D Travels 'Round

The world of expats: more of what you need to know

expats need to know
So … you want to be an expat? Making the decision to leave your home country and experience another country is one which should not be an impulsive decision. After being an expat for nearly three years, there are a lot of things to consider before packing up your home life, quitting the job and booking that one-way ticket to the world of expats. In early 2014, I compiled a list of questions to ask before becoming an expat. Consider this Version Two, packed with more information you need to mull over before booking that plane ticket.

I know most of my readers are passionate and excited, but becoming an expat isn’t a decision which should be taken lightly. It needs to be well thought out and planned (at least a little, for all you lovely non-planners like me).

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The year of living for me

the year of living for me
Big droplets of rain pummel the tar as we sit under the cover of a metal roof, watching the late-season storm cleanse Chiang Mai. Over icy glasses of Sangsom and Coke, and boozy chat about how to not get sucked into the abyss of Chiang Mai Expat-ness, an idea is born: 2014 is going to the year I get my shit together. Like, really get my shit together.

For more than a year living as an expat in Chiang Mai, I was caught up in the tricky social scene here. Maybe one exists where you are, too. It is one where a mass of people come together, not all like each other, but all are this weird mesh of a family. Days and nights are spent together and the one thing in common everyone has is that they are all there. They are all on the Ride of Expat Life together.

It isn’t always pretty, and at least here, in the circle I have, it involves too many nights swapping tales of past moments, cheap beer and being out way past well-behaved.

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Holiday in Mexico: A land of many facets

Editor’s Note: This post is in collaboration with Thomson.

Mexico is a vast country, with over 750 thousand square miles to it, it straddles the Americas and two oceans. Sparkling beach, dusting plain, dewy rainforests and mountain ranges come together to shape its awe-inspiring landscape. Ancient Mayan ruins crumble along the coastline, urban areas sizzle with life. Tourism is popular, ubiquitous, and varied, meaning flights to Mexico can be found at a snip. But planning a visit takes careful consideration, and it’s important to weigh up what you need from your holiday before you go. Read on for a few hints.

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Visiting London: Affordable Travel Options

London_Bus_route_316

Traveling to London for the first time can be a little scary for a multitude of reasons. England’s capital city is one of the most vibrant business and entertainment hubs in the entire world. After recently being crowned the most expensive city in the world to reside in as reported by the Guardian, many visitors get a little flustered by the prospect of having to part with a considerable amount of money when facing the prospect of venturing to one of Europe’s top tourism hotspots.

But with a little research even a relatively novice traveler can make sure that their budget stretches far and enables them to get the most out of their visit to London. One of the best ways to save money is by utilizing affordable travel options.

So without further ado, here’s a run down of the most cost efficient means of travel when exploring the many delights that London has to offer.

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Why I’m grateful for Chiang Mai

Why I'm grateful for Chiang Mai
Three years ago, if you would have asked me about a future in Chiang Mai, I may have gone all glassy-eyed and distant. Chiang Mai was a dream to me three years ago. The elephants were a dream to me then, too. I lived in a world where I was not satisfied with my existence. I lived in a world, three years ago, where despite my (mediocre) efforts, I had fallen unhappily back into a world I didn’t want to be in.

Nearly fresh off my career break/solo travel through Europe, there I was, sitting at my parent’s home in Maryland, waxing melancholy at my choices and desperately trying to sort out how to rearrange my life to make it one I was grateful for again. (Note: I wasn’t not grateful for my life, it just wasn’t what I wanted).

I dreamed of Thailand travel. A world exploring Chiang Mai. Bangkok. Being surrounded by elephants and fighting for their well-being.

And then, just like that, those dreams came to life with a single e-mail from Lek Chailert, the founder of Save Elephant Foundation, the rescue organization I longed to work for.

Come to Thailand, she had written.

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The world of vacation rentals

Flipkey vacation rentals
My mom and I arrive to Cinque Terre hours after we were supposed to, thanks to the Italian train strikes taking place on the day we hike it from photogenic Venice to Milan to La Spezia to Vernazza (whew).

Exhausted, moderately grumpy and ready to take in the beauty of the Ligurian region, we exit the train station and begin our search for our Flipkey vacation rental and the woman who owns it.

We wander past the rock archway leading to the beach and down the car-free lane lined with tiny shops and restaurants, craning our necks to find our host.

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Gifts that give back: The feel good gift guide for travelers

Gift Guide for Travelers
‘Tis the season! This year, I did some research and dug up some of my favorite picks for the traveler in your life (or you!) with this handy gift guide. What makes this one different? This is a travel guide featuring sustainable gifts and ones that give back to local communities and foundations, perfect for the traveler or travel lover in your life. Every gift in this guide has sustainability and giving back in mind, so you can shop and know your money is going to a good cause. From jewelry to accessories, to home goods to travel necessities, this is your feel-good gift guide. Even better, you have a chance to either save money on items in this guide or win a gift for yourself!

Looking to give that perfect gift to a travel-lover and do good at the same time? Here. You. Go.

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Why I will always be obsessed with Rome

Rome is a city with many souls – ranging from ancient powerhouse, to artistic labyrinth, to modern metropolis. Here are but a few reasons why the city will always have my heart.

ROME Colosseum

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Photos of Venice, Italy

photos of Venice

Venice, Italy is quite a photographers dream.

With the sparkling lagoons, tiny car-free lanes, buildings in a state of beautiful erosion, colors, lights, the historic landmarks and buildings … it is hard not to simply see Venice through the lens of a camera versus simply experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Of course, during my visit to the city, when I wasn’t trying to dodge the tourists, I was snapping photos and making sure I didn’t trip and fall head first into one of the canals. ‘Cause I totally could have.

With hundreds of photos of Venice to choose from, it was difficult to narrow it down. The city is that photogenic.

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