How to become a SCUBA diving instructor

Working from a beach paradise, daiquiri in hand, can make living abroad as a permanent beach bum seem easy. In reality, finding a way to create income from abroad can be tortuous. Travel sites post lists of the top 10 jobs that can make working from abroad a reality. While these jobs exist and are possible to get, sipping a cocktail on the beach everyday is not always part of the equation.

A year ago … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on How to become a SCUBA diving instructor  | October 28, 2015
Category: Working Abroad

Vagabonding Field Report: Hoi An, Vietnam

A stop in Hoi An should be at the top of everyone’s list when traveling through Vietnam. It’s halfway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, two major destinations in Vietnam, but has a quieter more laid back feel. Hoi An is famous for their tailors, food, and silk lanterns. Many come here to have a custom suit or dress made. Sitting on a river delta and a short ride to the beach, it’s surrounded … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Hoi An, Vietnam  | August 19, 2015
Category: Asia, Vagabonding Field Reports, Working Abroad

5 ways in which working travel is very different from the “gap year”

The other day a reader told me she had saved up for a gap-year of travel. She said that she hadn’t yet decided whether or not to do some remote contract work while traveling or not.

In my opinion, she was right to think decisively about the matter, because there are two very different types of travel she can experience. Traveling with a goal to work as you go is very different than taking a … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on 5 ways in which working travel is very different from the “gap year”  | November 6, 2014
Category: Backpacking, On The Road, Working Abroad

Finding a good working environment for travelers with online incomes- the travel-hacker way

It is hard to get work done in a hostel, if only for the flurry of social activity vying for one’s attention.

The number one reason that my husband and I really appreciate having status with a few of the major hotel chains is for one important detail: free wifi. We work online so honestly, we wouldn’t be able to travel without wifi.

Or some statuses come with free breakfast, lounge access, business center access, … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Finding a good working environment for travelers with online incomes- the travel-hacker way  | July 10, 2014
Category: Hostels/Hotels, Working Abroad

Introducing travelers to Europe’s riches

This summer I’ll be spending several weeks helping to guide travelers through Europe’s best sights. A dream job to be sure, but the stakes are high; the task of introducing people to the richness of Europe can be a heavy burden. Being in charge of a group’s travel safety and general exposure to the rich cultural treasures of any place is a daunting responsibility.

Curating a group’s travel experience is not for the faint of … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | May 18, 2014
Category: Europe, Notes from the collective travel mind, On The Road, Working Abroad

The next destination, part I

There is a common trait among us travelers regarding the seasons: With the onset of spring, thoughts turn to traveling. It’s in our DNA. This can pose a conundrum for us, since another trait of the inveterate traveler is difficulty with deciding where to go next with limited resources (and they are always limited).This can provoke a lot of angst and indecision for us. For the next few posts, I’ll be examining the different ways … Read more »

Location Independence: The intersection of work and travel

Location Independence is a concept that has exploded over the past few years. With the rapid expansion of the internet, all of a sudden, there are possibilities that didn’t exist, even a decade and a half ago. Travel has long sung her siren song in the hearts of many arm chair gypsies and now many of those … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (4)  | March 12, 2013
Category: Lifestyle Design, Vagabonding Life, Working Abroad

Motorbiking helps long term vagabonding city dwellers

After I read this article about motorbike travel in Indonesia, I started thinking of my own experiences: I switched the focus from great memories of incredible biking trips around Southeast Asia and India, and I considered my actual situation. I concluded that I could not lead the same comfortable life if it wasn’t for an old rattler of a motorbike I am driving around Penang Island since 2010.

To be honest, when I … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Motorbiking helps long term vagabonding city dwellers  | February 7, 2013
Category: Asia, Expat Life, Notes from the collective travel mind, Simplicity, Vagabonding Advice, Working Abroad

Realities of Travel Writing, part 2: Getting the Assignment

In this second installment of Realities of Travel Writing, I’m continuing on the topic of getting the assignment. It bears fleshing out, as you can’t board the plane until you land the gig. So, first thing’s first.

After you’ve come up with a great article idea and researched the websites, blogs, or magazines you want to pitch it to, there’s still a lot more to be done.

Firsts, is your idea in line with what … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Realities of Travel Writing, part 2: Getting the Assignment  | August 24, 2012
Category: General, Notes from the collective travel mind, Travel Writing, Working Abroad

Work-Stays: Making a buck abroad

As most travelers probably know, there’s more than one way to get yourself a great adventure far from home. Last week I wrote a bit about teaching ESL in a foreign country. This week, a bit about another great way to make a buck abroad: work-stays.

Lots of establishments—ranging from host farms (organic and non-organic), lodges, B&Bs, … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (4)  | May 25, 2012
Category: Vagabonding Advice, Working Abroad