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Who produces the most durable travel clothing out there? If you ask me in the mid-2020s, that would undoubtedly be Craghoppers, a brand well-known in the UK that temporarily vanished from the USA market. Some have labeled them as “the European ExOfficio,” which used to signify the impressive performance and durability of their apparel. Now that ExOfficio has shifted focus to just being an underwear brand, I’m delighted that Craghoppers USA is thriving. I’ve been singing their praises for over 15 years and am happy to continue doing so.

There are numerous travel gear brands I’ve featured on the Cheapest Destinations Blog, products that have proven reliable through challenging adventures and frequent trips, but some are more about style than sustainability or long-term usability. Craghoppers tells a different tale; their adventure travel clothing is made for serious adventurers, with garments that will not fail you after weeks in the wilderness or mountains.

When I began reviewing their clothing at Practical Travel Gear, before selling that site, there wasn’t a wide selection in terms of colors or styles. I didn’t mind much because their Nosilife Adventure shirt was the toughest piece I owned, and I had a couple of pants to go with it. To illustrate how they stand out, many of their buttons are attached using strips of fabric that won’t break, fray, or unravel — not just thread.

Over time, they adopted a more fashionable approach and embraced the “trail to pub” styles. Nowadays, they seem to be leaning partially back towards their origins, no longer attempting to cater to everyone. They rightly deserve recognition as the brand for dedicated adventurers who prioritize functionality over looking good for Instagram while hiking. Thus, they have committed to creating travel clothing that withstands various challenges rather than striving to be as trendy as prAna, Anatomie, or Lulu Lemon.

If you want to explore their entire range, follow this link to the official USA website and browse for a bit. That link may also offer a discount based on your referral.

I will share some recent and older photos of myself and my wife Donna wearing Craghoppers apparel, in warm California recently and in colder destinations last decade. While their styles have evolved over time, it’s also June as I write this, so I aim to highlight another significant benefit they offer: Insect Shield clothing.

Insect Shield Clothing From Craghoppers to Deter the Bugs

I find it quite ironic that the places plagued with harsh cold and snow for most of the year transform into mosquito havens as soon as it warms up. From Maine to Michigan, Minnesota to Alaska, the joy of summer is often overshadowed by the annoyance of bug bites. On top of that, we must consider ticks and Lyme Disease in North America, alongside Dengue Fever, Zika, and Malaria if you venture to tropical regions.

If you prefer to return from your vacation with only souvenir gifts rather than itchy bites, it’s crucial to take precautions and protect yourself. Apply DEET, light mosquito coils, use potent medications, or simply dress more completely. This last option tends to offer the fewest side effects, so it’s wise to cover your ankles and arms at dusk, preferably with treated clothing that can ward off the bugs.

There’s a chemical known as Permethrin that is incorporated into some garments. It is scentless and can endure up to 70 washes, far exceeding what most people would subject a shirt or pair of pants to. The decline of ExOfficio travel clothing reduced the options available with Insect Shield, but fortunately, there are still ample treated items to choose from with Craghoppers.

I always feel a surge of confidence, perhaps even a superhero level, when I wear socks, long pants, and a shirt featuring Insect Shield. I’m not suggesting I could forgo bug spray altogether on camping trips with these items packed, but they do provide a significant extra layer of protection.

During my latest trips, I have been wearing an Insect Shield Nosilife Adventure II short-sleeve shirt, a treated Outback Hat, some Adventure Life III pants, and Insect Shield socks, which has greatly reduced my itchiness in the USA and Canada. As I prepare for a longer journey to Southeast Asia next year, there will be even more reasons to include these items in my pack since the risks are higher than just a few annoying itches.

Additionally, I will be bringing the long-sleeve Adventure II shirt that’s also treated and offers sun protection, a vented back, ample pockets, roll-up sleeves, and

Walking the renowned Camino de Santiago in Spain doesn’t necessarily mean emptying your wallet. For budget-minded explorers, the Camino offers a distinctive chance to traverse Europe on foot without substantial costs. With some preparation and insider knowledge, it’s completely feasible to undertake the journey affordably while still experiencing the camaraderie and life-changing adventure.

Spain isn’t included in my book The World’s Cheapest Destinations, yet it remains one of the best bargains in Europe, particularly when purchasing food and wine from shops. Thus, traversing the countryside for days will not deplete your funds.

This guide outlines practical strategies to economize on the Camino and undertake a budget pilgrimage, featuring insights from individuals I know who have completed it. If you can manage between €35 and €100 daily, you’re all set to embrace the challenge (provided your feet agree).

Why Trek the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage trail that stretches across parts of France and much of northern Spain, culminating at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James are said to be buried. Pilgrims have been following this path for over a millennium, and today, it attracts travelers globally. In recent decades, it has evolved from a little-known walking trail for informed travelers to one of the most sought-after long-distance hikes worldwide.

The terrain along the Camino is as varied as the individuals who traverse it, featuring rolling vineyards and medieval villages to verdant forests and rugged shorelines. The weather can fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year and location. Typically, spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) provide the most pleasant conditions, recognized for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summers can be intensely hot, particularly in inland regions, while winters bring chillier conditions and limited options.

While hiking the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage is the primary focus, but the experience includes so much more. Pilgrims frequently visit historic churches and monasteries and take moments for introspection or spiritual practices. Many other hikers, however, may not be religious and have various motivations for walking from village to village. Some seek an active challenge, others yearn for a chance to disconnect, and many aim to prove their capability to meet the challenge. The Camino offers a unique combination of physical exertion, cultural engagement, and personal development. Plus, you get to enjoy local dishes, interact with fellow travelers, and appreciate the sights and scenery.

This is not a stroll in the park, though. Even the shortest “sample route” that qualifies is 122 kilometers, or 76 miles, which requires several days to walk. The most famous full route starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France and covers approximately two-thirds of northern Spain. It extends about 780 kilometers, or 500 miles. Calculate that distance from your current location to get an idea of how far you’ll be walking: it’s akin to a significant road trip.

Low-Cost Camino Tips: Spend Less, Walk More

Hiking the Camino de Santiago on a budget is entirely doable with a few clever, money-saving tactics that many experienced pilgrims recommend. First, choose public albergues (hostels), which provide the most budget-friendly lodging—often for under €10 a night. Most also have kitchens, enabling you to whip up simple meals, ideally shared with fellow pilgrims, for both cost-effectiveness and community.

Barcelona expat Marina Villatora of Travel Experta suggests utilizing Spain’s reasonably priced grocery stores. “For me, the greatest money-saver on the Camino was shopping at the supermarkets that every town has, no matter how small. They offer fantastic pre-made salads, or you can create delicious sandwiches with fresh baguettes and exquisite cheeses. It’s much cheaper and healthier than dining out daily. The main thing to remember is that on Sundays, everything is closed, so if you need to buy food, and it’s Saturday, stock up for the next couple of days.”

Also, take advantage of the “Menú del Peregrino” (Pilgrim’s Menu) provided at many restaurants during lunch hours. Stacey Wittig, author of five Camino guidebooks, is celebrating her 20th year of walking pilgrimage paths in Spain, France, and Italy this year. “Before dinner, wander through the old town and check out the “Pilgrim Menus” displayed on sidewalk chalkboards or in bar windows,” she advises. “Most offer 2–3 options for a starter, a main dish, dessert, and wine—all for 10 to 20 euros. Select the menu featuring something you’ve never attempted before. This way, you’ll keep your meals diverse—and avoid feeling like you’re consuming the same thing constantly.”

Packing Right for Weeks of Walking

Packing minimally is another crucial way to save both money and energy. Bring only a few clothing changes and wash them by hand every few days. They

**Nations Utilizing the US Dollar as Currency:**

1. **Ecuador** – Adopted the US dollar in 2000 to enhance its economic stability.
2. **El Salvador** – Adopted the US dollar in 2001, mainly due to the impact of remittances.
3. **Panama** – Utilizes the US dollar together with its own currency.
4. **Zimbabwe** – Employed the US dollar during times of hyperinflation.
5. **Palau** – Employs the US dollar.
6. **Timor-Leste** – Employs the US dollar.
7. **US Territories** – Comprises Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Saipan, and the Marshall Islands.

**Nations with Currencies Linked to the US Dollar:**

1. **Belize** – Belize dollar is linked at 2 to 1 US dollar.
2. **Caribbean Islands** – Includes Bahamas (1 to 1), Bermuda, Curacao, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius, Saint Maarten, Aruba, Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago.
3. **Cuba** – Cuban peso linked at 25 to 1 US dollar.
4. **Hong Kong** – Hong Kong dollar linked between 7.75 to 7.85 to 1 US dollar.
5. **Middle East** – Includes Bahrain (0.376), Oman (0.385), Qatar (3.64), UAE (3.67), Saudi Arabia (3.75), Jordan (0.71).
6. **Africa** – Djibouti and Eritrea link their currencies to the US dollar.
7. **Costa Rica** – Currency traditionally linked between 500 to 530 to 1 US dollar.
8. **Cambodia** – US dollar widely utilized alongside the local currency.

These nations offer stable exchange rates for travelers utilizing US dollars, providing a safeguard against currency market volatility.

There’s a well-known adage that the optimal time to plant a tree was two decades ago, and the present stands as the second-best opportunity. When it pertains to embracing the lifestyle of a digital nomad, don’t allow yourself to be deceived into believing that you’ve missed the chance simply because someone who ventured out earlier claims so. We are currently experiencing a prime era for digital nomading and remote work. This is an exceptional period to be a location-independent professional.

There’s an intriguing trend that affects many long-term explorers, digital nomads, and expats. Regardless of their age, they yearn for “the good old days” and wish to close the door behind them, preventing any newcomers from “ruining” the spots they feel they’ve uncovered. The irony lies in the fact that those who arrived a decade prior would have eagerly barred the later arrivals if afforded the option, thus it’s all about when you entered the timeline.

It’s a frequent complaint on forums that “Now that place is ruined” or “It used to be way better.” I’ve encountered locals in my city, Guanajuato, Mexico, tell me, “You shouldn’t publish any articles about this place. We don’t want more people coming here!” As if it should solely remain their private sanctuary, frozen in time with just the few hundred foreign residents already living here throughout the year.

I am aware that overtourism is a genuine concern and gentrification can disturb the local real estate market. Both can push long-standing residents out of the market and are legitimate issues. It’s effortless for a journalist to highlight stories that resonate emotionally and to attribute displacement to foreigners. The xenophobia card isn’t exclusively for furious orange dictators; it’s always simpler to blame “the others who aren’t like us.”

However, addressing these civic challenges usually necessitates more careful and long-lasting solutions than erecting a fence (whether physical or virtual) or attempting to exclude travelers and immigrants. For each displaced resident, there are countless local individuals making a living thanks to all the outsiders.

I bring this up due to a recent article from bloggers Brent and Michael of Going Places that has been circulated through the Yahoo Creators Program. It’s circulating among those who prefer to look back rather than forward, and the self-satisfied veteran nomads who assert that things are ruined now. It serves as excellent material for habitual complainers who wish everyone else would just go elsewhere instead of disrupting their own personal paradise.

With the sensational title “The golden age of digital nomading is over: it was great while it lasted,” their article falls into the pitfall that many trend pieces do by offering plenty of anecdotes but lacking actual facts. There’s a deficiency in the journalistic rigor that would have lent credence to their arguments, resulting in a poorly supported opinion piece. I found myself saying, “Really, are you serious?” while reading it and felt compelled to write this rebuttal.

I bear no grudge against these individuals personally; they provide valuable guidance on their blog and I wish we could have connected when they visited my town recently. I’ve even referred to their well-rounded article on gentrification in San Miguel de Allende in my Nomadico newsletter on Substack. That piece was more balanced, featuring quotes from residents and business owners of diverse backgrounds.

But as someone who has enjoyed a location-independent lifestyle for 20 years, I have numerous concerns with this article. So here’s why this is the most favorable time ever to be a digital nomad. If you’re preparing to embark on your journey, don’t let the skeptics dissuade you.

Being a Digital Nomad Isn’t New, but Now It’s Recognized

They assert in the introduction that they had never even encountered the term “digital nomad” until they set off in 2017. Well, sorry guys, but it was prevalent on social media well before that and was even appearing in mainstream media. I’ll refer to the excellent historical overview shared by James Clark on Nomadic Notes. One might argue that the trend began in the 1990s and has certainly gained momentum since 2007 with the release of the iPhone and The 4-Hour Workweek. By that time, there were already numerous travel blogs with “nomad” in their titles, and the phrase “digital nomad” started to appear in various articles.

Coworking spaces emerged in 2008, around the same time the remote work movement gained recognition in The Economist, The Times of London, and other traditional publications. That year, Airbnb was established under a longer name, obtaining the domain we currently use in 2009. In that same year, the technology company Dell used “digital nomad” in a white paper, The Washington Post featured it in an article, a /digitalnomad Reddit discussion began, and the TBEX travel bloggers conference was launched.

Sometimes when I’m interviewed about experiencing life abroad, I get pressed for details with the query, “How can your costs decrease by half by relocating overseas?” Which expenses decrease so significantly that you can manage on $2,000 a month instead of $4,000? Or enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a single social security check instead of just getting by with two checks?

The responses all derive from this singular truth: living expenses can fall by half or more upon moving to another nation.

I notice this contrast daily as an expat in Mexico, as do the 80+ individuals I interviewed for the second edition of A Better Life for Half the Price. Here’s a detailed look for both expats and digital nomads.

Non-Americans may not enjoy the same healthcare savings as Americans who are stuck in an overpriced, malfunctioning for-profit system. Otherwise, anticipate comparable savings for anyone transitioning from a highly developed nation to a less affluent one. Remember to make similar housing comparisons: from San Francisco to Buenos Aires or rural England to rural Portugal. You can’t always expect a 50% reduction if you’re moving from a small Nebraska town, living with your parents, to a penthouse in Bangkok, for example.

However, many aspects of your life will decrease by half or more, making it relatively easy to cut your costs by that amount. A change of address or a flight for a trial run will lead to half as much money slipping through your fingers. Here are the primary reasons.

Where Housing Costs Decrease by Half (or More)

It’s quite challenging to locate something decent in a sought-after neighborhood for under $2,000 a month in a major US city or the primary cities of Western Europe, particularly if you require two or more bedrooms. We had difficulty finding anything appealing for below $2,200 in mid-sized Tampa to be in the right school district in a central area, and that was years ago. In NYC, Tokyo, or London, you might find yourself facing $4,000 a month just for rent or a mortgage. And it could be a studio.

Zillow reports that the average rental price in the USA as of 2025 is $2,100 a month. It exceeds $2,500 in Massachusetts, New York, Hawaii, California, and DC. None average below $1,000, and the lowest are red states needing to entice residents, like Oklahoma and North Dakota.

In the area of Mexico where I’ve been living since 2018, you can secure a lovely two-bedroom house or apartment within walking distance to the center for $600 or less and right in the center for $800 or less. If you pay what’s average to live in a city comparable in size in the USA or Canada, you’d be in a very pleasant location. Moreover, your utility bills would be a fraction of what you currently pay, including high-speed internet.

Here’s what some individuals I interviewed for A Better Life for Half the Price reported paying:

– Keith & Tina Paul in Cuenca, Ecuador: $735 a month for a large, newly constructed 2BR apartment in a prime location
– Kris & Joel in David, Panama: $385 per month for a 2BR house in a neighborhood they cherish
– Ryan Shauers in Medellin, Colombia: $400 for a 1BR apartment, inclusive of utilities
– Ron MacDonald in Buenos Aires: $650 per month for a 2BR apartment featuring an outdoor barbeque terrace
– Jon Sterling in Tbilisi, Georgia: $400 for a furnished 1BR apartment in a prime location
– James Leithart in Pogradec, Albania: $90 for a one-bedroom apartment in a convenient area
– Richard Sterling in Battambang, Cambodia: $140 per month for a furnished 1BR apartment
– Mariellen Ward in Rishikesh, India: $350 per month for 1,200 square feet, with 2 bedrooms
– Helen Davies in Penang, Malaysia: $625 per month for 1,600 square feet, with 3 bedrooms, on the 15th floor of a high-rise that features a pool and gym
– Cory Varga residing in Hungary: $800 a month for a 2BR apartment near the Opera House in Budapest’s center.

Some individuals mentioned they are at the higher end of the market, like Keith and Tina in Cuenca (where you can find a 1BR for around $450 quite easily) and Cory in Budapest shared they were being selective. One interviewee residing in Buenos Aires was paying $1,200 a month; however, she described it as a “luxurious, impressive apartment in the most costly district of the city.”

Labor

Years prior to my transition to being a location-independent worker, a service emerged that transformed the capability to work from anywhere globally using a laptop. Nowadays, people tend to overlook how revolutionary it was, but Skype significantly altered the communication landscape. However, the service is now defunct, another victim of a corporate acquisition: in May 2025, it was merged into the cumbersome paid platform Microsoft Teams. So, what Skype substitutes are available for making free or inexpensive international calls these days?

Regrettably, there’s a gap in the market and surprisingly, no one has truly emerged as a viable Skype substitute that can effortlessly substitute that 22-year-old innovation. This indicates to me that providing free voice-over-IP calls is not a very lucrative business model, which likely explains Microsoft’s decision to terminate it. If only a tiny fraction of users are paying for it to support the others, then you either need to clutter the app/website with advertisements or devise a method to consistently upsell users to another paid service.

It appears that it would have been wise for a company like T-Mobile to introduce a similar service and utilize it as a loss leader to attract customers away from Verizon or AT&T. Or for a corporation like Expedia or Booking to do likewise merely to enhance their customer email list for promoting travel deals. But hey, nobody consulted me.

Consequently, we are left with “almost” alternatives falling into three categories. None will fully replace Skype, but they can come close. Most individuals would prefer to use two of these in tandem if they’re remote workers, if only to have a backup for when one fails.

– Free video call platforms instead of voice, usually requiring scheduled appointments.
– Truly free international calling systems that typically function over Wi-Fi or your home cellular network.
– Paid VoIP services that have existed even longer than Skype, necessitating a monthly subscription or metered calls.

I personally subscribed to Skype for nearly two decades to obtain an additional US phone number and make international calls to businesses, so for me, there’s no significant shift to pay someone in scenario #3.

If you hold a business VoIP plan, you’ll benefit from features such as automated responses and multiple phone numbers, each providing unlimited calling. For $10 to $20 per month, you can have a system that operates like those used by Fortune 500 companies, just scaled down for fewer users.

Here are all the current options if you need to make international phone calls occasionally. Keep in mind that most eSIM plans are data-only—they do not include phone calls—so if you find yourself on the street or on a bus in the countryside needing to return an urgent call, you’ll require one of the paid options to connect, not the free ones (which was also the case with Skype).

We’re the Jetsons: Free Video Calls

Skype was exceptional because it was available on all your devices, had a browser version, and would automatically recharge your balance if your account hit zero during a call to a landline or mobile phone. On the completely free front, it was fantastic because you could call Skype to Skype on any device (if you had Wi-Fi or a cellular signal) and it wouldn’t cost anything. Many long-distance relationships thrived thanks to Skype.

Now, the contemporary equivalent of that is video calls. As internet bandwidth has improved for those not in extremely rural areas, almost anyone can initiate a video call for free, allowing two individuals or a group to see each other in real time. Utilizing Google Meet, Zoom, or other free services available, you can converse for 40 minutes to an hour at no cost, which is typically sufficient unless you’re conducting webinars or courses. If you need greater duration or large group options, you simply upgrade.

That usually necessitates a scheduled appointment, so what if you just want to return a call or contact your mother?

Free International Calls With Apps

If you’re in your home country with a standard cellular plan, returning a call or checking if your best friend can meet you for coffee is straightforward. In some carrier cases, being in a neighboring country is treated the same as being at home. Just place a regular phone call and it won’t incur any costs.

Your landline is likely VoIP now if included in your internet package, and sometimes they’ll cover calls to Canada, the USA, and Mexico at least.

Otherwise, you’ll need an app on your phone or laptop that the other person also has, where phone calls are an option, and you need to be connected to a free signal. Therefore, these app options only function on your standard cellular network or a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Not outside in a foreign country without a local voice plan.

This option is probably already available on your smartphone, whether you utilize it or not. The choices include Whats

**The Lasting Allure of Lifetime Guarantees in Travel Gear**

Recently, in the Nomadico newsletter, I shared that I was finally letting go of a pair of Darn Tough Vermont socks after 15 years of usage. Readers brought up the company’s lifetime warranty. Although I was aware of it, my current travels outside the USA made returning them unfeasible. Nonetheless, the durability of these socks highlights the value of products that come with lifetime guarantees.

In my earlier article regarding travel gear that endures over time, I underscored the significance of companies that provide lifetime warranties. Such guarantees often reflect a dedication to quality. In contrast, limited warranties imply a lack of confidence in product durability.

Some companies worry about warranty misuse, but top travel gear brands experience low return rates, around 1% for Osprey and Eagle Creek. As a frequent traveler since the early 1990s, I’ve learned to value quality, depending on brands that reliably perform.

**Travel Apparel and Outdoor Adventure Clothing**

Among travel apparel brands, few uphold lifetime guarantees. LL Bean and Eddie Bauer have phased theirs out, making the remaining brands worthy of support. However, realistic expectations are essential; excessive damage is not covered.

**Craghoppers**: This UK brand, recognized for its robust travel clothing, offers a lifetime guarantee. My Craghoppers gear from a decade ago still functions remarkably.

**Darn Tough Vermont**: Renowned for socks backed by a lifetime guarantee, my initial pair endured many hikes across different continents.

**Orvis**: Founded in the 1850s, Orvis assures customer satisfaction, although not explicitly a lifetime guarantee.

**Patagonia**: Their “Ironclad Guarantee” includes most repairs, inviting customers to use and fix their gear.

**Honorable Mentions**: Brands like Tilley Hats, The North Face, and Duluth Trading Company provide limited guarantees, frequently requiring proof of defect.

**Luggage and Backpacks With a Lifetime Warranty**

Reputable luggage brands extend significant guarantees, contrasting with their less expensive counterparts. These brands shine:

**Osprey Packs**: Recognized for their “All Mighty Guarantee,” Osprey provides dependable backpacks and luggage.

**Eagle Creek**: Their “No Matter What” guarantee has consistently ensured repairs or replacements.

**Briggs & Riley**: With a clear lifetime guarantee, their suitcases are made to endure.

**Saddleback Leather**: They offer a 100-year warranty, designing their products for longevity.

**Honorable Mentions**: Brands like Filson, JanSport, and Red Oxx present various lengths of lifetime guarantees, frequently with exclusions.

In summary, choosing brands with lifetime guarantees secures long-lasting travel gear. While some companies have limited warranties, the brands highlighted here deliver trustworthy options for avid travelers.

Why Are Some Flights Always Priced High While Others Are Discounted?

Certain flight paths maintain lower prices consistently due to elements such as the existence of low-cost airlines and varying degrees of competition. For instance, journeys from Tampa to Colombia frequently cost under $400 for a round trip, at times even cheaper than trips to nearer locations like Key West. This is partially because affordable carriers like Wingo and Spirit Airlines operate in these areas, helping to keep fares down.

Residing in a key city for a low-cost airline, such as Allegiant in Tampa, can also result in cheaper airfare to specific spots. Conversely, cities that are primarily served by a single carrier, like Charlotte or Salt Lake City, often experience elevated costs owing to reduced competition.

Grasping Inexpensive Flight Paths

1. **Low-Cost Airlines**: The availability of budget carriers on a specific path can greatly reduce fares. For instance, Spirit Airlines flying to Dallas from Florida maintains competitive pricing against American Airlines. In Europe, similar advantages are provided by RyanAir and EasyJet.

2. **Route Rivalry**: Strong competition on particular routes can drive down ticket prices. This is frequently observed on international flights. Keeping an eye on frequent flyer newsletters and booking platforms can assist in recognizing these chances.

3. **Destination Incentives**: Some locations subsidize air travel to lure tourists in, resulting in reduced rates. These promotions are typically short-lived, so it’s advisable to seize them promptly.

4. **Chartered Flights**: Charter flights can present affordable options, particularly to vacation spots. These deals are often packaged with hotel accommodations, making them a cost-effective choice for travelers.

Tips for Securing Inexpensive Flights

– **Track Low-Cost Airlines**: Visit your local airport’s site to determine which budget carriers serve it and examine the destinations they offer.
– **Watch for Competition**: Stay alert for sales and announcements of new routes that might signal rising competition.
– **Utilize Subsidies**: Take advantage of promotional fares for newly launched routes before they increase.
– **Look into Charter Flights**: Search for bundled offers that feature charter flights, especially to leisure destinations.

What to Consider If Airfare Is High

– **Use Loyalty Miles**: Redeem mileage for costly routes to save on costs.
– **Consider Nearby Airports**: Look into departing from or arriving at nearby airports to discover better rates.
– **Mix Flights**: Employ a combination of long-haul and budget airline tickets to reach your destination at a lower price.

By understanding the elements that affect flight pricing and allowing for flexibility in travel plans, you can uncover inexpensive flight paths and save on your journeys.

There’s a strong possibility that if you’ve traveled for any considerable duration, your skills in doing so have improved compared to earlier times. Each journey provides a chance to [improve your packing techniques](https://foxnomad.com/2012/04/17/save-8-or-more-space-in-your-backpack-by-letting-it-settle-overnight/), cut down on a few [minutes at the airport](https://foxnomad.com/2019/11/21/what-do-you-need-to-declare-at-the-airport/), and uncover the [finest airfare bargains](https://foxnomad.com/2013/11/26/framing-effect-screws-best-airfare-deals/). What you should aim to do is pinpoint some frequent blind spots in your travel approach that could hinder your progress.

These are [10 typical travel blunders to avoid](https://youtu.be/avBN5Lg6uvw?si=lc83kIqwq28kyZWr).

**1. Booking Too Early**

Buying [plane tickets at the very last minute](https://foxnomad.com/2023/11/15/the-worst-websites-to-book-flights-with/) involves certain risks (such as the chance of not securing a ticket) along with benefits ([landing a fantastic deal](https://foxnomad.com/2018/07/17/kayak-explore-lets-you-see-how-much-it-costs-to-fly-from-home-to-anywhere/)). Conversely, making reservations too early can also tie you to unnecessarily high prices for airfare.

**2. Avoiding AirBnb or Hotels**

In certain situations, one option may outweigh the other. Confined to *only* [hotels or vacation rentals](https://foxnomad.com/2019/03/21/when-airbnb-is-better-than-a-hotel-and-the-other-way-around/), you could miss out on amenities, deals, and a more authentic experience. Investigate both and determine which may suit you best for every journey.

**3. Getting From Airport To Accommodation**

Even those who dislike planning should have a clear understanding of how to reach your lodging from your arrival point *before* you land. You’re most susceptible to scams, overcharging, and wasting time with all your [luggage](https://foxnomad.com/category/travel/luggage/) as you wait to figure out how to secure a cab. [foXnoMad Podcast guest Laurie Woolever](https://youtu.be/_D06VVJ0i_A?si=dVntIOPH6KfXC3Bp)‘s book [World Travel: An Irreverent Guide](https://amzn.to/4mek4x2) contains information for many major cities globally.

**4. Excessive Packing**

Pack only the items and clothing you’ll need for a week. Anything more indicates that [you’ve packed too much stuff](https://foxnomad.com/2010/07/08/why-packing-for-2-weeks-is-no-different-than-packing-for-2-months/) that you won’t require or can simply obtain at your destination.

**5. Not Taking Advantage of Mileage Programs**

One flight is sufficient to justify [participating in a mileage program](https://foxnomad.com/2021/01/26/5-ways-to-use-frequent-flyer-miles-other-than-flying/). Here’s how to optimize their use, and since most program miles don’t expire, they can accumulate, even with infrequent flying.

For the remaining 5 travel blunders (some of my favorite choices on the list) [check out the video here](https://youtu.be/avBN5Lg6uvw?si=MVw9AmR3RujYg25m).

The term “expatriate” or the abbreviated “expat” can signify various meanings based on the individual it pertains to. Historically, prior to the digital age, most expatriates were either assigned overseas for employment or enjoying retirement. The rise of remote work and online entrepreneurs has significantly expanded the number of those residing outside their native country.

In many instances, these [individuals are digital nomads who can reside anywhere](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2020/10/21/location-independent-people-live-anywhere-they-want/), whereas in other situations, they are located where they are due to significant people in their lives, such as partners, spouses, or relatives. Some individuals oppose the term “expatriate,” believing that anyone living abroad should simply be termed an immigrant, arguing that the former carries a sense of elitism or privilege. However, I see them as not truly synonymous.

The distinctions lie in the elements of choice and duration. An expat is *electing* to reside overseas while typically maintaining connections to their home country. An immigrant, on the other hand, usually relocates due to circumstances compelling them to leave their homeland or in pursuit of better financial opportunities abroad. Immigrants commonly have no plans of returning.

Of course, both categories have exceptions, so a Venn Diagram would reveal considerable overlap. You could refer to me as an immigrant, as I likely will not return to the USA. Conversely, a Mexican working in Texas for a year to save money, with no commitment to stay permanently, would be classified as an expat.

Here are several expat categories that can significantly influence your eventual location and lifestyle. There are three primary considerations that contribute to [selecting a destination for relocating abroad](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2019/03/29/choosing-where-to-live-abroad/), but the priorities will vary based on individual circumstances.

### The Digital Nomad Expatriate

If you’re operating from a laptop and can travel with minimal baggage, you can embrace the [digital nomad lifestyle](http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/meet-the-new-digital-nomads) without being overly concerned about pesky visa restrictions or long-term accommodation. Assuming you don’t have children, you can consider a wide array of locations for your adventures.

As a digital nomad, you can reside for three months or more in numerous countries using just a tourist visa. Nowadays, many countries provide a digital nomad visa option allowing for temporary stays of a year or two.

One of the hosts of the Tropical MBA podcast estimated he could live anywhere globally for $2,500 a month or less if he excluded a few high-cost locations like New York, Tokyo, and Zurich. Based on my own experiences living in four countries, I would concur. In various nations, it could be achievable for less than half that amount. Simply secure an apartment (or a long-term hotel rental) with sufficient internet, [consume local cuisine](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2019/10/07/eat-local-drink-local-travel/) similar to locals, and shop at their grocery stores. When you reach the [tourist visa](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2016/05/25/where-can-you-live-more-than-3-months-on-a-tourist-visa/) duration allowed, just pack up and move on.

### The Expat Family Abroad

I have authored several articles and have been referenced in the media frequently regarding living abroad affordably as a family. We spent three years abroad in Mexico as a family before my daughter went off to college. (Currently, I fall into the “empty nester couple who is not yet retired” category.)

There are numerous families undertaking this journey across all continents, but it’s not always as straightforward for families as for individuals. Initially, consider your approach to education, particularly if your children are past elementary school, where educational requirements back home are less critical. Also, assess how you will navigate language options. (Full immersion? Enroll in an international school where classes are in English? Home schooling?) Then, refine your list of potential locations to those where you’ll feel both secure and intellectually engaged.

Some parents opt for home schooling their child(ren), which has become easier with the abundance of online resources available now. Others have created alternative education systems in their community if there are sufficient parents willing to collaborate.

Due to the considerations of education and social activities for the children, expat families face more limited options compared to retirees and significantly fewer than nomads, especially if they are not pursuing home schooling.