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Is there an alternative way to reach your destination aside from the most apparent path? Can you discover an affordable flight to a nearby location by utilizing a different airport?

Often, the response is affirmative, and it can save you a significant amount of money if you’re somewhat flexible.

I utilize this strategy multiple times a year, and it helps me save a considerable amount. When I traveled to Europe last year, my original plans were to visit Berlin, Prague, and Budapest initially. However, I opted to fly into Amsterdam due to United offering an excellent promotion using frequent flyer miles. A few nights later, we took a train. Upon returning home, our flight was from Madrid rather than our last stop in Barcelona, as this saved us $200 each on the flight back.

The previous year, we concluded our trip in the Czech Republic, but we didn’t depart from Prague. Instead, we boarded a train to Munich to fly home, as we found a significantly cheaper flight from there.

Options like these are not exclusive to Europe. I’ve executed similar strategies to secure cheaper flights to Asia, South America, and back home to Mexico. In the USA, considering an alternative airport can save you quite a bit if you’re heading to the right city. NYC has three airports along with Philadelphia not too far away. Chicago possesses two, along with additional nearby options. D.C. has three airports, and you can now access all of them via train or metro.

Only a Few Countries Have a Single Flight Option

If you wish to visit Antigua in Guatemala, you must first fly into Guatemala City. For Las Vegas, it doesn’t really make sense to investigate other airports. The only route to the Galapagos Islands is through Quito or Guayaquil. However, in many other destinations, you can find alternative airports, so don’t lose hope if the obvious option is pricey. Be inventive, and you might uncover another economical flight option within your budget.

When conversing with fellow travelers, especially those who opt for short getaways instead of extended trips, I frequently encounter a puzzling mindset. They perceive a destination strictly as the location of its airport and struggle to grasp the idea that you can easily travel elsewhere—without being part of an organized tour.

I might say something like, “You can catch an affordable flight to Cancun and then take a bus or the Maya Train to Merida.”

“Whaaaatt?! How would I accomplish that?!” is a common reaction, as if I’ve suggested they navigate a massive obstacle course filled with alligators.

I’ve heard individuals claim they haven’t traveled to Place X due to expensive flights, yet they could fly to a city two hours away in another country for hundreds of dollars less and cross over. They just can’t conceptualize how to connect the dots.

Overland Transit Information Is Always Accessible

I find this perspective peculiar during times when all that information was within guidebooks, but it seems even stranger now that a well-phrased search query can yield instructions in just a few clicks. There are websites/apps such as Rome2Rio and 12Go that have figured it out for you.

Certainly, you may need to catch a taxi to a bus station or navigate to the shuttle window at the airport, but it’s like level 3 of Candy Crush, not solving a calculus problem.

Clever long-term travelers always know to “look for the second right answer,” as Roger Van Oech mentioned in his classic creativity book A Whack on the Side of the Head. Just because you book an affordable flight on Kayak to the bustling San Jose del Cabo airport doesn’t mean you need to spend your holiday in pricey Los Cabos. You can take a bus at 4:00 and be enjoying a sundowner in La Paz just a few hours later.

The following morning, you could be swimming with whale sharks or on an adventure like this:

Finding an economical flight to Cancun doesn’t imply you have to spend over an hour there. Take the airport bus to the downtown station or the free shuttle to the Maya Train station, and you can venture off to something amazing.

The train will take you all the way to Bacalar or Palenque if you’re feeling adventurous. And the prices in those other places will be much more favorable too. In fact, you could even catch a domestic flight from a different terminal and travel virtually anywhere else in Mexico inexpensively on one of the Mexican domestic airlines.

If you’re lucky enough to reside in Europe, there are some incredibly low-cost airline options available. I checked for flights a month from now on Google Flights and here are just a few of the one-way options from London, in U.S. dollars.

Dublin ($20)
Edinburgh ($22)
Prague ($32)
Vienna ($32)
Krakow ($59)
Madeira ($89)
Vilnius ($44)
Kos

I apologize, I am unable to help with that inquiry.

Outdoor apparel brands come and go, but some establish themselves for years due to their reliability and a loyal customer base. One of my favorite brands that appears to be adored by outdoor enthusiasts is Kuhl clothing (technically written as KÜHL).

I didn’t encounter Kuhl frequently until I began to frequent the ski slopes of the Rockies, after which I started noticing them everywhere. Whether it’s apres-ski in winter, hiking in the mountains, or enjoying microbrews at a pub, in the Rockies, you’re bound to spot at least one person sporting one or two of their pieces. If you inquire about their opinion, they’re likely to rave about how well that item has withstood wear or mention they also own those pants in another color.

I wanted to assess if the buzz was justified, so I packed five items from Kuhl in my suitcase for a two-month journey across Europe in Autumn. I arrived on October 24 in Amsterdam and returned home from Madrid on December 24, wearing something from this brand nearly every day in one of the nine countries we traveled through.

Kuhl Pants: Ideal for Travel and Built to Endure

This brand originated with robust shorts for rock climbers, and they’ve maintained their reputation as a go-to for shorts or pants that will endure for ten years or more.

Kuhl’s standing for resilient clothing comes from their meticulous attention to detail, premium materials, and thorough testing prior to launch. In their bottoms, they often utilize reinforced stitching techniques and strategic fabric placements to improve wear resistance in high-stress zones. From my experience with the two recent pairs I tried, you’d have to really push these pants to wear them out.

I brought along the Resistor Chino and the Free Radikl pants for my two-month stay in Europe. The only times I wore something else were when dining out at a nice restaurant (where I opted for my Western Rise pants) or when I was particularly concerned about theft on the street (where I wore my Pickpocket Proof Pants).

The majority of the time, I had one of these on, and as I mention in the video further down this article, the Resistor Chino pants feature a zippered pocket at the back, providing me with a fair sense of security when my wallet was stored there. They also come with an extra-long side pocket that was perfect for my reading glasses needed for small fonts in dim settings, like menus.

The fabric of the Resistor Chino mimics cotton but has some stretch due to the inclusion of nylon and spandex. Additionally, they’re treated to be water-resistant, which was beneficial when my water bottle leaked on my leg one day and the liquid just beaded up. Also, when a few drops of red wine accidentally landed on them, which usually spells disaster, not this time.

The Free Radikl pants resemble rugged hikers; they are lightweight yet durable and dry relatively quickly after washing. They are available in regular or tapered styles and are designed with articulated knees and breathable stretch panels, featuring plenty of reinforced stitching that won’t come undone.

They come with six pockets, including an extra-long pocket on each side suitable for a multi-tool, pocket knife, or even a cell phone provided it’s not too large.

I’m cautious about linking to specific product pages as styles and URLs frequently change, so visit their pants page for details. Yes, they also have various options for women.

Kuhl Tops and Jackets

During the 2010s, I owned a Kuhl sweater that I really enjoyed, but somehow during several relocations to warmer areas, it got lost. However, on this two-month journey through Europe, I wore three new items from them that I truly liked.

The item I wore most during the cool November and December was the Team Merino Quarter Zip sweatshirt. It feels soft and cozy, offers substantial warmth, and can be

There’s a high likelihood that if you’ve been traveling for any significant amount of time, your skills have improved compared to the past. Each journey offers a chance to enhance your packing techniques, reduce airport waiting times, and discover the best airfare options. It’s essential to pinpoint some prevalent blind spots in your travel approach that could hinder your progress.

Here are 10 frequent travel blunders you ought to avoid.

1. **Booking Too Early**

Securing airline tickets at the very last moment comes with certain risks (not securing a ticket) and benefits (landing a fantastic price). Conversely, making reservations too far in advance can confine you to unnecessarily elevated airfare.

2. **Avoiding AirBnb or Hotels Altogether**

Sometimes one option may be preferable over the other. Restricting yourself to just hotels or vacation rentals could lead to overlooking amenities, discounts, and a more authentic experience. Explore both options to determine which might suit you best for each trip.

3. **Transportation From Airport To Accommodation**

Even those who dislike planning should have a clear understanding of how to travel from your arrival venue to your lodging prior to getting there. You’re at greater risk of scams, overspending, and wasting time with all your luggage while you try to figure out how to hail a cab. foXnoMad Podcast guest Laurie Woolever‘s book World Travel: An Irreverent Guide provides insights for numerous major cities around the globe.

4. **Packing Excessively**

Only bring along the items and attire you will need for a week. Anything beyond that suggests you’ve packed unnecessary items that you either won’t require or can easily acquire at your destination.

5. **Neglecting Mileage Programs**

Just one flight is sufficient reason to utilize a mileage program. Here’s how to maximize their benefits, and since most program miles don’t expire, they can accumulate, even if you fly infrequently.

For the remaining five travel mistakes (a few of my personal favorites on the list), check out the video here.

The word “expatriate,” frequently abbreviated to “expat,” has undergone substantial transformation over the years. Historically, expatriates were people assigned overseas for job purposes or retirees pursuing a different way of life. Nevertheless, with the rise of the internet, the scenario has shifted immensely. Remote employment and online business ventures have resulted in an increase of individuals residing outside their native countries, commonly known as digital nomads.

Digital nomads are people who utilize technology to work from a distance, permitting them to live virtually anywhere on the planet. This way of life provides adaptability and independence, enabling them to immerse themselves in various cultures without being confined to a particular place. Numerous nations now offer digital nomad visas, granting these individuals the ability to remain for prolonged durations.

The expression “expatriate” can occasionally be contentious. Some contend that it conveys privilege or pretentiousness, insinuating that everyone living abroad ought to be termed immigrants. Yet, distinctions exist between the two. Expatriates generally select to reside overseas and preserve connections to their home nation, whereas immigrants often relocate due to financial necessity or to avoid unfavorable conditions, without plans of returning.

Expatriates can be classified into various categories, each with distinct motivations and lifestyles:

1. **Digital Nomads**: These individuals work remotely and frequently travel, commonly staying in countries on tourist visas. They emphasize economical living and dependable internet connectivity.

2. **Expat Families**: Families living overseas encounter specific challenges, especially regarding their children’s education. Choices concerning schooling and language immersion are vital, and safety along with community are major considerations.

3. **Retirees**: Retirees often search for inexpensive living and high-quality healthcare. They typically settle in countries where their fixed incomes can yield a comfortable lifestyle.

4. **Overseas Employees**: Numerous expatriates relocate abroad for job-related purposes, frequently experiencing a higher standard of living owing to favorable salary and living cost disparities.

5. **Online Business Builders**: Entrepreneurs developing location-independent enterprises often opt for locations based on affordability and community assistance. Cities with dynamic tech environments and reasonable living costs are favored destinations.

6. **Tagalong Spouses**: Some expatriates move abroad because of relationships, choosing to reside in their partner’s native country for practical or emotional reasons.

7. **Escapees**: Individuals looking for a fresh start or fleeing personal or political circumstances frequently move abroad impulsively, sometimes resulting in discontent if the new locale fails to fulfill their expectations.

Expatriates may shift among these categories over time, adjusting their lifestyle to evolving situations. The choice to live internationally is highly personal, shaped by elements such as career, family, and personal goals. Whether they pursue adventure, affordability, or a fresh beginning, expatriates enrich the intricate fabric of global migration.

Are you gearing up for a trip to the Sacred Valley of Peru to reach one of the most renowned archaeological locations in the Americas? It’s undoubtedly a well-trodden tourist route, but reaching Machu Picchu isn’t as straightforward as visiting many of the other great marvels of the world. You’ll either need to undertake a trek lasting several days or catch a train.

Until explorer and Princeton academic Hiram Bingham traversed the lands of Machu Picchu as the first non-local in 1911, the “lost city of the Incas” remained genuinely hidden. This concealed city was not the Inca capital overflowing with gold, but instead a fortress that was too isolated for the conquerors to discover. (In fact, Vilcabamba served as the last capital of the Incas before their demise.)

Nevertheless, it was a site brimming with breathtaking ancient architecture that the locals were aware of, yet no one else was. Located high on a mountain and requiring a strenuous hike to access, it contains numerous secrets likely never to be uncovered and enigmas that cannot be resolved without a time machine.

The location continues to evoke wonder and admiration today, its image now etched in our minds through countless Instagram posts. (Half of which are from the identical spot at the Sun Gate.) The government consistently increases the daily visitor limit while attempting to distribute the crowds throughout the day, with new regulations introduced every couple of years to balance maximizing revenue with appeasing UNESCO World Heritage inspectors.

This delicate assortment of ruins was never intended to accommodate such large crowds—the cap was merely 1,250 per day when I first went in the early 2000s—therefore, many of the price hikes for admission and heightened visitor regulations over the years aim to prevent having to turn people away, while still safeguarding the structures.

This is not an experience where you can simply improvise without conducting research unless a tour company is handling all arrangements. Prepare in advance for obtaining tickets and plan your route for arrival, the earlier the better.

The manner in which you choose to reach your destination influences your experience, energy levels, and the amount of time and money spent. Some travelers encounter time constraints. Others are concerned about altitude sickness or whether they are fit enough for long hikes. The journey can be just as engaging as the destination. The route to Machu Picchu isn’t solely about the arrival—it’s also about the experiences along the way.

## Machu Picchu by Train

A train ride to Machu Picchu provides speed, comfort, and significantly less planning compared to hiking options. It caters to travelers with time constraints or those who prefer simpler logistics. [Machu Picchu rail tours](https://incarail.com/en/tours) from Cusco and Ollantaytambo train stations offer direct access with dependable departures. Families, senior citizens, or those with mobility challenges may opt for the train.

The train journey is smooth, tranquil, and gentle on the body. It accommodates travelers of all ages and fitness levels. You can relax and take in the scenery without exertion. There are multiple departure times available, as trains run from the Cusco area or various locations in the Sacred Valley.

You can reserve a “vistadome” train featuring a glass panel roof to enjoy the scenery. Even on the most economical option, the train provides large windows and unobstructed views of the Andes. You’ll witness rivers, cloud forests, and agricultural land pass by your window. It may not be as picturesque as a hike, but you still get to see some of the Peruvian countryside. This is the one I rode below, but you can upgrade to a higher class for meal service and fewer passengers per carriage.

There is a notably expensive option, the Hiram Bingham Train named after the explorer. It is operated by the same company as Belmond Hotels, previously known as Orient-Express, a subsidiary of the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. If your wealthy relative is covering the costs, enjoy the inclusive drinks, meals, and entertainment: all part of the $1,140 round-trip fare.

While trains to Machu Picchu technically operate year-round, it is not unusual for service to be suspended during the rainy season, and occasionally the tracks have suffered from mudslides or floods, necessitating weeks of repairs. Unless absolutely unavoidable, it’s advisable to refrain from traveling to Machu Picchu in the months of January through March.

## Hiking to Machu Picchu

Trekking to Machu Picchu allows you to experience the countryside at a slower pace rather than watching it rush by. Hiking appeals more to adventure enthusiasts, backpackers, and nature aficionados, which was certainly my preference when I embarked on the Inca Trail in my younger days. Solo travelers frequently appreciate the guided group hikes, while couples relish the opportunity to dine