We don't always use AirBnb, but it is an option we usually look into before deciding on accommodations. What's really neat about AirBnb is that it can appeal to a wide-range of travellers and fit most budgets, whether you are tight on finances, or looking for luxury.

It can feel like you're taking a risk when booking with Airbnb, but there are ways to pick a place that is a good fit for you. I will share you two simple tips on choosing your Airbnb, some examples of our best stays AND stay tuned for a 40$US/50$CAN coupon on your first Airbnb booking!

Why Do We Use AirBNB?

1. Can Beat Hotel Prices: depending on the city, AirBNBs can offer a whole apartment for less than what a hotel costs. If you're a budget traveller, this alone makes it appealing.


2. Out of the Tourist Zone: sometimes being away from the hype and tourist traps can give you a totally different perspective on the city and culture you're staying in.


3. Autonomous Living: You can cook, do laundry, walk around in your underwear to get a bowl of cereal or meet your neighbor out on the balcony!


4. More Immersive Experience: You can imagine what it would be like actually living in that city with local neighbors, a local shop across the street, and local cafe beneath your apartment and a quaint neighborhood to explore. You see a more down-to-earth side of things.

Honestly, AirBNB is simply a great way to make the travel experience just a bit more memorable and authentic! But if you are smart about booking the right one.

Two Elements to Finding a Good Airbnb:

Budget-Minded: First off, be reasonable with your budget. If you're on a shoestring budget going to Paris or London, then you will get what you pay for. In places like Brussels or Krakow, you can find incredible apartments or rooms for very reasonable prices! So keep destination in mind.

Good Host: Secondly, read the reviews! Never stay somewhere that has no reviews. Some people have had a great experience, but it's not something I would do personally. Be sure to ask the host any questions about the location or place itself. If the host replies fairly quickly and is being very helpful, that is usually a pretty good sign, because communication with your host can be pretty critical to your stay.

That's all there really is to it. If you want a more authentic-feeling experience that goes beyond a plush hotel or a cramped hostel room, then give AirBNB a try! With these strategies, we have been able to find some very nice Airbnb apartments.

Now and we'd like to share our top 4 experiences in 4 completely different locations! I think the experience speak for themselves.

Our Top 4 Experiences with AirBNB

1. Brussels, Belgium (2015)

For our honeymoon, we went to Paris and the Belgium. To save a bit on hotels, we looked into AirBNB and the place we found had the most romantic view!

Before we get into that, our host met us just outside the apartment, which wasn't too difficult to find. He brought us up and gave us a lot of information about the area. One useful tidbit was that there was a laundromat just around the corner, and since we were nearly a week into our honeymoon, we made use of it!

The kitchen was small but quaint and functional. It has all the basics if we wanted to cook some simple meals or drink coffee. He even gave us a complimentary bottle of wine! Which was so sweet of him. The room was large and had a sitting area, it was almost like a studio. We were very excited that there was a full bath! We definitely relaxed in there during our stay. The bed was stiff, the only real downside, so we gathered many pillows and cushions to try to make ourselves more comfortable. Oh, but the VIEW!

One whole wall was a window facing the balcony, you were high enough to see beautiful sunsets over the main part of Brussels.

Read more about our time in Brussels.

2. Porto, Portugal (2016)

One of our most memorable stays was with the lovely Fernanda in her super modern apartment in Porto! She wasn't just an incredibly friendly and lively host, but also very helpful and friendly roommate! She has this apartment with a section for herself, so there is both a spare bedroom and full bath as well. The furniture and decor is all modern but still homey. The kitchen blew my husband's mind, because one wall was entirely glass! It made the narrow kitchen feel much larger.

Fernanda made us fresh lemonade, gave us towels and of course plenty of tips about what to see or do in Porto. She was so personal and casual that this actually felt more like a couchsurfing experience than AirBNB, which made it all the more positive!

The only downside is the lack of air conditioning in the summer, but Fernanda bought a fan to help keep cool at night in the middle of a Portuguese heat wave! The location was nice as well. Not central, but literally a 3 minute walk to the metro and in 10 minutes you're in central Porto!

3. Rome, Italy (2012)

This was from a trip with two girlfriends, years ago! The apartment is no longer available, but this was actually our very first AirBNB experience, and the reason I still do it to this day!

We found a place that, while it wasn't central, it was literally on the same corner as a metro stop. It also had a marker place across the street where we got all our groceries from. The lady who owned the place met us just outside the metro stop and greeted us with a warm Italian hug and kiss. She wasn't old, but she was very motherly in how she guided us up to the apartment. She couldn't speak English, so we conversed in Spanish/Italian as she showed us around the small apartment. It has a teeny tiny balcony facing a courtyard. Let me tell you, we never felt more like 'authentic Italians' than when we gazed out that balcony into the lives of other ordinary Italians who were cooking, doing laundry, smoking or watching TV.

The bathroom was very nice and there was a gorgeous queen sized bed along with an interesting single bench-like bed with a hide-a-bed underneath. We ended up using all three beds and all of them were comfy!

This place was nothing short of 'homey' and some of my favourite memories from the trip were simply coming 'home' and making dinner with the girls, laughing and talking while simply enjoying life...

4. Santorini, Greece (2016)

Once again, a very different Airbnb experience. This is actually a hotel in the southern part of Santorini. The owner and workers are all so helpful and kind! They picked us up from the airport and even drove us to the port when we were leaving. They helped us find 4x4 rentals and even helped us book our tickets for the boat to Mykonos. We never felt helpless!

The rooms were very simple, but comfortable and in typical Greek fashion of white and blue. The only downside was that it was very cold at night and there are no heaters, so we had to ask for extra blankets! Our cleaner/breakfast lady was so polite as well, we gave her a well-deserved tip!

There was a very nice pool, but we opted for the beach that was 10 minute walk away. The area is very quiet since it is facing the mountains, which we had fun climbing on our last day!

We stayed for 2 nights, and even though it was on the southern part of the island, we were able to make the best out of our time there thanks to how helpful and efficient the hotel was with our needs and questions!

Read more about our stay in Santorini.



It seems like there is a never-ending debate about AirBnB and whether it's worth using or not. It is very easy for a bad experience to spread really quick and make travellers hesitant to even try it.

Hopefully these four very positive experiences show that you can have an incredible experience with Airbnb! These four stays stood out because they weren't just a decent place to stay, but they enhanced the trip one way or another, and are part of what made the trip memorable! Now, onto free money! Who doesn't like free or discounted things?

Haven't joined AirBNB yet? You can get a 40$US/50$CAN coupon off your very first stay! Just click on the coupon below and follow the steps to becoming part of the AirBNB community! Enjoy your next travel and stay on me!




Have you used Airbnb before? Did you have a good experience ? Do you have any questions about Airbnb? What kind of accommodations do you normally look for in your travels? Let me know in the comments below!

Our first destination this winter holiday was the capital of Hungary, the re-known Budapest (pronounced Budapesht). For me, it was the second time visiting the city and I still love it!

You can check out my top 10 reasons to visit Budapest if you are not yet convinced, but here I will give you a more detailed guide to make the most of your trip, as well as a blurb about why this city is worth visiting more than once!

The Basics

STAY: Budapest has much to see and explore, so I don't recommend anything less than a 3 day stay to get a good idea of the city, but you can easily stay a week! What's more, you can hop on a bus or train and in less than two hours be in either Vienna or Bratislava. While late December and January tend to be a bit cold and humid, just about any time of the year is a good time to visit!

MONEY: While Hungary is part of the EU they have not been able to switch to the Euro, instead they use Hungarian Forints which currently converts to about 1 USD = 266 HUF,  though check closer to your travel date for accuracy. So don't freak out when a meal costs 2000 fl! But do be aware of the costs, since you  did notice the price of dining go up between my first visit 5 years ago and our most recent visit.

TRANSPORT: Public transportation is pretty accessible, but for goodness sake, don't forget to validate your ticket and do it correctly! We got busted for accidentally validating a receipt instead of a ticket (which very quickly looks very similar) and got a fine that we had to pay on the spot of 800o ft. I suppose you can say you don't have the cash, in which case they will mail it to you. We got very frustrated since we didn't mean to cheat the system and it seemed so unfair when we clearly had tickets. To avoid this unpleasant situation, don't make our mistake!

LANGUAGE: Hungarian language isn't easy to pick up, but the basics are not difficult. Szia (see-ya) is "hello" and koszonom (kosonom) is "thank you". Igen is "yes" and nem is "no".

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

The city is divided by the famous Danube river that we all know the name of thanks to the popular classical song. The flat side is Pest (pesht) and the hilly side is Buda.

What to see in Pest: this is the side of the city that was, in more modern times, the richest part of the city so this is where a great deal of the tourist attractions are.

Budapest Parliament - this is the most beautiful Parliament building in the world, it is simply exquisite and worth visiting. You can get a very nice view of it on the bank from the Margaret bridge just to the north. The inside is quite beautiful too. You can go but only with a guided visit that you can to reserve but tickets are not pricey. The one downside is the tour is barely 30 mins and there is so much to take in!

Danube Shoes- if you go from the Parliament down to the river bank and make your way down, you will find one of the saddest and most powerful monuments of WW2. I will let you find out the story from a walking tour guide, it is worth hearing from in person.



St. Stephen Basilica - the only other building in Pest with the kind of presence and stature as the Parliament is this beautiful Basilica. It is richly decorated with fine materials and has one of the most beautifully painted domes I have ever seen. At Christmas time, is has one of the best markets. If you stay after dark, there is a light show  on the facade every half hour!

Castle Hill - This is on the hilly side of Buda, and unfortunately there really isn't a true castle, but more of a palace and some museums. It is,however, THE perfect place to take pictures of the opposite bank and where you can have a sweeping beautiful view of Pest. From here you can truly appreciate how dynamically different the two halves of this unique city is. It's just another quality that adds to Budapest's charm.

St. Matthias Church - After you make the climb to Castle Hill, to the right is Trinity Square, home one of the most photographed churches in Budapest. The St. Matthias Church has a very interesting history, as it had been turned into a mosque at one point, before returning to the Catholic church. The decorative pattern of the rooftop stands out from the white stone of the church, which makes it irresistible to the eye. Inside you will find the decoration style to be drastically different than that of St. Stephen.



Fisherman's Bastion - Beautiful architectural piece that semi surrounds St. Matthias. These white turrets are some of the most iconic places of Budapest! This is a great place for a photo op and a very nice view of the Parliament from across the water.

Chain Bridge - The iconic bridge of Budapest. Not the original, sadly, but it was built using the exact same technology that the original used, so it still retained it's original look. Just about every walking tour will take you across this bridge, from where you have a few options and paths to take to get up the hill.

Walking Tours - I highly recommend a general walking tour as well as at least either the Jewish walking tour or Communist walking tour. Because Budapest is quite large no tour can truly give you the whole picture or even take you to all the hotspots in the city. I personally recommend New Sandemans tours (not a sponsor!) they have rarely let me down!

Metro Line 1 - Chances are, you will end up using this metro line during your stay, but it is worthy to note that this is the oldest metro line on continental Europe! While it has been renovated and restored, you can tell there is a bit of old time glory in the architecture, and an hint of old charm that makes this line fairly different from the other lines.

MUSEUMS

National Art Gallery : As an art lover, I greatly enjoy late 19th century work and early impressionism. You can find these and many other pieces from a large range of historical periods. You can also take a peak out of the windows towards the Danube river and have a great view!

House of Terror : If you are not faint of heart, you can go into the House of Terror for a load down of what Communism did to Hungarians. It is not a happy or cheerful museum, but it has some important lessons of history that we should never forget.

OPERA HOUSE

Now, you can either do a guided tour of the Opera House, which is absolutely stunning and most definitely worth it, OR you can book a performance ahead of time! We were very unlucky in our timing with the Christmas season and popularity of the Nutcracker, but during my first visit I went to an opera performance and got to see the gorgeous interior that makes the Opera House a popular attraction.

BATH HOUSES

You probably have heard the bath houses that the Turks brought to Budapest, the largest and most popular is the Szechenyi Baths, built by a wealthy aristocrat family. I love this bath and this time my husband treated me to an hour long message as well! It was the perfect way to relax after 3 non stop days of walking and climbing.

WHAT TO EAT/DRINK

Goulash - Everyone knows Goulash is a typical meal of Hungary and the region. It is basically a stew, but there are different variations to try out. Some have potato, some have gnocchi, some have large cubes of beef, others come inside a bread bowl!

Pork Knuckle- the best pork knuckle we ever had was in Budapest. This plate is eaten simply, with bread, horseradish and mustard. It was phenomenal...I can't stop thinking about it!

Strudels - perhaps an Austrian influence, but the Hungarian strudel (also known as Rétes) here is quite different and the flavours are fairly particular. I personally love the cottage cheese ones, though poppy seed is very popular too.



Langos - This is a greasy snack that you can try a variety of. It is deep fried dough normally topped with sour cream and cheese. Very popular in the winter time, and other toppings include garlic, spring onions or even ketchup. I highly recommend you try with garlic!

Stuffed Cabbage Wraps - While I usually associate this dish to Ukrainian cuisine because of my grandmother, they make they yummy in Hungary as well! Imagine a burrito stuffed with rice, ground eaf, and possibly onions and carrots, and instead of tortilla it is boiled cabbage. Might not sound appetizing but it is actually pretty yummy, especially when its smothered in a semi-sweet tomato sauce and decorated with a dollop of sour cream!

WHERE TO EAT

WHERE TO STAY

This is our third travel fashion advice installment for those travelling in Europe, now in the winter season, which is upon us!

Are you touring Christmas Markets, drinking hot wine and counting down to the new year? Or maybe you're skipping the craze of the Christmas holiday travelling and going in January-February, one of the coldest months of the year. Either way, we've travelled quite a bit in the winter, and we are doing it again this year! We've made mistakes and learned from them and now are sharing those fashion tips and outfit suggestions with you!

I love winter, but I HATE feeling cold. It's uncomfortable, unpleasant, and usually leads to colds and sinus problems. So, if you're like me, you love keeping warm and toasty as much as possible. But if you're very much like me, you also want to manage to look stylish and cute in your travel photos. Let's figure out how to do both, because the beauty of winter in Europe is that you don't have to choose between stylish and warm!

So grab a hot cup of cocoa, a warm blanket, and stay tuned for wardrobe ideas AND a brand new packing travel list that is perfect for this winter season that you can download for FREE!

I may not have ever told you this, but Portugal was almost our honeymoon destination besides Paris. Even though we changed our mind and did Belgium instead, Portugal had been on our list of quite some time, and it was exciting to finally go there!

Lisbon is the bustling, charming capital of Portugal. It is a coastal city with all kinds of amazing sites and beautiful scenes to witness, and probably an ideal place to begin exploring the country of Portugal. If you haven't already, take a look at the photo essay we did, which visually captures a taste of the wonderful character of this city.

We loved this city, though we had little time there, and we hope to go back one day to explore more of it! Let us give you a quick breakdown of what to see, do and try in Lisbon.

The Basics

Lisbon is a coastal town. So when it comes to weather, it is fairly humid and windy. We went in early August and it was quite warm, but a pleasant hot, not the kind where you feel like you're melting as soon as you step outside. In the winter it can get fairly chilly, so be sure to dress appropriately, and not show up in board shorts and flip flops!

Portugal is part of the EU, so they use euros as currency like most of Europe. Prices in Portugal are also relatively cheap compared to many countries in Europe, we especially noticed the difference when we later went to Barcelona, where food and lodging is a lot pricier. So that makes Portugal budget friendly!

The national language is, of course, Portuguese, so brush up on a few key words and phrases to be a polite traveler. If you know Spanish pretty well, you should get by without too much difficulty.

Things to Do

Walk down Augusta street: This is a long pedestrian street that begins at Plaza Dom Pedro IV and goes all the way to the Praça do Comércio, a large square you enter through the archway of Augusta, and faces the coast. Along rua Augusta there are are shops and restaurants galore, as well as churches and attractions near by. Meanwhile, the Praça do Comércio is surrounded by museums and is where large social events and parties are held.



Visit the Castle:

I hope you're in good shape, because this is quite a climb from the city to the mount the Castelo de S. Jorge sits on. Strap on your best sport shoes, bring some water, and make your way up the many, many stairs, but don't go too fast! Not only because you might pass out, but because there are many neat things to see as you go up. Beautiful streets, charming little restaurants, and eye-catching urban murals. There is a tram that gets you you most of the way there, so if you can't physically make the trip, then you can take the tram from the city center. Be warned, it runs a schedule and there are dozens of people lined up to get on, so you might have to wait a while longer to get on the tram.

Once you do get the castle, the entry is 8,50 euros, not bad! The area the surrounding the castle grounds are breathtaking. Luscious, crawling greenery and crumbling architecture of an era gone by, along with an incredible 180 view of the city from above. It certainly makes the work out worth it. There is more climbing of stairs as you tour around the castle to the different towers and sections, but take your time and discover all the little nooks and crannies!

 

Walk down the shore: There is a beautiful coastal walkway with gorgeous views of the water, bridges and land masses on the other side. There are museums and some drink carts, restaurants, and many people taking advantage of the relaxing atmosphere.

Visit Cathedrals: No one can deny the architectural beauty that are cathedrals, and each one is so distinctly unique and of their own character that you really can't say that if you've seen one, you've seen all. The Jerónimos Monastery is an exquisite piece of gothic and renaissance beauty, and is listed on the World Heritage site, and therefore definitely worth a look.

Walking Tour: While we didn't get a chance to do a walking tour in Lisbon, there is one through Sandeman's New tours, and if you've read enough of our posts, you know we are big fans of this walking tour company! Always fascinating, always fun, always a great way to get to know a place.

See Belem Tower: If medieval times are your passion, you can take a quick little trip along the coast to see this medieval defense tower. We could see it while on our way to Cascais, but sadly could not simply hop off the train to take a picture and hop back on.

Where to Stay

Lisbon is not short on hotels, hostels and airbnb options that meet all kind of traveller styles and needs. We chose a an airbnb that was like a personally run hostel. The location was great, very close to the metro and to Barrio Alto, but the room was terribly warm at night and the bed was not the most comfortable (but we are very spoiled when it comes to our bed back home...).



We did have our own full bath, which was great, as well as a shared kitchen where we could store our snacks and cook if we wanted. Once we discovered a fan, the nights became much more bearable, and Yasemin, the young lady who runs the place, is extremely sweet and helpful. I had made no real research before arriving to Lisbon, so she gave us a lot of direction and suggestions. So if you're made of tougher stuff and not travelling in the middle of summer, I do recommend this place if you are travelling in a pair or group.

If you're looking for budget-friendly options with a social atmosphere, you can check out these top rated hostels in the city.

Places to Eat and Drink

Restos in city center - We ate in a small resto right along rua Augusta, and while it didn't blow us away, the meat and beer were good, which is what any active tourist needs on a hot day. If you are looking for Portuguese cuisine, you can try Restaurante Belcanto, known for its chic haute cuisine. Or if you're in the mood for a gourmet burger, have a go at Cafe de Rio. Just beware of 'siesta', a time of day where many restaurants close down for a few hours before opening up again in the evening, usually between 4 and 7 pm.



Breakfast Brunch - With a hike to the castle and a second beach day in mind, we went on the hunt for a good breakfast place to give us the energy we needed. We found an adorable brunch restaurant named Breakfast Brunch. It had bright and cheerful decor, and a relatively large menu. Everything was delicious and we noticed many tourists coming in, so it is quite popular as well. Probably because it is merely 3 blocks away from the Arc de rua Augusta! So it's convenient and easy to find!

Drink cart - Just want to relax by the water, watch the sunset go down while the waves turn from a bold blue to a seafoam green as they crash on the shore? You can do this all with a yummy drink in your hand. There is a neat little drink card called "Pitcher Cocktails" where you can buy a hard lemonade that is fresh and makes you feel just a little bit fancy, and super chill.

Day Trips

Cascais: We have already told you about this precious little beach town that stole us away for most of the time we were in Lisbon! You can read all about it here in our previous post.

Sintra: If you have time, please book in a day trip to this gorgeous town at the foot of the mountains. It takes a little longer to get to than Cascais, but it is quite a stunning and charming city with some fascinating pieces of architecture and a castle of its own! If you want a country-side, small town feel to your holiday, this is the place to visit! This place is one the reasons Portugal is high on our "must-return to" list.



That's the quick scoop on what to expect when you visit Lisbon! Stay tuned for one more Portugal post from the northern city of Porto!



Is Portugal on your bucket list? Have you been to Lisbon? What did you love about it? Let me know in the comments below!

We spent four days in Qatar, which is more than enough to see all that Doha has to offer. The city is clean and very modern with new high-rises going up all the time, and of course there are preparations under way for the FIFA world cup. That being said, there is not a great many things to see and do in Doha, particularly if you are a budget traveller or really enjoy more authentic cultural experiences.

Lisbon is grand. A wonderful city to explore with so much to see and do... But while we were staying there we made, not one, but two day trips to the coastal town of Cascais!

What started as just a beach day became a love affair. We simply were head over heels about this adorably quaint beach town where we not only caught some sun and waves, but had some of our best meals in Portugal!



HOW TO GET THERE



When it comes to public transport, Europe never let's you down. Cascais is an easy 35-45 minute train ride from Lisbon. The train departs from the station at Cais de Sodre,  which is at the end of the green metro line, s you simply have to exit the metro and make your way to the train station. The tickets are not pricey (as you will find with many things in Portugal! Budget travelling for the win!)



The train ride itself if lovely because it runs along the coast, so you get to see some lovely scenery on your journey. You can stop at just about any stop between Lisbon and Cascais and find some kind of beach. If you're in Portugal long enough, you might even want to go off the beaten path and randomly explore one of these less popular beaches for a quiet day on the shore.

Once you arrive to the final stop, the beach is a mere 5 minute walk from the train station. Along the way you can find a few souvenir shops (this is where I found my FAVOURITE pair of sunglasses ever! See my Instagram to see my obsession...) that also provide beach supplies you may not have had room to pack or forgot to bring. Umbrellas, towels, or beach balls and more.

THE BEACH



The sand is crazy hot while the Atlantic ocean waters is quite cold! It takes some getting used to but it's fun to push yourself physically through these extremes. Even though it was still very much summer tourist season, the beach was not ridiculously crowded. Busy, yes, but you could easily find a nice patch of sand to lay out your blankets and soak up the sun. The water front is more populated, but if you brave the cold ocean waters and venture out just a little further, you have much swimming space to yourself.

There is a bathroom, though it is discouraged to use it as a change room so try to come with your bathing suit underneath. Don't forget to bring 50 cents, because that's how much it costs to use public bathrooms.

In terms of safety, the beach felt perfectly safe. Everyone there is a tourist, and there are no vendors trying to sell you cheap sunglasses, bracelets, etc. It was nice not to feel a panic or constant worry when we would leave our things behind (inside a bag and under a towel no less! Out of sight is still a good precaution!) and really enjoy the beach.

THE TOWN



If you read our photo essay, you will know that Lisbon is incredibly charming in it's own unique way. Cascais is even MORE charming, the same way how a golden lab puppy will be even more adorable than a full grown one. Small winding cobbled streets lined with shops and cafes are the kind of sights that make one fall in love with Europe, and Cascais is no exception.

From souvenir shops to high end shoe stores, from artisan shops to creative window displays, there's a  lot for your eyes to take in. Portugal is known also for their ceramic art, and they like to remind you through the striking patterns of the roads, and Cascais has it's own unique wavy pattern that maybe alludes to the waves of the Atlantic...Now, let's move on to my favourite part, the food we found down these very streets!

RESTAURANTS



Amorgueria : Before this, we thought one of the best burgers we ever had was in Lucille's in Cairo. Now, this place definitely holds the title, at least for me! Even though I felt I had to add salt to the burger, once I did, it exploded with flavor! I went back to Lucille's not long ago, and the de-throning was official, because I thought of that burger in Cascais. I still think about it...The sangria was very delicious, the location is lovely for people watching into the cobbled street below, and the waitresses were very kind, but then again nearly everyone we met in Portugal was very friendly! While we didn't like the chips that complemented the burgers (we just found them very hard as opposed to crispy) chips is a popular side dish in Portugal. I still highly, highly recommend this place! My mouth is salivating just writing about this...

(Indian & Thai) Totally regret not catching the name of this restaurant... A representative was standing on the main road and called to us and asked if we were looking for Indian food. We didn't know what we were looking for, but Indian food is one of our favourites! It was an instant yes. When we looked at the menu we realized it was a Thai restaurant as well, and I finally dived into the world of Thai cuisine and ate coconut green curry with pork and noodles. Thai food, WHERE have you been ALL my LIFE!? Everything was absolutely delicious and bursting with flavour and spices. The first sangria we had was very light, so they brought a much darker one the second time and it was a great improvement.

There are dozens of restaurants of all flavours in town, even if you don't eat at the ones we went to, chances are you will discover a foodie gem!



So when you're ever in Lisbon, hopefully you are there long enough to take one of the best day trips to this charming, historical town of Cascais. We had a wonderful time there, hence why we went twice in a row!



Have you been to Cascais? Are you planning a trip to Lisbon or Portugal? Did you find some incredible restaurants there? Let me know and you are always free to ask me questions below!

Like you, I have read many articles with the over-confident titles: "10 Ways You can Travel for FREE!", because who doesn't want to travel around at no cost? But each time I read them I think, sure, I could get a job working in the Arctic saving polar bears, or do manual labor on an organic farm, and buy ALL the air miles-collecting credit cards...but do I actually want to?

The short answer: no. I have a different lifestyle in mind. Now, I don't mind travelling cheaply! That I'm all over. To me, it's a lot more doable, and there are plenty of options.

Now, I will preface by saying that my suggestions might not fit your lifestyle choices or fit to your specific situation. If you're like me, you want to  travel often enough, and you don't mind being budget-conscious.



Whether it’s joining your high school choir on its annual music trip, or taking a job overseas teaching English, I have found ways to travel within my own country and abroad. This post is mostly for Canadians, since that was my jumping point to everywhere else, but there are points in here for everyone else too! Now, I will walk you through the three main phases of my travel life starting with when I was a teen in high school, to when I was a University student, to now in my adult life.

Hopefully, there is something in here that will give you an idea, some inspiration, motivation or a push in the right direction to get you closer to your travel desires!

When I was a Teen

Explore Program:

The first solo trip I did out of my own was when I was 15 years old. I discovered something called the Explore program, which is a Canadian-wide program that offers intensive, immersion language schooling over the summer. If you want to learn French, they place you in a French community. If you want to learn English, same deal.
Now, in this case my parents paid for everything (thank you again!), but there are ways to apply for financial help, and between the time you apply, get accepted and actually go, you can save up money with a part-time job and by collecting money through Christmas and birthdays (it’s going to an educational cause!) and not only do you get to explore another part of Canada, you learn another language and part of the rich, diverse Canadian culture! Wins all around! (Interested? Click here!)

School Trips:

When I was 17, I really, really wanted to go on the Chicago trip with my high school choir and band. To help raise money, I had to sell cheese. Weird, I know. It was kind of hard, too! I walked around in the winter time during the Christmas season doing the old-fashioned door-to-door sales. I had some really nice neighbors who clearly did it just to support me. It was a great experience and I fell in love with the city very quickly! Still meaning have to go back one day…Many public schools offer students a chance to go on a trip, some will be more expensive than others, but don't let that discourage from taking at least one trip! There are always fundraising events you can do, and if you're creative enough, you can raise a lot of the funds!

Family Road Trips:

Because of our central location in the prairies, my family did road trips to Minneapolis, South Dakota, and we even drove all the way down to Florida to visit family a couple times. Never underestimate the joys and fun times of family road trips! Best part? It’s part of the family budget. Yay!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS TO TRAVEL:

• Volunteer: Maybe you’re young, or you really don’t want to commit to a job long-term abroad. Volunteering will bring great experience, look great on a resume, and you can choose how long you want to go. You will likely have to finance your way there and back, but usually the organisation takes care of the rest once you arrive.

When I was a University Student

Teacher Assistant in France:

I was getting restless during my first year of University, when I came across an ad outside the French department to teach English in France. Paid accommodation, a salary of 800 euros a month, a chance to travel Europe: I was in! The catch: You had to be 21 years old and have at least 2 years complete of University, as well as proof of enough French proficiency. (These are the requirements for Canadian citizens, and it varies from country to country).

I put my plan into action and throughout the next year, did everything I could to make sure I would get accepted. I found a job with the Festival du Voyageur (best job ever!), I got my French professor to vouch for my proficiency, and then I got my first long-term job in the summer working custodial services at an outdoor theater. Probably the worst job I ever had, but I was able to save 3,000 dollars working part-time.

This is a program run by the French government, and it’s goal is to place native language speakers in schools to interact and teach French students in that language, in my case, I taught English. It was, by far, one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Not only did I catch the travel bug, I made life-long friends, some who were my bridesmaids later on, and I grew incredibly as a person.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO TRAVEL

Au Pair: If you like kids, are single, and want to travel, this combines all three. Getting hired as an au pair means you are basically a nanny, you help with taking care of young children, it may include helping them with school work, but basically you are a glorified babysitter and chances are you get to stay in the home of the family who hires you or they take care of your rent elsewhere. I've heard a couple bad experiences, but overwhelming amount of GREAT experiences. Many families will take their au pair on family holidays, bring over to social gatherings, so you get a very authentic local experience with some savings and time off to go venture on your own once in a while!

Volunteer: There is no age limit to being a volunteer, and it's incredibly rewarding with many, many opportunities world-wide! One example is Canada World Youth, which has been running for over 40 years in over 60 countries around the world. (Click here for more info)

Farm Work: Organizations such as WOOF and the like. I have a good friend in Australia currently working on a farm so she can get a second year extension on her visa, because she loves it so much there!

Missions: Whether you do YWAM, or through another organization, if you are a person of faith, missions is a great way to grow in so many ways at so many levels. This is not going to be your typical chic Euro trip, but it is always life-changing and eye-opening.

University Exchange: Check to see if your University has a program that involves an exchange, or a partnership with another University abroad. For myself, I could have taken an Education practicum abroad, but I had to plan my wedding...

Internships: You can find these through your University too, particularly if you're doing Business, Engineering, or maybe something in the realm of Political studies. But there are many, many, many other areas to intern in! Try to find one with some perks, like paid lodging. But don't expect too much! Afterall, you are doing it more for the experience than the money.

As an Adult

One of the easiest and most sustainable ways to travel as an adult is to find a job abroad. One of the most accessible jobs is teaching.

Teaching Abroad

After my experience in France, I was determined to come back to Canada, finish my BA, and go back out into the world of teaching English abroad. I had my eyes on Russia. But, love happened. So I stayed until I got my Teaching degree, then we got married, and moved to Egypt!
Three years after returning from Europe my desire to travel abroad probably only grew stronger as time went on, so I was so happy when Wayne, my now husband, agreed to change his home-boy ways to travel with me. Since we’ve been hitched (and wrote this post), we’ve been to 9 countries (8 of which are new to me!) and he’s got the travel bug too!

Other Top Travel Jobs for Adults

• Flight attendant - the travel might be short, but you'll get little snippets of one or two days nearly right away!


• Cruise crew worker - that can be cleaning crew, maintenance, health and fitness, kitchen staff, the options are endless!


• Tourism and Hospice work - this can mean being a tour guide or working in a hotel or hostel


• International Business - may take some years of schooling and finding the right company, but chances are trips will be fully covered!


• Translator/Transcriptor - put those language degrees to good use!


• Online work - maybe an online business, an editor or journalist, a YouTuber or consultant. Making money on the internet has become a growing reality.

There are plenty other job positions that can help you with your travel goals, these are simply the most common and popular careers. Do some research, join some travel groups, see what other occupations make travel possible! In fact, here are 50 JOBS that involve travel!

Extra Tips for Finding Opportunities to Take You Abroad:

• Learn another language: If you’re in high school and you’re not taking a foreign language class, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Opportunities will not only open up but not seem so scary if you can speak the language of said foreign place.


• SAVE Money: this one is obvious, and many people seem to think they will never save enough. I have talked with several friends, some who genuinely really want to back-back Europe, but never took the leap because someone else didn’t come through, or they decided to buy a car instead, or they’re going to 5 concerts a year and buying gym memberships. I can’t help but shake my head, because so many of these people could have seen 5 countries with the money they have spent on things like car parts and festivals. Money won’t magically add up by talking about, any more than you can lose weight by talking about working out. It has a to be a priority and it will require sacrifices. You think I wanted a custodial night job? No. But I had a goal and I worked for it, and it changed my whole life.


• Live with Your Parents: This is still on the ‘save money’ trend, but if you’re young, still going through school or a recent high school graduate, don’t rush into finding a place of your own. Unless your parents hate you or you weren’t the nicest kid, chances are they would be very willing to let you stay home if you pull up your pants and assume some more responsibility to live rent-free. Offer to do their lawn services, clean their windows, help with dinner once in a while, take care of the dishes, or vacuum once a week. Your parents will appreciate the help and you may possibly help them save some money in the process. It’s a win for everyone!


• Live life MINIMALLY: It is SO easy in our North American culture to get obsessed with accumulating so much stuff and having the biggest and newest. Go without the latest iPhone. You can survive. Trust me.


• PLAN FOR IT! It won't just happen. It took me a year and a half of planning before I went to France. It has to be something you work toward if you want it enough.

Well, if you've made it this far, you are probably fairly serious about satisfying your travel bug!

I'm not going to pretend like travelling is easy to afford, I know how hard it can be for many people. But there are ways to make it cheaper and a possibility! It comes down to your choices and your priorities. I hope you are encouraged to start planning, making goals, keeping an eye out and ear open for opportunities, and taking advantage of anything that comes your way!



Are you an avid traveller? How do you save up or make money while on the road? What tips or advice would you give to those who have the passport, have the luggage, but still need those last few steps to make their travel dream a reality? Did any of these tips seem helpful to achieving your travel goal? Let me know in the comments below! I am totally up to answer any questions to help out!