We're long-term travelers sharing our passion for independent, budget travel. Every newsletter gives you travel tips from experts, lessons from the road, great deals, and carefully curated travel products & services.
We’ve hopped hemispheres and landed in a jaw-dropping 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom apartment in central Lisbon, our home for the next week.
Picture an art gallery bursting with vibrant paintings, sleek mod cons, and a cozy, lived-in vibe.
Our host?
Mr. McCloud, a strawberry-blonde cat with a heart-melting purr, who’s stealing the show.
This place, in a prime location with such a low-maintenance feline, might just be our favorite housesit yet!
Mr McCloud is an absolute pleasure to be with.
Getting here was an adventure.
We braved a rock-bottom Turkmenistan Airlines flight (full debrief below on whether we’d roll the dice again), caught up with dear friends and family in London, then zipped to Lisbon on an EasyJet flight.
It was a smart move arriving a day early—because the next morning, a massive power outage hit France, Portugal, and Spain!
We’ll unpack what happened and the travel lessons learned.
We’re also:
Spilling the beans on our comprehensive health screens at Prince Court in Kuala Lumpur
Sharing how partners like Trip.com and Wise saved us cash.
Plus,diving into this week's tip on 2FA and online security—essential for keeping your accounts safe while on the road.
*Note: Some of the links in this email are from our partners, including AMAZON. If you purchase a product or service using those links, we get a SMALL commission to help pay for the website and this newsletter. But we promise - you won't pay any more than you would if purchasing directly. You can read our full disclosure here.
Our $301 Flight from KL to London via... Turkmenistan?
In this month's travel tale, I recount our adventure flying from Kuala Lumpur to London on an ultra-budget airline with an "interesting" stopover.
The Price Was Right... But Was It Worth It?
When I spotted flights from KL to London for just $301 USD – less than HALF the price of competitors – I couldn't resist.
But as Tim always says:
"You get what you pay for!"
I'll admit I was a bit edgy about the whole experience - (not worried... they don't let dangerous airlines fly major routes... do they???).
We'd made commitments for the Lisbon housesit, and despite building in a few day's buffer. I had a few uncomfortable thoughts about getting stranded in Central Asia, and not making it on time...
So what happened?
Check-in Experience
Nearly 400 other budget-savvy travelers had the same idea – both legs were completely full.
At check-in, we were offered our choice of seats for both flights (KL-Ashgabat: 7.45 hours; Ashgabat-London: 6 hours).
Tim chose the window seat for the first leg, which meant I got stuck with the middle seat!
I graciously took one for the team, but thankfully, we both secured aisle seats for the second leg.
First Flight: KL to Ashgabat
Comfort: Hot and tightly packed (although it wasn't much different to our experience on Qatar last year!)
Service: Not great, but functional
Food: Copious, if a little sketchy
The Good: Cold meats, cheese, bread, salad, cake, chocolate, juice, water, and decent black tea
The Bad: A strange hot brown blob supposedly called "beef casserole and rice" (this remained untouched) & instant coffee.
Second meal: Two-part sandwich – half was fine (lunch meat & cheese on wholegrain), half was questionable (butter on cheese???)
Entertainment: System worked in English, but we didn't bother
Arrival: About an hour late, but no safety concerns during the flight
Ashgabat Airport Layover
The airport is modern and surprisingly empty
There were more facilities than recent reviews suggested
It had clean, spacious restrooms with western loos
The décor was grand and green (the country's favorite color)
We had access to a comfortable waiting area
Some cafés, souvenir and duty-free shops (no alcohol!) were open.
Second Flight: Ashgabat to London
One hour late departing (again)
Better seats this time - both on the aisle
Similar food, but we opted for chicken (on the advice of a fellow passenger) in the hot dish which was passable
Service remained sparse – had to use the call button repeatedly for water
The entertainment system worked – I watched the new "Flash" movie
Smooth flight with no safety concerns
Luggage arrived intact, if somewhat delayed (possibly more Gatwick's fault than the airline's)
The Verdict
Shazz: I would absolutely book them again at that price!
Next time I'd pack more snacks and water and choose aisle seats for both of us. (eg. C & D)
I just checked and flights are now even less @ $289 USD each with a generous 40kg luggage allowance for October 8th when we might head back.
People must earn their airfare back several times over with that luggage allowance from Asia!
Business class (reasonably nice-looking pods) is just $889 USD. We could even book one economy and one business and share for the same price as two economy tickets on other airlines.
For comparison: Qatar is charging $757 USD (with 25kg) per person for economy and $3,687 USD (with 40kg) for business on the same day in October.
Tim, on the other hand, wasn't impressed. But he's not too impressed with any flight over 4 hours these days, and that's a whole different story.
What Would You Do?
Would you sacrifice comfort for significant savings?
Sometimes travel adventures aren't about what you planned but how you handle what you didn't expect.
This week, we share our experience during the massive European power outage and the valuable lessons we learned.
Perfect Timing... Almost
Our Lisbon adventure began smoothly enough:
We arrived a day early for our housesit and checked into our room at Feeling Parque 56 (highly recommended at €88 for a modern, comfortable room with private bathroom and all conveniences).
Meeting the homeowners that afternoon was relaxed and thorough - plenty of time for questions and clarifications. The apartment is stunning and spacious. Best of all, we're now on their preferred sitters list, so Lisbon will hopefully become a regular stop!
Initial neighborhood exploration revealed we'd scored an ideal location - abundant shops, cafes, restaurants, and excellent public transport options.
The next morning after a leisurely breakfast, we checked out and walked next door to our housesit. And that's when it happened...
When the Lights Went Out
In the less than two minutes it took us to walk between buildings, the power went out.
No elevator meant climbing six flights of stairs with luggage
Mobile signals quickly weakened and eventually disappeared completely
No WiFi networks to connect to for information
We managed to send quick messages to the homeowners (who were on a bus to Porto) before communications failed.
They helpfully directed us to:
Flashlights (thankfully, we had one) & their battery stash.
A spare battery pack (replacing ours has been on our to-do list for months!)
Buckets for storing water
The homeowners also forwarded crucial information in Portuguese that I could translate, helping us grasp the enormous scale of the outage.
Venturing Out
By 5pm, we decided to explore the situation outside, navigating 6 floors of darkened stairwell, with the light from Tim's phone (Doh!!! We forgot to take the flashlight as it was still a few hours till dusk.)
And, we found out later - flights and trains were cancelled and Lisbon airport was evacuated.
The only open establishment we found was a single tiny convenience store with limited supplies we didn't really need.
At that stage the hoarding mentality hadn't hit the general population, although there were a few people carrying around stacks of bottled water. (No wheelbarrows of toilet paper though!)
But then came our saving grace - the owner of the craft beer bar we'd visited the night before recognized us and was happy to sell us bottled beer because... WE HAD CASH!
We had a couple of beers with him in the darkened bar watching lost and forlorn tourists trying to fathom what was going on.
Seeing us relaxing ejoying a beer, many came in to see what was on offer but HAD no CASH, so couldn't partake.
We grabbed a couple of bottles to go, and made sure we got back to the apartment before dark. It was going on 8 hours and we could see the anxiety levels starting to rise.
With a fully equipped kitchen in which the homeowner had left us a wlcome pack PLUS an invitation to use any perishables, we made ourselves a slap together dinner and hunkered down on one of the three terraces to wait it out.
At 9pm on the dot, the lights came back on and a HUGE cheer went up all over the city.
It took another few hours before communications were fully restored, but by that time we were tucked up in bed.
Critical Lessons Learned
Always carry cash reserves - When electronic payment systems fail, physical currency becomes king. How much is the thing? We had about 150 Euro. That's enough for a short emergency, especially as we had a whole apartment full of supplies. But for a more extended outage, in the usual tourist accommodation, things could have been interesting. We've decided to keep the stash at 200 Euro.
Pack emergency essentials - A good flashlight and a fully-charged power bank should be travel non-negotiables.
Maintain hard copies - Keep printed copies of important addresses, contacts, and emergency information and offline navigation.
Water Supplies - This one's difficult as a tourist and depends on how mobile you are. How many water bottles can you realistically keep for an emergency? We had an ample supply and places to store backups, but I'm thinking at least a couple of litres stashed in your room is a good idea. These super lightweight collapsible containers, plus something like the LifeStraw, could be a good option to ensure access to safe drinking water.
Local language basics - Being able to understand or translate critical emergency information in the local language can be a lifesaver.
FM Radio - Andy from Bridges on the Road suggested he might buy an FM Radio for such emergencies. I've done some research, and apparently, some mobile phones have FM capabilities without an internet connection. As far as I can work out, ours don't, so maybe a small one like this (419g and 16cm long) is a good idea.
Arrive early for housesits - That buffer day gave us time to familiarize ourselves with the neighborhood before the crisis hit, avoiding a panic situation.
Build relationships quickly - Our brief connection with the beer bar owner & homeowners proved invaluable.
Ultimately, the entire experience was not too traumatic or severe. The locals seemed pretty chill and took it in their stride.
But, I really don't know how the city would have coped had it gone on for the whole week, which was predicted at one stage.
Makes you think...
Have you ever experienced a major infrastructure failure while traveling?
Share your stories and survival tips in our Facebook group or by email.
Now onto our recent experience with medical tourism.
Our Kuala Lumpur Health Adventure: Full Check-Ups at Prince Court
As we hit that age where health check-ups feel less optional, it's important to us to stay on top of them.
Back in Australia, universal healthcare is great, but navigating referrals, juggling specialist appointments, and forking out for copays in the vrief time we're home each year can turn into a costly, time-consuming ordeal.
So, we tapped into the growing trend of medical tourism in Southeast Asia—think Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, or Kuala Lumpur—where top-notch care meets wallet-friendly prices.
Why Prince Court in Kuala Lumpur Won Us Over
After exploring options, Prince Court Medical Centre in KL stood out for its stellar reputation and unbeatable value.
Here’s how it stacked up...
The different packages belwo aren't exactly the same but almost.
We booked a week in advance, received clear prep instructions via email so we'd be ready.
The Day: Smooth, Pro, and Surprisingly Pleasant
Walking into Prince Court felt like stepping into a sleek, modern clinic—think calming vibes, spotless enironment, and staff who spoke flawless English. The day flew by, and we were blown away by how seamless it all was.
Here’s how it unfolded:
10:00 AM: Strolled in, breezed through minimal paperwork. The kicker? The intake officer downsold us, suggesting we skip unnecessary tests from the premium package, saving us a couple hundred bucks. That honesty won our trust instantly.
10:30 AM: Kicked off with a quick consultation to identify any key concerns and get briefed on the day.
Morning: Knocked out fasting blood work, then grabbed coffee during a break. (Yes, they have a relaxing lounge with free refreshments.)
Midday: Zipped through eye exams, hearing tests, heart screenings, and radiology—bone density scans, abdominal ultrasounds, plus a mammogram and pap smear for me.
Lunch: Scored vouchers that covered half our meal at their awesome restaurant. Tasty and cheap!
Afternoon: Chatted with a dietician and wrapped up specialty checks.
Final Stop: Sat down for a detailed review of most of the results (cytology and eye reports arrived a week later).
3:00 PM: Paid up and went for a beer to celebrate the good results.
The Price Tag? A Total Steal
Our bill for two? Just $624 USD after a surprise 10% discount for using our Wise Visa card.
Compare that to Australia, (or god forbid the USA) where cobbling together those tests could cost a fortune—if you even manage to schedule them in one go.
The closest thing I could find in Australia was this clinic in Melbourne where an almost equivalent service would cost about 3500 AUD = 2000 USD.
I had a quick look at the sums and here's an idea for you all.
Picture this: For 4000 USD an Aussie couple could:
That’s a health-focused holiday cheaper than a round of specialist visits back home!
Why This Rocks for Long-Term Travelers
This wasn’t just a check-up; it was peace of mind on the road. Here’s why it’s a no-brainer for travelers like us:
Baseline Health: Knowing where we stand health-wise is priceless.
Insurance Perk: Documentation to dodge “pre-existing condition” headaches with travel insurance.
One-Day Wonder: All tests done in hours, not weeks of appointments.
Cost Savings: Way less than Australia’s out-of-pocket expenses.
Since we were housesitting in KL (free accommodation, score!), the deal was even sweeter. With tons of housesitting gigs available in Kuala Lumpur year long, we’re already planning to make Prince Court a regular stop to stay on top of our health.
Travel Tips for Long-Term Trips
If you've just joined our Travel Bug Community, you can find previous tips on getting ready for long-term travel on the newsletter archives page.
So far in our long-term travel tips series, we've covered the fundamentals: How to:
Define your travel goals and bucket lists,
Set your baseline,
Create and refine your budget
Find extra income streams while traveling
Identify your support crew, and
Perform an annual banking review
Find accommodation for extended periods
Implement long-term Health Management Strategies
Keep Money and funds safe
Stay prepared in case of disaster
Ways to Cut Your Accommodation Costs
So without further adieu, here’s this week’s timely tip…
Travel Tip N12 - Wandering Wisely: Securing Your 2FA
As some of you already know, I just upgraded my phone to a new Samsung, and I’ve been busily upgrading our security on all our apps and accounts.
Long-term travel poses some unique challenges in this space. Constantly switching SIM cards and relying on WiFi make digital security tricky, but robust two-factor authentication (2FA) addresses most issues.
This week’s tip breaks down the various options, the pros and cons, and some action steps you can take to review and improve your online security, especially if your phone number changes often.
The Basics
Your accounts begin with a security hierarchy:
A strong, unique username and password (use a password manager BUT ensure that you have adequate security on that AND a recovery mechanism.)
Sometimes a PIN for quick access, and
Biometrics, such as fingerprints or facial scans, for device-level protection.
2FA adds a second layer, requiring something temporary you receive (like a code) alongside something you know (your password).
This combination should keep hackers out, even if your password is leaked.
2FA Options for Travelers
1 - App-Based Authenticators (Eg. Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy) are top-tier. They work by generating time-based codes offline. We use both Google Authenticator and Authy.
Pros:
They work without cell service,
Immune to SIM swaps
Highly secure.
Cons:
Losing your phone without backups can lock you out. Authy’s cloud backup helps.
Rating for travellers: ★★★★★
2 - Hardware Security Keys (YubiKey, Google Titan) are ultra-secure USB/NFC devices.
Pros:
Near-unhackable,
Work across many services,
No battery needed.
Cons:
Cost $25-$70 USD,
Can be lost,
Not universally supported.
Rating for travelers: ★★★★☆.
3 - Single-site hardware tokens - (such as bank-issued key fobs) are specific to a single service. WE both have one of these for our Commonwealth Bank accounts.
Pros:
Secure,
Simple.
Cons:
Bulky for multiple accounts,
Screwed if you lose them
Must ensure the time on your device is correct synch will be out of whack!
Rating: ★★★☆☆.
4 - Email One-Time Passwords (ie. Send codes to your inbox.) There are a number of our apps, social platforms, and subscriptions that still use this method.
Pros:
Easy
No phone number needed.
Cons:
If your email’s compromised, you’re toast.
Not all services offer it.
Rating: ★★★☆☆.
Tip: Secure your email with app-based two-factor authentication (2FA) first.
5 - SMS-Based 2FA is common but weak for travelers. We've manage to reduce this to just one account - occasionally!
Pros:
Simple
Widely supported.
Cons:
Fails with new SIMs
Needs cell service not just a data pack
Not all SIMS in all countries will receive international SMS.
Vulnerable to SIM swapping (when hackers hijack your number)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆.
Fix: Retain a single number by using Google Voice or a virtual number (TextNow, Hushed), but test it will work, as apparently some services block these.
7- The extra layer - Recovery Codes are your emergency backup.
These one-time codes, generated when you set up some 2FA methods, allow you to regain access to your accounts if your 2FA method fails (e.g., if you lose your phone).
They’re critical because without them, you could be locked out permanently.
Store them in a password manager, an encrypted file, and a physical copy (like a notebook). Test them before traveling to ensure they work properly.
If there is no option to generate a recovery code, ensure you know how to recover the specific account - generally it will involve customer support and proving your identity in multiple ways.
Handling Frequent Number Changes
Switching SIMs is a pain for 2FA if SMS is your only option.
Consider the following to maintain a unique number for your travels:
Use Google Voice for a consistent US number that works over WiFi.
Dual SIM phones let you keep your home SIM for SMS while using a local data SIM or eSIM.
Virtual numbers (TextNow or an equivalent) are an option, but verify they work for your services. We're currently looking at options here since Skype is no more.
2FA for Payments on the Go
Some accounts, such as those for payments, utilize specialized two-factor authentication (2FA) methods that align with our security hierarchy, which includes username, password, biometrics, and then 2FA.
Here’s how they work for my Wise, Latitude 28 Degrees, and Macquarie Bank accounts, all secured with biometrics on my new Android phone.
1 - Approved Device 2FA (Push Notifications) – Used by Wise and Macquarie Bank. You get a push notification on your registered device (unlocked with fingerprint or Face ID) to approve payments or actions.
Pros:
Fast
Secure
Works over WiFi—perfect for travelers, as it avoids SMS charges.
Cons:
Needs internet
Losing your device without recovery codes can lock you out.
Rating for travelers: ★★★★☆.
Tip: Register your new phone and test notifications before disposing of your old one.
2 - App-Generated Authorization Codes – Latitude 28 Degrees and Macquarie Bank Authenticator.
The app, secured by biometrics, generates a time-sensitive code that you enter for payments.
Pros:
Secure
Often works offline
Great for spotty connections.
Cons:
Manual code entry is slower
App access is critical.
Every now and then, Latitude decides it needs to send an SMS code to my sister’s phone (must have an Aussie number!), which is a pain with time zones
Rating: ★★★★☆.
Why They’re Traveler-Friendly: These methods don’t rely on SMS, so swapping SIMs won’t break them.
Biometrics make access quick and secure, but ensure you understand recovery methods ( e.g. stored safely recovery codes or Customer Support numbers) and test them to avoid lockouts if your phone is lost.
Commonwealth Bank - will often require me to enter the one-time code from my physical token for online payments.
Your 10-Point 2FA To-Do List
Audit all accounts (banking, email, social media) for 2FA status.
Switch to app-based authenticators for critical accounts.
Consider using a hardware key, such as a YubiKey, for high-value accounts.
Avoid using SMS 2FA whenever possible; If it’s unavoidable, try to maintain a single number as per the tips above.
Generate and test recovery codes where available for 2FA-enabled accounts.
Store recovery codes in a password manager and a physical copy. (Secure your Password manager and have a recovery code for that!!!)
Secure your email with app-based 2FA to protect email-based codes.
Test all 2FA methods before traveling.
Set up multiple two-factor authentication (2FA) options (e.g., app + email) for key accounts.
Schedule an annual review of your 2FA processes to ensure they are best practices.
Honestly, this entire process has been more complicated than I initially anticipated. And I’m not there yet.
That’s why I’m compiling all this into a detailed document with step-by-step guides and checklists, so that each review and upgrade will hopefully be a whole lot easier.
Tips over the next couple of weeks will also be about online security, including VPNs and cloud backups.
Let's start with Trip.com which is rapidly growing on me as a preferred booking platform.
We need accommodation for 1 night in Malaga (between house sits in Portugal and Spain), so I decided to compare prices between our usual go-to, Booking.com, and Trip.com. The impetus to book so early was a message from Trip.com that we had "Trip Coins" (ee below) expiring.
Here's the breakdown:
Booking.com price: 149 AUD (already including my Genius III discounts)
Trip.com initial price: 138 AUD (included a special discount of 11 AUD)
Trip.com final price: 120 AUD (after applying 18.40 AUD in Trip Coins)
Total savings: 29 AUD (about 19.5% cheaper than Booking.com)
Plus, I earned new Trip Coins on this booking, restarting my collection for future stays.
How Trip.com's Reward System Works
Each time you make a booking through Trip.com (hotels, flights, attractions), you earn "Trip Coins" that work as a loyalty currency:
These coins can be applied to future bookings for immediate discounts
Coins typically expire after 90 days, so you need to use them
I had some expiring at the end of April, which motivated me to check Trip.com for our Malaga stay
Sometimes you get opportunities to purchase additional coins at rates that always work in your favor
While Booking.com remains our go-to app thanks to its Genius program, I'm now checking Trip.com for every booking to compare deals.
If this example is anything to go by, the initial price is sometimes already favorable, and when you factor in the coin discounts, the savings can be substantial.
And since many of our flights are now booked through Trip.com, those Trip Coins add up quite quickly.
The other service that recently saved us money was Wise.
As mentioned above, during our health check-ups at Princes Court, we discovered they offer a 10% discount when paying with Visa or Mastercard.
This was a welcome surprise, especially when many businesses in Asia actually add surcharges for card payments instead of discounts.
Our Wise debit card was perfect for this situation:
No foreign transaction fees
Competitive exchange rates
Accepted anywhere Visa is accepted
Between Trip.com and Wise we saved about 150 AUD, which is a whole day's budget.
Yay!
How Our Travel Plans Are Shaping Up
Once again there are no changes to our travel plans, although I'm starting to see Spanish and Malta sits popping up closer to the dates we beed, so I'm thinking we'll fill our small gap between The Med and Georgia in the next month.
So its:
Central Lisbon: 8 nights in a 3-bedroom apartment with McCloud the ginger cat.
Carvoeiro, Portugal: 11 days of beach life with a lovely cat in the Algarve
A week in central Almancil with a kitty called Monkey.
Fuengirola, Spain: Caring for a sweet cat in a well-equipped 3-bedroom apartment near Malaga
A small gap between sits atm - Spanish Coast: Catching up with friends around Alicante, Valencia, and Barcelona.
8 days in central Valencia with Meatball.
A small gap between sits atm where we'll either go back to the UK briefly to catch up with friends or head to Malta if we can get a sit. (These are the two best flight routes to get to the Caucus.)
Caucasus Adventure: A few weeks exploring Armenia and Azerbaijan
Tbilisi, Georgia: A 3-week sit in a great area with two cats
Cambridge: 2 weeks in a house in the city center Who knows???
Travel Bloggers, Websites, Info and Newsletters You Might Like
Doh! I'm still sitting on the TourRadar review. Transcontinental fligths, blackouts, socializing and exploring all got in the way.
But you still have time for last minute Mother's day gift buying so Check out our Mother's Day Gift Guide ⬇️
By using our links when you book, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you - This allows us to produce free content that helps you travel better and longer for less. Affiliate Disclosure
We're long-term travelers sharing our passion for independent, budget travel. Every newsletter gives you travel tips from experts, lessons from the road, great deals, and carefully curated travel products & services.
Sorry Folks, Life Got in the Way! Hey there Reader, Massive apology for the newsletter-lite this week – we're scrambling to get everything sorted before boarding our flight to the UK via (yes, really) Turkmenistan! (If you want a refresher on the fantastic deal I got, then you can read about it in the March 24th edition. Will flying through Turkmenistan be the travel hack of the century, or a spectacular disaster worthy of its own Netflix documentary? Follow on our Facebook page for the...
Hello from Tropical Malaysia Hey there Reader, Hello from KL, the fabulous capital of Malaysia! We've settled into our latest housesit in Kuala Lumpur, looking after three adorable (and wonderfully low-maintenance) cats. Our temporary home is a spacious three-bedroom apartment in a leafy complex complete with gorgeous gardens and a massive pool. There's no shortage of cafes, bars and restaurants just steps away. The rainy season has definitely arrived in SE Asia—perfect timing as we're...
Bye Bye Nam Hey there Reader, Our Vietnam adventure is winding down with just days before we jet off to Kuala Lumpur for a two-week stopover en route to Europe for summer. We've fallen hard for Vietnam, and some exciting visa developments might let us realize our dream of using it as a longer-term base - more on that golden opportunity below! This week's dispatch is packed with goodies: Bali's crackdown on "naughty" tourists (and why it's about time) Vietnam's proposed 5-10 year "golden...
