Here are a list of practical travel tips.

Schengen visa from USA is automatic with a US passport

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

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…
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…
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…
Man's backpack being pick-pocketed

12 tips for men to avoid pickpockets

Since travelers stick out in most places and are obvious targets, protecting your wallet and avoiding pickpockets is very important when you're on the road.   Once Larissa and I were posing with a group of elderly local women on Tiananmen Square…
Eiffel Tower at sunset
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A better Paris Metro map: PDF for download!

We found an easier way to get around Paris. Download this Paris Metro map pdf and you'll always know where you are in the City of Light. This official city map is difficult to find (we're not sure why), so we've made it available for you below. Paris' public…
Buenos Aires subte subway crime
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Fending off pickpockets on the Buenos Aires subway

Locals warned us to be alert on the Buenos Aires subway, or  "subte," because the city is the pickpocketing capital of the world. Most major cities have petty crime so we were careful, as we are anywhere, but also wouldn't let it affect our…
fish dinner-norway
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How to read TripAdvisor and Yelp reviews

Yelp and Trip Advisor are our go-to web sites for finding reviews of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. They are usually pretty accurate but it's important to weed out the reviewers whose opinion you shouldn't trust. Also be aware…

Farewell, my lovely shirt

I believe a garment should last at least a decade, sometimes even longer. It's a trait I inherited from my father who held onto his 1970s-era wide ties forever, predicting they'd make a comeback someday along with sideburns and powder-blue…
travel myths luggage

How to travel: 14 travel myths debunked (Part 1)

There are many misconceptions out there about travel, so it's time to set the record straight. This week we debunk seven common travel myths. Next week we'll tackle seven travel myths about select destinations. Travel Myth #1: International…
Berlin WelcomeCard
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The Berlin WelcomeCard: An easy way to visit Berlin

Berlin's transit system is easy to navigate with the Berlin WelcomeCard. Because it is valid on all forms of transportation, the Berlin WelcomeCard is very convenient. Use it on the U-Bahn (underground trains), S-Bahn (surface…

How to travel for a year: Pre-trip medical planning

Pre-trip medical planning Consult a travel doctor Anyone considering how to travel for a year or long-term should address any medical issues before leaving. Before departure meet with a medical professional who also has training in travel medicine. Larissa’s…

How you can travel for a year: What does it cost?

How To Travel For A Year: What does it cost? It depends on what type of travel you're planning. Young, single backpackers can travel around the world for $15,000 while older couples may do it for $115,000. We’re not backpackers so we wouldn’t…
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To travel cheaply, go where it’s cheap

Cheap travel is often a challenge, but how would you like to live in a land of 35 cent hoagies, $25 gourmet meals for two and beers for a buck? A place where the dollar stretches so far it could cover the entire country. That’s daily life…

Our 13 favorite international travel tips

We've been full-time global nomads since 2011 and have made our fair share of mistakes. Here are our favorite international travel tips that we'e learned along the way. 1) Get a day rate at an airport hotel upon arrival --- We’re not talking…

What about the language?

A question we are frequently asked by friends and family is how we will handle the language barrier in other countries, particularly in places like China where we won’t even be able to read the street signs. Will we try to learn the language…