the US, but it was my first time on the `West coast visiting California.

I had to go to San Francisco for work reasons and I seized the opportunity with couple of my colleagues to book a few days off and make a road trip. We planned to do it in 5 days. 

Day 1: San Francisco To Sequoia National Park  

San Francisco is a great city with a lot of character. The victorian houses, the green space, the cafes, bars and the epic views make the city very charming.

There are also the main landmarks that give you some flashbacks from all the movies you have watched: Lombard street, Coit tower, China Town, Golden gate bridge, Alcatraz.

It is very easy to visit downtown by walk if you are up for the challenge to walk up the steep hills! Otherwise the use of the famous tram is also an option but might be a bit pricey depending on the distance you are planning to cover.

After visiting San Francisco, we rented a car and hit the road direction Sequoia National Park.

Day 2: Sequoia national park to Las Vegas  

We arrived at the Sequoia National Park after a long drive under the rain of 4h30. We first stopped not too far away from the entrance of the park at Gateway sequoia lodge where we slept for the night.

Perfect spot to be cut off from the outside world, surrounded by a forest and a river nearby.

If you plan on going to Sequoia National Park make sure to check the weather forecast and the official website. At this period we arrived, there was some risks of snow and that is actually what happened. Snow chains are mandatory to drive up to the park. You can rent them before the entrance of the park. We got ours at the hotel we stayed at.

The higher you drive, more you can see the change of weather. We went from a warm and sunshine weather to snow and cold in a matter of 10 minutes.

But once up there, it was like being in a wonderland. The snow made everything looks so awesome and peaceful. Even though we could not go to most of the hiking trails because of the snow, the view was just amazing and satisfying.

After visiting the Sequoia National Park we hit the road, direction Las Vegas.

A 7 hours long drive through the desert. It is crazy how the closer you get to the city, the more light you can see even though it is in the middle of the desert.

Las Vegas deserves its nickname of city of lights. Everything is out of proportion there, all in excess, the city never sleeps.

We arrived late in the evening and went straight on the main strip to visit the casinos until early in the morning. This city has everything to offer for everyone: Vegas shows, gambling, sport events, parties in night clubs with guest stars... the choice is yours, just make sure to plan everything is advance.

If you are tired of gambling you can still go shopping to the famous Vegas North Premium Outlet where you can find great deals from brand products like Nike, Levis, Under Armor, Diesel, etc...

So, make sure not to spend all your money on gambling!   

Day 3: Las Vegas to Los Angeles

After shopping in Vegas we drove direction Los Angeles where we got stuck in traffic because of several accidents.

It took us about 5 hours to get there. But we arrived right on time for the second quarter of the NBA game we planned to attend.

A dream that finally came true. We saw the New York Knicks played against the Los Angeles Lakers. As a big fan of basket-ball, it was a great moment to attend one of the last games of Black Mamba aka Kobe Bryant.

They unfortunately lost that game but the last minutes were intense!

Day 4: Los Angeles  

We visited the two main Hollywood studios: Warner Bros and Universal.

Warner Bros offers a behind the scenes tours and tells you about how movies and TV shows are made starting from the script with all the different steps and team involved until the final edition of the movie.

There, you can visit the main studios where most of your favorite tv-shows and movies are shot. And if you are lucky you might see your favorite actor on this large campus. On that day we visited, they were shooting one of The Big Bang Theory episode.

Unfortunately, we did not see anyone from the cast. 

The Universal Studio offers a studio tours as well to show you the behind the scenes of how the movies and video clips are shot including special effects like fire, rain or even crash scenes. But also many other theme attractions like the Harry Potter one or Jurassic Park and Simpsons to cite a few.

We managed to do the two studios in one day without rushing at all. But if you are a big fan of attractions, I would advise to spend at least a day at the Universal Studios. In the evening, we went to have dinner on Venice Beach and finished the day on Hollywood Boulevard.

Day 5: Los Angeles to Dublin  

We spent our last morning in LA driving around the city where we saw the famous Hollywood sign. If you are looking for a great spot, you can either go to the Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood reservoir.

After then, we drove towards Santa Monica beach where we saw the Santa Monica Pier where ends the famous Route 66 before heading to the airport to catch our plane to Dublin.

If you live in Dublin, there are direct flight with Aer Lingus for a very decent price, don't miss their sales.

Was the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip worth it?

It was a great road trip overall.

Driving in the US is very easy with an automatic car and their one way only roads. There is no excuse not to hit the road. I wished I could have seen more, especially Vegas and the surrounding canyons, but also Los Angeles, I really liked that city.

I guess it will be for another trip to drive along the Route 66.

The best thing about doing a road trip is that you can stop anywhere at any time and if you are sharing this moment with some friends, you will always remember these special moments you spent together killing the time in the car!

What about you? What has been your best road trip experience so far? Or where would be your next one?

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]]>San Francisco To Los Angeles Road Tripdigital nomadtraveltravel guideTheMillennialNomadThu, 04 Nov 2021 12:57:36 +0000https://www.alexandrekan.com/mytravels/moving-to-latvia-as-an-expat54c65950e4b0579944c39167:565b0c95e4b01110e1d7e450:5edff486d892ce13a5e0f1ff

Latvia is a country I discovered in 2007 since I met my girlfriend then, now wife. It was my first time going to visit her, and first time visiting the country.

It was at the beginning of Winter and a frosty -25 degree celsius welcomed me as soon as I set my feet on the ground outside the plane.

It was the first time I experienced such a cold weather.

Nevertheless, my experience as a tourist was great and I really enjoyed the outdoors, the food and the saunas!

Fast forward to 2017 when I quit my corporate life, I seized that opportunity to travel with her around the world and experience the digital nomad lifestyle.

• How To Work And Travel The World? 6 Steps To Help You Become A Digital Nomad

We ended up spending some time in Latvia that we really enjoyed and wondered what it would be to live there long-term.

She hasn't lived in her country since she left in 2007 and I was opened to test out what the life could be.

So, when the opportunity came up early 2019, we seized it to go and test if Latvia was the country we could imagine ourselves spending our old days.

In this blog article, I will break down the process we went through to move and settle down there and my personal experience of living in Latvia.

Is Latvia A Good Country To Live In?

Decide what appeals to you to live there

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We have welcomed our baby girl since the end of 2018 and were then a family of 3. So, we were looking for the comfort to raise our baby in a stress free environment and with a lot of activities to do.

What I loved the most about living in Latvia is how peaceful the lifestyle is. I have not felt stressed for a minute. The life is really laid back and Latvians tend to spend a lot of time outdoors. At least during the warmer days.

The days are long during Summer. You can expect up to 17 hours of daylight.

There are many national parks to explore and the nature is one of a kind.

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I also really enjoy the Latvian food and their barbecues. All fruits and vegetables are organic and actually have flavours which is something I missed living in Ireland!

So, if you are a food lover, you will really enjoy your time eating local.

The start up scene in the Baltic countries are on the rise and more and more qualified workforce is needed by local companies to help them grow. I was very interested to learn more about the start up industry and network with local people working in my industry.

Last but not least, the cost of living is very attractive compared to other countries in Europe.

So, overall, Latvia had some great things to offer and was ticking most of the requirements on paper we needed to make our decision.

Is Latvia Expensive To Live In?

Plan your budget

Living in Latvia can be cheap or expensive depending on the type of lifestyle you are after.

But, if you manage to live like a local, an average budget of 600-800 euros a month should be more than enough. We were a family of 3 and we manage to keep our main fixed expenses within that range.

So here are the things to take into considerations:

Accommodation

There are 2 main websites we used to find our place in Latvia.

ss.lv

Rentinriga.lv

You can also get in touch with Liam, the admin of the Facebook group Expatvians: Expats in Riga/Latvia. A very friendly lad from the UK very helpful.

Bills (water, electricity, gas)

Bills are not expensive during Summer. However, they can rise quickly in Winter depending on the type of place you live in.
So, be aware. Expect to pay up to 100 euros in Summer and up to 200-300 in Winter. Most accommodation are very well insulated and I could be just wearing shorts and t-shirts indoors while Winter.

Grocery shopping

Food can be quite expensive in super markets. What locals would do is get in touch with local farmers to provide them with products such as meat, milk, fruits and vegetables.
Latvians live in community and one person knows one person who knows another. So if you are looking for something, just ask and let the word of mouth do its magic!

Internet

We paid 40 euros with baltcom and never had any problem.
The Internet speed in Latvia is one of the fastest in Europe! So, very ideal if you are working from home.

Phone bills

We bought 2 local sim cards that got us unlimited internet by paying 20 euros a month.

Transports

I used the train mostly between Jelgava and Riga. A monthly ticket would cost about 50 euros a month. They are not the fanciest type of train but they will bring you from point A to point B.

Otherwise I’d rent a car from Riga Airport when necessary. Be aware that most credit cards are not accepted for car rental deposit.

Find a job

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Finding a job in Latvia as a foreigner not speaking the local language can be a challenge.

However, if you have some IT or marketing experience you may found a few opportunities in companies where the work language is mainly English.

Indeed, the startup scene is on the rise in the Baltic countries and more and more companies are starting to expand internationally and need workforce who speak natively the market language they are expanding into.

You can check the following websites to find some job opportunities:

VisiDarbi

Recruitment.lv

Linkedin

Also, make sure to join Facebook groups of the country and city you are planning to live in. There are expats facebook group that offer some great insights on the local life and members do not hesitate to share their tips.

You may even find some job offers posted on them specifically for expats.

The Start up scene in Latvia

Iphonephotographyschool, Printful , Mapon, Local

Those are all local start ups with their HQ based in Latvia.

Being in Latvia, I seized the opportunity to learn more about the startup scene. There are many successful companies that already have an international presence and are already recognised as an authority in their fields.

Attending events to network with people working in this industry has been very interesting and opened my mind on business opportunities I never thought about in the past.

Here are two main start up events in Latvia I’d recommend to attend if you are interested to network:

Techchill

Techhub

Find an accommodation

Finding an accommodation in Latvia can be a challenge for foreigners. Indeed, some local landlords won't hesitate to make you pay the highest price and some might even scam you.

So, to be safe, ask someone local to do the research for you or ask a local agency to help.

In my case I used the services of Expatvians they really listened to my needs, found the apartments of my interests, did the visit for me via video chat and if that would be the good one, planned a visit at the earliest convenience. It took us 2 weeks from the moment we arrived to move in our new place.

What type of documents you will need to provide:

• Registered ID

• Bank account

• Proof of work or regular income

The rent can go from 250 € per month to more depending on your budget. The bills are different from Summer to Winter and depending on the area you live in. The closer to Riga, the more expensive it is.

I lived in Jelgava which is about 45 minutes drive from Riga, rented a modern apartment with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath for 300€ per month.

Relocating To Latvia: How To Plan the logistics

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So, the decision is made you are now leaving to Latvia!

What's next?

Time to plan all the logistics.

Living in Ireland we heard of this courier who would offer relocation services. They use a Van to store your belongings and drive through Europe within a few days to the destination of your choice for delivery.

Their services were reasonable. They charged with a flat fee per kilo of items you wish to send over.

They update you on a daily basis of the delivery status and if they faced any trouble at customs.

We sent over our belongings and our 2 cats one week prior to our arrival and there was no problem at all.

They were very helpful.

Note: as of today 2020, due to COVID 19 restrictions and brexit, they are not offering these services anymore.

I can recommend you two websites that were really helpful in the relocating process

Internations

Investinlatvia

Paperwork once you arrive

Register as a Latvian citizen

If you are planning on staying more than 3 months you will have to register in order to get your social security number. This ID will be asked for every paperwork you will need to do.

Open a bank account

The process of opening a bank account can be simple and quick as he can be a long process.
It really depends who will take care of your request. Also have someone who speak Latvians come with you as most people don’t speak English. Unless you are in Riga. But to be safe, always have someone speaking Latvian or Russian come with you.

Living in Latvia Pros And Cons

Latvia is the fifth country I lived in. I have lived in Ivory Coast, France, England and Ireland before.

So, I am quite used to starting a new life from scratch and familiar with all the process it involves.

Also, I have traveled to 40 countries across 5 continents, so I am used to cultural differences and how to “camouflage” myself in a new environment.

But, the life in Latvia is different.

Probably because I did not live in the expat bubble like I was used to in previous countries I lived in. And this presented some challenges.

Let’s start with the cons.

Cultural differences

It is not something I enjoy talking about but I must admit that it affected my daily life. And that is being cautious of my actions because I am not a local.
It is safe to say that I do not look like a local but I would have hoped it would not be such a big deal living here.

I kinda don't mind it personally, but I do not like that feeling of being stared at when walking on the streets with my family.

I can understand that it is not a common thing to see an African person around here, especially outside of the main city Riga, but I'd have expected it not to be so obvious.

The customer service is not the best.

Don't expect to hear "hello", "good bye" and "thank you" depending on where you go. It happened a few times that I had zero word exchanged with a cashier at the till of a shop.

And if you happened to hand over the cash to pay for your items, you'd be frowned upon. The money must be put down for them to pick it up which is another thing to get used to.

Furthermore, I once got denied services when trying to open a bank account. It turned out the clerk was not willing to serve “someone of colour”…
I had to go to Riga then with a native Latvian speaker to help me open my account.

So, because of that I never knew how to act in public and had to be cautious constantly. Which is not the kind of lifestyle I imagined.

Language barrier

The language was also a barrier.

You may find some young people speaking English, mostly in Riga, but as soon as you go outside of Riga, you have less chances of finding English speakers. So it can be challenging to communicate and make new friends.

Of course, there are local language schools to learn the language to help with your integration. But, until you can align a few words in Latvian, Google translate and the application Loecsen are your best friends!

Latvians are also very introvert by nature which is something I do not mind because I am an introvert person too.

But, for others in needs of a social life, be aware that it can be challenging to make local friends if you do not know anyone to introduce you to their inner circles.

Winter is long and cold

The winter starts around November and lasts up until May. I have lived in Europe already and experienced cold weather while my travels but Winter in Latvia is really cold! The temperature can go down to -30 degrees.

Combine with that the short day light and not many activities to do outdoors with a toddler, we ended up spending most of our times in cafes, in shops or staying at home.

Crazy drivers

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If you drive a car, beware of the other drivers, Latvians love to speed even if there is a speed limit and the roads have holes or are bumpy.

Now let’s talk about the pros

Laid back lifestyle

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Latvians do enjoy quality time with their family which is one of the things that attracted me to go experience living there.

Community spirit

Latvians do live in community. Everyone knows someone and they are always willing to help whenever they can. It is refreshing to witness that community spirit. This is something I have missed seeing since I have started living in occidental countries.

Beautiful nature

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Latvia is home to beautiful national parks. The country being quite small, it is easy to travel around and spend some time outdoors. But I believe images speak more than me trying to describe it. So I’d recommend you to follow one Latvian photographer that I am a big fan of @valdisskudre. He’s always out and about the country capturing the best shots I have seen of Latvia.

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Is Latvia A Good Country To Live In?

Overall, Latvia was a great life experience. I have only lived there for 7 months and it was a challenge that got me out of my comfort zone and showed me new aspects of my personality.

But the issue was that I am not as young as I used to be when I moved to the other countries I lived in. I am also not single anymore, I have a family to think of.

Furthermore, I am used to a fast paced kind of lifestyle. And I know I can find a more suitable environment to live for me and my family.

Like the nomad capitalist would say,

“Go where you are treated best”.

And I believe that is one of the luxury and a curse of having traveled to many destinations around the world.

• What Traveling To 40 Countries Across 5 Continents Taught Me

Living in Latvia for a few months made me realise everything I missed from the previous countries I lived in, like:

• Cycling from one side to another of a city with city bikes. They have scooters but only in Riga.

• Booking a car whenever I need one through an app. They have some but only in Riga.

• Meeting up with people from different horizons and not being cautious of my actions constantly

• Being able to order an item on amazon and receive it the next day. I missed you Prime delivery!

• Food delivery and Japanese food!!!!

I guess I am used to living within a community of expats and having everything at my disposal in case I need it. Everything I need is just a click or a tap away.

And that goes in line with the nomadic millennial lifestyle I have built since the past few years.

• What Is The Millennial Nomad Lifestyle

Same for my wife, she had to experience the reverse cultural shock and it was not something easy on her. She felt like a stranger in her own country.
And I totally understand how she felt because that is the same feeling I had when I traveled back to Ivory Coast in 2016.
I knew it is a great destination to visit from time to time, but not to live in again because I got used to living the occidental lifestyle.

So what's next?

After long discussions, I believe what we need today is a home base in a European country that matches with our lifestyle and travel from time to time to other destinations we want to visit or stay for a couple of weeks.

But, our Latvian life experience had to come to an end.

That’s the reason why we decided to pack everything once more and come back to Ireland. This is the country where we feel the most comfortable among all the ones we’ve lived in so far.

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Now, please bear in mind that my experience living in Latvia might be different from others and we do not all have the same lifestyle needs.

So, if you are planning to go live in Latvia, my advice is to come and test the life here before making your own decision.

In my situation I just know that the life in Latvia does not fit with my lifestyle long-term considering what I know I can find elsewhere.

If you are planning to move to Latvia anytime soon, I hope that you will find this article helpful. I remember that when I was doing my research I could not find much information as detailed. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need more information.

Also, if you enjoyed reading this article, make sure to like it, it actually makes a difference. And if you’d like to receive travel and photography tips right in your inbox, you can subscribe to my newsletter via the box below.

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]]>Moving To Latvia: Life in Latvia as an expatreviewstraveltravel guideTheMillennialNomadMon, 09 Sep 2019 19:59:22 +0000https://www.alexandrekan.com/mytravels/best-airbnb-in-latvia54c65950e4b0579944c39167:565b0c95e4b01110e1d7e450:5d76974bb73f3d3966cff293

Airbnb has become my go-to place to plan my future trips and accommodation. I wrote a full guide on How To Plan Your Next Vacation With Airbnb where I share my full process. Have a look at it if you are curious to learn how to use it to organise your next trip.

We arrived in Latvia since a couple of months and seized every opportunity we could to go out and about explore what the country has to offer while we could enjoy the long and warm Summer days.

One evening we were scrolling on Airbnb and stumbled upon one hidden gem. We found this amazing spot on Airbnb in Latvia where you could rent a tree house by the lake. This has always been a dream of ours to experience. So we seized that opportunity.

We have been so focused parenting and working on our respective projects that we became slaves to our schedule. This getaway was the perfect opportunity to switch off.

I booked a car for the week. The process was pretty similar to anywhere else I have traveled to in the past.

I booked it with Prime Car rental company at Riga airport. Once you arrive at the airport a free yellow shuttle bus will pick you up to go to the car renting location 500m away. Their office is on the first floor. Then you just need to fill in the papers. You will need:

• Your passport

• Your driving licence 

• Pay for a deposit on the car

• Pay for the insurance. Note, they do not accept credit card, only debit.

The car they gave me was an automatic Toyota corolla, modern and easy to drive.

The drive to the treehouse took us about 2 hours and a half under pouring rain. But if you are driving from the airport or Riga, it should take you about 2 hours.

A few things to note when driving in Latvia:

1. No body respects the speed limits, so be careful

2. Do mind the bumpy roads. The roads are not the nicest.

3. Enjoy the view. The roads through the pine forest are EPIC

4. There are not always signs to show the speed limits on the road. I use an app called waze that let me know if I respected the speed limit or not.

Once we arrived by the end of day, the sky cleared out for us to assist to our first sunset at this magical place. It was also special for us as parents because we haven't been able to see many sunsets for a while, as our baby goes to bed by 7-8pm! #thatparentlife

The next morning we woke up to a foggy scenery that looked exactly like in movies. It looked incredible. I took out my camera and managed to capture a few snaps.

There, you get all the amenities you need to enjoy a  proper glamping ( glamour camping) experience. 

Inside the tree house, you will have a large room with a wide window facing the lake and a mezzanine with a double bed where to sleep that you can access via a ladder. There is an outdoor terrace to have your meals and enjoy the view over the lake and the forest. There is a barbecue downstairs that you can use whenever you need it.

There is a Sauna and a jaccuzzi that you can also use at an extra cost. And there are also outdoors and indoors bathrooms available.

The only minus in my opinion is the bathroom located outside the tree house. So be aware!

But the experience there is one of a kind and really ideal to go off the grid and be cut off from any noise pollution. Perfect location to reconnect with your inner self.

You leave this place with a sense of calmness. Majia, our host was also very helpful to accommodate to our needs with our 8 months old baby.

My wife and I know that the next time we will come to Latvia, it will be our first destination for a couple of days for sure.

If you are planning on visiting Latvia, I highly recommend you to stop by Ciekurs Tree house, you won’t regret it. And if you never used Airbnb before, you can enjoy a 30 euros off discount on your first booking using my referral link here.

If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure to like it, it actually makes a difference. And if you believe this could be helpful for someone you know, do not hesitate to share the article with them.

Wanna receive more travel and photography tips in your inbox, become a millennial nomad insider! :)

Safe travels

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]]>Best Airbnb In Latvia? Going Off The Grid at Ciekurs Tree-housetraveldigital nomadTheMillennialNomadSun, 01 Sep 2019 07:54:35 +0000https://www.alexandrekan.com/mytravels/lessons-to-be-learned54c65950e4b0579944c39167:565b0c95e4b01110e1d7e450:5c3cd3151ae6cfa74d763d13

Before we talk about all the life lessons I learned by traveling the world, I’d like to share with you all the travel tips and hacks I have used throughout these past 4 years traveling the world.

If you want to learn how to save money while traveling or get paid to travel, make sure to grab your free copy of my ebook below.

I made the decision to put travel as a priority in my life because I did a burn out from work back in 2014.

Working long hours at work and not paying attention to red signals coming down my way. It did not miss because it really affected my health, my relationship with people I cared about, but also my faith in climbing the corporate ladder.

This is when I realised that I was not in control of my life and that I needed this situation to change fast.

But where to start?

I attended a speech of a man named Nando Parrado who survived a near death experience. There is actually a movie based on his story called Alive that came out in the 90’s.
And I remember him asking a question to the crowd of young adults we were:

" What would you do if you knew you were going to die tomorrow?"

And I remember that this question resonated with me because of the life events that happened to me at that time.
I was dedicating my time and energy to something I had no control of. Working overtime and taking more projects with no or little recognition in the end.
And missing out on spending quality time with the people I cared about...

He then finished his speech saying "Life is short, Create Memories" which I kept as the motto of my blog as a reminder.

Since then I put my passion for traveling as a priority in my life and started taking control of my life.

The Millennial Nomad was born.

4 years later, after traveling to 40 countries across 5 different continents, I managed to build an online business focused around my passions and help other motivated individuals follow my foot steps.

Here are the lessons I learned along the way.

Benefits to traveling

1. The world is an incredible place

Don't be afraid to travel, whether with a group of friends or family, or even solo. Traveling solo has been the best experience I have had in my life. It allowed me to learn who I really was, what I was aspiring for and most importantly, how to spend time with myself.

You can have a read at this article I wrote The Benefits Of Traveling Solo.

The world has so much to offer. I only touched the surface of what it has to offer and I am amazed by how incredible it is. I am grateful today to have been able to set foot in countries I never imagined would travel to one day.

2. The people you will meet will change your life

I have met incredible people while traveling with who I spent an amazing time. Moments you live with other people while traveling will always be memorable. You will remember them for the rest of your life. It is also because I met these incredible people that I decided to follow the digital nomad lifestyle path. And the main benefit of having such an international network is that you have a local guide in nearly every country you will want to travel to!

3. Traveling does not have to be expensive

I started my travels backpacking and staying at hostels to meet with other travelers. Then the more I traveled the more I tried to live like a local.

There are many ways to experience a country like a local nowadays. Not staying in big hotels or eating at big restaurants but rather stay with a local host and experience the street food or go shopping at the local market have become my way of traveling now anywhere I go. And, to explore the city and country I visit, I would just walk or take the local transports.

The biggest expense you need to pay would be your plane tickets. Sure I'd like to splurge from time to time and treat myself, but not always.

4. Let go of material possessions

There have been a few destinations where I just had my backpack of 90L to travel for a few weeks in a country. This taught me that we do not need to own a lot of things to live a good life. On the contrary the more you declutter your life the easier it gets.

I discovered the minimalism lifestyle through the documentary on Netflix. And Marie Kondo’s method to declutter and organise your home has also had a big impact on my lifestyle. I still have some work to do, but I am getting closer adopting this minimalism lifestyle.

5. The more you travel the more difficult it is to call a place home

I actually wrote a blog post about it. What Does Home Mean To You?

It can become tricky to call a specific place home when you travel so often. I have also lived in 5 countries so far in my life. Every place has its pros and cons.

Bottom line there are many countries where I felt home but picking a specific one is for me impossible today. I'd rather have the choice to go to as many places where I can feel home. Home for me is a feeling more than a physical place now.

6. Take control of your life, you are the one responsible for what happens in your life

Making the decision to put travel as a priority in my life was not easy.

It required a lot of organisation because I was still working a full-time job back then, that was also very demanding. But when you want something really badly, you are ready to make the sacrifices you need to make it come true.

Traveling made me more responsible. It helped me gained new life skills and reminded me that I was the one in control and that nothing is impossible.

7. Be open-minded

Before I started traveling, even though I already lived in 4 countries, I was very skeptical to travel by myself to some destinations.

The medias always tend to exaggerate and bring fear to the eyes of the viewers. I remember traveling to Cairo a few weeks after the Coup d'Etat that happened in 2013.

Like everywhere when this type of events happen you need to be careful and use common sense. But the main benefit of this situation is that when I went to visit the pyramids and temples, there was no tourists.

I was able to enjoy these amazing History sites by myself and a few other brave souls! So, be open to new adventures and do not always listen to what other people say. Always make your own opinion and use your common sense.

8. Make time for yourself

Traveling solo is one of the best things I have done in my life.

I was in my mid-twenties and had that crisis where I wondered what was I supposed to do with my life? So far, I always had a plan: Go to school, go to University and graduate, get a job, get an apartment, have a social life and belong to a community, etc...

But comes a time in your life when you will wonder "What's next". And that is when being by myself really helped me find the answers to my questions. It was also the time I discovered photography and photography became a form of therapy. I would take my camera with me after work to go and shoot for 1-2 hours non stop with no real purpose.

Just spend time with myself and be creative.

9. If you believe that it is possible, then do it

Some people I knew did not believe that I could manage to travel once or twice per month while working a 50 hours per week job. And yet, I managed to do it. Why? Because I knew it was possible and I made it a priority in my life.

Always listen to that little voice within you and don't let anyone transfer their fear of the unknown to you.

They are only right until you prove them wrong!

10. Live with no regrets

It is only after bad events that we feel grateful for what we already have. Otherwise we just live life on automation.

Wake up, get ready, go to work, socialise, come home, watch TV, go to sleep and repeat.

Some people believe that because they graduated University they have to stop learning new things. But no, instead learn new things every day, be curious and do things you have always wanted to do.

This quote of Les Brown sum up pretty well this point: “The graveyard is the richest place on Earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.”

11. Traveling will teach you new skills

Since I started traveling, I decided to create a blog to write about my experience around the world. This has taught me the following skills:

• Create and manage a website

• Create content through writing blog posts, taking photos, recording videos, create online courses and other digital products

• Social Media Management. I’ve learned how to manage several social media platforms at once and engage with my audience

• Social Media Marketing. I’ve learned how to promote my content and digital products using social media and earn a living from it.

These are all transferable skills that most employers are looking for on the job market. If I’d have not started this adventure in 2015, I would still be working overtime at a job that offered a great salary but no self-actualisation.

So my advice to you is to go after your dreams no matter what. You can do it. And along the way you will meet people and experience things that will comfort you in the decision you took.

Have love for travelling

Traveling has allowed me to design the lifestyle I was aspiring for, be nomadic, work on social media, learn new skills on a daily basis, spend more quality time with the people I care about.

Was it easy? Yes and NO. The only obstacles we face are the fears we set in our minds. Once you have managed to unlock those fears, then new opportunities come to you. It is up to you to know how to seize them.

Would I do it again? yes 100%

How did I manage to travel the world while working full-time? I worked for companies that offered me the freedom to travel to their remote offices around the world. As long as my job was done, I could work remotely from any places. This is how I started tasting the laptop lifestyle.

How did I make money online? At that time through affiliate marketing. I learned everything through an online training from two travel influencers I followed who are from New Zealand and who created an education hub for aspiring digital nomads; to help equip you with the digital skills and know how to work online called Wired Creatives.

Now my question to you is:

How To Design A Life You Love?

There is no overnight success. It takes time to reach the goals you set in your life. But there are ways to fast track your results. Especially nowadays thanks to the technology and our modern lifestyle. It is up to each one of us to leverage technology to live our ideal lifestyle.

For those of you interested, I created a 4 video series where I share my complete journey and how you can replicate it step by step.

You will discover how you can find your true life purpose and use that to earn a living online by selling digital products using social media.

Sounds too good to be true?

Here is the deal. If you have read this article up until now, I want you to watch the video series and then let me know if that sounds impossible.

Deal?

You have nothing to lose but learn something new that might change your life forever!

If you found this article helpful, make sure to like it, it actually makes a difference. You can also join my online community of aspiring nomad creators by clicking here.

And if you know anyone willing to travel the world but are still thinking twice, feel free to share this article with them.

Safe travels!

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]]>11 lessons to be learned from traveling as a digital nomadhow toonline businessdigital nomadDigital NomadTheMillennialNomadSun, 03 Mar 2019 20:22:58 +0000https://www.alexandrekan.com/mytravels/the-creatives-platform-review54c65950e4b0579944c39167:565b0c95e4b01110e1d7e450:5c7c26ee085229e1b6136c95

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Today, I’d like to talk about an online training that really helped me build my digital nomad lifestyle. It taught me how to work and earn an income online as a blogger.

What is a digital nomad?

According to Wikipedia Digital nomads are people who use telecommunications technologies to earn a living and conduct their life in a nomadic manner. Such workers often work remotely from foreign countries, coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles.

If working remotely and becoming a digital nomad is something you are after, you are at the right place. If not, you can close this window and wait for my next article.

You see, I went to university to do a marketing degree. While I learned a lot about billboards, TV ads, and how to put together a solid presentation... I did not learn relevant social media marketing tactics that are used in today's day and age.

When deciding to go out on my own I struggled to take what I had learned into the real world. Social Media has taken over, and it's a rapidly changing space. I had no idea where to begin.

So I have looked for many, many, MANY ways on how to become a digital nomad!

Unfortunately, I fell into so many scams online. I lost a lot of money and a lot of time going after the wrong online courses, believing the wrong people who just wanted my money and not provide any value…

Maybe if you are reading this you have had similar experience… And if that’s the case I am truly sorry…I know the feeling.

At that time, I was following a travel blogger called Nathan Buchan also known as @Worldnate, an ex-plumber from New Zealand who decided to quit his job after reading the book “The Secret” and started working online. (to make it short! haha)

His journey really resonated with me.

Like him, I love to travel, I love creating travel content, I love social media, mostly Instagram, and I loved reading the book “The Secret”. If you have not read it yet, I highly recommend you to do so. 

This book changed my life and many other people I know. It is all about the Law Of Attraction. 

One day, I saw on his Instagram that he was running an online web-class explaining how he has managed to travel the world while working remotely as a digital nomad.

That was it. That was the sign I was waiting for. So, I signed up right away with no hesitation!

I knew this guy, as I followed him for at least a year, he was authentic and showing exactly what he was doing.

During this web-class he showed how he managed to work and travel the world as a digital nomad for the past couple of years with his fiancé Hannah @intrepidintrovert, how they managed to stay for free at hotels, how they managed to get freebies from brands, etc…

I was hooked. Isn’t it what every blogger wants? 

The best digital nomad resources

In the end, they introduced their new brand called Creatives Platform that gathers all their knowledge about becoming a digital nomad and working online.

✅How to start a blog

✅How to partner with brands

✅How to use Paid advertising to promote your blog

✅How to become a social media influencer

and more…

Check out an overview of their training available from this screenshot I took inside the back office of their online course.

They made it so simple for anyone to learn. You can access their trainings on any devices which is ideal when you are always on the go.

They offer their lessons under 3 different formats:

• Audio

• Video

• Text

The training is hosted on the application Teachable. So, you can access it on any devices and even upload the lessons on your device to access them offline.

And if you have any questions to ask, they do a weekly Q&A live session in their Facebook group for only members of the program. More than 7,000 members so far!

So you can be assured that you won’t be left alone with a training where in the end you still need to figure out how to implement things and have no support.

Everything is broken down in a very easy to understand language. And for the cost, compared to other online courses I enrolled for, it was a bargain, so I seized the opportunity.

And this was one of the best first investments I have ever made in my life!

Becoming a digital nomad

Since then, I have started monetising my blog and it allowed me to experience the digital nomad lifestyle.

So far, I have travelled to 40 countries across 5 continents and lived in 5 different countries long term.

And today I work as a content creator and Personal Brand Strategist helping remote workers and aspiring digital nomads make money online and become location independent.

This allows me to work from home and enjoy spending as much quality time as I want with my 2 children.

Discover the different digital nomad jobs available

Thanks to their online course I have also learned how to create my own digital products and services to promote on social media and that helped me generate new streams of passive income.

⚠️If you have been looking for a way to build your brand online

⚠️If you have been looking for a way to make money with your blog

⚠️If you have been looking for a way to become a social media influencer

⚠️If you have been looking for a way to work with brands and receive freebies or stay at hotels for free

⚠️If you have been looking for a way to master blogging

⚠️If you have been looking for a way to become a digital nomad and work remotely from around the world

This online course is for you and will help you reach your goals.

Nate and Hannah have helped me understand the social media game better than anyone else.

Since taking this course, my brand and business have exploded!

I now do all of my marketing through social media. I mainly use Instagram and Pinterest for promotion, I have a solid brand and I am growing my following every single day thanks to the marketing strategies they teach!

I love this so much, I figured you might too.

If you are interested in becoming a digital nomad and learn how to create your brand online and leverage social media, then I would suggest taking a look at their FREE 1-hour Social Media Web-Class where they share exactly how to design a digital nomad lifestyle using social media.

Just click on the button below to learn more.

 I hope you enjoyed this article. If you would like to learn more about the Creatives Branding Mastery course yourself and discover how to become a digital nomad, just CLICK HERE.

As always, if you enjoyed reading this post, make sure to like it, it actually makes a difference.

And if you know anyone that would be interested in starting their blog and live the digital nomad lifestyle without breaking the bank, feel free to share this blog post with them.

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