Europe

T-Mobile International Plan 2016 Review [Travel Hacks Series]

T-Mobile International Plan 2016 Review [Travel Hacks Series]

I've tried it all: international SIM cards, "WiFi only" on airplane mode, and international call/text packages, so when T-Mobile came out with their new international features I had to try it out.

Anyone who has traveled internationally knows that you have to get creative with your smartphone abroad in order to avoid sky high roaming and calling charges, and T-Mobile's plan doesn't charge for "roaming" off of WiFi.

I needed to upgrade to an iPhone 6S anyways, and switched from AT&T to see for myself what the fuss was all about.

First Time With Airbnb Review [Travel Hacks Series]

First Time With Airbnb Review [Travel Hacks Series]

I tried a few new "travel hacks" during my recent work + travel trip, including trying Airbnb for the first time!

This is going to be a three-part series with three different travel hacks I recently tried out, starting with a review of Airbnb, then T-Mobile's international data plan, and finally packing cubes. 

Make sure to check back for the other reviews and see if I thought they lived up to the hype!

Each post will be packed with information and tips so you can see if these trendy travel hacks are right for you.

Let's get started with this review of Airbnb!

10 Differences You'll Come Across as an American in Europe

10 Differences You'll Come Across as an American in Europe

One of the greatest things about traveling is seeing how other people around the world live. We all are humans and have the same human needs, we just tend to go about satisfying those needs differently.

Going out to eat, what people wear, how people interact, and other cultural differences are so fascinating to see and experience when you travel.

Here are a few (kind of random) observations of differences I've come across as an American traveling in Europe over the past several years:

Must-Read Articles Before You Head to OKTOBERFEST!

Must-Read Articles Before You Head to OKTOBERFEST!

I've written a lot about Oktoberfest in the past, as it was by far one of my favorite Europe experiences. If you're in Europe right now, you simply must head to Munich sometime this month. It really is an awesome experience!

A little preparation is necessary for Oktoberfest, though - what to wear? What is it like? Should I bring cash? (Yes, definitely.)

Here is a roundup of previous Oktoberfest articles that include history of the festival and helpful tips - basically everything I wish I knew before I went. Read these and you'll be pro once you hit the tents.

The 10 Best Souvenirs To Buy in Italy

The 10 Best Souvenirs To Buy in Italy

Memories and experiences are more important than things, though when you travel it can be fun to shop around and see what the local specialties are. If you're looking for what souvenirs to buy in Italy, here's what you should get - these are much be…
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Memories and experiences are more important than things, though when you travel it can be fun to shop around and see what the local specialties are. If you're looking for what souvenirs to buy in Italy, here's what you should get - these are much better than your average refrigerator magnet or key chain.

1. Limoncello

Made in Southern Italy on the Amalfi Coast, this Italian liqueur is a sweet ending to a meal. I've seen it cost much more in the US, so bring a bottle back if you fancy it.

2. Wine

Like pasta, wine in Italy is seriously the best. If you take a bottle home make sure to have it wrapped up in some type of padded wine bag to avoid breakage.

A sip of Italian wine will transport you back to your trip while allowing friends and family to have a taste.

3. Dry pasta

Even the local bagged pasta from grocery stores is amazing. You'll be having the best pasta while in Italy - and when you get home and compare it to your average grocery store pasta, you'll truly taste how much better the real thing is.

4. Italian or European brand name items

Taxes will be cheaper since they have to ship the items shorter distances, so if you're contemplating buying an Italian or European designer item, it tends to be cheaper than back in your home country. –

For example, my black Longchamp bag (a French brand) from Florence turned out to be less expensive in Italy than it would’ve been if I had bought it in the states.

5. Leather

One product Italy is known for is leather - you can find markets, shops, and department stores carrying different types of leather clothing and shoes, such as leather jackets or boots, and even accessories like luggage tags or handbags.

It's always high quality and will last a long time - just make sure to take good care of it!

6. Shoes

Italians truly know what quality, comfortable shoes are. My custom-made sandals from Capri and short leather motorcycle boots are not only some of my favorite pairs, they are also far more durable than other shoes on the cobblestone streets.

7. Porcelain

You'll see porcelain ceramics, especially dishes, at shops or markets around Italy. Whether it's a coffee mug or a wine bottle stopper you'll have a piece of Italy back home with you in your kitchen.

8. Glass

Venice is known for its handmade Murano glass and you'll find many shops and stalls selling it - everything from jewelry to decorative figurines.

9. Olive Oil

Why is there yet another food item on this list? Because the food in Italy is just that fantastic! I've always said that Italy is the food capital of Europe, and even if you can find these foods at home it is likely they won't even compare to the real stuff.

So yes, a bottle of silky, smooth olive oil from Italy is definitely worth bringing back.

10. Postcards

Postcards make for light souvenir that take up hardly any space. You can send them to your loved ones from abroad or keep them to frame or display at home.

Tuck them inside something like a book or magazine (I usually put paper products in my laptop case) to prevent bending.

Quick tip: Make sure to review your government's website for information on bringing back food items. You wouldn't want to bring back a large quantity of a certain item  only to have it taken away at the airport!

Going to Europe Soon?

Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

Check out these posts:

What To Pack For Europe: Fall & Winter

What To Pack For Europe: Spring & Summer

How To Travel Europe: Tips & Advice! (VIDEO)

Four Amazing Day Trips from Florence, Italy

16 Italian Experience You Need to Have in Italy

Digital Nomad Tips:

The Ultimate List of Jobs That Pay You To Travel

How To Travel as a Digital Nomad: 3 Quick Tips

Traveling to Italy as a digital nomad and working remotely? Check out Citrix vdi and Hosted QuickBooks, two remote technologies that let you access your work anywhere on any device.

They have all day, year-round technical support with Apps4Rent which powers O365cloudexperts. Personally, I use QuickBooks Self-Employed to keep the finance side of my online business running and highly recommend it - I use it through the mobile app so I can do updates from anywhere in the world.

This post may contain affiliate links, which help the support the site at no extra cost to you!

10 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Ireland

10 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Ireland

10 Photos that will make you want to visit Ireland, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe! This photo diary takes you to Cork, Dublin, and the Irish countryside. GoSeekExplore.com #ireland #irish #dublin #cork

Green on green on green, Guinness, and the friendliest people you will ever meet all come to mind when I think of Ireland. My visit to Ireland back when I studied abroad was unexpected and spontaneous, and I couldn't be happier that I ended up visiting this beautiful country.

Irish Countryside

It had never topped my travel list originally, though now that I've been - and loved it - I know I'll need to re-visit one day! This beautiful European island country has been on my mind lately as I've been going through my Ireland photos, reminiscing about visiting the Blarney Castle and other beautiful parts of the country!

After taking a look, these photos just might make you want to visit Ireland too!

Irish Countryside

Irish countryside view outside bus window traveling to Dublin from Limerick

Cork Ireland Blarney wanderlust

Cork, Ireland

Blarney Castle Ireland

Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland

English Market

English Market

Cork, Ireland

Cork, Ireland

Ireland

Blarney Castle Grounds, Cork, Ireland

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Cork, Ireland

Irish Pub

A traditional Irish Pub

Guinness Storehouse Tour in Dublin, Ireland

Guinness Storehouse Tour in Dublin, Ireland

Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland

View from the Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland