Tag: Bucket

  • Digital Nomads Can Live In This Bucket List Destination For 6 Months

    Digital Nomads Can Live In This Bucket List Destination For 6 Months

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    It’s 2023, and digital nomadism is evolving. Asia has been done, and Central and South America came next. Now it’s time to look elsewhere and think a bit bigger.

    Think so big that you look around and can’t see another person for miles in each direction. Think the biggest sand dunes in the world; think spotting the big 5 on your daily travels. Think of tribes and children with smiles so big they light up the room and people so diverse it’s impossible to classify them into groups. If any of this is intriguing to you, then it’s time to think about Arica as your next destination. 

    springbok in the nambi desert

    Although it’s been a longtime favorite for travelers on their dream holiday, Africa is becoming more and more popular, with digital nomads looking to set up a longer-term base for themselves. While some areas have been plagued by civil unrest in the past, and some still are off-limits for this very reason, the majority of this vast continent is peaceful and perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path. 

    epupa falls namibia

    The good news is that it seems Africa is ready to embrace digital nomads with open arms, with more countries starting to offer digital nomad visas. So which bucket list country should you choose? For many reasons, Namibia is high at the top of the list. 

    Let’s Talk About: Namibia 

    From its compact and easy-to-navigate capital city of Windhoek to its mysterious skeleton coast, Namibia is truly out of this world. Its natural beauty and friendly people should be reason enough to choose this southwestern African country as a place to call home for a while. 

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    watching animals at waterhole

    The name Namibia itself comes from the word Nama, meaning vast place, and it’s likely you have never stood in such vastness until you begin to discover Namibia. Explore the oldest desert in the world, The Namib. Wander among Sossusvlei’s salt and clay pans and climb the largest sand dune in the world, affectionally referred to as “Big Daddy”.

    camelthorn trees red dunes

    While Namibia is not technically considered a ‘big five’ destination, the options for spotting big game are endless at Etosha National Park, where animals gather around the rare watering holes of this arid country. Other things to check out are the Zambezi region, Swakopmund beach town along the skeleton coast, and the small fishing town of Lüderitz and the surrounding region. Those who look hard enough can find entire mining towns that have been abandoned and are slowly being swallowed up by the desert. 

    Safety 

    While the very mention of moving to Africa might raise some eyebrows among your friends and family, they can rest assured knowing that Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa. In fact, Namibia is one of the 16 safest countries to visit in Africa right now. While petty crime can be a bit common in the city of Windhoek, overall, the country is one of the top 93 safest in the world.

    sunset over windhoek

    In addition to safety, Namibia’s official language is English, making daily life easier for digital nomads. Another important factor for remote working, of course, is the internet, and Namibia was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to become fully connected with widespread internet. And while it might not rank very highly globally, the service is expanding and becoming faster and more reliable every day. 

    Namibia’s Digital Nomad Visa 

    While Africa might be considered the next big thing for digital nomads, the majority of its countries do not offer any digital nomad visas yet. Meaning if you want to explore the Serengeti or the wine country of South Africa, you are limited as to how long you can stay in one place. Namibia, however, is the first African country to offer a visa for those who work remotely. Allowing people who qualify to live in the country for up to six months, the Namibian digital nomad visa is a great choice for anyone looking to settle down for a bit in this country of endless horizons. 

    himba women namibia

    In order to qualify for this Namibian digital nomad visa, you must have a valid passport, be working remotely, have a clean criminal record, show proof of health insurance, and earn at least $2,000 a month. These criteria should not be too difficult for most nomads, and the entire application can be completed online. The ease of application and eligibility help to entice those looking to call Namibia home for at least six months.

    namib desert and atlantic ocean

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  • Top 10 Experiences That Should Be On Every Travelers Bucket List

    Top 10 Experiences That Should Be On Every Travelers Bucket List

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    It’s hard to narrow down the millions of places to visit in the world, but there are certain attractions that stand out and have a common theme on people’s bucket lists. Bucket list travel experiences are a fantastic travel goal to work towards. Like saving up to buy a home or getting that dream job — bucket list travel could take years or even decades to complete, but the reward is much bigger when you finally get to tick off your long-awaited travel goal.

    Check out the top 10 experiences that should be on every traveler’s bucket list:

    Surf girl on surfboard. Woman in ocean during surfing in Bali. travel

    Watch the Northern Lights

    The Northern Lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon that vividly light up the night sky with jaw-dropping colors — think of it as nature’s own laser show and light projection.

    The colors are usually bright green or yellow, but on rare occasions, you might also see reds and blues. They can be found in select locations in the northern hemisphere, including the Nordic countries, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Greenland; as well as Russia, Canada, and Alaska.

    Northern Lights above waters edge, travel

    Motorbike Through Vietnam

    One of the most popular ways to see Vietnam is by motorbike, which allows you to experience the vast landscapes and local life through off-the-beaten-path roads. From the mountain villages in Sapa to the white-sanded beaches in Hoi An, the empty forests, and bustling cities, you’ll be amazed at how vast this country is.

    With motorbikes going for around a couple of hundred dollars, it’s a great opportunity to explore this exhilarating country on a budget.

    One person riding bike on Ha Giang motorbike loop, famous travel destination bikers easy riders. Ha Giang karst geopark mountain landscape in North Vietnam. Winding road in stunning scenery, travel

    Safari In Africa

    You’ll be amazed by the diverse and contrasting landscapes of this remarkable continent, as well as animals you can’t find anywhere else (like the gorillas). From taking a traditional canoe down the Okavango Delta to spotting lions in the wild or walking barefoot on the Kalahari Desert, each bend and turn will offer something new and exhilarating to look at.

    Although on the pricier side, a safari in Africa offers different comfort levels, from sleeping on top of a van in a national park to enjoying the fancy linens in a luxurious tent.

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    Watching Elephants on Safari, travel

    Cruise To Antarctica

    With icebergs, penguins, and white desert for miles, this continent is one of the most unusual places to visit. Tourists didn’t begin coming to Antarctica until the late 1950s, meaning this location is relatively new to this generation.

    You’ll have the opportunity to hike, kayak, and explore one of the most untouched destinations in the world. Numbers are capped, and you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a cruise ship that is conscious of the human footprint since the icy environment is very sensitive.

    Big cruise ship in Antarctic waters, Antarctica, travel

    Scuba Dive The Great Barrier Reef

    Considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world and the world’s largest coral reef, this expansive reef system off the coast of Northeast Australia stretches over 133,000 square miles. Australia is known for its crystal blue water waters, making it a perfect viewing ground for this colorful water ecosystem.

    With over 600 different types of coral in all different shapes and beautiful colors, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off this underwater world, which also provides an essential habitat for diverse animals.

    Turtle swimming among colorful coral reef with swimmers and divers observing nearby

    Walk The Great Wall of China

    This other wonder of the world stretches over 5,000 miles through grasslands, deserts, and mountains, and it would take around 18 months to walk its full length. The best sections to visit the Great Wall of China would be the north or east of Beijing, with Badaling being the most popular section due to its proximity to the capital.

    This wall took over 2,300 years to build over multiple dynasties, so it’s considered a masterpiece in its creation, matched with sweeping picturesque views surrounding it.  

    The Great Wall of China amongst the valley

    Stargaze In A Desert

    There’s nothing more miraculous than watching thousands of freckle-like stars light up the sky and make you wonder what is beyond earth. Deserts offer the perfect location for stargazing because they’re often remote, have very few clouds in the sky, and have zero light pollution.

    In an urban area, you’re lucky if you can see one hundred stars, but in remote locations such as the deserts of the United Arab Emirates or the oldest desert in the world, Namib Desert, there are thousands (and great chances for seeing the Milky Way).

    young couple sitting at a table on a desert dune while talking, relaxing and observing the stars and the milky way above them

    Hike to Machu Picchu

    For those feeling adventurous, one of the best ways to get to these ancient ruins nestled in the Andes Mountains is to take the classic Inca Trail route, which is believed to have been used as a pilgrimage route by the Incas in the 15th century. The route is 26 miles long and, on average, takes 4 days to get there.

    The walk can be challenging for some, especially due to the high altitude, but the breathtaking terrain and 500-year-old archeological treasures should keep you distracted along the route. When you finally make it to Machu Picchu, you’ll be rewarded with draw-dropping views.

    **At the time of this writing, Machu Picchu is closed indefinitely due to civil unrest**

    Machu Picchu, a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

    See The Animals Of The Galapagos Islands

    The Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located on both sides of the equator in the Pacific Ocean and historically have never been attached to a mainland.

    These islands are considered incredibly unique for a factor of reasons, from crystal-clear turquoise water made from three ocean currents colliding to its unique animals that have evolved differently over time compared to the same species nearby. A trip to the Galapagos Islands will be a travel experience of a lifetime that you won’t be able to repeat anywhere else.

    Galapagos Islands. Galapagos tortoise. Big turtle. Ecuador.

    Surf In Bali

    If you’ve always wanted to understand the feeling of bargaining with mother nature and flying down a wave, Bali is one of the best spots in the world to surf. Considered the Disneyland for surfing, Bali is a year-round surf destination, meaning you don’t need to choose certain times, and you’ll find some balmy sea temperatures that make you feel like you’re floating in bath water. With plenty of beach breaks to explore, you’ll find stunning locations suited to your level.

    Surf girl on surfboard. Woman in ocean during surfing in Bali.

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  • Why This Underrated European Country Should Be On Your Bucket List This Year

    Why This Underrated European Country Should Be On Your Bucket List This Year

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    When you picture crystal-clear blue waters, white sand beaches, quaint historic towns, and stunning natural scenery, which European country comes to mind?

    Maybe you answered Italy, Greece, or Croatia.

    Albania may not have come to mind at all, but this Balkan country is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe that offers all of the above and more.

    Here’s why Albania should be on your bucket list this year:

    Albanian Alps in the country of albania

    1) Incredible Beaches

    One of the top reasons to visit Albania this summer is for its amazing beaches.

    Located on the Adriatic Sea, Albania’s beaches are among the best-kept secrets in Europe. While they are widely visited by locals and tourists from other Balkan countries, Albania’s beaches are still largely off the radar for most other tourists.

    However, they are some of the best beaches in Europe, with white sand beaches and clear turquoise-blue waters.

    Sarande is a resort town known for its beach parties and nightlife, while Ksamil and Borsh Beach are known for their stunning natural beauty.

    Ksamil Beach in Albania, a balkan country

    2) A Cool Capital City

    Albania’s capital city Tirana is extremely cool, hip, and funky. It’s a hodgepodge of striking architecture, a mixture of modern design and Communist-era buildings.

    The city was named the European Youth Capital of 2022 because of its rapid growth and its youthful, vibrant spirit. Tirana is a city that’s constantly in flux and changing by the day.

    There are so many reasons to visit Tirana, and this city offers something for everyone, including foodies, history fanatics, and party lovers.

    View of Tirana Albania, a balkan country

    3) Quaint Historic Towns

    Although Tirana is a great city to visit, the real charm of Albania lies in its quaint historic towns.

    Berat, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most striking historic towns in the country due to its nickname of “The City of a Thousand Windows.”

    Gjirokastra is another beautiful ancient town that is known as “The City of a Thousand Steps” due to its many stone stairs and hilly landscape.

    Traditional Ottoman Era Houses In Berat, Central Albania, Balkans

    4) Affordable Prices

    One of the best parts of Albania is how affordable it is. It’s a great destination for budget travelers, or luxury travelers who want to travel in style in a destination where their money goes much further.

    While many popular destinations in Europe, such as Italy, France, and Greece are extremely pricy, countries in the Balkan region can be shocking cheap, and Albania is among the cheapest of all.

    Even other once-affordable Balkan countries like Croatia are experiencing skyrocketing prices this year, making Albania a refreshing alternative.

    Ksamil, Albanian Riviera, Albania, Mediterranean Sea

    5) Friendly People

    One of the biggest highlights of all in Albania is the people. Albanians are extremely friendly and hospitable.

    You’ll be blown away by the level of hospitality that is shown by Albanians. Even if there’s a bit of a language barrier (English is not widely spoken, especially among the older generations in Albania), people will go out of their way to help you in any way that they can.

    Unlike some other European destinations like Italy that are flooded with American tourists, Albania has not experienced much of that yet, and you don’t have to worry about being scammed or ripped off.

    Young Female Waving An Albanian Flag In Downtown Tirana, Albania

    6) Relaxed Visa Rules

    Albania is an emerging destination for digital nomads in Europe because of its sunny climate, affordable prices, great places to base yourself, and relaxed visa rules.

    Americans can spend up to one year in Albania without a visa. This makes it very attractive for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

    It’s one of the few countries in Europe that still offers long stays for American travelers hoping to reset their Schengen visas after nearby Croatia joined the Schengen Zone.

    Tourists Walking The Bazaar In Kruje, Albania

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  • Why This Norway Mystery Trip Should Be On Your Bucket List

    Why This Norway Mystery Trip Should Be On Your Bucket List

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    We are living in a world where traveling has become such a gruesome task for even the most seasoned travelers out there. From vaccination and quarantine requirements, PCR tests, to health declaration forms, traveling these days can be a struggle, even before you get to planning the actual trip.

    There are however a few countries out there that have acknowledged these tedious obstacles and removed all their entry restrictions for incoming tourists.

    Among those countries is Norway, a breathtaking country in northern Europe.

    scenic mountain and lake view in norway

    Norway is a beautiful and peaceful country that offers unique, natural phenomena, such as the amazing fjords, the long and rugged coast, the magic northern lights, and the exotic midnight sun.

    Norway is any outdoor and adventures traveler’s dream place to visit. A country that has up until this point been spared with over-tourism and massive crowds.

    scenic valley in norway with lake and mountain

    Not only is Norway a beautiful place to visit, but it’s also one of the happiest countries in the world.

    As of February 12, 2022, you can travel to Norway without having to worry about anything other than having the time of your life.

    • No testing.
    • No quarantining.
    • No registration.
    • No proof of vaccination.

    These days planning a trip can feel like taking up another job, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated. That’s where Up Norway comes into action.

    Up Norway is the number one travel curator in Norway, meant to create a perfect match between travelers and Norway.

    lake next to mountain covered in snow

    The company saves you from frustrating internet searches and tedious travel logistics. Up Norway has created a system that hand-tailors your needs to all that Noway has to offer. No two travelers are the same, so why should their travel itinerary be?

    It does this by presenting you with a brief questionnaire that will help them get to know you and determine what type of trip would suit you best.

    female traveler standing on mountain top

    What trip are you looking for? A relaxing break? Family Vacation? A luxurious retreat, or perhaps an active adventure. These are all options that you can select.

    After that, you will be asked when you’d like to visit because each season has its appeal and charm.

    Up Norway will then ask you what your particular interests are: food and drink, nature and wildlife, relaxation and wellness, history and local culture, or scenic drives perhaps.

    You can even select an option to be surprised with a custom-tailored trip!

    Additional highlights include:

    • Treetop cabins in the dense Finnskogen Forest.
    • Micro retreats in the wilderness.
    • Whale and bird watching.
    • Stories around the bonfire in the polar night.
    • Cruising through the majestic Hjørundfjord for the perfect ski spots.
    • Foraging in the sea.
    • Hiking and pack rafting from the Sami town of Kautokeino through Reisa National Park.
    • Visiting a reindeer sanctuary.
    • And more.

    After you select your preferences on what you like to do, you’ll be asked where you would want to stay, followed by inputting your contact details as well as your budget and whether you’re traveling with children.

    Overall, Up Norway takes the hardest part of traveling: the planning, organizing, budgeting, researching, and shifts that burden from you to their very capable team.

    A team that knows what Norway is all about, a team that can create your dream itinerary because they know Norway and they know what you’re looking for.

    Trolltunga, Norway

    With Up Norway, all a traveler has to do is pack their bags and dream about their magical experience, quite the welcome opposite of what travel has looked like for the past two years.

    A surprise vacation can be a great way for travelers to break out of their daily routines, and push their boundaries. Traveling is about what you don’t know. And sometimes a little help can go a long way.

    Easy routes to travel to Norway from the United States and Canada

    In the case that you don’t want to dive into a mystery trip and prefer to plan everything solo, Norway is still a fantastic option this year. Flights from the US and Canada to Norway can still be found at super affordable prices.

    • Newark (EWR) – Oslo (OSL) = Aug 16 to Aug 24  for as low as $549 round trip.
    • Los Angeles (LAX) – Oslo (OSL) = May 20 to May 28 for as low as $768 round trip.
    • Dallas (DFW) – Bergen (BGO) = Oct 5 to Oct 13 for as low as $686 round trip.
    • Miami (MIA) – Bergen (BGO) = Nov 9 to Nov 17 for as low as $592 round trip.
    • Toronto (YYZ) – Oslo (OSL) = Jun 15 to Jun 24 for as low as $755 round trip.

    If you’re already going to be in Europe, you can fly into Norway for under $50 from many cities daily, thanks to many low-cost airlines operating in the area.

    Read More:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    Norway Removes All Entry Requirements For Tourists As Country Fully Returns To Normal

    These European Nations Have Removed All Entry Requirements

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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