TravelCon: Come attend the biggest travel media event of the year!

Travelcon 2020 in New Orleans, United States Are you in the travel industry? Want to learn from the best, meet your peers, and make deals with brands? For those of you who don’t know, in 2018 we created an event called TravelCon. This three-day conference connects you with industry leaders, influencers, and celebrated writers through keynote speeches, small-group writing and photography workshops, breakout tutorial sessions, networking events, and industry panels. At TravelCon, you’ll:
  • Improve your craft in the four major areas of travel: video, photography, writing, and blogging
  • Learn what’s hot, what works, and what doesn’t
  • Keep current on the best practices in digital travel publishing
  • Learn about new products and services
  • Meet destinations and travel brands
  • Network with experts inside the travel industry
  • Learn from experts outside the travel industry
  • Make connections with other travel lovers
  • Have a ton of fun!
This isn’t just for bloggers — we focus on all sections of the media: photographers, vloggers, podcasters, freelance writers, travel agents, and guidebook authors. Think of it as a travel version of the professional development doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, and other industries have! Unlike other events, we’re focused on bringing you intermediate- and advanced-level talks and top-tier talent from inside and outside the travel industry, so you can learn the skills needed to advance your career. This year’s event is in New Orleans from May 8th to 10th. Since we’re only three months away from TravelCon, it’s time for another update! We’ve been planning a lot in the last few months as we head towards the finish line.

Schedule

We’ve released the schedule! Check out it here. We’re focusing a lot more on monetization, Instagram, freelance writing, and succeeding on social media. I’m so excited about the speakers and the talks we have this year. While the times of the talks are subject to change, you can see what you’ll learn at the event. Here are some of the highlights:
  • How to update content so it ranks better
  • How to succeed on Pinterest in 2020
  • How to run small group tours
  • How to become a travel agent and add new revenue to your business
  • How to build a strong online community
  • The micro-influencer: how to succeed as a small fish
  • The law: legal and IP issues you should know!
  • How to get freelance work
  • All the tax stuff you should know!
  • Affiliate Marketing 101
  • Advanced Google Analytics
  • How to improve your UX and design
  • How to write effective sales pages
  • Making money on YouTube
  • LGBTQ freelance writing
  • Two sessions on improving your writing
  • A guide to self-publishing
  • How to hire people the right way
  • How to run Facebook Ad campaigns
  • SEO best practices
  • How to make money on Instagram
  • And so much more!
All in all, we’re going to have close to 50 sessions to choose from. And don’t worry if you can’t make them all! Included with the ticket is a virtual pass of all the talks. We record every talk and keynote so you can access them after the event to continue to learn!

Speakers

Since our last update, we’ve added some new speakers:

Bani Amor

Travel Writer

Cynthia Andrew

Simply Cyn

Joey Coleman

Author, Never Lose a Customer Again

Adam Groffman

Travels of Adam

Mike and Anne Howard

HoneyTrek

Benet Wilson

The Points Guy

Cal Fussman

Author

Erin Sullivan

Erin outdoors
For a full list, check out our homepage. We’re going to have 60 incredible speakers from inside and outside the travel industry. Many don’t normally talk at other events so TravelCon is one of the only events you can see them at!

Workshops and FAMs

We’ve released our workshop and FAM schedule. This year we’ll be having complimentary FAM trips before and after the event that will allow you to visit New Orleans as well as the surrounding area. You can see a list here, but some highlights include:
  • Demonstration Cooking Class with Crescent City Cooks
  • French Quarter Tour with Historic New Orleans Walking Tours
  • Garden District Food Tour with Fat Tire Tours
  • Glory Days of the Garden District Walking Tour with Ask Arthur
  • Grand Garden District Tour with Two Chicks Walking Tour
  • Harbor Jazz Cruise with Steamboat Natchez
  • French Quarter Ghosts & Legends Tour with Haunted History Tours
  • Cocktail History Tour with Dr. Gumbo

Check out our sponsors!

We’ve been signing tons of sponsors for this year. Our exhibit hall is going to be larger than last year and includes brands that have never attended before. During the event, you’ll be able to book meetings with decision-makers, organize campaigns, and make the deals that will grow your business. Some of the sponsors we have this year Additionally, though they don’t have their logos up yet, we’re going to have Sony (!!!), TripAdvisor, HostGator, AdThrive, and Moon Travel Guides too! In total, we’re going to have about 40 brands and destinations this year. There’s more to come but, without contracts signed, I don’t want to jinx it!
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All in all, it’s going to be a fantastic event! We’re going to have an incredible New Orleans–themed opening party with music, performers, and a taste of the new and old New Orleans. We also scoped out venues for our niche meet-ups too. If you want to attend the conference, tickets to this year’s TravelCon are $399. They include access to the event, parties, meet-ups, FAMs, lunches, a virtual pass, and more! You can click here to learn more and secure your spot today! We’re capping our event at 800 attendees this year. We’re currently over 50% sold out and expect to sell out soon (we’ve sold out every year). With only three months to go, don’t miss out on the biggest travel media conference of the year. If you have any questions, leave a comment! See you in NOLA! – Matt

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!

12 Ways to Be Prepared for Anything While Traveling

be prepared like a boy scout When I was a kid, I was a Boy Scout. I made it pretty far too, but then I became a teenager, decided it was “lame,” and quit. As a Boy Scout, I learned how to tie knots, camp outdoors, be a good citizen, play with knives, and got to have cool sleepovers. One of the most important things you learn as a Boy Scout is their motto to always “be prepared,” and as I’ve grown up and traveled the world, I’ve found this to also be a travel truism. You never know what might happen on the road. Stepping out your door into the unknown is what makes travel so exciting. Each day brings endless possibility, but that possibility is for both good and bad. You may end up enjoying a day sightseeing in Paris — or getting robbed in Berlin. You may spend an amazing day on the beaches of Thailand — or suffer food poisoning in Costa Rica. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to face whatever happens to you on the road:

1. Take Multipurpose Gear

Packing multiuse gear ensures you can easily adjust to changing conditions and helps reduce the amount of clothing you need to take. For example, I like pants that zip off into shorts, walking shoes that look nice enough for an evening out, and using my swim trunks as a pair of shorts. This saves room in my bag while money since I don’t need to buy as much stuff. This always ensures you are dressed for any occasion (after all, who knows when you’ll suddenly find yourself invited to party?!). Here are some posts on gear that can help you:

2. Carry a Small First Aid Kit

While we live in 2019, not 1919, and you can find modern medicine anywhere in the world, I always carry a small first aid kit with me with a few essential items to be safe. I take Tylenol, stomach illness medicine, eyedrops, Band-Aids, scissors, hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial ointment, and a small supply of doctor-approved antibiotics. I’m usually able to find a pharmacy when I need one, but in case of an emergency, it’s good to have these items handy. Here’s a detailed guide on putting together a first aid kit. (And, on a similar note, here are 10 ways to avoid getting sick on the road.)

3. Pack a Small Flashlight

You’d be surprised how many travelers don’t carry one, but a flashlight will prove to be invaluable when you suddenly decide to go caving in Panama, when your hike lasts longer than expected and nightfall sets in, or when the electricity goes out unexpectedly, which is not uncommon in a lot of places. I carry a small, waterproof pen flashlight when I travel.

4. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle (with a Filter)

Water is life, and while it’s unlikely you’re going to be lost out in a desert or the jungle, it always pays to be prepared. Carrying a reusable water bottle and filter will not only save you money as a traveler, but it will also prevent tons of single-use plastic from ending up in landfills or the ocean. And yes, should an emergency arise you’ll be prepared. Most people can survive for 3 weeks without food — but you’ll only make it 3 days without water. Never leave home without a reusable bottle and filter, such as a SteriPen or LifeStraw.

5. Learn Basic Phrases

Locals don’t expect you to be an expert in their language, but knowing how to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you” go a long way in endearing yourself to locals. After all, wouldn’t you be annoyed if someone came to your home and expected you to know their language? Knowing a few key phrases will not only make interactions easier, but it will also help you when you bargain for goods, order food, get lost, or need help. Lonely Planet makes excellent pocket language guides for just about every language spoken, and Benny Lewis wrote this excellent guide on learning languages.

6. Study Nonverbal Communication

Most people interact using both verbal and nonverbal communication, so paying attention to facial expressions can help you appropriately read a situation, even if you don’t understand the verbal part. When you don’t know the language or might take words out of context, keep calm and take a moment to read the feelings of the person. This has helped me defuse tense situations with taxi drivers, vendors, and hotel owners. Understanding nonverbal communication doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice, but these websites offer:

7. Keep Emergency Cash with You

While there is almost always an ATM around these days, you never know when emergency cash might come in handy. You could end up in an airport (like I recently did) and find that none of your ATM cards work and you are stuck without any money. I recommend having a stash of $200 USD for emergency situations. I don’t carry this money around but leave it in my hotel room safe in case something happens. It will be useful if you get robbed or lose your wallet.

8. Have Backup Credit and Bank Cards

I always keep one backup credit card and bank card with me in case of emergencies. You never know when one bank might decide to lock your account for suspicious activity without telling you (yes, that has also happened to me) or when you might get robbed. I recently had my bank account information stolen while I was traveling in Europe. My bank had to deactivate my card, and if I hadn’t had a second one with me, I wouldn’t have had access to any money. Here are some helpful blog posts on credit cards and banking for you:

9. Make Copies of Your Passport and Important Documents

Keeping copies of your documents can come in handy during an emergency, especially if you lose your originals. If you get robbed or lose your passport, having copies ready for officials can make filing police reports and obtaining new documents much easier. When I lost my passport, my backup copies helped with my police report and served as my proof of identity at the American embassy. Copy your passport, your health/travel insurance paperwork, and your credit cards.

10. Carry a List of Emergency Contacts

If something happens to you, having a list of emergency numbers on you will help medical professionals know who to contact. I also keep a list of my allergies with me so if I need treatment and can’t answer questions, doctors know what I’m allergic to. I keep two copies: one with me and one in my bag in my hotel room. Because having backups are important!

11. Have Travel Insurance

The ultimate form of preparedness, having travel insurance will be a blessing when you have to go to the hospital because you popped an eardrum scuba diving, get sick on the road, or break a leg. Chances are nothing is going to happen to you while traveling, but for when it does, you are going to want to have insurance. Only a fool travels without it. Here’s a list of suggested articles on how to pick the best travel insurance:

12. Read Before You Go

There’s nothing more important than knowing about the place you’re visiting. Head to a library or bookstore and get a few books on what life is like where you’re going. If someone came into your home and ignored all your rules, you would get upset — the same guidelines are applicable when you travel overseas. Knowing basic rules and etiquette can help you avoid any misunderstandings and leave a favorable impression in your host’s minds. Otherwise, you could end up like this British couple who were jailed for kissing in public in Dubai. (That’s a big no-no in Middle Eastern countries.)
***
You never know when you might face the unexpected, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years of traveling, it’s that even the best-laid plans can go awry. You may not use these items all the time, and, hopefully, you won’t ever need some of them, but the point is to be ready when you do. After all, a scout is always prepared.

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

how to travel the world on $50 a dayMy New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach you how to master the art of travel save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experiences. Click here to learn more about the book and pick up a copy today!

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!

Do You Need Medical Evacuation Insurance?

A commercial airplane flying in a dark sky
Posted: 8/29/19 | August 29th, 2019

While most budget travelers are content with a standard travel insurance package, today I wanted to talk about one specific aspect that I get asked about a lot: buying extra medical evacuation insurance.

When I first started roaming the world, I assumed that standard travel insurance would cover the cost of getting back home should I get injured abroad. Isn’t that what their “medical evacuation” coverage does?

I was shocked to discover that, more often than not, that isn’t the case.

Turns out, just because you get injured and require medical transportation doesn’t mean you get sent home.

If you read the fine print, most travel insurance companies only cover your medical transport to the “best” medical facility near where you are. This is what they call the “nearest acceptable facility.”

They decide where you go, not you.

They decide what the best facility is.

They decide what is suitable.

And once your travel insurance company sends you to a hospital, they have fulfilled their obligation to you. That means that if you’re not sent home, you could be liable to then cover the cost of getting home — which can be a lot of money.

Now, this is not to say that “regular” travel insurance is bad. It just means that people think it covers a lot more than it does and are often upset when they find out otherwise. I mean, I love travel insurance (I never leave home without it), but it’s important to know its limitations. Always read the fine print!

This is where comprehensive medical evacuation insurance can come in handy in addition to your existing travel insurance plan.

What is Medical Evacuation Insurance?

First, let’s get one thing clear: Medical evacuation insurance is not the exact same thing as travel insurance (and vice versa).

Of course, travel insurance generally includes medical evacuation insurance, but travel insurance is specifically designed to protect travelers from financial loss in the event of trip interruptions and cancelations, as well as injuries while abroad.

Cut yourself on a rock while hiking? Travel insurance will help.

Baggage lost or delayed after a flight? Travel insurance will help.

Someone pickpocket your phone? Travel insurance will help.

For most travel and medical emergencies, travel insurance will suffice.

But where it often falls short is when you need to be repatriated.

Most travel insurance plans do include decent coverage for medical evacuation — but they only take you to the nearest facility that can handle your emergency. This means:

  • No guarantee of going home
  • No guarantee of going to the absolute best medical facility to assist you
  • No guarantee of someone on the ground to walk you through the process — you’re usually left to handle all of that on your own.

And for some people, that’s not good enough.

Why is Medical Evacuation Insurance So Important?

When I was stabbed in Colombia, I went to a local hospital. I was on my own, left to navigate the process with what little broken Spanish I knew. While I received basic medical care, it was not exactly the best in the world. I flew back to the US shortly after that to get the care I needed.

I was lucky that I didn’t require surgery and that I was able to handle the situation on my own. I didn’t necessarily need medical evacuation insurance for that incident.

But not everyone will be that lucky. Earthquakes, monsoons, hurricanes, floods, and fires do happen — and the list goes on.

Each and every year, 10 million travelers are hospitalized abroad — with over two million requiring medical transportation!
And should you need to be evacuated due to an injury, weather event, or political crisis, you definitely don’t want to be stuck with a pricey repatriation bill. After all, evacuation and transportation aren’t cheap. Costs for a medical evacuation or medical transfer can range from $30,000 to upwards of $200,000.

Yes, you read that right: $200,000!

Unless you have that kind of money lying around, you’ll want to make sure the insurance that you buy covers you for medical evacuation, transportation, transfers, and repatriation. You don’t want to be stranded at a foreign medical facility — especially if that facility doesn’t provide the degree of care that you need.

While these sorts of emergencies are rare, it’s much better to pay a small fee now than to risk going bankrupt because of an unexpected injury. Because $200,000 is a LOT of money!

Just as important as the financial argument for medical evacuation insurance is the fact that having comprehensive coverage gives you peace of mind. You and your loved ones can relax, knowing that, should the worst happen, you have a company there that is ready and able to help you get through it. The last thing you want on your vacation is to be fretting about the fine print on your insurance policy.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had to deal with all sorts of hiccups on the road, from minor inconveniences, like a broken camera and lost baggage, to more serious situations, like when I burst my eardrum.

Take it from me: peace of mind is worth the price.

That’s why it’s important to be prepared.

That’s why more and more travelers are joining membership programs for comprehensive medical evacuation insurance.

Our Recommended Company

Medjet is a membership program that offers comprehensive medical transportation services all around the globe. It has 50 dispatch stations worldwide, with access to over 250 air ambulances. That means that as long you’re not in a warzone or country prohibited to travel by the US State Department, you will be able to receive the medical transport coverage and evacuation services that you need.

Medjet focuses solely on medical evacuation coverage, making it the go-to company for travelers concerned about medical evacuation and repatriation. All the travel pros I know use it.

Where most insurance companies will just take you to the nearest medical facility, Medjet will make sure you get home.

Additionally, Medjet will:

  • Allow you to choose what hospital or medical facility you want to go to.
  • Arrange medical transfer (regardless of medical necessity).
  • Provide service both within the US and abroad.
  • Initiate a security response and evacuation even if there is no government warning to do so.

However, it is also extremely affordable — I’m still a budget traveler after all! Medjet offers both short-term and annual plans. An annual membership can cost as little as $295 USD per year, which is amazing value if you’re an avid traveler.

If you’re looking for coverage that goes above and beyond what most companies offer, you’ll want to consider Medjet — especially if you’re concerned about the cost of a medical evacuation.

It’s also the perfect choice for anyone looking to do adventurous activities or travelers who are heading into a region where extreme weather events (such as hurricanes or floods), fires, or earthquakes are common.

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Nobody likes to imagine something going wrong on their trip. But accidents and emergencies do happen. Make sure you have the evacuation insurance coverage you need on your next trip. You won’t regret it!

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 Do You Need Medical Evacuation Insurance? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

FLYTE Update: Here’s What Happened to the Students We Sent to Colombia

the FLYTE students on a field trip in Colombia standing in front of a yellow church
Posted: 8/26/2019 | August 26th, 2019

When I started my nonprofit Foundation for Learning and Youth Travel Education (FLYTE), my goal was to make international travel accessible to low-income youth across the country, who are incredibly passionate and smart but would never have the opportunity to travel abroad otherwise.

Earlier this year, we raised $15,000 to send a group of kids from Envision Academy to Colombia.

Located in Oakland California, Envision Academy uses an innovative project-based learning model to ensure that its students — the majority of whom live below the poverty line — are ready for post-secondary education and beyond. (Most are first-generation immigrants and will be the first in their family to go to college.)

Last month, they returned from their exciting trip to the country so I wanted to share some of what they did and learned, so you can see what your support accomplished. For most of the students, it was their first time in another country and, needless to say, it had a big impact on them.

Our group started in Bogotá, where they climbed to the top of Cerro de Monserrate and explored Plaza Bolívar, where Jeremy, the teacher leading the trip, gave a cross-curricular lecture about Simon Bolívar, Colombia’s history during the drug cartel years, and the architecture around them. They also went on a street art tour led by two local artists, on which they learned all about art techniques and the political climate that prompted many of the pieces that they saw.

the FLYTE students enjoying a street art tour in Colombia

The students immediately started seeing commonalities between Oakland and Colombia. Darrilyn, a fifteen year old sophomore, remarked that this trip, her first time out of the country, “changed my perceptions and preconceived notions of Colombia a lot, and I saw that it’s more like home than I previously thought.” She also “really enjoyed this walking tour because I like art and I like graffiti because it’s unconventional art and it tells the story of a person.”

Afterward, the group headed to Cartagena. They got a perfect intro to the city on a walking tour through our partner, Context Travel, during which they learned a lot about Cartagena’s history as a port for enslaved people. This resonated with the students, who stressed how important it was for more people to have this knowledge. Kai, whose new passport got its first stamp on this trip, had the realization that “when people think about Latin America, they often don’t think about people of African descent.”

the FLYTE students on a tour around Cartagena with Context Tours

Myani, who’s 17 and just graduated from Envision Academy, was equally moved: “It’s inspiring in a way because even though our ancestors were enslaved, they made the city what it is. You can see their value to the community. Even though there’s an oppressive connotation, because they were enslaved, flip it and make it a powerful lesson. Make it your own: My ancestors built this city.”

On top of all this, the students immersed themselves in Colombian cuisine by taking a street food tour with Cartagena Connections. They tried everything from ajiaco and arepas to bandeja paisa, mango biche, and a bubble gum soda.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Cartagena’s Barrio San Francisco with Alex Rocha from Experience Real Cartagena, whose tours are designed to make deeper connections with the marginalized communities of Colombia. (Alex’s company also operates as a social enterprise, and so the proceeds fund an after-school program for the local community.) Our students had an opportunity to connect with some of these youth through activities like drawing, dancing, and soccer, as well as through honest conversations about their shared experiences.

the FLYTE students in Colombia

Aliza, a sophomore and president of the student council who had never left the US before, felt that this was the highlight of her trip because she was able to “see the kids and understand their environment and how they live every day.” Jany, who is seventeen and served as the de-facto translator for our Spanish-speaking parents, reflected on how the kids she met “make the best out of what they have. They’re grateful and humble and always try to find something positive.”

Tayvion, a 14-year-old who also was traveling abroad for the first time, had a deep conversation with one of the Colombian kids about police brutality. When Tayvion asked if they had guns, his new friend replied, “Yes, but they never shoot.” Having drawn parallels and distinctions with his own community, Tayvion shared his devastating realization: “It made me think about how, for officers in the U.S., their first instinct is just to shoot.” (To me, that’s a sad statement coming from a kid and just shows you up much police violence is an everyday fact for many people in this country.)

the FLYTE students on a walking tour in Colombia

Throughout this entire journey, the group took part in daily reflections. They shared their experiences, learned from one another, and bonded over how they’d changed throughout the trip.

Joshua, a sophomore who had never even left California before this trip, said that the biggest lessons he’d learned were: “Do not take the things you have for granted. Do not be afraid to try new things. Finally, don’t be scared to learn about new people.”

For Wald, a soon to be junior, reflected that on how “we should be open-minded about other cultures and people ’cause we might find some similarities between us and them. We shouldn’t judge a people or culture based on their past alone.”

the FLYTE students on a walking tour in Colombia

These new experiences not only shifted their mindset, but they also made the students think about their future and goals. Yasmeen told us, “I have a lot of dreams. There are so many benefits in the US, and I’m not going to waste my time. I should travel more and learn about different cultures.”

In addition to the knowledge that she gained, Veronica shared that her “goals are to help my community with any of the work that I do. I think this trip is going to help me achieve that because I’ve realized how similar my community is with the community of Cartagena. We can use other cities from different countries to help each other with the issues we are going through.”

Similarly, Ronald, a student who was excited to relay his experiences with his stepmom (who’s from Colombia), shared that “this trip made me open-minded to different cultures and makes me propose solidarity within communities in Oakland.”

And, in a quote I especially love, Darrilyn said of her time in Colombia: “My hopes and dreams are to be a political analyst and to travel the world. This trip showed me there is no fear to travel.”

This is why FLYTE exists: to create moments and lessons like this for students so they can see the world outside their borders and dream big.

the FLYTE students at the airport leaving for Colombia

The experiences these students had in Colombia left an indelible mark on them. Most of them had never been on a plane before their trip to Colombia. Not only did they learn about the culture and history of another country but they also discovered how a community can rise up in times of adversity.

On the last days of their trip, the students started planning how they’re going to take action back home. One of their ideas was to create a mural, much like the ones they saw in Colombia, to educate others about how Oakland continues to overcome its struggles.

Because of this trip, these youth now have a bigger understanding of the world and the power they each have to change it for the better.

***

And, so, our mission continues!

I want to thank you for helping make this happen! It takes an entire network of passionate individuals and businesses to run one of these trips, and we wanted to celebrate some of our partners who made this trip such an unforgettable experience for our students:

  • World Nomads, which donated all of our travel insurance. Knowing that they had us covered for any unforeseen circumstances, like lost luggage, gave us such peace of mind.
  • Selian Hostel in Cartegena for providing tours and breakfast for the students free of charge.
  • Javier from MYGHT travel, who made the daunting process of booking flights for a group of 20+ a seamless and stress-free experience.
  • Context Travel, which worked with us to craft unique, immersive experiences (at a discount!) for our students.
  • Alex Rocha from Experience Real Cartagena for opening up his community to us and providing us with a deep connection to the amazing people of Barrio San Francisco.
  • Bluffworks, one of our newest corporate partners, which covered the costs of three students to take this journey of a lifetime.
  • Allyson and the team from wikiHow, who highlighted us on their platform and sponsored one student on this trip.
  • The International TEFL Academy, for donating 50% of the proceeds from its Teach Abroad Film Festival to FLYTE.
  • Lo & Sons, for matching donations during our wildly successful #GivingTuesday campaign and sharing our story with their audience.
  • Lia from Practical Wanderlust, who paid her own way to join the trip and captured so many incredible photos and videos. She was also the mastermind behind FLYTE’s IG stories during the trip! We love how she was able to document the students’ experience in such an authentic, powerful, and unintrusive way.

Last, but certainly not least, many thanks to the thousands of you that donated to FLYTE. Your generosity over the years has sent 70 students on life-changing journeys abroad. The impact of these trips extends beyond just these youth. Because of you, the wave of positive change will ripple through their communities and the world at large. With them taking the lead, I know without a doubt that our future is bright. Thank you all for making such an immeasurable impact!

As the world builds walls, we’re helping tear them down and showing a new generation that there is more that brings us together than tears us apart.

If you want to learn more about FLYTE and how you can help send more students abroad, click here for more information.

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!

Photo Credit: All photos belong to Lia from Practical Wanderlust who was there helping document the trip!

The post FLYTE Update: Here’s What Happened to the Students We Sent to Colombia appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

ICYMI: Here’s Some New Articles and Interviews!

10 Years a Nomad by Matt Kepnes
Posted: 8/12/2019 | August 12th, 2019

As you know, after eighteen months of writing and editing, my new book, Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler’s Journey Home, came out last month.

Unlike my previous books, this is not a “how to guide” but a collection of tips, advice, and stories from the road. It a memoir of my ten years backpacking the world and the lessons I learned along the way.

This book gets to the heart of wanderlust and what extended travel around the world can teach us about life, ourselves, and our place in the world. (Or at least tries to.)

It’s meant to show people that if I, a sheltered nerdy kid from a small town, could muster the courage to do this and survive, you can too!

Cheryl Strayed called it inspiring. The Los Angeles Times said, “This book isn’t just for travelers; it’s for anyone who has wanted more and has taken off to find it.” Tony Wheeler, the founder of Lonely Planet, loved it. So did Rolf Potts.

And, more importantly, thousands of readers who keep sending me messages that they couldn’t put it down and it renewed their wanderlust. (For a writer, that’s the best thing we can hear.)

Over the last month, I’ve done a lot of interviews, videos, podcasts, and guest posts talking not only about my book but how you can travel more often – and be a better traveler when you do.

So I wanted to share some of what I’ve been up to so you can learn more about the book and get some travel tips at the same time:
 

Recent Interviews

Here are some interviews that I’ve done on the book, my travels, and my thoughts on being a better traveler:

Go BackpackingTravel Q&A with Matthew Kepnes, Author of Ten Years a Nomad

Expert Vagabond10 Years A Nomad: An Interview With Nomadic Matt

The Broke BackpackerAn Interview With Nomadic Matt

The Daily StoicTen Years A Nomad: An Interview With Matt Kepnes on travel and philosophy

Indie Traveller10 Years A Nomad: A Q&A With Nomadic Matt

NBC NewsHow “Deep Travel” Can Help You Get More Out of Your Next Trip

 

Podcasts

Love podcasts? I did a lot! Here are some you can download and enjoy on your next plane, commute, or walk:

LandlopersETW #24 Interview with Legendary Traveler Nomadic Matt

The Offbeat LifeHow to travel smarter and create a blogging empire with Matthew Kepnes

Afford AnythingSlow Travel is Cheap Travel With Nomadic Matt

Not a Ballerina Ten Years a Nomad with Nomadic Matt Kepnes – Episode 147 of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

Zero to TravelTen Years A Nomad With “Nomadic” Matt Kepnes

 

YouTube Videos

I did two videos with two of my favorite Youtubers:

Hey Nadine10 Lessons learned from 10 Years a Nomad

Kristen and SiyaLife Changing Travel Experiences ft. Nomadic Matt

 

Book Reviews

On the fence about if you should buy the book? Well, why? It’s great! I poured my heart into it. Come support me! But, more seriously, here’s a bunch of reviews on what people thought:

View from the WingOut Today: Nomadic Matt’s Ten Years on the Road

Women on the Road What Can I Learn From A Travel Blogger Young Enough To Be My Son?

Travel CodexBook Review: “Ten Years a Nomad” by Nomadic Matt

Caroline in the City Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler’s Journey Home

Travel Writing 2.0Matt Kepnes: Ten Years a Nomad and Making Money on His Own Terms

Travel Writers ExchangeBook Review: Ten Years a Nomad

Life BorderlessTen Years a Nomad: Travel Tips From Matt Kepnes

Go Girl GuidesBook Review: 10 Years a Nomad by Matthew Kepnes

Travel LemmingWant a Long Term Relationship With Travel? Read This First

National Geographic12 Travel Books You Won’t Be Able to Put Down This Summer

BooktribOffice Worker Turned Travel Junkie in “Ten Years a Nomad”

Publishers WeeklyTen Years a Nomad: A Traveler’s Journey Home

 

New Guest Posts

And, finally, I wrote a bunch of articles about how to be a better traveler – and do it for less money! Check them out here:

One Mile at a Time5 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Destination

Free CandieYou can only “run away” for so long

Helen in Wonderlust12 Travel Tips from Ten Years of Traveling the World

Medium9 Reasons Why Travel Is the Quickest Way to Become a Better Person

Thought Catalog Why ‘Influencers’ Are Bullshit

Newsweek9 Life Lessons I Learned From Being a Nomad For Ten Years

Traveling CanucksMy 10 Favorite Countries from 10 Years as a Nomad

The Travel Women10 Honest Lessons from 10 Years of Solo Travel

TravelFreakWhat I Learned From 10 Years of Travel

Entrepreneur.comHow to Start (and Run) a 7-Figure Business While Traveling the World

The Daily BeastWhy Backpackers are Good at Saying Goodbye

Medium.comThe Challenges of Writing A Memoir

 

The “Ten Years a Nomad” Book Tour

I’m finishing up my book tour and there are still a few more destinations left. Come join me, talk travel, get a signed book, and hang out!

August 14 Portland, OR: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing @ 7:00pm EVENT DETAILS
August 15 San Francisco, CA: Book Passage at Corte Madera @ 7pm EVENT DETAILS
August 16 Seattle, WA: Third Place Books @ 6pm EVENT DETAILS
August 19 Vancouver, BC: Indigo (Robson) @ 7:00pm EVENT DETAILS
August 26 Toronto, ON: Indigo (Bay-Bloor)@ 7:00pm EVENT DETAILS
August 31 Montreal, QC: Indigo (Place Montreal) @ 1:00pm EVENT DETAILS

****

Thank you so much for your support and love over the years. I really hope you love this book. I wanted to write something that would appeal to a wider range of readers. Please help spread the word, get a copy, and I hope to see you on the book tour.

– Nomadic Matt

Here are links to buy the new book:

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

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 ICYMI: Here’s Some New Articles and Interviews! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.