Alright, so I recently went on a two-week trip to Europe with just one backpack, all thanks to some nifty advice from a cool travel subgroup. Before jetting off, I asked for tips and promised to share my experience upon my return. Let me tell you about my trusty backpack – it’s got 15 pockets and conveniently fits within the size limits for one of the planes I hopped on.

I packed two packs of these nifty packing cubes – they held my clothes, toiletries, wires, pills, and snacks like a charm. One cube was designated for clean clothes, the other for the dirty ones. I kept it light with three days’ worth of clothes and did laundry every other day while I was there. To save space, all my toiletries were in miniature versions.

My hotel’s proximity to a supermarket was a game-changer. I planned to pick up some essentials upon arrival that I usually lug around in my suitcase, like snacks and shampoo. First order of business after checking in? A quick food shopping spree.

Now, onto my on-the-go organization system. I rocked a ScottEVest with six pockets and a trusty flipbelt for my wallet, phone, and passport. Skipping the bag drop and carousel hassle was a major win, especially since I relied on buses and Ubers for transport. My backpack weighed in at a cool 12 pounds.

Instead of my usual laptop, I opted for an iPad with a keyboard – a solid choice for staying connected on the fly. And here’s a pro tip: I packed some old socks and undies that I tossed out before heading back. Sacrifices for the one-bag life, right?

The only downside? No room for souvenirs. I caved for a mug that hogged a hefty chunk of space, leading me to bid farewell to some clothing as I departed. I almost snagged a second keepsake but decided against it. The one-bag travel bug has bitten me hard, and I’m already plotting my next adventure. December in Europe calls for warmer attire, so I’m eyeing some smart options like thin yet cozy clothing or maybe just layering up with my trusty ScottEVest coat.

And let’s chat about the weather – two days of rain caught me off guard with no rain plan in sight. Lesson learned for next time. So, there you have it – my whirlwind one-bag journey through Europe. Can’t wait to do it

Hey guys! So, I wanted to tell you about this crazy experience I had that ended up getting me a sweet refund of 600€ on a super long flight from Madrid to Brazil. I bet most of you are familiar with EU Regulation No 261/2004, which basically says that if your flight gets delayed leaving the EU, you might be entitled to some cash.

So, here’s the deal – my flight had some tire trouble or something like that right when we were taking off. We had to stop, get off the plane, and wait for over 5 freaking hours. That’s like the maximum distance and delay combo, so I was eligible for the highest compensation level. I contacted Air Europa, and boy, did they hit me with some corporate mumbo jumbo about how they weren’t responsible for compensating me because the delay was due to reasons beyond their control. Yeah, right. The tire issue was totally on them, but they weren’t having any of it.

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and reached out to Spain’s aviation authority. Let me tell you, that website was a nightmare. It took me months to finally submit my complaint, but I did it. Then, they hit me with a curveball and told me to contact the Portuguese aviation authority since that’s where my journey started. Pro tip: if your flight gets messed up during a layover, you still complain where your trip began. And guess what? You can claim compensation no matter where you’re headed as long as your flight starts in the EU. So, going to Brazil didn’t change a thing – EU rules still apply.

The Portuguese site was thankfully more user-friendly, and I managed to file my complaint easily. They shot a request for clarification over to Air Europa, and surprise, surprise, the airline suddenly remembered they owed me some cash after stonewalling me for a week. I’ve heard some airlines like Wizz Air are pretty good at coughing up the compensation right away, but some others might try to make you jump through hoops in the hopes that you’ll just give up. But hey, stick to your guns because in the end, they won’t face any consequences as long as they eventually pay up.

And just like that, my nearly year-long battle came to an end. So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to file a complaint. You could end up with a nice chunk of change

Hey everyone, I’ve been on the hunt for a solid carry-on suitcase that can tag along on most international flights to Asia, Europe, and Africa. After sifting through options, three Travelpro models caught my eye. So, I’m reaching out to tap into your insights and experiences to help me decide which of these three would be the best fit for my travel needs.

When it comes to the internal capacity, the Maxlite 5 International Carry-on Rollaboard takes the lead with a roomy 45 liters. Following closely behind are the 5 International Spinner at 39 liters and the Air V2 International at 38 liters. Despite the Maxlite 5 being the largest, I’m not entirely sure if those extra 7 liters would make a noticeable difference on a three-week trip with medium-weight clothing. Can anyone shed some light on this?

I have a soft spot for the hardshell design of the Air V2, making it my top pick between the 5 International Spinner and Air V2 International, especially considering the tipping issue reported with the spinner due to its front pockets. Since I tend to pack my carry-on to the brim, I’d rather not deal with a constantly tipping suitcase. However, the Air V2 is a tad heavier at 6.3 lbs compared to the 5.4 lbs and 5.3 lbs of the Maxlite 5 roller and spinner respectively.

Now, the roller vs spinner debate. Both have their perks – rollers are sturdier, better for rough terrain, and space-saving, while spinners excel on smooth surfaces and tight spaces like airplane aisles. Given my penchant for venturing to places with less-than-ideal terrain, I’m leaning towards the roller, especially with its larger capacity. But does this theory hold up in reality? I’m counting on your experiences to guide me.

From my research, it seems that both the 5 International roller and the Air V2 have been holding up well, unlike the tipping issue with the 5 International spinner. If there are any other red flags I should know about, please give me a heads-up. I get that choosing the best suitcase is a subjective matter, but I value real-world experiences, so please share away.

I know I might be diving deep into the suitcase saga, but hey, if I’m investing time in this, might as well make an informed decision. Your advice, tips, experiences, or any nuggets of wisdom on

So, picture this: I’m chilling at a local music festival in my town, which is a hot spot for tourists, especially in the summer. The vibe is relaxed, people are chit-chatting all around me. And then, boom, I overhear this American digital nomad going on and on about how cheap it is to live in the country we’re in. And let me tell you, it didn’t sit well with the locals nearby.

I could hear their whispers, “Those rich Americans are wrecking our place.” Ouch. It stung to witness the resentment bubbling up because of one person’s thoughtless comment. It made me reflect on how a seemingly harmless statement can have deeper implications.

Let’s talk about the concept of “cheap.” What might seem like a bargain to you could be a luxury to someone else. It’s all about perspective. And when we flaunt our spending power in a foreign land, it can come off as tone-deaf, especially to those who call that place home.

We need to be mindful of the impact of our words, even in casual conversations. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of exploring new places and forget that our privilege can rub others the wrong way. Instead of bragging about how affordable everything is, maybe we should appreciate the local culture and economy for what they are.

And let’s address the elephant in the room: American bashing. Look, it’s not about where you’re from; it’s about how you behave. Being considerate and respectful goes a long way, regardless of your nationality. So, let’s ditch the entitled attitude and show some love and appreciation for the places we visit. It’s all about spreading good vibes and making connections, not leaving a trail of resentment in our wake.

So, next time you catch yourself about to boast about the low cost of living in a foreign country, take a moment to think about how your words might be perceived. Let’s be mindful travelers who uplift the communities we visit, rather than unwittingly causing friction. After all, a little awareness and empathy can go a long way in making our global adventures more enriching for everyone involved.

Hey there! So, after roaming around three continents for a couple of years, I figured I’d drop some real talk for anyone eyeing the nomad life in 2025. Let me break it down for you: the perks, the hurdles, and the curveballs I’ve encountered along the way.

Let’s start with the good stuff. Picture this: chasing the sun, avoiding winter blues, and soaking up good vibes all year round. That’s the beauty of nomading – freedom to follow the weather like a boss. Then there are the cultural riches. Forget quick weekend getaways; immersing yourself in diverse cultures for extended periods is where the magic happens. Plus, let’s not overlook the financial side of things. In some spots, the cost of living is a sweet deal, making my tech paycheck stretch further than I ever imagined. And oh, the people! I’ve crossed paths with some truly remarkable souls from all walks of life, broadening my worldview in ways I never expected.

Now, onto the not-so-glamorous bits. Visa hoops, anyone? Navigating through the ever-evolving visa regulations can be a headache. Take Portugal, for example – just when you think you’ve got it figured out, bam, they change the rules again. And let’s talk about the social media facade versus reality. Trust me, that gap is no joke. Behind those flawless Instagram shots lie the daily struggles and messy moments that rarely make the highlight reel. And don’t even get me started on the eternal quest for decent internet. It’s a battle, my friend, a constant battle. Oh, and building a genuine sense of community while constantly on the move? It takes serious dedication and intentionality.

Now, for the curveballs that caught me off guard. Lesson number one: slow and steady wins the race. Spending extended periods in one spot (we’re talking two months minimum) is the key to maintaining sanity and truly soaking up a place’s essence. Lesson two: having a home base to retreat to is a game-changer. Trust me, a sense of stability amidst all the chaos is a must. And last but not least, gear up properly. The right tools, like my trusty 14″ MacBook Pro, can make all the difference in your nomad experience.

So, there you have it – my candid take on the nomad life in 2025. It’s a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but if

Hey there! You know what I’m all about? Minimalism, baby. I’m all about packing light to see more while traveling. I’m a big fan of the simple things in life, especially when it comes to food – just check out my daily morning ritual of weighing in. And let me tell you, I can’t live without my coffee, hot sauce, seasonings, and salt. So, as I gear up for my next adventure, I’m putting together a compact seasoning kit to jazz up the bland airport and airplane meals.

So, the big question is: how much should I bring along? Well, my strategy is to grab a small bag and tell myself, “This is it.” It’s all about setting a limit on the space I allow myself for the items I want to bring. And let me tell you, it works like a charm.

Let me walk you through my spice kit essentials: first up, instant coffee. Gotta have that caffeine kick on the go, am I right? Next, I’ve got an assortment of hot sauces because bland food is a big no-no in my book. And of course, a teeny tiny salt and pepper shaker to sprinkle some flavor wherever I go. Oh, and just for fun, I’ve included a spork for scale. Because why not?

So, there you have it – my secret to spicing up travel meals and embracing the minimalist lifestyle. Remember, it’s all about packing less to experience more. So, next time you’re prepping for a trip, think about what truly brings you joy and leave the rest behind. Trust me, it’s liberating to travel light and enjoy the simple pleasures along the way.

Hey guys, so here’s the deal. I usually bring along my trusty mokapot when I travel because I need my coffee fix in the morning. But now, I’m stuck in a place with this annoying hot plate that’s being a real pain. It keeps thinking my mokapot has come off, so it sets off alarms and stops heating for “safety” reasons. Like, seriously, there’s nothing safe about not being able to make coffee, am I right?

I could settle for instant coffee or something, but that’s just not the same. I’m all about finding solutions to problems, you know, I’m that kind of geek 🤓. So, I’m reaching out to you all for ideas. Any suggestions to help a fellow coffee lover out? Oh, and if you have any pics, that would be awesome!

Here’s what I’ve tried so far: First, I attempted to trick the burner by placing a pan of water next to the mokapot, hoping it would think it’s covered. But nope, it didn’t work. The darn thing just refused to heat up. Then, I got a bit desperate and tried boiling the mokapot in a pan of water on the hob. Well, that was a fail. All it did was make my poor mokapot all oxidized, and the water inside never even reached boiling point.

I wish I could show you guys photos of my failed attempts, but I had to remove them to post here. So, if you have any bright ideas or have dealt with a similar situation before, please share your wisdom with me. I’m all ears (and in desperate need of caffeine)!

So, I recently headed to the tax office in Paraguay to sort out getting a tax ID number. I wanted to do the right thing and pay my taxes, you know, to make life easier for banking stuff. But guess what? The tax official there dropped a bombshell on me – he said I didn’t need a tax ID because I don’t have an employer in Paraguay and my clients aren’t there either. So basically, if your work is all digital and your clients and boss are outside Paraguay, you’re off the hook tax-wise.

The only downside to this setup is the banking restrictions. Paraguayan banks have this cap of $1000 per month per bank for deposits. But hey, here’s a workaround – Western Union to the rescue! They let you send larger sums, with just a 2% charge. So, banking problem? Solved!

Now, onto the juicy part – buying real estate in Paraguay. Turns out, it’s a breeze. There’s a minor 2% tax on real estate deals, and you can easily pay for it through a wire transfer from a foreign bank. The only hiccup is this anti-money laundering rule that asks for a “contrato de compra venta,” which is basically a purchase agreement. Any escribana (notary) can whip that up for you.

So, how does it work practically? You just get the purchase agreement, the seller takes it to their bank, and voilà, the wire transfer is good to go. And the cherry on top? No more tax ID headaches!

So, picture this: I decided to take on a solo adventure, you know, to challenge myself and dig deeper into who I really am. But here’s the kicker – I ended up meeting someone unexpectedly, and it was like we were two peas in a pod, despite being from different corners of the globe. We hit it off instantly, and before I knew it, we were spending the next couple of weeks together.

But here’s where it gets real – I started feeling a bit rushed during my trip, like I was straying from my solo mission by letting this person into my journey. Looking back, I wish I had cherished our time together more. They were just amazing, and the folks I crossed paths with during my travels turned out to be the true gems of the trip, not the places I visited.

It’s a bummer knowing that I might never see them again, but we both acknowledged that if we were from the same country, things would have taken a different turn for us. I hold onto the hope that our paths will cross again someday. It’s mind-blowing how deep a connection you can form with someone, only to have the universe pull you apart.

So, moving forward, here’s what I’ve learned: if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, don’t make the same slip-up I did. Stay present, soak in every moment, and truly appreciate the time you have with those who come into your life unexpectedly. This experience has opened my eyes to aspects of myself that I probably wouldn’t have discovered on my own.

Life’s funny that way, right? You set out on a solo quest, thinking it’s all about self-discovery, but then you stumble upon someone who mirrors your soul in ways you never imagined. And just like that, they become a part of your story, leaving an indelible mark on your heart.

So, here’s to embracing the unexpected, to treasuring the connections we make along the way, and to never underestimating the power of a chance encounter. Who knows, maybe one day, our paths will converge once more, and the world will feel whole again. Until then, I’ll hold onto the memories, the lessons learned, and the hope that our journeys are meant to intertwine again someday.

Hey guys! So, I’ve been hanging around this subreddit for a while, soaking up all the travel wisdom. But guess what? I finally landed the job I’ve been dreaming of at the ripe old age of 19. And now, with a decent stack of cash saved up, I’ve decided it’s time to dive headfirst into the world of full-time travel. Yep, I’m ditching my wheels and snagging a one-way ticket to Cape Town next month!

Now, let’s get one thing straight – I’m not here for the nitty-gritty details of budgets and logistics. I’ve already been down that rabbit hole, meticulously planning every possible scenario in my head. What I really want to know from you seasoned travelers is what places made your heart sing? The hidden gems, the cozy cafes, the mouthwatering restaurants, the tranquil parks, the mind-blowing museums – hit me with your favorites!

So, here’s the lowdown on my itinerary: June to September in Cape Town, South Africa, followed by a quick 2-week pitstop back home. Then it’s off to Barcelona, Spain for October to December, just in time to catch the holiday spirit back home for Christmas. Next up, January through March in Da Nang, Vietnam, and then April to June in Seoul, South Korea.

I’ve got my rough schedule in place, but I’m all ears for your suggestions on must-visit spots in these destinations. And hey, if you’ve got a personal favorite that’s not on my list, I’m all ears and totally open to adding new stops to my adventure. Seriously, suggest away – I’m a bit of a sponge when it comes to soaking up travel recommendations!

So, spill the beans, folks. What are the places that stole your heart in Cape Town, Barcelona, Da Nang, and Seoul? Any off-the-beaten-path cafes, breathtaking parks, mouthwatering eateries, or mind-boggling museums that I absolutely can’t miss? Lay it on me, and let’s make this travel journey one for the books!