…until our Aussie friends decided to get married! They live on the Gold Coast and we ended up spending 12 days exploring up and down the coast, and inland as well.

We based ourselves in Broadbeach, which ended up being the perfect spot. It was central, walkable, relaxed, and close enough to everything we wanted to see without feeling like we were in the middle of the party zone the entire time.

Having locals to guide us around meant we got the insider’s scoop on the best places to visit, things to do, places to eat…and of course, where to find the best wine!

In this post, I’ll share the 10 best things to see and do on the Gold Coast that you won’t want to miss.

Don’t Forget Your Entry Visa!

Before getting into the best things to do on the Gold Coast, I need to mention one very important thing that we almost messed up ourselves.

You need a valid visa to enter Australia.

And I don’t just mean travellers from certain countries.

Every traveller needs some form of visa or travel authority to enter Australia. New Zealand citizens can usually get a visa on arrival, but everyone else needs to have the correct visa approved before travelling.

As Canadians, we assumed we didn’t need a visa and would be given six months in Australia on arrival, similar to what we get when visiting the UK.

Wrong.

Luckily, we realized this before flying to Australia, but only two days before our flight. Not exactly the relaxed pre-trip moment we wanted.

The good news is that the process can be pretty straightforward, but you definitely don’t want to leave it until the last minute.

Check your visa requirements before booking your flight, or at least well before your departure date, and make sure the visa is linked to the same passport you’ll be travelling with.

If you’re planning a trip to the Gold Coast, or anywhere else in Australia, you can check which visa you need and apply online before you go with iVisa – they offer 24/7 customer support through email, chat or WhatsApp…in 14 different languages.

If you try to get the visa yourself and make one small error, that will delay the processing time. iVisa has a 99% approval rate, showing how reliable and accurate the company is.

Of course, all visa decisions/outcomes still depends on the government and that’s nothing iVisa or other companies have control over.

About the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most famous holiday destinations, sitting in Southeast Queensland, about an hour south of Brisbane – which is the main airport in the area (and the one we flew into).

It’s known for its long sandy beaches, surf culture, high-rise skyline, theme parks, nightlife, shopping, and nearby mountain areas just inland from the coast.

You probably already know this, but the Gold Coast is famous for its beaches – there are around 50 kilometres of coastline here. But what surprised me most was how quickly the vibe changes once you start moving around the coast.

One minute you’re walking along a busy beachfront promenade, the next you’re watching sunset on an empty beach, driving through green valleys, or walking through rainforest in the hinterland.

During our stay, we explored Surfers Paradise, Southport, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera Valley, Tamborine National Park, Coolangatta, Snapper Rocks, Currumbin Valley, and a few beautiful spots in between.

Best Things To Do On The Gold Coast

After an awesome visit, here’s my list of the things you won’t want to miss.

1. Base Yourself in Broadbeach

If you’re wondering where to stay on the Gold Coast, I’d absolutely recommend Broadbeach.

For us, it was the ideal base. It has everything you need – the beach, great restaurants, cafés, shops, and public transport, but it feels more chilled out than Surfers Paradise.

You can still walk along the beachfront, grab coffee in the morning, go out for dinner, and be close to the action, but Broadbeach has a slightly more grown-up, relaxed feel to it. It’s more polished without feeling boring.

This was especially nice because we were on the Gold Coast to spend time with friends, not just running around ticking off attractions.

Kurrawa Beach is right there, and it’s a beautiful place for a swim, a walk, or just sitting in the sand watching the sunset – which is what we did a few evenings. Or, if you’re feeling more active, you could check out this surfing experience with a surf coach.

2. Walk Around Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is probably the most famous place on the Gold Coast, and even if you don’t stay there, it’s worth visiting.

This is the Gold Coast people often imagine: tall buildings, a wide beach, busy streets, restaurants, shops, and a bit of a flashy holiday vibe.

I wouldn’t necessarily want to spend my whole trip based here, but it’s worth checking out.

We walked along the boardwalk and sand from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise. Just north of it, there’s a great beach club called La Luna – I recommend there for drinks, food and a swim!

Surfers Paradise Beach itself is beautiful, with a long stretch of sand and rolling surf right in front of the city skyline. Go for a walk, grab a drink or meal, people-watch, and then decide whether it’s your scene.

For us, it was fun to visit, but we were happy to return to Broadbeach afterward.

3. Spend Time in Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads was one of my favourite areas on the Gold Coast.

It has that perfect mix of beach, cafés, local energy, and natural beauty. There are great places to eat, people hanging out on the grass by the beach, surfers in the water, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

One of the best things to do here is walk through Burleigh Head National Park. The park sits right on the headland and has walking trails with ocean views, rainforest, rocky coastline, and the chance to look back along the Gold Coast skyline.

Even if you’re not doing a big hike, it’s worth going for a stroll here. The views over Tallebudgera Creek and the coastline are stunning.

Afterward, grab a bite at the Tropic. The views here are gorgeous – don’t miss the puffed bread with hummus and fresh oysters, before heading to the “hill” to watch the early evening surfers. Technically this is a public area, but having a drink or two here is common.

4. Swim at Tallebudgera Creek

I’m so bummed that we missed this spot! Quite simply, we just ran out of time…

When we drove passed Tallebudgera Creek, I couldn’t believe just how stunning it was. The water is calm, clear, and ridiculously blue on a sunny day. It’s a great spot for swimming, floating around, paddleboarding, or just sitting by the water with friends.

Unlike some of the surf beaches, the creek feels more sheltered and relaxed – which is what I was looking for during our trip! It’s one of the best swimming spots on the Gold Coast if you want calm water rather than waves.

5. Visit Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is another great area to explore, especially if you like a quieter beach vibe.

It sits between Broadbeach and Miami, so it’s easy to reach if you’re staying centrally. Compared to Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach feels much more low-key. It’s still beautiful, still close to everything, but it has more of a neighbourhood feel.

This is a great place to come for a relaxed beach walk, followed by a slow coffee or brunch – which is exactly what we did at Sunnyboy Espresso.

Mermaid Beach doesn’t have the same big-ticket attraction feel as some other areas, but that’s kind of the point.

7. Explore Tamborine Mountain & Park

One of the best things about the Gold Coast is that you can be at the beach in the morning and in the rainforest by the afternoon.

Tamborine National Park is a great day trip and gives you a completely different side of the region. Instead of sand, surf, and high-rises, you get rainforest walks, mountain roads, lookouts, and cooler air. I loved that it didn’t feel like a mission to get here – it’s only like an hour drive.

The Witches Falls section of Tamborine National Park is especially worth visiting. It’s also historically significant, as Witches Falls was Queensland’s first national park.

There are several walking tracks in the park, including the Witches Chase Track, which passes Witches Falls lookout and goes through rainforest and eucalypt forest, it’s only about 2.5 kilometers and it took us roughly an hour to walk it.

If you have a rental car, I’d definitely add this to your Gold Coast itinerary. But if you don’t have your own wheels, you can join a tour from the Gold Coast. Like this one where you’ll get to see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat, or this one where you get to go ziplining.

6. Visit Witches Falls Winery

Tamborine National Park is one part, but Tamborine Mountain has cafés, shops, viewpoints, walking trails, gardens, and a slower mountain-town feel.

We popped in here for a tasty sandwich at Franquette before heading to Witches Falls Winery, which is a well-known cellar door stops on Tamborine Mountain, and the setting is lovely.

We actually had a picnic in the vineyards (it’s all about who you know ), but they have many outdoor tables as well. We loved the variety of wines here.

If you’re spending more than a few days on the Gold Coast, I think it’s worth giving yourself at least one full day away from the beach. The coast is beautiful, obviously, but the mountains offer different scenery and a different vibe.

8. Watch the Surf at Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks

Coolangatta feels different from the central Gold Coast in the best way.

It’s still beachy and beautiful, but it has a more relaxed, old-school coastal feel compared to places like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. It’s right down near the New South Wales border, so it takes a bit longer to get there if you’re based farther north, but it’s absolutely worth the trip.

One of the highlights in this area is Snapper Rocks.

This is a famous surf spot, and even if you don’t surf, it’s still worth visiting just to watch the waves, walk along the coastline, and take in the views.

We watched the surf from the Rainbow Bay Surf Club, over chicken parmis and Mick Fanning’s beer…and actually, we spotted Mick Fanning surfing while we were here!

In case you don’t know, he’s an Australian pro surfer, famous for surviving a shark attack while surfing in South Africa – he punched and kicked the shark…

The coastline around Snapper Rocks is gorgeous. You can walk around the point, watch the surf, and look back across the beaches. It’s also a great area for photos, especially if the weather is clear.

I loved that this part of the Gold Coast felt more laid-back. It still has restaurants, cafés, and plenty going on, but it doesn’t feel as built-up as the central areas.

If you have time, pair Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks with a visit to nearby Kirra Beach or Rainbow Bay. This southern end of the Gold Coast is perfect for a slower beach day.

9. Drive Through Currumbin Valley

Currumbin Valley was another place that made me realize how much more there is to the Gold Coast than just beaches.

We drove through here with our friends and were lucky enough to spot kangaroos on the side of the road! This was our first day in Australia and already we’d seen kangaroos and a koala!

The valley is green, peaceful, and lush, with winding roads, trees, and relaxed feel that makes you forget you’re still so close to one of Australia’s busiest holiday destinations.

If you have a car, this is a beautiful area to explore at a relaxed pace, with a stop at Pasture & Co. for a piece of lemon merangue pie the size of your head!

Don’t go expecting a packed itinerary or a long list of attractions to tick off. The appeal is more about the drive, the scenery, and stopping wherever looks interesting.

For us, visiting areas like Currumbin Valley gave the trip a lot more depth. It made the Gold Coast feel less like a beach destination and more like a region with a totally different vibe depending on where you go.

If you’re someone who likes nature, road trips, and places that feel a little quieter, make time for the valleys.

10. Relax at a Bathhouse

One thing I didn’t expect before visiting the Gold Coast was how big the bathhouse and wellness scene is. But once you’re there, it makes total sense.

The Gold Coast has such an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. People are surfing, swimming, walking the beach, hiking, doing yoga, and spending so much time outside. So places where you can soak, steam, cold plunge, and unwind fits right in!

We visited Greenhouse the Bathhouse in Tallebudgera Valley on a girl’s trip, and it was such a nice change of pace from the beach days and sightseeing.

It’s a beautiful, relaxed space with warm pools, a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, massage treatments, outdoor areas, and a plant-based restaurant on-site.

It was classy, but not intimidating at all, and because it’s tucked away in the valley, it has that peaceful “escape for a few hours” feeling.

Suggested Gold Coast Itinerary

If you’re trying to figure out how to put all of this together, here’s how I’d plan a first trip.

For a short stay of three or four days, base yourself in Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads. Spend one day exploring Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, and Surfers Paradise. Spend another day in Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek.

Then use your final day for either Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks or a day trip to Tamborine Mountain.

For a longer stay of one week or more, you can slow things down and spread everything out. Visit the main beach suburbs, spend a proper day in Burleigh, swim at Tallebudgera Creek, drive down to Coolangatta, explore Currumbin Valley, and take a full day for Tamborine National Park and Tamborine Mountain.

If you have 10–12 days like we did, even better. That gives you time to revisit your favourite beaches, spend time with friends, try more restaurants, and not feel like every day has to be jam packed.

Where To Stay on the Gold Coast

For us, Broadbeach was the perfect base.

It was central, walkable, close to the beach, and had plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby. It also made it easy to visit other parts of the Gold Coast without feeling like we were staying in the busiest tourist zone.

Surfers Paradise is better if you want nightlife, big hotels, shopping, and a more energetic tourist scene.

Burleigh Heads is great if you want a more local, trendy, beach-town feel with great food, surf, and access to nature.

Coolangatta is a good choice if you want a quieter southern Gold Coast stay with beautiful beaches and a more relaxed pace. For a first-time visit, I’d personally choose Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads.

Getting Around the Gold Coast

You can get around parts of the Gold Coast without a car, especially if you’re staying in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, or Southport. The tram makes it easy to move between some of the main central areas.

But if you want to visit places like Tamborine National Park, Witches Falls Winery, Currumbin Valley, Tallebudgera Valley, and some of the quieter areas, having a car makes a big difference.

The Gold Coast is spread out, and some of the best places are outside the main beach strip. A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop at random viewpoints, and not worry about working around buses or tours. Click here to search for the best deals on rental cars in the Gold Coast.

Or, if you’re on a longer trip through Australia, you could always check out one of these routes in a campervan!

Final Thoughts

The Gold Coast surprised me. I expected beautiful beaches, which it definitely has. But I didn’t expect the mountain areas, the beautiful valleys and the funky beach towns!

After 12 days, I understood why people love this part of Australia.

The Gold Coast isn’t just one destination. It’s a mix of beach towns, surf spots, rainforest walks, valleys, wineries, restaurants, and easy coastal living.

And while you can absolutely visit for a quick holiday, I think it’s even better when you give yourself enough time to slow down and actually enjoy it.

The post Visiting The Gold Coast Australia: 10 BEST Things To Do appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Meanwhile, people live just 90 minutes away and haven’t booked a hotel room in Orlando since… ever? That’s the thing about staycations, they’re often overlooked because you don’t have to hop on a plane to get there!

But trust me, after basing ourselves in many places around the world, and going on weekends away, I can say that they can be just as fun – and less stressful – than an international holiday.

The feeling of being on vacation has almost nothing to do with distance and almost everything to do with giving yourself permission – to not check emails, to sleep in, to sit by the pool with a good book, and to just fill the day at your own pace.

Orlando is one of the top visited places in the USA and happens to be a great place to staycation. And if you’re a Florida or Georgia resident, you can get it cheaper than almost anyone else.

Here’s how to plan an Orlando staycation that actually feels like a trip away.

Why Orlando Works Better as a Staycation Than a Vacation

Most visitors to Orlando are on a clock. They’ve got four days, seven parks, a dining reservation at 8:15pm, and a return flight on Sunday. They’re not relaxing…they’re on a tight schedule!

For Florida and Georgia residents, you don’t have that problem. You can drive in on a Friday afternoon, do exactly one thing per day, and drive home Sunday night without that panic of “we flew all this way, we have to do the water park.”

That changes everything about how you should plan. Instead of trying to see everything at once, you get to pick and choose…because you can simply come back next month if you want!

It also means you can travel in shoulder season, whereas tourists typically visit when school’s out. You can come the second week of September, or late January, or the first half of May – when the parks are quieter, the hotel rates drop, and you’re not lining up 80 minutes for a ride that lasts just three.

Choosing the Right Area to Stay In

This is something to consider when you just have a few days to visit Orlando, and it’s also where most staycations fail. People book whatever’s cheapest near the airport, spend the whole weekend on the I-4, and wonder why it didn’t feel like a holiday.

Orlando is enormous and sprawling, and the neighbourhood you pick determines what your weekend will actually be like. For most people doing a classic Orlando staycation, it’s I-Drive or the Disney side – those are the two areas built for it.

International Drive (I-Drive): this is the resort corridor, it’s a long strip running roughly parallel to I-4, packed with hotels, restaurants, outlet malls, mini golf, the convention centre, and Universal a few minutes north. If you want everything within a short drive, this is the most convenient base in the city. It’s also where you’ll find the biggest resort properties with the best amenities.

Lake Buena Vista and Highway 192 (Kissimmee): this is Disney’s orbit. If you’re doing the parks with kids, staying on this side saves you meaningful time and traffic every single day. It’s more spread out and less walkable than I-Drive, but the accommodation options are more varied. You’ll find villas and multi-bedroom units rather than standard hotel rooms – which is exactly what you want with a family.

Winter Park is the opposite end of the spectrum. Here you’ll find leafy, historic, brick sidewalks, independent shops, boutique hotels. There’s nothing theme-park about it. If your staycation is a grown-up weekend without the parks, this is where to be.

Downtown Orlando works if you want the city rather than the tourist version of it. Check out Lake Eola, Thornton Park, Mills 50, the Milk District. Here you’ll find nightlife, restaurants, and actual local life.

Where to Stay: The Florida & Georgia Resident Discount

Westgate Resorts have properties in both of the main corridors – on Turkey Lake off I-Drive, and on the Disney side near Kissimmee, and Florida and Georgia residents get a discounted rate at all of them.

Their highly-rated villa-style units come with full kitchens, and separate living areas. Not to mention, there are multiple onsite restaurants, pools and more. Check the Florida & Georgia resident rates here.

Things to Do in Orlando That Aren’t Theme Parks

In case you’re not planning on visiting Disney World, there are lots of other things to do in Orlando to keep you busy. The city is one of the best places to go in Florida for a reason!

The Chocolate Kingdom Factory. This tour walks you through the whole bean-to-bar process. How cacao is grown, roasted, ground, and turned into the chocolate you actually eat. It’s a guided tour with lots of tasting along the way, and you finish by making your own custom bar. Click here for details.

Enjoy the view from the Florida Eye. One of Orlando’s most recognizable attractions is The Orlando Eye at ICON Park, the 400-foot observation wheel on International Drive. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Kennedy Space Center

Do the downtown thing. Lake Eola with its swan boats is the postcard shot, but the surrounding neighbourhoods are where the actual city lives. Check out Thornton Park area which is walkable and a great place to eat. On the first Thursday of every month, the neighbourhood’s galleries open their doors for an evening of art and live music – which has a more local vibe.

Kennedy Space Center. An hour east, and one of the most impressive day trips from Orlando you can do. Visiting this NASA facility is worth the drive. Click here for a highly rated tour, including transport.

Doing the Theme Parks Like a Local (Not a Tourist)

If you do want parks, do them differently than the people who flew in.

Buy an annual pass if you’ll go more than twice. Florida residents get substantially reduced annual pass rates at both Disney and Universal, often with monthly payment options. If you’re going to visit two or three times a year, the pass beats individual tickets and removes the “we have to get our money’s worth today” pressure, which is the opposite of what a relaxed staycation is about.

Go for half days. The tourist mindset is: arrive when the rope drops, and stay to the fireworks. The local mindset is: arrive at 4pm, ride four things, eat dinner, watch the show, leave. The evenings are cooler, crowds thin after the day-trippers leave, and you go home happy instead of exhausted.

Use the resident-only ticket offers. Both major park operators run Florida resident promotions throughout the year, particularly in the autumn and late winter. These are frequently the cheapest park admission available anywhere.

Skip the park entirely and do Disney Springs or CityWalk. There’s no ticket required. You get free entry, access to restaurants, live music, shopping, and a cinema. It scratches the theme-park itch for the price of parking.

Money-Saving Tips for an Orlando Staycation

The whole point of a staycation is that it should cost meaningfully less than a “real” trip. Here’s how you can save some money.

Use the resident rates – all of them. Resort resident discounts like with Westgate Resorts, Florida resident park tickets, resident rates at attractions like Kennedy Space Center and the aquariums. A surprising number of places will honour it if you simply ask. Make sure to bring your ID.

Book accommodation with a kitchen. Breakfast at home, pack a lunch, and enjoy dinner out. That’s one restaurant meal a day instead of three. A family of four eating three meals a day in Orlando restaurants can easily clear $200/day.

Drive, obviously. The great thing about a Florida staycation is you don’t have to pay for pricey flights, baggage fees, and there’s no rental car needed! You can bring a cooler, some of your own food, a case of water, your favorite coffee machine, whatever you need! Even things like beach chairs – and whatever else you’d otherwise be buying or renting at resort prices…just toss it in the car.

Travel midweek. Sunday-to-Thursday rates in Orlando are frequently a fraction of Friday-Saturday rates. If your schedule has any flexibility at all, you’ll be able to save quite a bit.

Avoid peak weeks. Spring break, Christmas week, Easter, and the July 4th stretch are the most expensive and most crowded times to be anywhere in central Florida. The best time to travel around Florida is September, early December, and late January – lower rates, fewer crowds, and better weather than July.

Pre-book parking or use resort shuttles. Theme park parking runs $30+ per day. If your resort runs a shuttle, use it.

Set a daily “one nice thing” budget. Rather than tracking every dollar, pick one thing per day that you’ll spend properly on. Maybe a good dinner, the spa, a special ticket – and keep the rest cheap. It feels indulgent without the hefty bill at the end.

How to Actually Make It Feel Like a Vacation

This is the difference between a staycation that feels like you went abroad, and one where you just…slept somewhere else.

Pack a real bag. Not a gym bag with a toothbrush. Pack a suitcase like you’re going somewhere. The act of properly packing makes it feel like you’re actually going on holiday.

Set an actual departure time and stick to it. The problem with the staycation mentality is leaving at 4pm on Friday because you “just had to finish one thing.” Leave at noon if you can and take the half day. The extra four hours is a quarter of your weekend.

Turn off notifications. All of them. Pretend like you’ve gone away on holiday to Europe. Don’t answer your emails, texts or anything – you’re offline!

Don’t plan every hour. The joy of the staycation is you don’t have to jam everything in…because you could just return a month later if you wanted! Pick two main activities for a weekend, and make sure to carve out some pool / relax time as well.

Eat somewhere you wouldn’t normally. Tourists eat at the resort, and locals eat at the same six places on rotation. Break both patterns and go somewhere new! Ask your hotel for recommendations, or check Google Maps or Yelp.

Sample Orlando Staycation Itineraries

The Two-Night Reset (no parks)
Friday: Arrive midday, check in, pool time, spa treatment, dinner on I-Drive, and finish with a sunset ride on The Florida Eye at ICON Park, which is a five-minute walk from most of the restaurants there.

Saturday: Winter Park morning, enjoy the Morse Museum and the Scenic Boat Tour, followed by a long lunch on Park Avenue. Back to the resort for the afternoon, followed by a food tour in the Milk District for dinner.

Sunday: Wekiwa Springs early, drive home by mid-afternoon. Day-use entry is $6 per vehicle and you need to reserve a slot in advance now, so book it before you go.

The Family Long Weekend
Thursday: Arrive, stock up on groceries, settle into the villa, resort pool time.

Friday: Sleep in and enjoy the resort, have a slow breakfast in the villa, pool until lunch, then head to the park rested around 3pm. Half-day park visits work well because you’re not exhausted by 3pm…being lazy in the morning in the point.

Saturday: Chocolate Kingdom in the morning, resort waterpark all afternoon, nobody drives anywhere else. Dinner at the resort.

Sunday: Disney Springs or CityWalk, before heading home in the afternoon.

The Space and City Weekend
Friday: Arrive, settle in, dinner and a wander around downtown. Saturday: Kennedy Space Center – it’s an hour each way and deserves a full day, so leave early and don’t try to pair it with anything. Back for a late dinner.

Sunday: The Historic Districts walking tour downtown, brunch in Thornton Park, home mid-afternoon.

The Cheap Weekend
Friday night arrival, cook all your meals in the villa except one. Saturday at Wekiwa Springs, which is $6 per vehicle, then Lake Eola and wandering around the downtown in the afternoon, which costs nothing at all.

Sunday morning spent at the resort pool, then head home. Cooking your own food, getting the resident accommodation rates, and doing free activities will really save you a lot of cash on your staycation.

Final Thoughts

Some of the best trips we’ve taken weren’t the most expensive or farthest away. They’ve been the ones where we actually slowed down, where the schedule was relaxed and we had a ton of time to be spontaneous.

Orlando is unusually well-equipped for that. It’s built for visitors, it’s stacked with things to do at every price point, and if you’re a Florida or Georgia resident, you have access to rates that people flying in from any other state (or abroad) would love to get their hands on.

You don’t need a passport. You don’t need a two week holiday. You just need a weekend, a tank of gas, and a room that isn’t yours.

The post Orlando Staycation Guide: for Florida & Georgia Residents appeared first on Goats On The Road.

In this digital nomad guide to living in Chiang Mai we’re going to cover all the essential insider knowledge that you’ll need to set up shop there including accommodation options, what you can expect from internet speeds, things to do in Chiang Mai, coworking space options and networking opportunities.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai

Depending on how long you are planning on living in Chiang Mai there are a couple of different options. Basically if you are looking at staying for less than 3 months your best bet is to negotiate a daily rate directly with a serviced apartment building (this is what we did). However, if you are going to be settling for 3 months or more you there are lots of short-term apartment rentals available to choose from – you will struggle to find somewhere willing to sign a lease for less than 3 months.

Daily Rate Serviced Apartment

There are major pluses to choosing this type of accommodation. Firstly you will get a daily cleaning service included, but you will almost definitely be able to negotiate a lower rate for this only to be done every other day, or 3 times per week as we did. Secondly, all your bills will likely be included in your room rate, including Wi-Fi.

Expect a spacious, air-conditioned studio with a private bathroom, small kitchenette, TV, and a balcony for somewhere in the region of $15–25 per night depending on the building and area.

The place we got included a small table and chairs so there was somewhere to work, a kettle, microwave and fridge/freezer in the small kitchen, and a TV with numerous English-speaking channels (including an excellent movie channel).

There was also full-time onsite security, parking, communal washing machines and water stations. If you’re not bothered about all that, there are older, more basic buildings with smaller room that can come in lower.

SEE ALSO: The 5 Best Cities with Lightning-Fast Internet for Digital Nomads

Short Term Apartment Let

Finding an apartment to rent in Chiang Mai longer term is best done once you’ve actually arrived. So book a few nights in a hotel, then set up viewings with a few local estate agencies once you’re on the ground. Facebook rental groups also tend to turn up some good deals and can be a great place to look too.

But there are plenty that are very reputable, straightforward and free for the renter estate agents in Chiang Mai. Simply send them a brief email of what you are after and they will arrange the viewings, ferry you around by car and sort out all the paperwork.

Here are some estate agent options that have good reviews:

• Perfect Homes
• Open Realty
• Chiang Mai House

As of 2026, a one-bedroom apartment typically runs $300–500 per month in popular nomad areas like Nimman or the Old City, with basic studios available from around $150–250 further out, and nicer condos with pools running higher.

It was a few years back now, but some friends of ours rented an incredible place for 6 months for $480 per month with a gorgeous kitchen and swimming pool included – you can check it out here.

We know someone else who for years rented a more basic but still fantastic rooftop apartment on a year lease for $200 per month. If you are wanting to rent longer term and are also willing to pay a few months up front at a time you will have much more negotiating power. You can also rent whole 2/3/4 bedroom houses outside of the city for similar prices that you’ll get for apartments in the city if you don’t mind being further out.

Bills (electricity, water, internet) will not be included in your rent and you will have to pay these separately at around £120 per month depending on how much electricity (i.e. air-con) you use and your choice of internet – more on that coming up.

Top Location Options in Chiang Mai

• Chiang Mai Old Town

You’ll be in the centre of the action here with no end of western eateries and nightlife options but accommodation prices tend to be on the higher end.

• Chang Khlan Area

This area is around a 15 minute walk Southeast of the Old Town and although it is less modern and has a few seedy bars, it’s still safe. Accommodation is generally cheaper and there are lots of street food and cheap restaurant options.

• Nimmanhaeman Road Area

This area is North West of the Old Town and is where the cool kids hang out. It has a large expat crowd with loads of coffee shops, western restaurants, a huge mall with a cinema, and many coworking spaces. It is one of the more expensive areas Chiang Mai to rent in.

• Chang Puak

Just North of the Old Town is Chang Puak area. Close to a major university there are large numbers of students here. Accommodation is cheaper and again there are lots of street food and cheap restaurant options. This is the area that we stayed in, it’s a 25 minute walk into the town centre and a 5 minute walk to a large supermarket.

☞ SEE ALSO:

• Best Things To Do in Bangkok – Our Top 13!
• Things To Do in Chiang Mai – Don’t Miss These 17 Things
• Backpacking Thailand – The Ultimate Travel Guide
• Places To Visit in Thailand – Our Top 15 Picks
• Things To Do in Thailand – These Are The Top 25!
• Things To Do In Koh Phangan – Such a cool place!

Getting Around Chiang Mai

Tuk tuks and songthaews (red trucks) remain common for short trips around $3, and Grab is now widely used for rides and food delivery. For regular transport, renting a scooter runs roughly $70–90 per month including basic insurance, with petrol still cheap. CityGlide is a reputable company that we would recommend and has a variety of bikes.

Your best option if you are living in Chiang for a few months or more though and need daily transport is to buy a motorbike and sell it when you leave. Depending on your budget you can either get a new one or pick up a second hand one. There are second hand bike markets at Ruem Chok on Saturdays and San Patong on Sundays. Or you can post your second hand motorbike enquiry on the Chiang Mai Facebook groups and will get plenty of suggestions – more on that later.

If buying second hand be sure take someone with you who knows what they are doing, there are procedures you will need to follow to register the bike after purchase. There are also Honda and Yamaha dealerships in the Old Town. If you don’t need transport day to day, just hire a motorbike for a few days at a time to take you on your adventures like we did.

Internet Speeds in Chiang Mai

You will get free Wi-Fi in serviced apartments but it may be a little slow depending on your needs. The one we had was a bit hit and miss but worked better when we moved rooms closer to a router. Of course you are sharing the connection with others so it will be slower if more people are using it. Your best option, like we did, is to work from a coffee shop or coworking space, particularly if you are wanting to upload or download anything.

If you are renting an apartment in Chiang Mai and plan to work from home, personal broadband installation is readily available. There are a number of providers who will get you a fast and reliable connection up and running within a few days for around $20 per month.

Because it depends on which area you are in as to which provider you are covered by, your best option is to just ask your landlord or estate agent but most people we know in Chiang Mai are currently using SINET.

SIM Card Options

It’s really easy to get a SIM card in Chiang Mai, you can readily pick them up from the airports or many 7-Elevens dotted around the city. The pay as you go ones are usually free or you can get monthly plans for around $15 per month. Again there are lots of providers but popular ones are AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC.

Co-Working Spaces

The majority of these are clustered around either the Old Town or Nimmanhaeman Road Area and prices vary along with internet speeds and facilities. For a top notch one that is open 24 hours, has a super high speed internet, free refreshments and a gym and swimming pool you are looking at a monthly membership fee of around $100-150 per month.

Punspace remains one of the most established options in Chiang Mai, alongside newer spaces that have opened in Nimman and the Old City. Monthly memberships for a well-equipped space with fast internet typically run $110–160 per month, with day passes for around $10 available at most locations for more flexibility.

There are also literally hundreds of coffee shops all around Chiang Mai that have decent connections where you can work for a few hours for the price of a couple of coffees.

Networking Opportunities & Making Friends

Owing to having such an established digital nomad community there are plenty of opportunities to meet like minded people in Chiang Mai. Be sure to join the friendly Facebook groups ‘Chiang Mai Digital Nomads’ and ‘Farang (foreigner) Community Chiang Mai’.

There’s often plenty of events where a variety of entrepreneurs and bloggers speak on a variety of topics, from writing e-books to monetizing your blog. There’s lots of free useful information and valuable contacts to be made in Chiang Mai.

Eating & Drinking Costs

The cheapest way to eat in Chiang Mai is at the plentiful street and market restaurants, there are also many stalls that just offer takeaway options. This is predominately how we ate in Chiang Mai and we ate well. Average dishes cost around $1-3.

Western food is available widely but priced closer to home-country rates. If you are a vegetarian or vegan there are lots of choices, in the Old Town there are whole streets specialising in these dishes. Make sure you check out the Sunday market in Chiang Mai, this is a great place to find affordable and delicious food. You’ll also find lots of souvenirs and clothing.

The big supermarkets, usually Tesco Lotus, sell anything and everything although the produce is more expensive and we found it cheaper to eat out than cook. We found these are the cheapest places to buy beers and wine, however and could pick up a crate of 24 beers for around $25 dollars. Be forewarned though you cannot by law purchase alcohol in supermarkets between 2pm and 5pm, so plan your shop around that if you’re getting your beers in for the weekend.

Example costs (2026):

• Domestic beer in a bar: $2
• Cappuccino: $1.50-2.50
• Litre of milk: $1.50
• Loaf of bread: $1.50
• A dozen eggs: $1.80
• Kg of bananas: $1.20
• Bottle of mid-range wine: $15

SEE ALSO: 10 Cheapest Digital Nomad Destinations

Health & Fitness Options

There are loads gyms and fitness studios available in Chiang Mai. Prices start at around $2 a session or $30 dollars per month. There also lots of yoga studios and martial arts classes, in particular Thai boxing. Naturally there are plenty of massage places offering a whole range of relaxing treatments throughout Chiang Mai for $5-8.

You can also check out Mahasiddha Yoga for some classes, workshops and retreats. They are located at 49 Chang Lor Rd T. Haiya Mueang Chiangmai, เชียงใหม่ 50100, Thailand and are open Sunday to Saturday, 8am – 10pm.

It’s also worth being honest about something that doesn’t get talked about enough in digital nomad circles: burnout. Constantly moving, working across time zones, and never quite switching off can catch up with you. When this happens you can end up feeling tired even after a day off, the places you’re in can stop feeling exciting, or even feeling isolated despite being surrounded by other nomads can be quite common.

For most people, slowing down, building a routine, and finding community is enough. But if it’s gone past that and become something more serious, it’s worth knowing that Chiang Mai is also home to The Dawn, a Thailand rehab centre that runs a dedicated programme specifically for professional and executive burnout.

Entertainment Options

With such a vibrant and diverse community in Chiang Mai comes lots of entertainment options. There are several night markets that take pace across the city most nights of the week which are great for buying clothes and food.

Thai boxing fight nights are held regularly, just make sure you’re going to a proper competition one and not one of the a ‘fake’ ones put on for tourists. And the Maya shopping mall has a great cinema with all the latest English films and runs discounted options on Wednesday nights.

You will invariably at some point find yourself at the popular late night bars of ‘Zoe in Yellow’ and ‘Reggae Bar’ having a few Samsong rum and cokes. Chiang Mai isn’t a late city however and even these later bars are closed by 12pm due to strictly enforced regulations. There are underground bars behind shutters to be found that are open all night, but be careful of police raids as they’re against the law.

Around Chiang Mai

Nestled in central North Thailand, Chiang Mai, is also a perfect location for exploring the surrounding areas on your ‘off’ days. Chiang Rai and its beautiful white temple and gorgeous hiking trails are definitely worth a look, as are the intriguing ‘Sticky Waterfalls’ and beautiful ‘Grand Canyon’ – more info on those here.

If you have a few more days at a time to play with, another great way of exploring the scenic countryside around this part of Thailand is to rent a motorbike and do the 370miles over the incredibly picturesque western mountains to Pai, Mae Hong Son and back. There are numerous things to do in Pai, so make sure you stick around for a bit.

You are only a few hours by bus either way to the borders of Laos and Myanmar if you fancy a trip to either, but with Chiang Mai airport so close by you are within a few hours domestic flight connection to the rest of South East Asia also.

Visa Requirements

In May 2026 Thailand scrapped its long-standing 60-day visa-exempt entry, and what’s more border-run cycling is now actively discouraged by immigration.

The main route for digital nomads today is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV):

• A 5-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable once for a further 180 days at a Thai immigration office.
• Requires proof of at least ฿500,000 (~$14,500 USD) held in savings for a minimum of 3 months before applying.
• Requires proof of remote income from outside Thailand (employment contract, freelance client agreements, or business registration)
• Must be applied for via the Thai e-Visa portal while physically outside Thailand.
• Requires completing a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours of arrival
• If renting, your landlord is required to file a TM30 form on your arrival, and address reporting is required every 90 days

This has changed significantly from how it used to work previously, and the consequences of overstaying can now result in   complete blacklisting). So do double check your specific situation and directly against the official Thai e-Visa portal or a licensed immigration lawyer before travelling for the most up to date information.

Just a couple of things to note:

• Chiang Mai experiences a period of heavy smoke/pollution from agricultural burning, typically February–April — worth timing around if you’re sensitive to air quality, and checking current air quality index reports before booking.
• Peak season remains December–February, with good apartments harder to find from around November onward.

If you’re trying to find a base to set up as a digital nomad, Chiang Mai should for sure be high up on your list of considerations. It has a much slower pace than the frenetic capital of Bangkok, is modern and convenient with access to good healthcare if needed. It’s a beautiful city with so much going on and is the perfect option for people wanting to experience a great lifestyle on a cheap budget.

For more on being a Digital Nomad around the world, check out:

A Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Malta

Mexico: The Best Digital Nomad Spot for North Americans

Our Digital Nomad Lifestyle on Lake Atitlan

The Cost of Living on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

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I’ve been freelancing full-time since 2019 and have been freelancing as a side hustle for a lot longer than that. Without some of these helpful apps for freelancers, my business truly wouldn’t be what it is today.

But before we get into the day to day tools, I should mention where a lot of my own client work comes from: Upwork. It’s where I’ve landed many of my freelance writing and social media clients, and it’s a great way to find work without relying on cold outreach.

I’ll cover it in more detail later, but if you’re just starting out, it’s well worth having in your toolkit from day one.

25 Best Apps for Freelancers (Free and Paid)

One of the best ways for freelancers to manage their time is by utilizing free and paid digital applications to help them run their business more smoothly.

I’ve divided this list of best freelancer apps into these categories: time management and productivity apps, health apps, invoicing apps, communication apps, and organization apps.

Whether you’re just starting your business or you’ve been doing it for a while now, be sure to look closely through this list of apps for freelance work. They’ll help your business run more smoothly and efficiently.

Here are the best 25 apps for freelancers this year.

Best Time Management and Productivity Apps for Freelancers

First up on this list are some of the best apps for freelancers who want to manage their time and productivity. These are some of the most important apps that I currently use or have tried in my business. If you only try one section of apps on this post, make it these!

SEE ALSO: 15 Best Freelance Writing Courses Online

1. Clockify

Clockify is a time tracking tool that’s perfect whether you charge hourly or not. I’ve used it for quite a few hourly projects, but I still find myself tracking time just for myself since switching to project-based pricing.

This is essential so that you can see if you’re charging the right price for your work.

If something is taking you way longer than you initially thought it would, it might be time to raise your rates. There is both a paid and free version of Clockify, but as a freelancer, the free version is all you’ll need to track time.

2. ClickUp

Next up: ClickUp. If you struggle with staying on top of all your projects, then this is the app for you.

You can create separate workspaces for each part of your business or keep them all together. I’ve found that having a different calendar for each of my clients seems to work best for my own productivity.

What makes ClickUp better than other productivity and project management apps out there is that you can get way more out of the free version than other apps. You’ll most likely never need the paid version unless you start growing your team and need to add more users.

3. Todoist

Todoist is a more straightforward productivity app that many freelancers use and heavily rely on. It works a lot like the reminders or note-taking app on your phone, so it’s a lot easier to use if you don’t have time to learn a new app.

Todoist was released back in 2007 but has consistently remained a favourite for task management. There’s no better way to boost your productivity as a freelancer than by ensuring everything you have to do for the day is clearly defined and written out somewhere.

SEE ALSO: Knowadays Freelance Writer Course – Is It Legit?

4. Asana

Asana is one of the most popular productivity tools among freelancers, which is why it deserves a spot on this list of best apps for freelancers.

It’s straightforward to use, and you can add some users or guests for free, which can be great if you need to communicate with clients or team members.

They are always updating the app, with new features rolling out almost every other month. The free version is perfect for freelancers. If you’re a social media manager, Asana is a great tool to help you plan out content months in advance for your clients.

5. Toggl

Toggl, although it’s Clockify’s biggest rival, is still worth mentioning on this list. They essentially do the same thing: track your time.

You can add projects and client names, and at the end of the week, you can check the charts to see just how much time you spent on each project. This is great for you to reassess and evaluate where your time is being spent.

If you’re looking for a time tracking app, I suggest spending one week on Toggl and one week on Clockify to see which interface you prefer. Once again, the free version is all you need as a freelancer.

☞ SEE ALSO: 20 Best Time Management Tips and Tools For Freelancers

Best Health Apps

As a freelancer, health is incredibly important. You no longer have a commute to work where you can get in some extra steps, and you’ll most likely be working from home, which can be challenging with the fridge nearby.

Here are some of the top apps for freelancers that will help you stay healthy while working from home.

6. Nike Training Club

Check out Nike Training Club if you hate coming up with your own workout routines and would rather someone just tell you precisely what to do.

I’ve been using this app for more than ten years now, and it’s filled with tons of different trainings.

The free version is all you’ll need to work out from home. What’s so great about it is that there are some workouts where all you need is yourself — no equipment necessary. Although, there is an option for exercises with weights and other equipment as well.

7. Peloton

Freelancers can easily use Peloton’s workout app if they have a bike at home. I’ve recently started using it and I have to say that it’s pretty incredible.

Not only does Peloton have cycle workouts, but they also have stretching, meditation, and more. Plus, if you’re a first-time user of the app, you can get two months for free when you sign up. If you decide it’s a good fit, you can switch to the paid version after the trial for just $12.99.

8. Yoga for Beginners

Yoga for Beginners is one of the top-rated apps for at-home yoga. Every single workout is free, so you won’t be forced to start paying or anything.

Yoga is the perfect way to start the day. As a freelancer, I know how stressful some days can be, especially if you end up with a client that is difficult to work with. Yoga can help relieve that stress!

You can integrate Yoga for Beginners with Apple Health if you have an iPhone or use an Apple Watch. This way, you can keep all your health-related information in one spot.

9. WHOOP

Forget Fitbit – WHOOP is the new kid on the block. This fitness and health tracking band will tell you way more about your physiological state than other bands on the market will.

Plus, there are a wide variety of straps that you can switch out to match whatever mood you’re in that day.

Before paying to become a member, you can have a free one-month trial. This brand is also gaining popularity among professional athletes, so you know it’s something worth investing in.

As a freelancer, I love being able to check in on how my body is doing, and WHOOP allows me to do so.

10. My Fitness Pal

While you’ve probably heard of My Fitness Pal, you may not have realized how helpful it can be for freelancers. Since freelancers are always working remotely, it can be challenging to stay healthy and stay on top of the foods and ingredients we are consuming.

That’s why My Fitness Pal is so helpful. You can connect it to other apps you may use, like the Health app on the iPhone or even Fitbit. It’ll also help you track the food you’re eating during the day, so you can stick to your preferred diet/lifestyle plan.

☞ SEE ALSO: How to Stay Healthy While Working from Home

Best Invoicing Apps

As a freelancer, it’s incredibly pertinent to stay on top of invoicing. You need to be able to track if payment has been made, if it’s late, or if it’s overdue. You also need a reliable platform to send invoices on in the first place.

Here are some of the top freelance apps for invoicing.

11. HoneyBook

HoneyBook is highly rated and is one of the best apps for freelance jobs. Unlike Dubsado (below), it has a phone application, so you can stay on top of all of your communication with clients instead of having to check a website every day.

HoneyBook allows you to set up recurring invoices for clients that may have you on retainer, and you can customize how much each payment is and when it’s due.

Plus, it will automatically send reminders to your clients on your behalf, so you don’t have to track payments as closely as you might have to with other invoicing software.

HoneyBook is what I use in my own business. They currently have a deal where you only have to pay $1 a month for your first two months with them! It’s a great way to see if you like it.

12. PayPal

PayPal allows you to set up and send invoices to clients, but it does take a small percentage of each invoice.

This list of best apps for freelancers wouldn’t be complete without including good ol’ PayPal. Because PayPal is so trusted by consumers worldwide (especially because it’s used on Shopify websites), clients already know how to use it, and they trust it.

While I use HoneyBook for my social media management and graphic design services, I use PayPal for all my freelance writing gigs. It’s simple, easy to use, and you can send an invoice in minutes.

13. Wave

Wave is a top-rated invoicing app among freelancers, especially those who like to track everything closely. It sends invoices and is a financial accounting software, so if you want to stay on top of your numbers, this is the perfect app for you.

Many freelancers love Wave because it also integrates seamlessly with other apps. You can connect it with Square, Stripe, Shopify, QuickBooks, HubSpot, MailChimp, Calendly, Acuity… pretty much all the apps that freelancers use frequently.

Wave has multiple payment plan options, ranging from free to a monthly fee. Depending on what you plan on using within Wave, you might get away with just using the free version!

14. QuickBooks

QuickBooks truly one of the best apps for freelancers, and did you know that it also has invoicing? You can send invoices directly to your customers through it, which can be a lifesaver if you’re already paying the QuickBooks fee.

It’s effortless to send one and is a bit similar to PayPal in that way.

What’s so great about QuickBooks is you can also see your invoice’s status at any time. This means you can track whether an invoice has been viewed, unopen, is paid, or overdue.

15. Dubsado

Dubsado is a prevalent invoicing software among designers of all types. I’ve used Dubsado myself and have considered switching over, but it can be very time-consuming to set up.

Unlike other invoicing software, you can make your invoices customized to your brand within Dubsado, which is why designers love it so much.

Similar to HoneyBook, Dubsado is also an all-in-one client management system. You can track your upcoming consultation calls, your financials, proposals, and client emails all in one place.

Best Communication Apps

Staying on top of client communications is one of the essential parts of having a freelance business. Every freelancer has their own opinion on how to best keep in touch with clients, but these are some of the best apps out there for client communication.

16. Voxer

First up: Voxer. This app isn’t well known but has recently started to make waves in the online business community, making it one of the best apps for freelance jobs.

While the company opened in 2007, I hadn’t even heard of Voxer until a few years ago.

Think of it as kind of like a walkie talkie. You can send voice messages and type messages out, making it easy to stay on top of client communication.

Many freelancers use Voxer to host office hours with their clients because it’s easy to respond with a voice message.

Plus, the personal plan of Voxer is free! This is the best free app for freelancers if you want quick communication.

17. Gmail

Gmail is a classic communication app that shouldn’t be overlooked. Clients are always sending emails, sometimes even multiple within a day to you, and you’ll need to make sure that you have some sort of mail app to stay on top of it all.

The Gmail app is free. The only reason you’d have to pay is if you want more storage or need to use your domain’s email address, making you look a lot more professional to your clients.

18. Slack

Slack has quickly become one of the most popular communication apps because it’s practically instant messaging. It’s better than texting though because you don’t have to give your client your phone number.

Within Slack, you can have private messages with your clients and have group messages if you’re working with a larger group.

This can also be helpful if you’ve started growing your team and you need to have one space where all communication lives.

Slack has different pricing tiers, but if you don’t have a large team and aren’t consistently working with a high number of clients each month, you can get away with just using the free version.

19. Zoom

Zoom has boomed into popularity the last year, and the freelancing space is no exception.

I use Zoom consistently for consultation calls with new potential clients. This way, we can briefly meet face-to-face for 15 minutes to see if we might be a good fit for each other.

I have found that communication can happen a lot more seamlessly when talking to someone (rather than emailing), which is why I love Zoom so much. You can also integrate it with a calendar schedule tool that you might be using, like Calendly, HoneyBook, or Acuity Scheduling.

20. Loom

Loom is an app that you can connect to Google Chrome and use to send video tutorials to clients. While you can simply send over a written-out tutorial, I find that it’s so much easier to send a video tutorial.

As a freelancer, I am frequently getting asked by clients how to do something. It can even be something as simple as adding me as an Admin to their Facebook Page so that I can track their analytics from month to month.

Within Loom, you can record your screen and your face simultaneously, so you can walk your clients through absolutely anything. There is a paid version, but if you aren’t making videos longer than five minutes, the free version should work perfectly.

Out of everything on this whole list, Loom is truly the best app for freelance work. It’s a hidden gem.

Best Organization Apps

Time for the best organization apps. If you aren’t organized within your freelance business, there is no way that you’ll be successful. I’ll be the first to tell you that!

21. Google Drive

Google Drive is one of the best free apps for freelancers, although you can get more storage with the paid version.

Almost everyone uses Google or its apps every day. Whether you’re searching the internet or checking your email, you’re most likely using Google.

Because so many people use Google, I can’t recommend enough that you utilize Google Drive for storage. I’ve found that clients already know how to use it, so if I share something with them, they already know how to access it themselves.

This makes it one of the easiest organizational tools out there for client-facing projects. Plus, if you won’t be using a ton of storage or you’re a beginner, you can just use the free version of it.

22. Goodnotes

Tou should absolutely utilize Goodnotes in your business if you have an iPad or another tablet. It’s a note-taking app, but it’s great for graphic designers because you can also draw in it.

There are tons of great planners that you can purchase from Etsy, or even make your own, to save paper and have a digital planner too. I recently started doing this in my own business, and it’s kept me very on top of things!

I also whip out my Goodnotes app whenever I’m in a client meeting because it’s just so easy to take notes.

23. Evernote

Evernote is another note-taking app that is perfect for client meetings or jotting your ideas down when you’re in a hurry. As with the Clockify vs Toggle debate, Evernote and Goodnotes are similar, yet have different interfaces.

There are tons of different pens and markers that you can make your Apple Pen look like, which only adds to the fun.

There are paid versions, but as a freelancer, you can probably just use the free version.

24. Dropbox

I much prefer Dropbox to Google Drive for organizing my own documents, although Google Drive is excellent for client-facing projects and sharing documents with people you’re working with.

Within Dropbox, you can also now use Paper Docs, which are similar to Google Docs. You can write word documents and link them to your other Dropbox documents, making it great to use if you’re working with an internal team.

There are paid versions of Dropbox, but I’ve been just fine using the free version for the past eight months. The next tier up is only $9.99 a month and offers you up to 2 TB of storage, which is a lot.

25. LastPass

LastPass is one of the best apps for freelancers if you consistently share passwords with your team or clients. As a social media manager, I use LastPass to receive and store social media logins from my clients safely.

While it can be a bit difficult for your clients to use if they haven’t ever used it before, you can make a quick video using Loom (on this list!) and teach your client how to use it seamlessly.

LastPass is a Google Chrome app and can also be downloaded on your phone so that you can log in to anything mobile. Oh, and did I mention it’s free?

Bonus: Best App for Finding Freelance Work

Once you’ve got your systems in place, the bigger challenge is often finding your next client. For me, that’s where Upwork comes in. It lets you create a profile, apply for jobs from businesses already looking to hire, and manage everything from contracts to payments in one place.

I’ve found many of my freelance writing and social media clients through the platform, and it’s one of the first places I’d recommend new freelancers start looking for work.

If you’d like to learn more, I’ve written a full guide on how Upwork works and who it’s best suited for: How to Make Money on Upwork: An Expert’s Review.

Looking for More Freelance Articles?

• 15 Best Freelance Websites for Beginners.
• 20 Best Time Management Tools for Freelancers
• How to Make Money as a Freelance Social Media Manager
• 10 Ways to Make Money as a Graphic Designer
• How to Make Money on Fivver
• 10 High-Paying Online Jobs
• How to Create a Freelance Website (Step by Step Guide)

FAQs About the Best Freelancer Apps

Have a question about the best apps for freelance work? Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions.

Now You Know the Best Apps for Freelancers

It’s imperative for freelancers to stay on top of everything because you’re working for yourself. Oftentimes, freelancers are teams of just one, like me.

There’s no better way to stay organized, productive, and communicate with your clients than by utilizing the apps and programs on this list — they’ll change your business for the better.

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For the first time since we were living part time in Grenada, we’re not living out of suitcases, hopping between Airbnbs, or eating whatever’s convenient – no matter how healthy.

We’ve finally put down roots – and it turns out that having a more full-time base is one of the best things we’ve ever done for our health. We’re not as young as when we first started this travel lifestyle back in 2008!

Now that we’ve become residents with a place to call our own, we’ve been able to build real routines, and we’ve never felt better. Hopefully this list gives you some ideas that you can incorporate into your daily life as well.

Here are the 10 things we’re doing to level up our health now that we’ve got a home base.

1. Saunas Every Week

One of the biggest perks of settling down has been easy access to saunas. We’ve made regular sauna sessions a non-negotiable part of our week.

The benefits go way beyond just relaxing after a workout.

Regular sauna use has been linked to better cardiovascular health, improved circulation, faster muscle recovery, and reduced stress levels…not to mention, sweating it out after a few glasses of wine the night before is always a good thing!

When we were living near Plovdiv in a larger house for almost 4 years, we actually had our own infrared sauna – this meant we were able to sweat it out as much as we wanted.

These days, now that we’ve downsized and moved to Bansko, we go to the spa weekly and enjoy a sauna session then.

2. Prioritizing Our Sleep

Here’s the thing about travel: it wrecks your sleep. Sleeping in different beds every few nights, jet lag, noisy streets, uncomfortable mattresses – it all adds up.

We’re definitely all about our mattress (I’m like the Princess and the Pea ). When we were living in Grenada, we didn’t think the mattress was up to par, so we purchased a new one…the same thing in Plovdiv.

Unfortunately, since our recent move to Bansko, the house we’re renting doesn’t have the best mattress – and our sleep has been suffering. We’ve just ordered a mattress topper, so hopefully that helps and if not, we’ll look into a new mattress.

Companies like Simba have a huge variety of mattresses, toppers, and actually, they have some reflexology slippers with 9 pressure points that I’m keen to check out! Anything that’ll add to my wellbeing, I’m in.

Nick also has an Oura Ring and I have an Apple Watch so we’re able to track our sleep, which has also been really helpful.

Of course, we’ll still travel and sleep on whatever beds are available (or the floor in some cases!), but when at home, we want a quality mattress. You can hike every day, eat perfectly, and supplement religiously, but if you’re not sleeping well, none of that really matters…

3. Soaking in Mineral Pools

Bulgaria is famous for its mineral springs, and living near Bansko, we’ve taken full advantage. The region has lots of mineral spa pools, and soaking in them has become one of our favorite ways to unwind and recover.

The naturally heated, mineral-rich water is packed with elements like magnesium, calcium, and sulfur, which are said to help with everything from sore muscles to skin health.

Beyond the physical benefits, there’s just something relaxing and restorative about soaking in warm water surrounded by mountains.

We try to make it out to the pools regularly. It’s the kind of thing we could never do consistently when we were constantly on the move, and now it’s a highlight of our routine.

4. Natural Cold Plunges

On the flip side of the sauna, Nick has fallen in love with cold plunging – me, not so much! I’ve done it a few times, but the water temperature has to be 10 °C or warmer, otherwise my body gets stressed.

And actually, it’s mixed reviews on whether or not cold plunges are good for women.

But for Nick, around our new home, he’s lucky enough to plunge in natural cold water, rather than a pool. There’s nothing like the rush of stepping into an icy mountain stream or plunge pool after warming up in the sauna.

Cold exposure has been linked to reduced inflammation, improved circulation, a boosted immune response, and a serious hit of mental clarity and alertness.

Those first few seconds are always a shock to the system, but the endorphin rush afterward is unbeatable – you come out feeling energized, focused, and weirdly euphoric.

5. Taking Targeted Minerals

This one’s a bit “out there”, but it’s been a fascinating part of our health journey. We both did an HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) test, which analyzes a small hair sample to reveal your mineral levels and ratios.

The results gave us a clear picture of where we were deficient (spoiler: basically all areas), what we needed to focus on, and it even showed which heavy metals were in our bodies…

Instead of guessing which supplements to take or throwing random vitamins at the problem, we now supplement with the specific minerals our bodies are actually lacking.

It’s been eye-opening to realize how much mineral imbalances can affect our energy, mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

If you’ve been feeling off and can’t pinpoint why, getting a proper mineral analysis might be worth looking into. Just be sure to work with a knowledgeable practitioner who can help you interpret the results and build a plan for you. We went with Sophie from She Talks Health and have been very happy with her work!

6. Working Out Multiple Times Per Day

When you have a home base, you can finally build a real fitness routine – and we’ve been taking advantage of that!

We’ll start the mornings with stretching, followed by an hour hike or walk, and then a midday run and strength workout at the gym. Some evenings, we’ll head out for a short walk as well.

Spreading movement across the day keeps our energy up and our bodies feeling good. Plus, it’s so nice to “move” when we’ve been working at our laptops.

7. Hiking the Incredible Trails

Living near Bansko, right at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, means we’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe.

Daily hiking has become a big part of our physical activity. It’s cardio, it’s strength (those uphill climbs are no joke), and it’s mental health all in one.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a short forest walk, or a more challenging trek, we just love being in nature.

8. Cooking More of Our Own Meals

One of the huge perks of having a home base is having a real kitchen.

When you’re traveling constantly, cooking is a luxury you rarely get, and you end up dining out far more than is good for you – not that we don’t love going out to eat, but it’s not the healthiest option.

Now, we cook the majority of our meals at home, which has been great! Not only to have control over the ingredients we’re using, but it’s fun to prepare a meal together.

9. Real-Life Community and Connection

Even though we love each other’s company best, the past few years we’ve been really craving community. We have lots of friends around the world, but having them in your town is different!

Becoming residents has changed all of that – and especially since moving to a smaller town. For the first time in a long time, we’re part of a real community that’s still here next week, next month, and next year.

Bansko has a mix of expats, digital nomads, and locals, and instead of isolating ourselves in our own little work-from-home bubble, we’ve been making a point of showing up – coffee with friends, group hikes, community events, and dinners.

Health isn’t just about your body, it’s about your relationships, your sense of belonging, and having people you can count on. Putting down roots has finally given us that.

10. Being More Mindful About Alcohol

Let’s be clear – we haven’t quit drinking, and we’re not about to. We love a good glass of wine, and living in this part of the world, there’s some excellent local wine to enjoy!

When you’re traveling full-time, going to bars and drinking is par for the course. Every new city has its craft beer scene and wine bars to check out, and when you meet up with people, it’s usually to grab a drink.

These days, we’re more intentional with our wine drinking. We’ll savor a couple of glasses over a good meal, or an evening with friends, but it’s not an every day occurrance.

If I’m totally honest, we don’t really notice the effects in terms of better sleep, motivation, recovery, etc. But we know it’s good for our organs and overall wellness…especially now that we’re in our 40s!

For us, cutting back makes the times we do have wine feel more special, and not to mention, it saves money!

Final Thoughts

Becoming residents of Bulgaria after all our years of travel has been the best thing we did.

Don’t get me wrong, living in Bulgaria isn’t perfect, and we still love to travel…but it feels good to slow down, have some roots, and give our bodies and minds the consistency we were craving.

These 10 changes have upgraded our quality of life. We feel healthier, stronger, and more balanced than we have in a long time.

Most of these habits are things anyone can adopt, whether you’re a full-time traveler finally settling down or someone just looking to level up your health at home.

The post 10 Things We’re Doing to Upgrade Our Health Now That We Have a Home Base appeared first on Goats On The Road.

After travelling for over 10 years with nothing more than a 40-liter backpack, we’ve learned to really minimize our travel gear and only pack the best (and necessary) travel items.

But that’s not to say we don’t have a few luxury items in our bags. There are some things in our packs that you’ve most likely never heard of, and others that are more common.

In this article, I’m going to list 20 essential travel items we have in our bags. These are items that we couldn’t travel without and we don’t think you should either!

Note: The most important thing you travel with is your backpack itself. Don’t miss our buyer’s guide for the best travel backpacks of the year and make sure your pack does everything you want it to.

Disclaimer: GoatsOnTheRoad.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please see our Privacy Page for more information.

1. Handpresso (for coffee fanatics!)

We absolutely love the Handpresso, a compact, hand pump espresso machine. As coffee lovers who aren’t crazy about brewed coffee (we only like espresso), this is one travel item that we wouldn’t leave home without.

Simply pump it 30 times, add hot water and a pod of your favourite coffee and voilà, you’ve got the perfect cup of espresso. For budget travellers who find themselves ordering lattes at coffee shops every day, the Handpresso can be an enormous money saver.

Just think about it.

One large latte at Starbucks is around $3.65. We purchase a bag of ground espresso coffee at the grocery store for just $4.50 (or less) and that bag makes around 40 cups of coffee. Add a bit of milk and we calculate that we’re not paying more than 15 cents per latte.

Aside from the money savings, we just love this little pump.

We purchase delicious ground beans from all over the world. Colombian dark roast in Colombia, rich Java from Indonesia and tasty espresso from Italy. We wake up every morning and instead of walking to a coffee shop or conglomerate, we make lattes right in our accommodation and drink them on our deck.

If you love espresso, then you should travel with a Handpresso pump. The only real downside to them is that they’re quite heavy at around 800 grams. Even though we only travel with 40 liters, we still find space for this essential travel item.

Bonus Hack: Pick up a boil coil on Amazon as well. This handy little gadget can boil water in minutes and is super compact. If you don’t have a kettle, simply plug it in and add it to a cup of water and you can have boiling hot coffee in no time. The boil coil is also great for tea, cooking a cup of noodles or even for making hard-boiled eggs.

UPDATE: A lot of people are now using the Aeropress coffee machine for travelling. While we are still happy using the Handpresso, you may want to compare this to the Aeropress and see which is best for you. It’s definitely lighter, but does it make better coffee? Having used both now, I still think that Handpresso has it beat but it’s up to you.

2. Zipper Cubes

We still swear by these things. They keep your bag organized and ensure that everything is compressed down so that you can pack more in your bag than you would by just rolling clothes and stuffing them inside.

We purchased Eagle Creek Zipper Cubes and they’re incredibly durable. We’ve had them since 2010 and we’ve packed them so tight that we’ve had to kneel on them and pull on the zippers just to do them up. To this day, the zippers have held up and they’re still working like new.

There are a lot of these brands on the market, but the only ones we’ve ever used are Eagle Creek and we know that they’re incredibly durable. This is one of the best travel items to have, no matter your style — backpack, or suitcase, these cubes keep everything organized.

3. A Drone

When we first bought our DJI Phantom 3 back in 2014, drones were mostly reserved for professional videographers, vloggers and bloggers who wanted aerial photography. These days, drones have become smaller, more durable and easier to fly.

We’ve upgraded to the DJI Spark, which is so tiny that it can pretty much fit into any backpack or luggage. It comes with a hard foam case to keep it protected and it takes great videos and photos. If you like to get unique photos while you’re travelling, then this thing is perfect.

It sets up in minutes, can be flown using just a smartphone and has a bunch of cool features like follow me, hand gestures and point of interest. The drone can be flown by a 12-year-old and DJI has made it very simple to get excellent cinematic shots.

If you’re a blogger, I definitely recommend picking one of these up. At just $399 you really can’t go wrong. But even if you’re not a blogger, these small drones are perfect for getting cool video clips and beautiful photos from the sky while you’re travelling.

DJI recently released the Mavic Mini drone which is a definite replacement for the Spark. With a 2.7K camera, enhanced Wifi and a 3-axis gimbal all for the same price as the Spark — I’ll definitely be upgrading to the Mavic Mini as soon as possible!

4. Portable Charger (Power Bank)

Believe it or not, we didn’t travel with a power bank until mid-2017. I really don’t know how we did it. iPhones and other devices barely last a day, so we were always walking around with electronics that were completely dead and useless.

Today we travel with 3 different portable chargers, in 3 different sizes for different situations.

There’s no need to take out the heavy power bank if you’ll only be gone for the day, and the smallest one we have only charges the iPhone to 50%, so we only use that one if we’re running out the door and we realize our phones are dead.

This portable charger by Rav Power has 3 outputs, is compatible with the new iPhones, and charges most smartphones for 6 times with one charge! We personally use this TP-Link power bank, but the Rav Power is higher rated, more affordable and offers more charges.

Of course, these portable chargers aren’t just for smartphones. You can charge tablets, cameras, and anything that uses a USB to charge.

Finally, we pack the Travel Card. This thing is about the size of two credit cards stacked on top of each other, but it doesn’t hold much charge. If we’re lucky, it’ll give the iPhones a 50% charge, but we can only usually rely on it for around 35%. Still, it’s great if we just need a quick boost in battery and don’t want to carry around anything heavy.

Note: Travelling with carry-on luggage makes flying a lot less stressful. To figure out whether or not your luggage will meet the restrictions of the airline you’re flying with, check out this carry-on size chart which shows the allowance of 170+ airlines. 

5. Noise Cancelling Earbuds

I wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about surrounding “noise cancellation” until I tried on a pair of Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Earbuds. These things are super comfortable and they actually cancel out most noise from around the room or airplane.

The best part is that you don’t have to actually listen to music in order to cancel out the noise. You can simply put in the earbuds and turn on the noise cancellation feature and the earbuds will scan the audio climate in the room and counteract any noise by sending the opposite signal into your eardrum.

They work like a charm and really need to be heard to be believed. Oh, and they’re Bose, so you know they sound amazing when they’re playing music.

Another option if you’re looking for a Bluetooth option (and if you’re an Apple fan), are the Apple Airpods Pro. We have a pair each, and these noise-canceling Bluetooth earbuds are great for working out, listening to Podcasts and chatting on the phone — minus the annoying cord that gets in the way.

6. Laser Lite Ear Plugs

Continuing on the theme of blocking out unwanted sound, I wouldn’t travel without a good set of earplugs. When I have the opportunity to order my favourites from Amazon, I always choose Laser Lite Foam Ear Plugs.

They’re soft, comfortable and block out the most sound possible without hurting your ears. You can pick up a pack of 200 of them for just over $20 and they’re worth every penny. To get the most out of them, you’ll have to pinch them down and insert them into your ear, and then let them expand deep within the canal.

Earplugs are an essential travel item for anyone — dogs barking, music blaring, fireworks going off, loud traffic, people partying…it all happens when you’re trying to sleep!

7. Good Compact Camera

Every traveller needs to carry a good pocket camera, although these days, it’s pretty amazing what iPhones can do!

If you want to take some better photos and great videos while you’re travelling, without packing the size and weight of a full DSLR or mirrorless, then I recommend the Canon G7x Mark II.

This camera has some incredible features, takes great photos (when not in Auto mode), and produces some of the best videos of any camera in its class. Canon has now updated this camera to the G7X III but be careful. A lot of users are complaining about bad focusing and overheating.

If you’re not a Canon fan, then you may want to go with the Lumix LX10. This one outdoes the G7x II with 4K video and rack focusing photography, meaning you can take the photo now, and decide where to focus later. A great feature that’s definitely worth the money. Also, the LX-10 has a Leica lens which promises clearer, more crisp photos.

Having used the G7x Mark II for over a year, I can say it’s an excellent camera and I highly recommend it — especially for videos.

Another option and a camera that we recently upgraded to is the Sony RX100 VII, which has excellent retina focus, an external mic port, and takes great photos.

Bonus Hack: Both the G7x II and the LX10 lack an external mic port. If you plan to do any video with these cameras, the built-in mics sound terrible when there’s even the slightest bit of wind. The solution is to pick up a small mic muff, cut out a piece and glue it over the built-in mic at the top of the camera. The sound becomes less tinny and the mic works amazingly well in windy conditions.

8. Lems Shoes

I can’t speak highly enough about these amazing travel shoes. Nick’s Lems Shoes have lasted him for over four years and he wears them quite a bit.

They’re extremely comfortable, can be used in place of dress shoes and running shoes in most cases and the best part is that they roll up into a ball for easy packing.

Without a doubt these are the best shoes Nick has ever owned and if they ever wear out, he’ll buy another pair right away. For men and women, these are simply the best travel shoes on the market.

9. Ziploc Bags

Not only do these plastic baggies take up virtually no room in your suitcase and weigh nothing, but they have a variety of uses, making them one of the best travel items.

If you’re listening to music at the beach, these bags are a great way to keep sand out of your speakers or phone. If you’re hiking through the rain, putting your electronics in Ziplocs is a great way to protect them.

Use a Ziploc to keep your electronics safe when you’re near water, to keep cords from tangling together in your luggage, to keep small gels or lotions from spilling all over your bag, and, of course, to pack snacks.

We wouldn’t travel without them.

10. Bluetooth Speakers

Everyone these days travels with Bluetooth speakers. When you’re getting ready to go out for the night or just chilling on your beach hut patio looking out at sunset, having a bit of music playing in the background can really set the mood.

Not just any Bluetooth speakers will do either. You’ll want to have a nice mix of durability and excellent sound. We currently have the JBL Flip 5 Speakers, which are fully waterproof. If you’re looking for affordable Bluetooth speakers in 2020 these are my top choice.

The JBL speakers are fairly lightweight, durable and affordable.

We’ve brought them to the beach numerous times and didn’t worry about them getting wet or sandy. Plus, we use them when listening to music, and when watching shows on TV.

If I was going for pure sound quality and didn’t care about weight and size, I would go with the Soundlink Mini II Limited Edition.

They’re still small enough that you can travel with them, but at a pound and a half they’re quite heavy, plus they cost around $200. If you don’t mind the extra half pound in weight and don’t care about waterproofing, they’re probably your best bet for sound quality.

11. Portable Doorstop (or Doorstop Alarm)

Safety is probably one of your biggest concerns when traveling.

Something that takes up as little room as a doorstop can provide you that added layer of security — especially if you’re staying in a hostel or other location that doesn’t conform to typical security practices.

While this standard doorstop prevents entry into a room, a doorstop alarm like this one emits sounds of 120 decibels – quickly drawing you from your slumber!

12. Locks

While we’re on the subject of security, don’t forget to take a lock (or two). These little devices will come in handy when it comes to hostel lockers, gym lockers, and even your check-in baggage.

Be sure your locks are TSA approved so they don’t have to be cut if your luggage needs to be opened during the screening process. (TSA-approved locks can be opened by security officers using a master key.)

Pro Tip: A key lock gives you one more thing to lose (or forget!). Use a code lock, instead.

13. Plug Adapter (and maybe a converter)

Before you leave, save yourself a world of frustration by checking to see whether you’ll need a plug adapter (if you’re traveling to a country where the electrical sockets are shaped differently) or a voltage converter (if your destination uses different voltages and electrical frequencies).

Chargers for devices like smartphones and laptops are typically compatible with both North American and European frequencies — but don’t take this for granted. Be sure to check the fine print on every adapter before plugging it in, or you run the risk of damaging your device.

Pro Tip: A universal adapter like this one enables you to charge your electronics in hundreds of countries around the world — and offers dual USB ports.

14. Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are great for sanitizing a questionable room, wiping down your area on an airplane, cleaning up when you don’t have access to soap and water, and even spot-cleaning your clothes. Plus, they have no trouble getting through airport security!

These sanitizing wipes are also very handy when you’re out hiking or trekking on a hot day, or if you’re in the dusty desert and you want a quick “bath”.

These have been an essential travel item in our packs for many years now — once you travel with them, you’ll wonder how you ever did without.

15. Diva Cup

This one is just for the ladies!

When travelling around the world, having your period can be more difficult than it is at home. If you can believe it, tampons are hard to come by in many countries, often there are no garbage cans in the bathrooms, and in many places, you can’t flush anything down the toilet.

This is where the Diva Cup comes in. This silicone menstrual cup can be worn for 8+ hours (great for long travel days), and it won’t take up a ton of space in your pack, as bulky tampons do. It’s easy to use and easy to clean.

But the best part? It’ll save you money and is great for the environment. I highly recommend it.

☞ SEE ALSO: Pills, Paps and Periods – How To Handle Female Health While On The Road  

16. Reuseable Bottle and Steri-Pen

While we’re on the topic of being responsible travellers, unless you’re drinking glacier water, or are travelling in a developed country, most likely you won’t be able to drink the tap water in the destination you’re visiting.

Purchasing bottled water is a must, but what happens to all of the empty bottles afterward? Just think of the amount of garbage you are producing while travelling abroad, especially for an extended period of time.

Instead, bring a reusable bottle and a Steri-Pen.

When we’re living somewhere for a month or so, we always purchase one of those 18L bottles of water and just fill up our glasses/bottles as needed. If we’re just travelling, we try to always bring a reusable bottle and fill it up wherever drinking water is available.

In Mexico, almost every business and hostel had a jug of drinking water for customers and guests. In other parts of the world, something like a Steri-Pen to clean and sterilize the water, or using water purification tablets is a good idea.

No matter where you are, try to find a way to avoid drinking water from disposable bottles.

17. Travel Clothes

When trying to keep your luggage weight and size to a minimum, you’ll want to pack clothing that’s versatile and lightweight, yet is comfortable.

I’ve owned Prana clothing now for 6 years. Initially, I’d been looking for new hiking pants, that would be stretchy, soft and (most importantly) not stick to my legs in the humidity of tropical destination. The Halle Pant is perfect for that.

Even if you’re not trekking or hiking, this pant is a good choice for travel days. While I always wear them for multi-day hikes, I also always wear them on flight days because they’re so comfortable — and stylish.

Prana has a wide range of chillin’ out, loose pants that you could wear while exploring cities, riding on buses, doing yoga, or just hanging out on the beach in the evenings. They also have many lightweight shirts and clothing for adventurers.

They’ve been around for 22 years now and have to be the most ethical clothing company I’ve ever found. They focus on giving back to the earth, rather than taking, and are very conscious regarding the usage of water, energy, and chemicals during manufacturing.

Their apparel is made from organic cotton and recycled materials while avoiding the use of harmful toxins and chemicals. Many of their clothes are also Fair-Trade Certified! In my opinion, Prana clothes are a travel essential.

18. A Pillowcase

This is a simple one. We always pack a pillowcase each.

Why?

If a pillowcase is “pilly”, or if there’s a question as to the cleanliness of it, it’s nice to know you have your own that you can slide on!

Plus, if you’re trekking or trying to sleep on a long bus ride, you can stuff the pillowcase with some clothing and create a makeshift pillow.

19. First-Aid Kit

When it comes to medicine and first aid items, the more offtrack you’ll be, the more items you should pack. For a regular holiday, you should still have these essential medical travel items in your bag:

1. Band-aids (plasters)
2. Antibiotic/antiseptic lotion for cuts and scrapes (ie: Polysporin)
3. Ibuprofen/Paracetamol or some sort of painkiller & fever reducer (Tylenol, Advil, Panadol, etc.)
4. Pills for nausea/indigestion/diarrhea/upset stomach (ie: something with Bismuth: Pepto-Bismol)
5. Cold & flu pills (ie: Benylin, Benadryl, Tylenol, etc.)
6. Sore throat lozenges
7. Antihistamine (for allergic reactions to anything from hay-fever to bug stings).
8. Vaseline
9. Immune boosters (we like oil of oregano and ginger)
10. Tweezers, nail clippers, and safety pins (for splinters, ingrown nails, blisters, etc.)
11. Hand sanitizer

20. Travel Towel

We’ve travelled with a travel towel since our very first trip in 2008. If you choose to sleep in hostels, guesthouses or huts, oftentimes towels won’t be provided, or they charge a security deposit to rent them.

Travel towels are thin, lightweight, super absorbing and microbial (meaning they won’t smell!).

They have more uses than simply drying off after a shower — you can bring them to the beach, to waterfalls, use them as a blanket for a picnic, sit on them on a dirty seat, create shade at the beach, etc.

We have the MSR Pack Towel, which has been going strong since 2011!

21. Cordless Hair Styling Tools

The biggest problem with traditional hair tools is that they’re bulky, and you always seem to be searching for a plug socket that’s actually near a mirror. But recently I’ve started packing either my TYMO CurlGo (a cordless automatic curler) or TYMO ClamGo (a cordless hair straightener).

Because they’re both cordless, rechargeable and compact, they’re dead easy to throw into your luggage without taking up much space, and you can use them almost anywhere without being tied to a power outlet.

So then whether we’re roadtripping around Ireland in a campervan or I simply want to sort my hair out after a long flight or a humid day of sightseeing, it’s quick and easy to freshen up.

They’re definitely not an essential travel item for everyone of course, but if you enjoy looking your best while travelling, they’re one of those little luxuries that make life that bit easier.

22. Bonus: Essential Travel Gear for Pets

Travelling with a pet? Make sure you grab these essentials. Don’t forget to bring immunizations records, a suitable crate, and a blanket if your pet is cleared to sit on your lap. Always bring a few treat options, a chew toy, and waste bags just in case!

If you have an emotional support animal and flying within the US, you should be able to carry your ESA in-flight according to the Air Carrier Access Act.

Most airlines require these things: ESA letter from your Licensed Mental Health Professional, pet health form signed by your veterinarian, and a behavioral form. You can learn more about emotional support animals and the air carrier access act here.

Now You Know The Best Travel Items

It’s amazing how a well-packed bag can help make travel more enjoyable. Packing the right gear can save you time and money, make for a nice ambiance and keep you comfortable on the road.

Make sure you check out our packing lists: The Ultimate Packing List For Full-Time Travellers, Travel Packing List for Men,  and our Travel Packing List For Women for more great packing ideas.

What are your favourite travel items? Surely you have some things in your bags that you wouldn’t travel without. Share with us in the comments below and if we really like it, we’ll add it to this post! Thanks to Shutterstock.com for providing many of the images in this article.

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If you wanted to travel, work from anywhere, and build a life outside the normal 9-5 office routine, the obvious path was to start offering services online.

Things like freelance writing, website design, social media management, virtual assistance, coaching, consulting, marketing, SEO, video editing…the list goes on!

Whatever skill you had, you packaged it up, found clients, and tried to make enough money to keep the travel dream going.

We started working online back in 2012, and for years, our income came from running our own travel blog, working with brands, building online businesses, and creating different offers around the skills we had developed along the way.

That lifestyle gave us a level of freedom that I still don’t take for granted.

We’ve worked from beach towns, mountain villages, tiny apartments, cafés with spotty Wi-Fi, airports, guesthouses, coworking spaces, and more countries than I can list off the top of my head.

But after more than a decade of doing this, I can also tell you something that doesn’t always get talked about enough in the digital nomad world:

Freelancing is not the only way to live and work internationally.

And actually, for a lot of digital nomads, it might not even be the best way.

The Typical Digital Nomad Path

The classic digital nomad dream usually looks something like this:

Quit your job.
Start freelancing.
Get a few clients.
Book a one-way ticket.
Work from wherever you want.

On paper, it sounds amazing, and it can be. But there’s another side to freelancing that a lot of people only figure out once they’re already in it.

You’re not just doing the work. You’re also finding the work.

You’re pitching, selling, invoicing, following up, handling annoying payment conversations, managing contracts, replacing clients who disappear, and constantly trying to keep an income coming in…

…some months are great, while other months are stressful.

One client leaves and suddenly your “freedom lifestyle” feels a lot less free…this has happened to us more than once during our online journey.

That’s not to say freelancing is bad. It can be an incredible way to build location-independent income. But it’s not the only option anymore.

The remote work world has changed.

Today, more international companies are open to hiring people across borders, and more professionals want to live abroad while keeping stable employment.

And more businesses are realizing that the best person for the job might not live in the same city, country, or even continent as the company itself.

That creates a great opportunity for digital nomads – you can be location independent without necessarily becoming a freelancer.

The New Path: Become Globally Employed

This is where things get interesting. A lot of digital nomads assume there are only two choices:

1. You can either have a traditional job and stay in one place.
2. You can travel and work for yourself.

But there’s a third option: You can be hired as an employee by an international company while living and working abroad.

This means you may be able to have the stability of employment, the structure of a real role, and in many cases, access to proper payroll, benefits, and protections, while still living a location-independent lifestyle.

For a lot of people, that’s the dream!

Not everyone wants to build their own agency. Not everyone wants to sell coaching. Not everyone wants to constantly chase freelance clients.

Some people are really good at what they do and would happily work for one great company, as long as they don’t have to give up the freedom to live internationally.

That could mean a Canadian marketer working for a Dutch company while living in Portugal.

A British developer working for a US startup while based in Thailand.

A South African customer success manager working for a German company while spending part of the year in Spain.

A designer, operations manager, copywriter, sales rep, accountant, project manager, product specialist, or software engineer working for a company that values their skills more than where they live.

Freelancing vs. Employment

Freelancing can be great when you want full independence.

You choose your clients, set your rates, and decide how much work you want to take on. You can build your own brand, create your own offers, and eventually turn it into something bigger.

But freelancing also means you are responsible for pretty much everything…and I mean everything. Take it from me!

You’re the marketing department, sales department, finance department, admin department, and delivery team. You do it all.

Employment is different.

With employment, you usually have more structure.

You have a defined role, regular salary, clear set of responsibilities, and potential benefits. Plus, paid time off, local employment protections…and ideally, less time spent constantly trying to sell yourself.

For digital nomads who are tired of the feast-or-famine cycle, this can be a much better fit.

I’ve met a lot of people over the years who love the travel side of the nomad lifestyle, but don’t actually love being self-employed.

They just want meaningful work, stable income, and the ability to live somewhere that fits their lifestyle, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think it’s one of the most underrated paths in the digital nomad world.

Can You Be Legally Employed While Living Abroad?

The answer is yes, but the setup matters.

This is where an Employer of Record, or EOR, can come in. An Employer of Record helps companies hire employees in countries where they do not have their own local entity.

Rivermate is an EOR that does this. Instead of the company needing to open a branch, register a business, learn the local employment system, and manage country-specific payroll and compliance, the EOR becomes the legal employer in that country.

The company still directs your day-to-day work. You still work with the same team, do the role you were hired to do, and you still report to the company hiring you.

But the EOR handles the local employment side.

That can include payroll, tax compliance, employment contracts, benefits, workers’ compensation, and making sure the employment relationship follows local laws.

For companies, this makes international hiring much easier, and for digital nomads, it can make global employment feel much more realistic.

What if You Already Have a Job, but Want to Work Abroad?

Maybe you work for a company in your home country, but you want to spend six months in Spain.

Maybe you’re based in Canada, but you want to live in Portugal.

Maybe you have a remote role in the UK, but you want to move somewhere warmer, cheaper, or just more aligned with the life you actually want to build.

This is where things can get a little tricky. Just because your job is remote does not always mean you can work from anywhere in the world.

A company might be totally fine with you working from home in your own country, but that does not automatically mean they can legally employ you while you are living abroad.

The issue usually isn’t whether they trust you – it’s more about whether they can legally support the arrangement.

If you move to another country, your employer may have to think about local employment laws, payroll, taxes, social security, benefits, insurance, and whether your presence creates any compliance issues for the business.

That’s why some companies say no to international remote work, even though the work itself could easily be done from anywhere.

It’s not always a remote work problem. It’s often a compliance problem.

This is another place where an Employer of Record can help. Instead of your employer having to open a local entity or figure out the employment laws in your new country, an EOR may be able to legally employ you there on the company’s behalf.

How to Position Yourself for International Employment

If you’re a digital nomad who wants to get hired by an international company without becoming a freelancer, the first step is to shift how you present yourself.

Don’t just position yourself as “remote.” Position yourself as someone who can create a clear business outcome from anywhere.

Companies aren’t hiring you because you want to live in Lisbon, Chiang Mai, Mexico City, Bansko, or Bali.

They’re hiring you because you can help them solve a problem. So your application, profile, and interviews need to make that obvious.

Instead of leading with the lifestyle, lead with the result you can get them

Look for companies that are already comfortable with remote teams

Not every company is ready to hire internationally. Some still want people in the same city. Others say “remote” but really mean “remote within one country.” Some are open to international talent, but only in specific regions or time zones.

That’s why you want to pay close attention to the language in job descriptions.

Look for phrases like:

“Remote-first”, “Globally distributed team”, “Work from anywhere”, “International hiring”, “EOR-supported employment”, or
“Hiring globally”.

These are signs that the company may already understand the realities of international hiring. You can also take a look at the team page.

Are employees based in different countries? Does the company talk about remote culture? Do they have people working across time zones?

If yes, your chances are much better than applying to a company that has never hired outside its home market.

Be ready to talk about your location clearly

One mistake digital nomads make is being vague about where they are. They’ll say, “I’m flexible,” or “I travel around,” which can sound fun to other nomads but stressful to an employer.

Companies need clarity.

They need to know where you’re legally based, where you plan to work from, what time zone you’ll be in, and whether your setup creates any extra complexity.

That doesn’t mean you need to have your entire life mapped out forever. But you should be able to explain your situation professionally.

For example:

“I’m currently based in Bulgaria and plan to remain tax resident here for the foreseeable future. I travel occasionally, but my main working location and time zone are stable.”

That sounds a lot more hireable than:

“I’m in South Africa for 2 months, and then I’m going to check out Tbilisi for a month, and I’m thinking of Bali after that.”

The more stable and clear you can make your setup sound, the easier it is for a company to say yes.

Ask the right questions before accepting a role

Before accepting an international remote job, you’ll want to understand the employment setup.

Some useful questions include:

1. Will I be hired as an employee or contractor?
2. Can the company employ people in my country?
3. Does the company use an Employer of Record for international hires?
4. Are there restrictions on where I can work from?
5. How long can I work from another country while employed?
6. Who handles payroll, taxes, and benefits?
7. What time zone overlap is required?
8. Are there any visa or work authorization requirements I need to be aware of?
9. What happens if I move countries later?

A company may be happy for you to work remotely from your home country, but not from ten different countries throughout the year.

Another company may be fine with occasional travel, but need you to be officially employed in one specific location. Another may be able to hire you through an EOR in your country, but not in the country you want to move to next.

The more you know upfront, the better.

Don’t hide your digital nomad lifestyle, but don’t make it the whole pitch

There’s a balance here. You don’t need to pretend you’re not location-independent. But you also don’t want your entire professional identity to be “I travel.”

The best international remote employees make companies feel confident.

They communicate well. They are reliable. They understand time zones. They don’t disappear for three days because the Wi-Fi at their beach bungalow stopped working. They know how to work independently without needing constant supervision.

That’s the version of yourself you want to present.

Yes, you may be a digital nomad, but you’re also a professional.

You can meet deadlines. You can show up to calls. You can protect company data. You can work across cultures. You can manage your schedule. You can contribute to the team even if you’re not sitting in the same office.

That’s what makes you valuable.

The Future of Digital Nomad Work is More Professional

The early digital nomad movement was heavily tied to entrepreneurship, blogging, freelancing, and online business. And of course, that world still exists.

But it’s no longer the only version of the lifestyle.

The next version of digital nomadism is more professional, more structured, and more connected to global employment.

People want freedom, but they also want stability. They want to travel, but they also want a regular paycheck. They want location independence, but they don’t necessarily want to run a business.

And companies want access to the best talent, but they need ways to hire that talent legally and compliantly.

That’s where the opportunity is.

A digital nomad doesn’t have to be a freelancer.

They can be a full-time employee. They can work for an international company. They can have a stable role. They can be paid through compliant payroll. They can receive benefits. They can build a serious career while living abroad.

But the setup matters.

Final Thoughts

After years of working online and living internationally, I still believe location independence is one of the best ways to design a life with more freedom.

But I also think the conversation needs to evolve – maybe it’s because I’m older now than when I first started this lifestyle?!

It’s not just about quitting your job and figuring it out as you go, and it’s not just about freelancing from a laptop.

And it’s definitely not just about sitting on a beach with a coconut while pretending that running a business from the road is always easy.

For some people, freelancing will be the right path. For others, building a business will be the dream.

But for a lot of digital nomads, the best path might be getting hired by an international company in a way that gives them both freedom and stability.

That is the real opportunity.

And today, with global hiring, remote-first companies, and Employer of Record solutions, there are more ways than ever to do just that.

The post From Freelancing to Employed: New Career Paths for Digital Nomads appeared first on Goats On The Road.

But in all seriousness, there’s no excuse. I’ve been the typical lazy English speaker!

Stumbling over the few Bulgarian words I know, while relying on English the rest of the time – in a country where only around 30% of people speak it – doesn’t really cut it.

It’s time to dive into the (somewhat) intimidating world of the Bulgarian Cyrillic alphabet and be a better resident of the country we now call home. обичаме България! (translate: we love Bulgaria!)

The Importance of Learning a Language

When living abroad, it’s so important to be able to immerse yourself into the community. And what better way than by actually speaking their language!

Not only do the locals appreciate the effort, but if you’re living somewhere (whether temporary or permanent), it’s a bit ignorant not to.

You’ll have a stronger connection with the people, and you can easily navigate the important daily tasks (supermarkets, doctors, transport…), not to mention, you can avoid paying “tourist pricing” in many cases!

I really value being able to speak the local language and am looking forward to being able to speak some Bulgarian.

Why I Chose Preply Over Other Language Learning Options

I’ve tried the app route in the past, I used one when we were living in China and it was fine for picking up a handful of words. And, I took in-person Spanish lessons in Mexico for a couple of months while we were living in San Pancho.

But, since we travel a lot, having virtual lessons is really handy. And for me, I like having the human element rather than learning just from an app.

We’ve been partners with Preply for years now – promoting becoming a Tutor as a great way to make money online for travellers and aspiring digital nomads.

They’re a highly-rated company on TrustPilot and the reviews on Reddit and other blogs and YouTube channels are good as well.

So, when they reached out asking if we wanted to try it on the student side of things, I jumped at the opportunity! I’m excited to share my honest opinion of the lessons I took online with my Preply Tutor, Tanya.

How Preply Works: Finding Your Perfect Tutor

Getting started on Preply is pretty straightforward.

First, you choose the language you want to learn (Bulgarian in my case), then you list what your goals are (I chose culture, travel & hobby), then you choose by when you want to achieve that goal, and add in what style of learning you prefer.

You can also choose if you prefer your tutor to be a native speaker (I do), and then you add your budget per lesson. It’s all multiple choice and super easy to fill out.

From there, I just created a profile with my email, name and the timezone that I’m currently in and uploaded a photo of myself – I didn’t need to add my phone number which was good.

Finally, it was time to choose my tutor! This part took me longer than expected because I wanted to make sure I chose a tutor that had good reviews an that “felt” like the right fit for me.

Luckily for me, Bulgarian isn’t a super popular language so there weren’t too many tutors to filter through!

You can filter by price, teaching style, native vs. non-native speaker, and more. I spent awhile watching introduction videos before landing on Tanya, and I’m really glad I did.

For a language as niche as Bulgarian, I wasn’t sure how many tutors there’d be and I was happy with my choice.

One thing I appreciated: Preply offers a trial lesson at a reduced rate so you can test the connection with the tutor before committing. And, if you don’t jive with them, you get to try another tutor for free.

What to Expect from Your First Lesson

My first lesson with Tanya was a video call through the Preply platform – there was no need to download any software.

She started by asking me a few questions about my life here in Bulgaria: where I live, why I want to learn. It immediately felt like a real conversation rather than a classroom.

She quickly assessed my level (basically zero, let’s be honest) and mapped out a rough plan for where we’d start and where she hoped to get me. We dove into reading the alphabet right away – which being the Cyrillic alphabet is quite challenging!

What I loved is that she has her own learning materials – PDFs and documents that she screen-shared with me throughout the lessons. It’s nice to have a visual when learning for sure. And, she sent those over to me after the lesson for me to keep.

Even though I struggled a bit, Tanya gave me good feedback and I left that first lesson feeling excited to learn more.

Tackling Bulgarian…Harder Than I Expected

Bulgarian is not an easy language for English speakers. It’s a South Slavic language, which means the grammar structure, the sounds, and – most intimidatingly – the alphabet are all completely different from English.

Not to mention, some words have so many consonants in them! My mouth struggles to move that way.

Bulgarian has cases (meaning the endings of words change depending on how they’re used in a sentence), verb conjugations that vary by gender and number, and sounds that simply don’t exist in English.

When we were travelling through Russia and Central Asia, I was able to read a lot of the Russian words – which has 27 of the same letters as the Bulgarian alphabet.

Even so, I’ve forgotten a lot of that and during the lessons, it was challenging. Tanya started our very first lesson with the alphabet, and I’m so glad she did.

Within just a couple of lessons, I could sound out words and read much faster. That said, reading fluently is a long way off for me – I’m still trying to remember what the letter ‘Ж’ sounds like.

There were definitely moments in my lessons where my brain kind of felt full!

But, there’s something satisfying about slowly cracking the code of a language that once felt completely impossible. Every small win during my lessons felt HUGE.

How My Lessons Were Structured Week to Week

Each lesson with Tanya followed a loose but consistent structure.

First, there was a warm-up reviewing vocabulary or grammar from the previous session, new material for the day (grammar concept, alphabet, or vocabulary theme), practice through conversation or exercises, and a mini homework assignment to work on before next time.

There was a lot of conversation and speaking as well, so it wasn’t just learning the alphabet or grammar.

I loved how she’d ask me what I thought of that plan for the lesson, and if there was something else I would prefer to learn. She was really adaptable to my needs.

The “homework” was basically just for me to practice and study what we’d learned that week so I’d be familiar with it. And, to go and practice Bulgarian in the real world!

I’m doing two lessons per week, which is manageable alongside normal life and work. I’d recommend at least once per week, twice a week if your schedule and budget allows it – the consistency makes a real difference.

The Cost of Preply

Tutor rates on Preply vary quite a bit – you’ll find tutors ranging from around $10/hour all the way up to $80+/hour depending on their qualifications and experience.

Tanya’s rate was a bit high at $35 for a 50-minute lesson compared to many of the other Bulgarian teachers.

BUT, I still chose her based on her reviews, her qualifications, and her energy on the introduction video she made! Having been her student now, and given the quality of her lessons, and her patience with me as I was learning, the price was fair.

Choosing the right tutor for you is so important.

There’s also a Preply subscription option which helps you stay consistent with your language learning by automatically scheduling and renewing lessons with the same tutor each week. Obviously, this helps create accountability and momentum.

Taking lessons with Preply is more expensive than an app, sure. But it’s also infinitely more effective because you’re learning from a native speaker and practicing your conversational skills!

What Preply Does Well (and Where There’s Room to Improve)

The tutor marketplace that Preply has is impressive. The range of languages available (there are 90!), price points, tutors and teaching styles means there really is someone for everyone.

The platform itself is clean and easy to use, the built-in lesson space works well, and because there’s an option to switch tutors if you’re not satisfied, it removes a lot of the risk from getting started.

The tutors are vetted before they’re able to join the platform. They have to provide Government issued ID, their profiles are reviewed, and their credentials (if any) are verified.

Keep in mind that tutors aren’t required to have specific qualifications (if they do have them, they’ll be listed on their profile).

The best indicators of a professional tutor are typically a high number of completed lessons, excellent reviews, and a proven track record teaching the specific language or subject.

The one thing I didn’t love about Preply is there’s an emphasis on the subscription model – which I get because the more lessons you take consistently, the quicker you’ll learn. But, I was trying to just book a few lessons at a time and it wasn’t all that easy to do so.

Who I’d Recommend Preply For

If you’re going to be travelling or living abroad somewhere temporarily, or more permanently, I highly recommend learning some of the local language!

Preply is perfect for you if:

• You want flexible, one-on-one lessons that fit around your life
• You’re travelling or are a digital nomad who plans to spend a month or so in a destination
• You’re the kind of person who wants to be more immersed in the places you visit
• You want to make real conversational progress

It might not be the right fit if you’re looking for a fully self-guided solution – for that, apps or YouTube will serve you better. But if you’re serious about actually speaking a language, there’s no substitute for a great tutor.

Am I Actually Speaking Bulgarian Now?

Ha! Okay, “speaking Bulgarian” might be a stretch. But so far, after my lessons with Tanya, I can confidently read the alphabet, navigate a basic shop interaction, introduce myself, and I’ve increased my vocabulary a lot.

For someone who spent four years pointing and smiling, that feels like a massive win.

I’m continuing my lessons, this isn’t a one-and-done for me. Bulgaria is our home, and I want to honour that properly and I’m finally doing something about it.

If you’ve been putting off learning a language, whether it’s the local tongue where you live or plan to travel to, or a language you’ve always wanted to speak, I can’t recommend taking the leap enough. And if you want to try Preply, click here to find your perfect tutor!

The post Learning Bulgarian With Preply: My Honest Review appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Since 2012, we’ve based ourselves in dozens of countries around the globe.

Some spots (like Thailand, Malta, Barbados, Guatemala, Bali, and Montana USA), we spent around 2 months there. While others like Lisbon, Playa del Carmen, China & Grenada, we ended up spending between 6 months…or more than a year!

These days, we call Bulgaria our home base, but we leave for around half the year to experience other parts of the world.

Over time, we’ve developed a checklist – a set of filters we run every new destination through before we commit to spending more than a month there.

If you’re trying to figure out where to plant your laptop next, here’s exactly what we look for in a digital nomad destination, and what you might want to consider as well.

1. Nature (Our Non-Negotiable)

This one tops our list for a reason. No matter how good the wifi is or how affordable the cost of living is, if we’re surrounded by concrete with no access to the outdoors, it won’t work for us. Nature is always the first filter we apply.

Of course, what that looks like varies by destination. In Thailand it was jungle and beaches, and in Montana it was mountains and wide open sky. In Barbados, Mexico and Grenada it was the sea – literally steps away.

Even during our city stay in Lisbon, there was the Tagus River running along the city, and the beaches were nearby as well.

Bulgaria actually ticks this box better than almost anywhere we’ve lived, it has mountains, rivers, hiking trails, and the Black Sea coast all within a few hours. It’s a big part of why we chose it as our home base.

Ask yourself: what kind of nature recharges you (if any)? Then make sure your base has it nearby. Without it, even the most “perfect” destination will start to feel like a cage.

2. Cost of Living vs. Quality of Life Ratio

This is the one people get wrong most often. They either look for the cheapest destinations possible, or assume spending more money automatically means living better – which isn’t always the case.

The real sweet spot is where your money stretches far enough that you’re not stressed, but you’re not sacrificing quality of life to save a few dollars either.

For us, this means good food options (local AND international), comfortable accommodation, and the ability to easily afford experiences like day trips, restaurants, and activities.

We’ve found incredible value in places like Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia & Thailand), Latin America (Argentina, Guatemala, Playa del Carmen), and Europe (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, Georgia).

We always think: Can we live comfortably, cover all our business expenses, save money, AND enjoy ourselves here? If yes, we’re in the right place.

Another great way to save on accommodation costs is to become a house and pet sitter (in exchange for taking care of someone’s home and pet, you receive free accommodation).

This is something we did for many years and had the best experiences living in Costa Rica, Grenada and Barbados. We found our jobs through Trusted Housesitters and they’re currently running a promo of 30% off the signup fee. Click here for details.

3. Amenities

This one sounds boring until you’re 2 weeks into a base and realize you can’t find decent coffee, a gym, or a grocery store that stocks anything beyond the basics. Just like when you’re living at home, amenities matter.

By this, I mean the practical infrastructure of daily life. Being able to find reliable supermarkets, good restaurants and cafés (especially ones with wifi you can work from), coworking spaces, gyms or yoga studios, pharmacies, banks, reliable transport, etc.

The more months you plan to stay somewhere, the more these everyday details affect your quality of life.

Grenada and Barbados were incredible for nature and relaxed lifestyle, but the amenities were limited compared to a city like Lisbon, Buenos Aires, or the digital nomad hub of Bali. So, this is something worth factoring in if you have specific needs.

4. Community

This one took us years to fully appreciate. In our early days, we thought community was a “nice to have.” Now we think it might be one of the most important factors – especially for long-term mental health and motivation.

When you’re surrounded by people who are also building businesses, working remotely, and living location-independently, it’s energizing.

You swap tips, create collaborations, and make real friends. When you’re isolated, even the most beautiful place starts to feel lonely…

Look for cities with active nomad Facebook groups, regular meetups, and coworking spaces that double as social hubs. Playa del Carmen, Uluwatu, Ubud, Canggu, and Chiang Mai are classic examples of places with a strong, built-in nomad community.

5. Fun Things to Do

Of course, it’s not all about working on your laptop! You also need to actually live wherever you are. A destination with nothing to do outside of work hours gets old quickly, no matter how cheap or well-connected it is.

Things to do looks different for everyone. For us it’s hiking, fly-fishing, exploring local culture, wine and beer bars, trying new food, or weekend road trips. For you it might be nightlife, live music, museums, or a surf break.

This is also where having a “base” really pays off. When you’re staying somewhere for a month or more rather than passing through as a tourist, you get to dive deeper into the destination and live a little more like a local rather than a tourist.

We had house and pet-sitting jobs in Costa Rica, Grenada and Barbados, and it was such a great way to properly experience the places we were visiting.

6. Connectivity (WiFi & Data)

As a digital nomad, you’ll know the importance of a strong internet connection. It doesn’t matter how many amenities or amazing restaurants somewhere has, when you have to work and the internet isn’t stable, all the amenities in the world won’t matter.

Before committing to staying somwehwere, we research the average wifi speeds, look for recent reports from nomads in Facebook groups and Reddit threads, and if possible we’ll even ask the host/owner to send us a screenshot of the internet speeds – upload and download.

Choosing a destination with a coworking scene is also a good option – even if the apartment wifi is slow, a good coworking space is the backup plan. We’ve never been huge coworkers, but in Bansko we gave it a try for a month or so and really enjoyed the community vibe.

On the data side, one thing we’ve come to rely on over the years is travelling with a global eSIM. We’ve used them across multiple countries and we definitely don’t miss the days of physical SIM cards – having to find them was always a nightmare.

With a global eSIMYou load it before you leave, and you’re online when you land. Whether you’re doing a trial run at a potential new base, or making weekend trips from your new base, having data sorted before you arrive removes one more thing to stress about.

Plus, you can use your phone as a hotspot and tether your laptop! Check out the Mozillion Travel eSIM – it covers 201 countries with their Global Plan on a single reusable eSIM, which is exactly what this kind of lifestyle calls for.

7. Location (Airport Access & Proximity)

This is a practical one that’s easy to overlook when you’re dreaming about a destination…until you’re stuck doing a 36-hour journey every time you want to travel, visit family, or move on to your next base.

Here’s what we always consider: How close is the nearest international airport? How well connected is it? How long and expensive is the journey if we need to be home in Canada at the last minute?

Bulgaria does pretty well in this category. We wish the airport was closer (it’s a little over 2 hours to drive to the Sofia airport). But, it has direct flights across Europe and beyond, and we can be in most major European cities in under three hours.

When we were based in Playa del Carmen, the Cancún airport was just a 45-minute drive and served by direct flights to most of North America. Being an island in the Caribbean, Grenada was the trickiest – beautiful, but getting anywhere else involved connections and expense.

You have to consider what your goals/plans are. If you’re a frequent traveller within your nomad life, this factor alone can save you enormous amounts of time and money over the course of a year.

8. Healthcare

Not the most exciting thing to research, but one of the most important – especially if you’re planning to stay somewhere for months at a time. I’ll be honest, we’ve only recently started really considering healthcare on the road (we’re getting older, after all!).

These days, we always look at: Is there a decent hospital or clinic nearby? Is private healthcare affordable? Are we covered by travel insurance that works here? What’s the standard of care like for more serious issues?

In most of Southeast Asia and Europe, private healthcare is excellent and affordable. In some smaller island destinations in the Caribbean, and places in Latin America, the infrastructure is more limited – which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, but it does mean having solid travel insurance is essential.

In our personal experience, Bulgaria is definitely a mixed bag when it comes to healthcare. There are pros and cons for sure.

Pros being that you can see a specialist within a day, and that it’s very affordable. Cons being the quality of facilities in some cases and the bedside manner. But, we have international travel insurance for any serious issues. For digital nomads and remote workers, SafetyWing has insurance plans that work well for this lifestyle.

9. Safety

Safety is contextual and definitely personal. What feels comfortable to one person might feel stressful to another (especially men vs. women), and crime statistics don’t always match the lived experience on the ground.

My advice is to read recent first-person accounts from nomads who’ve actually been there, not just government travel advisories.

You’ll usually find the real picture of day-to-day safety in Facebook groups, Reddit threads, YouTube videos and blog posts from people currently based there.

Beyond safety in terms of crime, think about daily comfort as well.

Is it easy/safe to get around? Can you walk to a restaurant at night without stress? Are there neighbourhoods that are clearly better to stay in than others? What about getting ripped off?

And also, consider environmental safety. Maybe try to avoid known hurricane seasons in certain destinations (we’ve experienced 2 hurricanes…), or visiting in the high season with extreme heat, and consider mountain and ocean safety as well.

Do your research, be street-smart, and don’t let fear-based headlines stop you from exploring.

10. Visa Situation

Unless you plan on moving around every month or so, nothing is more annoying than realizing you have to do a border run every 30 days. Before basing ourselves anywhere, we always figure out the visa situation.

The good news is there are more options than ever right now!

Countries like Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Cyprus, Croatia, Bali, and Georgia all have clear pathways for digital nomads – official nomad visas, long-stay tourist visas, or remote worker permits.

Georgia is still one of the most flexible countries in the world, with visa-free stays of up to a year for most nationalities. And for Americans, Albania offers a year-long stay as well.

Thailand now has the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay up to 180 days per entry (extendable to 360), which is one of the most flexible long-stay options we’ve seen anywhere.

Mexico doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa, but the Temporary Resident Visa works just as well in practice – it’s granted for one year and renewable for up to four, and thousands of remote workers use it as their legal pathway to live and work there long-term.

Do your homework before you land. Know how long you can legally stay, what the extension options are, and whether there are any restrictions on earning income remotely.

Plus, everyone’s tax situation is different, so it’s important to speak with an accountant to make sure you don’t trigger tax residency.

It’s not as complicated as it sounds once you’ve done it a couple of times, but it’s always worth sorting out before you book the flight.

Trust Your Gut After Week One

All the research in the world doesn’t replace actually being on the ground. After a week in any destination, you just know whether it has the right energy for you.

Maybe somewhere sounds good on paper, but you just don’t jive with it. Don’t ignore your instincts. If you’re planning to stay for a couple of months, try to do a trial run before committing to a longer stay.

Do a week or two before you sign a three-month lease, and give yourself permission to change it up if you’re just not feeling it! That’s kind of the whole point of this lifestyle, isn’t it?

The post How to Choose a Digital Nomad Base (Our 10 Point Checklist) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

After many earthquakes have damaged similar sights around the island of Zakynthos, the Venetian Castle still stands as a good example of Venetian architecture in the Ionians and is an interesting sight to check out. 

We spent around 10 days on Zakynthos island and while it was hard to peel ourselves away from the sandy beaches, we’re glad we made the trip to Zante town to check out the Venetian Castle.

In this post, I’ll shed a little bit of light on this lesser-visited sight in Zakynthos including how to get there, how long to stay and how much it will cost (spoiler alert, it’s free).

See Also: The Ultimate Guide to Greece Travel

Where is Zakynthos?

Zakynthos is a small island about 20 kilometres off the westernmost point of the Greek Peloponnese mainland and just under 250 kilometres west of the capital of Athens.

This island is one of the best places to visit in Greece thanks to its bustling tourism scene, great restaurants and nightlife and spectacular Ionian beaches.

The island can be reached by a ferry from Kyllini (7 sailings per day), or by direct flight from Athens. There are also a few direct flights from major European cities like Amsterdam, Rome and London (which is where we flew from).

The island of Zakynthos is perhaps most famous for the nightlife of Laganas and the stunning Navagio Beach (aka Shipwreck Cove), which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

See Also: The Best Time To Visit Greece & The Greek Islands

About The Venetian Castle in Zakynthos

Opening Hours:

• November 1st – June 30th: Every day from 08.30-15.30 except Sundays & Tuesdays
• July 1st to October 31st: Every day from 08.00-19.00 except Mondays

Hours of operation change frequently, make sure to ask a local before heading there to avoid disappointment. Or, try calling them: +302695048099

If you’re staying in Zante Town (the capital city of Zakynthos), then it would be a shame not to head up the hill and check out this 15th-century castle. 

The castle itself is situated in a lovely pine forest on a high hill above the city and the harbour below and it not only offers spectacular views of Zakynthos and the Ionian Sea, but it’s also a great example of Venetian architecture in the Ionian.

The location is quite tranquil and is very quiet compared to the bustling port town below.

History of The Venetian Castle

The castle was almost completely destroyed by the Turks in 1460 but was repaired and eventually completed by the Venetians in 1646 AD.

As you walk in the main entrance, notice the Winged Lion Of Saint Mark on the arch above the former gate. This is a symbol of the Venetian Empire and their rule in the Ionians.

The castle was once the central capital of the island, but today you’ll see quite a bit of damage from earthquakes and a history of war attacks and pirate raids on the fortress.

In 1812, when the British Empire took over the Ionian Islands, they used this castle and its fortified position to build barracks and powder stores and it was once the house of the British Parliament in the Ionians.

Inside the castle walls were the remains of many Byzantine churches such as the Church of the Savior (San Salvatore) which dates back to the 12th century AD. There’s also the 14th century Church of Saint Francis and the Church of Santa Barbara.

How To Get To The Castle

The Venetian Castle of Zakynthos is located at the top of Bohali about 2 kilometres from Zante Town. The easiest way to get here is by car.

If you’ve rented a car for your stay in Zakynthos, then you can drive from Zante Town to the castle in about 5 minutes, walk around it for an hour or two and then continue exploring the island.

If you don’t have a car, it’s only about a 20-minute walk from the town, but you’ll be climbing up about 125 meters (410 feet) so be sure to bring some water.

If you’re visiting Zakynthos in the summer, I’d recommend going in the early morning or late afternoon as it’s extremely hot in Zakynthos in the middle of the day in the summertime.

Cost To Enter The Venetian Castle Zakynthos

The Venetian Castle in Zakynthos is free to enter. There is no one there to guard the entrance and it is open until 3:30 pm or 7:00 pm (depending on the season). It’s not a major site in Zakynthos and because it’s so easy to walk here from the city, you won’t likely find the Venetian Castle on many tour itineraries.

Instead, just come here on your own time early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

How Long Should You Visit The Castle For?

The castle itself only covers an area of a few hundred meters so you don’t need that much time to visit it. While there are some lovely carvings on the walls and the remains of a few crumbled churches, there has been a considerable amount of damage to much of the main structure.

 An hour or two will be more than enough to visit the Venetian Castle in Zakynthos. The view from the top of Bohali Hill is spectacular though, so you may want to bring a picnic and have a snack while looking out over the Ionian Sea and Zante Town from the castle viewing platform.

There are a few English signs explaining the main parts of the castle, but there is little else there to bring the place to life.

Main Areas To See in The Venetian Castle

The Venetian Castle sight isn’t a huge place to visit, so there aren’t too many main points of interest to stop and look at. Mostly it’s about just walking around and enjoying the peace and nature on Bohali Hill and of course, the view. Here are a few things to check out while in the castle:

The Venetian Entrance: At the entrance to the castle you will see the 17th-century Winged Lion of Saint Mark, which is a symbol of Venice and their rule on the Ionian Islands at that time.

The Viewing Platform: There is a large open area that hangs out over the cliff overlooking Zante Town and the beautiful Ionian Sea below. This is a great spot for photos and just chilling out and enjoying the view. This castle has historically protected the island from many pirate attacks and raids, so this platform would’ve been a great vantage point for the Venetian Army to watch for invaders.

The Prison Cells: Inside the castle, there are still the remains of some (albeit damaged) structures. Some of the more confined spaces you see are old prison cells, while other rooms were used as munitions storage areas.

Hotels Near The Venetian Castle Zakynthos

If you want to stay close to the castle, then you’ll want to stay in Zante Town. When searching where to stay in Zakynthos, you’ll probably find that Zante Town is one of the best areas to stay, along with the Laganas Beach area, and Tsilivi. Here are a few of the top-rated hotels in Zante Town.

Pheonix Hotel: One of the largest hotels in Zante Town, the Pheonix hotels has nice double rooms with private bathrooms starting at around $50 / night (depending on the season). They get 8.7 out of 10 stars from reviews on Booking.com and the hotel is very close to the center, and all the main sights in Zante Town. See Prices on Booking.com.

Yria Hotel: This quaint little hotel is located in the center of Zante Town about 70 meters from the beach. The rooms are all air-conditioned with private bathrooms and a balcony. The cost starts at around $33 / night (depending on the season) and they get 8.5 out of 10 on Booking.com reviews. See Prices on Booking.com.

In Closing

While it would be nice if Zante Town put a little bit more effort into restoring and bringing to life this beautiful example of a castle from the time of Venetian rule in the Ionian Islands, it’s still worth a visit.

Due to the lack of audio guides and detailed information, you’ll have to use your imagination a little bit, but the view from the hill and the peaceful nature around the castle make it one of the best things to do in Zakynthos.

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