Travel Tips

Our Airbnb in Lisbon: dining room and kitchen

How to Use Airbnb: Tips for First-Time Guests

Want to make the most of your travels without breaking the bank? Skip the hotels and use Airbnb instead. Renting apartments through Airbnb is our #1 way to save money on lodging AND meals. It’s also the best way to experience local life in the places we visit. We’ve stayed …

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Airbnb Japan - traditional Japanese home with tatami mats

How to Use Airbnb in Japan: Pro Tips for Foreign Visitors

What’s the best way to save money on accommodations AND get a taste of local life when visiting Japan? Use Airbnb. In Japan, Airbnb is often significantly cheaper than staying in hotel rooms, especially with multiple guests. Staying in a private home or apartment also gives you a more “local” …

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A black cat lying next to a brown dog with long ears

How to Become a House and Pet Sitter

House sitting is a great way to save money while traveling, especially if you enjoy taking care of pets. Kim Hinson and her husband, Kenny, are military retirees who have been house and pet sitting for many years. Here’s what the experts have to say about how to become a …

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10 Ways to Meet Locals and Make Friends While Traveling

Looking for ways to make your travel more about experiences than tourism? Start by making a few local friends! Putting yourself out there can be daunting, especially if you’re not the extroverted type. Fortunately, there are many ways to do it that won’t take you too far out of your …

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A person packing a suitcase

Packing for Long Term Travel: Advice and Essential Items

Many people ask how we traveled for more than 8 years with only a carry-on suitcase and small backpack each. In our experience, it’s quite easy, but there’s no one-size-fits-all packing list. How you use the precious space in your luggage depends entirely on where you plan to travel and …

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Top 3 Golf Courses in 2 Years of Travel

Today we have a guest post from my husband, Michiyo (Mike) Montague. He is an avid golfer and plays every course he can find. I asked him to write about his top 3 courses played during our recent world travels. Enjoy! ***** During my 30 years in the Army, I played …

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