Travel

If you have had it with the United States, you may be thinking about packing up to another beautiful and exciting country where people speak English…like Australia!

The climate, the landscape and the people are all draws to head down under. There are over 90,000 U.S-born individuals living in Australia. Why not join them?

However,  life down under may be quite different from what you are accustomed to. Check out some highlights of a day in the life of an American living in Australia. They may help you decide whether you want to take the leap or not!

1. Vegemite Breakfast

Aussies love to smear this black, sticky, salty stuff on their toast at breakfast. Americans, on the other hands, have been known to say it smells like an old bar. This makes sense because it’s made from brewers’ yeast.

In Australia, they use Vegemite on everything from pasta to brownies. It actually has a lot of vitamins and can be very good for you. But, it is definitely one of those things which you will have to get used to if you move to Australia.

2. Check Your Income Stream

If you plan on moving to Australia, you need to have money. A lot.

Prices are about 60% higher than the USA.

It’s also hard to get a work permit to gain employment in Australia if you are not a citizen. You may have better luck as an entrepreneur, running your own business remotely.

With so much business now conducted online, you may be able to run any kind of enterprise from anywhere on the planet.  Many expats have found a way to live anywhere they want and make enough money to fund the lifestyle of their dreams — so long as they have an attractive and functional website.

3. Hit the Beach

Australia is famous for its beaches. You can enjoy the beach to sunbathe, swim, surf or scuba even if you are living in a big city like Sydney. You can also explore remote and pristine coastal areas like the private islands along the Great Barrier Reef.

Be careful. Australian beaches may present several risks you may not encounter at home.  You may get carried away by a riptide, shark or dingo. You may be bitten by a poisonous jellyfish or spider.

It’s a good thing that the Australian healthcare system is so good. You can even get a home doctor to make a house call if you get sick or injured by one of the continent’s many dangers.

4. Make Sure You Can Stay Longer

If you are an American living in Australia, you must have a visa. If you are married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can travel to and live in Australia.

Youths between ages 18-31 can work and study there for one year with a special visa.  You can get a Higher Education visa if you have been accepted by an Australian university.

Other options include a Temporary Work visa if you are sponsored by an Aussie business or an Investor Retirement visa if you meet certain income requirements.

5. Plan An Adventure

One of the best reasons for living in Australia is to see this amazing region. Plan to travel to Uluru in the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef or to New Zealand. You are a plane ride away from the South Pacific islands and parts of Asia.

Take advantage of your location on the other side of the planet and explore everywhere you can.

6. Go Out with Your Mates

Although Americans may find it hard at first to make friends, eventually you will find the Aussies to be a jovial bunch who are hapy to share a lager with you at the neighborhood pub.

Get out and meet people and enjoy the cultural differences. You may learn a lot!

An American Living in Australia: Fish out of Water?

As an American living in Australia, you may be confronted with many strange and wondrous experiences that are very different from your home country. But if you wanted the same old life, you would have stayed home! If you enjoy a wild and rugged country with the ever-present possibility of adventure,  think about relocating down under.

For more guidance on getting the most out of life at home and abroad, check out our site.

Are your vacations getting boring? Sure, lying on a beach or renting an idyllic country home is relaxing. But if you have a hankering for something more exciting for your next trip, why not look into a spooky destination?

Take your love of haunted houses and escape rooms to the next level. Travel to some of the scariest places around the globe for an unforgettable, eerie vacation. Whether you spend the night at an abandoned asylum or take a walk through a haunted village, you and your traveling companions are sure to get a fright.

If you love spooky or crazy stories, keep reading. We’ll discover ten scary places to travel around the world… if you dare. Let’s get started!

1. Island of the Dolls, Mexico

Have you ever encountered an old doll and felt like its eyes were following you as you moved? Now, imagine having that feeling hundreds of times in a row.

You may just experience this sensation at the Isla de las Munecas, or the “Island of the Dolls,” in Xochimilco, Mexico. Legend has it that a young girl tragically passed away on the island many years ago. Since then, people have been placing dolls around the location of her death in her honor.

While the intention is nice, the outcome is downright creepy. Hundreds of old dolls fill the island, making it a super scary travel destination to explore.

2. Aokigahara Forest, Japan

The Aokigahara Forest is a gorgeous, dense forest near Mount Fuji that hides a disturbing truth. Known as Japan’s “suicide forest”, these woods have been the site of countless tragic suicides over the years. It seems to be a common spot because of its heavily wooded nature, which provides privacy for those who wish to end their lives.

If you do choose to visit this creepy and beautiful place, please show respect for those who have passed. Take heed from Youtuber Logan Paul, who posted a distasteful and disrespectful video from the Aokigahara Forest.

3. Death Road, Bolivia

As its name suggests, this thin, winding road is an extremely dangerous destination. It connects northern Bolivia with the capital city along very steep cliff faces.

It’s mostly a one-way path, making Yungas Road the site of hundreds of deaths every year. Would you dare to travel on Bolivia’s Death Road?

4. Paris Catacombs, France

Have you been dying to visit Paris and get your dose of creepy at the same time? If so, the Paris Catacombs are the perfect destination for you.

These ossuaries are the final resting place of millions of people. Feeling skeptical? You’ll believe it when you see their skulls, which decorate the walls!

Curious about how to skip the line for a tour? See more here.

5. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia

Are you into scary abandoned places? This psychiatric hospital, formerly known as the Weston State Hospital, originally existed as a place of hope and wellness for mentally ill patients. However, this vision disintegrated due to overcrowding, botched lobotomies, and inhumane treatment of the patients.

Although the asylum shut down in 1994, it’s currently open for ghost tours. Who knows, you just might hear the sounds of the tortured souls who still roam the halls.

6. Snake Island, Brazil

Not only is this Brazilian island filled with thousands upon thousands of snakes, but it also has one rare breed whose venom can disintegrate human flesh. If snakes didn’t already terrify you, melting flesh certainly will!

7. Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania

Much like the Aokigahara Forest in Japan, this wooded area of Romania is both beautiful and scary. The Hoia Baciu Forest is home to many paranormal phenomena, like witches, ghosts, and a clearing in the woods where nothing grows (and where there have been multiple UFO sightings).

If you’re brave enough to visit, beware. Electronic devices seem to lose reception or power in the forest.

8. Love Scary Places? Check out Pluckley, England

Known as the most haunted place in England, Pluckley is the home of between twelve and sixteen ghosts. These ghosts are the spirits of locals who met sad endings. One woman is said to have burned to death alone, another took his own life while his wife and children slept nearby.

Pluckley is the perfect place for a trip because it’s not only haunted but also a charming place to stay. So, if you’re looking for a cute vacation destination where you may also have a ghost sighting or two, Pluckley’s the place for you.

9. Villisca Ax Murder House, Iowa

Have you ever wanted to visit a truly scary haunted house? Ditch the carnival rides, because we have a real-life version that will give you nightmares.

The Villisca ax murder house is one of the best haunted attractions the USA has to offer. It’s the scene of a gruesome crime where eight people (six of whom were children) were slain in their beds in 1912.

The murder weapon? You guessed it: an ax. And the killer was never discovered.

If you dare, you can sleep in this home overnight with a few friends. Although, we doubt you’ll get much sleep.

10. Gansbaai, South Africa

If you have a fear of sharks, Gansbaai will feel like one of the scariest places on earth to you. It has a dense population of the famously terrifying great white sharks and an even more terrifying opportunity to get up close and personal with them.

Brave tourists can sign up to go shark diving, which means hanging out in the open waters in a metal cage. The cage sounds secure… until a great white shark swims right up to you!

Don’t Get Scared

Spice up your next holiday by visiting one of the destinations above. From haunted and abandoned buildings to creepy forests, there are scary places all over the world.

Just remember to be respectful at any destination you choose. Whether you’re there to see some frightening wildlife or in the hopes of running into a ghost or UFO, it’s important to respect all creatures, living or dead.

Want to know more about what we do here at Augustines? Send us an email and let’s chat!

Seychelles is one of those islands that not many people know for the historical side of it. With the kind of beauty that the place beholds, it is futile to visit the place and not visit the amazing historical sites that the islands are known for. Majority of these spots in there are not that hyped by can give you a quick tour of the amazing French colonial influence that the place has had in the past. If you are planning on visiting the place, make sure to get the flight tickets booked from Seychelles from Dubai or anywhere around the world for the cheapest and best deals.

In this article, we are going to be discussing the best historical sites in Seychelles that you possibly didn’t even know of.

The Bicentennial Monument

Located in the capital city of Seychelles, Victoria, The Bicentennial Monument is located exactly on Mahe Island. It is located at the junction of the 5^th of June Avenue and the Avenue of Liberation. It is known as the monument with three wings representing how it looks. The monument was erected back in the year 1978 to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the capital city of Seychelles. It is a significant representation of the inhabitants of various ethnicities from around Asia, Africa and more.

The Bel Air Cemetery

The Bel Air Cemetery is possibly the most historic place in the island of Seychelles which dates back to decades when people used this place to bury the dead. This place is home to the burial of a number of famous personalities who have resided in Seychelles like French Corsair Jean-François Hodoul and Pierre Louis Poiret.

Domaine de Val des Près Craft Village

This is one of the most amazing tourist spots in Seychelles that is known for the display of art and culture that the locals have. It serves as an exhibition site for the Creole arts, architecture and crafts. The main site of attraction here is the Gran Kaz, which is a colonial house that was built back in 1870. If you want to get a taste of the authentic cuisine of the area, visit the Vye Marmite restaurant to get your fair share of the tasty Creole dishes. You can even take back some local souvenirs from the place to gift to your friends and family.

Union Estate

Next in the list of historic places is the Union Estate. It is located in the La Digue Island and has a traditional coconut firm in there. With time, the place has been converted into an amusement park where you can simply indulge in riding horses, watching giant turtles and even see the entire process of how the coconut oil is extracted.

Seychelles is more than just being an archipelago for the beaches and islands, the place holds a rich history as well that dates back way in time. If you want to indulge in some of the best kind of knowledge about the initial days of when and how the island took shape, it is mandatory that you visit this place and visit the historical sites there.

Just because you have diabetes, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself while traveling. Read on to learn the top tips for traveling with diabetes.

Do you have diabetes and are planning to travel? If this is your first time planning a major trip, you might be a little paranoid about how you’re going to do it, or what’s the safest way to do it. It takes quite a bit of planning to make sure the unfortunate doesn’t occur.

You have to get the right amount of insulin, watch what you eat, let a few people around you know you have diabetes if you’re traveling alone, and more.

In this article, we’ll be going over those, and other tips for traveling with diabetes that you’ll need to know before hopping on that plane or cruise ship.

1. Plan Your Meals

It can be difficult to find a healthy meal on a flight, but some companies allow you to book your food choices ahead of time. You’ll be able to pick a meal based on your unique health concerns.

If the company your flying with doesn’t offer this service make sure to call way ahead and let them know about your condition, most will accommodate for it. If they can’t accommodate, then you can get nuts, fruits, and other goodies at airport shops.

2. Carry a Doctor’s Note

Carry a doctor’s note to make going through airport security go a little smoother. If you have the note you’ll be able to have your insulin, syringes, test strips, and other supplies without any question.

It might also help to have all your bottles labeled then you really might be questioned less. You also won’t really have to explain your insulin pump or glucose monitor either.

3. Keep Your Supplies Close By

No matter which method of travel you’re using, make sure your supplies are close at hand. You should always keep your supplies and a little extra insulin in a carry-on bag if you’re flying.

If you put all your supplies in a checked bag some of your insulin and glucometers could be ruined by the fluctuating temperatures. If you must put it in your checked bags, make sure to use a cool pack to keep it in working condition. Don’t use a freezer pack.

4. Do Your Best to Stick to Your Routine

Traveling can put a wrench in your diabetes schedule. Despite that, you should stick to it as best as you can.

If your flight is late, you could sit in a runway for what feels like ages, and the changing time zones could cause you to become hungry before you should. It can be confusing, so bring a few snacks you can chomp on in case you have a long wait.

You can have another person attending the flight store your snacks in a cold pack or let a flight attendant know so they can do it.

5. Let People Know About Your Diabetes

If you’re traveling alone, you need to let a few people on the flight and flight attendants know about your condition. It’s the best way to make sure you get from point A to point B safely.

This way, if the worst happens someone can quickly get you some help, or a flight attendant can grab some juice or soda for you in the event you experience a diabetic seizure.

6. Adjust Your Insulin

You need to inform your doctor at least a month before you make your trip due to the changing time zones. They need to be able to work with you to update your regimen.

Any new timezone will affect your diabetes shots, your healthcare provider will tell you exactly how, and help you adjust. The change will vary from individual to individual.

7. Prepare a Carry-On

You always want to prepare your carry-on beforehand. Even if the bag is heavy you want a majority of your supplies in it. It’s unfortunate but true, luggage can get lost in transit and you don’t want it to be your supplies.

It should be filled with not only your supplies but any travel snacks as well. Anything you need to get by should be in there. You also might want to throw some extra diabetic socks in your bag. You can go here to learn more about those.

8. Disconnect Your Pump

A sudden change of pressure can cause your pump to deliver a little more insulin than you want so you’ll want to disconnect it briefly when you take off and land.

Before you reconnect the pump, make sure you check for bubbles because those can cause you to get less insulin than you need. Practice safe insulin pump procedures to stay safe.

9. If You’re Going to Indulge, Indulge wisely

The buffets on cruise ships are some of the best food you’ll ever have but, that means you can easily overindulge. As tempting as it is, only fill one plate full of fresh fruits and other foods that are safe for you.

It might be hard to resist the desserts, so make sure you practice good portion control. Do that, and you’ll be fine.

10. Always Prepare for Emergencies

Most flights and cruise ships are fitted with medical kits, the quality of the medkit can vary from place to place though. You need to call ahead of time to find out what is included.

Learn how they handle emergencies, specifically those that may happen to you while on the plane, ship, or train.

Traveling with Diabetes and Having a Good Time

Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t travel and have a great time. Use these tips to stay safe and make traveling with diabetes as seamless as possible. Prepare a carry-on and keep it with you at all times, enjoy the food but don’t go overboard, and talk to your doctor about adjusting your insulin.

You can do deep soul-searching on a vacation. To learn about the benefits of a soul-searching vacation, visit our blog.

 

Do you have an upcoming trip, but are worried all the changes in routine may affect your sobriety? Read on to learn tips for staying sober while traveling.

Studies have shown that less than half of those who achieve a year of sobriety will relapse.

That’s positive news for those who are entering sobriety. But for those in recovery, there are still many challenges on the course to staying sober.

Traveling presents obstacles and new environments that may interrupt your daily routine.

Luckily, there are ways to avoid these traps. Here are five crucial tips for staying sober while traveling.

1. Stay Connected

A network is a very important aspect of sobriety. Make plans to stay connected to your loved ones and friends on your trip. This will help you maintain your support system wherever you are.

If you’re an alcoholic who’s a part of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), make sure to keep in touch with your sponsor. Any person in recovery can touch base with a therapist or sober friend while on the road.

A supportive network will look out for you and keep you accountable for your actions. If you can take them with you, that’s even better.

2. Maintain a Routine

The greatest challenge to traveling while sober is maintaining your routine. But, it can be done with dedication.

If you write in a journal every day, make sure to carve out some time to still do so. In general, make sure to practice self-care and don’t neglect your needs. Healthy eating, exercise, and proper rest are essential.

3. Keep Busy

Staying busy while you travel is the best distraction. It will help you avoid downtime, boredom, and too much empty space.

Make sure to plan in advance to stay active and engaged. Planned fun activities are great for any trip, whether it’s for business or pleasure. You can always take a city tour, visit a museum, or explore interesting neighborhoods.

4. Create Coping Strategies

Stress is a major element of traveling. Foreign environments, transportation challenges, and new circumstances can lead to anxiety. That’s why it’s important to have strategies ready for potential stress, instead of resorting to drugs or alcohol.

This may come in the form of meditation or some other kind of mental exercise. Whatever you use in your daily life will be helpful on your trip.

Also, prepare to cope with the added temptations of a new destination. Depending on where you’re headed, opportunities to drink may arise in various places. Be ready to avoid them or find a new setting.

5. Find a Temporary Recovery Network

You may find yourself staying at your new destination for an extended period of time. In this case, it’s easy to find another recovery network in a new city or town. Recovery meetings, such as AA, are held all over the world.

Local groups will welcome you wherever you are. They’ll help you stay grounded while you’re uprooted during travel. This center offers many effective treatment options and services for those in sobriety.

More Tips on Staying Sober

Staying sober is an ongoing process that requires patience and perseverance. When it comes to travel, these strategies will help you in your recovery and allow you to maintain a clear mind. To read more tips on living a healthy lifestyle, check out our blog.

 

You have a medication that’s going to expire while you’re abroad, so what do you do? Read on to learn 10 handy tips for refilling prescriptions abroad.

Traveling is a great experience everyone should try once in their lifetime.

But what happens when you travel for an extended period of time and need to have your prescriptions refilled.

In this guide, we’ll give you some tips on how refilling prescriptions while abroad.

Let’s get started.

1. Do Your Research Before You Travel

Before you start packing and set off on your trip, you should do your research regarding the country you’ll be traveling to.

While your medication might be legal in the United States, it might not be allowed in other countries.

For example, Adderall is not allowed in Japan, so you might get in trouble for having it.

In some countries, like New Zealand and Australia, they have pharmacist medicines. It means you only need to talk to a pharmacist to get medication.

2. Keep Your Medicine in the Original Container

Keeping your medication in the original container will not only facilitate you getting through security at airports, but it will help you get prescriptions refilled abroad.

For example, if you run out or there’s a delay, you might have a better chance at getting it refilled if you bring in the name of the medicine to a doctor or pharmacist abroad.

3. Talk to Your Insurance Company at Home

The best way to travel and not have to worry about your prescriptions needing refills is to bring more than enough with you in the first place.

But how can you accomplish this when your insurance doesn’t allow you to have more than the necessary.

Call your insurance company and ask them if you can get a vacation override exception. This will allow you to get a refill for up to 6 months at a time instead of only 3.

The vacation override will keep the terms of your insurance such as co-pay and cost.

Depending on your insurance carrier, this might take some time to process so don’t leave it to the last minute.

4. Leave Someone in Charge at Home

When you’re abroad you should leave someone at home as your contact person. This person should have the power to take care of your prescriptions should you need to refill them.

Make sure the person you leave in charge is a family member, a spouse, or someone you truly trust.

Even if they’re your immediate family, it’s a good idea to leave a power of attorney to allow them to take care of your prescriptions or act in your behalf in case of emergencies.

5. Speak to Your Doctor

Don’t go traveling without speaking to your doctor first. Tell your doctor how long you’ll be gone for so the doctor can work on getting you the right prescription.

If you know you’ll be traveling for longer than a year, your doctor might be able to give you a prescription that can be renewed automatically without needed another visit to see them.

Who knows, your doctor might be able to provide you with more tips for traveling with all of your medications.

6. Make a Trip to FedEx

If you’re traveling for an extended period of time or can’t get your insurance to sign off on a 6-month supply of your medicine, you will need your prescriptions sent to you.

The best way to ensure you get your prescriptions on time and intact is if you send them via FedEx or other secure carriers.

Either you should call or take a trip to the FedEx office and find out everything you need to know about regulations in other countries.

Remember, the package containing your prescriptions will have to go through customs.

It’s better to be informed from the start and avoid delays with your medication.

7. Get a Letter From Your Doctor

We already mentioned each country has different regulations. Some authorities want to be absolutely sure the prescription is for personal use and not to sell.

In order to avoid any hiccups, you should get your doctor to write you a letter stating the nature of your condition and which drugs you need to take for it.

Having a signed letter from your doctor might help speed things up if you need to refill your prescription while traveling.

8. Address Your Prescription to Your Contact Person

If you can’t take the sufficient quantities of your medication on your trip, then someone at home will probably have to ship it to you.

This is where that power of attorney letter comes into play. To avoid any delays, have the pharmacy should have your contact person’s name down and allow for them to pick up your prescription.

The last thing you want is to have any delays with your seizure medications because the pharmacy doesn’t have word someone else is picking it up.

9. Ensure FedEx Delivers at Your Address Abroad

The FedEx system might be different depending on where you’re traveling to. If you’re going to an extended visit to the countryside, you need to ensure FedEx or any other carrier will still be able to reach you there.

Contact your hotel or AirBnB prior to your trip to find out if you can have FedEx deliver there.

When all other options fail, see if you can have your prescriptions delivered to the local post office.

10. Can You Renew Your Prescription Electronically

Check with your insurance and your pharmacy and see if you can have the option to refill your prescriptions electronically.

If they don’t have this service, you might want to look into switching to an online pharmacy.

Online pharmacies might be able to facilitate the shipping of your prescription no matter where you’re traveling at the time.

You can leave it to them to deal with the logistics.

Refilling Prescription While Abroad: The Bottom Line

Refilling prescriptions while traveling abroad is not easy, but if you take the time to prepare, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Don’t forget to do your research, talk to your insurance, and get a letter from your doctor.

If you enjoy these tips and would like to learn more, visit our health section for the latest tips.

 

You love nature, so why not experience it around the world? From New Zealand to France, here are the 10 best places to go camping around the globe.

Answering the call of nature is easy to do when you have amazing views and outdoor trails in your backyard. But, when you live in a heavily-populated city or a super suburban area, sometimes you just have to go camping.

Camping allows you to step away from the world for a bit and tune into what really matters. It puts you face to face with some of the most beautiful scenes in nature – but if you’re going to camp, you may as well go all out.

Don’t settle for the camping site down the road or only plan to “rough it out” for a day. Plan the most amazing camping trip you can, even if it’s halfway around the world.

Here are the ten best places to go camping in the world.

1. USA

If you’ve never been camping in your life, it probably is better to start somewhere in the States. Still, it’s worth visiting a gorgeous national park like Yosemite or Yellowstone rather than settling for an average campsite in your town (unless you actually live close to these places, of course).

As far as domestic camping sites go, some of the ones you definitely need to check out are:

• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Arch Rock Campground, Nevada
• Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

If you think you can brave the cold of Alaska or you’re willing to book a flight down to Hawaii, these states have a handful of great campsites to check out, too.

2. Scotland

Once you’ve figured out the basics of camping – like how to pitch a tent and what kind of essentials you should always have – it’s time to test your skills somewhere else. Maybe that “somewhere” is in Scotland.

The Isle of Arran is the place to go if you travel all this way. It’s more than just a campsite. It’s full of rich history with lots to learn about and plenty of things to do. Campers reach the Isle by boat and once there they can hike, cycle, kayak, and set up camp.

3. Spain

The Northwest region of Spain couldn’t be more unlike the buzzing cities of Madrid and Barcelona. But, that’s exactly why you have to put it on your list of the best camping in the world.

This area is called the Asturias region. It’s a quiet part of Spain where most of the entertainment available is found in nature.

Tourists come here for fishing and hiking, and the food isn’t bad, either. This is partly because the locals are so in-tune with the world around them that they know how to work with their ingredients very well.

Not to mention, most of the people you meet will be happy to show you around and make you feel at home. Don’t be surprised if your Spanish camping trip ends up giving you life-long friendships and some incredible travel memories. That’s just the way it goes in the Asturias.

4. France

Up next on the list is France. The thing is, though, France has such a large and lovely countryside that it’s hard to choose just one place that’s worth camping at here. Thankfully, local resources like Campsitedcan help you find the perfect location.

Wherever you go, you’re sure to find lush greenery and have some sort of water activities close by. You could end up on the shore of a large lake or even close to the oceanfront if you plan your trip well.

Plus, there are various forms of camping available in this part of Europe. You can go old-school with a traditional tent and all the things that make a classic setup. Or, you can turn your standard camping trip into something more like glamping.

This is where luxury hotels meet the great outdoors. Glamping ensures you have comfortable accommodations to sleep and relax in while you spend your days enjoying nature’s most wonderful activities.

5. Costa Rica

Maybe you’d rather save a Europe trip for when you want to get lost in historic cities and spend your days discovering big museums and high-end restaurants. There’s nothing wrong with balancing your camping trips with vacations that aren’t too far off the beaten path.

When you really just want to get away and tune into nature, though, head to Costa Rica. This Latin American country is basically nature’s playground. It’s paradise anywhere you look.

Between the large waterfalls, thick forests, and breathtaking beaches, this small country has so much to offer. You can camp in the middle of the trees or stay somewhere closer to the salt water. Wherever you stay, make sure you go on as many hikes as you can, but don’t forget to stop and take in everything around you.

6. Patagonia

Patagonia actually isn’t a country – it’s two. This region takes up the Southernmost tip of South America and it’s shared by Argentina and Chile.

But, the name of this area doesn’t matter as much as the beauty does. Patagonia is where you need to go camping if you want to sleep on soft grass and wake up to snow-capped mountains in the distance.

You can do a little bit of everything here.

It’s not uncommon to end up camping close to a lake where you can fish or go swimming (when it’s weather appropriate), then have a hiking path that takes you up a mountain close by. The whole place kind of feels like a dream.

7. New Zealand

New Zealand is another great spot on the globe to pitch a tent. This country is well-known for the steps it has taken to preserve its own nature and fight climate change on the global scale.

In fact, you can go camping pretty much anywhere in New Zealand thanks to its freedom camping system. Freedom camping allows locals and tourists to camp on any public land so long as all the applicable rules are followed.

For example, if you camp on public land that doesn’t have public toilets or other typical campsite amenities, you need to take care of your waste yourself. The best way to think of the rules is to not take what’s not yours and to clean up everything that is.

Even with the additional clean-up duties of camping here, it’s a no-brainer that New Zealand ended up on this list. The real question is when will you make the trip to see it for yourself? Just imagine waking up on a deserted beach or following a trail to the top of one of the most beautiful mountains you’ve ever set foot on!

8. Australia

You may as well take a hop over to Australia if you plan on camping in New Zealand. The two countries are basically right next to each other, but they couldn’t be more different. This is most clear to see in the Australian Outback.

Known for its dry, rough landscape, not many people would call the Outback “paradise.” But, it’s incredible to experience once you’re there.

When you camp in the Outback, you’re able to see just how delicate and intertwined everything in nature is. You learn about the ecosystem that’s at work in this dry, seemingly deserted area, and with that gain a newfound appreciation for nature as a whole.

Plus, you get once in a lifetime memories out of this trip as well.

9. Morocco

Speaking of a dry, desert area, have you ever thought of going camping in Morocco? You basically have to see the Sahara if you travel all the way to this country, and the best way to experience it is by staying overnight.

It’s amazing to realize how cool and calm the desert is after nightfall, and there’s nothing like watching the sun roll over the tall, golden sand dunes in the morning. It’s not like you have to spend a whole week camping in these conditions, but a night or two in the Sahara Desert are definitely worth the while.

10. Kenya

Last but not least, Kenya. This is another dry desert-like area, but it also has a bit of greenery and some incredible wildlife that you just have to see first-hand. The best place to do so is in Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Sleeping in this national reserve for a few nights means you have a large lion population and all kinds of migrating animals in your backyard. Depending on what time of year it is, don’t be surprised if you see a grazing gazelle or a herd of zebras on the horizon. There are also a few waterways where you can see hippos, and be sure to keep an eye out for crocodiles!

Oh, and you can even take your Kenyan camping trip up a notch with a morning hot air balloon ride and other 5-star experiences.

Discover the Best Places to Go Camping for Yourself

It’s one thing to read about all the best places to go camping all around the world and another to discover them first-hand. At some point, you have to stop daydreaming and start putting yourself in the places you can’t get out of your mind.

No matter where you go camping on this list, you’re sure to have the time of your life. Just make sure you have your passport ready to go before you book a flight!

Click here to learn about how passports work and how to get your own.

 

Applying for a passport for the first time can be stressful. This guide will help you understand the requirements for a passport, so you can start preparing.

Did you know that 42% of all Americans have been issued a passport? That’s up from 27% in 2007.

And just last year in 2017, a new record was set for the most passports issued ever at 21.4 million. To put things into perspective, in 1997 only 6.3 million passports were issued.

But it’s not always so simple to get a new passport. There are certain requirements for a passport that must be adhered to. There are passport forms DS 11 to fill out and sign properly.

If it’s not filled out right, it could get sent back. Not a great thing to happen if you already have plans to travel abroad. To help you through the process and get it right the first time, here’s everything you need to know.

The Requirements for a Passport

There are certain documents required for a passport. Passport forms DS 11 should be filled out entirely if you qualify for at least one of the following rules.

If you are applying for your first US passport, form DS 11 should be filled out. If you’re a minor under age 16, this is also the form to fill out.

Also, if your first passport was issued to you when you were under age 16, you should fill out form DS 11.

You also need to fill out this form if your passport was lost, stolen, damaged, or issued more than 15 years ago. Passports are for 10 years so if yours expired over five years ago, you’ll need to fill out this form.

To learn more about how to properly fill out passport forms DS 11, read more now.

Documents Required for a Passport

Obviously, you’ll need documentation to prove that you are who you say you are and that you are a legal citizen of the United States of America. That requires a bit of documentation that you need to show copies of.

Proof of Citizenship

You’ll first need to prove that you are a US citizen. Expired passports work for both citizens born in and outside of the United States. If it’s in a foreign language, it must include a professional English translation.

Birth certificates are also acceptable, but if you were born in the United States, your birth certificate must have been issued by the city, county, or state of your birth. It must also contain the seal of issuing authority, list your parent(s) names, and be signed by the registrar.

If you were born outside the US and it’s in a foreign language, it must include a professional English translation.

A certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship is also acceptable forms to prove your identity and citizenship.

Do NOT bring or mail original copies of these documents as they may be lost. Instead, make a photocopy of the front and the back (if there’s anything to show) of the documents to send as proof of citizenship.

Proof of Identity

If you apply for your passport in person, you must bring some additional information with you. If you choose to go to a passport facility outside of where your license is from, you’ll need additional identification.

If you mail in your forms, make a copy of the front and back of your photo identification card. All copies must be presented using an 8″ x 11″ paper in black and white. Do not try to save paper by making double-sided copies as this is not acceptable.

However, if you’re in-state, you can just bring your valid driver’s license, permit, or non-driver ID. These forms of identification must include a photograph of you.

You can also bring your Government employee ID, US military ID, or your current Green Card. If you have any Trusted Travel IDs such as a Glocal Entry, FAST, SENTRI or NEXUS cards, those are acceptable forms of ID, too.

List Any Special Circumstances

In most cases, you won’t need to list any special circumstances. However, if you’re traveling with or are a child under age 17 or your previous passport was lost or stolen, this is a special circumstance.

Also, if you owe over $2,500 in child support, this is also considered a special circumstance.

If you are requesting a gender designation change, you’ll need to list this as well.

Lastly, anyone traveling in an official diplomatic capacity or has received a special issuance passport also should list this as a special circumstance.

Provide Two Passport Photos

They’ll ask you to provide two passport photos even though only one is used to make the new passport. Most likely, they’ll return the second one to you.

Do not try to take the photograph yourself. It’s far easier to simply go to your local drugstore, camera shop, or even library to have them professionally taken. If you’re not in a rush, most often new passport photos cost around $12.

Pay the Fees

It costs money for them to process your passport so it costs money for you to apply for one. The more of the process you do yourself, the cheaper it will be.

The application for a passport book is $110 for adults and $80 for any child under 16. For a passport card, it’s $30 for adults and $15 for kids under 16.

You can also get a passbook card and book issued to you at the same time. The cost for both is $140 for adults and $95 for kids under 16.

The Best Place to Get a Passport

You have options for where to go to get your passport. You can download passport forms DS 11 and fill it out yourself. After gathering all your documents, making copies, and getting proper photographs, you can simply mail it in yourself.

You can also go to an acceptance facility to have it processed. Either way, it usually takes between four and six weeks to get your new passport back. If you have immediate travel plans, you should consider getting it expedited.

Expediting Your Passport

If you’re in a rush because of a business trip or a wedding, you should get your passport expedited. There are services that do it for you but they are costly. You can also contact your local passport agency or center to expedite yours quickly. It usually takes less than a week to get everything back.

If there’s an immediate need to get a passport due to an emergency, such as someone taking seriously ill or someone passing away, you’ll need to bring along the usual information and proof of the emergency as well. Contact 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment.

Keep Learning

Traveling abroad is fun and exciting. But if you don’t have all the proper requirements for a passport, the process is tedious and frustrating. Make sure you have everything you need with you before you get it processed.

We cover all types of topics here to make your life easier. To learn more about living the type of lifestyle you’ve always dreamed about, click here.

If you’re planning on living abroad for a while, you’re going to need to figure out what to do with your stuff. Check out this guide to long term storage.

Congratulations on your upcoming adventure. Living abroad is an exciting, challenging pursuit, and it’s certainly worth the investment. You’ve probably got a lot on your plate to prepare yourself for this new season.

You know you’ll have to make extensive travel plans. You also have to have a habitable lodging available when you arrive at your destination. Even still, you also have to consider what you want to do with all the belongings you leave behind.

Living abroad is, in most cases, a temporary situation. Most travelers end up back in their home country or even state. It’d be useful to store belongings.

That’s why you should invest in renting high-quality long-term storage. Trusted storage units will protect all of the possessions you cherish for as long as you rent them. Consider the following five tips on making the most out of your storage unit while you live abroad.

Set Up Prepay, or At Least Autopay

While you’re living abroad, you’re going to have a lot of things on your mind. There will be a lot of important decisions to make as you navigate the ins and outs of your new life.

Hopefully, you have some financial security in order for your travels. Make sure you prepare a budget ahead of time and stick to it.

Know what the living expenses will be like in your new home’s region. You’re likely to have some income lined up before you even get there – hence, the reason for your travel. You’d be smart to nevertheless bring hefty financial savings.

Perhaps you are going to a foreign country with foreign currency. Your finances might get tricky, but just plan for plenty of time to get everything situated. For your possessions left behind, set up a financially secure way to make sure they’re cared for.

If you can swing it, prepay rent for at least a year, if not for the entire time you know you’ll be gone. That will ease your financial worries while you’re out of the country. Not everyone, though, can afford such a down payment.

If that’s you, consider setting up a monthly autopay agreement instead. You’d have to do well to make sure enough funds are available every month for the withdrawal. If you’re careful with your budget, you’ll have no worries about keeping your belongings in long-term storage.

Be Smart and Downsize to Necessities

Different storage unit facilities offer different sizes of units at different costs. Since you know you’re going to be putting most of your belongings in a storage unit, it’s time to downsize. Your goal should be to minimize the size of storage unit you’ll actually need to rent.

For many people, this means starting with a basic garage sale. Remember to only keep your valuable and necessary possessions. You can always replace clothes and cheap furniture.

When it gets closer to the time of your travels abroad, you’ll want to be more thorough about downsizing. By this time, you should know what your living situation is going to look like while you’re gone.

If you own a home, are you going to rent it out while you’re abroad? If you’re a renter, is your lease going to get in the way of your travel time?

Once your trip is close, you’ll need to be serious about downsizing. Empty the fridge of perishables. Get rid of cleaning supplies that will expire.

Ease your peace of mind when you’re abroad by knowing you don’t have too many cares back at home. Get the smallest storage unit you can sensibly use.

Organize and Pack Efficiently

A study by the United Nations states that more people are living abroad than ever. Don’t be among the people who start their travels abroad unprepared. You need to stay organized right from the start if you’re going to live abroad successfully.

Packing can seem like an overwhelming challenge, but be intentional throughout the process. Since you’ve already gone through to downsize your belongings, you should have a pretty good idea of everything you own.

Take the time to categorize the belongings you’re leaving behind. Consider that you want heavier things to stay on the bottom of the storage unit. Start packing items that are similar to another in one sturdy moving box.

If you simplify your belongings into a few boxes and items as possible, you’ll go a long way in simplifying your journey abroad. Think about how easy it will be to start over with your previous belongings if they’re all organized upon your return.

Find the Best Long-Term Storage Unit Facility Available

It’s important to note that not all storage facilities are the same. You’ll have to do some research to find the best facility to suit your specific needs.

For example, do you know whether or not you want a climate-controlled storage unit? Otherwise, you might find a cheaper, less maintained unit. This could work if you aren’t worried about any specific belongings getting damaged due to extreme temperatures.

There should be plenty of affordable long-term storage units available in your local area. Read more to find out how you can find the best bargain for the storage expectations you have. Check out their online reviews, too, for a good idea of whether or not you can trust them with your belongings.

Have Someone You Trust Keep an Eye on Your Belongings

If you have someone you trust and who would be willing, ask for their help. Perhaps you’re even willing to pay them a little.

He or she could check on your belongings a few times a year, just to ensure everything is okay. This is, in particular, useful for those units that are not climate-controlled.

Making the Most Out of Your Time Abroad

You deserve to live your life to its fullest. Making the most out of long-term storage units is only one way you are striving for peace of mind on your upcoming journey. Living abroad is going to be impactful in many ways.

You deserve to stay informed and well-adjusted to your new life. We know how important it is to stay connected in this global society. We encourage you to check out lifestyle articles on our blog to continue to make the most of your life.