Eagle Creek underseat rolling luggage

Eagle Creek Expanse: Underseat Rolling Luggage Review

For the past two years Michael has been traveling with an Eagle Creek Expanse underseat rolling luggage bag, also known as a rolling tote bag or wheeled tote. It's his go-to bag for a long weekend or his second (i.e. carryon) bag for a…
Schengen visa from USA is automatic with a US passport

Travel in Europe: Schengen visa from the USA (& other long-term issues) . . . 2024 UPDATE

Before you plan an extended stay in Europe, be sure you know the visa restrictions. "Can I stay in Europe for a year (or more)?", "Do I need a Schengen visa from the USA?", "What IS a Schengen visa, anyway???" are all questions a US citizen…
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Dental tourism: we find affordable dental implants in Romania

His gums duly numbed with painkiller, Michael reclined in the cushioned chair as the dentist loomed overhead with a whirring drill in her hand. Michael was about to start dental implant surgery to replace a broken tooth, a fairly standard procedure,…
How to avoid rental scams on vacation

How to avoid vacation rental scams on Airbnb, VRBO, Craiglist and more

We've written before about using Airbnb to book places on vacation, particularly for long-term stays. Then last week we were sitting at our Airbnb rental when there was a knock on the door. Outside was a young man on the porch with several pieces…
social media risk security

Social media security risks on vacation

After the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl this year (a fact we still like to repeat) what got a bit less attention was the fact that New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski returned from his team’s loss to find out that his house…
Currency exchange tips-Changes in Longitude

Should you pay in local currency while traveling?

Field-Tested Travel Tips: Should you pay in local currency while traveling? We were using a credit card to buy a camera in Germany when when the sales clerk asked us, “Do you want that charged in euros or U. S. dollars?” Huh? We hadn't been…
Travelpro maxlite suitcase review

Luggage tips: Travelpro Maxlite Spinner review

After 5 years of full-time travel, it was time for a suitcase upgrade. After an exhaustive search with specific criteria, we both chose the same model (which is a first!). Following is our Travelpro Maxlite Spinner review. Because we are permanent…
House sitters wanted, long term house sitting jobs
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How to find house sitting jobs around the world: a guide to using Nomador

Since we travel full-time, we’re always looking for creative lodging options. Staying in far-flung destinations around the world—particularly for a week or more—can get expensive. A few years ago we discovered house sitting, a solution…
JumboStay 747 hostel Stockholm
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Where to stay in Stockholm: Jumbo Stay Arlanda

If you're looking for where to stay in Stockholm, particularly for a Stockholm Arlanda Airport hotel, consider Jumbo Stay Arlanda. It's one of the coolest places we've stayed in our travels. The Jumbo Stay Arlanda is a Stockholm hostel parked…
Best hotels in Bucharest Romania|Where to stay in Bucharest|Accommodation Bucharest
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Guide to the Best Hotels in Bucharest, Romania (apartments too!)

We have spent more than 5 months in Bucharest during multiple visits in the past two years and love the city. Read on for our recommendations for the best hotels in Bucharest, Romania (plus apartments) in all price ranges. If you're planning…
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Book review: London’s Hidden Rivers

London is one of our favorite destinations in the world to visit. One of the reasons is that there are so many hidden sights in London that we've never heard of before. But with each visit there's less and less new, or in London's case, old,…
phone using Google translate

Handling language barriers while traveling

One question that keeps cropping up in our global travels is, “How do you handle language barriers while traveling?” As full-time global nomads, we can't become fluent in the language of every country we visit, that’s just impossible.…
Larissa and Michael Milne in Florence
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So you want to chuck it all and travel the world?

Our friends tell us, “You’re living the dream.” Well . . . yes and no. In 2011, when Larissa was 52 and Michael 51, we walked away from our jobs in, respectively, life sciences and commercial real estate. Heartbreaking personal circumstances…

How to get the best seat on an airplane

As demand for flying has increased, seating occupancy on planes (known as the load factor) has increased to more than 80%. Travelers who end up in the middle seat, with elbows on ether side protruding into their space and a child kicking their…
Ecco mens travel shoes
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Product review: The best men’s travel shoes

The Best Men's Travel Shoes Larissa has written about the best travel shoes for women, but now it's my turn to talk about the best mens travel shoes. I have only two pairs of shoes with me, both by Ecco. I've worn Eccos almost exclusively for…
The City Safe 100 Bag by PacSafe offers stylish design with function and security

10 tips for women to avoid pickpockets

Unlike strategies for men carrying wallets, here are my favorite tips for women to avoid pickpockets. I’ve seen all sorts of wacky gadgets for protecting valuables, including the mind-boggling “bra stash,” which must be uncomfortable (not…
Michael in silly scottish tam o'shanter

Avoiding scam artists on vacation

Even though we try not to look like tourists while traveling, there are still some places where visitors stand out and are approached by people trying to separate them from their money. To scam artists, tourists who are not familiar with…
Cell phone with passport and map

Tips for Using Mobile Phones Overseas

Several years ago I traveled to Israel on a business trip and ran up a $900 mobile phone bill in 3 days. The coverage was good and the connection so clear that when the phone rang I forgot I was 8,000 miles from home and in "roaming mode." BIG…