Tag: vacation

Best Ways to Optimize Your Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Imagine being able to visit a new country each month. This is the reality for many digital nomads. They rely on modern technology to work from coffee shops, parks, libraries and various co-working spaces all over the world. All they need is a good Wi-Fi connection for their smartphone and laptop. This enables them to have a lot more freedom in terms of how they want to work. Some people prefer to stay in one place for extended periods of time, while others prefer to always be on the road and work from a campervan. In either case, there are some challenges that most experienced digital nomads can agree on. This level of freedom comes with a lot of responsibility. Here are some of the best ways to make the most out of your digital nomad lifestyle.

Choose the best locations

When working as a digital nomad it is important to make a good balance. This means that you should choose your locations ahead of time. Your next travel destination should interest you enough for you to visit it, while not interrupting your work. For instance, visiting a country with ongoing riots and political issues may not be the ideal scenario, no matter how beautiful the place is. Luckily, there are numerous places that you can choose from depending on what you like. Many digital nomads visit Portugal, Hungary, Spain, Thailand and Indonesia. If you are someone who prefers to spend most of the time in sunny areas next to the beautiful sea then visiting the Adriatic region is the perfect choice. In fact, there are available long term rentals in Montenegro right now, which will allow you to fully embrace the wonders of the enchanting waves and the beautiful alluring coastlines in the region. 

Paying taxes

Although, receiving pay remotely seems like an incredible idea, it still requires you to take up certain responsibilities. The most prominent is handling taxes. For instance, for most Americans the reality is that they have to file taxes even when they are living in a different country. However, there are some exceptions. If you are staying in one country for more than a few months you can expect certain benefits such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which will eliminate any tax requirements on up to $100,000 worth of your income. In addition, you may consider setting up a company from a foreign country such as Singapore to pay significantly less. Lastly, if your business and income scales up you will need professional assistance from an accountant who specializes in working with overseas clients. 

Save up money

Before indulging in the lifestyle of a digital nomad you will want to work on saving up some money first. Taking that initial step is the most challenging because you will encounter some obstacles along the way you did not expect, such as missing equipment, documents or miscalculated costs. Mistakes are normal in the beginning. However, that is why you should have some backup money. You can save up money by carefully downsizing your current lifestyle. Perhaps, you don’t need to splurge on fancy clothes each month if you want to kickstart your new digital nomad life. Adopting an overall minimalist lifestyle will allow you to travel more easily. The less things you own the more freedom and fewer worries you will have as a digital nomad. In addition, you shouldn’t quit your day job until you have a very stable stream of money through your online business. 

Expand your network

Sometimes, travelling and working can be lonely, despite constantly being surrounded by new people. This is because, it can be seemingly difficult to form new connections. However, things are not so bad if you know where to look in order to meet new people and form connections. Many countries have community centers for foreign travelers, where you can meet like-minded people. You can also join many Facebook groups for digital nomads that will enable you to meet new amazing travel buddies. 

Invest in good connection

If there is one thing which you should worry about than that is your connection. Your digital nomad lifestyle is possible as long as you stay connected. That is why you should search for accommodation that has stable connection. You can check the connection of the place you are staying at by using online Internet speed tests. 

There is nothing more adventurous than living as a digital nomad. This lifestyle can bring immense joy to your life as long as you know how to make it sustainable. You can do that by: choosing the best locations, optimizing how you pay your taxes, saving up enough money before you go, meeting new friends along the way and investing in good internet connection. 

Tips For Running an LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel Agency

Travelling is one of life’s many pleasures. Planning travel can be exhausting and overwhelming altogether, but as LGBTQ+ identifying people, there are more things to consider. 

LGBTQ+ Travel Companies have made it their business to create spaces where travelers of every orientation and identity type can experience amazing adventures and be their authentic selves. 

Until the time this world becomes an accepting place, it’s best to have some tips in mind when traveling with your partner or family. 

Where and how to reach your audience

One of the ways to reach the LGBTQ+ community is definitely social media since it can significantly lower the marketing cost per booking, but don’t expect to easily find your customers. First of all do some research, note where active gay social media users are posting, and then just simply follow their lead. Good way to promote yourself among LGBTQ+ community as a friendly holiday destination, is to join in and follow posts on related Facebook groups. 

Build a digital identity

The way you present your business to your clients is one of the key points. The business idea that you have might be great, but if your marketing and online presence is weak, there is really not a lot of chance to succeed. 

Create a website that will contain all the necessary information about your business as well as the destinations you offer. Make your online presence unique. Carefully organize your workforce. Organize the people around you in the best possible way, so that the communication between your agency and your customers is flawless. And in order to  learn more about and improve your organization and management skills, you can use a website like this to help you put your organization on a higher level. 

Pick A Vibe

This part is actually really fun, since you will have to choose what type of vacation you would like to promote. Art museums and food tours or straight up chilling on the beach with endless margaritas? But have in mind one thing, LGBTQ+ travel spans from different destinations and travel styles, and ultimately it’s about travel experiences that make LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome. 

Diversify your advertising campaigns

Most advisers that target the LGBTQ+ consumers tend to make the same mistake, and not recognize the diversity of this community. Diversify your advertising campaigns by including different ages, ethnicities and genders. When targeting your consumers try not to forget anyone. 

Offer LGBTQ+ travel packages

Different LGBTQ+ events can be good key motivators around which you will centre your travels. Offering packages that include certain discounts or offering packages where events like Pride will be the centre of attention, could be the jackpot. 

According to recent reports, a lot of LGBTQ+ community members go for the option of celebrating their honeymoon at nice destinations, so offering honeymoon packages could be another good starting point. 

LGBTQ+ Travel companies for Inclusive tourism

There are many LGBTQ+ travel companies whose main goal is  to make the industry a more equal place. Companies like GLOW Yoga Retreats, that offer unforgettable yoga experiences at unique destinations around the world, like Bali, Morocco, Peru, and more. Or a company like Let’s Cruise Away where the owner and his crew personally host every cruise and trip organized. And many many more out there who can help you create and shape your own offer and style as a LGBTQ+ travel agency. 

It could be considered as a bold thing to organize trips like these and to run a company that centers around LGBTQ+ community, but the most important thing is that everyone deserves to travel freely and receive acceptance no matter where they go or who they love. 

Packing For an Adventurous Gay Winter Vacation

With the festive season in full swing, it is a perfect moment for you and your same-sex significant other to pack your bags and head for some quality time away from home. Still, before you go, you will have to prepare for the trip in terms of vehicle check-ups and luggage. Though we cannot help you with the former, we can provide you with a few useful tips as to what to pack for a perfect vacation in the lap of Winter Wonderland. If you want to make sure you do not leave behind some valuable gear, glance through the checklist to tick off everything you will need for an idyllic winter holiday.

The down jacket

In the middle of nowhere- and a freezing cold nowhere, what’s more – you will need a smart down jacket to keep you warm. On top of keeping you warm and safe from gusts of strong wind, a trendy down will allow you to communicate your personal style to the rest of the world, so make sure your jacket is as fashionable as it can get. After all, if your first line of defense against the cold weather can be up on the same page as the latest trends and your personal style, you should go for it as the investment will definitely be worth the extra cash.

A carbon wallet

There is no better place to keep your cards than a fashionable carbon wallet. In addition to minimizing the need for space, a trendy carbon wallet will also ward off the snow and keep your cards safely stored. For a neat bonus, your stylish accessory will show to the world that you are on trend, and it will also allow you to bring all the cards you need inside the tiniest of pockets, which is a major plus since the risk of losing your minimalist wallet out in the snow will be negligible.

Scarves and hats

Warm scarves and beanie hats are a must-have for a holiday in the middle of snow and ice. Out there in the snow, your body will be losing heat and your skin will need adequate protection from the elements, which is why scarves and hats are a must even with the warmest of down jackets. For an additional bonus, toting a stylish beanie and scarf will also add interest to your winter getup and allow you to stand out in the crowd, which is another reason not to forget some woolen accessories when packing for your frosty adventure.

Warm Boots

Another must-have for a perfect gay winter vacation, a pair of waterproof boots will make sure your feet are always dry and warm as you conquer cold terrain. Even if you do not have extensive packing space, you still should not forget to take the steps to weatherproof your feet as this part of your body will need all the heat it can get out there on the snow. Unless you pack the right boots for your winter holiday, you might end up with a bad case of cold or flu, which is why you should take footwear seriously if you are to venture out into unchartered snowy territory.

Sun protection

Out there in the snow, your face and lips will be exposed to the elements as much as they are when you are enjoying your summer trips, which is why it would be a good idea to pack lipbalm and sunscreen. While the lipbalm will help prevent your lips from getting chapped in the freezing wind, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF will make sure your skin does not get burnt by the sun out there in the snow. On top of that, the sun shines brighter against the snow, which is why a pair of sunglasses should also find its way into your luggage. 

Are you ready for your winter gaycation? Be sure to bring along a trendy down jacket, extra socks and warm boots, and do not forget your carbon wallet, lipbalm, sunglasses, and sunscreen. All packed? Your perfect winter trip should be all covered then. Bon voyage, and have fun!

Summer Vacation Skincare Essentials

Skincare is not a new thing in the queer community, and gay men have always cared about their appearance. However, since we were trapped in our homes for a year and now we can finally travel, it’s easy to throw your skincare routine out the window when you’re on the road. But don’t let a nasty breakout ruin your hot gay summer and pack these skincare essentials in your carryon: 

Load up on sunscreen

Don’t worry, you will get nicely tanned even when you’re wearing sunscreen. What you won’t get though, is sunburns and nasty skin peels. You don’t want to look like a lobster with a skin condition while you’re at a beach full of hot guys! So sunscreen is a must for many reasons: no sunburns, no peeling, reduced risk of melanoma, better complexion in the future, etc. And you will always have a reason to have your boo touch your back and chest to reapply your sun protection! When you’re all fresh out of the shower from the beach, apply a light after-sun lotion to help your skin cool down, hydrate and heal any damage. 

Exfoliate

If you’re a macho gay, you might refuse to participate in exfoliation because it might not be the manliest activity, but it only shows that you’re insecure in your sexuality and don’t care about your aesthetics and health. So make sure to pack a light exfoliation cream that will remove dead skin cells from your face, as well as stubborn dirt and oils. You only need a tiny pack of exfoliant because it’s a beauty step performed just once or twice a week. 

Keep it clean

If you’re traveling somewhere humid like Korea, China or any Southeast Asian country, you will notice that humidity affects your skin, opens up your pores and makes it more susceptible to dirt and thus breakouts. To stay on top of humidity, you can follow a few Korean beauty tricks and pay special attention to skin cleansing. A gentle cleanser will remove all dirt and oil from your skin after a long day of sweating, and even give it some additional hydration. You will look and feel fresh and have a clean face as a base for your makeup if you use it. 

A touch of concealer 

When you’re traveling, you don’t get to rest much. You’re always either at the beach, exploring or partying with new friends—there’s not much time for proper hydration or beauty sleep. This often results in those pesky under-eye bags and dark circles that add about 10 years to your look. But don’t worry when you have this summer tip up your sleeve, with a touch of concealer you will look fresh and rested even after a party and after-party combo! 

Love your lips

Traveling takes a huge toll on your lips. All that sun, wind, saltwater and making out can damage your lips and make them look crispy and gross. Luckily, you can always have chapstick in your backpack to protect your kisser. Also, a light lip exfoliation during your trip might be a good idea that will ensure your lips are kissable and not cracked and bleeding—no one wants to see that, let alone kiss that! 

Face masks

There always comes a time when you have to pack your bags and return home. On your flight back, make sure to use the time wisely and grab a sheet mask. These masks are paper-thin and fit into every carry-on, easy to apply and pleasant for every face. And they feel so amazing in that dry cabin air, especially after a week of wild parties, sun and physical activity. Grab a hydrating face mask that matches your skin type, apply once you take off and keep it on as you travel. When you land, your skin will hide all the evidence of a wild travel lifestyle and you’ll be ready to go back to work and look dashing. 

These few skincare items will not take up too much space in your suitcase or take up too much time when you’re traveling. However, they will allow you to serve face and body wherever you go!