EMBRACING CHANGE: health and wellness SCARES, RETIREMENT, as well as travel

Posted: 12/10/17 | October 12th, 2017

We have such a big neighborhood as well as I like sharing everyone’s story. I believe highlighting a range of perspectives as well as experiences assists influence so lots of of us! This month we’re featuring Donella as well as her husband.

After her other half had a health and wellness frighten a few years ago, they made a decision to stop waiting, lastly offer their stuff, as well as head on the road. As a lot more as well as a lot more adults think about a “nomadic” retirement (especially right here in the U.S. where it wasn’t always so common), I wished to interview them as well as have them share their advice.

Nomadic Matt: Hi Donella! thanks for doing this. tell everybody about yourself!
Donella: We have been increasing kids as well as grandkids for the past 30 years in South Florida. now at 58 years of age, as well as with my other half retiring at 65, we made a decision to offer our house as well as take off to see the world.

I was a divorced single mom of two when I very first satisfied my husband, who was working in the building of the healthcare facility where I was employed. He hesitated for five weeks before lastly getting the guts to ask me out. When he did, he said, “If I like you, I am going to marry you!”

That was his proposal, as well as a few months later we were married. He has been a marvelous provider, father, as well as grandfather these past 30 years.

Fifteen years into our marriage he experienced renal failure, as well as the physicians did not expect he had sufficient life left in him to get a transplant. They asked me to prepare for his funeral, which I did. It was a nine-year journey up until we got a phone call late one night in 2008 that they had a kidney offered for him.

Since that time you would never understand by checking out him that he had ever been ill a day in his life. It was genuinely a miracle!

How did you get into travel?
For a number of years now, I have had the desire to travel, which has been a dream of mine before marriage as well as children. My other half was never keen on the concept up until one afternoon last year he said, “Let’s do this!”

The next day I began to sell, donate, as well as provide away (almost) whatever to ensure that the day we moved we wouldn’t requirement any type of trucks. I called a realtor, as well as our house offered within 24 hours for a lot more than we were asking. We were able to drive away with whatever we had in our two vehicles. My other half was a bit shocked exactly how swiftly everything occurred when he agreed to go!

Did you as well as your other half take a great deal of trips before this huge one?
Over the past 30 years we only went to see household in Tennessee, North Carolina, as well as Delaware, though we likewise explored areas on the way, such as Savannah as well as Charleston. I checked out Texas commonly to see my brother, Puerto Rico to see our son, as well as California to see our daughter.

We are going to continue to see household as we check out the country as well as travel abroad however take a lot more time to see things that we have only checked out about. We have discovered so much about the world in travel blogs, as well as we want to experience that.

Tell me about your present trip. After you offered your house, what happened? Where did you go?
As soon as our home was offered we discovered a lovely beach bungalow in Juno, Florida, directly across from the beach. never in our wildest dreams did we ever envision ourselves being able to online so close to the ocean. We saved just sufficient things to utilize to online here.

We’ve generally done what we discovered on the internet from the nomadic community: online with less as well as take pleasure in your surroundings. Our lease right here is only up until the end of the year; in the meantime, we are getting our van gotten ready for full-time camping around the country next year.

This past March we took a long trip to Andalucia in Spain, which was the very first time my other half had ever traveled to Europe.

We went to take pleasure in however likewise to look into living there the next time we visit. We will do generally the exact same thing: discover a little area to ensure that we are able to take the time to travel to other countries as well.

What influenced this present life change?
My child told me that my granddaughter was speaking about traveling when she grew up. In an instant, it restored all the memories of my own plans at that exact same age. That rekindled the stimulate in me from my own childhood.

Traveling was the method I grew up with my own parents, who were nomads in the ’50s as well as ’60s. I grew up in North Africa, Europe, Britain, as well as the united states all before the age of 10. My daddy continued traveling the united states up until he passed away.

My mom continues to travel theus as well as Europe while residing in Spain. It’s in my roots, as well as I long to see new locations as well as revisit other locations that I have seen as a child. Sharing this with my other half seems like a dream come true.

Did people state you were crazy when you stated you were setting off to travel the world?
We were shocked at exactly how lots of people have been so ecstatic to enjoy us begin this journey. There are likewise people who look at us keeping that deer-in-the-headlights look, since they can’t envision living life without their houses as well as their stuff. I get that as well as don’t truly believe this is for everyone, however it is absolutely for us.

Has your husband’s health and wellness been an problem at all? What precautions do you have to take?
My other half is in great health and wellness now however he still needs blood work routinely as well as anti-rejection medicine. We made a decision to discover a different doctor, one who would be a lot more easily accessible in situation of an emergency. She will be able to buy blood work anywhere we are as well as get the results.

We will continue to return right here to South Florida when a year for his follow-up. When traveling to Europe, we gotten travel insurance, as well as the expense was reasonable.

Is it simple to see a physician overseas? exactly how do you manage medication? have you ever had to get a prescription filled on the road?
Our physician right here in the specifies made sure my other half had all the medications needed for our trip. We contacted a physician in Spain who stated they would be able to compose prescriptions if needed. between the two physicians we felt my other half was in great hands, together with the travel insurance coverage we bought for our trip there. We haven’t had to fill any type of prescriptions while traveling, however our physician states it would not be a problem.

What are your future travel plans?
Once my husband’s work commitments are complete, we plan to leave right here as well as online on the road. In the meantime, this autumn we are planning a road trip with Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, as well as Texas.

Next spring we are planning a trip up the east coastline from Florida to Nova Scotia. then we will travel across the northern specifies up until we reach Chicago as well as take path 66 west.

We plan to return to Spain, when we surface up the trips with the United States. We hope to have our youngsters as well as grandkids join us for a visit, too. Europe is affordable sufficient to discover a little flat to reside in as well as utilize their public transportation to see other countries.

How do you keep to a budget?
We have a budget plan in which we divide all our costs into home, auto, entertainment, food, gifts, medical, miscellaneous, personal, as well as travel. I keep envelopes with receipts for every product as well as determine what we are costs in each area by month. We choose where we requirement to make adjustments as well as keep within our budget. It assists to figure out if we have a sensible budget plan or not.

Everyone’s priorities are different, however it is great to be able to see where your money is going routinely. It is the very best method to figure out exactly how much we are able to spend in for our next travel adventure.

Young people are traveling such as this as well as have terrific recommendations on exactly how to make it work, as we have checked out on your blog. Being retired, we have a pension for monetary support, however we’ve discovered concepts for all kinds of work from young blog writers if a lot more funding is needed.

We spend a great deal of time reading as well as researching on the Web for excellent recommendations from people who are already living this lifestyle. We now plan smarter as well as a lot more cost-efficiently since of the understanding that we have got as well as feel positive that we are going to be able to do a lot more than we ever dreamed possible!

What recommendations do you have for travelers your age?
Some of the very best recommendations we have got has been from all the young blog writers on the internet such as yourself, Matt. We discovered to plan our trips for dates that are less money. Our very first trip to Europe expense us less than one of our household trips right here in the States!

Another crucial travel lesson has been not to get our info from news media however instead to depend on the us department of specify Bureau of Consular Affairs. They don’t sensationalize what is going on in each country however provide you the info you requirement in buy to make great decisions.
 

Become the next Success Story

One of my preferred parts about this task is hearing people’s travel stories. They influence me, however a lot more importantly, they likewise influence you. I travel a specific method however there are lots of methods to fund your trips as well as travel the world. I hopethese stories show you that there is a lot more than one method to travel as well as that it is within your grasp to reach your travel goals. right here are a lot more examples of people who made their travel dreams a reality:

How Jim Didn’t let a new special needs modification his Travels

How (and Why) This 72-Year-Old is Backpacking the World

How households as well as senior citizens Can utilize the info on this Website

How this 70-Year-Old couple Bucked custom to travel the World

 

How to travel the world on $50 a Day

My new York Times very popular paperback guide to world travel will show you exactly how to master the art of travel to ensure that you’ll get off the beaten path, save money, as well as have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget plan travelers.”

Click right here to discover a lot more as well as begin reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical ideas as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a affordable flight by utilizing Skyscanner. It’s my preferred browse engine since it searches web sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses as well as hotels.

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will secure you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s detailed security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it lots of times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra evacuation coverage)

Ready to book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize when I travel. They are the very best in class as well as you can’t go wrong utilizing them on your trip.

MY 19 favorite HOSTELS IN EUROPE

Last Updated: 4/7/22 | March 7th, 2022

I’ve been staying in hostels in Europe for over twelve years. I’ve probably stayed at close to a thousand by now. Some were wonderful; others I couldn’t leave quick enough.

Some have stood the test of time while others have long because vanished. The hostel scene is very popular and recognized in Europe, and the growing “luxury” hostel trend that incorporates much more amenities (and higher prices) for travelers.

Hostels today aren’t the hostels you found ten years ago. They are way nicer and offer a lot much more amenities!

As I’ve been going to Europe for so long, I’ve stayed in dozens upon dozens of hostels around the continent. There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four when picking the best hostel in Europe are:

Location – Cities in Europe are substantial and it can take some time to get around. pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see. All the hostels noted here are in central locations.

Price – In Europe, you really get what you pay for, so if you choose a really low-cost one, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer terrific service.

Amenities – many hostels offer totally free Wi-Fi and numerous include totally free breakfast, but if you want much more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets your needs!

Staff – All the hostels noted here have incredible staff! They are very friendly and knowledgeable. even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places noted below, be sure to look up reviews to guarantee you end up somewhere where the staff is valuable and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!

To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in Europe that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:

Best Hostel for budget Travelers: Sophie’s Hostel
Best Hostel for Families: Generator
Best Hostel for Solo female Travelers: Goodnight Hostel
Best Hostel for digital Nomads: Generator
Best Hostel for Partying: Greg and Tom’s
Best overall Hostel: Kabul or The flying Pig

Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my extensive list of the best hostels in Europe:

1. Generator Hostels

The Generator is a hostel chain with locations throughout Europe. I’ve stayed in a few of their locations but Dublin and Copenhagen are my favorites. The hostels have terrific bars and restaurants, clean showers, comfortable beds, laundry services, and highly competitive rates. My only complaints are that the Wi-Fi is typically slow and they charge for breakfast, but having stayed in a few of their locations, I’d certainly stay in others. (They also have karaoke at their Copenhagen location.)

Generator Hostels at a glance:

Great place to meet other travelers

Modern, clean design

Lots of common areas for unwinding and mingling

Beds from 22 EUR, privates from 95 EUR.

Book Generator Hostel Dublin here!

Book Generator Hostel Copenhagen here!
 
2. City Backpackers (Stockholm)

I stayed here years ago and recently returned when my trip group was in Stockholm. The place was just as incredible as I remember. They still have a very good café and an outdoor eating/sitting area. Their beds and pillows are still very comfortable and comfortable, plus they have a substantial kitchen, common room, sauna, and laundry facilities. and you can’t turn a corner without bumping into a public computer. City Backpackers was and still is one of the top hostels in Europe.

City Backpackers at a glance:

Organizes tons of events

Lots of totally free perks (free coffee/tea, totally free pasta, totally free sauna)

Social outdoor patio for unwinding and meeting people

Beds from 23 EUR, privates from 80 EUR.

Book City Backpackers here!
 
3. St. Christopher’s (Barcelona)

Located best near Barcelona’s many well-known thoroughfare, La Rambla, everything about this place was brand new when I last visited. I really love the curtains on the dorm beds and the enormous bar/outdoor area next to the hostel. In general, I really like the St. Christopher’s brand. They offer fun, clean, sociable, and modern hostels all over Europe.

St. Christopher’s at a glance:

Huge bar/outdoor common area makes it easy to meet people

Fun, social atmosphere

Privacy curtains so you can get a good sleep

Beds from 23 EUR, privates from 165 EUR.

Book St. Christopher’s here!
 
4. The flying Pig (Amsterdam)

This is still one of my all-time favorite hostels. The facilities here are conventional and the price a bit expensive, but I love the atmosphere. While this hostel is popular with travelers wanting to chill and smoke, the bar area gets very busy at night with people who don’t want to get high. The staff here is what really makes this place special. They hang out with guests, are experts on the city, and are always helpful.

Moreover, this hostel has someof the comfiest beds and fluffiest pillows of any hostel I’ve ever stayed at. The flying Pig has three locations in Amsterdam (uptown, downtown, and the new beach location). I choose the uptown location because it’s smaller and simpler to meet people.

The folks behind the flying Pig also run Winston’s, another hostel. That place has a terrific bar and is next to a rock club that showcases a lot of good local musicians. tell Allen I say “hi!”

The flying Pig at a glance:

Great place to meet people

Super fun and social atmosphere

Bar on-site

Beds from 37 EUR, privates from 130 EUR.

Book The flying Pig here!
 
5. Goodnight Hostel (Lisbon)

I stumbled across this hostel in Lisbon (mostly because it was super cheap), and I’m really happy I did. conveniently located downtown, they offer totally free dinner and sangria and organize nights out. There’s a small common area, and the showers had incredible water pressure. This small hostel becomes very intimate and makes it easy to meet fellow travelers.

Goodnight Hostel at a glance:

Organizes lots of activities (pub crawls, walking tours)

Free breakfast

Intimate atmosphere makes it easy to meet people

Beds from 15 EUR, privates from 49 EUR.

Book Goodnight Hostel here!
 
6. Skanstull (Stockholm)

My second favorite hostel in Stockholm after City Backpackers, this place was remodeled in 2013 and has a brand-new, larger kitchen and common area. They really did a good job, and the kitchen is one of the nicest I’ve seen in a hostel in a long, long time. The hostel is quite small overall, but that offers a close-knit setting for getting to know other travelers.

Skanstull at a glance:

Huge kitchen for cooking your own meals

Cozy atmosphere (it’s a smaller hostel so it’s easy to meet people)

Recently renovated so everything is clean and new

Beds from 27 EUR, privates from 44 EUR.

Book Skanstull here!
 
7. Gallery Hostel (Porto)

This “luxury” hostel in Porto, Portugal, is probably one of the best I’ve ever stayed in and is certainly a new addition to my “all-time favorite” list. It’s not the most affordable in Porto, but this hostel/art gallery features home-cooked Portuguese food, a backyard, totally free after-dinner drinks, a game room, and friendly staff committed to making sure everyone gets to know each other. The art on the walls is from local artists and is available for sale (for those not traveling on a budget). I loved the nightly dinners they organized the best.

Gallery Hostel at a glance:

Delicious communal meals

Great place to meet people

Free drinks

Beds from 25 EUR.

Book Gallery Hostel here!

 
8. Hostel Mostel (Bulgaria)

This hostel has locations in three cities in Bulgaria (Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo), and they all follow the same principles: comfy beds, totally free breakfast, totally free dinner, totally free beer, totally free shots, a pool table, and free, fast Wi-Fi. I honestly haven’t ever seen a hostel offer so much totally free stuff to travelers.

Usually everyone stays whatsoever the Hostel Mostel locations, so you run into the same people frequently. I found them booked up a lot, so book in advancement if you want to stay here.

Hostel Mostel at a glance:

Social atmosphere so it’s easy to meet people

Lots of totally free perks (free drinks, totally free breakfast)

Organizes lots of activities

Beds from 7 EUR, privates from 26 EUR.

Book Hostel Mostel Sofia here!

Book Hostel Mostel Veliko Tarnovo here!

 
9. Kismet Dao (Brasov)

Probably the best hostel in Romania, Kismet Dao had a terrific backyard to unwind in, a fairly good breakfast (Frosted Flakes!), a large and clean kitchen, comfy rooms, and a substantial common area. I didn’t like the showers, as there wasn’t a lot of privacy (think gym style) but overall, this place is social, in a good location, and checks all the best boxes on meeting a traveler’s needs.

Kismet Dao at a glance:

Chill backyard for unwinding and mingling

Great place to meet other travelers

Free breakfast

Beds from 12 EUR, privates from 30 EUR.

Book Kismet Dao here!
 
10. The Yellow (Rome)

The Yellow is just a fun hostel. There’s no common area, so everyone hangs out in the bar downstairs. people come here to socialize and party. It’s a loud hostel in that respect, but because the party is separated from the main area, you don’t really hear much in the rooms. They have terrific security, high water pressure in the showers, comfy beds, and good enough Wi-Fi. They also run walking trips throughout Rome.

The Yellow at a glance:

Bar on-site makes it easy to meet people

Party vibe

Organizes lots of activities

Beds from 35 EUR, privates from 107 EUR.

Book The Yellow here!
 
11. Tallinn Backpackers (Tallinn)

This hostel in Estonia is for those who want to party, which I didn’t really do while I was there. but I still found the hostel to be fantastic because the beds were comfortable and the staff really put an emphasis on getting the guests get to know each other and interact. They do a nightly pub crawl, before which everyone gets together in the large common area (which they shut down at 11pm, so people who don’t want to go out can get some sleep).

Tallinn Backpackers at a glance:

Social party hostel

Great place to meet other travelers

Organizes lots of activities (like a nightly pub crawl)

Beds from 11 EUR, privates from 72 EUR.

Book Tallinn Backpackers here!
 
12. central station (Kiev)

Not so much a hostel as a series of apartments in the same building, central station is a true hostel’s hostel. It’s got enormous dorm rooms, a few showers, a tiny kitchen, and a little common area. It’s mostly the spirit of the place that makes it cool: activities every night, really friendly staff, and that tiny space that forces everyone to socialize and meet each other, not just sit behind their computers.

Central station at a glance:

Organizes tons of activities

Lively social atmosphere

Super friendly staff make it easy to socialize

Beds from 8 EUR.

Book central station here!
 
13. Greg and Tom’s party Hostel (Krakow)

I came here on the strength of a friend’s glowing recommendation. What I liked about this hostel was that on the one hand, there’s a strong focus on taking full advantage of Krakow’s lively nightlife.

On the other hand, they have two separate buildings, so if you want quiet at night, you can stay in the non-party building. They offer totally free breakfast, they cook you a meal every night (salad, potatoes, pasta, or meat), they have Nintendo Wii and Playstation, and there’s a large film collection. but what I loved the most was the massaging showers. It was the best shower I took in months.

Greg and Tom’s party Hostel at a glance:

Great place to meet people

Lots of totally free perks (free breakfast, totally free video games)

Separate building for non-partiers so you can get a good sleep

Beds from 13 EUR.

Book Greg and Tom’s here!
 
14. Kabul (Barcelona)

Kabul is tied with The flying Pig as my favorite hostel in Europe. It attracts travelers who are searching for a good time. This isn’t a quiet hostel where people go to bed. If you come to hostel, be prepared to party.

They have a lively common room area and organize nightly outings. The dorms are very clean, the beds comfy, and the showers high pressure. but what makes Kabul so fantastic is the downstairs common area. The common area takes up a whole floor of the building and comprises a café, bar, tables, Internet kiosks, and a pool table. here travelers eat, play pool, drink, and hang out – and the people here want to hang out. It’s a good hostel for a solo traveler because everyone here wants to make friends. The hostel is booked out weeks in advance, especially during summer, so don’t book last minute!

Kabul at a glance:

Lively party atmosphere

Organizes lots of activities

Really easy to meet people

Beds from 23 EUR, privates from 119 EUR.

Book Kabul here!
 
15. Archi Rossi (Florence)

They had me at breakfast. I’ve never been to a hostel that had a menu for breakfast. You can get eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes – the works. It’s not the normal European bread and coffee breakfast that makes me sad in the morning. It’s a full-on hearty breakfast! much more than the food, the hostel has character. You can sign your name or draw on the wall, their kitchen is a size of a cafeteria, and they have a terrific outdoor garden where you can kick back with a bottle of wine! and did I mention they have a full breakfast?

Archi Rossi at a glance:

Amazing breakfast

Laid-back outdoor garden for unwinding and mingling

Great place to meet people

Beds from 35 EUR, privates from 120 EUR.

Book Hostel Archi Rossi here!
 
16. Francesco’s (Ios)

With a view like this, how could you not like this place? There’s a pool, kitchen, very clean rooms, and comfy beds. The owners are very friendly and accommodating, the patio area is a terrific place to make new friends, and every night they have a hostel get together so everyone can meet people (free shot included). They also organize pub crawls (because it’s Ios and everyone comes here to party). It�

HOW I lost 50 pounds during QUARANTINE: 4 things I Did to lose Weight

When the neighborhood quarantine was implemented, I was obese as well as at my heaviest — 207 lb. Today, I have reached the healthy weight for my height — 157 lb.

In less than five months, I have lost a overall of 50 lb (22.7 kg).

I’m not alone in this. Vins, my blogging partner, has lost 40+ pounds over the exact same period. We online in the exact same apartment, so we comply with almost the exact same diet plan as well as eat the exact same meals.

When we published recent pictures on Facebook, a great deal of our buddies were shocked by the transformation. I can’t blame them since even I am still surprised that we were able to pull it off. however since we get a number of messages asking us for weight-loss tips, I decided to compose this publish (even though it’s not travel-related).

Here are some before-and-after pics of Vins as well as me.

But first, a bit background on exactly how I gained weight in the very first place.

I was skinny for most of my life. Some buddies back in college even commented that I looked frail as well as sickly. Haha. however whatever altered when the terminate nation attacked. as well as by terminate Nation, I mean the constant stress at work. When I joined the war zone that is the business world, the one sure thing that made me feel happy was — yep, you guessed it — food. It didn’t assist that our building had its own food court with a smorgasbord of delectable choices. Over the years, I slowly however surely gained more pounds. When I stop smoking five years ago, I just… ballooned. (I don’t regret quitting smoking, of course. It’s one of the very best decisions I made in my life. however it did make me eat more.)

I believed I might turn things around when I stop my full time task to travel. however I soon discovered that it was so damn difficult to withstand tasty food when traveling. however that’s not when our weight would jump even higher. After all, whatever additional calories we devour is canceled out by regular walking as well as trekking. The issue is after the trip — when we get house hungry for some rice as well as lutong bahay. That’s the genuine culprit right there.

Fast ahead to 2020. I wished to lose weight however the begin of any type of year was the most difficult time to do that for us. After the joyful Christmas-New Year season, Vins enjoyed his birthday in January, we had a 2-week cuisine-centered trip to Taiwan in February, as well as I celebrated my birthday in March. I just woke up one day, stepped on the scale, as well as was alarmed by the number — 207 lb, the heaviest I have been ever.

So I tried to do something about it. I enrolled at a close-by gym. This is it, I thought! however after only my evaluation session, that crazy bit thing called COVID-19 ruined everybody’s life plans as well as brought the world to a standstill. All fitness centers stopped operations, so I never got to utilize my membership.

But I decided to not let it stop me. If I was gonna be stuck at home, I’d rather utilize the time well. I guaranteed myself that I would still accomplish the physical fitness goals that I had long set aside.

Please note that I am not a physical fitness or nutrition expert. I’m just sharing my own experience. What works for me may not work for you. as well as what’s been working for me is the combination of the following.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

1. part Control
2. Intermittent Fasting
3. routine Exercise
4. moral support from Friends!
More tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

1. part Control

If I might condense this whole publish into just one tip, this is it — part control. I strongly believe that this has been accountable for much of the weight loss.

In fact, when I shed off the very first 20 pounds, part manage was the only thing I did. I wasn’t exercising or doing intermittent fasting consciously. I was just limiting the size of my meals up until I got utilized to it.

At its core, weight loss is all about consuming less calories than what your body burns. I checked out that to lose weight, guy requirement cut intake to less than 1500 calories per day. I utilized that as a rule. We have a little kitchen area scale that I utilize to evaluate the food I put in my body. then I google exactly how many calories it equates to.

There are a number of reasons why this works for me.

I was a starved eater. I believe this is truly my problem. Pre-quarantine, my default quick food order is 2-piece fried poultry with rice as well as spaghetti as well as drink as well as dessert. Yep, you checked out it right, with rice as well as spaghetti. Hahaha. Takaw. So just reducing my food intake significantly pushed down my weight.

I was downsizing economically as well as as well terrified to go out. The travel market was the most terribly hit by the pandemic so I have not been earning since March. So to minimize the everyday costs as well as the time spentoutside, I deliberately downsized the amount of food I eat. When I shop for groceries online, I try to make them last by not consuming as well much per meal.

I can eat whatever I want. I’m not restricted to the type of food, only the serving size. I still eat chocolate as well as other sweets. just the other day, I still had French fries. This is fantastic since I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself.

I can’t utilize it as an reason to overeat. It’s likewise psychological, I guess. I have tried other diets as well as going to the fitness center before however none of them worked since I compensate by eating more than usual. At mealtime, I was always like, “It’s okay to pig out, I’ll work out anyway.” Or when I’m on a low-carb diet, I would have a big serving of protein as well as dessert thinking, “It’s fine. I don’t eat rice anyway.” When you’re counting calories, there’s just no method around it.

But I drink a great deal of water.

It was a struggle in the beginning. any type of diet plan is tough at the start. however after a couple of weeks, I totally failed to remember that I was downsizing. I just weighed someday as well as was surprised — this time, pleasantly.

2. Intermittent Fasting

Is it effective? Here’s the thing: I’m not sure.

Yes, I do intermittent fasting however not consciously. even before I had any type of intention of dieting, I was already doing this since I always avoid breakfast. I’m just not a fan of breakfast since I didn’t like feeling bloated or heavy in the morning.

So NO, I’m not that sure whether or not it helped. however YES, I’ve been doing it this whole time.

My very first meal is around 12:30 pm. My last for the day is around 6:30 pm.

I sometimes slip in a fruit in the afternoon. however outside this 6-hour window, I don’t eat anything other than water as well as hot unsweetened tea.

3. routine Exercise

When I noticed that my weight was going down, it influenced me to work out in parallel with the diet. keep in mind when I stated that I was able to go to one evaluation session before they closed all gyms? during that session, the fitness instructor taught me some fundamental body weight exercises. These are just simple exercises that you can do without equipment. So I did those over as well as over again. When I got tired with them, I searched YouTube for other routines, which I followed.

Sometimes, I would utilize the elliptical machine that Vins bought last year (which was cheaper than a treadmill). I had never touched that before, however I utilize it now. Hahaha.

Then, when I would get tired with a workout, I’d move on to a new one. just recently, I ordered a hula hoop online. Hahaha. It’s fun.

Often, I would just dance alone in my room. I most likely look crazy doing it however no one’s looking.

4. moral support from Friends!

I was alone during the very first month of my weight loss journey. Vins was most likely watching his weight as well however we weren’t truly comparing notes. When I lost the very first 20 pounds, I published it on Facebook. It turned out that two other buddies were likewise trying to lose weight on their own.

Since we have the exact same goal, all three of us decided to support each other by producing a group chat, in which we publish our development every day. We likewise report what we eat. Whenever we’re craving something or about to overeat, we message the group so somebody might talk us out of it. It’s like a mini-support group.

The goal isn’t to be competitive however to influence as well as discover from each other.

That’s it!

I still have a long method to go. Yes, I have already lost 50 pounds as well as have reached the ceiling of the healthy weight variety for my height. however I don’t want to stop now. I still requirement to lose 20 more to reach the middle of that range. as well as I still have a somewhat extending stomach to flatten.

Kahit ‘yun guy lang ma-flatten. Juice ko this pandemic.

2020 • 8 • 7

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Stepping into a new age of Travel…

CASA DE SEGUNDA: satisfying Jose Rizal’s very first like in Lipa City, Batangas

It was like at very first sight. That’s precisely exactly how I felt when I very first laid eyes on Casa de Segunda, likewise understood as Luz-Katigbak Ancestral House. From the balcony overlooking the garden, I might see the many fascinating shapes as well as patterns around the place. It was my very first time here. While I had been to many of Lipa’s tourist destinations before, I had no concept that this location existed prior to this trip. I discovered about it while getting ready for this tour. We struggled to discover it however we did not provide up on our search. as well as boy was I grateful. It was a location to autumn in like with.

Entrance to Casa de Segunda. quite difficult to find.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

Jose Rizal’s very first Love
Casa de Segunda
Top hotels as well as Resorts in BatangasSearch for more Batangas Accommodations!

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Jose Rizal’s very first Love

The ancestral home of the Luz-Katigbak family, Casa de Segunda is named after Segunda Solis Katigbak, commonly regarded as the very first like of national hero Jose Rizal.

Born to Don Norberto Kalaw Katigbak, the gobernadorcillo from 1862-83, as well as Dona Justa Metra Solis, Segunda grew up in a prominent household as well as was sent to Manila to study. She went to Colegio de la Concordia in Sta. Ana, Manila, where she ended up being classmates with Dona Olympia Rizal. At a celebration to which she was invited, Segunda satisfied Jose Rizal, who was quickly smitten. Swooning over her, Jose sent her poems, sketches as well as flowers. She was only fourteen years old at the time.

In one of Rizal’s biographies, Rizal was quoted stating that although Segunda was not the most gorgeous lady he had seen, she was definitely the most alluring as well as beguiling. He was saddened, however, that she was set to get married to a family member — Manuel Metra Luz, who likewise came from a prominent household in Lipa.

A portrait of Segunda Solis Katigbak displayed inside the casa
It was Ms.Lilet Malabanan, granddaughter of Segunda (or Lola Unday, as she phone calls her) as well as the site’s tour guide, who accommodated us as well as showed us around. When asked why Lola Unday as well as Jose Rizal didn’t ended up being an item, she stated that the parents didn’t like Rizal since the household truly desired her to marry somebody from Lipa, too, as well as Rizal was from Calamba, Laguna. Segunda married Manuel, or Lolo Uwel, in 1886 when she was just 16. It was all good, though, since Lolo Uwel came from a great household — poets as well as scholars. They had nine children.

Casa de Segunda

The home boasts a Spanish design however still retains a extremely tropical atmosphere. Its stonework as well as patterns add character to what might have been a typical Spanish-age “bahay na bato.” My eyes feasted on so many patters scattered around the house. From the diamond-tiled floor to the intricately painted ceiling, the home is just full of bit joys.

Living area on the second floor of the Casa
One of the bedrooms
It makes me question exactly how elegant as well as gorgeous it must have appeared a century ago. provided that the home was damaged during world war II in 1942, a great deal must have been altered here. (Lipa was one of the most heavily destroyed cities after the war as well as many of the old homes were burned down.) In fact, the home was remodeled in 1956 by Paz Luz Dimayuga, one of Segunda’s daughter. In 1996, however, the home as well as its garden were brought back by Paz’s grandchildren, who all grew up here.

Casa de Segunda likewise homes a number of products that provide us a great look at not only the household history of the Luz-Katigbak however likewise the way of life of many prominent households in Batangas. Some old clothes are on screen inside. The beds, altar, sala sets, as well as other home products are well-preserved inside. There were likewise some reading materials about the household at the living area that visitors can browse.

Bell hanging by the entrance. sound it if you desire to enter.
Casa de Segunda balcony, overlooking the garden
Casa de Segunda garden
Small fountain at Casa de Segunda
Outside was a rounded staircase that leads to a balcony, overlooking the garden as well as the fountain. It was my preferred part of the house. As we Ma’am Lilet was entertaining other tourists when we arrived, we decided to stay at the balcony in the meantime. While waiting as well as as I gazed upon the garden from the balcony, I was flooded with pictures of a happy household — parents under the shade of the tree as the kids played by the fountain. The descendants of Lola Unday kept this home in great condition not since of its historical value — not just since of its historical value — however since of their emotional connection to the place. This site homes memories of a household that had survived difficult times. as well as as soon as it dawned on me as I stood at the balcony, I understood I fell in like with this location even before we started the tour. It was like at very first sight.

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OYO 120 Balai Sofia. inspect rates & Availability! ✅

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5 cost effective countries worth moving To

finding countries that are fun to travel in is easy, but finding a place that you can really clear up down for a bit and call home is a whole other ball game. You need to make sure that the place you choose is affordable, has good health care, suitable grocery stores and plenty to keep you busy. We’ve been to 45 countries, and only a few of those destinations are places that we could actually live.

Sure, we return time and time again to the cities/countries we love, but that doesn’t indicate that we could live there. here are 5 cost effective countries (and their best cities) that we recommend you immigrate to! (In no particular order)

Thailand:

Costs

Basic 1-Bedroom apartment or condo in Bangkok

Street Meal

Meal In A Restaurant

$450 USD / Month

$1.50

$5

We love Thailand and have spent months on end in this country. From chaotic Bangkok and party crazed Koh Phangan, to chilled out Koh Kood and sublime Koh Lanta, Thailand has enough to keep you busy, while giving  you all of the amenities that you need when living somewhere.

We found a beautiful, modern, one-bedroom bungalow on Koh Phangan, close to the water for just $300 USD / month. We have friends who have a luxurious downtown apartment or condo in Bangkok for just $450/month. Thailand is absolutely affordable, and with fabulous local foods and western grocery stores like Tesco and Lotus, you can find pretty much any food your heart desires.

Street food in Thailand is very inexpensive and delicious, but getting groceries is amazingly cheap. We gotten 6 chicken breasts on sale at Tesco for $3! Affordability, friendly people, complete safety and natural appeal all add up to make Thailand the best place to relocate!

Mexico:

Costs

Basic 1-Bedroom apartment or condo in Merida

Street Meal

Meal In a Restaurant

$350 USD / Month

$2

$6

Mexico is a great, cost effective country to step to. sensational mountain towns like San Cristobal offer culture and nature, as well as funky cafes, cobble stone pedestrian streets and delicious white wine bars. bustling cities like Merida and Mexico City, have all of the action and nightlife a city-slicker could ask for. even in Merida, a larger city where prices are higher, we found a great one bedroom apartment or condo for just $400 USD / month. grocery stores here have it all and eating out on the street is incredibly cheap.

There are also ultra-laid back islands like Holbox, where the pace of life slows and everyone gets around on golf-carts. If we were to relocate to Mexico, we would probably choose one of the smaller cities like Valladolid or San Cristobal. Both have the best mix of authenticity and necessity and there’s enough enjoyment to keep you busy for a few weeks, months or years.

3. Malaysia:

Costs

Basic 1-Bedroom apartment or condo in Kuala Lumpur

Street Meal

Meal In a Restaurant

$600 USD / Month

$2

$5

This place has everything you could ever ask for in a long-term home. For those who take pleasure in cities, Kuala Lumpur is the best place to live an urban life. With wild, all-night bars, a great metro system, cheap food and good budget apartments, you can’t go wrong in KL. but there are many more places to choose from. check out duty-free Langkawi Island where the booze is cheap, the accommodation is of great value and there are lots of cool activities to keep you busy, from go-carts, to a floating suspension bridge in the mountains.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
If you’re trying to find a really chilled out, quiet life abroad, you can head to one of Malaysia’s lots of islands.

The Perhentians in the north are a popular vacationer destination with sensational white sand beaches, while Kapas and Tiamen are best for those who want to escape the bustle of the mainland. trying to find a metropolitan feel without sticking to the capital? Georgetown is a funky, vibrant city with all of the nightlife, action and amenities of the capital, but with a completely different vibe. The greatest part about living in Malaysia is that you can base yourself in any of the above provided cities, and then take cheap flights to kick back for a few days elsewhere in the country.

4. Georgia:

Costs

Basic 1-Bedroom apartment or condo in Tbilisi

Street Meal

Meal In a Restaurant

$350 USD / Month

$3

$7

For us, if we were to step to Georgia, we would absolutely set up shop in the nation’s capital, Tbilisi. With a mix of ultra-modern and old-world architecture, sensational tree-filled parks, riverside walkways and shaded pedestrian-only back streets, Tbilisi is one of our much-loved cities in the world. Sip an ice-cold mug of beer while enjoying street performers downtown, or enter a medieval winery and taste some of the oldest vintages on earth. Tbilisi has all of the modern necessities you need, but with a historical backbone that could keep any visitor intrigued. but you don’t need to stay in Tbilisi to take pleasure in this country, there is a huge expanse of countryside where you can explore and get a good feel for the real, rural Georgia.

5. Turkey:

Costs

Basic 1-Bedroom apartment or condo in Istanbul

Street Meal

Meal In a Restaurant

$550 USD / Month

$3

$8

There are many cities in Turkey that we would be delighted to call home. From the eastern cities of Van and Kars, to the lively capital of Istanbul, Turkey is a fantastically diverse country with beaches, bars, architecture and history that would be hard to match anywhere else. If we moved to Turkey, we’d probably clear up in the nation’s liberal capital of Istanbul, where there’s a good mix of standard Islam and a a lot more modern, western mentality.

We love the sound of the mezzanine’s call to prayer early in the morning, but we also like to be able to wear t-shirts and shorts when we want to. Istanbul is a place where you can do just that. We enjoy having drinks on the Bosphorus Bridge at sunset, and exploring ancient behemoth mosques like Hagia Sophia, but it’s Istanbul’s buzzing cross-continental vibe that really sets this diverse metropolis apart from anywhere else. accommodation is cost effective in Istanbul, but you can find even better value in other cities like Gaziantep, Gerome and Sanliurfa.

The sensational Ayasofya Mosque in Istanbul

Places worth An Honorable Mention

Indonesia – Cheap, fun and lush

China – great place to show English!

India – Goa is calm (for India), liberal and beautiful

Belize – Uber-laid back islands, quiet and funky

Greece – lots to see & do, a good mix of beach, bar, outdoors and history.

Conclusion

We’ve been to quite a few countries that we could see ourselves living in, but as you can tell by this post, it really comes down to the individual towns, cities and villages. The local people have a huge impact on our idea of a life-worthy destination, but so too does cost and comfort. If there’s anything we’ve learned from our time both living and travelling abroad, it’s to find your long-term accommodation when you arrive, not on the Internet beforehand.

Hotel rooms can be booked in development with no issues, but apartments found online are nearly always holiday rentals and are as a result over-priced. Not only do online apartment or condo rental sites charge large service fees, but the owners that use them are normally targeting tourists and short-let tenants. show up, find your apartment or condo and get a steal of a deal.

Our apartment or condo in China, $350 USD / Month. cheap because we found it on arrival!

We love living in new countries and experiencing cultures first hand, rather than just passing through. travelling is a great way to get a taste for lots of different cultures and learn a lot about the world and its citizens, but living somewhere is a special experience that allows you form a closer relationship with the places you visit and the people you meet.

We haven’t been to lots of places where we could see ourselves living long-term… have you? tell us where you could see yourself setting up a life in the comments below!

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Living in Rome: A guide For digital Nomads

imagine starting your morning with a shot of espresso and a freshly baked cornetto before making your way to your co-working space. Your walk takes you down a winding cobblestone path, past colorful Reinassance buildings and trickling fountains. After work, you plan to head to the local market before meeting up with some of your new friends for refreshing afternoon Aperitivo.

If you plan to live and work in Rome, your days could be spent doing exactly that. This is one of the best places to visit in Italy, for sure. 

After living in Rome for several months, I can attest that Rome is one of the best places for freelancers and digital nomads. Not only is the cost of living in Rome relatively affordable, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet plenty of expats just like yourself.

If you’ve ever considered moving to Rome, then this short article is for you. I’ll cover why you ought to live in Rome, how to find accommodation, and where to book a co-working space. I’ll even give you a few insider suggestions on where to eat and what to see during your stay.

After this article, you’ll be on your way to a new, unforgettable journey in Italy. Here’s my digital nomad guide to living in Rome. 

Table of Contents
Cost of Living in Rome
Best Neighbourhoods in Rome
Co-working spaces in Rome
Finding Rome Accommodation
Top things to do in Rome
WiFi and SIM Cards in Rome
Best restaurants in Rome
Transportation in Rome
Obtaining a Visa for Italy
Pros and Cons of Living in Rome
Final Thoughts
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Cost of Living in Rome

Although it’s considered one of the most expensive cities in Italy, Rome can still be affordable. Here’s a breakdown of expenses that you ought to take into account when living in Rome.

Accommodation costs in Rome

Generally speaking, the closer you live to the historic city center, the much more expensive your rent will be. If you don’t mind taking the tram or subway, you can find a less expensive house in the suburbs or outskirts of Rome.

Depending on the neighborhood, renting a private studio or 1-bedroom house will cost around 800€ – 1400€ ($880 – $1,545 USD) per month, including utilities. shared flats are cheaper, and you can expect to pay anywhere from 400€-1000€ ($440 – $1,100) per month. keep in mind that furnished flats will cost more.

Food costs in Rome

One of the best things about living in Rome is eating local cuisine. Fortunately, Romans take their cooking very seriously, and there are plenty of dining options for every budget. On average, you can expect to pay the following prices when eating out in a restaurant in Rome:

3-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: 70€ ($77)

Fast food meal with drink: 6€ ($6.60)

.5 liter of local beer: 3€ ($3.30)

Bottle of wine: 20€ ($22)

Bottle of water: 1€ ($1.10)

If you are sticking to a budget, don’t worry; groceries in Rome are much less expensive than in other parts of Europe. Not to mention, there are tons of markets throughout the city that sell fresh, organic produce of the highest quality. If you plan on cooking while living in Rome, you can pay the following prices for grocery store ingredients:

Loaf of bread: 1€ ($1.10)

Local cheese: 2€ ($2.20)

12 eggs: 2.50€ ($2.75)

Bottle of wine: 5.00€ ($5.50)

Bottle of beer: 1.10€ ($1.20)

1kg chicken breast: 3.80€ ($4.20)

Going out for drinks in Rome can be cheap, if you know where to go! hotel bars, touristy areas, and cocktail lounges sell drinks that are just as expensive as other parts of the Western world. However, you can still find budget-friendly bars and lounges that sell cheap drinks.

Cocktail in mid-range bar: 10€ ($11)

Cocktail in expensive bar: 15€ ($16.50)

Glass of red wine in mid-range bar: 4€ ($4.40)

Afternoon apperitvo: 5€ ($5.50)

Transportation costs in Rome

If you live in the city center of Rome, you’ll have plenty of public transportation options available. It’s essential to note that tourists and foreigners are not allowed to drive in the historic city center of Rome. However, you can still take buses, trams, trains, and taxi to many destinations around the city. Note, there is Uber in Rome, but you are only able to purchase Uber Black, Uber Lux or Uber Van.

Single ticket (1 zone) : 1.50€ ($1.65)

Monthly ticket: 35€ ($38.60)

Taxi (1 mile): 6€ ($6.60)

Best Neighbourhoods in Rome

Within Rome’s city limits, there are 14 distinct neighborhoods – or riones, as the locals say. Each rione has a distinct identity, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits your style and budget. here are some of my favorite places tostay in Rome.

Trastevere

Located on across the Tiber river, Trastevere is considered Rome’s many picturesque rione. With ivy-lined brick buildings and lovely courtyard cafes, Trastevere oozes with Italian style and atmosphere. At night, the neighborhood becomes one of the hippest nightlife areas, with students, locals, and visitors spilling out into the street with glasses of wine. even though you’re a 10-minute walk from Centro Storico, you’ll feel as if you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Monti

A stone’s throw from Roma Termini station is the quaint Monti district. dotted with boutique stores, hip cafes, and small red wine bars, this comfortable neighborhood attracts visitors and locals alike. At night, you’ll find plenty of local Italians sitting outside in one of the squares, listening to music and chatting with friends. This is a great place to live if you want to see the cooler, artistic side of Rome that many tourists overlook.

Centro Storico

If you want to be in the center of it all, there’s no better rione than Centro Storico. home to jaw-dropping attractions like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, Centro Storico is the heart of the city. There’s no shortage of restaurants, shops, or bars. However, there is one downside: you’ll be sharing your space with thousands of other people!

Testaccio

Tucked away in the south of the city is the residential neighborhood of Testaccio. Although you may see a traveler or two around, this is an outstanding option for people who want an authentic taste of real Roman life. You’re still within walking distance of Centro Storico, but you’re lightyears away from the hectic and slightly chaotic masses of crowds. Foodies will also love being best next door the well-known Mercato Testaccio, which is open every day except Sunday.

Co-working spaces in Rome

Before you start working as a digital nomad in Rome, it’s crucial to find a reliable and functional co-working space. Fortunately, Rome has dozens of fun and distinct co-working offices to choose from.

Millepiani – located south of the city is Rome’s award-winning co-working space, Millepiani. Monthly prices start at just 75€ ($82.75) a desk and come with totally free internet, printing, meeting room usage, and even an on-site kitchen. If you’re searching for a space bursting with creative atmosphere, then Millepiani is the spot for you.

FAMO COSE – situated in the heart of Pignento, FAMO COSE is not your average co-working space. They accommodate creative and hands-on freelancers by offering photography darkrooms, 3D printers and scanners, and even carpentry and welding tools. A one-month membership starts at just 150€ ($165) per person.

Cowo 360 – As one of the much more conventional spaces in Rome, Cowo 360 is an budget-friendly option for digital nomads. Desks can be rented hourly, daily, or monthly, which is ideal for those needing a bit much more flexibility. They also host a variety of events, such as networking meetups and instructional courses.

Finding Rome Accommodation

In a city with practically three million residents, finding the ideal house can show challenging. However, there are several Rome accommodation sites you ought to use to help you with your search. These English sites accommodate foreigners and expats needing both long-term and short-term stays.

SpotAHome – think of SpotAHome like a long-term Airbnb Rental. All furnished flats are individually rented by the owner. What really makes SpotAHome stand apart is that a SpotAHome employee personally verifies the flats that are listed. Some employees also shoot walk-through videos, so you know exactly what you’re renting. This is the service I used while living in Rome for several months, and I couldn’t have been happier with the flat!

NestPick – is an English site that aggregates thousands of furnished flat listings for Rome. Their easy to use search system allows you to filter between different neighborhoods, and desired relocation in and relocation out date. learn much more here. 

ZappyRent – whether you’re searching for a shared room or a private flat, ZappyRent has a broad selection of apartments in Rome. You can filter by size, budget, and location. the best thing about ZappyRent is that it’s completely totally free to use! You can rent a flat directly from the owner without paying extra fees or commission prices.

Top things to do in Rome

Once you arrive in Rome, you’ll probably want to head straight for the ancient Colosseum or Roman Forum. After all, no visit to Rome would be complete without going to these renowned landmarks! However, if youlook beyond the major traveler attractions when travelling Rome, you’ll find that the city is teeming with distinct attractions around every corner.

Here are some of the best touristy (and non-touristy) things to do in the Eternal City.

Campo de’ Fiori and Mercato Testaccio

As one of the oldest markets in Rome, Campo de’ Fiori is a lively place in the center of the city. This market operates from 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Saturday, and sells everything from fresh flowers and vegetables to Italian spices and souvenirs. Although it’s much more touristy than other markets in Rome, its Campo de’ Fiori is still a great place to view Roman daily life.

For a much more authentic market experience, head to Mercato Testaccio in the lovely Testaccio neighborhood. attracting a local crowd, Mercato Testaccio sells a variety of goods, including clothes, kitchen supplies, and fresh produce. Don’t forget to stop by Mordi & Vai, a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop that’s possibly much more well-known than the market itself.

Villa Borghese

If you’re wanting to escape the hustle of the city, head to the top of vacation home Borghese, one of the largest parks in Rome. home to lush gardens, world-famous museums, and sprawling turf fields, vacation home Borghese is an urban oasis where you can unwind.

Stop by Galleria Borghese, which includes a large collection of artistic masterpieces from Bernini, Rossi, and Rotari. Or bring a picnic and a bottle of red wine and soak in the sun for a unwinding afternoon. Make sure to stop by Viale del Muro Torto for an unbeatable and dramatic view of Rome.

The Vatican

Whether you’re admiring the Sistine chapel or marveling at the grandiose St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Vatican is a must-see while in Rome. This tiny city-state is home to the Roman Catholic Church and attracts millions of visitors every year.

If you’re wishing to catch a peek of the Pope, then you’re in luck! The easiest way to see the Pope is during the Papal Audience, which takes place every Wednesday at 10 or 10:30 am. It’s totally free to attend, but make sure to come early to snag a good seat.

Baths of Caracalla

Dating back to the 3rd century, the Baths of Caracalla is one of the best-preserved ruins of a conventional Roman bathhouse. In fact, the blueprint of the baths influenced numerous other noteworthy buildings that were built around Rome.

During your visit, you’ll be able to walk the same path as the ancient Romans. visit the swimming pool, on-site libraries, and even a frigidarium – or cold room. You’ll even have a chance to see the colorful mosaic tiles and statues that once adorned the walls of the bathhouse.

WiFi and SIM Cards in Rome

With a SIM card, it’s easy to stay connected to family and friends while living in Rome. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, or in a mobile phone store like Vodaphone, TIM, or WIND 3. You’ll need to make sure your smartphone is “unlocked” so that you can add an international SIM card. 

If you’re staying in Rome for an extended period, you’ll need to top up your card. All you have to do is visit a tobacco shop, newsstand, or supermarket to add much more money to your SIM card. keep in mind that many places only take cash in Euros. foreign credit report cards might not be accepted.

WiFi is also readily available in many traveler areas. Cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer totally free WiFi to patrons. You might be able to find city-wide hotspots in Centro Storico and other popular neighborhoods.

Best restaurants in Rome

There’s no doubt that Rome is home to some of the best restaurants on the planet. Whether you’re eating homemade pasta from a family-run restaurant or sampling conventional fried artichokes and risotto balls, Rome has somethin

WHY GOING home DOES NOT mean failure

Last Updated: 03/18/22 | March 20th, 2022

“I hear you’re going home?” I asked her as we sat in the hostel’s common room.

“Yeah, I really miss my boyfriend and family. This long-term travel thing just isn’t for me. I’ve cut my trip short and will be going home in a few weeks.”

“Wow,” I replied. It’s not typically you hear travelers say they are going home early. If anything, most people want to extend their trip, not cut it short. Well, it’s important to do what makes you happy. At the very least, traveling taught you something about what you do and do not like. That’s a win.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s one way to think about it,” she replied.

And, with that, we moved on with the conversation.

She, like many others I’ve met on the road, headed back home, not in defeat, but victorious, content in the knowledge that they discovered more about themselves.

When I began my travels, a million and one fears and worst-case scenarios went through my mind.

What if I can’t make it?

What if I can’t find friends?

What if I get so lost I can’t find my way back?

What if I get hurt?

What if I run out of money?

What if, what if, what if!

Thanks to the many emails I get from this website, I know those fears are faced by others. It’s comforting to know you aren’t alone.

Many of those “what ifs” that race through our mind keep people from traveling in the first place. We can become so paralyzed by our fear of failure that we forget that all those fears don’t matter because, no matter what happens to us, we can always come home.

There is no defeat in it. travel is the art of learning about yourself and sometimes you learn travel isn’t for you. It’s OK to say, “I miss my home, I miss my friends, I hate hostels, and it turns out my idea of travel involves moving from one luxury resort to the next.”

The most important thing is that you tried.

I had no idea long-term travel would work for me. My original trip was only for a year and I could have decided to come back home three months in. I had no idea what to expect. I was scared shitless.

But, here I am, over ten years later, still in love with travel. I would have never known if I didn’t ignore my fears and try.

We can give in to fear, the “what ifs,” and the worry, and instead stay safe at home. 

Or you can head out the door and try.

Who cares if you decide to cut your trip short? who cares if you think “this life isn’t for me?” You travel for yourself. You do this for you. The only way you’ll know is if you pack a bag and go.

When I decided years ago it was time to settle down and create roots somewhere, a lot of people emailed me, expressing sadness that I had “given up” traveling.

That couldn’t have been further from the truth.

But times — and people — change.

I had nothing to prove by continuing to travel when my desires lay elsewhere. travel is a personal experience and at the end of the day, how you feel about it is the only thing that matters. I still believe life on the road is amazing — but sometimes I just want to sit in front of my TV, watch a movie or read a book.

If you’ve been thinking about traveling but worry that you can’t make it a full year around the world or that you might not have the skills to travel, I say to you: who cares? You can always head home if you want.

So what if you can’t make it? It doesn’t matter.

Going home is not a failure.

Travel teaches us about ourselves and makes us better people. deciding to come home simply means travel taught you something about yourself that you wouldn’t have known otherwise — that extended travel is not for you.

And there is nothing wrong with that.

A lot of people don’t want to travel long term. A lot of people don’t like travel in general!

But you will never know what you do or don’t like if you don’t push yourself out of your comfort zone a little bit.

And travel is always something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Don’t worry if you don’t like it.

Because there will always be a path back. home will always be there.

So travel and learn something about yourself.

Even if what you learn is that you’d rather be home than in a hostel.
 

How to travel the world on $50 a Day

My new York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off the beaten path, save money, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

 

Book Your Trip: Logistical tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a low-cost flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Ready to book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Sponsor a PPE suit for Frontliners while learning Italian, French, Spanish or German!

2020 • 4 • 16

Here’s another terrific way to support frontliners as they fight COVID-19!

After a successful first campaign called “Solidarité”, the UP Le Club Français (UPLCF) has launched another round to support the communities many affected by the novel coronavirus threat. This time, they are raising funds to purchase PPE (personal protective equipment) suits for the medical staff of hospitals and health centers in Quezon City, who are tirelessly working on the frontlines.

How to Help

You can help by sponsoring a PPE suit! In exchange, the UP Le Club Français and partner organizations will be offering totally free access to learning materials in the language/s of their choice (French, Italian, German, Spanish):

You can help by donating the following amounts:

Php 350 – 1 language

Php 500 – 2 languages

Php 750 – 3 languages

Php 1000 – 4 languages

You can send your donations to any of the following accounts:

BPI: 0189 4812 84 | Cheala Kamille Sumo

BDO: 003560375708 | Anne Beatrice Cinco

GCash: 0929 329 8773 | Ysabelle Kate Rayco

Landbank: 0516 2578 90 | Pete Adriel Laput

PayMaya: 0998 865 5501 | Geraldine Refareal

Paypal: paypal.me/BeaCinco

How to get access to learning Materials

Once you have made a donation, send the screenshot of your transaction to the UPLCF Facebook page and indicate which language(s) you choose.

Once verified, you will be added to a private Facebook group which includes the learning materials.

The organization is also open to your questions ought to you encounter any difficulty with any of the the lessons.

About the Organizers

The UP Le Club Français is a student organization for the lovers of the French language and culture in UP Diliman. For this round, they have partnered with:

ELements

UP Círculo Hispánico

UP Piccola Italia

UP Deutscher Verein

UP Euro-Filipino understanding & Relations Organization

This is already the second round of the campaign. earlier this month, the organization raised a total of Php 513,785.52 (454% of initial target), which was used to purchase relief goods and was distributed to jeepney chauffeurs affected by the enhanced community Quarantine.

For full transparency, the campaign’s progress is posted on their official FB page, too.

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Cycling around the City of Valladolid

Our very first few days in Valladolid were jam packed. We checked out art galleries, churches as well as enjoyed the outside theatre performance of Momentos Sagrados Mayas, however we still hadn’t seen any type of cenotes! So, we popped into MexiGo excursions to see what they had to offer. The owner, Toon, was incredibly friendly as well as showed us all of the different day trips available. We made a decision on the cycle excursion around the city as well as subscribed for it on the complying with day.

I know, excursions are not normally our thing, however this wasn’t an normal tour. We were with just 4 other people as well as a extremely friendly as well as knowledgable guide. We were planning on just renting a bike as well as taking ourselves out to the cenotes, however after getting to understand our guide, Juan Carlos, as well as discovering so much about Maya culture, we were delighted we went for the tour.

The cycle trip expense just over $30 as well as included the guide, bike rental, lunch as well as light breakfast. quite great deal! We rode for a overall of 15 kms as well as we were able to see rather a bit of Valladolid as well as the surrounding countryside. We started the day off in the market, which we had already seen on our day of cooking tamales, then we headed to San Bernardino Convent, Oxman Cenote, the Maya village of Dzitnup as well as then back to Valladolid.

The full day took us from 9 am to about 2:30 pm as well as we were really quite worn out by the end of it… a bit out of shape I guess! At the end of the trip we were back in the office where Toon provided us all a tasty shot of Xtabantun (local Maya liquor made of honey as well as annis). It was a excellent end to a excellent day of riding around Valladolid.

Check out this quick video to see exactly how the day went!

Like it? Pin it! ?

Do you like to lease bikes as well as cycle around when travelling? Do you like going on a tour, or solo? show us below!

Disclaimer:Goats On The road is an Amazon partner as well as likewise an affiliate for some other retailers. This indicates we make commissions if you click links on our blog as well as purchase from those retailers.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN: finest Rides as well as Attractions

Osaka is one of the three prominent major vacationer destinations in Japan; Kyoto as well as Tokyo being the other two. Nagoya is slowly climbing up the list. aside from the historical sites as well as delightful gastronomic experience, Osaka is the house of one of the most checked out style parks in Asia — the universal Studios Japan.

The forecast stated it will rain on the day of our arranged visit. however somebody need to have cast an obliviate spell on the rain that it failed to remember to make an appearance the day we were there. I’ve been to universal Studios Singapore a few years back as well as kid was it so memorable! For a cineaste like me who likewise likes style parks, the concept of checking out one more universal studio park is like satisfying my patronus when again.

It didn’t rain on USJ’s night Parade, capping off the evening on a pleasant as well as vibrant note. Ahhh, however I want to go back again! The pull of universal Studios Japan’s “accio” spell is strong. I want to feel weightless once again riding those extreme roller coasters, take pleasure in the 4-D as well as motion-simulated rides, as well as be entertained when a lot more by the different shows.

Being included in the listing of the world’s a lot of prominent style parks, it can truly get crowded, particularly during weekends, holidays, as well as height seasons. This indicates long hours of waiting in line for the rides as well as attractions. To address this, the administration supplied choices to shorten the waiting time such as timed entry tickets as well as universal reveal Pass.

Of course, it is possible to check out universal Studios Japan on your own. however for those who don’t want to offer with the filthy work or concern about anything else, there are great deals of travel companies using Osaka excursion bundles that include a stop at USJ. one of them is horizon travel & Tours, an IATA-accredited travel company as well as an active member of Philippine IATA airline travel association (PIATA) as well as Philippine travel company association (PTAA).

Related Topic: JAPAN VISA: demands & APPLICATION process FOR TOURISTS 2018

Here are the most prominent attractions at universal Studios Japan (where you can utilize the reveal Pass must you purchase them). If you want to make sure you get the most of your time here, these are the rides you must prioritize! gather all your minions as well as march on!

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

The Wizarding world of Harry Potter
Minion Park
Jurassic Park
Amity Village
Hollywood
New York
Additional Facts
Other Tips
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The Wizarding world of Harry Potter

Harry Potter as well as the prohibited Journey
Ride Duration: around 5 minutes

Flight of the Hippogriff
Ride Duration: around 2 minutes

Minion Park

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Ride Duration: around 25 minutes

Jurassic Park

The flying Dinosaur
Ride Duration: around 3 minutes

Jurassic Park – The Ride
Ride Duration: around 7 minutes

Amity Village

JAWS
Ride Duration: around 7 minutes

Hollywood

Hollywood dream – The Ride
Ride Duration: around 3 minutes

Hollywood dream – The trip (Backdrop)
Ride Duration: around 3 minutes

Space fantasy – The Ride
Ride Duration: around 10 minutes

New York

The fantastic Adventures of Spider-Man – The trip 4K3D
Ride Duration: around 5 minutes

Terminator 2: 3-D
Ride Duration: around 30 minutes

Additional Facts

March 2001. The style park officially started its operation.

Location. Konohana-ku, Osaka, Japan

Operating Hours. opens at 9:00 AM or 9:30 AM as well as closes at 7:00 PM or 9:00 PM. It really varies depending upon the date.

Themed Areas. Hollywood, new York, San Francisco, Minion Park, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, WaterWorld, universal Wonderland, as well as The Wizarding world of Harry Potter. In progress: incredibly Nintendo World.

Other Tips

Wear light garments as well as comfortable footwear. You will be doing a great deal of standing, walking, as well as waiting either indoor or (mostly) outdoors. Bring additional clothes too.

Bring sun security like umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses, caps or hats. You can likewise bring lightweight rain jacket or raincoat during the wet season.

Bring your own toiletries as well as medicine.

Have an additional battery for your cam or bring your power bank. You don’t want to miss the chance to snap those delighted moments.

If you are a foreigner, have your passport with you in any way times.

Related Topic: universal STUDIOS JAPAN: guide for First-timers

This trip was made possible by horizon travel as well as excursions as well as Philippine Airlines!

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ • 7️⃣ • 6️⃣

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