Monthly Archives: May 2019

How to Spend Five Days in Boston

Empty streets of Boston, USA on a bright day
Posted: 5/30/2019 | May 20th, 2019

One of the most historic cities in the United States, Boston is the city I called home for the first 25 years of my life.

More a collection of towns than a metropolis like New York, Boston is a city steeped in history (it contains a lot of historical firsts for the United States and played a pivotal role in its founding), delicious food, wide-open green spaces, first-rate museums, and warm, welcoming people.

Visiting Boston offers all the benefits of a big metropolis without the intensity and fast pace of New York.

Boston is easy to get around and compact, making it perfect for travelers. The subway will take you wherever you need to go.

So how many days do you need to visit Boston?

Most people visit for three to four days, and I think that’s a perfect amount of time. As someone who’s lived there, I can say that, since Boston is so small, you won’t waste a lot of time “in transit,” so you can pack a lot into your days. Obviously, you can spend longer here (slow travel is the best travel), but for the first-time visitor, three to four days is enough.

Here’s a suggested Boston itinerary that will allow you to see the best of Boston:

Visiting Boston: Day 1

Take a Free Walking Tour
a sunny day in downtown boston during a walking tour of the city
If walking the Freedom Trail and the Black Heritage Trail wasn’t enough for you, there are plenty of other walking/food tours around town to keep you entertained! While the food tours, wine tours (yes, there are wine tours!), and historical tours will cost money, both Free Tours by Foot and Strawberry Tours offer daily free walking tours around town. They’re a great way to get oriented and see the major sights without breaking the bank. Just be sure to tip your guides!

Hike the Freedom Trail
Boston's Freedom Trail sign
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walk through historic Boston. It takes you through all the major sites and monuments relating to the city’s founding and the Revolutionary War. The trail begins in the Boston Commons and ends at Bunker Hill. Along the way, you’ll see:

  • Boston Commons
  • Massachusetts State House
  • Park Street Church
  • Granary Burying Ground
  • King’s Chapel Burying Ground
  • Benjamin Franklin statue and the former site of Boston Latin School
  • Old Corner Bookstore
  • Old South Meeting House
  • Old State House
  • Site of the Boston Massacre
  • Faneuil Hall
  • Paul Revere House
  • Old North Church
  • Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
  • USS Constitution
  • Bunker Hill Monument

You follow a brick road through the city, and there are signs and historical markers all along the way. Given all the walking that’s involved, I would make this the only other activity of the day. You’ll want to take your time and see all the sites thoroughly.

You can also take a guided tour from the visitor’s center. Tours run hourly between 11am and 1pm, with additional tours in the afternoon in the spring and summer. Tickets are $14 USD for adults, $12 USD for students and seniors, and $8 USD for children 6-12 (free for kids under 6).

Additionally, you can take a free tour from one of the city’s other walking tour companies. Free Tours By Foot offers a walking tour that covers the Freedom Trail. It takes around two hours and is free — just be sure to tip your guide!

Lunch at Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall
Fresh seafood from Boston's Quincy Market
Quincy Market and next-door Faneuil Hall is the best place to stop and eat lunch on the Freedom Trail. There are about two dozen choices. You can get just about anything here, from Greek to sushi to sandwiches and much more. Since you’re in Boston, try the clam chowder, a local New England specialty.

After lunch, continue on the trail.

4 S Market St, +1 617-523-1300, faneuilhallmarketplace.com. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm.

Visiting Boston: Day 2

Boston Commons
The green and lush Boston Commons on a sunny summer day
Start your day (again) in the Boston Commons, a giant park that sees plenty of people on warm summer days. There are lots of paths to take, as well as the Frog Pond, where kids and adults can cool off. During the winter, there’s skating on the pond. Boston Commons is a great place to go people-watching and get pictures of the skyline.

Boston Public Gardens
The trees and water near Boston's Public Gardens on a summer day
After your early-morning walk, head across the street to the Public Gardens. Opened in 1837, the area was actually a mudflat (a coastal wetland area) before it became a garden. The land was almost used for a cemetery as well, but the city decided to create the first public botanical garden instead. These days, you can take a swan boat on the pond in the middle of the gardens, or you can simply stroll around and see some pretty flowers.

Browse for Books
tables of used books at brattle book shop in boston
Located a stone’s throw away from the Boston Commons, Brattle Book Shop is a family-run used bookstore that dates back to 1825. It’s actually one of the oldest surviving bookstores in the country! It’s home to over 250,000 books, maps, postcards, and other odds and ends. In addition to used books, the store is also home to an impressive collection of first editions and antique books.

9 West Street, +1 617-542-0210, brattlebookshop.com. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm.

Walk Around the Back Bay
Overlooking the Back Bay area of Boston, USA
This area used to be an actual bay. Before the Europeans arrived, the indigenous population used the tidal bay to catch fish, as the bay drained completely during low tide. When the land was colonized, a dam was built and the tidal bay was eventually filled in, creating the Back Bay area.

The end of the Public Gardens meets Boston’s Back Bay, our version of New York’s SoHo and West Village. This is where Boston’s elite and wealthy live, and nearby Newbury Street is our Madison Avenue, with lots of expensive shopping and high-end eateries. It’s a beautiful space to stroll around, with pretty brownstones and tree-lined streets. You can still see plenty of old Victorian homes in this neighborhood that date back to the 19th century.

Copley Square and Trinity Church
Trinity Church on a summer's day in Boston, USA
Copley Square is a great little park where you can buy discount theater tickets, listen to musicians, and gaze up at the Hancock Tower. You can also go into Boston’s Trinity Church, which is one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful. It was built in the 1870s after the original building burned down in the Great Fire of 1872. The style is known as Richardsonian Romanesque, which embraces the use of clay roofing, rough stones, and a massive tower. The style actually influenced churches all across the country upon its completion because it was so beautiful.

You’ll also find the Boston Public Library here. Opened in 1852, it’s one of the largest municipal libraries in the country, home to over 23 million items, with almost 4 million visitors each year.

206 Clarendon St, +1 617-536-0944, trinitychurchboston.org. The church is open for prayer and tours Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm and Sundays 12:15pm-4:30pm. Tours are $10 USD for adults, though it is free to enter for worship.

Head up to the Prudential Tower
Prudential Tower in Boston, Massachusetts
Head back toward Copley to see the Prudential Tower, colloquially known as “The Pru.” You can actually go up to the top and get a bird’s-eye view of Boston. There are 52 floors in the building, which was built in the 1960s. These days, it’s the second tallest building in the city (the John Hancock Tower is first).

800 Boylston St, +1 617-859-0648, prudentialcenter.com. Open daily from 10am-8pm (10pm in the summer). Admission is $20 USD for adults, with discount available for students, seniors, and children.

Walk the Charles River
Blue skies over Boston's Charles River
Double back toward the Charles River and walk the riverfront. If it’s summertime, you might be able to catch a free show at the Boston Hatch Shell or go sailing on the river. If not, it’s still a nice walk, where you’ll encounter runners, kids playing, and people playing sports.

47 David G. Mugar Way, +1 617-626-1250, hatchshell.com. See the website for an up-to-date list of events.

Visit the Museum of Science
The Museum of Science in Boston, USA
At the end of the riverfront is the Museum of Science. If you aren’t too tired, check out the museum and the Omni Theater inside. Though many of the exhibits are for kids, it’s still one of the best science museums in the country. The outer space exhibit is outstanding. Their permanent exhibits include displays showcasing dinosaurs, energy conservation, cartography, butterflies, wind and weather, nanotechnology, and space.

1 Science Park, +1 617-723-2500, mos.org. Open Saturday-Thursday 9am-5pm and Fridays 9am-9pm. Admission is $28 USD for adults, with discounts available for seniors and children.

Visiting Boston: Day 3

Visit the Aquarium
A penguin at Boston's aquarium
Boston’s aquarium is one of the best in the country. There are over 600 different species and over 20,000 animals here. You’ll see lionfish, penguins, eels, stingrays, and much, much more. It’s a great place to spend a few hours (especially if you are traveling with kids). It’s really well done — the fish aren’t all clustered into a few small tanks (the aquarium is over 75,000 square feet), and there’s a lot of information about how to protect the oceans.

1 Central Wharf, +1 617-973-5200, neaq.org. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends 9am-6pm. Admission is $27.95 USD for adults, with discounts available for kids and seniors.

Explore the North End
An aerial view of the north end of Boston, Massachusetts
The historic North End is the heart of Boston’s Italian community. You’ll hear just as much Italian as you will Boston accents. In the morning, you’ll see little Italian grandmas shopping while the grandpas have their morning espresso. It’s almost like being in Italy. You’ll find the best gelato outside of Italy here.

See the Skinny House
 the skinny house in Boston, USA
When you’re in the North End, visit 44 Hull Street. Known as “the Skinny House” (or the Spite House), this incredibly narrow house has a rather interesting history. Built after the Civil War, it was a passion project of Joseph Euestus, who came home from the war to find that his brother had taken over more than half of the inherited land they were meant to share. Joseph decided to build on the remaining land — which his brother thought was too small to build anything on. Joseph went ahead and built a narrow four-story home on the small slice of land to block his brother’s view.

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum
the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art
Boston has a lot of great galleries and museums, so depending on your interest, you’ll want to check out some (or all) of the galleries and museums below. It will take more than an afternoon to see them all but you can always spread these visits out over a few days!

  • Institute of Contemporary Art: If contemporary art is your cup of tea, this is for you. While it’s not my favorite style of art, I have to admit this place does put on some insightful exhibits. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, +1 617-478-3100, icaboston.org.
  • Commonwealth Museum: This museum explores the history of Massachusetts. It’s actually really interesting and entirely underrated (especially if you’re a history nerd like me). 220 Morrissey Blvd, +1 617-727-2816, sec.state.ma.us/arc.
  • Harvard Museum of Natural History: This natural history museum has exhibitions showcasing dinosaurs, animals, and minerals (including meteorites). It’s a great choice if you’re traveling with kids, though there is plenty of informative content for adults too! 26 Oxford St +1 617-495-3045, hmnh.harvard.edu.
  • Harvard University Art Museums: Harvard actually has three art museums – the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum. They are home to both modern and historical art exhibitions. See what exhibitions are running by checking their website. harvardartmuseums.org
  • Museum of Fine Arts: This museum has an impressive collection of over 450,000 pieces of fine art. It also runs all sorts of art classes throughout the year, both multi-week classes as well as single-day workshops. If you’re looking to learn something new or improve your skills, check out the website for more details. 465 Huntington Avenue, +1 617-267-9300, mfa.org.
  • Warren Anatomical Museum: Founded in 1847, this macabre museum is filled with Civil War–era medical tools as well as some unique (and perhaps unsettling) medical mysteries. It’s super weird but super neat. A definite must if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path museum! 10 Shattuck St, +1 617-432-6196, countway.harvard.edu/center-history-medicine/warren-anatomical-museum.
  • Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum: This interactive museum is home to some historic ships that have been authentically restored to show you what life was like at sea during the Boston Tea Party. It also has a really informative documentary about the events that led up to the Tea Party and the American Revolution. Best of all, you can actually throw fake crates of tea into the river yourself to see what it was like! 306 Congress St, +1 617-338-1773, bostonteapartyship.com.
  • Paul Revere House: Built in 1680, this is actually the oldest building in the entire city (it’s been renovated but it’s still the original building). The museum is filled with the family’s furniture and artifacts, giving you a sense of what life was like in Boston before the Revolution. 19 N Square, +1 617-523-2338, paulreverehouse.org.
  • Museum of Bad Art: The name says it all! This is a museum filled with terrible art. The MOBA has rotating exhibits throughout the year, so there is always something new and terrible to behold. If you feel like a laugh, definitely check out this quirky gallery! 55 Davis Square, +1 781-444-6757, museumofbadart.org.
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumThis museum is home to an amazing art collection of over 20,000 items, including European, Asian, and American art. Opened in 1903, the museum is made up of a wide-ranging collection of paintings, tapestries, decorative arts, and sculptures. It’s one of the best museums in Boston. Don’t miss it.25 Evans Way, +1 617-566-1401, gardnermuseum.org.

Visiting Boston: Day 4

Take a Free Tour of Harvard
The Harvard University campus in Cambridge is a great place to spend the day
Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in America. Head to its home in Cambridge (Harvard Square train stop on the Red Line) and join a free tour. Learn about the university’s history, architecture, programs, and myths.

Harvard University, +1 617-495-1000, harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard/tours.

Hang Out in Harvard Square
Harvard Square is the place to be at night in Boston
When you’re finished, wander around and experience Harvard Square’s eclectic offerings. There are a lot of good street musicians to listen to (Tracy Chapman got her start here). See the mix of life in Harvard Square: walk around, stroll into used bookstores and coffee shops, and watch artists, vagabonds, locals, and college students mingle. There are some cool little shops in “The Garage.”

Arnold Arboretum
The green grass around Arnold Arboretum in Boston
Over 260 acres of free public space are open from sunrise to sunset. There are running trails, gardens, open lawns, and tons of flowers from all over the world. Relax among the plants and take a step back from the fast pace of the city. This place is much quieter than the Public Gardens and offers a wider variety of plant life. It also has a great bonsai tree collection. This is located a little outside the city, so it will take time to get to!

125 Arborway, +1 617-524-1718, arboretum.harvard.edu. Open daily 7am-7pm. Admission is free.

Take the Sam Adams Brewery Tour
Sam Adams Brewery in Boston
After four days of sightseeing, you deserve a beer or five. Luckily, this brewery is located near the Arboretum so it’s easy to visit and a great way to end your day. Sam Adams is a major brewer in Boston, and locals drink it widely and frequently. The brewery offers free tours, starting in mid-afternoon and departing every 45 minutes. You get a few free samples along the way. If you’re under 21, don’t worry. You can still go — you just can’t drink.

30 Germania St, +1 617-368-5080, samueladams.com. Tours are available Monday-Thursday and Saturdays 10am-3pm. On Friday, tours are available between 10am and 5:30pm.

See the Red Sox Play
watching a baseball game in Boston
Boston is a sports town, and Bostonians are die-hard about their teams, so you’re sure to witness some intense feelings when you attend a game. If you really want a Boston sports experience, go to a Red Sox game. If you can’t get in, hang out around the bars near Fenway. Just never, ever, ever root for the Yankees! While there be sure to visit Bleacher Bar. Opened in 2008, you can actually look out onto the field from the bar itself. It’s a good spot to watch the game if you don’t have a ticket to the game.

4 Yawkey Way, +1 877-733-7699, mlb.com/redsox/ballpark. See the website for an up-to-date schedule.

(The Sox not in season? No worries. We have the Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots. No matter the time of year, you’ll be able to find a game to see!)

Visiting Boston: Day 5

Explore the Black Heritage Trail
the start of the Black Heritage Trail in Boston
Much like the Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail comprises 14 sites located around Beacon Hill that highlight important parts of African-American history in Boston. Massachusetts was actually the first state to declare slavery illegal (in 1783), and you can learn a lot about the history of slavery and the African-American experience by walking the trail. If you want to do a self-guided tour, free maps are available at the Abiel Smith School. There are several companies that also arrange guided tours (with the map it’s very simple to do yourself, though).

Visit the Children’s Museum
the children's museum in Boston
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great place to spend part of your visit. It’s the second oldest children’s museum in the US and has permanent exhibits on health and exercise, construction, space, art, and diversity. It also has a real two-story house from Kyoto, Japan, that teaches kids about life there (it’s actually pretty cool!).

308 Congress Street, +1 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Open daily 10am-5pm (9pm on Fridays). Admission is $17 USD for both adults and kids (free for infants under 12 months).

See the USS Constitution
the USS Constitution in the Boston harbour
The USS Constitution was commissioned in 1797. The ship was actually named by George Washington and was used in the War of 1812 (and later in the Civil War). It’s the oldest ship in the world that is still afloat, permanently docked in the harbor. If you want to do more than just look at it (you’ll see it on the Freedom Trail), free tours are offered every 30 minutes and they are a great way to get a sense of what life at sea was life over 200 years ago!

Charlestown Navy Yard, +1 617-426-1812, ussconstitutionmuseum.org. The ship is open daily 10am-4pm (with extended hours in the summer); the museum is open 10am-5pm (with extended hours in the summer as well). Admission is free, though the museum has a suggested donation of $10-15.

Visit More Museums – With any extra time, visit more museums! There’s plenty of them to see! Try not to skip the big ones!

Go Stargazing
stargazing on a clear night
Every Wednesday, The Coit Observatory at Boston University offers free stargazing (weather permitting). It’s a really cool way to learn a bit about astronomy and fun for both children and adults (though minors need to be accompanied by an adult). Just make sure to dress for the weather, since you’ll be stargazing outside. Since the weather can be fickle, you’ll want to call ahead to make sure the stargazing is happening. Space is limited so you need to reserve your spot in advance.

725 Commonwealth Avenue, +1 617-353-2630, bu.edu/astronomy/events/public-open-night-at-the-observatory. Viewings are Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the autumn and winter and 8:30pm in the spring and summer.

5 Other Things to See and Do in Boston

If you’re looking for more things to do or different suggestions than above, here are some other cool things to do in Boston to add to your itinerary:

See the Mapparium – Located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this three-story inverted globe serves as a giant map of the world that you can walk into via a glass bridge. It is constructed of over 600 stained-glass panels and shows the world as it looked in 1935.

200 Massachusetts Avenue, +1 617-450-7000, marybakereddylibrary.org. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission to the Mapparium is $6 USD for adults, with discounts available for students, children, and seniors.

Head to Castle Island – Castle Island is located in South Boston and is famous for Fort Independence. When the fort was no longer needed for defense, it was actually used as the first state prison. The island covers 22 acres and has excellent beaches, as well as some running trails that are popular with the locals. There’s also an area for picnics and you can visit the old fort for free. The place gets pretty busy on the weekends during the summer, and you can often see school groups exploring the fort during the spring.

Relax at the Lawn on D – This massive green space is new to the city (when I was growing up, there was nothing in this area so you would never go there). There are all sorts of free activities happening year-round, from concerts to festivities and everything in between! There’s public seating, free Wi-Fi, art exhibitions, and a few games, like table tennis and bocce. To see what events are happening during your visit, check the website for details.

420 D St, +1 877-393-3393, signatureboston.com/lawn-on-d. Open daily 7am-10pm (hours may vary for events). Admission is free.

Hike the Blue Hills – This park is a bit out of the way, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to get out and stretch your legs. The 7,000-acre park is home to over 100 miles of trails and offers some picturesque viewpoints. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as boating, fishing, skiing, and rock climbing (depending on the season). It can get busy in the summer on the weekends, so just be sure to arrive early.

Tour the Custom House – Built in the 17th century, the Custom House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. In 1915, a tower was added to the building, making it the tallest building in the city at the time. The building is owned by Marriott Hotels now, though you can still take a free tour (by appointment) to go up to the observation deck on the 26th floor.

3 McKinley Square, +1 617-310-6300, marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosch-marriott-vacation-club-pulse-at-custom-house-boston. Tours available Sunday-Friday 10am-4pm. Tours are free though they are by appointment only.

Take a Walking Tour – In addition to free walking tours, there are also tons of paid options if you want something more in-depth. Food tours, wine tours, historical tours — you name it, the city has it! Here are a few worth checking out if you’re looking to take a tour:

***

Boston is a great city (and I’m not just saying that because I grew up there). I’ve never encountered a person who hasn’t liked it. This Boston visitor’s itinerary will give you a good overview of the city at a nice, relaxing pace. You’ll be moving around a lot, though, so make sure you get an unlimited “T” pass (subway/train pass). If you have more time, you can squeeze in some other activities.

But why rush such a beautiful place?

Take it slow. Mix and match the itinerary to suit your needs but this is how I’d structure my days if I was visiting Boston!

Book Your Trip to Boston: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time. My favorite hostel to stay at in Boston is:

  • HI Boston – This hostel is in a great location, has a spacious common area and a café, and the staff is super friendly and helpful.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Boston?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Boston with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 6, 7, 7, 8, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 25

The post How to Spend Five Days in Boston appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Ten Years a Nomad: My Next Travel Book is Here!


Posted: 5/28/2019 | May 28th, 2019

Though I’ve alluded to it for months, it’s time to finally let the cat fully out of the bag:

I’m releasing a brand-new book!!!!

It took close to two years to write (and was the hardest thing I ever wrote). But, after a million edits, it’s done and ready for the world.

It’s called Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler’s Journey Home.

And it comes out July 16th!

This isn’t another “how-to” money-saving guidebook.

Ten years a nomad book coverThe memoir is about my ten years traveling around the world, the lessons I learned, and my advice on being a better traveler. It features stories I’ve never told and goes deeper into my philosophy on travel than I ever have on this blog.

I wrote this to follow the emotional journey of a trip around the world: getting the bug, the planning, setting off, the highs, the lows, the friends, what happens when you come back — and the lessons and advice that come with all that.

Here’s an early review from Kirkus:

“Throughout his ruminations on how travel affected him, Kepnes interweaves his tales of friends, girlfriends, and great loves discovered among exotic backdrops and how starting a blog (nomadicmatt.com) about his adventures altered the way he traveled. His story is one of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the constant travel itch he had to scratch in order to become the man he was supposed to be. An entertaining, quick read by a man who did what many of us only dream about.”

This is my opus on travel.

And it’s available now for pre-order.

As with my previous books, I’m offering bundle packages for those people who purchase the book in advance! You’ll be able to get free copies of my other books, one-on-one travel planning advice, free attendance at TravelCon, blogging courses, free hostel stays and flights, and more!

The packages are listed below.

All you need to do to claim your bonuses is email me a copy of your receipt at matt@nomadicmatt.com.

The Basic Package (cost: $18, value: $48)
Purchase one copy of the book and get:

  • How to Build a Travel Blog ebook (value: $9.99)
  • The Ultimate Guide to Travel Hacking ebook (value: $9.99)
  • 27 Ways to Be a Master Traveler PDF (value: $5)
  • 50 Inspiring Travel Books and Movies PDF (value: $5)

***BEST VALUE*** The Tenner (cost: $182, value: $794)
Buy 10 copies of my book and get ALL THE ABOVE plus:

  • My 12 city and country guides (value: $150)
  • A signed copy of my book How to Travel the World on $50 a Day (value: $15)
  • A 15-minute planning call with me (ask me anything)! (value: $200)
  • The Business of Blogging course (value: $199)

The Bullseye (cost: $900, value: $2,493)
Buy 50 copies of my book and get ALL THE ABOVE plus:

  • One ticket to TravelCon in Boston (value: $399)
  • A 30-minute planning call with me (ask me anything)! (value: $400)

SUPER BONUS! The Centennial (cost: $1,800, value: $7,193)
Buy 100 copies of my book and get ALL THE ABOVE plus:

  • Lunch on me! I’ll come to your city and we’ll have lunch on me! (limited to those in the United States and Canada) (value: $2,000)
  • Round-trip airfare to TravelCon in Boston (from within the US and Canada) (value: $500)
  • One additional ticket to TravelCon in Boston (value: $399)

Conversely, if you’re not a blogger and don’t care about TravelCon, you’ll get four nights at any hostel in the United States and one round-trip domestic airfare.

SUPER BONUS! The Big Kahuna (cost: $4,500, value: $19,293)
Buy 250 copies of my book and get ALL THE ABOVE plus:

  • I’ll come to speak at your event for free! (value: $5,000)
  • You’ll be flown to NYC (from within the US and Canada) the book launch party, put up in a hotel for two nights, and get dinner with me! (value: $3,000)

Note: All digital bonuses will be sent when you send the receipt. Travel arrangements will be worked out between you and me and are valid for six months after purchase (i.e., you have to make a booking by then).

Order the book today, get your bonuses, and share your love of travel!

An amazon blue purchase button A blue Barnes and Noble purchase button

 

Want to Help Me Spread the Word About This Book?

I’ll be doing a huge book tour around the US and Canada to promote the book (details coming soon) but I’m always looking for more opportunities to talk travel. Here’s how you can help me spread the word about the new book:

Want to interview me?
If you have a blog, podcast, vlog, or Instagram channel and want to interview me about the book and travel, let me know at matt@nomadicmatt.com using the subject line “Book Interview.” I’d love to talk with you!

Are you in the media and want to cover the book?
If you work for a major media outlet and want to interview me about the book or would like to review the book, let me know at matt@nomadicmatt.com using the subject line “Media Request.”

Know anyone that I should reach out to for promotion?
If you have suggestions on people who would love a copy of this book and would be a good fit for promoting the book, let me know in the comments, or feel to email me at matt@nomadicmatt.com with the subject line “Book Promotion Help.”

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post Ten Years a Nomad: My Next Travel Book is Here! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Colombia?

a green mountainous landscape in the Colombia countryside
Posted: 6/6/19 | June 6th, 2019

A trip to Colombia wasn’t going to break the bank. I knew that much.

But would it be a bargain?

Only a visit there would tell me for sure.

And so, earlier this year, I spent over five weeks there, varying my time between dorm rooms and cooking my own food on the one hand and staying in boutique hotels and eating luxury meals on the other.

I can tell you that while people are right — Colombia isn’t going to break your bank — if you’re not careful, your costs can escalate quickly, especially if you indulge in the up-and-coming gastronomy scene.

So how much does it cost to visit Colombia?

And how can you save money there?

Let’s break it down and go over my trip as an example.

How much did I spend?

people walking around a plaza with a fountain in Cartagena, Colombia
Over the course of 37 days, I spent $2,908.50 USD, or $78.60 per day. Here’s how that breaks down:

  • Accommodation – 3,690,531 COP ($1122.10 USD)
  • Food – 3,231,903 COP ($982.66 USD)
  • Drinks (Starbucks, water, tea, etc.) – 183,488 COP ($55.78 USD)
  • Alcoholic drinks – 691,170 COP ($210.15 USD)
  • Taxis – 386,000 COP ($117.36 USD)
  • Public transportation – 37,000 COP ($11.25 USD)
  • Intercity buses – 238,200 COP ($72.42 USD)
  • Uber – 518,447 COP ($157.63 USD)
  • Walking/day tours- 541,500 COP ($164.64 USD)
  • Miscellany (Band-Aids, soap, etc.) – 47,650 COP ($14.48 USD)

Total: 9,565,889 COP ($2908.50)

I spent so much money for two reasons: I stayed in a lot of hotels, and I ate out at a lot of fancy restaurants. They destroyed my budget. If it wasn’t for those things, I figure I would have spent about $1,000 less (thanks, Cartagena, for those lovely but pricey boutique hotels!) or around $53 per day, which isn’t too bad, and closer to my ideal $50 a day budget.

I don’t have any regrets, though. I had a lot of friends visit me and it was hard to convince them to stay in hostels and eat cheap meals. They wanted to splurge in the few days they had.

How much do you need to travel in Colombia?

a beach resort in Colombia

Accommodation – Most hostel dorm rooms in Colombia cost between 30,000-45,000 COP ($9-14 USD) per night, though in smaller cities and towns you can find them as low 23,048 COP ($7 USD) per night. You can sometimes find them that low in the big cities but the facilities tend to be pretty meh. Private hostel rooms start around 50,000 COP ($15.50 USD), though during the high season and in major metropolitan areas, you’ll likely spend double that.

Budget hotels in Colombia start around 60,000 COP ($18 USD) per night. On the coast and in the high season, you’ll find most places will be closer to around 120,000 ($36 USD) per night. If you’re looking to stay at some of the really nice boutique hotels the country has to offer, you should expect to pay around 658,533 COP ($200 USD) or more a night.

Airbnb is available in the larger cities, with shared accommodation prices starting around 35,000 COP ($11 USD) per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices start at 90,000 COP ($28 USD) but average closer to 250,000 COP ($78 USD) per night.

Food – Most of the local food is around 10,000-15,000 COP ($3-5 USD) per meal. You can find a lot for around 5,000-10,000 ($1.50-3 USD) in the countryside. You can also find a lot of cheap food like empanadas for like 200-500 COP ($0.06-0.15 USD) (they make the best snack food). An arepa on the street will be about 3,000 COP ($0.90 USD). Ceviche, which is popular throughout the country, is around 15,000 COP ($4.55 USD).

Most “Western” food will cost about 20,000-30,000 COP ($6-9 USD) each, or 15,000 COP ($4.55 USD) if you get fast food like McDonald’s or Subway. You can find some really expensive food in the country so prices just go up from that. Beer at the bar can be found for as little as 2,500 COP ($0.75 USD) but, on average, you’re likely to pay double that a backpacker bar. Cocktails, which are becoming really popular here, cost around 20,000 COP ($6 USD).

Grocery shopping is very cheap, costing about 110,000 COP ($34 USD) per week if you plan on buying your own groceries.

Transportation – Local transportation is cheap. The metro in Medellin is only around 2,500 COP ($0.76 USD) for a one-way fare. Local buses are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 1,000-2,5000 COP ($0.30-0.80 USD).

Uber (a ridesharing service) is way cheaper than taxis and you can pretty much get anywhere for around 16,463 COP ($5 USD). You can save $15 off your first Uber ride with this code: jlx6v.

Intercity buses are the best way to get around Colombia. A bus from Bogota to Medellin will cost around 65,000 COP ($20 USD) while a bus to Quito, Ecuador from Bogota will cost around 175,000 COP ($54 USD). Medellin to Manizales is 42,000 COP ($12.75 USD) and Salento to Cali is about 27,000 COP ($8.20 USD). On average, you’ll probably spend 20,000-40,000 ($6-12 USD) for a bus, more if you’re going over 9 hours.

Companies like Bolivariano, Expreso Palmira, and Trejos are all good companies and they make it easy to research schedules and fares on their websites.

Tours – Most tours cost around 30,000 COP ($9 USD) and most museums are 10,000 COP ($3 USD) or less.

I don’t think you need to spend a lot of money in Colombia. On a backpacker’s budget, you’ll probably spend about 160,000 COP ($48 USD) per day. This is assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating local food, cooking some of your own meals, and using local transportation to get around. You’ll roughly spend around 60,000 COP ($18 USD) per day on hostels, 30,000-40,000 ($9-12 USD) on food, and 60,000 COP ($18 USD) on everything else. If you plan to drink a lot, do more tours, or eat a lot more Western food, I’d probably budget between 181,097-197,560 COP ($55-60 USD) per day.

On a mid-range budget of about 306,000 COP ($92 USD) per day, you can afford a private room at a hostel, Airbnb, or hotel; eat anywhere you want within reason (splurging once in a while); fly a couple of times, and take whatever tours you want. You’re going to spend around 99,000-132,000 COP ($30-40 USD) per night on lodging, 99,000 ($30 USD) on food, and 99,000 ($30 USD) on everything else.

If you’re going to stick to more luxury hotels, meals, drink more, or not use any points, I’d budget maybe 329,266 COP ($100 USD) or so a day.

After that, the sky is really the limit.

I found my trip a good in between. In the next section, I’ll talk more about how to save money in Colombia but, overall, I didn’t really want for anything on my trip. I ate cheap when I wanted, balanced my partying, cooked some food, used hotel points when I could, took public transportation as much as I could, and, just overall, tried to balance the two budget types above.

How to save money in Colombia

a street food vendor in Colombia selling fruit
You don’t need to do a lot to save money in Colombia. It’s relatively cheap to visit, and there are a lot of good deals throughout the country.

Accommodation is inexpensive unless you are staying at major hotels chains. Hostels are cheap (especially when you leave the big cities) and there are a lot of great value local hotels throughout the country. There are a ton of markets with cheap food. Local attractions are cheap. Buses are cheap. Really, if you travel as your average Colombian lives, you’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot.

Here are my 12 tips on how to save money in Colombia:

Eat like locals – It’s easy to eat on a budget here if you stick to local Colombian food. You can also find a lot of cheap food like empanadas for like 200-500 COP ($0.06-0.15 USD) (they make the best snack food). An arepa on the street will be about 3,000 COP ($0.90 USD). Ceviche, which is popular throughout the country, is around 15,000 COP ($4.55 USD). In the countryside, you can find meals closer to 10,000 COP ($3 USD)! In short: eat local, eat cheap. Sure, Colombian food isn’t the healthiest (it’s heavy on meat and fried food) but it is filling and inexpensive.

Skip the cocktails – Colombia has a lot of awesome cocktail bars now — especially in Medellín — but these drinks are expensive, usually costing around 20,000 COP ($6 USD) (sometimes up to 30,000 COP, or $9 USD). I mean, that’s crazy, especially when beer will cost you around 4,000 COP ($1.25 USD). If you’re on a budget, you should definitely skip the cocktails and stick to beer.

Cook your food – While local food is really cheap, you can also save some money by grocery shopping, although I didn’t find it to be a great value. It cost me 50,568 COP ($15 USD) for three days of food (plus, the hostels had terrible cooking facilities). If you do shop, I recommend getting breakfast food or snacks and eating meals out. You get more bang for your buck that way.

Avoid the hostels on the Caribbean coast – The hostels on the Caribbean coast were pretty lackluster. They were expensive and didn’t have great facilities, especially the bigger “resort” ones in beachside towns like Palomino. Instead, you can find comparatively cheap budget hotels on Booking.com for less than a private room and only slightly more than a dorm bed.

Avoid Gringolands – Everything where the gringos are is double the normal price. Avoid staying in areas with lots of tourists and expats, like Poblado in Medellín, Cartagena’s Old Town, or Park 93 in Bogotá, since you’ll end up paying more for everything.

Couchsurf – Nothing’s cheaper than free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who will not only give you a free place to stay but also serve as a local tour guide and introduce you to the cool stuff only locals know about in town! You’ll find the most hosts in college towns and big cities.

Fly Viva Air – If you’re planning to fly around Colombia, the best deals are on Viva Air. It has the cheapest fares in the country (though it flies to the fewest places). It’s best to book a few weeks in advance. (LAN and Avianca, the two major carriers, also have deals sometimes.)

Use miles and points – You can use your miles on both LAN (part of Oneworld) and Avianca (part of Star Alliance). There are also a lot of hotel chains for which you can use points. If you have miles and/or points, you can burn through a lot of them in Colombia — and the redemption rates are really good too!

Avoid the airline surcharge – Non-Colombians are charged higher ticket prices than locals. If you look at the non-local version of the website, you won’t see the super saver cheap fares. To get around this, load up the local Spanish versions of an airlines’ websites. Then use your browser extension to translate the pages and book away! You’ll see the cheaper, Colombian prices, and no one will challenge you at check-in about your ticket fare.

Take Uber – Uber is by far the cheapest way to get around Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín. It’s about 1/3 as much as taxis. (Note: Uber is actually illegal, so don’t sit in the back seat or you might get stopped.) I also like to tip the Uber drivers here, since the fares are so cheap and they are taking a risk. But all the drivers I met did this out of necessity — they couldn’t pay their bills if it wasn’t for Uber.

Haggle with taxi drivers – There are no meters in Colombia. While prices from the airports are regulated and non-negotiable, everything else is just a matter of your bargaining skills. If you’re going to take taxis, haggle before you get in the car.

Take free walking tours – Most major and medium-sized cities in Colombia have free walking tours. They are a good way to see the city on a budget and learn by asking your guide questions. Here are some of my favorites:

  • Free Walking Tour Cartagena
  • Free Walking Tour Bogota
  • Real City Tours Medellin

***

Colombia is a pretty affordable country if you watch your spending on food and accommodation. On most days, when I wasn’t eating fancy dinners, I found myself spending less than 134,850 COP ($40 USD), especially if I was staying in dorms. Prices are also a lot cheaper in the southern and eastern parts of the country — I was paying 25,000 COP ($7.50 USD) a night for my own room in Popayan and about a quarter for empanadas!

In short, Colombia is easy to visit on a budget. Since you already know how much I love the place, you won’t be surprised that I recommend you book a trip (and try some of the delicious cuisine)!

Book Your Trip to Colombia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Colombia?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Colombia with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

The post How Much Does it Cost to Travel Colombia? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Life in Paris, Part 2: Only One Month Left

Matt Kepnes of Nomadic Matt looking over a canal in Paris
Posted: 5/20/2019 | May 20th, 2019

It feels like only days ago I came to Paris — and now it’s the middle of May.

And, with more time behind me than ahead of me (I leave June 19), as I look back on my time here, I can’t say I’ve seen as much of Paris as I intended.

I haven’t visited one new attraction. Or taken one day trip out of the city. Or gone to another region of the country. Or even the outlying neighborhoods of the city, really. Nothing.

I have taken five walking tours (so I did something).

But that’s it.

That’s the extent of my explorations of Paris.

But, as I mull that over, I realize I don’t really care about that stat.

Because I’ve done what I came to Paris to do: create a quiet life.

My time here so far has been characterized more by writing, sleeping, and, overall, just generally “chilling.”

I’ve made a few friends — and, thanks to said new friends, exponentially increased the number of favorite restaurants and bars on my Google map. (So, I guess, if I have done a lot of anything, it’s eating and drinking.)

people walking in front of the Eiffel Tower at night

Every place, every moment has a lesson in it. Every place is perfect for certain times in your life. Thailand was the place I need to explore my independent self. New York City was what I needed when I transitioned from nomad to non-nomad. They were the perfect bridges to a new phase of life.

Paris is my bridge to a quieter life.

But, more than that, Paris has taught me something about myself I didn’t fully realize until now:

I’m the most motivated when I feel I have limited time.

I came to Paris guns blazing, with a grand vision that I’d have all this time to explore. I was going to do so much.

But three-hour lunches take up a lot of your day. So does work. So does dinner with friends. So do a plethora of visits from other friends.

When you live somewhere (instead of just visiting), there’s always tomorrow. When I feel like there’s a tomorrow, I’m less inclined to leave my comfort zone. I work, read, sleep, and eat.

So I always put everything off. I wanted to work anyways. I was in no rush.

But eventually, you run out of tomorrows.

Suddenly, you wake up and months have passed and you marvel at how quickly time went by.

Now, the clock is ticking down rapidly and I’m ready to kick things into high gear.

a man cycling across an intersection in the streets of Paris

With only about six weeks in Europe left (and only half of them in Paris), I’ve begun to book more walking tours, museum visits, and cooking classes, plus trips to Bordeaux and Normandy. (Booking all this in advance ensures I won’t find a work reason to skip it!)

Looking back, I don’t think I’d change a thing, though. I needed some R&R. Not only from travel but from life. I needed time to get my head right again. To wind down projects, relax, and get some motivation back. I needed to take a step back and hit the reset button.

I’m heading to Normandy next week. After that, I’m off to Italy. Then it’s my birthday.

Then it’s home.

For now, at least.

After that, who knows?

If Paris reminded me of anything, it’s that I need to stop planning and accept that when I do make plans, I’m likely to just do the opposite.

I just need to see where the day takes me.

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. Some of my favorite places to stay in Paris are:

  • St. Christopher’s Canal – Comfy spot on the canal. During the summer months, the terrace is hopping!
  • 3 Ducks Hostel – This hostel has one of the cheapest bars in the city, and it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.
  • Les Piaules – Fantastic chimney lounge, a cool bar, and a rooftop space. It’s a great place to meet people!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Paris?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Paris with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

The post Life in Paris, Part 2: Only One Month Left appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Can You Teach English Abroad Without a TEFL?

A ESL teacher giving a lesson in a classroom
Posted: 5/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019

Whether you’re wanting to kick-start a new career or to just work a short-term job until you have enough money to travel again, teaching English abroad is an option that allows you to do all those things. I taught English abroad for two years and it was one of the best experiences I had. It taught me a lot about myself and the world around me.

But how do you teach overseas?

Most would-be ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers obtain what’s known as a TEFL certificate before they begin their job hunt.

But is that really necessary?

This is a question I’m asked a lot (especially since I don’t have a TEFL yet I taught in two countries).

Can you teach English abroad without having a TEFL certificate?

In this post, we’ll examine whether it’s a requirement or not and I’ll give you tips on how to find a job without one.

 

1. What is a TEFL Certificate?

TEFL stands for “Teaching English as a Foreign Language.” It’s a certificate program that teaches you the nuts and bolts of how to teach English as a foreign language. The typical TEFL certificate program will focus on a variety of aspects of language teaching, including practical skills, such as how to teach vocabulary and grammar, using games effectively, and keeping the kids engaged, as well as classroom management.

Most TEFL courses run from a few weeks to a few months, both in person all around the world and online, making them a convenient option for anyone already on the road who is looking to make some money by teaching English.

However, with so many centers offering TEFL training, the quality (and price) can vary drastically from region to region.

For that reason, before you sign up for any certificate program, you should always read reviews and do some research to make sure the program you choose is accepted around the world. Some schools don’t recognize certain training programs, so if you have a particular school you want to teach at in mind, you’ll want to make sure the TEFL program you pick will be accepted there.

That being said, the overwhelming majority of schools will accept all certificates. It’s usually just the top-tier schools and/or government programs that are more picky.

Another important consideration is that some schools and government programs will require you to have a certain number of classroom-based TEFL hours. As a general rule, the more classroom hours in a course, the better that course is (and the more expensive it will be). Not only will it increase your odds of getting hired but it will make you a better, more competent teacher.

Prices for TEFL courses range between $300 and $2,000 USD. Courses offered in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe are often much more intensive and more expensive, especially if they are in-person classes.

If you plan to teach long-term, I would suggest you take a 120-hour course (the industry standard), at least 20 hours of which you’ll spend in a classroom setting. If you are just looking for something temporary, an online certificate will likely suffice.

2. What are the Requirements for Teaching Abroad?

Fortunately, there are not many requirements to get started teaching English abroad. However, they vary from country to country, so you’ll need to do some research on where you’re looking to teach.

Generally speaking, to teach English abroad, it helps a lot if you:

  • Are a native English speaker from an English-speaking country
  • Have a bachelor’s degree
  • Have a TEFL certificate (or a CELTA or TESOL, two other ESL certificates)
  • Have some teaching experience (though this is optional)

Most jobs will require you to be a native English speaker from one of the following countries: the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.

That being said, some countries might hire you if you’re from another country where English is fluently spoken or if you can demonstrate expert knowledge of the language. But it will be an uphill battle, so be prepared to really show off your skills if you’re not from one of the above countries.

You’ll find this bias to be especially prominent in Asia. There, also being young, white, or female are the most sought-after qualities for teachers. Is that fair? Not really. But it’s just how the system works, so keep that in mind when searching for jobs.

3. So, Do You Need a TEFL Certificate to Teach Abroad?

Maybe.

Not always.

It depends really.

Why is that? Because every country is different – and every school is different too so it depends on how high up the food chain you want to go!

If you don’t have a TEFL certificate but instead have a TESOL certificate or CELTA, you can find a job without any trouble. Without any of those certifications, you’ll have much more limited options.

Some countries will still have job opportunities for you, but they won’t pay as well, and you’ll likely have fewer hours or subpar working conditions. For example, you can work from home teaching English online; however, the pay isn’t great and there is a lot of competition.

And many smaller schools and language institutes don’t really care. I once knew a kid who didn’t have a TEFL or college degree and got a job at a public school in Thailand.

But the higher you go up the ladder, the more limited your options are. International schools, universities, and high-end language institutes probably won’t hire you without one.

A way around this is to be a certified teacher. If you’re a certified teacher, then you can basically get any job you want without a TEFL.

But, assuming that is not the case, there are plenty of entry jobs for teachers so long as you have a university degree.

6 Places to Teach Without a TEFL

If you decide you want to teach overseas without a TEFL certificate, your options are limited but not impossible, especially if you have a university degree.

1. South Korea – South Korea is one of the best places to teach English overseas. The pay is high, the jobs are plentiful, and you get awesome benefits (such as a contract completion bonus, healthcare, free housing, and airfare reimbursement). You’ll also find lots of expats there, so it’s easy to make friends and find community. With a TEFL and a Bachelor’s degree, you can expect a much better salary.

2. Japan – Much like South Korea, Japan has a reputation for good jobs. While the cost of living can eat up your salary in cities like Tokyo, there are a number of programs (such as the government’s JET program) that reward long-term teachers with completion bonuses and generous benefits. You’ll need to have a Bachelor’s degree to secure the best positions, and a TEFL will give you much better job opportunities and a higher salary though.

3. Thailand – Not surprisingly, Thailand attracts lots of young teachers with its cheap cost of living and warm, beautiful weather. The pay in Thailand isn’t that high (unless you teach in Bangkok or at an international school). But teaching English in Thailand isn’t about making lots of money — it’s about everything else: the ease of getting a job, the food, the fun-loving atmosphere, the weather, and everything in between. It’s one of the best destinations for young new teachers.

4. China – As China continues growing, its need for English teachers also increases. As such, it is one of the easiest places to find work — regardless of your skill level or experience. No matter where you go, you can find a position, even in saturated cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The pay can vary wildly, but this is a great place for new teachers to cut their teeth and test the waters of teaching ESL.

5. SpainSpain offers some of the best opportunities for teachers looking to work in Europe. There are plenty of jobs, the government has an active program for attracting teachers, and your visa means you can freely travel around Europe. The competition has grown in recent years, but there are still plenty of jobs — and you can often teach private lessons on the side. You won’t get as many benefits as you would in Asia or the Middle East, but the pay is still enough to live off of.

6. Central America – If you’re new to teaching English abroad, Central America is a great place to find entry-level positions. You can usually find jobs here even if you don’t have all of the suggested qualifications, though the pay will be reflective of that. While you won’t make a lot of money there, you’ll be able to enjoy the amazing weather and laid-back lifestyle, which is a fair trade-off in my opinion!

***

For those looking to work abroad and incorporate more travel into their lives, teaching English overseas is an excellent option. With opportunities in incredible destinations, competitive salaries, and the ability to explore new regions of the world, it’s no wonder that this job market has been booming in recent years.

Whether you’re looking for a new career or just a short-term job to help you travel more, teaching English abroad can help. Sure, it takes some preparation. But the rewards are well worth the effort.

Not only will you get to live out your dreams of seeing the world, but you’ll also be providing children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future. And that is a worthwhile reward in and of itself.
 

Ready to Make Money Overseas? Get My Comprehensive Guide

This digital guide will put you ahead of your competition, help you land a high-paying job with a reputable company, and give you first-hand knowledge from real teachers! Get started today with this downloadable PDF (for your computer, e-reader, or mobile device) with the book PLUS 12 interviews about life as a teacher, plus job advice from one of the industry’s top recruiters!

Learn more and download the ebook!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post Can You Teach English Abroad Without a TEFL? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.