Tag: Source: nomadicmatt.com

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When you’re on the move, maintaining connectivity is crucial. Whether it’s determining the optimal route to your lodging, locating a dining option, or translating a train timetable or menu, having dependable data simplifies life during your travels immensely. I still recall my initial travel experiences lugging around a physical guidebook as I strolled the streets searching for my accommodation.

Similarly, when smartphones became commonplace, I was on the lookout for a SIM card kiosk to purchase a physical SIM, attempting to communicate awkwardly with staff in an unfamiliar language, and spending 20 minutes replacing small plastic chips.

Fortunately, advancements have made life significantly easier with the introduction of eSIMs. Instead of requiring a physical SIM card, you can install an app that grants you access to extensive high-speed data. In a world where connectivity is necessary for numerous reasons (for instance, in China, payments are conducted through apps, making data indispensable), eSIMs prove to be invaluable.

One notable company that has emerged as a significant contender in this area is Holafly. They provide unlimited data, quick activation, and worldwide coverage without the inconvenience of searching for a physical SIM card.

Amid a plethora of eSIM providers, they stand out. In this blog entry, I’ll explain why!

### Who is Holafly?

Holafly is a company founded in Spain back in 2017, and it now operates out of Dublin. They provide eSIMs that can be activated on your device using a QR code. Once activated, they enable you to connect to the internet internationally via local carrier networks. What distinguishes Holafly from numerous other providers is that over 200 of their plans feature unlimited data and are billed by the number of days rather than gigabytes. You can customize the duration from 1 to 90 days across more than 200 locations. Holafly also boasts extensive coverage. They provide services in more than 200 locations, encompassing most of Europe, Asia, North America, and Latin America.

### How to Set Up Holafly

Setting up Holafly is exceptionally simple. Here’s how it works:

**Check your phone first** – Ensure your device is unlocked and supports eSIM (most recent iPhones and many newer Androids do). Have a Wi-Fi connection ready for the setup process.

**Save the email & QR** – Store the QR code and order details securely.

**Install the eSIM** – While connected to Wi-Fi, open the confirmation email and either scan the QR code with your phone camera or click the activation link. There are three methods:
– Scan the QR Code
– Manual Installation
– One-Button Install for iOS 17.4 or later

**Upon arrival, enable data roaming for the eSIM** – Navigate to Cellular/Mobile Data settings, select the Holafly line, and activate Data Roaming and Mobile Data for that line. (Deactivate Mobile Data for your home SIM to prevent unintended roaming fees.)

Holafly collaborates with local carriers, so your connection will rely on the strongest network available in that area. Note that Holafly’s eSIMs are data-only. You can retain your home SIM card in your device for texts or calls, while Holafly manages all your data needs. Applications such as WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram will continue to function with your normal number, allowing you to communicate with friends and family similarly as you would at home.

The allure of “unlimited data” is what attracts the majority, and justifiably so. Most eSIM companies provide data in limited quantities, which can accumulate rapidly, especially if utilizing maps, social media, or video calls. With Holafly, you simply pay based on the number of days you require and enjoy unlimited data during that timeframe.

Plans commence at approximately $4 USD per day, though rates drop if you opt for a longer duration or choose their new subscription plans Holafly Plans.

Additionally, Holafly offers round-the-clock multilingual customer support, hotspot features, 15+ regional plans, a global plan, no hidden fees, and an impressive 6-month flexible refund policy.

I believe it stands out as one of the finest eSIM alternatives for travelers seeking reliability and ease. It’s particularly beneficial for those visiting multiple nations or anyone who heavily depends on mobile data — bloggers, remote workers, or digital nomads. The connection has consistently been reliable, speeds are satisfactory, and the capability to set everything up before departing from home is a significant time-saver.

Ultimately, what makes Holafly attractive is its simplicity. There’s no need to worry about data, SIM cards, or network compatibility. Just scan, activate, and go. For travelers like myself, that convenience is invaluable.

**Use the code MATTK to receive a 5% discount on any eSIM for your next journey!**

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Years ago, the website Earth Porm shared my article “The Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Broke.” As I reviewed the comments on the post, I was disheartened by the unkind and dismissive remarks people made, along with their misunderstandings about travel.

These remarks made me understand that, despite the abundance of detailed websites and books explaining how to make travel budget-friendly and accessible, too many individuals still cling to the belief that travel is costly, dangerous, and unachievable unless you possess wealth.

Countless people say, “I can’t. It’s unfeasible” and develop a cynical perspective on travel. The belief that travel costs a fortune could not be more inaccurate (I wrote an entire book confirming that very idea.)

Yet individuals continue to have various misconceptions about budget travel and safety abroad.

Therefore, today, I aim to dispel 7 of the most prevalent travel myths I’ve encountered throughout the years:

Myth #1: Travel is Costly

Travel requires some expenditure — and yes, that includes costs. However, the notion that travel is solely about luxurious tours, seaside resorts, and extravagant villas is outdated. Historically, subtle marketing strategies led everyone to think that “a delightful vacation equates to an expensive vacation.” After years of being inundated by those deceptive ad campaigns, our collective mindset still associates travel with affluence. I once believed this too.

However, the reality is you don’t need a trust fund or a well-paying job to enjoy a fantastic trip.

You’ll need to learn how to organize a trip.

You’ll need to save funds.

But you don’t have to be wealthy to travel. You simply need to be inventive and set the right priorities.

It’s even feasible on a minimum wage. Sure, it might take longer to accrue funds for your trip and you might have to make some sacrifices, but if you desire to travel — whether for two weeks or two years — you can find a way to make it work. Here are some initial tips to help reduce your expenses and travel on a budget:

Myth #2: Travel Credit Cards Will Damage Your Credit

Earning points and miles is the skill of using travel credit cards to obtain free travel by utilizing your routine spending. No additional purchases. No navigating through loopholes. Just gaining free travel by charging your dinners out, groceries, fuel, and other everyday expenses to a travel card.

I can’t estimate how many complimentary flights and hotel accommodations I’ve enjoyed over the years. By accumulating points and miles, I’ve managed to travel for a mere fraction of what it would have otherwise cost, unlocking numerous opportunities for budget travel.

While applying for credit cards may lead to a brief decline in your credit score, that drop usually corrects itself within two months as long as you continue to pay off your bills. Unless you plan on making a significant purchase (like acquiring a home) soon, that minor dip won’t impact you. Over time, having a greater amount of available credit will genuinely enhance your credit score. And honestly, what’s the purpose of building a credit score if you’re not going to utilize it? You strive to build good credit for the purpose of using it.

I possess over a dozen credit cards (though I only actively manage three) and boast a credit score of 797 out of 850. Provided you pay your card balance each month, there’s no reason to be concerned.

Here are some resources to guide you on your journey:

Myth #3: Couchsurfing is Dangerous

Couchsurfing is a sharing economy platform that promotes cultural exchange. Locals offer a complimentary space in their home (sometimes just a couch) for travelers to utilize and explore the city while learning about the destination.

While staying at a stranger’s home might not suit everyone, it can still be a safe and enjoyable method of travel (not to mention a budget-friendly one). Similar to Airbnb, Couchsurfing hosts have reviews and profiles you can peruse to ensure you’re connecting with someone compatible. It’s really not much different than Airbnb (except it’s free!).

Of course, if you’re not prepared to stay with a stranger, you can also utilize the app to meet people for activities instead, such as dining, having coffee, or visiting a museum. It’s an excellent approach to benefit from the app without needing to stay overnight.

As long as you apply common sense, read reviews, and follow your instincts, you can use the app safely while having fun and saving money. Families host individuals, solo female hosts cater only to women, as well as expats eager to connect with fellow travelers.

Couchsurfing and similar platforms foster vibrant communities. Because, contrary to what the news and media often portray, not every individual out there is a hidden murderer in search of their next victim. The majority of people are kind-hearted, good souls simply wanting to forge friendships and acquire new knowledge.

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I enjoy exploring walking tours. Long-time readers are aware that I consistently suggest engaging in these experiences first upon arriving in a city. It’s irrelevant what type you choose—food, history, art—just participate in some form! They’re an extraordinary way to gain insight into a destination, orient yourself, and converse with a local about the city’s lifestyle. (Additionally, you can request recommendations from your local guide regarding restaurants, attractions, or navigating the city! A win-win!)

I’ve been partaking in walking tours since my initial backpacking journey in 2006 when I joined a hostel’s complimentary walking tour in Prague. I became fascinated, and over the years, I’ve taken countless tours organized by numerous companies. There are numerous walking tour companies available, but one of my top picks is Context Travel.

Founded in 2003, I’ve been utilizing and endorsing their services since 2010 when I first discovered one of their tours in Rome. I accompanied an art historian around the Vatican, where I not only gained knowledge about the Vatican itself but also the narratives behind the artwork. Since that time, I’ve participated in numerous tours with them.

What consistently differentiates Context is that instead of utilizing regular individuals trained as guides, they engage experts (those with MA- or PhD-level qualifications!) in their respective fields to lead the tours. This ensures you have an individual who genuinely understands the subject matter. You receive insights into intricate details that only a specialist would be familiar with.

On a recent visit to Paris, I took Context’s Paris WWII History Tour. I have substantial knowledge about Paris. After visiting for 15 years, having lived there briefly, attending probably over 50 tours, and reading many books about the city, I sometimes feel like I’m preparing for a degree in Paris history.

However, my focus on the city mainly revolves around the 1920s (I adore the Jazz Age!) and medieval history. My familiarity with World War II Paris is limited. Sure, I possess some general knowledge, but not many specifics, so I was eager to embark on this tour to delve into a significant era in recent Parisian history.

The tour guides you from St. Germain through the Luxembourg Gardens to the Latin Quarter and then up to Marias before concluding at the Hotel de Ville. It details the onset of the Nazi occupation, daily life during that period, the resistance movement, the fate of the Jews, and, ultimately, liberation. (It spans approximately three hours.)

As I noted earlier, the expert guides are what makes Context Travel exceptional, and my guide, Gil, was no exception. He’d been residing in France for nearly two decades, holds a degree in politics and literature, and has been a guide for over ten years. (Note: A couple of guides conduct this tour, and they are all specialists.) He possessed all sorts of obscure details and brought along an iPad loaded with images and primary source materials.

We commenced in St. Germain by discussing how the Germans swiftly seized Paris and how, initially, daily life remained relatively unchanged as they established control. Local Parisians continued with their everyday routines (albeit under restrictions). Since France capitulated so rapidly, the fighting never reached Paris, so the city suffered no damage.

As we walked, we paused at buildings that were utilized during the war (the current Mandarin Oriental hotel was formerly the Gestapo headquarters…spooky), and discussed how the resistance eventually emerged and functioned within the city. The tour progresses chronologically as you walk, with Gil discussing collaborators, the eventual expulsion of Jews, and how the victories of the larger French army in Africa resulted in crackdowns within the city. Finally, we arrived at the Hotel de Ville (city hall) and witnessed the grand finale as Parisians and Resistance fighters liberated the city from Nazi control in August 1944. The images of individuals and firsthand documents he presented significantly enhanced the understanding of life and resistance in WWII Paris. I left feeling thoroughly educated.

And that’s why I endorse Context Travel. You genuinely receive intricate details and facts along with a comprehensive exploration. There are many walking tour companies available—each worth recommending—but Context consistently stands out due to the caliber of their tour leaders. You aren’t receiving a guide who’s merely rehearsed a script, but rather someone with profound subject matter expertise. One of my favorite tours involved walking down NYC’s renowned 42nd street with an award-winning architect. From architects to historians to artists to chefs, the guides here are trained specialists, making it quite uncommon.

Context is perfect for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of a subject or location. Whether you’re visiting the Louvre or taking a walking neighborhood tour like this, you’ll receive a

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