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Showing posts with the label Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

The Best Website for House Swaps? My HomeExchange Review

Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...

The Best Website for House Swaps? My HomeExchange Review

Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...

Our Black Friday 2024 Sale is Here!!!

Happy Black Friday/Cyber Monday week! While Black Friday isn’t technically for another few days, I like to launch my sales on Tuesdays so it lines up with my weekly newsletter (if you’re not already a subscriber, sign up here for weekly travel tips, deals, news, and stories not shared on the blog). This year, I’m putting all my books and courses on sale as well as offering a special travel planning service that I’ve never, ever done before! The sale goes from right now until Monday, December 2nd at 11:59pm PST. So, without further ado, here’s this year’s Black Friday sale: Guidebooks All my travel guidebooks are 50% off! That means you can get any of the below guides for only $9.99 USD: The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles – Learn More | Buy Now Nomadic Matt’s Guide to Paris – Learn More | Buy Now Nomadic Matt’s Guide to Iceland – Learn More | Buy Now Nomadic Matt’s Guide to NYC – Learn More | Buy Now Nomadic Matt’s Guide to Thailand – Learn more | Buy Now ...

The Best eSIMs for Travelers

Having reliable mobile data when you travel is a must these days. It’s helpful not only for finding things to do or the right bus route, but communicating in an emergency and locating your accommodation if you get lost. While I think a lot of travelers spend too much time on their phone, the fact of the matter is that modern travel requires mobile data. In the past, that meant paying excessive roaming fees to your phone provider or finding and buying physical SIM cards at the airport. I used to spend fortune on mobile data whenever I went on a long trip. It sucked. Fortunately, today, there’s a cheaper and more convenient solution: eSIMs. I started using eSIMs recently and they’ve been a game changer. So, in this post, I’ll break down what exactly an eSIM is and share my favorite eSIM companies so that you can stay connected on your next trip — without breaking the bank. What is an eSIM? A SIM card is a small memory card that you insert into your smartphone in order to make cal...

World Nomads Annual Travel Insurance Review

If you’re a frequent traveler, you know that planning multiple trips throughout the year can be a logistical challenge. There are lots of moving parts to organize, from flights to accommodation to activities. And it gets even more challenging if you’re traveling with friends or family. In fact, there’s so much to keep track of that most people neglect one of the most important things you can take on any trip: travel insurance. A lot of travelers avoid even thinking about travel insurance. Comparing prices and plans seems like a hassle (and an unnecessary expense to boot). After all, you probably won’t need it, and then you’ve just paid for nothing. But you haven’t paid for “nothing.” You’ve paid for assurance that you have a plan in place should the unexpected or unfortunate happen while you’re abroad. And if something does happen, you will be very glad that you have coverage. Accidents and mishaps that happen on the road can add up quickly, leaving you hundreds (if not thousands) ...

The Best eSIM for Traveling Japan

I love visiting Japan . Even after multiple visits, I never get tired of wandering the country’s historic temples, feasting on its incredible sushi, and soaking up the breakneck pace of life in Tokyo. After over half a dozen visits, I’ve learned through trial and error how to best explore the country. English isn’t widely spoken, and once you get out of the big cities, it’s even less common. That means things like online maps and translation apps are vital for every traveler. To ensure you stay connected during your trip, you’re going to want to buy an eSIM. It’s the best way to ensure you have mobile data as you explore the country. But which eSIM is the best for traveling Japan? In this post, I’ll breakdown why I think Jetpac is the best eSIM for Japan and why you should consider them for your next visit. What is Jetpac? Jetpac is a travel eSIM company founded in Singapore. They offer affordable mobile data coverage to over 150 destinations around the world (including Japan)...

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review

Advertiser Disclosure If you want to travel cheaper, better, and longer, one of the best tools in your arsenal is a solid rewards credit card. Still, despite how often I talk about the topic , many travelers (or would-be travelers) are reluctant to get one. They think it’s a scam , don’t want to pay an annual fee, or just are generally wary of the whole thing. If you’re in that camp, today I want to discuss a credit card that may be the perfect introduction to the world of points and miles: the Chase Freedom Unlimited® . This card offers great value, with no annual fee and solid earning potential. It’s excellent as a standalone card with tons of potential for leveling up your game if and when you’re ready. It’s a favorite for newbies and seasoned travelers alike. So, in this post, I’m going to break down why the Chase Freedom Unlimited deserves a spot in your wallet and how you can use it to turn everyday purchases into free travel. What is the Chase Freedom Unlimited? The Cha...

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Review

Advertiser Disclosure If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make your adventures more affordable and enjoyable. That’s why I collect points and miles. They help me travel longer, better, and cheaper. Today I want to talk about a card that’s been growing in popularity over the past few years: the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . It’s designed for travelers who want to easily rack up miles without having to keep track of bonus categories. And, in the past couple of years, they have really improved the card. It’s one of the main cards I use now because I love their travel portal, their transfer partners, and all the perks that come with the card. With a hefty sign-up bonus, premium travel benefits, and an impressive rewards structure, the Venture X is worth considering if you’re looking for a new card. Here’s everything you need to know about the card and why I think you should consider getting it:   What is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Cr...

My Suggested Black Forest Itinerary

In the land of the Brothers Grimm, I was expecting creepy overgrown forests, quaint medieval towns, and maybe a gingerbread house or two. But, it turns out, the Brothers Grimm tales weren’t from the Black Forest region of Germany (most are from the central part). Why did I think they were from there? I don’t really know. Maybe I got that from Disney? And, moreover, due to massive logging in the 1700s and 1800s, most of the area was turned to farmland. Only recently, thanks to the efforts of eco-friendly locals, has the forest slowly started to return to the area. But, despite those shattered expectations (and maybe because of them), my weeklong visit to the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) was the highlight of my summer travels. It had been on my bucket list forever, and so I was glad I got to finally scratch it off. I only wish I had spent more time there. This area, located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, is famous for forests (duh!), tremendous hiking, gigantic gushing wat...