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.

We’ve broken down our winter vacation suggestions into the following categories:

• East Coast USA
• West Coast USA
• International Destinations

East Coast Warm Winter Vacation Ideas (USA)

The USA east coast has great options for warm winter vacation ideas. Consider these destinations for your next winter getaway.

1. Puerto Rico

World class beaches and food are only a short flight away in Puerto Rico. Visit historic forts, walk Old San Juan, or tour Casa Bacardi to learn more about Puerto Rico’s rich history. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a day trip to the El Yunque National Forest. It’s the only rainforest managed by the US National Forest Service.

Although Puerto Rico is not a US state, it is a US territory and US citizens do not need a passport to travel there. For that reason, it’s a really easy travel destination and should not be overlooked.

Bonus: The US dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico, so you won’t have to exchange money beforehand.

2. Key West, Florida

If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere for your next winter vacation, you’ll find it in Key West, Florida. This tropical island city has something for everyone.

Spend your days under the sun’s warmth at the beach. Afterwards, grab a cold drink at a local bar or restaurant and enjoy the sounds of a local band. End the day admiring the sunset.

Don’t miss out on the ocean activities while you’re there. Go kayaking, snorkeling, or fishing.

3. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is the perfect winter getaway if you want things to do for the whole family. This vacation hotspot is full of resorts and theme parks to keep parents and kids entertained.

Disney World is great for all ages. It’s huge and consists of 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, hotel resorts, golf courses, and more! My favorite theme park is a toss up between Epcot and the Animal Kingdom.

If you’ve already been to Disney and you’re looking to branch out you could try Universal Studios or Legoland. I highly recommend visiting the Hogsmeade attraction at Universal, if you’re a fan of Harry Potter.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

If you’re asking yourself where to travel for Christmas, head to the bayou to experience the magic of NOLA. Eat, shop, and stay right in the French Quarter if you like to be right in the action.

Odds are you’ll visit during a festival because they have over 130 festivals every year. See a complete list of festivals on their city tourism site here. If you’re visiting for Christmas vacation don’t miss the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee festival.

New Orleans also makes a great holiday vacation because of their holiday concerts, great holiday shopping, and holiday home tours. That’s right, you can finally see inside the historic, private homes in New Orleans during a home tour.

5. Miami, Florida

Miami is a great destination for a romantic and luxurious couples vacation. Known for high end shopping, restaurants, and clubs, Miami is not a cheap destination.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable fun, but the focus is more on style and glamour. Spend the day walking the beach and then freshen up, put on your best dancing shoes, and head to the club.

If you are looking to get out of the city, consider heading to the nearby Everglades National Park. Watch out for alligators and manatees.

West Coast Warm Winter Vacation Ideas (USA)

The west coast has a bunch of great options for winter getaways as well. Below I’ve narrowed down a list of top warm winter vacation ideas for the west coast USA.

1. Hawaii

The Hawaiian islands are on nearly everyone’s bucket list and for good reason. It’s the perfect destination for solo adventures, a couple’s retreat, or a family vacation. The hardest part of this vacation will be when you have to leave.

There are so many great things to do in Hawaii including snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, golf, and so much more. This unique paradise has the most active volcanoes in the world and amazing whale watching.

In between the adventures and activities, take the time to learn more about Hawaiian culture. Visitors can learn about the art of hula, traditional music, the Hawaiian language, and attend a delicious luau.

2. San Diego, California

San Diego boasts great weather all year round. Plus, it’s an easy destination to reach and a good road trip destination if you’re touring the California coast.

Take advantage of the large, sandy beaches to swim, kayak, surf, and boat. Also, don’t miss out on the chance to spot a blue whale on one of the whale watching tours. If you prefer land activities they offer biking, hiking, golfing, and even have great bird watching.

Check out the Sand Diego Zoo if you’re an animal lover or just looking for a great activity for the kids. It is one of the largest, most highly rated zoos in the USA and a leading expert in wildlife conservation.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Whether you’ve been to this desert oasis before, or you’re returning to retry your luck, Las Vegas is a worthy experience. This gambler’s paradise has so much more to offer than casino after casino along the famous strip.

Even if you don’t gamble the city is packed with entertainment for solos, couples, and groups of friends. You can see a different concert or show every night. Or relax at a world class spa before a night of fine dining and drinking. Come prepared with a little extra spending money if you want to splurge in the high end shops.

For Las Vegas travel deals visit the city tourism site here.

4. Los Angeles, California

Discover the city that is responsible for developing so much of our entertainment and culture. Los Angeles is the perfect mash up of history and being a leader in establishing the latest trends.

Visit historic neighborhoods, museums, and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to pay respects to some of the greatest entertainment legends. Also, make sure you tour the world famous studios.

Don’t forget to make time for some great outdoor activities as well. Los Angeles has many great hiking trails, and some of the most well known beaches in the world including Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach.

5. Phoenix, Arizona

With several cheap airlines providing direct flights to Phoenix, it is the perfect cheap winter vacation. The hot, unbearable temperatures of summer are replaced with perfectly mild temperatures in the winter.

The area is home to a number of excellent golf courses for all different skill levels. Other activities include the Desert Botanical Gardens, camping, hot air balloon rides, museums, and some wonderful hiking trails. If nothing else, hanging out at the pool will be a good alternative to the cold temperatures back home.

International Winter Vacation Ideas (near USA)

If you’re looking to travel abroad for your warm winter vacation, but don’t want a long flight, these destinations are near the USA.

Find cheap flights with Skyscanner here.

1. Mexico

Mexico is a great travel destination whether you’re coming from the east coast or west coast in the USA. East coast visitors might opt for Cancun, and west coast visitors should go to Cabo, if they want shorter flights. That said, most flights to the major destinations in Mexico aren’t that long.

Another perk to Mexico is that many parts of the trip are considerably cheaper due to the lower cost of living. Keep in mind, it’s not hard to run up the bill at the resorts that cater to tourists. You can travel here on a tight budget or luxuriously depending on you travel preferences.

Mexico has many great things to do including world class beaches, delicious food, traditional music, and tours of historic temples.

2. Belize

Belize is quickly becoming a winter vacation hotspot due to it’s warm weather, tasty food, and fun things to do. It offers a variety of natural attractions like the beautiful waterfalls and extensive barrier reef.

It’s a great location for snorkeling or scuba diving of all skill levels. Also, it has a large variety of marine life living on the reef.

If you prefer land activities, there are also ancient Mayan temples hidden amongst the forests, surrounded by countless species of birds and wildlife.

3. Costa Rica

More and more US expats are retiring to Costa Rica every year. The low cost of living combined with the white sand beaches make it a tropical paradise. Visitors are treated to hiking, beaches, whale watching, and other great activities.

Costa Rica is home to 29 national parks, 71 wildlife refuges, and 8 biological reserves. Funds made from tourism to these sites helps to support sustainability efforts throughout the country.

Costa Rica is the perfect fusion of nature, relaxation, and adventure.

4. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is located on the east side of Hispaniola, an island shared with Haiti. It is one of the most diverse islands in the Caribbean with forests, desert, and mountains.

Santo Domingo is full of 16th century Spanish colonial architecture that transports you back in time as you walk the cobblestone streets.

As is the case with all of the other locations in this list, you’ll find world class beaches and water sports are at your fingertips on this tropical island. Stay at one of the all inclusive resorts for an effortless warm winter vacation only a few hours from the USA by flight.

5. The Bahamas

You can’t go wrong with a classic winter vacation to the Bahamas. Located just off the southeast coast of Florida, this paradise is a short flight away. Due to the high traffic of this winter vacation spot, it’s incredibly easy to book and coordinate a trip.

Visitors should note that this is a less budget friendly location, but if your main concern is finding relaxation, rest assured you will find it here. All inclusive resorts are scattered across the islands giving you lots of choices. The classic tropical things to do in the Caribbean like snorkeling, boating, and fishing are abundantly available here.

Plus, your nights can involve high end casinos, restaurants, and bars.

Conclusion

Whatever you decide we hope you’re able to escape the cold winter air in exchange for warm winter vacation destinations in or near the USA. For a more detailed look at Mexico and Puerto Rico, please see our review in the link below.

The post 15 Warm Winter Vacation Ideas in or near the USA appeared first on misfit nomads.

These are both great choices for a winter vacation, so it just comes down to finding out which one is best for you.

What we cover in our comparison:

• Getting There
• Beaches
• Food
• Activities
• Price
• Conclusion

Getting There

It’s easy to coordinate travel arrangements for a Mexico or Puerto Rico vacation. Both locations have multiple international airports and are well traveled. The main difference is that you need to go through customs when entering Mexico and returning to the US. This means you will have to present a valid passport and fill out a declarations form.

However, U.S. citizens do not need a passport when visiting Puerto Rico since it is a U.S. territory. This makes the trip a little more hassle free and gets you to your vacation a little quicker. Just grab your bag from baggage claim and request your Uber or taxi.

Obviously, flight lengths will vary depending on where you are coming from. This might be a deciding factor if you want a short travel day to get to the beach as soon as possible.

Search for cheap flights with Skyscanner here.

Mexico vs Puerto Rico: Beaches

Mexico has some of the most picturesque beaches in the world regardless of which coast you are on. Both the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coasts are filled with great choices.

If you’re looking for good surfing, beaches in Ensenada, Matzatlan, or Sayulita are all great choices on the Pacific coast. Otherwise, if you want a beautiful view while you relax with a drink in your hand you might prefer Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta Beach, Cancun Beach, or Playa la Ropa. These are only a few of the countless beaches that line Mexico’s coasts.

While Puerto Rico has picturesque beaches, due to the size of the island they just don’t have as many as Mexico’s long coastlines. Surfers flock to Puerto Rico’s west coast to experience some top notch surfing. Also, beach bums have solid options in, or near, San Juan with beaches like Isla Verde, Atlantic Beach, or Ocean Park. A day trip to Flamenco Beach is worthwhile if you’re looking for a bigger, more photogenic beach.

Mexico vs Puerto Rico: Food

This is another category where it’s really hard to judge, because they both offer such delicious cuisine. While they may seem similar there are differences between Mexican and Puerto Rican food.

Mexican food includes things like burritos, enchiladas, and incorporate tortillas in many dishes. We can never get enough yummy authentic Mexican food. Mexican food tends to use more spices than Puerto Rican food.

Puerto Rican food is more similar to food on other Caribbean islands, like Cuba. It’s typically a little more mild than Mexican food and includes things like plantains, arroz con pollo, and empanadas. One of my favorite side dishes in Puerto Rico is mofongo (shown on left-side of image). It’s a mashed plantain dish that tastes wonderful.

One thing that tips the scale a little towards Puerto Rico is the quality of the drinking water. It is not recommended that you drink the tap water in Mexico as it may make you ill. However, it is considered safe to drink tap water in Puerto Rico as they use similar purification standards as the US.

Mexico vs Puerto Rico: Activities

The activities available to you will vary greatly depending on where you stay in either of these destinations. Most of the resorts or tourist cities in Mexico will have activities other than just the beach nearby. If you’re in the right area they may have local ruins to see, local shops, deep sea fishing, and many other things.

Puerto Rico offers a tremendous variety of activities and everything is really accessible. You can relax on the beach, fish, scuba dive, tour the Bacardi rum distillery, or even hike in the rainforest. Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque National Forest, which is the only tropical rainforest being managed by the United States National Forest Service. It’s only an hour drive from San Juan, so it’s perfect for a day trip especially if you’ve never seen a rainforest.

See our El Yunque Visitor’s guide for more information.

The ease of renting a car and navigating Puerto Rico on your own definitely make it stand out since you can do self guided activities. We always feel very safe and comfortable exploring new areas, while still using common sense of course.

Mexico vs Puerto Rico: Price

It’s not uncommon to find cheap flights and hotels for both of these destinations. We’ll break down the cost of travel a little for each destination below. Keep in mind prices vary based on several factors including quality of hotel, tourist off season or busy season, personal travel preferences, etc.

Puerto Rico Vacation Price

The sample pricing below is based on our previous travels during peak season and might be different based on a number of factors. It should just be used as a rough outline to start forming a cost of travel budget. This pricing is based on a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Hotel Cost: The quality of the hotel is going to be a determining factor in the nightly rate. An average hotel for a couple costs between $150-200 per night in San Juan during the busy season. Depending on the neighborhood you can find something cheaper, or much more expensive. Budget travelers that don’t mind hostels can find rooms for $20-30 per night.

We use Airbnb when we go to Puerto Rico. It’s typically been cheaper than a hotel and we get the perk of using the host’s knowledge of local attractions and restaurants. On our last trip we stayed in a San Juan Airbnb in Condado, right next to the beach, for $107 per night. It was right next to a bunch of great restaurants, a grocery store, and it was more spacious than a hotel room.

Puerto Rico Food Cost: Plan to spend around $20-30 per day, per person at modest restaurants. You can save money by grocery shopping and making some of your own meals, or you can spend much more by going to high end restaurants.

Puerto Rico Transportation Cost: If you use Uber, taxis, or public transportation estimate to spend around $10 per day. We love walking as a great way to get to know a city and it helps save money. That or you can rent a car for reasonable rates in San Juan.

Mexico Vacation Price

Again, this sample pricing is based on our own previous experiences and should just be used as a rough outline to start forming a travel budget. Pricing will fluctuate greatly depending on if you’re in a touristy area.

Mexico Hotel Cost: The quality of the hotel is going to be a determining factor in the nightly rate. All inclusive resorts are going to have a higher price and tend to be in the ballpark of $130-200 per night, per person. However, if you stay at regular hotels you can get a room for two for $50-150 per night.

Mexico Food Cost: Food prices vary in Mexico. You can find a restaurant meal for less than $5 per person or spend much more at a fancy restaurant.

Mexico Transportation Cost: Public transportation is also cheap in Mexico. Typically, you’ll spend a few dollars per person for a taxi, and even less for a bus.

Mexico vs Puerto Rico Price Conclusion

As a whole, Mexico tends to be a cheaper vacation but it can add up if you’re doing a lot of tourist vacation activities and staying at an all-inclusive resort. Savvy travelers can actually travel to Puerto Rico at a reasonable cost. Choosing restaurants that locals eat at instead of tourist restaurants is a huge money saver. Plus, the food at non-tourist restaurants is usually better and more authentic.

Note: Another perk to Puerto Rico is they use the U.S. dollar as their currency, so you don’t have to exchange money.

Conclusion

Both are great vacation destinations! There isn’t a wrong answer here as it comes down to preference when picking between Mexico or Puerto Rico. For us, Puerto Rico checks all of the boxes. The variety of things to do makes it so we never get bored. Plus, the ease of travel is too good to pass up. Not having to deal with customs or bring a passport makes the trip a breeze. Typically, we’ve been able to find affordable prices when going to Puerto Rico, so it ends up costing close to the same price as a Mexico vacation anyway.

Either way you’ll find a little reprieve from the cold winter waiting back at home.

The post Mexico vs Puerto Rico: Picking Your Next Winter Vacation 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.

The post Coronavirus Travel Restrictions Tools appeared first on misfit nomads.

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.

The post What to pack for a trip around the world? appeared first on misfit nomads.

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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1. Flexible Vacation Dates

If you have the luxury of flexible dates while planning your next trip you can make sure to schedule on low volume travel days for any given route. Check the same flights on different days, weeks, or even months to get better rates. Additionally, if you are able to go during the offseason at certain destinations you can save even more money.

2. Use Incognito Windows or VPN

It’s no secret that companies are tracking more and more of our activity using cookies and location based information like your IP address. Travel companies can use this information to provide different prices based on the country you are searching from. One way around this is to use an incognito window which will restrict the amount of information these sites can see about you. If you use Chrome browser this can be accomplished by hitting the following keyboard commands while Chrome is open.

Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + n.  

Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + n

Additionally, if you have a VPN configured you can use it to switch the location you are browsing from. Oftentimes, you will find that lower rates might be offered to lower income countries.

3. Fly from Larger Cities

While we have an international airport in our city, we’ve found that flights are often more expensive since it’s smaller. Traveling to larger nearby cities has sometimes saved us hundreds of dollars on single flights. Plus, it’s always a nice excuse for us to take the train to that city.

4. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights

Google Flights

There are a number of websites aimed at helping you browse all of the airlines offerings at once to compare prices. Personally, I like using Google Flights. If I don’t have a set destination you can look at the map view to see low price fares as you scroll over countries, which might help you decided on your next adventure. Additionally, you can look at a month view to see which days have cheaper flights for a given route. Once you’ve found the ideal flight it will redirect you to the airline’s website to book it. The tool also allows you to sort by travel time if price isn’t an issue, and you’re more focused on getting the most direct route.

Skyscanner

For budget travelers Skyscanner can be the most effective tool at finding cheap flights. It is widely used as one of the go-to flight search tools for price conscious travelers. It also has a flight fares map, like Google Flights, to help inspire you if a destination hasn’t already been selected. Flights can be sorted by price, speed, or best (combination of low price and speed). Use the integration below to start searching with Skyscanner today!

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