10 Essential Tips for Couples Moving Abroad

1.  Plan Ahead

This will hopefully be our only “DUH!” point, but we thought we ought to add it regardless.

A move abroad requires LOADS of planning, from where you’re going to live to if/where you’re going to work, to how long you plan to be somewhere etc.  The amount of things you can plan out is essentially endless.

2.  Live Together Before Moving Abroad Together

Before we moved abroad we had already lived together for about a year and a half.  We were far past the point of, “Michael, you left the toilet seat up,” and “Alex, you stole all the covers.”

We had learned each other’s quirks, learned boundaries, and assimilated to each other’s lifestyle in the home.  Traveling can be hard enough, and having to learn all of these things abroad would have definitely been more challenging.

3. Be Vocal with One Another

Luckily we have very similar travel preferences and are both very down to Earth.  As such, we were able to settle on Florence to be our new European home as easily as “I think we should move to Florence.” “Yeah, let’s do it!”.

However, some of you might encounter that you would prefer to move to different foreign cities.  Be open with each other and make sure you can find a common ground.  The last thing you want is to spite one another in your new foreign home.

4.  Don’t Lose the Romance

If you’re anything like us you’ll essentially spend 95% of your time with your significant other when you choose to move abroad.  It is really easy to get complacent about romance and dates when you’re eating every meal together and trying to budget simultaneously.

But don’t forget to go on dates every once in a while. Surprise your significant other with a picnic, dinner, or cute day trip that he or she is unaware of.

5. Save!  Save!  Save!

If you’re moving abroad as a couple it’s fairly likely that you’ll be financially dependent upon one another.

The old quote goes, “When you’re going to travel, lay out all your clothes and money on your bed.  Then, take half the clothes and twice the money.”  Unless of course you plan on working abroad.

This would obviously alleviate some of the load on your savings schedule.

6.  Spend Time Apart

Alone time and/or time with friends is an incredibly important part of any healthy relationship.  Whether you’re simply making time for yourself to go for a run or workout alone, it is imperative to take time to yourself.

7.  Make Friends

Making friends with a language barrier can sometimes be a bit more challenging than it is at home.  However, most international cities have relatively large expat communities who are all looking for friends.

Be sure to find spots such as cafes and restaurants in your new home where you’re a “regular” and make friends with the workers and the locals who frequent said locations.

Who knows, you might just have a free place to stay on your next visit, and a new friend to come visit you back home.

8.  Learn the Language

We try to ensure we know how to say, “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Good bye,” in the native language of each country we visit.

Obviously, we aren’t going to invest in learning Dutch just because we booked a weekend in Amsterdam. However, if you’re planning to move to a new country, it’s best you gain at least an elementary understanding of the native language.

Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are great options for helping build a conversational base in just about any language.  The locals will have an immense amount of respect for your broken dialect of their language.

We promise.

9.  Invest in a Decent Camera

You’ll undoubtedly want to document your travels through pictures.  You can get a nice DSLR camera stating in the $400 range that will be perfect for your travels.

10.  Break Your Plans

Is this contradictory to #1?  Oops!

The real art of travel is to deviate from one’s plans.  Be sure to plan the important things such as where you will live and how much money you need to save, but don’t stress the little things.

Forget the itinerary.  Just go with the flow and have an amazing time with each other.  We can guarantee that it will be one of the most rewarding things you do as a couple.

Bonus Tip:

Plan for the unprepared.  Whether it’s a lost bag or a cancelled train, you’re going to have issues.

In the last 5 months we have dealt with 1 broken bike, 2 stolen bikes, a lost suit case, a number of cancelled trains, delayed flights, a ton of missed trains, dead cell phones when we desperately needed them and didn’t have a charger, getting lost, etc.

Always remember, the true joy of life is the journey!

READ NEXT: Why All Couples Should Travel Together

 

More on Couples Travel

Top 10 Weekend Getaways in Europe

Top Romantic Getaways in Italy for Couples

Romantic Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

10 Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

Check out these couples’ essentials!

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Travel Jobs Around the World: Bar Crawl Leader

Travel Job

Bar Crawl Leader

The Job Description

A bar crawl is a packaged, flat rate nightlife tour, for which a party-seeking tourist will pay a set price in order to get free club entry, discounted drinks and the ideal opportunity to meet new young and fun people.

A bar crawl leader is responsible…for leading the bar crawls!

They are enthusiastic hosts in charge of guiding the group between different bars and nightclubs, being the life of the party, but also able to manage the responsibilities of organizing the event, keeping track of the tickets and sales, and ensuring that everyone is having fun in a safe way.

A typical day of work might include promoting ticket sales during the afternoon, entertaining guests with pre-party activities and drinks in the evening, and rounding up the troops for their journey through the bar scene later in the night!

A bar crawl leader should create a social and fun atmosphere between guests, encouraging good times, keeping people mingling, drinks full and shots poured. It is a very fun job, and an amazing opportunity to make countless new friends from all over the world!

Beware though- as good as it sounds- at the end of the day you have to control the rowdy group of intoxicated vacationers… and it’s not always sunshine and rainbows.

Where I’ve Worked as a Bar Crawl Leader

• Croatia
• Portugal
• Greece

 

While I was working in Croatia in a hostel, I actually created my own bar crawl! I went around to the different bars and asked if I could negotiate drink deals and free shots if I brought a large group of people in every night.

It was a win-win-win situation- good drink deals for hostel guests, good business for the bars, and endless free drinks for me!

I didn’t charge people for my “bar crawl” and I also didn’t get paid by the bars- I mostly did this just to have fun, spread good vibes, and to get free drinks.

In Portugal and Greece, I was leading bar crawls which were already set up. I was in charge of promoting the pre-parties and bar crawls, selling tickets and leading groups of people between our drinking destinations. In both situations, my mission was to make sure that everyone was having a blast, but under control as well.

Where in the World the Job Exists

This job exists in large cities, or in vacation destinations which attract a young, party-oriented crowd. Bar crawls are either part of a hostel’s nightlife itinerary, or can be run by separate bar crawl companies.

How to Get a Job Working as a Bar Crawl Leader

 In order to get this job, you must demonstrate that you are a social, energetic and fun-loving individual, to an extreme level. You need to be an outgoing and entertaining host to perfect strangers on a nightly or weekly basis.

This can be very exhausting, and people can burnt out very quickly if they don’t have the necessary stamina or time management. Even though this is a fun job, you must prove that your enthusiasm will keep you on top of your game, even in the wee hours of the morning.

Since personality is key, I suggest that you showcase your personality through meeting the employers in person, so that they can get an idea of who you are in the most effective way possible.

It is possible to do some research online, and seek out established bar crawl companies. Some places are pretty legitimate, with Skype interviews and training programs! If you want something more for the income rather than the fun experience, these types of companies might be worth checking out.

When I was in Buenos Aires- and in desperate need of a job- I was about to settle down into a position with a proper bar crawl company. I would’ve had a set schedule and been one of 10 or so staff members with my own nights and routes. I would get commission on top of my wage, and of course free drinks!

Luckily for my liver and my brain, I ultimately decided to decline the job.

If you are in a new city and go on a bar crawl as a guest, you will also have a greater chance of finding a job. You will be able to get to know the staff and the route of the bar crawl, and if you network correctly, you might be able to get your foot in the door!

(source)

Even if you’d like to work as a leader in other cities, experience as a bar crawl guest is important, so that you have firsthand experience in understanding what a bar crawl is all about.

If you want to be a bar crawl leader with a hostel, then you will probably have to secure a position at the hostel before you do anything. Once you’re a staff member, you can almost certainly help out with the nightly parties and activities, and depending on the place, have the sole responsibility of taking care of the bar crawls. You just have to look around, each place is different.

Availability & Pay for a Bar Crawl Leader

Availability will depend on the location. Some large cities will have bar crawls year-round, while seasonal locations will likely only have bar crawls during the busy months.

Salary as a bar crawl leader is also variable. If you are working with a company, you will most likely get a wage and commission depending on the number of tickets you sell. A big perk to the job is that you will probably have open bar at every stop on the pub crawl.

If you are a bar crawl leader with a hostel, you might not get payment in the form of money at all, but I think that there is definitely value in free drinks and fun times!

Payment will also depend on location. If you are in a city in Latin America vs. a city in the US or Europe for example, you can expect that your pay would be lower in countries with lower wages.

WATCH NEXT: Ana’s Tips on Working as a Bar Crawl Leader

 

Read More

Travel Jobs Around the World: Working in a Hostel

10 Easy Ways to Save Money to Travel the World

How to Travel the World for Free

Why All Women Should Travel Solo

10 Ways to Travel the World and Get Paid

Shop fun travel essentials!

Travel Jobs Around the World: Bar Crawl Leader is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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I’m Going to Africa + A 6-Day Luxury Safari Giveaway!

By the end of the year, I’ll have traveled to 50 countries, yet I’ve never traveled to the continent of Africa. I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I’ll be traveling to two destinations in Africa in 2016 in partnership with KLM! Here’s the part I’m even more excited about- you get to decide where I go.

… but more on that in another post!

Now, for the part I’m MOST excited about, YOU have the chance to win an incredible 6 day, luxury safari for two in Tanzania including 2 roundtrip airline tickets (US residents only).

• Pack Your Bags Sweepstakes

Has Africa been on your travel bucket list?

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is giving away a six-day, five-night luxury safari in the Serengeti for two!

2 round-trip airfare tickets from the U.S. to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is included and accommodations are provided courtesy of KLM and Asilia Africa. Don’t miss your chance to win the trip of your dreams!

Before we talk about about how to enter, here are some of KLM’s top destinations in Africa!

• KLM’s Top African Destinations

(source)

Cape Town

Cape Town is an amazing city at the foot of Table Mountain, with something for every kind of traveler. From the nearby mountains, stunning nature parks and picturesque vineyards to the beautiful coastline with beaches like Camps Bay.

(source)

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a vibrant South African city in the heart of South Africa, with an extensive history, exciting nightlife and museum scene.

Besides the attractions of the city, just outside of Johannesburg , you can visit the Zoo, Lion Park, or on take a multi-day safari in the impressive Kruger Park.

(source)

Daar el Salaam

Dar es Salaam is a bustling port city in East Africa with beautiful sights like its picturesque harbor, Kariakoo Market, or nearby Bongoyo Island. Because it is a coastal city, you can find awesome places to snorkel among exotic fish or eat the freshest catch of the day.

There is a unique mix of architectural and cultural roots coming from German, Indian, British, and Swahili influences!

(source)

Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world! This destination is perfect for adventure travelers, and home to tropical forests, national parks, volcanoes and glaciers.

Kilimanjaro is perfect for an adventurous safari and the perfect starting point for your bucket list trip of East Africa.

(source)

Nairobi

Nairobi is the safari capital of the world and has the most stunning landscapes and abundance of wildlife for you to experience. You can find lions, elephants and zebras in close by Nairobi National Park and witness the city skyline of Nairobi in the distance.

Nairobi is also the ideal destination for a city trip and the perfect starting point for a longer trip in and around Kenya.

• How To Enter

1. Visit KLM Pack Your Bags Sweepstakes site

2.  Choose two of your favorite items to pack into your suitcase

3. KLM will show you an African vacation that suits your taste based on the items you’ve selected

4. Last step! Fill out the entry form to be entered into the sweepstakes

Entry is open to US Residents only (sorry international readers!)

Sweepstake Ends November 17, 2015

– GOOD LUCK! –

 

This sweepstakes was put together in partnership with KLM Airlines. As always, the content & opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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Why Your First Solo Trip Should Be to Iceland

Iceland is one of the easiest places to travel for the solo female wanderer, and has been one of my favorite destinations since I visited last year.

With a population of just 300,000 people, it seems like everyone knows each other. Reykjavik has a small-town vibe, it’s practically crime-free (just take a look at the Reykjavik police Instagram account!) And, there are amazing attractions like the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and winter activities!

This is why I think your first solo trip should be to Iceland!

• English is Everywhere •

The country has embraced a rapidly growing tourism boom and most Icelanders speak near-perfect English. You may encounter a few people in the rural areas that don’t, but for the most part, it’s easy to get around.

• Crime is Low •

It’s incredibly rare to encounter crime in Iceland. You don’t have to worry about getting pickpocketed or cheated by a taxi driver. The most unrest you might experience is groups of people gathering downtown near the Parliament on Austurvollur Square in protest against a government policy.

• Harassment is Rare •

The only time you may witness a bit of rowdiness is during the weekend in Reykjavik when people drink a lot and are in the party spirit. Men may hit on you in bars but it’s usually easy to decline their offer.

If the bars and nightlife isn’t your scene, it’s easily avoidable!

• You Can Travel Solo •

It’s extremely easy to travel on your own. You can go in to any one of the booking centers on the main street Laugavegur and sign up for a glacier hike or horseback ride.

You can rent a car and drive out to the wild countryside within a few minutes—though do be sure to take a map and GPS, as rural Iceland can be quite rugged.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle

•  It’s a Quick Getaway •

The country is just a 5-hour plane ride from the east coast. You can easily head over on Thursday afternoon, explore Reykjavik and do a day trip, and head back late Sunday. And the free Icelandair stopover can easily be built in a longer trip to Europe.

READ NEXT: How to Make the Most of an Iceland Stopover

• It’s Easy on the Budget •

Yes, Iceland is expensive. But it’s possible to manage your budget while you’re there. Stay in a hostel, buy local food from the grocery, avoid restaurants, go with some friends to split costs of rooms or gas. But don’t forget to splurge once in a while—you’re on vacation after all.

• You’ll Meet Awesome People •

Traveling solo is one of the best ways to meet people—locals and fellow travelers alike. Reykjavik has plenty of bars where you can socialize and play trivia night with newly made friends.

Plus there’s always a common ground—the natural wonder that is Iceland—that brings like-minded travelers to Iceland and together.

• It’s a Great Place for an Adventure •

Iceland is a haven for outdoorsy types. Mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, mud pots, fjords, sea cliffs—the land is stunning and at times looks like it came right out of a storybook.

Live a little and dare something you’ve never done before. Hike into an ice cave, go scuba diving in the silfra fissure, enjoy the thermal lagoons.

With day trips galore, it’s simple and stress-free to go exploring.

READ NEXT: Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing in Iceland

•  It’s a Great Place to Unwind •

Reykjavik has awesome places to splurge and treat yourself. Book a spa day at the Blue Lagoon, or take yourself out for a candlelight dinner in one of the amazing downtown restaurants.

Join fellow horse-lovers and ride out on the distinctive Icelandic horse through lava fields. Buy a handmade wool dress at a women’s coop. Hop on a helicopter ride above dramatic glaciers and emerald-green fjords. Whatever catches your fancy, treat yourself.

READ NEXT: Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

READ NEXT: What to Pack for a Week in Iceland

 

More Articles on Iceland Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle

10 Reasons to Go to Iceland

A Luxurious Stay at the Ion Hotel in Iceland

Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing in Iceland

Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure in Iceland

Renting an Apartment in Reykjavik with FlipKey

Iceland travel essentials!

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Why Travel is the Best Cure for a Broken Heart

Breakups—we’ve all been there- a time of distress, anxiety, misery, maybe nostalgic tears over a bowl of ice cream. I’m all for mourning a relationship, whether it’s a mutual split or a heartache, but there comes a time when you are ready to move on.

One of the best ways to get out there again is to take a trip—anywhere—to clear your mind, restore your self-confidence, get out into the world, and use your newfound independence as a chance to grow.

Here’s why I think travel is the best cure for a broken heart!

– It’s a Distraction –

Instead of wallowing in self-pity and obsessive thoughts about what might have been, hit the road.

Travel is a sure catharsis, as it removes you from familiar surroundings, from the apartment you shared and from all the friends you had in common. The risk to bump into an ex at your favorite watering hole is reduced to zero. Distance creates a space in which you can begin to refocus.

By traveling, you’re thrust into the unfamiliar, and out of your comfort zone. It’s liberating to be in a place where no one knows your name and are able to give yourself a break and get out of your head for a bit.

Immerse yourself in foreign sights and smells, and let yourself roam free!

– Meet New People –

Another great distraction is meeting new people, and as a solo traveler it’s fairly easy to meet others like yourself.

Strike up a conversation in a hostel and see what friendships may result, pay attention to the people around you, or sit at a cafe and watch strangers go by. You may even find friends that can accompany you on your travels, or keep in touch with!

– Restores Balance –

When you’re in a relationship it’s easy to forget that you are your own person. When you travel, you’re forced to rely completely on yourself.

Use this trip to reaffirm your own independence and boost your self-confidence. Write in a journal. Trust your own intuition and instincts to get from place to place and keep yourself out of trouble.

The adventure is all yours.

– Learn a New Skill –

You can also take this chance to learn something new on your travels.

Want to try your hand at photography? Start by taking pictures of the huge world. Took Spanish in college? Try out what you remember in a local restaurant. Start doing yoga. Volunteer while you’re abroad. The limit is only your imagination.

– Be in the Present –

Travel teaches you, first and foremost, to be in the present moment. Thrust into the unfamiliar, your senses become clearer—you see more, you hear more at home.

Listen to the world around and listen to your body. Feel the discomfort of a cold shower. Feel relaxed on a Mediterranean beach. Relax. Let go.

– Keeps You Moving Forward –

Why stay at home when you can opt for a spontaneous trip? Take a leap of faith and have an adventure.

Remember: this time is for you.

Do what feels good, every day. The memories you make of your trip will stay with you always and remind you who you are and what you can do, just by yourself.

READ NEXT: Why All Women Should Travel Solo

 

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Why Travel is the Best Cure for a Broken Heart is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Tequila Sunrise Travel Nails

I just returned from a getaway in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico, and wanted to try out a travel nails style that was inspired by the tropical destination and sunsets – of course!

For a bold sunrise spectrum, these colors work amazing together!

If you’re looking for some tropical nail inspiration, definitely try this style out. It’s perfect for a beach retreat, and some fun in the sun. As you can see, I used five different colors for the look, and I’ve listed them below!

ZOYA has also released a Naked Manicure line with a collection of perfectors to fix any imperfections your nails may have! I love the tip perfector because I always chipped my polish so easily before.

Zoya Nail Polish the longest wearing, natural nail polish available. They are toluene, formaldehyde, DBP and Camphor Free.

Shop Polish for Tequila Inspired-Inspired Travel Nails

PIPPA

ARIZONA

PAZ

KARA

MAYA

TIP PERFECTOR

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