Hey guys, I’ve got a wild travel story that I’ve been itching to share with you all. So, a couple of years back, life was throwing a ton of stress my way with family drama and work stuff. But hey, I finally had some extra cash and decided it was time to treat myself. So, I jetted off to Egypt for an all-inclusive getaway. Now, when I travel, I like to avoid the typical touristy spots and seek out unique adventures.

One day, while browsing through Atlas Obscura, I stumbled upon this gem called the ‘End of the World Cinema’ – an abandoned outdoor movie theater smack in the middle of the desert. I was immediately hooked and knew I had to check it out. The only hiccup? Figuring out how to get there. I can’t drive, so I enlisted a taxi driver, explained my plan, and set up a meet for the next day.

Next morning rolls around, and a different cabbie shows up – no biggie, right? We hit the road, with me trying to communicate our destination through Google Translate. Along the way, this driver, let’s call him Madi, shares his life story – he’s a family man from Cairo, working hard in Sharm El Sheikh to support his newborn son Ibrahim. That’s dedication.

After a half-hour drive and some border shenanigans, we’re deep in the desert when Madi’s phone rings. It’s his boss, flipping out and demanding we turn back. Turns out, the boss wants more cash for the trip, which I promptly shut down. Madi, on the other hand, reveals his disdain for his boss and we press on – gotta love his rebel spirit!

Off-road, surrounded by desert trash, we try to locate the cinema. We stumble upon a humble desert dwelling where two teens offer us bread by a fire. The older lad hops in our ride, guiding us through the sandy terrain. Eventually, we end up at their makeshift abode, where a warm-hearted woman welcomes us with tea.

In our chat, she reveals the cinema’s no more, dismantled by the authorities. The family, living off the grid, shares their simple, happy life with us. Their generosity and contentment despite their circumstances hit me hard, putting my own issues in perspective.

As we bid farewell and head back, Madi offers money to the family, which they kindly refuse. Back at the hotel, we

Hey there! I’m a 27-year-old woman from California who hasn’t really had the chance to travel much. Sure, I’ve been to New York, Vegas, and Arizona, but that’s about it. I see all these amazing travel photos on social media, and I can’t help but feel like I’m missing out on so much. It’s not that I don’t want to travel – I dream about it all the time. The thing is, I haven’t had the same opportunities as some of my peers who seem to jet off to exotic destinations multiple times a year. Being a former foster kid, I’ve had to learn to fend for myself and make ends meet on my own.

But you know what? Enough is enough. This year, I’ve made up my mind to stop waiting for the perfect moment to start traveling. I want to see the world, and I refuse to let financial constraints hold me back any longer. So here I am, reaching out to all of you for some advice and guidance on where to begin my travel journey.

I’m eyeing Mexico as my first destination next summer, but I’m open to suggestions. I’m looking for places that won’t break the bank but still offer a rich cultural experience. So, if you have any tips on budget-friendly travel destinations or any general advice on how to make the most of my travels, please share them with me. I am truly grateful for any insight you can provide.

I’m ready to step out of my comfort zone, explore new horizons, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I may have started my life with some challenges, but I refuse to let that define my future. With your help and support, I know I can make my travel dreams a reality. So, bring on the adventures, the new experiences, and the unknown – I’m ready for it all! Thank you in advance for your advice and encouragement. Let’s make this journey unforgettable together.

So, I recently got my hands on the Peak Design 45L backpack for my trip to Europe, and let me tell you, I am absolutely loving it! I used to rely on my Tortuga 40L Pro bag, which I also appreciate for its excellent organization features. However, when it came to packing, I found it a bit challenging personally. I prefer a deep bag where I can simply toss in my packing cubes without worrying too much about organization. The Peak Design bag offers just that – a spacious bucket-like interior that accommodates all my packing needs.

One feature that really stands out to me is the flexibility in adjusting the bag’s depth by unzipping the divider to create even more space. The stow-away shoulder straps and hip harness are well-designed, although the magnets on one side of my bag are not perfectly aligned, affecting their strength slightly. The hidden zipper pockets behind the bottle holders have proven to be quite handy, especially for keeping my passport safe.

I also carry a 16L Matador packable bag for day trips, but I’m considering upgrading to the 22L version for extra space. While some may criticize the Peak Design bag for its weight, I don’t find it any different from my previous Tortuga bag, which was already quite hefty. I’ve also purchased an Osprey Farpoint 40L to test out on my next adventure, intrigued by its zip-away harness system and hip belt.

If I could make a few tweaks to the Peak Design bag, here’s what I’d suggest:

1. The pocket for stowing the internal divider should be wider to accommodate it more easily.
2. I wish the front of the bag unzipped all the way to the bottom, similar to the back, for easier access.
3. The front stuff pocket doesn’t serve much purpose for me, and I would prefer a larger, zippered pocket in its place.
4. The hip belt could be more secure and comfortable, resembling the quality of brands like Tortuga or Osprey.
5. While the side handles are functional, having them centered would be more convenient.

Overall, I’m thrilled with my Peak Design backpack, but I wonder if others share my sentiments. Have you also experienced the Peak Design bag, and do you have any suggestions or comparisons with other popular options like Tortuga or the Osprey Farpoint 40L? Let’s chat about it!

So, here’s the deal: I had this awesome plan to visit Thailand and The Philippines, all set and ready to go. And just when I thought everything was sorted, my friend hit me up with a last-minute invitation to join him on a trip to Peru. Talk about unexpected turns, right? But hey, who am I to turn down an adventure?

So, I did some quick rearranging and decided to kick off my travels with a week in Peru, followed by a week each in Thailand and The Philippines. Seemed like a solid plan at the time. But here’s where it gets a bit tricky – both Thailand and The Philippines have this strict rule about needing a yellow fever vaccination if you’ve been to a yellow fever-infected country like Peru within the past two weeks.

As I sit here on this plane headed to Singapore for my layover before Thailand, the realization hits me – I might have a bit of a problem on my hands. With three weeks already blocked off from work, canceling is not an option. So, I’m left with a few choices.

Option one: I could roll the dice and try my luck entering one of the countries anyway (maybe I’ll switch things up and head to The Philippines first). Risky, but it’s a possibility. Option two: I could scrap the original plan altogether and look into visiting a different country that doesn’t have the whole yellow fever vaccination requirement. Not a bad idea, right?

Then there’s option three, which involves getting the yellow fever vaccination in Singapore before continuing on my travels. Sure, it might throw a bit of a curveball into my itinerary, but hey, adaptability is key when you’re on the road, right?

So, here I am, cruising at 30,000 feet, pondering my next move. If any of you out there have some nuggets of wisdom or advice to share, I’m all ears. Traveling can be full of surprises, and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. Who knows, maybe this whole situation will make for a great story to tell once I’m back home. Until then, wish me luck as I navigate this little bump in the road. Cheers to the adventures that lie ahead!

So, I’m chilling, watching this wild vlog about a dude in Switzerland who straight-up broke his collarbone. This guy’s camera game is strong, like he’s filming the whole journey from the mountain bike path to the hospital. And let me tell you, it’s not just a leisurely bike ride. Homeboy had to be airlifted off that trail, and guess what? Before they even got him on the chopper, they hit him with a cool $2000 bill. Yup, you read that right – $2000 just to get the ride of a lifetime on a helicopter.

But wait, it gets better. Once he lands at the hospital, they wasted no time in getting him an X-ray. But before they even snapped a pic of his poor broken bone, he had to swipe his card again. This time, it was a hefty $12,500 authorization. Like, dang, talk about adding insult to injury.

Now, here’s the kicker – what if this poor dude didn’t have a credit card or the credit limit to cover these insane costs? I mean, medical bills can shoot up faster than you can say “ouch,” and most of us don’t have stacks of cash just lying around for emergencies like this. Would they have just left him there, collarbone dangling in the wind?

I, for one, have some insurance through my trusty Amex card, but I’ve never had to put it to the test like this guy. So, I’m left wondering – would Amex come through in a crisis like this? Would they hit me with that sweet, sweet credit approval to cover my back when I’m facing a mountain of medical debt?

It’s a scary thought, really. One moment you’re out enjoying the Swiss scenery on your bike, and the next, you’re swiping your card like it’s nobody’s business just to get the care you need. Medical emergencies don’t care if you’re financially prepared or not – they come at you fast, and you better hope you’ve got a backup plan in place.

So, next time I’m out there living my best life, I’ll be sure to keep my Amex close and my fingers crossed that I never have to test its limits like our Swiss friend did. Because let’s face it, breaking bones is painful enough without adding a mountain of debt on top of it.

So, I decided to switch things up for my upcoming trip to Spain. I’m ditching my massive Torguga setout bag and going for a smaller, more manageable option to make my life a bit easier while on the move. I’ll be jetting off from the US to Spain on 9/14, with stops in Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada, and finally Barcelona until 9/26, exploring with a couple of buddies and hotel stays along the way, so I can wash my clothes as needed. My packing strategy is inspired by a list I found online, and I’m in the market for some new gear, especially clothing.

Since I usually lounge in Prana Vaha pants and Uniqlo airism shirts while working from home, I wanted to spruce up my travel wardrobe with something more casual. After selling my Torguga bag, I settled on a 35L backpack as a nice middle ground. Here’s a rundown of my packing list, and any feedback is welcome!

– **Bag:** Any bag that suits your needs – I went with the GlobeRider 35L Travel Backpack
– **Daypack:** Reflaction daypack
– **Underwear:** Opting for quick-drying synthetic like AIRism Boxer Briefs
– **Socks:** Darn Tough socks for hand washing convenience
– **Shirts and T-shirts:** Considering anti-wrinkle and quick-drying options like merino shirts from W&P and Ridge Merino 72 Proof
– **Pants:** Packed the versatile EVERYWHERE PANT and Duer Performance Denim
– **Shorts:** Bringing along Western Rise Evolution shorts, which can double as swim trunks
– **Shoes:** Hokas for comfort, plus shower flip flops
– **Midlayer:** Contemplating a Patagonia down or Capa Hooded Insulated Jacket, maybe adding the R1 air
– **Jacket:** Undecided if I need one given the weather, considering a rain shell for packability
– **Toiletry Kit:** Essentials like a sonicare toothbrush, crystal deodorant, GAMMA+ Uno Mini-Sized Travel Cordless Shave, and more
– **Electronics Kit:** Including an iPhone 15 Pro, AirPods Pro, universal adapter, charger block with cables, and a Kobo for entertainment
– **Everyday Carry:** Wallet, passport, and considering swapping

Hey there, so I’m getting ready for this hiking trip in the Pacific Northwest. I’m relying on public transport and my trusty bike to get around, staying in hotels for a couple of nights at a time before moving on to a new location. The whole adventure is going to take me about 10 days, and I’m planning on doing some epic day hikes along the way.

I picked up this cool Farpoint 40L backpack from Osprey, thinking it would be perfect for carrying my hiking daypack and all my gear. But here’s the thing – when I start loading it up with clothes and shoes, it doesn’t actually fill up completely. The weight distribution feels good on my back, but dang, it’s definitely bulky and not something I’d want to lug around all day. So, I decided to test out packing the bare minimum I need for the trip into my Osprey 20L Hikelite pack.

Surprisingly, I managed to squeeze everything into the 20L pack with just about 3 liters of space to spare. The pack is bulging out weirdly at the back, but hey, it’s only 8 pounds in total. Now, here’s the dilemma – would it be totally crazy to use this 20L pack for a 10-day adventure?

Sure, there are some downsides to consider. Like, I won’t have room for a second pair of shoes, and I’ll have to get creative with mixing and matching my outfits. Plus, there’s less space for any extra gear or clothes. But on the flip side, the smaller pack feels more manageable and less cumbersome. And hey, who really needs a ton of outfit choices when you’re out in the wilderness, right?

I’m kind of leaning towards giving the 20L pack a shot for this trip. I mean, it’s all part of the adventure, right? Embracing the challenge of packing light and making do with what you’ve got. Plus, it might actually be liberating to not be weighed down by a huge backpack.

So yeah, I’m thinking I’ll roll with the 20L pack and see how it goes. Worst-case scenario, I can always pick up some emergency supplies or extra clothes along the way if I really need them. And who knows, maybe traveling light will turn out to be the best decision I’ve ever made for this trip. It’s all about the journey, not the stuff you

Hey, guys! So, I wanted to share some nuggets of wisdom I came across after diving deep into over 15,000 threads on subreddits like r/freelance, r/Upwork, and r/digitalnomad. The freelance world can be tough, right? We all crave stability without having to grind out those soul-crushing $3/hr gigs. Well, fear not, because I’ve got some insider tips for you based on what’s really working in the freelance game in 2024 and beyond.

First off, stacking 2-4 retainers seems to be the way to go. Recurring contracts are key here. For example, imagine being a social media manager charging $800 per month per client. If you have three of those clients, you’ve got your bills covered. Any additional projects on top are just pure profit.

Next up, it’s all about finding your niche. Saying “I build Shopify stores for DTC brands” will make you stand out much more than a generic “I do web design.” By narrowing down your focus, you become more memorable and get more referrals.

When it comes to showcasing your work, case studies trump portfolios. Pretty portfolios might catch the eye, but it’s the case studies with real numbers that seal the deal. For instance, saying you redesigned a SaaS landing page that resulted in a 38% increase in trial signups is how you justify charging premium rates.

Referrals are your best friend in this game. Top earners don’t rely solely on platforms like Upwork. They turn happy clients into referral machines. Simply asking, “Know anyone else who needs this? I’ll give you a discount or referral bonus,” can work wonders.

Consistent business development efforts are crucial. Just like hitting the gym regularly, dedicating 60-90 minutes a day to outreach or proposals keeps your pipeline strong. Skip a “lead day,” and you risk weakening your income stream.

If you’re on Upwork, timing and quality matter. Apply for jobs within the first 2-3 hours, avoid gigs with tons of proposals, and send a personalized, concise proposal. Quality over quantity, always.

Setting boundaries on retainers is a must. Don’t offer unlimited revisions or work; it’ll only lead to free labor. Pros suggest including specifics like 10 posts per month, with anything extra coming at an additional cost.

Don’t be afraid to raise your rates like a pro. Most long

So, after diving deep into the world of backpacks (and making a few too many trips to REI), I’ve finally narrowed down my search to three top contenders: the Osprey Quasar, Patagonia Refugio, and Osprey Nebula. What am I looking for in a bag, you ask? Well, here’s the rundown: First and foremost, I need a bag that can handle my daily grind – work, school, commuting, you name it. It’s got to be big enough to fit my laptop, gym gear, books, and all the other odds and ends I lug around. Next up, I’m a bit of a travel bug, constantly jetting off on weekend getaways by car or plane. So, I need a bag that can hold enough clothes for a few days and still be comfy enough to use all day without worrying about pesky personal item rules (although I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve in that department). And last but not least, I like to hit the trails every now and then, so I want a bag that can handle a day out in nature. I usually end up carrying most of the gear for me and a buddy, so it’s gotta be up to the task. Let’s break down these contenders: First up, the Osprey Quasar. Haven’t had the chance to try it out in person yet since it’s been out of stock, but if it’s anything like its sibling, the Nebula, I’m already a fan. I love that it could double as a personal item, and those bungee cords are a nice touch. But I’m a bit worried it might be too snug for my weekend trips and gym sessions. Next, we’ve got the Patagonia Refugio 30L. This one’s got a great size and simple design that I’m diggin’. But I’m not sure if the lack of bells and whistles will cut it for my day-to-day needs. And finally, the Osprey Nebula. This bag has really caught my eye, especially that outer mesh pocket – so handy. Although, I’m not a huge fan of all the padding and pockets in the laptop compartment, and those zippers could be a bit smoother. My main concern with this one is its size and whether it’ll fly as a personal item on stricter airlines. I’m not one for bags with a ton of compartments, but I can

Hey, fellow digital nomads! So, I’ve been on the hunt for a portable work-from-home (WFH) travel setup, and I came across this awesome gadget. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a similar option at a comparable price in the EU (the same item from Germany is priced at 130€). Do any of you have recommendations for a portable monitor stand that I could use to set up my screen above my laptop? I’m looking for something lightweight, easy to fold, and not a fan of those with non-detachable bases. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!