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tepwireless · 4 years

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We are turning purple

Kawika First awesome Blog Post

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/we-are-turning-purple/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=we-are-turning-purple

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tepwireless · 4 years

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Life as a digital nomad with Charlie Marchant (plus work from home tips from the pro!)

Hello, April! Welcome to another series of Digital Nomad Interviews by Travelwifi. In this month’s series, we sat down with Charlie of Charlie on Travel, a full-time traveler and digital nomad galloping around the world for work and play!

What was your life like before being a digital nomad?

Before I was a digital nomad, I was an English teacher living and working in Taiwan. I lived a small town called LuoDong, about 2 hours by bus from Taipei. It was a beautiful place, sandwiches between mountains and the sea. My school was a 5-minute walk from my apartment, and I worked long days starting at 8AM and often finishing at 6PM or 9PM, with a 2.5 hour gap for lunch in the middle of the day. I spent weekends exploring the countryside and other cities in Taiwan.

When did you start being a Digital Nomad?

After a year teaching in Taiwan, I changed careers and began looking for online work in 2013. I started working freelance managing social media content and writing blog posts. I’d been writing my travel blog, charlieontravel.com, for some time before this – which I used as my writing portfolio for other jobs. As I picked up a more stable amount of work online, I moved to Costa Rica where I became a house sitter, looking after houses for expats there whilst they went on their holidays or returned home to visit family.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlie Marchant (@charlieontravel) on Apr 10, 2018 at 8:15am PDT

Describe your typical ‘work day’ as a Digital Nomad.

I work full-time for a UK-based digital marketing agency, and also run my travel blog independently of this work. I wake up early, at 6AM every day, to start work. My work start time varies depending where I’m travelling, but I always prefer to work earlier in the day. I’ll break for coffee and breakfast around 7AM for 20 minutes. I work solidly until lunchtime and take a break to eat some local food, then continue working until 3PM. After that I’ll go off exploring, usually for a long walk, to visit a museum, take a Spanish class or stop by a local cafe. In the evenings, I work on my blog. On weekends, that’s when I really get to adventure! I spend most of my weekends hiking mountains or in national parks and eating out at local restaurants.

Tell us the top 5 things you can’t live without as a digital nomad?

1.Good wifi 2. My laptop 3. Fresh coffee 4. My Kindle 5. A good night’s sleep

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlie Marchant (@charlieontravel) on Sep 28, 2017 at 6:31am PDT

What’s your favorite part of being a digital nomad?

Travelling! I just get such an energy rush from waking up in different places and having new people to meet, landscapes to see, and cities to explore. I love being able to move around, stay in different places for a while and get to know different ways of life and cultures.

What’s the hardest part of being a digital nomad?

Trying to fit everything in! It can be a lot considering you’re working full-time and also travelling. I travel slowly, which I like, to make sure I don’t feel overwhelmed or exhausted. It’s just not possible for me to travel as fast as a backpacker on a 3-week trip, hopping between places every few days, as it’d interfere with my work and I’d be too tired out to really enjoy where I am. It can mean long bus journeys on weekends though, and little rest time when I do move to a new place. Finding a balance is key.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlie Marchant (@charlieontravel) on Nov 25, 2019 at 11:19am PST

Where are you currently based and what are your future travel plans?

I’m currently based in Brighton, UK, and have no future travel plans! I was repatriated to the UK last weekend following the coronavirus situation. I had planned to spend 3 months in Peru and 3 months in Bolivia now, but both countries have imposed strict quarantines and closed all of their land, sea and air borders to prevent the spread of the virus. I spent 2 weeks in quarantine in Peru before the UK government repatriated me. I’m very grateful for their assistance. As the coronavirus situation is so unpredictable at the moment, I’m currently not making any travel plans, although I hope to return to Peru to finish my trip there in the future.

What are your tips for Digital Nomads if ever they are in a city without reliable WiFi?

I would recommend having a back-up wifi source available. I have both a Travelwifi and often also have a local SIM topped up with mobile data wherever I am. It’s really important for me to have back-up options because when you book into Airbnbs and change places, you can’t be sure the wifi will be reliable enough, especially when it comes to video calls and similar. I don’t like to get caught out or find myself scrambling around to try and find a cafe with a decent wifi connection! I usually do some research ahead of time, ask Airbnb hosts for the upload/download speeds, and bookmark a few local cafes where reviewers say the wifi works well too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlie Marchant (@charlieontravel) on Mar 2, 2020 at 5:20am PST

How does Travelwifi help you as a Digital Nomad?

When my wifi is unreliable and the Travelwifi signal is good, it’s really helpful to have on me. I really appreciate having a back-up wifi like Travelwifi that works globally too. It’s especially useful when first arriving in a new country when you don’t yet have a local SIM card.

Can you give our readers your top tip on how to efficiently work from home?

Set yourself a routine. Have set start and finish times for your work and schedule your work tasks in Google Calendar at the start of each week, including any calls you might need to take. I always find that planning ahead is very helpful in keeping you productive, but also sane!

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/life-as-a-digital-nomad-with-charlie-marchant-plus-work-from-home-tips-from-the-pro/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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Cabin Crew Series: Get to know Priti Goundar and her life as a flight attendant

It’s that time of the month! Welcome to our cabin crew series here at Travelwifi! We all think that being a flight attendant is all glitz and glamour but what is it really like? In this month’s Life of a flight attendant interview series, we sat down with Priti Goundar to get a glimpse of her life of endless flying and traveling. If you want to be a cabin crew, you can learn from her, too!

Hi Priti! Welcome to the series! Can you please describe your life as a flight attendant? We’d love to know more about it!

To be honest it depends on how I feel. I go with the way my body is feeling and what it requires. Somedays I’ll have long productive days and other days I won’t leave my apartment lazing around in bed and watching TV (Sometimes I’ve even slept 17 hours straight.) A long productive day for me is being out all day. Starting off with yoga, doing errands, meeting up with friends for coffee, body pump class, then a night out.

How long have you been a flight attendant?

I’ve been a flight attendant for five and a half years. I was recruited from Sydney, Australia. I applied online at Emirates then I received an email that I was shortlisted and I was invited to attend an open day at Raddison Hotel which went from 8am-7pm. There was about 150 candidates there, 11 of us were chosen to attend the final interview the next day and I was one of the lucky ones. If you are successful you get a call “golden call” from Emirates, I received the golden call six weeks after the interview.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diary of a Flight Attendant (@priti_goundar) on Apr 17, 2019 at 8:39am PDT

Tell us the top 5 things you can’t live without as a flight attendant.

1. My iPhone 11pro because it takes the most amazing photos 2. Travelwifi device: my personal travel hotspot) so I can always stay connected to friends and family. 3. Paw Paw to keep my lips hydrated, also good for cuts n burns 4. Red lipstick: it’s a must for Emirates cabin crew 5. Hand sanitizer: I have a couple of these in my cabin bag, suitcase and handbag.

What’s your favorite part of being a flight attendant?

My favorite part of being a flight attendant is the travel benefits, I get to travel the world at discounted prices, we only pay 10% of the fare plus taxes. I also love my job because I get to travel and stay in fancy 5 star hotels and get paid for it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diary of a Flight Attendant (@priti_goundar) on Apr 5, 2018 at 2:11pm PDT

What’s the hardest part of being a flight attendant?

For me the hardest part is being away from home and family. I can’t just go home on days off because Sydney is a 14 hour flight from Dubai. Its hard being away from friends, family and my dogs. Also missing out on special events, like weddings, birthdays, and Christmas.

Where are you currently based and what are your future travel plans?

I’m based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. All cabin crew that work for emirates are based in Dubai. We don’t have a choice to live anywhere else, but to be honest I’m very happy living here in Dubai and wouldn’t want to relocate anywhere else.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diary of a Flight Attendant (@priti_goundar) on Mar 20, 2020 at 12:39am PDT

What are your tips for flight attendants if ever they are in a city without reliable WiFi?

My advice to all flight attendants are to have some sort of hotspot with you all the times as back up in case hotel Wi-Fi isn’t working or you’re stuck outside and you need google maps, Uber or a translator.

How does Travelwifi help you as a flight attendant?

Oh my god!! It’s amazing! I love the fact the moment I get onto the crew bus doesn’t matter where in the world I am. I’m connected straight away to friends, family and social media. Also when I’m out and about exploring cities and roaming around I always use tepy for google maps and to find nice restaurants. It’s just helpful in so many ways

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/cabin-crew-series-get-to-know-priti-goundar-and-her-life-as-a-flight-attendant/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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7 Easy Tips to Minimize Stress and Improve Productivity While Working from Home

Thanks to the connectedness of our electronic world, millions of people are working from home this month while they self-isolate to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As glamourous as working from home may seem, it does present several challenges, including communication barriers with colleagues, and difficulties accessing and sharing important files. Follow these 7 practical tips to reduce unnecessary stress while working from home during a time of uncertainty.

1. Make sure you have access to the necessary software

Regardless of whether you intend to use your work laptop or home computer, speak with your company’s IT department to check that you have the correct VPN software installed to enable secure remote access to shared files, emails, and intranet. You may need an external dongle, depending on the VPN system your company uses.

If using a personal computer to work from home, check you have the same version of Microsoft Office as you use at work as well as any specialist software like MYOB, Microsoft Access, or Adobe Creative Cloud. If you need to purchase additional software, keep the receipt to claim back at tax time or reimbursement through your employer.

2. Have a dedicated workspace

If you don’t already have a home office, the idea of working from your kitchen table, couch, or even bed may sound appealing, but having a dedicated workspace is extremely important for your physical and mental health. Set your laptop on a raised table, use a reem of paper to lift it higher if you need to, and sit on a chair that supports your lower back. Try to keep your “work space” separate from your “living space”, even it’s as simple as sliding over to a different dining chair to eat meals.

If more than one member of your family is working from home, ensure there’s a dedicated workspace for each person.

3. Keep to your usual routine as much as possible

When working from home, it can be very tempting to put on a load of washing or quickly throw the ball for an energetic dog when you’d usually be working. Self-discipline is key. If you work 9-5 with a 1-hour lunch break in the office, work 9-5 with a 1-hour lunch break at home.

4. Avoid distractions

As mentioned above, chores, family members, pets, and other elements of your home life can easily bleed into work hours when working from home. Allowing yourself to be distracted will only hurt yourself when you fall behind in your daily tasks and ongoing projects. Plus, it’s dishonest to your employer.

Express the importance of a quiet work environment to children and other family members. Perhaps it can help to close the door of the home office (shutting your kids in their bedrooms would work too!) Other tools to avoid distractions include keeping your personal phone on silent and out of sight (like you would at work), and turning off the television if working in the living room.

A personal phone in your home office can be a productivity killer

5. Take regular breaks

It’s no surprise that working in an office can be a strain on your physical health, but working from home can be even worse. Think about it, you don’t walk to the bus stop or train station twice a day, you don’t walk to your favourite sandwich shop for lunch, and you don’t walk around the office to ask questions of colleagues or attend meetings. When working from home, it’s extra important to be mindful of squeezing enough movement into your day. Some easy tips include walking a few laps around the house or yard during your lunch break, or starting and finishing the day with 10 minutes of gentle stretching.

6. Be reachable during office hours

If you don’t already have a work phone, you may need to talk to your boss about using your personal phone while working at home. Agree to either be compensated for your work phone calls or claim your phone usage in your tax return. Make sure your boss, colleagues, and clients have the best number to contact you on. It may also help to talk to your IT team about setting up your work emails on your personal phone.

7. Make sure you have access to high-speed Internet

If you plan to access your work emails, shared files, or intranet from home, you’ll need access to high-speed internet with a decent data allowance. Talk to your IT department to make sure your home internet service is sufficient.

If you’re unsure whether your home Internet connection will do the trick, or if you want to keep your work Internet usage separate from home, consider investing in a reliable Teppy hotspot. It will work wonders, both at home and on the road.

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/tips-working-from-home/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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A life of endless travel: digital nomad Raphael of Journey Wonders tells all

Hello, March! Welcome to another series of Digital Nomad Interviews by Travelwifi. In this month’s series, we sat down with Raphael of Journey Wonders travel blog, a full-time traveler and digital nomad galloping around the world for work and play!

What was your life like before being a digital nomad?

Before I was a digital nomad, I had, like many others, a normal 9 to 5 job (more like 9 to 9 job!) working as a Digital Marketer in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was a really fulfilling job in terms of professional growth but the main issue is that I never any free time to pursue my passions in life since the work hours were so demanding.

When did you start being a Digital Nomad?

I started at the end of 2013 after quitting my job in Digital Market and starting to pursue many freelance gigs here and there including Website Design, Social Media Management as well as Digital Marketing and SEO Consultancy. It was a tough beginning since I had more debts and expenses than earnings yet eventually it was the right choice to make since I had time to actually enjoy the things I love doing in life: having new adventures, meeting new people and exploring new places!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Raphael Alexander Zoren (@journeywonders) on Dec 2, 2019 at 4:29pm PST

Describe your typical ‘work day’ as a Digital Nomad

Well, to be honest, I don’t follow any routines since every day is a different day and inspiration can come at unexpected times. For the parts of my job that involve creativity (as photography and writing often do), I just work whenever I feel inspired to do so. For the mechanical parts of my work (such as designing a website or doing an audit of a company’s marketing and SEO strategies), I usually start early in the morning since I love to avoid all unnecessary distractions.

Tell us the top 5 things you can’t live without as a digital nomad.

Mexican Food. A good bottle of wine. My gear (laptop, drone, camera). Love and friendship. Fast and reliable Internet connection.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Raphael Alexander Zoren (@journeywonders) on Jul 10, 2019 at 5:16pm PDT

What’s your favorite part of being a digital nomad?

The freedom. Being able to pack your bags and head to any corner of the world is the best feeling of freedom in the entire planet. Carrying your work with you whenever you go is the best way to be both financial independent and location independent at the same time. Thanks to my digital nomad lifestyle, I have been able to attend weddings, baptisms, birthdays and other social events that I would have otherwise missed if I was still working a normal 9 to 5 job.

What’s the hardest part of being a digital nomad?

For me the hardest part is deciding exactly where to go next. When your possibilities are endless and every single of them sounds amazing, making up your mind becomes really hard!!!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Raphael Alexander Zoren (@journeywonders) on Aug 6, 2019 at 8:52am PDT

Where are you currently based and what are your future travel plans?

Right now I’m based in Acapulco, Mexico for half the year and currently I’m backpacking in South America. This 2020 will take me to Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and who knows where else. Feel free to drop me a message on Instagram if you’re going to be in any of those destinations during the first half of 2020, would love to meet up!

What are your tips for Digital Nomads if ever they are in a city without reliable WiFi?

My best tip would be to do your research in advance and, if possible, do as much work as possible BEFORE arriving to destinations with poor Wi-Fi. For example, I spent much of 2019 traveling in Palawan, an island in the Philippines with some of the worst Wi-Fi in the world. However, during the months in which I was there I made sure to get a lot of work done in advance so I never actually suffered during my travels there. Planning is everything my wonder friends!

How does Travelwifi help you as a Digital Nomad?

It makes me life easier since I don’t have to worry about getting a SIM Card in every country I visit — I don’t ever have to worry about topping up data since Travelwifi is unlimited so I can easily upload huge files of photos to my blog as well as download Netflix shows during those super long bus journeys. I can definitely say that Tep Wireless is a Digital Nomad’s must-buy if they are going to be visiting at least one country per month, I don’t know what I would do without mine!!!

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/a-life-of-endless-travel-digital-nomad-raphael-of-journey-wonders-tells-all/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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Cabin Crew Series: the life of a flight attendant with Andrea (@andie.lynn28)

It’s that time of the month! Welcome to our cabin crew series here at Travelwifi! We all think that being a flight attendant is all glitz and glamour but what is it really like? In this month’s Life of a flight attendant interview series, we sat down with Andrea to get a glimpse of her life of endless flying and traveling. If you want to be a cabin crew, you can learn from her, too!

Hi Andrea! Welcome to the series! Can you please describe your life as a flight attendant? We’d love to hear it!

A day in the life: As a flight attendant I am on what’s called “Reserve” and basically what this means is you’re on call 24/7 until your days off. Being on call means they can call you whenever they want throughout the day to assign you to a trip that they need covered. So when I’m on call I’m not necessarily flying. There are days that I don’t get called at all and I typically spend my time at home, at the gym, or running errands. We get a monthly guarantee so I could work 20 hours a month or 78 hours a month and I’d still get paid the same. Each month is different. I could work one trip or I could work four. You never know!

How long have you been doing this job?

I’ve been a flight attendant for a little over a year now and it’s been the best career ever! I got hired in October of 2018. The interview process can be very stressful because thousands of people apply and only a certain amount are selected. First I submitted my application through my airlines website and from there I was selected to do a video interview. The video interview included 5-6 questions that were all timed and you couldn’t redo your answers. From there, they review it and if selected you are asked to come in for a face-to-face interview. The face-to-face interview was the last step and I received my offer right on the spot. After receiving your offer you will have to attend a 6 1/2 week training in order to become qualified. The training process is very rigorous with exams and drills. You must pass them all to completely become a certified flight attendant.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andrea | Flight Attendant

︎ (@andie.lynn28) on Dec 25, 2019 at 1:40pm PST

Tell us the top 5 things you can’t live without as a flight attendant?

1. I always carry a good book with me for long sits at the airport or long flights 2. iPad – so I can watch Netflix or other shows in my hotel room 3. Hand sanitizer and lots on moisturizing products to keep my skin from drying up. 4. Arbonne energy fizz sticks to keep me awake throughout the day. 5. And my phone of course! I handle everything on it and I’d be lost without it!

What’s your favorite part of being a flight attendant?

My favorite part of being a flight attendant is the benefits! I get to travel anywhere I want for free and there’s so much flexibility that comes with the job. I can create my schedule to my liking each month and I love that everyday is different. You never know what you’re going to get, which is the exciting part:)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andrea | Flight Attendant

︎ (@andie.lynn28) on Feb 9, 2020 at 12:29pm PST

What’s the hardest part of being a flight attendant?

The hardest part is being away from family and friends. Especially when an event is going on. Things come up last minute and you already have your schedule set for the month so you can’t really change it. Of course if I wanted to get weekends off I could but sometimes friends have events during a week day and I never know if I’ll be around or not. It’s not a normal job where I can be home every night. Sometimes missing the little things can be hard.

Where are you currently based and what are your future travel plans?

I’m currently based in Chicago. I’m from Houston but don’t plan on transferring. I love this city and plan to stay long-term. My future travel plans for the year include Peru, Yosemite, Banff, Lake Tahoe, Zion National Park, and hopefully Bali. I’ll probably take a few last minute unplanned/unknown trips as well!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andrea | Flight Attendant

︎ (@andie.lynn28) on Jan 29, 2020 at 12:40pm PST

What are your tips for flight attendants if ever they are in a city without reliable WiFi?

Honestly I think it is very tricky getting around without service in a city you are unfamiliar with. You can always go old school and use a paper map but sometimes those can only get you so far before you start asking people where you are and where to go. I like to maximize my time while traveling and I find doing things that way will waste a lot of your time so I definitely recommend getting Tep. You can travel with WiFi wherever you go and it makes it easier to look up the top things to see and the best places to eat instead of aimlessly walking around and not finding anything good.

How does Travelwifi help you as a flight attendant?

Travelwifi helps me tremendously! My cellphone provider doesn’t provide me with international service unless I pay for it and it’s a ridiculous amount that adds up if you plan on traveling for a lot of days. With Travelwifi I can stay connected at a lower cost and I can get around without worry. I rely on it so much and it’s made my travel experiences stress free!

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/cabin-crew-series-the-life-of-a-flight-attendant-with-andrea-andie-lynn28/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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How to Book A Bullet Train in Japan

Not only is the Shinkansen bullet train an efficient way to travel around Japan, it’s also a pretty unique experience that visitors to the country should try at least once. These trains reach speeds of up to 320 km/h, always run on time, and are an extremely safe way to travel. What’s more, it doesn’t cost too much.

Although it’s fairly easy to book and board your bullet train, we want to make sure you’re really prepared for your trip to Japan. This article will guide you through the different options when buying your bullet train ticket and how to book.

Buying bullet train tickets in advance

Although you can buy a bullet train ticket once you arrive at the station, you will be more likely to nab a better seat by booking tickets in advance. This especially goes for groups of travellers wanting to sit together. Doing so also means less time standing in line. This is especially advised during busy times of the year when trains can book up fast.

There are various sites you can use to reserve your bullet train tickets, including the Japan Railway websites for each region of Japan:

JR East

JR West

JR Kyushu

Alternatively, you can also find independent booking sites selling genuine tickets, like Voyagin and Klook.

When you make a reservation online, you will not receive a mobile ticket for the shinkansen; you will need to pick up your ticket from a machine at the station or from a ticket office before you travel. With some providers, you can also pay an additional fee to have your tickets delivered to you.

You can purchase your bullet train ticket up to 30 days in advance, but should aim to do so at least 3 days in advance.

Buying bullet train tickets at the station

In most cases, outside of busy seasons, you will have no problem buying your bullet train ticket once you arrive at the station. You can purchase your ticket from a machine or ticket office at any station. Just be aware that during peak times of the day and busy seasons, the queues for these machines and offices can be long, so factor plenty of time into your journey.

If you use a ticket machine, then you can change the language to English and let the machine guide you through the process. Also, make sure you have sufficient cash available as these machines do not accept card payments. Most ticket offices will accept card, though.

Making a seat reservation

When booking a ticket, you can also decide whether to reserve a specific seat or go with unreserved seating. If you’re determined to sit next to the window and watch the view, or if you want your family or friends to sit together, then seat reservations are the way to go. Some trains only offer reserved seating, in which case a reservation is mandatory. But most trains have both reserved and unreserved seating cars, which are clearly marked. There is a small additional fee that comes with reserving a seat.

Get ready for your high-speed journey across Japan. By the end of 2020, the Shinkansen is set to have WiFi onboard throughout the cars, but make sure you have Teppy on board for your trip to access the fastest and most reliable WiFi networks wherever you are in Japan.

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/how-to-book-a-bullet-train-in-japan/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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Should You Lock Your Suitcase When Flying?

As you watch all the luggage go around the baggage carousel at the airport, you might notice a clear divide – some of those bags are locked while others aren’t. In fact, most of them usually aren’t. We know the importance of keeping our belongings safe as we travel, so why are many people so relaxed about their bags while flying?

Why you should lock your suitcase

You want to think of the staff that handles your baggage as completely professional and ethical. And the majority of them are. But there have been news stories about baggage handlers and security officers rifling through passengers’ luggage and taking what they want. While it’s rare, it’s a risk you can avoid by locking your luggage.

Check your travel insurance policy. In some cases, the policy will not cover theft if you do not make any attempt to secure your belongings. Locking your luggage makes it more likely that you will be covered if airport staff do break in.

Since your bags are tossed about a lot during transit, the zips can also shift open if you don’t properly secure them. A simple padlock can prevent this from happening and your belongings from spilling out.

What about security checks?

After you hand your hold bags off to the airport, they go through security checks just like you do. If security personnel see anything suspicious while scanning your bags, they will need to open them to investigate the contents. They will do this whether or not you lock your suitcase, which could mean breaking your luggage lock to gain access.

The best way to secure your luggage and avoid damage to your case is to lock it using a TSA approved luggage lock. TSA approved locks can be combination or key locks, but they will all display the Travel Sentry logo to indicate that they are approved for use by airport security. This means the security staff can open the lock using a master key, allowing them to safely access your luggage and then lock it up afterward.

You will know if the TSA has searched your belongings because they must leave a note inside your luggage to inform you.

Are luggage locks really effective?

Luggage locks are by no means perfect. If someone is determined to break into your belongings, then they are fairly easy to break. Plus, unless you have a hard-shelled suitcase, a thief would be able to cut into the fabric of your bag. However, a simple luggage lock, whether it’s built into your case or fastened onto the zippers, can be a deterrent against opportunistic thieves. It can help keep your belongings safe both at the airport and while you are travelling.

Are extra measures needed?

An optional service at some airports is to cling wrap your suitcase before you check it in, for a small fee. On the one hand, this may seem unnecessary because someone could easily slash it open to access your case. And this is exactly what will happen if your luggage is searched by security. But, just like a luggage lock, it can act as a deterrent by adding an extra layer to get through. A thief can’t quickly and subtly steal something from your back if they have to get through multiple layers.

Whatever security measures you take while travelling, the best way to minimise losses is to keep any valuables out of your checked bags. Keep all your electronics, cash, and other valuables in your hand luggage and keep a close eye on it at all times. Plus, with Teppy in your carry-on, you can access fast and reliable WiFi while you’re waiting at the airport.

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/should-you-lock-your-suitcase-when-flying/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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5 Things You Should Know Before Attending the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games

Whether you’ve got tickets for your favourite event or you just want to be there to experience the buzz of the Olympic Games, visiting Tokyo this summer is an exciting prospect. If you’re lucky enough to be going, then here are some of the things you should know before you go.

It will get hot

Prepare yourself for Japan’s summer if you’re attending the 2020 Olympic Games. August is usually the hottest month of the year, and temperatures of 40°C are becoming more frequent in recent years. Plus, the humidity levels will be high. Pack your summer clothes, plenty of sunscreen, a hat for shade, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Book in advance

Tokyo is already a popular tourist destination all around the world. But with visitors flocking especially for the Olympics, it’s going to be even busier. An expected 10 million people are set to descend on the city during the Olympics. Make sure to be well-prepared and book all of your transport and accommodation in advance. There will be a lot of demand for hostel and hotel rooms in the city. The same goes for tours and attractions, since you have to fit in some sightseeing while you’re there. Book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Shibuya

Staying safe in Tokyo

Japan is generally a very safe country. But when a city is packed with millions of people for a special event, large crowds can open up opportunities for pickpockets and also make accidents more likely. Here are some tips to stay safe in Tokyo:

Keep your belongings close to you and in sight at all times.

Avoid wearing a backpack on your back as theft could go unnoticed.

Consider a travel lock for your bag or an anti-theft backpack.

Travel in groups, especially after dark.

Be aware of potential scams and avoid giving money to people on the street.

The best areas to stay in

The Games’ 43 venues are located in two areas – the Heritage Zone and the Tokyo Bay Zone. Staying nearby to these areas will put you right at the heart of the action, making it easy to get to your events. Here are some of the best places to stay for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics…

Tokyo Station Area – This puts you at a good distance from both the Heritage and Tokyo Bay Zone. Ideal if you have tickets for events in both areas. There are also lots of great restaurants and entertainment options around this area, plus good transport links.

Shinjuku – Shinjuku is close to the Heritage Zone and has many hotels to choose from. Its station is the busiest in the world! And there’s a great nightlife here for after the events.

Shibuya – Also close to the Heritage Zone and a great locale for shoppers. There are lots of hotel options, and like the others, convenient transport links.

Understanding public transport in Tokyo

Japan’s and Tokyo’s public transport systems are enviable. They are extremely efficient, making it easy to get around the city and to the Olympics’ venues. The trains and metro are the best ways to get around. Just remember that stations and trains are going to be very busy, so allow plenty of travel time when going anywhere and book your tickets in advance when you can. Having a WiFi hotspot like Teppy with you will help you plan and book your journeys when travelling around the city.

Seeing the Olympic Games in person is an incredible experience, so make sure you’re prepared for your trip to Tokyo so you can fully enjoy it!

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/before-attending-tokyo-2020-olympics-games/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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Steven Yalo’s life as a Digital Nomad: traveling while working full-time

Hello, February! Welcome to another series of Digital Nomad Interviews by Travelwifi. In this month’s series, we sat down with Steven Yalo, a full-time traveler and digital nomad galloping around the world for work and play!

What was your life like before being a digital nomad?

Before being a digital nomad I was living in Orlando, Florida. I studied advertising at the University of Central Florida and was pursuing a career in marketing. During my senior year at UCF I found an internship opportunity for an influencer marketing company which eventually led to a full-time job. At this time, something really interesting happened that changed my perspective about the way I was living my life.

This was back in 2016 and as I mentioned, I was in my last year of college. I heard about this crazy travel challenge hosted by Red Bull called “Can You Make It?” where they send teams of college students to travel across Europe for one week with NO MONEY. I applied for this challenge by making a video with two friends and it went to a voting process so we worked our butts off trying to secure our team a spot in the competition.

Eventually, our hard work paid off and we were selected to participate. They flew us to Florence, Italy and we had one week to make it to Paris with no money. We traveled through six countries in seven days relying on the kindness of strangers to help us reach checkpoints along the way. It was the most difficult yet most rewarding experience of my life. We made it all the way to Paris without spending any money. It was insane!

After this travel challenge, I returned to Florida where the company I was interning for offered me a full-time job. Everything was going great for me! But after a few months of working in the same office every day, I was craving more adventure. I just traveled across Europe with no money, so I had this new mindset that I could achieve anything if I worked hard enough. So, I set my sights on a new goal.

I love making videos and I really wanted to travel more, so I decided to leave my job, sell most of my stuff, and I bought a one-way ticket to Thailand. I saved up enough money to travel with no income for about one year. I figured within that year I could learn how to sustain a digital nomad lifestyle, and I was right.

Now, I travel full-time and make money online in a few different ways. Life is what you make it. Why not make it exciting, right?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steve Yalo (@steveyalo) on Nov 12, 2019 at 6:41am PST

When did you start being a Digital Nomad?

In April 2017 I left Orlando with a one-way ticket to Thailand and I’ve been living the digital nomad life since. It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve learned so much and I know there’s still so much more to learn so that excites me.

Describe your typical ‘work day’ as a Digital Nomad.

My typical workday is never really “typical”. At the core of what I do is make travel videos for my Youtube channel, but there’s a lot that goes into that. I’m usually in one of two work modes – ‘Travel and Film’ or ‘Stop and Edit/Plan’. I usually alternate these, so I’ll travel intensely for one month filming videos, then I’ll stop for one month to edit these videos and plan my next trip. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes as I’m taking on the roles of videographer, host, editor, social media manager, travel agent and even more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steve Yalo (@steveyalo) on Feb 25, 2019 at 8:47am PST

Tell us the top 5 things you can’t live without as a digital nomad?

As a digital nomad, there are definitely some things that I can’t live without. First, a laptop. I need to have a computer with me to handle all of this editing and admin work. Of course, there’s my camera. I need to have a camera to make videos and take photos. Another necessary thing is wifi. It’s nice to disconnect and visit places with no service, but eventually I’ll need some internet connection. Thinking a little less materialistic, I also can’t live without fun people. I’m a pretty social person and I enjoy spending time with others. I know that’s only four things, but I can’t actually think of anything else I absolutely need. I guess my final answer would be positivity. I strive to remain positive in all situations and I’m always facing challenges that test this, but I always try to think positively.

What’s your favorite part of being a digital nomad?

My favorite part of being a digital nomad is the freedom. I have the flexibility to work from anywhere and this really excites me.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steve Yalo (@steveyalo) on Aug 25, 2019 at 4:01am PDT

What’s the hardest part of being a digital nomad?

The hardest part of being a digital nomad is the lack of consistent community. Since I’m always traveling to a new place, sometimes it’s hard to feel part of a bigger community. There have been times where just as I’m starting to develop a sense of community, I leave to a new place. I make up for this by joining online communities of people (like Facebook groups or Discord chats) that are interested in similar things so I can still feel connected to like-minded people.

Where are you currently based and what are your future travel plans?

I plan on spending the next few months traveling around Southeast Asia but my goal is to spend the summer living in NYC. I love traveling to different places, but something about New York has been pulling me in. As I travel, I’ve been meeting incredible people, but a lot of people I meet are either on vacation or just not in a working mindset. I’m curious to see what it will be like to be surrounded by the busy city and the networking opportunities that will come from it.

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A post shared by Steve Yalo (@steveyalo) on Sep 7, 2018 at 11:21am PDT

What are your tips for Digital Nomads if ever they are in a city without reliable WiFi?

If you ever end up in a city without reliable wifi, I would suggest to just try to enjoy it. Most likely you’ll find some good wifi soon, so just make the best of the situation and don’t stress. Also try to plan ahead if you rely on wifi for work and make sure where you’re going has connection.

How does Travelwifi help you as a Digital Nomad?

Travelwifi is super helpful when I’m on the go. Usually I’ll connect to wifi wherever I’m staying, but for the in between and daily use, I need to stay connected for plenty of things like GPS, messages, and social media apps. As I mentioned, wifi connection is something I need as a digital nomad, so having my own travel wifi device is super helpful!

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/steven-yalos-life-as-a-digital-nomad-traveling-while-working-full-time/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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Life of a flight attendant with Mel (@comeflywithmel)

We all think that being a flight attendant is all glitz and glamour but what is it really like? In this month’s Life of a flight attendant interview series, we sat down with Mel to get a glimpse of her life of endless flying and traveling. If you want to be a cabin crew, you can learn from Mel, too!

Hi Mel! Welcome to the series! Can you please describe your life as a flight attendant? We’d love to hear it!

My life as a flight attendant is never the same as the day before. We dont have 9 to 5 days, work weekends, holidays, nights or days. Sometimes, when I am on standby, like these past few days, I dont even know where I will be going until last minute! I got up at 2am to drive to the airport just to sit there from 4.30am till 2pm and wait for the call. And if it doesnt come, same procedure next day. The glamorous life of a flight attendant – lol.

How long have you been doing this job?

I have been doing this job for nearly 20 years now. After school, I finished a 3 year apprenticeship in hotel management, but then decided I wanted to see the world for a year or two until applying for a job in a fancy hotel somewhere across the ocean. Besides german, I spoke english and french fluently, had service skills, due to my hotel training. Perfect for the airlines. They invited me to an assessment center where they tested my teamwork spirit, as well as my language skills. After a thorough medical exam, I was ready to go.

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A post shared by 𝓜𝓮𝓵 (@comeflywithmel) on Oct 24, 2019 at 11:29pm PDT

Tell us the top 5 things you can’t live without as a flight attendant?

The 5 things I’d say I cannot go without as a flight attendant are: 1. My phone (yes, I know how that sounds, lol) but it seriously saves my life every day. Its just such a genius little machine. 2. My Travelwifi!!! Because it gives my phone the most important thing: WIFI wherever I go!!! 3. A hot water bottle! (It is always cold on the plane and I don’t wanna get sick) 4. My tea mug and my own tea (I don’t drink any coffee but gallons of tea every day) 5. Soap! Fun fact: my airline doesnt have soap in their bathrooms, but desinfectant fluid, in case there is no water, to make sure people can still “clean” their hands. But I need good old soap.

What’s your favorite part of being a flight attendant?

My favorite part of being flight crew is that I get to see the world, even if its for just a day. Foreign cultures, foods and people. I get to go to places you normally wouldn’t get to. I mean, have you been to Ashgabat? (If you had to google that just now, you get my point). Not every place I have to fly to is a place I necessarily WANT to go to, but sometimes you gotta step out of your comfort zone.

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A post shared by 𝓜𝓮𝓵 (@comeflywithmel) on Sep 13, 2018 at 4:33am PDT

What’s the hardest part of being a flight attendant?

The toughest part of being in this job is probably also the part I actually really like. You never really know whats coming next. You have to be very flexible with everything. Things dont always go as planned. I am supposed to go to Los Angeles one day, but a sick passenger had us turn around to the home airport. After he was offloaded, there wasnt enough time for us to get back in the air to fly to LA because it would have exceeded our maximum duty time of 15 hours (its a 11 hour flight to LA). So everybody went home and was on standby the next day. There goes your schedule. Planning is hard. We never know what our next month looks like until the 27th of the month prior. I can try to get a weekend off, but its never certain.

Where are you currently based and what are your future travel plans?

I am currently based in Frankfurt, Germany. But I live in Cologne, 2 hours away. I love it there, after living abroad for many years (Los Angeles), I settled close to my family. I am working on checking off my bucket list for countries I havent been to. Next on the list is Iceland. I havent been everywhere, believe it or not. But I am working on it.

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A post shared by 𝓜𝓮𝓵 (@comeflywithmel) on Jul 10, 2019 at 9:28am PDT

What are your tips for flight attendants if ever they are in a city without reliable WiFi?

I advise everybody in this line of work to get yourself a Travelwifi device! Its the best thing that has happened to me! Reliable and strong wifi in most countries. I even had a signal in the desert of Petra, Jordan!

How does Travelwifi help you as a flight attendant?

As I mentioned before, I rely on my iphone and he internet for everything. It helps me keep in touch with friends and family, reminds me of appointments and tasks, wakes me up in the morning, no matter the time zone I am in. It entertains me by downloading audiobooks, tv shows, music and more. I take all my photos with it, check my flights and schedule…. I could go on forever. Cant do that with bad or non existing wifi. Roaming is way too expensive when in countries like China or Russia. Travelwifi saves me money and effort. I have fast and reliable WIFI wherever I go!

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/life-of-a-flight-attendant-with-mel-hielscher/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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The digital nomad life with Aleah Taboclaon: on the road since 2012

What is it like to live on the road and travel the world as a solo female traveler? In this month’s digital nomad interview series, we sat down with Aleah Taboclaon of Solitary Wanderer to get a glimpse of her life as a remote worker and a travel blogger.

What was your life like before being a digital nomad?

I love traveling. I have tried traveling solo when I was a kid, so travel is definitely a big part of my life. Before becoming a digital nomad, however, I had to make do with a salary ranging from $300-500 a month. As you can imagine, it was really hard to travel with that budget, and coupled with my full-time work, I also couldn’t travel for long.

I did love my jobs. I was working in non-profits and helped abused women and children. So in terms of fulfillment, it was there. There’s nothing more fulfilling than a job that makes a difference to people’s lives. However, given the nature of my work (imagine talking to abused kids day in and day out!), I burned out and decided to go back to my first love, writing.

When did you start being a Digital Nomad?

I decided to become location independent because my boyfriend then lived in Europe. At that time, I had also burned out from my work as a counselor for abused children. I thought that taking a break for a couple of years would replenish my soul, so to speak.

It’s been 7 years now, but I’m still not tired of being a digital nomad. The world is just too big; there are so many places to visit, so many things to see and experience, and so many people to meet. Someday, when I settle down, I’ll go back to my non-profit work, but in the meantime, I’m quite satisfied with being a digital nomad.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aleah Taboclaon (@solitarywandererblog) on Jan 2, 2020 at 12:04am PST

Describe your typical ‘workday’ as a Digital Nomad

Wherever in the world I may be, I work best at night. So I would usually work until 2 or 3 am, get up the next day at 9 am, go around if it’s a new city, check my emails, have lunch and dinner, and then start working in the afternoon or evening.

Of course, the routine also varies. For example, when I was in Bolivia for almost 3 months, I volunteered at a hostel. Daily routine included working in the reception, going to yoga, working on my blog, and then working on my clients’ tasks. In Israel, I would go hiking solo in the desert in the morning, work on my blog/client’s tasks in the afternoon, and then man the hostel reception at night.

Tell us the top 5 things you can’t live without as a digital nomad.

Obviously, my laptop is my number 1 prized possession. It’s a Dell XPS, so a bit pricey, but it’s worth its weight in gold. I used to buy cheap ones, but traveling around South America with a heavy (and slow) laptop was no joke! I also can’t do without my mirrorless camera. As a traveler and travel blogger, I really appreciate its compact size. I did have a DSLR before, and that, coupled with the cheap laptop, really made my life miserable.

Another thing I can’t do without is my Travelwifi device. As a digital nomad, I can’t leave Wifi to chance, and I’m glad that I can get Wifi subscription by just chatting using Travelwifi extras. My smartphone, obviously, is something I need to have with me always. All my banking transactions are done through my phone, so whenever I leave the country, I always have roaming enabled.

Finally, of course, I need my passport. As a digital nomad, the world is my home. My third-world passport isn’t powerful – I can only enter 66 countries visa-free – but with an OECD visa (United States), I can go to an additional 30+ countries!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aleah Taboclaon (@solitarywandererblog) on Aug 30, 2019 at 10:22pm PDT

What’s your favorite part of being a digital nomad?

My favorite part of being a DN is freedom. I can work wherever I want, whenever I want. I don’t have to buy an office attire, I’m not bound to a 9-5 schedule, and I can work when I’m most productive. Depending on how hard I hustle, or where I am based, I can earn and save a lot, too.

What’s the hardest part of being a digital nomad?

Not having a stable income is the hardest thing about being a digital nomad. I have to work a lot to make sure my monthly bills are paid. Freelancing can mean big bucks, as I earn in dollars and spend in pesos (if I am based in the Philippines), however, the work is seasonal. There are months when most of my clients don’t have enough tasks for me to do, so I have to look for new clients. Of course, the opposite is also true. There are some months when I have to work 10-14 hour days just to meet some deadlines.

My learnings: saving is important. Given that digital nomads don’t have a stable income, it’s necessary to learn how to set aside money for the lean months that’s sure to come.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aleah Taboclaon (@solitarywandererblog) on Dec 2, 2018 at 9:50pm PST

Where are you currently based and what are your future travel plans?

I’m currently based in the Philippines and planning to be in Europe for 3 months by July. If I don’t get the visa (thank you, third world passport), I’ll go to Vietnam and spend a couple of months there.

Another option is to go to Mexico for 6 months and make my way down to Central America. I’d planned on spending 3 months in Colombia as well to study Spanish. I’d studied Spanish in Bolivia, but that was 3 years ago, so my language skills are now a bit rusty.

What are your tips for Digital Nomads if ever they are in a city without reliable WiFi?

Definitely get a Wifi hotspot like Travelwifi. It’s such a big help in places where there’s no good internet connection. Some hostels I’ve stayed at, for example, had very slow Wifi. As someone working online, I need to make sure I’m always connected. I could, of course, buy a local SIM card and use data; however, I don’t have a dual SIM phone, and I need my Philippine SIM card to remain active for banking purposes. Travelwifi keeps me connected even in remote places. I always bring it with me!

source https://travelwifi.com/blog/the-digital-nomad-life-with-aleah-taboclaon-on-the-road-since-2012/

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tepwireless · 4 years

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7 Best Things to do in Bali for First-Time Visitors

Bali is an exciting and exotic island that attracts hordes of tourists, expats, and digital nomads every year. It’s a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list whether for a short vacation or a longer stay. If you’re planning on visiting Bali, Indonesia for the first time, then here are some must-do activities to add to your itinerary. Visit the elephants at Mason Elephant Park Mason Elephant Park in Ubud is home to 31 elephants rescued from threats of poaching and deforestation in Sumatra. Here, they have plenty of space to roam around and are treated kindly by the […]

The post 7 Best Things to do in Bali for First-Time Visitors appeared first on Tep Wireless blog.

source https://www.tepwireless.com/blog/7-best-things-to-do-in-bali-for-first-time-visitors/

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tepwireless · 5 years

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5 Essential Gadgets for Your International Road Trip in 2020

Hiring a car is, perhaps, one of the best ways to travel. You’re not limited by distance or having to arrange trains and buses. You can pretty much go wherever you want, whenever you want. But it helps to be well-equipped. If you’re planning an international road trip in 2020, here are some of the essential gadgets to take with you. In-car multi-charger You’ll probably be using your phone as a GPS, a camera, and more. So, the last thing you want is to be stuck with no battery. Make sure you can all charge your phones in the car […]

The post 5 Essential Gadgets for Your International Road Trip in 2020 appeared first on Tep Wireless blog.

source https://www.tepwireless.com/blog/essential-gadgets-international-road-trip/

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tepwireless · 5 years

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Why You Need A Portable Wireless Hotspot on A Cruise

It’s pretty incredible that technology even allows us to access the internet on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. But, unfortunately, the wireless internet available on such cruises is slow, unreliable, and expensive. Some people see this as a good excuse to disconnect for the duration of their vacation and truly relax, while many of us would struggle to stay offline for that long. We’ve gathered together all the information and tips you need for using the internet on a cruise. How do cruise ships get Wi-Fi? Regular Wi-Fi on land works using radio waves transmitted by […]

The post Why You Need A Portable Wireless Hotspot on A Cruise appeared first on Tep Wireless blog.

source https://www.tepwireless.com/blog/portable-wireless-hotspot-cruise/

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tepwireless · 5 years

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4 Best Photo Spots Around Marina Bay, Singapore

Marina Bay is an Urban paradise located in downtown Singapore. Luxurious resorts, exciting tourist attractions, and amazing views over the water. What more could you ask for? You’ll definitely want to take some photos to remember this impressive place, and here are the best 4 places to head for your travel snaps. Sands SkyPark Where better to take a photo from than all the way up? Head up to the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands resort (don’t worry, there’s an elevator!) and to their panoramic observation deck. From up here, there are incredible views over the bay and […]

The post 4 Best Photo Spots Around Marina Bay, Singapore appeared first on Tep Wireless blog.

source https://www.tepwireless.com/blog/4-best-photo-spots-around-marina-bay-singapore/

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tepwireless · 5 years

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5 Locations to Explore in Chiang Mai, Thailand for First-Time Visitors

Chiang Mai has become one of Asia’s hottest spots among expats and digital nomads. This gem in Northern Thailand is a city you must fit in if you’re travelling around Asia. If you’re visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand for the first time, then here are 5 locations you should explore. Chiang Mai Old City The Old City of Chiang Mai is the perfect place to start your trip. It’s a place with plenty of choice for accommodation, shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars. The Old City is a lively area, bustling with locals and lots of backpackers, making it easy to meet […]

The post 5 Locations to Explore in Chiang Mai, Thailand for First-Time Visitors appeared first on Tep Wireless blog.

source https://www.tepwireless.com/blog/chiang-mai-first-time-visitors/

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