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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The post 25 Best Apps for Freelancers (Free and Paid) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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.

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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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The post 21 Essential Travel Items Everyone Should Pack appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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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The post Visiting The Venetian Castle in Zakynthos, Greece appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Most people purchase cheap travel insurance (without knowing exactly what’s covered), or end up not purchasing any due to how difficult it can be to understand insurance policies…why do they make them so confusing?!

Choosing international travel insurance is a bit of a daunting task. In this article, I’ll try to simplify things so you get a better idea of which insurance company covers what.

Plus I’ll answer many of your frequently asked questions, and give you some ideas of what to look for when purchasing travel medical insurance.

And, I’ll share my top 4 international travel insurance picks (we’ve personally used 3 of these companies).

*Note: It’s very important that you read YOUR policy to see what is covered – and what isn’t. Each traveller’s circumstances and coverage will be different. Always do your due diligence before purchasing travel insurance. We may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through one of these companies below. Thank you for your support.

Is International Travel Insurance Worth It?

Short answer? Yes, absolutely. 

To be completely honest, in the past we’ve only purchased travel insurance sporadically. We figured, hey, we’re in Mexico and it’s cheap to visit the hospital, so there’s no need to buy travel insurance.

But, once we spoke to people who have had horrible accidents abroad, and after witnessing two friends and family members having emergencies abroad…we started to realize just how stupid we were. 

Sure, visiting a doctor in Mexico for something basic and getting medication will only cost around $20-$50, and we paid about $200 in Thailand, but that’s not the only reason to have travel medical insurance.

The main reason is for more serious accidents and events that can happen abroad – especially when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

• See Also: My Experience Visiting a Doctor in Argentina

Not to mention, in some countries, international travel insurance is mandatory. Cuba, Qatar and Ecuador are a few countries that require you to show proof of travel insurance before entering the country. 

A good travel insurance policy will cover you for emergency evacuation and flights to a hospital that’s able to handle your medical condition.

There’s accidental death benefits (ie: money paid to your estate or whoever you direct in your will), crisis response, political evacuation, natural disasters and much more. 

Many policies cost around $2 – $4 per day. If you can afford to travel, you can afford $2 – $4 a day. So, there’s really no excuse!

What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 

You really want to make sure you read the fine print of your travel insurance policy. All policies are different and while you may be covered for something with one company, you might not be with the next. It also depends on the actual type of policy you decide to purchase.

Different companies cover different things, so make sure you read your policy to ensure you’re insured for all your needs. 

In general, you should be looking for a travel insurance policy that covers the following: 

• Emergency evacuation 
• Hospital room and board
• Intensive Care 
• Local ambulance
• Adventure activities – ensure that you’re covered for exactly what you plan to do. Some policies have exclusions to depths you can scuba dive, and altitudes you can trek, for example.
• Outpatient care (physiotherapy, chiropractor, etc.)
• Emergency dental care
• Crisis response – ransom, kidnapping, etc.
• Terrorism
• Natural disasters
• Accidental death benefits
• Return of your remains

As a bonus, some international travel insurance providers cover things that aren’t medical related, such as:

• Lost luggage
• Trip interruption 
• Trip cancellation 
• Rental car damage protection 
• Stolen baggage

We’ve personally made claims for visits to massage, chiropractor, acupuncture and hospitals abroad. And, since we had a plan with $0 deductible, we received our money back. On the flipside, since we had $0 deductible plans, our monthly insurance costs were higher.  

You’ll also want to make sure that your policy includes global assistance, 24/7. 

Which Travel Insurance Is Right For Me?

Are you planning on trekking at high altitudes, scuba diving or doing any extreme sports? Will you be riding a motorbike or scooter? Are you a resident of your home country?

These are all things that will affect which insurance is right for you.

World Nomads has a reputation for being the best for adventurous travellers, as they cover pretty much every adrenaline-inducing activity you can think of. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

If you’re from the UK and Europe, True Travellers is another excellent insurance option for backpackers and travellers. 

If you’re not a resident of your home country anymore (many digital nomads and remote workers aren’t), and are looking for an affordable plan, SafetyWing is a great option. They even cover you when you’re visiting your home country.

Something else to consider is whether or not you’ll be riding a motorbike / scooter during your trip. For most people visiting Southeast Asia, this will be your primary mode of transportation and is a fun way to see the countries you’ll visit.

However, not all policies cover motorbike and scooter accidents. World Nomads does (if you have the proper driving licenses).

If you’re a Canadian citizen and you purchase expat travel insurance with Allianz, you’re not covered when you return to Canada for a visit / holiday! (I’m not sure about citizens from other parts of the world, so make sure you ask).

We only realized this just a few months ago, which is part of what inspired me to write this post. We bought this insurance specifically for our trip to Canada and the USA. Turns out, we wouldn’t have been covered at all during our one month visit to Canada. 

Read the fine print and choose an international travel insurance policy that covers everything you need.

How Much Does International Travel Insurance Cost?

What you’ll pay for travel insurance depends on a few factors – your age, your place of residence, where in the world you’ll be travelling, the length of the trip and the company you purchase with. 

As an example, with World Nomads Insurance, for a one month trip you’d pay $158.64 for their lowest plan. With SafetyWing, you’d pay between $62.72 – $218.96 for their lowest plan, depending on your age.

How much you’ll pay really depends on your age and the insurance company you choose. Some policies don’t cover people who are residents of certain places, or are a certain age.

For example, if you’re from Quebec, Canada, World Nomads won’t cover you. If you’re from the United Kingdom, you must be under 65 years old in order to qualify for travel insurance. 

Prices often vary due to the amount of coverage you have (ie: $250K vs. $1M), and whether or not you have a deductible. 

Everyone’s circumstances are different, which is why it’s so important to get a number of quotes and read the policies before choosing an insurance company. 

How Do I Buy Travel Insurance?

Purchasing travel insurance is simple. You can start by contacting a few insurance companies to get a quote, and when you decide on the company you want to go with, you provide your travel details and provide payment. Within an hour, you’ll have your insurance policy in your email inbox. 

Many companies allow for changes to your policy before the effective date. Allianz allows changes for 10 days before the insurance policy starts. 

With some companies, you can purchase the policy while you’re already travelling and can extend while you’re on the road. You’ll want to make sure your company allows this, as with some insurance policies, you must return to your home country first.

Important Questions to Ask Before Buying

When we first purchased international travel insurance, we didn’t even think to contact the company and ask any further questions. We just read (some of) the small print and went ahead and booked.

Having been on the road now for over 10 years and tried out a few different travel insurance providers, we now know there are some questions you should definitely have answered before buying:

1. Will this insurance cover me while visiting my home country? 

2. If I’m in the Amazon (or any other remote area) and fall and break my back and have to get airlifted to hospital. Will this insurance cover me for ALL expenses?

3. Will this insurance cover the cost of transporting me back to my home country if I suffer a serious injury or illness? – or just to the nearest hospital?

4. What happens when I need medical treatment? Can I go to any hospital or doctor or only those approved by the insurance company?

7. Does this insurance cover me for adventure activities? Are there any exclusions?

8. What happens if the company goes out of business? Will I still be insured?

9. Is the deductible per claim, or per trip?

Travel insurance companies want your business, don’t be afraid to ask them any and all questions you may have.

Which International Travel Insurance Is the Best?

There are numerous travel insurance providers out there, and it’s important that you find one that suits your needs and the type of trip you’re embarking on.

If you’re a digital nomad, or long-term traveller, SafetyWing is a great option. If you’re into adventure activities and are heading off for a few months, World Nomads is a good bet.

If you want all around great coverage, with a well-known brand (at a higher premium), then Allianz might be right for you. If you’re into adventure activities and are a resident of the UK or Europe, True Traveller is a good option. 

Here’s a breakdown of these four travel insurance companies. Of course, you’ll need to ensure you read the policies yourself, but here are some of the main pros and cons:

1. SafetyWing

This is one of the best international travel insurance companies for digital nomads, freelancers and long-term travellers. If you don’t have residency and healthcare in your home country, SafetyWing is a good option. If you’re between 18 and 39 years old, this is the cheapest policy you’ll find.  

Pros of SafetyWing:

• You don’t need to be a resident of your home country. This is great for digital nomads who don’t have a permanent home.
• Costs are fair at $62.72 / month for those aged 18-39.
• You can purchase monthly, or one year upfront – you’ll save 10% if you purchase a year in advance.
• Rather than having to pay one large lump sum up front, you have the option to pay monthly. 
• They offer auto-renewal. It’s like a subscription service, which is great because you can cancel at anytime and don’t need to set an end date (unless you want to).
• The insurance is underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC.
• The policy and website are easy to read and understand.
• Private doctors and hospitals are covered. 
• Coverage in your home country is provided. If you’re a resident of the USA, you’ll be covered for 15 days out of every 90 days you’re on the insurance policy. Outside of the USA, you’ll allowed 30 days in your home country.
• In addition to medical coverage, you’ll receive travel benefits, including trip interruption, travel delays, lost checked luggage, natural disaster and political evacuation. 
• There’s no deductible.

Cons of SafetyWing:

• If you travel to the USA, you need to add on $1.78 – $7 extra per day depending on your age. 
• Maximum coverage of $250,000 on the Essential Plan. If you choose the more expensive “Complete” plan, you get $1.5M coverage.
• Many activities aren’t included in the regular plan. In particular, trekking above 4,500m, kite-surfing, ice hockey, American football, soccer (football), and scuba diving past 10m. However, they are included with the Adventure Sports Add-On (unless the sports are professional, organized or rewarded).
• If you’re an adventurous traveller, you’ll want to purchase the Adventure Sports Add-On.
• Motorbikes and scooters are covered in the policy but you must hold a proper license and be wearing a helmet. 

Click here to read the full insurance policy. Click here to learn more about SafetyWing and to get a free quote. 

2. World Nomads Travel Insurance

If you are a Lonely Planet guidebook fan, you’ll know that this is the company that they frequently recommend. We went with World Nomads in the past and were able to easily make a claim, and extend our coverage while we were on the road.

If you’re a backpacker or adventure seeker, this is the company you’ll want to choose. 

Pros of World Nomads Travel Insurance:

• While they don’t offer the cheapest plans out there, they definitely aren’t the most expensive. 
• You can obtain and extend your policy while on the road – no need to return home.
• Many adventurous activities and sports are covered (make sure you get the right plan).
• In addition to medical, you’re covered for baggage delays, trip cancellation or interruption, stolen baggage, assault, stolen electronics while under your supervision and more.
• The policy and website is easy to navigate and understand.
• A popular and highly recommended travel insurance company.

Cons of World Nomads Travel Insurance

• You need to have health care in your home country. This is a huge con for us as we aren’t residents of Canada anymore and therefore don’t have provincial healthcare. We can no longer use World Nomads Insurance. 
• Motorcycle and scooter accidents aren’t covered unless you hold a valid motorbike licence from your home country and one from the local country (in most cases). 
• There’s not one standard underwriting company for World Nomads. Which company you are insured with (including inclusions and exclusions to policies) depends on which country you’re a resident of. 
• To get a discount, you’ll need to book and pay for your insurance in advance. 
• On the “Standard” plan, you only get $125,000 in coverage for medical emergencies.

Click here to get a free quote with World Nomads Insurance. Click here to read the full policy (for US residents). Note: We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

3. Allianz International Travel Insurance

This long-standing company is reputable and offers numerous types of policies. They offer great insurance plans for expats as well.

In the past, we’ve personally purchased our Expatriate Travel Insurance through Allianz, as they offer affordable plans (around $2/day), with $500K coverage and the adventure activities that we partake in are covered.

The expat plans are different from the travel insurance plans – in terms of costs and coverage.

Pros of Allianz Travel Insurance:

• They offer different levels of emergency transportation coverage – up to $2M dollars. 
• Up to $500 coverage for stolen baggage.
• Trip delay coverage of $150 per day is offered for airplane delays due to bad weather, natural disasters, etc.
• A reputable, long-standing company. 
• Making a claim is simple.

Cons of Allianz Travel Insurance

• One of the more premium insurance providers, meaning they cost more.
• Travel to the USA and Mexico is an additional daily fee. 
• You are not covered when you travel to your home country if you are an expat. (this is true for Canadians, check Allianz for your country of residence).
• Trip interruption is covered, but only for medical or natural disaster reasons. No compensation for an airline, cruise or tour cancellation. 

Click here to read the full travel insurance policy with Allianz for Americans. Each country is different, make sure you read the policy applicable for the country your are a resident of. 

4. True Traveller

If you’re a resident of the UK or many countries in Europe (including France and Germany) and are a backpacker who loves adventure activities, then True Traveller is a great insurance option.

Pros of True Traveller: 

• They cover many adventure activities 
• High coverage amounts – up to £10 million GBP
• You can purchase a policy even if you’re already abroad
• You can choose policies to have a deductible (excess), or not
• Insured by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. which is part of the AXA Group
• 24/7 medical assistance

Cons of True Traveller:

• They only cover UK and European citizens and residents
• You need to add on “packs” to your policy to ensure you’re covered for the right activities and interruptions
• You must have a proper motorcycle license and be wearing a helmet in order to be covered for scooter accidents

Click here to read the insurance policy and see if it’s right for you. Or, click here to learn more about True Traveller. 

Insurance Hotline

Travel insurance costs on average for Insurance Hotline:

• $22.20 for a 10-year-old traveller

• $41.16 for a 35-year-old couple

• $42.24 for a family of four

 

Most policies cover the following:

• Emergency medical expenses

• Emergency trip cancellation and interruption

• Lost baggage

• Emergency transportation to a hospital

• Hospitalization and emergency room fees

• Medical examinations such as x-rays 

• Transportation back home after a medical event

• Flight delays and cancellations 

Travel With Peace of Mind

I hope that this article helped to answer some of your burning travel insurance questions. No matter which company you decide to choose, just make sure you read the fine print of the insurance policy, and utilize the support staff. That’s what their job is! Ask any and all questions you might have to ensure you know what you’re purchasing. Happy and healthy travels.

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The post Best International Travel Insurance: for Travellers & Digital Nomads appeared first on Goats On The Road.

For me, having lived in Marmaris for several months, this place ticks all of those boxes and more besides. No matter where you stay in Marmaris, you’re sure to have a vacation to remember.

Turkey is a massive country with an almost endless list of places to visit, including many beach resorts to choose from, so why go for Marmaris? I used to live there with my husband, (a local himself), and I can hand-on-heart say that it’s one of the most enjoyable and beautiful spots I’ve ever experienced.

Sure, Antalya‘s beaches are stunning, and Bodrum has the glitz and glamor, but there’s something about Marmaris that just feels so welcoming.

It certainly helps that there are so many places to visit in Marmaris; you won’t be bored for a second. Sightseeing in Marmaris isn’t only about boats and beaches, it’s about nature and history too. Oh, and food; don’t forget the food.

SEE ALSO: 15 Best Things To Do in Izmir, Turkey

Best Things To Do in Marmaris

Marmaris is open for fun in the sun between the end of April and the end of October. You can visit in the winter but most things will be closed, and the weather is extremely changeable.

However, in the summer months, you can expect plentiful sun, little to no rain, and lots of Marmaris attractions to fill up your time.

Because it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you visit a new location, and you may not be sure what to do, I’ve put together a list of my favorite 15 things to do in Marmaris.

You can of course forego all of them and simply chill on the beach; I really wouldn’t blame you. But this area is so beautiful, it’s worth dedicating a few days to a grand exploration.

SEE ALSO: 15 Best Things To Do in Turkey

1. Relax on the Beach

Okay, let’s get the most obvious one out of the way. There are many things to do in Marmaris, but beach time is a must-do for at least half of your visit. Uzunyali is Marmaris’ main beach – it’s long (locally known as Long Beach), and is backed by bars, restaurants, and hotels.

If you eat and drink at a particular bar or restaurant, your sun lounger and parasol will be free. Alternatively, you can use the public beach and just put your towel down on the sand.

However, if you’re visiting with children, I’ve got a tip for you. Jump on the dolmus (minibus) to neighboring Icmeler, which is just 10 minutes away.

The beach there is wider, away from the main road, and in my opinion, the sea is cleaner. There are plenty of watersports available at both beaches and stunning views to soak up as you kick back.

Address: Uzunyali Beach, Kemeraltı, Atatürk Cd. No:28, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla

2. Visit Marmaris Castle & Museum

One of the top tourist attractions in Marmaris is Marmaris Castle and its adjoining museum. It’s a fantastic place to learn more about the local area but the views sell it for me.

If you visit on a clear day, (plenty of those in summer), you can see right over to Icmeler and beyond.

Out of all the stuff to do in Marmaris, I’d recommend you spare a couple of hours to walk up to the castle. You can also take a city walking tour, which includes a visit to the castle and museum. Click here for details and to book.

The castle sits above the Old Town, so make sure you head back down to explore the cobbled, winding streets and enjoy a cup of coffee or traditional Turkish çay.

Address: Tepe, 30. Sk No:54, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla

3. Shop in the Grand Bazaar

As with Istanbul, one of the top things to do in Marmaris is to shop in the markets and the Grand Bazaar.

The center of Marmaris is home to a large covered marketplace and inside, you’ll find stalls and shops selling everything from replica designer clothes to bags, purses, sneakers, souvenirs, ceramics, and spices.

When shopping in the bazaar, it’s expected and accepted to haggle, so don’t be afraid. Just ask the price and then offer something a little lower. The owner is likely to try and counter your suggestion, but you’ll naturally meet somewhere in the middle.

There are also many small vendors selling traditional street food, so make sure you stop and have a doner kebab – Yilmaz Doner is one of my favorites. There are also some great coffee shops too, such as Fredonia Coffee.

Address: Tepe, 38. Sk., 48700 Marmaris/Muğla

4. Take a Boat Trip

When the heat is on, one of the best things to do in Marmaris is to take a boat trip around the coastline and enjoy a new view of the city. This is definitely one of my favorite things to do, and there are many options in terms of which trip you choose.

If you’re traveling with children, there are several pirate boats with activities onboard. Click here to learn more and to book, and if you want to see marine life, you can take a glass bottom boat trip.

However, the most common type of boat trip is a lazy day option, which takes you around different islands and bays and stops several times for swim breaks. Lunch and certain drinks are usually included.

Most boat trips stop for an hour at Turunç, a pretty coastal village. The all-inclusive lazy day boat trip is my favorite and offers a great chance to chill out and enjoy the views from onboard. Click here for more details.

Address: Regular meeting point for boat trips: Atatürk Heykeli, No:, Tepe, Kordon Cd. No:52, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla, Türkiye

5. Walk to Icmeler

One of the best places to visit in Marmaris and the surrounding area is İçmeler. This is another resort town which runs directly on from Marmaris. One of the nicest things to do during the shoulder season, when the weather isn’t too hot, is to walk between the two resorts.

I always do this in October, once the heat has reduced and there’s a calmness in the air.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can even walk from the marina all the way down to İçmeler. This is an 8km walk along the coastline, but it’s flat the entire way and is so beautiful, with amazing views.

Grab a bottle of water, wear some comfortable shoes, take your camera, and simply walk. It’s one of the best things to do around Marmaris that costs nothing at all and you’ll have a full photo album at the end of it. You’ll also have burned plenty of calories, so you can dig into a big meal later on!

Address: İçmeler, Marmaris, Muğla, Türkiye

6. Take a Jeep Safari

One of the most unusual things to do in Marmaris, simply because it doesn’t involve the sea, is a jeep safari trip. I’ve done this trip a couple of times as it’s a great way to break up your stay and see beyond the beach.

You also get to enjoy lunch in a traditional village and have a lot of fun in a water fight along the way.

Make sure that you pack plenty of sun lotion, a hat, and adequate water. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, before heading off the road into the countryside, stopping at several beaches and villages as you go.

If you’re traveling as a group or a family, this is a great activity to bring everyone together. Click here for details and to book.

Address: Tours pick up from your hotel

7. Atlantis Waterpark

One of the best things to do in Marmaris for families is a day at the Atlantis Waterpark, right on the beachfront in Marmaris.

The waterpark has a private section of the beach if you prefer to spend time in the sea, but there are pools, waterslides, rides, and restaurants inside.

The waterpark opens around May and doesn’t close until the end of October. If you go during the peak summer months, between the end of June and the end of August, it’s likely going to be very crowded.

I recommend you go in the first couple of weeks of June or the start of October; it’s much more pleasant to splash around without the masses.

There’s another waterpark in Marmaris, called Aqua Dream, but I much prefer Atlantis, not least because it’s bigger. Click here for details.

Address: Siteler, Uzunyalı Cad No:209, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla

8. Walk on the Marina

If you’re looking for free things to do in Marmaris, an evening walk on the marina is a must-do. This is also one of the top things to do in Marmaris for couples as there’s a pretty romantic and relaxing vibe down there.

You’ll pass many huge yachts and boats while checking out the stunning view. There are countless restaurants, cafes, and bars in this part of Marmaris, so it’s a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and relax with a few drinks. Bono Marina is a great restaurant that serves delicious cocktails on the marina.

If you continue right down to the end, you’ll also find a small shopping area with several coffee shops. It’s a great people-watching spot.

Address: Sarıana Mah., M.Münir Elgin Bulvarı 38/2, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla

9. Eat Traditional Turkish Food

One of my favorite things to do in Marmaris, in fact in the whole of Turkey, is to enjoy traditional food in abundance.

There are some fantastic restaurants all over Marmaris, and I recommend pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and trying new things. A Turkish breakfast is a must-do, and my favorite spot is Liberty Restaurant in İçmeler.

A real rite of passage, as far as local food goes, is a visit to Cihan Ocakbaşı, which offers a traditional experience in a tourist-friendly way.

You’ll watch as bread is cooked in front of you, and see food grilled to perfection mere feet away from your table; all of it is downright mouth-watering. Try the Adana kebab here; it’s one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

You’ll find so many international restaurants in Marmaris that it’s absolutely worth trying the local cuisine. You can also easily find street food, including gözleme and börek.

Address: Cihan Ocakbaşı, Siteler, Barbaros Cd. No:2, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla

10. Cocktails With a View

The Castle is the highest point in Marmaris, so it’s no surprise that the views from the nearby Castle Kitchen Cafe & Bar are epic.

Grabbing dinner and a drink (or two) here is one of the best things to do in Marmaris during sunset and into the evening. The staff here are attentive and friendly and the prices are fair. Call ahead to reserve your seat!

Address: Tepe, 37. Sk. No:59, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla, Türkiye

11. Explore Marmaris National Park

If you’re keen to immerse yourself in some of the lush greenery that backs the mountains and beaches, head to Marmaris National Park.

This is a huge open space, filled with trees, hills, views, and the chance for complete rest and relaxation. This is one of the best places to visit in Marmaris and is somewhat of a hidden gem.

I always put on my comfortable shoes and go for a walk in this park, and it’s so quiet that you’ll feel a million miles away from the crowds on the beachfront.

Visiting the National Park is one of the more unique things to do in Marmaris because not that many people know about the area. Some know it’s a beautiful place, but don’t know there’s a walking path they can follow. Click here for walking routes in the National Park.

I highly recommend you head off and enjoy a little peace and quiet in the countryside if you have the time. It’s wonderfully cooling on a hot day, thanks to the shade from the trees. Just don’t forget to take some water with you as there aren’t any cafes or shops here.

Address: Armutalan Mahallesi, Atatürk Cd., 48706 Marmaris/Muğla

12. Learn about Honey at Marmaris Bal Evi

Did you know that Marmaris is famous for its pine honey? Marmaris Bal Evi is one of the most unique attractions in Marmaris and one that many visitors miss because it’s not right in the center of town, (it’s just outside). Even I didn’t know it was there until after several months of living there.

If you’re looking for things to do near Marmaris that have nothing to do with the sea, and offer you a glimpse into local traditions, this is the place to go.

Not only will you learn about how pine honey is produced, but you’ll get to try some, sample delicious deserts alongside it, and of course, purchase some pots to take back home if you’d like.

Kids will love learning about honey bees, and it’s a great way to raise awareness of conservation too.

Address: Osmaniye, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla

13. Take a Trip to Dalyan Mud Baths

Strictly speaking, this isn’t actually in Marmaris, but it’s one of the most highly-rated trips you can take away from the town and therefore one of the best places to visit near Marmaris. It’s a great way to see something different for a few hours.

Dalyan is a small village about an hour away from Marmaris, where you’ll find mud baths said to be fantastic for your skin. Most trips also include a visit to Turtle Beach, where you can sometimes spot sea turtles, as well as a cruise down the Dalyan River, passing the King’s Tombs. Click here to learn more and to book.

The mud baths are one of the top things to do in the Marmaris area, and it’s a must-do day out for first-time visitors. However, a word of warning: the showers are freezing cold and a little on the brutal side. Go in slowly!

Address: Dalyan, Boğazı, Ortaca/Muğla

14. Relax in a Turkish bath

An authentic Turkish experience wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a hammam, or Turkish bath. I recommend you do this at the start of your vacation because the process of cleaning and scrubbing the skin gets rid of dead cells and gives you an even foundation for a great suntan.

When considering what to do in Marmaris, don’t miss this experience. Not only is it super relaxing but it’s something traditional you can say you’ve done. Lots of hotels and spas offer Turkish baths but a visit to an authentic hammam is always best.

You can also pay for extra services at the end, such as a full-body massage or a pedicure. Either way, you’ll spend time in a sauna, sweating out impurities, before having a full body clean down in the hammam area.

You’ll feel like you’re floating at the end, as you sit and relax with a cup of Turkish tea. Click here for details and to book.

Address: Tours pick up directly from your hotel.

15. Go Scuba Diving

There are many things to see in Marmaris on land, but there’s a huge amount to be discovered under the sea too. Taking a scuba diving trip with an instructor allows you to visit the underwater world and explore what lies beneath.

Marmaris is home to several small shipwrecks and it’s abundant in colorful fish and even sea turtles.

Most scuba diving trips tend to go further out into open water than the regular boat trips, and as such, you get to see a lot more.

While I haven’t scuba-dived myself (I can’t swim, so it would be pretty challenging), my husband has, and he raves about the entire experience, still to this day. Click here to learn more.

Address: Trip meeting point: Tepe, No:, Kordon Cd. No:52, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla

Things To Do in Marmaris: FAQs

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about the best things to do in Marmaris, Turkey:

In Closing

You could say that I’m a little biased, but I believe Marmaris is one of the most beautiful and entertaining places to visit on the south coast.

Yes, it’s touristic, but that’s expected from a vacation resort. You can choose to throw yourself into international cuisine and bright lights, or you can delve a little deeper and explore the more authentic side of the city.

There are so many places to see in Marmaris that it’s impossible to be bored. Even if you sit on the beach doing nothing, you can just stare at the scenery, wondering why you never visited before.

Marmaris will always be my second home, and whether you take my advice and explore, or simply chill out on your sun lounger, I guarantee you’ll have the best time.

The post 15 Best Things To Do in Marmaris, Turkey appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Liverpool is ideally placed to explore the nearby coastline, North Wales, and the Lake District National Park amongst other stunning destinations. I’ve been visiting Liverpool for years and always like to try and escape the city for some of the incredible nature nearby.

Below, you’ll find a selection of different day trips from Liverpool by car, bus, boat, train, plus some excellent tours. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, a hike in the pristine wilderness, or a visit to nearby attractions, these Liverpool day trips offer something for everyone; families, couples, and solo travelers.

Best Day Trips from Liverpool

Here are 15 of the best day trips from Liverpool taking in some of the nearby attractions, towns, cities, and villages. With Chester and Manchester just a short train ride away, and many tours to areas of outstanding natural beauty to choose from, Liverpool makes a great base for exploring this part of northern England.

1. City of Manchester

The city of Manchester is just over 30 minutes away by train from Lime Street station making it one of the best day trips from Liverpool.

Manchester has an equally impressive music scene and a history that goes back to the days of the Hacienda Club and Factory Records (Joy Division is still one of my favorite bands).

Manchester is also home to an excellent array of museums and galleries including the Manchester Art Gallery which holds one of my favorite artworks; the Funeral of a Viking by Frank Bernard Dicksee (1853 – 1928).

There’s an excellent science museum to visit, as well as shops, cafes, and restaurants that rival Liverpool’s.

Visiting nearby Manchester is definitely one of the top day trips from Liverpool by train and it’s a piece of cake traveling between the two cities thanks to the multiple trains every hour.

Visit Old Trafford (the world-renowned football stadium), take a canal and river cruise, or just explore the vibrant city center at your leisure.

Location: Manchester is just 35 miles east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: Direct trains leave Liverpool Lime Street every 30 minutes. The journey time is between 34 and 52 minutes depending on the service. Tickets cost from £7.50 in advance.
Must-Do Activities: Take a city canal cruise, visit the Manchester Art Gallery, see Old Trafford football ground, and shop in the city center.

2. City of Chester

Chester is a historic city 30 miles south of Liverpool that was an important settlement in Roman Britain (much like my own hometown of Colchester). The city was founded in the first Century and is known for its impressive stretch of well-preserved Roman walls.

The city is a modern and vibrant hub with excellent shopping at the picturesque Chester Rows and dining options such as the stylish Chef’s Table which offers a fresh, seasonal, local produce menu.

One of the best ways to explore the city is to take the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus, or go kayaking along the River Dee.

Location: 40 minutes south of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: Direct trains depart Liverpool Lime Street Station four times an hour and the journey takes just 44 minutes.
Best Tour from Liverpool: Full-day tour to Chester from Liverpool.
Must-Do Activities:Take a hop-on, hop-off city tour, explore the Roman walls, visit Chester Cathedral, go kayaking, and shop at Chester Rows.

3. Crosby Beach

Crosby Beach is just 7 miles from Liverpool and makes for a beautiful day trip from the city. This stretch of coastline is home to an impressive modern art installation by renowned British artist Anthony Gormley.

Here you’ll find 100 sculptured statues along the beach that appear to shift with the tides and seasons. Crosby has a 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing, walking, building sandcastles, and exploring the dunes. If you’re into walking, this is a great place to stretch your legs.

SEE ASO: Check out these hikes in Liverpool for more inspiration for your stay.

It’s not recommended to swim here, however, as there are powerful currents on this part of the coast and even experienced swimmers can find themselves in trouble.

Location: 20 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: Crosby beach is just a 20-minute drive from Liverpool. There are trains every 10 minutes from Liverpool Central to Blundellsands and Crosby station, from which it’s just a 5-minute walk to the beach and promenade.
Must-Do Activities: See Another Place by Anthony Gormley, walk along the beach, have a picnic, row on the boating lake, and eat ice cream on the promenade.

4. Visit North Wales

North Wales is a stunning part of the United Kingdom and is home to Snowdonia National Park and one of the tallest mountains in the country. I’ve visited Snowdonia many times over the years for climbing holidays as a boy scout to more recent hiking trips.

It’s possible to climb (hike) 3,560 feet (1,085 meters) Mount Snowden if you’re feeling adventurous. The round trip takes anywhere between four and seven hours depending on your level of fitness, rest stops, and the route you take.

For those that don’t fancy such physical exertion, there’s also a train to the summit.

North Wales is home to some historic towns and villages that are well worth a visit. Conwy dates back to 1283 and is the home of the impressive Conwy Castle.

Location: 90 minutes southeast of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: North Wales is a 90-minute drive from Liverpool. The best way to experience this stunning area of outstanding natural beauty is to take a tour which includes visits to Conwy and Snowdonia.
Best Tour from Liverpool: 9-hour North Wales day trip from Liverpool.
Must-Do Activities: Climb Mount Snowden, visit Conwy Castle, and explore the North Wales coastline.

5. Lake District National Park

The Lake District is one of the most picturesque parts of England and is one of the best day tours from Liverpool. Explore stunning Windermere and the nearby villages, mountains, and scenery in this gorgeous part of the country.

Take a boat trip out on the lake, hike one of the many mountain trails, and stop for lunch at a rustic country pub. Explore the villages where Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth wrote their stories and poems (Potter was always a firm childhood favorite of mine).

Visit the beautiful village of Kendal with its ancient high street, boutique shops, and homely pubs.

Location: 2 hours north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: The Lake District National Park is 67 miles from Liverpool and is easily reachable by car. There are direct trains from Liverpool to Oxenholme, but to get the most out of the Lake District it’s best to have your own transport or to book a tour from Liverpool.
Best Tour from Liverpool: This 10-hour tour from Liverpool is a great way to see the Lake District.
Must-Do Activities: Sail on Lake Windermere, visit the village of Hawkshead, wander around the market town of Kendal, and hike in the mountains.

6. County of Yorkshire

Ask a Yorkshireman or Yorkshirewoman what they think of their home and they’ll likely tell you that it’s God’s own country. As a southerner, I’m prone to debate, but there’s no denying that the North Yorkshire Moors and Dales are home to some of the most picturesque parts of the country!

From rolling hills and farmland to ancient brick villages, forests, lakes, and waterfalls, Yorkshire is certainly one of the best day trips from Liverpool if you’re looking to escape into nature.

See the picturesque tows of Hawes and Haweth where the Bronte sisters lived, sample Wensleydale Cheese and other local specialties, and much more.

Location: 2 hours northeast of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: The best way to explore Yorkshire is either with your own car or by taking one of the organized day tours from Liverpool.
Best Tour from Liverpool: This full-day tour from Liverpool is a great way to experience the region.
Must-Do Activities: Visit historic Haweth, try Wensleydale cheese, see the Ribbhlehead Viaduct, and hike in the national parks.

7. Ride the Famous Mersey Ferry

Taking the Mersey Ferry is one of my favorite day trips from Liverpool by boat and the is the best way to explore the Wirral peninsula.

There are lots of things to do from visiting Birkenhead Park to New Brighton and Port Sunlight. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and seaside entertainment to keep you occupied, this is a fun day out for all the family.

The 200-acre North Wirral Coastal Park is a stunning stretch of coastline with sandy beaches and coast paths perfect for hiking, cycling, picnicking, and horse riding among other outdoor activities on offer.

This is also a great way to see some of the city’s top landmarks from the Royal Liver Building to the cathedrals, Birkenhead port buildings, and more. The journey time across the estuary is around 30 minutes.

Location: There are terminals at Liverpool Gerry Marsden on the city side and Seacombe on the Wirral side.
Getting There: The ferry terminal is within walking distance from Liverpool city center.
Best Tour from Liverpool: You can book a day ticket and hop on and hop off at your leisure.
Must-Do Activities: See the Liverpool skyline from the Mersey, explore the Wirral and Birkenhead, and visit North Wirral Coastal Park.

8. Visit the Strawberry Fields

“Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to Strawberry Fields”… Strawberry Fields is located to the south of the city. It’s the site of a former Salvation Army children’s home made famous by the Beatles song of the same name.

It’s now home to a large garden and Beatles exhibition which includes John Lennon’s piano amongst many other interesting exhibits.

Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens that Lennon walked around during his childhood. Learn the history of the children’s home and its connections to the Salvation Army and the Beatles, discover interesting interactive displays and shop for souvenirs, or simply just sit back and enjoy a drink and a snack in the on-site cafe.

There are many Beatles tours to choose from, but this is one of the best places to visit near Liverpool by bus and is easy to reach by public transport or by taking a coach tour (see below).

Location: 15 minutes south of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: It’s about a ten to twenty-minute drive from the center of Liverpool. Bus Line 76 departs Liverpool One Bus Station to Strawberry Fields multiple times an hour. The journey time by bus is 29 minutes and costs £3. The best way to experience Strawberry Fields is to take a tour that departs from Gower Street.
Best Tour from Liverpool: Liverpool Beatles and Strawberry Fields tour.
Must-Do Activities: See the piano used to compose Imagine, walk around the gardens, and shop for souvenirs.

9. Take a Peaky Blinders Tour

Fans of the popular TV show Peaky Blinders will love this half-day tour of Liverpool and the surrounding areas where the series was filmed. You’ll get to go behind the scenes and learn about the real Peaky Blinders gang that influenced the show.

This is one of the most fun day trips from Liverpool as you’ll be able to watch clips from the show while touring the filming locations and get a real insight into these historic areas around Liverpool. I highly recommend including this in your itinerary!

Location: The meeting point is at St George’s Hall in central Liverpool. See the location on Google maps.
Getting There: The tour includes a combination of transport by bus and walking.
Best Tour from Liverpool: Book your Peaky Blinders tour today.
Must-Do Activities: See the filming locations, learn the history of the gang, and explore central Liverpool, the Wirral, and River Mersey.

10. Martin Mere Nature Reserve

The Martin Mere Nature Reserve and Wetland Centre is one of the best day trips around Liverpool if you want to get out and explore some beautiful countryside and spot the local wildlife. With 600 acres of wild wetland to traverse, this is the perfect day out for the whole family.

The nature reserve has 12 hides where you can try and spot anything from geese and ducks to birds of prey and otters. The Mere Side Cafe is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and there’s also a shop that sells a range of souvenirs and outdoor-related gear.

Location: 45 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: It’s possible to reach the nature reserve by train, but as you’ll need to change at Southport, it’s quicker and easier to drive – hiring a car is best.
Must-Do Activities: Walk around the reserve, spot local wildlife, see the beaver dam, and have a bite to eat at the cafe.

11. Formby

Formby is one of the easiest day trips from Liverpool as this small coastal town is just 12 miles north of the city. As well as visiting the charming town with its boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, the area is home to a gorgeous stretch of coastline with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and a haven for wildlife that’s well worth seeing.

The sand dunes at Formby have been designated a site of special scientific interest as the area is an important habitat for local species such as sand lizards, natterjack toads, and the rare red squirrel.

It’s also possible to spot not one, but two shipwrecks just off the coast at Formby.

Location: 30 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: There are multiple hourly trains from Liverpool Central to Formby and the journey time is just 28 minutes.
Must-Do Activities: Walk along the beach, explore the sand dunes, spot wildlife, and shop, eat, and drink in the town.

12. The Fair at Blackpool

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Liverpool for the whole family, then Blackpool and its famous pleasure beach is a must. The resort town is just 55 miles north of Liverpool and is easily reachable by car and public transport.

Blackpool is a traditional British seaside destination and a great place to experience some high-octane rides, sample some fish and chips on the promenade, build sand castles and take a dip in the sea. Climb Blackpool Tower for magnificent views of the surrounding coastline.

Location: 1 hour north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: Trains depart Liverpool Lime Street station four times an hour and the journey takes around 70 minutes. If driving, join the M6 and the journey should take just over an hour.
Must-Do Activities: Go up Blackpool Tower, have a day at the beach, go on rides at the pleasure beach, and eat fish and chips on the promenade.

13. City of York

York is my favorite city in northern England and it’s easily reachable from Liverpool by car, train, and bus. There are lots of wonderful things to do in York from exploring the gothic York Minster Cathedral to exploring the Roman walls, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and sampling some of the chocolate that the city is famous for.

Explore the ancient Shambles; one of the most picturesque shopping streets in the whole of England. Soak in its narrow, cobbled lanes and widow displays straight out of a Harry Potter film.

There are lots of great pubs in York too such as my favorites the King’s Arms on the River Ouse, and the Fat Badger with its quirky gin garden.

Location: 2 hours northeast of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: York is a two-hour drive along the M62. There are two trains per hour from Liverpool Lime Street station and the journey time is just over two hours.
Must-Do Activities: See York Mister, experience the York Chocolate Story, explore the Shambles, visit York Dungeons, and walk along the Roman walls.

14. Seaside Town of Southport

Southport is another wonderful seaside town in Merseyside 20 miles north of Liverpool. The area boasts 22 miles of coastline with golden sands, clifftop walks, a golf course, and lots of top attractions from the historic pier to the boating lake and King’s Gardens.

Spend the day at the beach building sandcastles and exploring the beautiful coastline, or have fun at the amusements on the pier. There’s sure to be something for everyone in this charming beachside town as you explore the seaside town and its pubs, cafes, and restaurants of Southport.

Location: 45 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: There are multiple hourly trains from Liverpool Central and Lime Street stations to Southport. The journey time is under one hour. If driving, take the A565. The journey time is around 45 minutes.
Must-Do Activities: Visit Southport pier, walk along the beach, or hire a pedalo on the boating lake.

15. Bradford

Bradford is a city in West Yorkshire 60 miles from Liverpool. The city is packed with interesting things to see and do from museums charting England’s industrial heritage to parks, gardens, shops, and restaurants.

With lots of historic buildings from Bradford Cathedral to Cartwright Hall, this is a great choice for a day trip from Liverpool. The Broadway is a great place for shopping with top high street brands to browse and a large food court in the center of town.

The historic Salts Mill is an old textile factory that now houses a contemporary art gallery and entertainment complex with shops selling art supplies and other local crafts.

Location: 90 minutes east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting There: There are two to three hourly trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Bradford. The journey time is around three hours with a change at Manchester Victoria. Driving should take just over an hour, though finding parking in the city center can be difficult.
Must-Do Activities: Shop at the Broadway, visit the Salts Mill, and see Bradford Cathedral.

Day Trips Around Liverpool: FAQs

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about day trips from Liverpool:

In Conclusion

Now you know about the best day trips from Liverpool. Whether you want to explore historic cities such as Manchester and York, spend time exploring the stunning Merseyside coastline at places like Southport or Crosby beach, or get out into nature of the north Yorkshire moors, Lake District National Park, or North Wales, there really is something for everyone.

Liverpool is an excellent destination and I love spending time in the city, but its location so close to so many incredible places means that you don’t just have to stick to the city when visiting. Be sure to factor in a few days for a couple of these day trips when planning your trip to England’s city of culture.

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