Last Updated: December 30, 2022

Tips on how to get Airbnb Discounts

1. Book longer stays to get discounts with Airbnb

One good way to save money on Airbnb is to book longer stays. Obviously this isn’t as useful if you only plan to take a short trip, but can be useful if you are staying somewhere longer. Longer stays are nice because you get to become more familiar with an area. It’s especially nice if you have a host that gives recommendations on local attractions.

Booking by the week or month can often include discounts. The amount depends on the host but can sometimes be as much as 10-20%. The amount varies but it certainly can make a difference on the total lodging cost.

2. Reach out to Airbnb hosts to negotiate the rate

Airbnb hosts will sometimes provide additional discounts if you reach out and simply ask them. By clicking the ‘Contact Host’ button on a listing, you can send a polite message with details about your stay and whether or not they can provide a reduced rate. Remember to be very polite, and don’t be pushy if they say no. After all it is their home and they have a right to stick to whatever rate they think is fair. Plus, they might not have issues getting bookings at their full price, so they may not have a reason to provide discounts. On the flip side, they might be willing to provide a lower rate, so it’s sometimes worth asking.

This method can be more effective if you plan to stay for longer, and if you already have good reviews from hosts of previous Airbnb stays. Longer stays will help the host ensure they have more days booked, especially if it’s in the off-season or they are struggling to get bookings. Plus, positive reviews will give them comfort that you will be courteous guests. This is even more important if you are staying longer, since long term visitors tend to make themselves more at home. Hosts need confidence that guests won’t ruin their home, and a history of good reviews will help build trust.

If a host agrees to provide a special rate, they will send you a link with the discount applied. Use that link to place your booking to get the rate you agreed upon. Airbnb recommends that you always book through the site, instead of side deals with the home owner, so that you can utilize their customer service incase there are any issues.

3. Search with Flexible Booking Dates

This tip isn’t necessarily a discount, but it is an effective way to save money. Airbnb has a feature when selecting dates to be flexible. Start by selecting dates, and then clicking one of the buttons to search for stays with 1-7 days on either side of the dates you selected. That way you will see if there are listings for places with lower rates near your original search dates. On the app you can also click ‘I’m Flexible’ when selecting a location to search random destinations that have good deals. This can be a great way to take a spontaneous, affordable vacation. We like to use this feature to help us decide where to travel next to make budget conscious decisions.

Booking in the off season for a destination will often help you find lower rates. Many hosts struggle to secure bookings everyday in the off season, so they will reduce rates. You’ll also benefit from less crowds compared to the busy season in many locations.

This is also why the off season is a good time to try and reach out to hosts to request discounted rates if you’re looking for a long term stay. Again, not all host are willing to negotiate their rate, so remember to be polite and respect their decision.

4. Airbnb Refer a Host Program

At the time of writing this article it is possible to get a $200 referral credit if you refer a host to start using Airbnb. The host will have to sign up and list their place. You will receive the credit once the referred host completes their first qualifying stay.

Unfortunately, they stopped the former $50 referral program that was much easier. You used to be able to refer friends to use the service as guests, not hosts, and once new users completed a stay, you would receive the credit. It’s a little harder to get new users to become hosts, but if you know anyone interested, you could make some money to put towards your next trip.

The old referral program details can be found here. Note the header at the top that states it isn’t active right now. Who knows, maybe it will become active again in the future.

5. Use Frequent Flyer Miles and Credit Card Points to save money with Airbnb

Many credit cards earn reward points for booking travel. While many of them are partnered with traditional hotels, some of them will work on Airbnb bookings, so you can earn reward points for your booking. While it’s not a direct discount, it is a way to save money if you get cash back for your points. You will want to check the terms of your credit card to see if yours qualifies.

Also, some frequent flyer miles will also let you purchase gift cards with your points, which you might be able to use on an Airbnb booking.

Conclusion

Lodging is one of the most expensive items on any travel budget. The tips above should help you to find Airbnb discounts and ways to find more competitive rates. Hopefully, this makes your next trip more affordable.

The post How-To: Tips to get Airbnb Discounts in 2023 appeared first on misfit nomads.

It’s important to remember that everyone has different travel preferences. While this is a perfect Ireland itinerary for us, your perfect itinerary might require some changes, so feel free to add or remove things that you might not enjoy. Have safe and happy travels!

7 Day Ireland Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Galway, Ireland by air or car

We fly into Dublin because the flights are usually less expensive and then drive to Galway since it only takes a couple of hours. From our experience, the roads are a little wider near Dublin, which means it’s a good way to ease yourself into driving, if you haven’t driven in Ireland before. If you prefer, you can just fly directly to Galway.

If you do choose to drive from Dublin, you can stop in Athlone about halfway to Galway for a meal and a walk around town. Depending on the time, Sean’s Bar might be open. They claim to be the oldest pub in Ireland. It’s a bit touristy, but if you’re already in the area, you might enjoy it.

If you’re not too jet lagged, you can also drive just south out of town to Clonmacnoise which is a ruined monastery. You’ll also be treated to views of the beautiful countryside.

Once you arrive in Galway, check into your hotel and consider a nap! The rest of your day can be spent walking around town and enjoying one of the many great bars and restaurants. Depending on the time of year, the Christmas Market might be open.

Day 2: Connemara National Park

The drive up to Connemara is stunning and the park offers great hiking options for all skill levels. If you are more adventurous you can hike to the top of Diamond Hill (Elevation: ~1,500 ft) where you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the surrounding area, and depending on visibility you might be able to see Kylemore Abbey in the distance.

Visitors can also opt for a shorter, more leisurely hike near the peak, but not up it. It still offers good views and will save your knees for the rest of the trip.

Afterwards, it’s only a short drive down the road to Kylemore Abbey to see the castle built in the 1800s and the monastery founded by Benedictine Nuns.

Day 3: Travel to Killarney, Ireland – See Cliffs of Moher on the way!

Killarney is a few hour drive from Galway and is home to Killarney National Park. On the way down it’s worth stopping at the iconic Cliffs of Moher. A visit to Ireland isn’t complete without taking in the beautiful cliffs. They extend for 14km along the Atlantic Ocean, and on a clear day will have you mesmerized.

Killarney is a smaller town which offers a nice change of pace from Galway or Dublin. For dinner, take in some live music and traditional food at one of the local pubs.

Day 4: Killarney National Park and Muckross Abbey

Killarney National Park has a lot to offer and several ways to see it. Torc Mountain is relatively short hike, albeit quite steep and potentially difficult for beginners, but provides a great view at the end. Additionally, Torc Waterfall is a perfect spot to get pictures and can be reached without hiking up the mountain.

Another great way to see the park is by horse. There are a number of riding stables, including Killarney Riding Stables, that offer short or long rides through the park. The guides do a great job of providing information about the park, and accommodate beginner or experienced riders. Keep your eye out for deer and other wildlife!

While you’re visiting the park check out Muckross Abbey for a chance to see more ruins. Nearby you can also get close to the lake for some nice pictures of the water and mountains.

Killarney is without a doubt one of our favorite places in Ireland and should be considered for any Ireland itinerary.

Day 5: Dingle Peninsula

There are a number of places along the Atlantic coast if you want more iconic scenery. We recommend the Dingle Peninsula. There are several islands off of the coast and the town is full of colorful shops and houses.

Also, if the weather is good you can drive through Conor Pass for views of the Peninsula.

Day 6 and 7: Dublin – Guinness, Library of Trinity College, and more!

We recommend spending a couple of days in Dublin if you’re a fan of cities. Dublin has a long list of great sites that you can easily fill two days seeing. I’ll list a few, but depending on your interests, there is likely something for everyone.

Beer drinkers might be interested in a tour of the Guinness Storehouse to learn the history behind the famous Irish beer. Alternatively, if you’re more of a whiskey fan consider the Old Jamison Distillery.

The Library of Trinity College is in my opinion one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It’s likely you’ve seen pictures of it, but it’s worth seeing it in person. History lovers can also see St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Dublin Castle.

One of the most popular tourist bars is The Temple Bar. Enjoy a drink or if it’s too busy, check out one of many other bars and restaurants nearby.

An easy way to find fun things to do is through Airbnb’s Experiences tool. It allows locals to host activities. Check it out here.

Wrap up

Hopefully, this itinerary serves as a starting point for your next big trip! While we enjoyed these activities, make changes as necessary so the itinerary fits your preferences to get the most out of your trip. Also, if you are traveling for longer than 7 days, consider checking out activities in Northern Ireland, like Giant’s Causeway.

Click the link below for our top 15 things to do in Ireland for some ideas that might not have made this 7 day Ireland Itinerary.

The post The Perfect 7 Day Ireland Itinerary appeared first on misfit nomads.

Below is a summary of his answer.

Is Ireland Safe to Travel Alone?

Ireland is one of the safest countries in all of Europe and the world as shown through the low crime rate. Galway and Dublin both have highly rated hostels that host lots of solo travelers who rarely report major issues. Additionally, pretty much everyone speaks English so if you need help there shouldn’t be a language barrier.

Even so, it’s still important to always remain aware of your environment and make smart decisions. Unfortunately, even in a safe country bad things happen. If you’re alone, consider not drinking too much at the pub, especially if you’re socializing with new people for the first time. Also, try to avoid long walks late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods. If you’re walking home alone from the pub late at night, you might look like an easy target.

If you’re staying in a hostel be careful not to leave out any valuables like your phone, wallet, or laptop. Also, we always bring locks for our backpacks to make sure our valuables are locked up. An unfortunate part of travel is that there are bumps in the road. At some point you will have an item get stolen, damaged, or lost. For this reason, we recommend not bringing items that you can’t replace.

Verdict

Is Ireland safe to travel alone?

Yes, Ireland is one of the safest countries to travel alone. While it’s always possible that bad things can happen, as long as you remain aware of your surroundings and practice safe habits you should have a safe trip.

Both the rural and urban areas of the country are generally considered safe. While the cities are relatively safe when compared to other European cities, it’s still best to practice safe habits if you’re alone.

Things to remember for any city:

• Don’t drink too much alone
• Remain aware of your surroundings
• Try to avoid unfamiliar areas late at night
• Keep your valuables tucked away to avoid tempting muggers and pickpockets – And if someone tries to take your phone or wallet just let them. Physical possessions are not worth risking your life if the thief becomes violent.

Find cheap flights to start planning your trip with Skyscanner.

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This is how we like to travel on all of our trips, but there are some tips we wish we’d have known before our trip. See our tips below based on our experience.

1. Drive on the correct side of the road!

Ok, so we actually knew this one before our trip, but it’s really important so it’s worth including here. Remember to drive on the left side of the road when you drive in Ireland. Even though we knew this ahead of time, we still had to remind ourselves everyday because we’re used to driving on the right in the US.

2. Rent a small car when you drive in Ireland

Obviously, you need to get a car big enough for all of your passengers and their luggage. That said, our first mistake was getting talked into a cheap upgrade to a SUV. While the roads do actually have enough room for SUVs, we were much more comfortable when we switched back to a small car. The roads are so narrow that it’s a lot easier in a small car.

3. Make sure you get an automatic car if necessary

Manual cars are still the norm in most of Europe, so the car rental companies have limited numbers of automatics in their fleets. It had been several years since either of us had even tried to drive a manual car, so we called ahead to make sure an automatic would be available.

Sites like Booking.com allow you to filter rental companies by features, like an automatic transmission.

4. Double check at roundabouts

Roundabouts certainly weren’t new to us, but they aren’t as prevalent in the midwest as they were in Ireland. On top of that, most of the roundabouts we’ve encountered in the US were in low traffic areas. In Ireland, they were all over the place, even in high traffic intersections.

Just make sure you double check since many people fly through them, and make sure you’re checking to the right. We may have looked the wrong way before pulling into the roundabout once or twice, fortunately no accidents occurred.

5. Street signs are often on nearby buildings or walls

One the first day we were driving the narrow streets of Dublin trying to find our Airbnb. We didn’t have a GPS yet and couldn’t see street signs anywhere. We later discovered that the street signs were attached to building or walls, oftentimes hidden by vines and plants.

Overall, it does give the city a nicer look not have poles with street signs everywhere, but it does make it harder to find the signs quickly. This leads into the next tip.

6. Use a GPS to help navigate when you drive in Ireland

We rarely go anywhere without using a GPS these days. It’s just too easy to plug in an address on Google Maps on our phones. I highly suggest doing when you drive in Ireland if you have an international data plan on your phone. If you don’t have a phone with a data plan, consider getting a GPS with your rental car.

7. Ask for directions, but don’t expect it to always help

We’ve all had it where our GPS is on the fritz, or loses service at the worst possible time. If that happens, don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions. In our experience people in Ireland tend to be extremely kind and willing to help.

While they will help, it was always 50/50 if the directions would make a difference. The roads are just hard to navigate for first-timers, but that’s part of the adventure. You’ll get frustrated, but just try to roll with it and plan buffer time for getting lost into your day.

8. Kilometers per hour or Miles per hour

Both. In Ireland, they use kilometers per hour on speed limit signs, but in Northern Ireland they use miles per hour to post speed limits. Make sure you’re paying attention to this detail if you cross over the border when traveling between Ireland and Northern Ireland to ensure you’re complying with the speed limit.

9. Refuel with the right type of gas

Make sure you refuel your rental car with the correct fuel type to prevent large repair fees. We always just assume normal unleaded gas when we rent cars in the US. However, our rental car in Ireland took diesel fuel which we had never seen in a small car before. We’ve only encountered diesel trucks here in the states.

Diesel is actually more popular in vehicles in Ireland than standard fuel, so make sure you know before you fill up with the wrong type.

10. Get the insurance – play it safe!

Make sure you get the rental insurance if you need it. We believe it’s best for us to always play it safe, so if you don’t have insurance that extends to foreign rental cars, make sure you get it at the rental company.

No one wants to face a mountain of repair fees if an accident happens, which is entirely possible when driving in a foreign country. Especially one with narrow, curvy roads in typically rainy weather.

The post 10 Tips if you’re planning to drive in Ireland appeared first on misfit nomads.

The activities below will help fill your Ireland travel itinerary with the best things in Ireland.

1. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most iconic Ireland travel destinations with the dramatic, steep drop into the Atlantic ocean off the west-side of the island. On a clear day you’ll enjoy a view that spans miles up the coast and out to sea. If you’re less lucky and it’s foggy you’ll still be treated to a great mood and atmosphere.

Pictures don’t do the cliffs justice, everyone should see them with their own eyes. It’s an unforgettable experience that will stand out in your vacation photo album.

2. Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park, located in County Kerry, was Ireland’s first national park. The park consists of over 25,000 acres of diverse environment including lakes, forests, and mountains. Also, the only herd of red deer on mainland Ireland can be found here.

Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The yew woodlands are one of the rarest types of woodland in Europe. The mild climate makes it a very comfortable place to hike. Finally, don’t forget rain gear and quality hiking boots as the walking paths get slippery.

3. Giant’s Causeway

Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. It’s an area of basalt columns that resulted from ancient volcanic fissure eruptions.

The name comes from a legend that the hexagonal stacks are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. In the legend, the Irish giant was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant. Accepting the challenge, he built the road so they could meet. Similar columns can be found at Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish isle of Staffa, which likely prompted the creation of the legend.

Visitors are able to walk along the columns next to the ocean and to the tops of the nearby cliffs. This is one Ireland travel destination you won’t want to miss!

4. The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a popular 111 mile drive in County Kerry (Southwest Ireland). The route is filled with scenic viewpoints and can be completed in a day trip.

If just the thought of driving in Ireland is too much for you, book a day trip on a bus tour. Several Ireland travel companies offer day trip bus tours to remove the hassle of driving and navigating the narrow, curvy roads.

5. Library of Trinity College Dublin

The library occupies severals buildings in Dublin. Construction on the Old Library was first conducted in the early 18th century. The most well known room of the library is The Long Room of the Old Library which houses tall old fashioned book cases full of thousands of rare, early volumes.

Two of the four volumes of the Book of Kells are on display in the library. The library serves Trinity College and the University of Dublin. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dublin, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

6. Kinsale – Historic Port and Fishing Town

Walk amongst the colorful buildings and narrow streets of this picturesque fishing village located in County Cork. The calm atmosphere makes it a relaxing place for long walks and you can treat yourself to fresh fish at a local restaurant.

Nearby you can explore the ruins of the Charles and James forts. Take in the history and views in these 17th century structures. Finally, play a round at Old Head Golf Links if you enjoy golfing. Note that you need to book in advance and it’s not cheap.

7. Titanic Belfast Museum

Titanic Belfast describes itself as the World’s largest Titanic visitor experience. It is located in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, not far from the city center. Due to the shape, the building was nicknamed “The Iceberg”.

The 130,000 square foot facility is filled with galleries related to the design, building, sinking, and legacy of the Titanic. Additionally, there is a reproduction of the original staircase on the ship, made famous by the popular Titanic movie.

There is also an onsite 1900s Belfast style pub.

8. Guinness Storehouse Tour

Learn the history and background of Guinness through a guided tour of the storehouse. Find out what makes their iconic beer so great. Plus, you’ll be treated to a free perfectly poured beer in the Gravity Bar, included with each ticket purchase. This is a great tour even if you aren’t a big beer drinker to learn the rich history and enjoy the views of Dublin.

You can buy tour tickets on the Guinness website here.

9. Galway City Centre

Galway is our favorite city when we visit Ireland. It just has a certain charm and good vibe that draws us to it. First-time visitors should stay near city centre to stay close to the action. Note: If you prefer a quieter area of town, stay in Salthill. You’ll have views of the Atlantic and can walk or take a cab to the city center.

Enjoy one of the many pubs, restaurants, or shops. Oftentimes, the venues will have live music. Also, depending on the time of year the city hosts many different festivals.

10. The Dark Hedges (King’s Road in Game of Thrones)

While Game of Thrones didn’t have quite the ending we wanted (we’re still bitter!), people travel from all over to see some of the amazing locations from the show. The Dark Hedges is one such location, which was used to portray the King’s Road.

Even if you’re not a fan of the show, the two rows of 18th century beech trees create a tunnel that’s ideal for Instagram pictures.

11. Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle, just outside of Cork, is a 15th century castle that has become a popular tourist destination. It’s known for the beautiful gardens and Blarney Stone, a chunk of limestone. Legend has it those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be granted the gift of the gab (skill at flattery).

I expect that people might be less likely to kiss the stone after the Coronavirus pandemic, but the castle and surrounding gardens are still worth seeing.

12. Sean’s Bar – The Oldest Pub in Ireland

The Guinness Book of World Records awarded Sean’s Bar the Oldest Bar in Ireland in 2000. It was established in 900 A.D. in Athlone, between Dublin and Galway. As a protected structure alterations aren’t allowed, so it hasn’t changed much over the years.

It’s now a hotspot for tourists and still plays traditional Irish music. Also, it has a portion of the original walls on display along with the old-style fireplace.

13. Old Bushmill’s Distillery

Old Bushmill’s Distillery is an Irish Whiskey distillery in Northern Ireland. They have been operating since the late 18th century, but were licensed as early as 1608.

Visitors are able to go on guided tours to learn about the distillation process and what makes Bushmills unique. Also, you can book the tasting experience for a chance to taste and learn about the range of whiskeys they produce.

14. Dalkey

Dalkey is an upscale neighborhood just outside of Dublin. This pretty suburb was founded as a viking settlement and became an active port during the middle ages. Stroll through the quaint neighborhoods for a chance at a glimpse of one of the several Irish celebrities that have homes in Dalkey, including Bono.

Coliemore Harbour provides a beautiful view of the sea and Dalkey Island. Also, it includes an array of old boats and you’ll often see locals swimming from the docks on a rare warm day.

15. Get a drink at the local pub

Do as the locals do, relax and get a drink at the pub. Ireland sometimes has a bad reputation as it relates to drinking, but we didn’t find this to be the case. They weren’t throwing beers back one after another in the pub every night.

From our observations, pub patrons would sip a beer while socializing or enjoying a book. The atmosphere felt more relaxed than many American bars. So enjoy a pint and meet some of the locals or catch up on your reading list.

The post Ireland Travel: 15 Best Things to Do in Ireland appeared first on misfit nomads.

Sure, you can’t book exact dates, but you can start mapping out a tentative trip. This way all you’ll have to do is book the dates when the time comes. We’ve put together a short list of the top locations on our bucket list. Some of them we’ve already visited and others we’ve researched thoroughly with the intent to go in the future.

1. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is rated as one of the top travel destinations in the world for good reason. It’s famous for great beaches, excellent scuba diving, and perfect waves for surfing. The accommodations vary to match any budget. Stay in a modest hostel or a five star resort.

Search for hostels with Hostelworld’s website here.

If you want a break from the beach fun head into town to explore one of the beautiful temples. Or if you prefer, enjoy the high-end restaurants, bars, or world class shopping venues.

2. Paris, France

Paris is one of our favorite cities in the world. It has something for everyone including shopping, art and history museums, the theater, concerts, and more. Not to mention the amazing architecture and historic buildings scattered throughout the city.

We inevitably end up walking the streets for hours finding new hidden secrets in the most unexpected places. Even if you don’t enjoy tourist attractions, the views from the Eiffel Tower are spectacular, and attempting to see everything in the Louvre Museum is a worthwhile venture. To top it all off, you’re rewarded to the best restaurants and terrific wine. Everyone should treat themselves to a trip to Paris at least once.

3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

We had the pleasure to visit Angkor Wat right before the pandemic broke out. You’ll get caught just standing in awe at the complexity and beauty of the architecture and artwork throughout the temple. While Angkor Wat is the central temple that people gravitate towards, the ancient city of Angkor is home to hundreds of other temples. Many of them were equally impressive to Angkor Wat and make the journey worthwhile. After multiple days we barely scratched the surface.

The nearby city of Siem Reap has beautiful hotels, restaurants, and incredibly kind people. Due to the economic hardship caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, it will be especially important to have an increase in tourism when it’s safe to travel. Not only will you enjoy the trip, you’ll help a small economy get back on track.

4. South Africa

Who’s ready for an African safari? South Africa has several game reserves that offer day trips or multi-day safaris to satisfy your inner explorer. See some of the most majestic animals in their natural environment, instead of the iron bars of a zoo.

If you visit Cape Town you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the heavily praised restaurant scene, go whale watching, and visit Robben Island. It’s important we learn the history of apartheid so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. Also, it will help you better understand the ongoing calls for equality worldwide.

We had our reservations booked to go to South Africa, but had to cancel due to Coronavirus. We will definitely try to book again relatively soon.

5. Petra, Jordan

Petra is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. It was once the central city for the Nabataeans, a group of nomadic Arabs. This city stands out since it’s carved into the stone of the cliffs. It has become the face of Jordan’s tourism industry as their most visited site. Every year around a million people flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to soak in the beauty.

The threat of erosion and building collapse mean it’s a site better explored soon. While they are of course providing upkeep to this historic marvel, you’ll want to see it in its original state before more significant deterioration occurs.

6. Machu Picchu, Peru

I’m not sure if you’re catching the theme or not, but we enjoy historical sites. Machu Picchu is a 15th century Incan Citadel in Peru, situated on an almost 8,000ft tall mountain. Abandoned during the Spanish Conquest the site became hidden from the world. Locals of course still knew of the sites existence, but it didn’t gain significant attention abroad until the early 1900s.

In order to visit such an isolated site, visitors can book a bus shuttle ticket or hike up the mountain. While it is relatively safe, visitors have been known to face severe altitude sickness. In fact they have had deaths related to altitude sickness, flooding, and hiking accidents. The terrain can be treacherous, but the view from the top is pretty persuasive.

7. Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep in some portions! I was working an internship a few hours away and decided to go on a whim one weekend to see what all the commotion was about. Honestly, I was skeptical of the hype and expected it to just be a boring hole in the ground.

I left a firm believer that everyone should make a trip out to see this wonder. It’s breathtaking and pictures don’t do it justice. I hope to return again since I only spent a day there, and I would love to partake in a guided hiking excursion. It will continue to be one of the top travel destinations in the USA.

8. Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent. It demands your respect as the constant threat of the most dangerous weather on the planet looms. Have I sold you on it yet?

There is also a beauty in the desolate loneliness. It’s hard to imagine being more isolated and off the grid than here. While it is desolate from the trappings of people, you’ll be rewarded with unique views and a variety of wildlife. The price tag on this trip isn’t for the feint of heart, but it’s definitely a once in a lifetime trip with nowhere else like it on Earth.

9. Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000km off the coast of Ecuador. They have long been regarded as one of the top travel destinations for wildlife viewing. The wildlife diversity is second to none for animal lovers. Respect natures beauty from a distance as you get a chance to observe iguanas, sea lions, giant tortoises, penguins, and more.

Additionally, you can take a walking tour to one of the volcanoes, or take the underwater route on a snorkeling excursion.

10. New Zealand

Life in New Zealand is reportedly looking a little more like normal thanks to their tremendous efforts and leadership in being proactive with safe health practices. This has always been a bucket list destination for me in large part because of my love of The Lord of the Rings. Who can resist a stroll through Hobbiton to fulfill our inner nerds.

It is known for having some of the most extraordinary landscape in the world. You can bike, hike, raft, or go on a relaxed cruise. Anyone on Instagram or Reddit will instantly recognize the beautiful landscape of Milford Sound. Some of the most popular pictures on the internet come from here so bring a camera!

11. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. The island is one of the top travel destinations in all of Greece. It’s famous for it’s white houses perched side-by-side on the cliffs. Enjoy the relaxed pace of this Greek paradise.

Visitors are treated to delicious Mediterranean cuisine, wine, and fantastic weather from May to September. Cruises around the island are a great way to capture pictures, or hike to scenic viewpoints. Make time to catch the sunset as they are out of this world. If the flights to the island seem too expensive, check out the ferry from Athens.

12. Thailand

Southeast Asia’s economy is getting hit hard by the pandemic. Tourism is a major component of Thailand’s economy and they will look to recuperate quickly afterwards. This means it will be the perfect place to visit. Thailand is already a cheap vacation spot where your dollar goes a long way.

Enjoy the wild nightlife in Bangkok, the relaxed atmosphere of Chiang Mai, or hit the beach in Phuket. All of these cities have international airports making them very accessible. You’ll be treated to ornate temples and delicious Thai food. Plus, it has a wide range of accommodations to match your desired comfort level and budget. Stay in an affordable hostel or five start resort, it’s your choice. Thailand is one of our top travel destinations when we need to get away and immerse ourselves in a different way of living.

The post 12 Top Travel Destinations after the Coronavirus Pandemic appeared first on misfit nomads.

Even though we are standing still for now, we still check regularly to see which restrictions are changing as we plot our next move. We’ll stay put until medical experts give us the all clear, but if you’re keeping up with the restrictions like us, or your circumstances require you to travel, use the tools below to monitor Coronavirus travel restrictions.

1. Skyscanner Coronavirus Travel Restrictions page

Skyscanner is doing a good job of compiling all of the Covid19 travel information here. It’s really handy because you can change where you are from with a dropdown at the top. Then it will show you an interactive map with countries that are open now, partially open, closed for now, or unknown. Clicking on a country on the map will bring up a list of details for outbound and returning travelers. This includes updates case counts per 100,000 people for the week and updated directions or restrictions to be aware of.

2. US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs

The US Department of State does a good job of updating coronavirus travel restrictions here. This is actually a useful site even when there isn’t a pandemic. They have articles about how to travel safely, embassy details, and ongoing issues in specific countries that they use to rate each country in terms of safety to travel. The advisory levels rank from 1-4, with a level 4 listed as “Do not travel”.

Additionally, they have the STEP program which I recommend you use if you’re from the USA. It stands for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and allows you to register a list of countries you are traveling to and when you plan to be there. They will then send you email updates if any issues arise in those locations, and should your trip take a turn for the worst, they will have contact details if the embassy needs to contact you for an emergency.

Anyone not from the US, should refer to their Ministry of Health and Foreign Affairs.

3. World Health Organization (WHO)

Whether or not your government currently supports the World Health Organization, it is still a useful source of Coronavirus information. They display current statistics for each country in an interactive world map here. They also have health tips and updates on vaccine research here.

4. Your Destination’s Foreign Affairs Site

If you do choose to travel right now, make sure you double check your destinations foreign affairs or health department’s website. Unfortunately, mistakes happen and sites can become outdated with how quickly things are changing. It’s better to hear this information directly from the government where you’re traveling if possible, rather than discovering restrictions upon arrival.

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1. Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a great tool no matter what price you are looking to find. It has a wide range of options to match any budget and one of the best rewards programs. The program is as simple as stay ten nights, get one free. This can amount to huge savings if you are constantly traveling like us. Additionally, once you reach their silver and gold member levels you get premium perks at certain hotels. Sometimes this has been discount drinks at the hotel bar, a free dinner, or even free room upgrades. We reached the gold level after only a couple months of continuous travel.

2. Airbnb

Airbnb is another tool that provides a nice range of options. With this option you’ll be staying in people’s actual homes which can be fun. Another great perk is that many of the ‘superhosts’ have great tips on the best restaurants and venues in the area. This can be useful if you find it difficult to socialize with locals under normal circumstances, as you’ll automatically meet at least one local. Also, you can sometimes negotiate discounted rates if you plan to stay for a month or more, but this is subject to the owner.

Airbnb can be hit or miss, but we have been lucky with some great places that cost around the same as cheap hotels.

3. Hostelworld.com

Hostelworld is useful if you’re working with a lower budget. Usually you will spend a fraction of the cost at a hostel compared to a hotel or AirBNB. They have extensive listings on hostels all over the world with a good rating system. The rating system breaks down hostels by several categories like location, cleanliness, staff, facilities, atmosphere, security, and value for the money. While you usually sacrifice some amenities by staying in a hostel, you will make up for it in savings which means more travel! Plus, hostels provide a better atmosphere to meet other travelers.

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As a result, deciding which of our belongings made the cut was difficult. We ran through multiple iterations, slowly shedding excess items until we were able to fit everything. Based on other nomad’s item lists, we are definitely still traveling a little heavier than necessary, but some habits die hard. This list will certainly evolve and probably slim down as time goes on (hopefully), but will help you start the process.

Key Factors to Keep in Mind While Packing

The questions below were helpful when deciding what to pack. It is not all inclusive, and your situation may dictate different answers or questions that need to be asked. This is just to start the brainstorming process.

• Is this item truly necessary?
  • Consider whether or not you need this type of item and if you already have enough. For me, this meant reducing the number of hoodies. One is necessary, but we wouldn’t always be in a cold climate and I am able to wash it.
• Is this item situational?
  • Some items seem necessary, but will only really be used for very specific locations or situations. If you are only traveling to hot destinations you might not need to pack a coat. If you randomly find yourself in an unexpected cold area you can likely pick up a cheap coat there. Saving the space and weight in this situation is worthwhile.
• Can I get this item where I’m going?
  • Bringing a bottle of sunscreen is a really good idea if you are going somewhere sunny. But bringing multiple bottles is probably adding unnecessary weight. Most places will have everyday household items, often for less in area like Southeast Asia. Note: Make sure where you’re going has essential items if you aren’t bringing them.
• Does this item bring comfort or happiness?
  • While I do believe in trying to pack light to make hauling a backpack around the world manageable, remember to enjoy the trip. Some items make you more comfortable or are good reminders of home. We love traveling, but we still miss our families and homes all the time. My Nintendo Switch is definitely unnecessary, but powering it on during travel days and being able to connect with friends is a must for me.
• Is it replaceable if it’s damaged, lost, or stolen?
  • The road can be filled with many challenges and obstacles. Sometimes this is in the form of damaged, lost, or stolen items. Try not to bring items that are irreplaceable if you can’t stand to lose them.
• Will these items fit in my backpack?
  • Obviously, make sure the items you select fit in your backpack. This includes making sure the total weight of the bag is manageable. Remember, you’re going to be carrying it a lot! We highly recommend getting packing cubes for your backpack. They are super helpful to stay organized and pack/unpack.

Still looking for the right backpack? Take a look at our guide to choosing a backpack here.

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Key Questions To Ask Yourself

• What are the essentials that need to be packed?
• What comfort items can you not live without?
• Do you want to check the bag or carry it on for flights?
• Do you need additional smaller bags for day trips?

Decision

Determining the essentials wasn’t difficult for us since we’ve traveled a lot, but comfort items were more troublesome. We knew we’d need a spacious bag to make room in our lives for our favorite hoodies, or my Nintendo Switch. While it’s not practical to carry everything you want around the world, there are some items we couldn’t part with.

Ultimately, we knew we probably wouldn’t be able to check our bag on flights, but we’d also need a day pack because we love long day trips. For these reasons we went with the Osprey Farpoint 70 Travel BackPack.

Review

We are extremely happy with our decision and it has turned out to be the right travel backpack for us. The detachable day pack is a perfect carry-on for flights and we were able to fit enough of the comfort items we couldn’t abandon. They are very durable and the many straps make it comfortable if you have to walk long distances. Additionally, we purchased the Osprey Airporter Backpack Travel Cover to protect it throughout our travels. So far they have taken very little, if any, damage.

While our choice might not be right for your journey, using the questions above you should be able to narrow down some great options. If the Osprey Farpoint matches your requirements, but the 70 seems too big, they do make smaller sizes. As a result, some of the smaller sizes fit the requirements for carry-ons on many airlines.

Not sure which items are essential to a trip around the world?

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