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🔥🏝️✈️This Week's TRAVEL Tips + Celebration Sale Ends Sunday!
Published 12 days ago • 30 min read
Olá from The Algarve Again!
Hey there Reader,
We've MOVED!
Just a quick jaunt down the road to Almancil, but what a difference a few kilometers makes!
We're still soaking up that gorgeous Algarve sunshine, but now we're inland near Faro where the tourist crowds thin out and the real Portugal shines through.
There's still loads of cafés, little bakeries, and bars but they're full of Portuguese not Brits,...
... and best of all? We've got the sweetest company in our new feline friend, Monkey?
This week's newsletter is PACKED with goodies to help you travel smarter (and cheaper!).
What's Inside This Week:
💰 Don't Let Bad Exchange Rates Eat Your Travel Budget! — Simple tricks that will save you a bundle
✈️ Point Hacking: A Fresh Look at Travel Rewards as an Aussie — Because those business class upgrades don't have to remain a dream
🚗 Before You Drive Abroad: Rules that Could Save Your Trip (And Your Wallet) — Some tips to stay legal and a few weird and wonderful rules around the world.
🔒 Travel Tips for Long-Term Trips: Surf Safely Anywhere — VPN tips for keeping your data (and banking info!) secure while globetrotting
Plus our regular features including:
Some absolutely INCREDIBLE time-sensitive deals,
Our weekly travel tool spotlight featuring BusBud (which just saved our bacon for our Faro to Malaga journey), and—drum roll please—
A MASSIVE 50% discount on our Housesitters Roadmap course to celebrate landing an amazing sit on the Costa Blanca!
So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy (perhaps with your own version of Monkey curled up beside you), and dive in!
There's money to be saved, adventures to be planned, and travel hacks waiting to change your next journey.
P.S. Keep scrolling for that 50% discount code—it's only valid until next Sunday! 👇⤵️
The beaches in the Algarve are something to see (and that's coming from an Aussie!)
*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.
Don’t Let Bad Exchange Rates Eat Your Travel Budget!
Slipping up on currency exchange can sting. Misstep and you could lose 7-8% or more of your budget.
On a big trip, that’s hundreds, maybe thousands, down the drain.
The good news?
With a bit of planning, you can keep more cash for adventures.
Here’s a rundown of tips from an article in AFAR Magazine's article (How to Get the Best Exchange Rate When Traveling), and what we think of them (Spoiler Alert - It's not all positive!) Plus, we've added a few extras we swear by.
From AFAR....
1 - Skip Airport Kiosks: Those shiny exchange booths at airports are often traps, charging rates up to 15% worse than banks or ATMs, plus hefty fees. They say to order currency from your bank two weeks before your trip for better rates.
OUR TAKE - All airport exchange kiosks are not the same.
In fact, I'm quite happy to exchange cash at one of the cash counters in Arrivals when we visit Ho Chi Minh City because:
The exchange rates are pretty close to the rate you'll get at the local banks, exchange shops, and (illegal blak market) gold shops and there's no extra fee.
The ATM's at the airport now have high withdrawal fees and low withdrawal amounts, which will cost you even if you get fee-free international withdrawals from your bank.
The rates you get for Vietnamese Dong at an Australian bank are ABYSMAL!!! So the AFAR advice will actually lose you money.
However, the exchange rate at the kiosk in Xiamen in January was terrible, and they charged a fee on top of it.
The key to this point is to:
Know what the rate should be, before you exchange cash. If the rate's awful (greater than 3%) or the fees are too high, change as little as possible until you can find a better option. OR,
Take cash from the ATM instead - provided it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. This app will let you know which ATMs in your vicinty have the best options.
2 - Use No-Fee Credit & Debit Cards: Pick a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (typically 3%). Credit Cards like Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire Preferred (for American) or Commonwealth Bank Ultimate Awards card for Aussies, save you on every swipe.
Our WISE debit cards, and Macquarie Bank - Transaction account cards are also fee free from international withdrawals and EFT transactions.
Be aware that these cards (especially credit cards) sometimes have an annual fee that will vary. Hence, you need to weigh up the total cost before you decide which card to use.For those that travel rarely, a free card that charges a small overeas transaction fee, might work out cheaper.
3 - Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion: When an ATM or merchant offers to charge in your home currency (e.g., USD instead of EUR), say no. Their rates are awful—stick to the local currency for your bank’s better conversion.
We agree with this 100%. If you're from Australia, traveling in Europe...choose "PAY IN EUROS" or it will likely cost you an extra 7 ot 8%.
4 - Choose Bank ATMs: Withdraw cash from ATMs tied to reputable banks, not standalone ones (usually a private business) in tourist traps that have high withdrawal fees and awful rates. Check if your bank has international partners before you leave (e.g., Bank of America’s Global ATM Alliance) to cut fees even further.
5 - Notify Your Bank: Tell your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid frozen accounts. Some banks are phasing this out, but it’s still a smart move to prevent fraud flags.
AFAR’s advice is mostly solid, but here are a few tricks we’ve learned from years of globetrotting:
6 - Monitor Rates Early: Use apps like Xe.com or Wise to track exchange rates weeks before your trip. Timing your currency order when rates are favorable can save you a chunk. For example, if I expect the Australian dollar to fall, I will exchange it to USD/Euros/GBP's as appropriate in my Wise Borderless Account soner, rather than later.
7 - Carry a Backup Card: Bring a second no-fee debit or credit card in case one gets lost, stolen, or blocked so you don't have to resort to your back up high fee option. Keep it separate from your main wallet.
8 - Small Cash Stash of hard Currency: We keep a small stash of USD/Euros and GBP's as they typically attract better relative exchange rates than AUD.
9 - Get Good at Estimating Cash Requirements: There are some countries where you rarely need cash, and others where it's still king. We've got pretty goo at estimating how much cash we'll need and only exchange or withdraw that amount. If it looks like we'll have a lot of an obscure currency (eg. Albanian LEK, Bahrani Dinar, we'll spend cash only for the last few days where possible, to avoid losing money when changing it back before we leave.
10 - Check Local Customs: Some countries (e.g., India) limit cash you can bring in or out (e.g., $3,000 USD or €10,000 EUR without declaration). Research to avoid surprises at customs.
Having a WISE card is Wise!
If you've been following us for a while then you'll know we're a big fan of the Wise Borderless account and Debit Card.
Why?
Mid-Market Rates: Wise uses the real exchange rate (what you see on Google), not the marked-up rates banks or kiosks charge. No hidden fees sneaking in.
Low Conversion Fees: Fees are transparent and tiny—often 0.4-1% per transaction, way less than the 3-5% banks might hit you with.
Multi-Currency Magic: Hold and spend in 40+ currencies without needing multiple accounts. We switch from EUR to AUD to USD seamlessly.
ATM Savings: Get up to $250 USD (or equivalent) in ATM withdrawals fee-free each month, perfect for grabbing cash in a pinch.
Digital and Physical: Use the digital card for online bookings or the physical card for in-person payments. It’s tap-and-go ready for Europe’s cashless vibe.
Secure and Trackable: Real-time transaction alerts and easy freezing via the app keep your money safe, especially handy when traveling.
Free Account - It's completely free to open and maintain an account with Wise.
Wise has literally saved us hundreds (maybe thousands) over the years.
Join Wise with Our Invite and Save!
Want to stretch your travel budget like we do? Sign up for a Wise account using our invite link and get your first transfer (up to 1000 AUD equivalent) fee-free!
It’s the perfect way to test-drive Wise’s killer rates and start saving on your next adventure.
NordVPN is one of the best known and effective VPNs you can buy (See this week's Tip for more info and why it's a great choice for online protection while traveling).
SNCF (French Railways) bookings are now open for travel between 1 September and 13 December 2025. Tickets for popular routes are always in demand so get in quick.
Point Hacking: A Fresh Look at Earning Travel Rewards as an Aussie
We’ve never been big on chasing frequent flyer points, as we hop between airlines and steer clear of fancy hotel chains, avoiding loyalty to any single program.
While I join free rewards programs, the points often expire before we can use them. Plus, the fees on rewards cards can outweigh the benefits.
Many point-hacking guides target North Americans, who have more earning and redemption options than us Aussies Down Under.
However, a recent Point Hacks article (May 12, 2025) on the best frequent flyer programs for beginners piqued my interest, and our new Commonwealth Bank Ultimate Awards Card has me rethinking things. With no annual fee (thanks to our CBA package) and zero international transaction fees, it’s already saving us money, making the points we earn a sweet bonus.
As I discover more, I’m starting to realize what many of you probably already knew
Done right, point hacking can be lucrative if you dodge the potential pitfalls.
Here’s a rundown of the Point Hacks article, my beginner tips for maximizing points, and signs these programs might not suit you.
Point Hacks’ Article - The eight best frequent flyer programs to join when you’re starting out
Point Hack recommends joining at least two frequent flyer programs to maximize earning opportunities, as no single airline covers every destination.
They recommend you start with Qantas Frequent Flyer (free to join via their link in the article, avoiding the $99.50 fee) for its vast partner network (Emirates, Cathay Pacific) and easy points earning through retailers like Woolworths.
They also recommend Velocity Frequent Flyer (free to join) which offers partnerships with Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways, and allows family points pooling for faster rewards. (We have membership)
For leveling up, they recommend Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer which excels for Business Class redemptions, with points transferable from major banks. (In this one too.)
Air Canada Aeroplan apparently offers great value (e.g., 45,000 points for Business Class to Southeast Asia).
British Airways Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club (In this one, too) share transferable Avios points, which is ideal for short-haul or Europe-Australia flights.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles suit niche routes, while American Airlines AAdvantage provides flat-rate Qantas domestic flights.
The article highlights flexibility, urging beginners to join multiple programs to seize promotions.
Tips for Maximizing Points Programs
As a complete novice these are my very early thoughts on how to maximize points benefits.
Join Multiple Programs: Sign up for Qantas, Velocity, and others like KrisFlyer for free to catch diverse earning opportunities.
Suscribe to Point Hacks for free to access way more expert knowledge than mine.
Use Strategic Cards: Choose cards like the CommBank Ultimate Awards with no foreign transaction fees and bonus points as long as you can confidently avoid the ptifalls discussed below. (check Point Hacks forthe best offers like 110,000 Velocity Points with Citi Premier).
Everyday Spending: Pay bills, groceries, or fuel with a rewards card, but clear the balance monthly to avoid interest.
High-Value Redemptions: Save points for flights (especially Business Class) rather than low-value items like gift cards but keep an eye on expiry dates so you don't lose our completely.
Monitor Promotions: Use Point Hacks or airline apps for bonus points at retailers or during transfer deals.
Drawbacks to Rewards Programs and When Points Programs Don’t Suit
Most Points programs have potential pitfalls.
After all, the banks and airlines aren't giving them out for nothing. The trick is to use their rules to benefit you, not them.
Look out for:
High interest rates (e.g., 20.99% on CommBank’s card) can erase any benefits quickly if you don’t pay off your balance.
Minimum spend rates to earn points - Overspending to chase points can lead to debt, so only charge what you can pay off.
Transfer rates (2.5:1 for Qantas, 2:1 for Velocity) aren’t always great, and rewards like lounge access often require premium cards with high fees (e.g., Amex Platinum’s $1,450 p.a.).
Points can expire if you don’t earn or redeem regularly,
Redemption seats are scarce on popular routes, requiring bookings months ahead.
If you fly budget airlines, rarely travel, or don’t spend enough to offset fees, points programs may not be worth it.
If you have recommendations for points programs, tips for mazimizing benefits or want to comment on anything I just wrote, head over there and have your say.
Before You Drive Abroad: Rules That Could Save Your Trip (And Your Wallet)
Picture this: you’re house-sitting in Portugal, cruising in the homeowner’s car, feeling like a local.
Then you hit a roundabout, and suddenly the police are eyeballing your entry and exit like you’re auditioning for Fast & Furious: Lisbon Drift.
Our recent Portugal sit came with a heads-up about the local police being sticklers for roundabout rules, and it got us thinking—driving abroad isn’t just about remembering which side of the road to use.
Local road rules can trip you up, land you fines, or worse, invalidate your insurance.
Whether you’re borrowing a car or renting, here’s the lowdown on staying legal and stress-free, with a focus on Europe’s quirks and some global oddities.
Buckle up!
Licensing: More Than Just Your IDP
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a must in many countries, translating your license into multiple languages. You can grab one through AAA in the USA, the RAC in the UK, or the NRMA in Australia.
You should carry and show your home license in conjunction with this.
The number 1 rule is if you aren’t licensed to drive a particular vehicle at home, you can’t legally drive one abroad.
So, if you don’t have a motorbike license at hoe…you can’t drive a motorbike in Bali, even if you have an IDP for a car. I'm thinking a good percentage of the people we see driving 90cc scooters in SE Asia, have not considered this.
Your insurance WILL NOT cover you if you have an accident, which could cost you thousands!!!.
And here’s the kicker: some places demand extra steps.
In Sri Lanka, for example, we had to validate our IDP at a local AA office in Colombo before we could drive legaly—yep, more paperwork & cash!
And in Cyprus, we dodged a bullet with Tim’s license. His new South Australian one was under three years old, and there was nothing to say he’d had his license longer.
Luckily, I dug into our DropBox archives and produced a picture of his old QLD one to prove his driving history, which they were happy with.
In Vietnam, they only accept IDP’s from some countries. if your home country has signed the 1968 IDP Convention, your good to go. (Colored on this map)
If, your country is a signatory to the 1949 IDP Convention (e.g. Australia, UK, USA, and Canada) your IDP is not approved in Vietnam and will not provide you any legal protection.
The only way to drive legally is to convert your license to a Vietnamese one. To make matters worse, they recently changed the rules and YOU CAN’T DO THAT unless you have a temporary resident’s permit.
Even a 3-month visa isn’t enough now (it used to be!)
Insurance: Car or Driver, Know the Deal
Insurance abroad can be a maze.
In some countries (like the USA, and Portugal), the car is insured, so anyone driving it is covered—handy for house-sitting gigs. The homeowner's were able to fill out a form, send copies of our passports and print a letter to say we were authorized to drive the car.
In others (like the UK), insurance is tied to the driver, so you’ll need to confirm you’re listed on the policy or get your own. In the UK, it can be super-expensive of impossible to get put on a friends policy.
Renting?
Check with the rental company—most include basic insurance, but your credit card or car insurance back home might offer extra coverage. If not RentalCover.com is our go-to for Roadtrips. Typically it's WAY cheaper than the insurance the rental car company offers, with better benefits.
In Europe, you’ll need proof of insurance (sometimes a Green Card) and European breakdown cover.
Forgetting this could void your rental agreement or leave you stranded.
Road Rules: Europe’s Strict Vibes vs. USA/Australia/UK
Europe’s cracking down on road rules in 2025, with France, Austria, Portugal, Luxembourg, Germany, Cyprus, Switzerland, and the UK issuing warnings to tourists.
Dashcams and Privacy Laws
Dashcams are a go-to for insurance claims in the USA, Australia, and the UK, but Europe’s privacy laws throw shade.
Austria, Portugal, Luxembourg: Dashcams are a hard no—even owning one in Portugal can cost you big. Austria slaps repeat offenders with fines up to €25,000 (£21,000).
France, Switzerland: You can use dashcams, but don’t share footage online without blurring faces and plates. France is picky about privacy violations.
Germany: Dashcams are okay, but footage must follow strict data rules—think blurred faces and no public posts.
USA/Australia/UK: Dashcams are widely used with minimal restrictions, making Europe’s bans a shock. Leave your dashcam at home to avoid trouble.
Eating and Drinking While Driving
Cyprus: Eating or drinking anything—even water—is a €85 (£71) fine. Pull over for that snack!
UK: No outright ban, but munching could earn you a “driving without due care” charge if it distracts you.
France, Germany: No specific bans, but distracted driving is under scrutiny. Better to park before chowing down.
USA/Australia: Snacking is generally fine unless it clearly impairs driving, so Europe’s rules feel stricter.
Road Rage and Gestures
Germany: Flipping the bird or insulting someone can cost €4,000 (£3,300), plus points on your license or jail time.
Cyprus, UK, France: Offensive gestures or aggressive behavior can lead to fines or charges (UK’s Public Order Act is no joke).
USA/Australia: Road rage is frowned upon but rarely fined unless it escalates to a clear offense, making Europe’s penalties harsher.
Weird and Wild Road Rules Worldwide
Some rules are just bonkers:
Thailand: Men, keep your shirt on—driving topless is a ฿500 ($16) fine.
Spain: Flip-flops while driving? That’s a €200 ($225) ticket.
Cyprus: Eating or drinking (yep, even water) is a no-go, as mentioned.
Germany: Stopping on the Autobahn, even for no fuel, is illegal—plan your gas stops!
Russia: A dirty car can earn you a fine, so hit the car wash.
Philippines: Your license plate’s last digit dictates which days you can’t drive (e.g., 1 or 2 means no Mondays).
The Most Useful Rules to Clarify
I’m not sure how you find out some of these really offbeat rules in every destination, but the following list is a good place to start to stay out of trouble.
Driving Side: Confirm which side of the road to drive on.
Most countries, like the USA, Canada, and much of Europe, drive on the right. Others, like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and various nations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Oceania, drive on the left.
Speed Limits: Understand speed limit signs and local regulations. For instance, many French city centers enforce a 30 km/h limit.
Honking: Honking norms vary—some cultures see it as polite or expected, but in places like Finland, it’s illegal unless urgent.
Headlights: Some countries, like Sweden and Norway, require headlights to be on at all times, day or night.
Required Items: Check for mandatory car equipment. In Spain, you must carry two red warning triangles, a reflective jacket, and, if you wear prescription glasses for driving, a spare pair.
Alcohol Limits: Never drive under the influence, but legal blood alcohol limits differ. Some countries have a zero-tolerance policy, and in Japan, even passengers can face penalties for riding with a drunk driver.
Alcohol in the Vehicle - In some countries, like Canada, even having a closed can or bottle of an alcoholic beverage inside the vehicle is grounds for a fine. Best put your shopping in the boot/trunk.
Where to Check Road Rules
Don’t get caught out—research before you go.
Here are a few resources:
This Page on the AA site in Australia will tell you if an IDP is recognized.
Government Websites: Check GOV.UK, USA’s State Department, or Australia’s Smartraveller for country-specific driving guides. This site is excellent for countries in the EU
Embassy Pages: Embassies may list local rules
Rental Companies: May have driving tips for your destination.
AA/AAA/NRMA: These motoring clubs provide IDP info and may have road rule summaries.
Final Tips
Driving abroad can be the highlight of a trip. But local rules can be a minefield.
Get your IDP, confirm insurance, and study up on local quirks like dashcam bans or roundabout finesse.
Use navigation apps with real-time rule updates, and keep your cool—no road rage allowed!
With a bit of prep, you’ll cruise like a pro, not a clueless tourist. Safe travels!
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
Secure Your Online Security with 2FA
This week I have some tips on VPN's,
Travel Tip N13 - Surf Safely Anywhere: VPN Tips for Globetrotters
As travelers exploring destinations with wildly different privacy laws, government restrictions, and network security, a VPN is your digital lifeline.
Public Wi-Fi in cafés or airports is a hacker’s playground, and a VPN keeps your data safe while unlocking geo-blocked content.
They’re also a must at home to block ISP tracking, secure remote work, and dodge advertisers.
Here’s the lowdown on VPNs, their challenges, and how to use them like a pro.
Definitions?
Let's first look at some definitions so we're all on the same page.
ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. It’s the company that provides your internet connection, like Comcast, Verizon, or AT&T in the US, or Optus and Telstra in Australia.
ISPs assign your device an IP address to connect to the internet and can track your online activity
IP Address = Internet Protocal Address = a unique number (like 192.168.1.1) assigned to your device, acting like a digital address to identify and locate it online.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, hiding your IP address and securing your data. It’s like a private vault for your online activity, protecting it from hackers or snoops on public networks.
Other terms you might hear are a proxy server & Smart DNS
A Proxy Server acts as a middleman, routing your internet requests to hide your IP address and bypass geo-restrictions. It will hide your IP but doesn’t encrypt data. In contrast a VPN encrypts your entire connection for better security.
A Smart DNS, which only reroutes specific traffic (like streaming) to bypass geo-blocks without encryption.
Why Use a VPN?
VPNs:
Shield sensitive info (like bank details) on unsecured Wi-Fi,
Bypass censorship in restrictive countries, and
Unlock streaming services abroad.
They can even save money on flights by masking your location.
At home, they prevent ISPs from tracking your browsing, secure remote work, and block ad trackers.
Challenges by Destination
Even the most effective VPNs can hit roadblocks.
Countries like China, Iran, Russia, Cuba, and the UAE restrict or ban VPNs, using firewalls to block servers or slow connections.
In India, rules require VPNs with physical servers to log user data (names, IPs, usage) for five years.When they bought in these rules, companies like Norton (and many others) stopped servicing the country.
Some websites (e.g., banks) flag VPNs as suspicious, blocking access or requiring verification.
A no-logs policy—meaning no storage of your browsing history, IP addresses, or DNS queries—ensures privacy but can conflict with local laws.
Top VPNs for Most Destinations
We use Norton VPN as it's part of our overall online protection and device security package. It's decent for basic privacy in most countries but lacks advanced features for high-censorship areas. Hence, sometimes we've needed to download another option for a specific destination.
NordVPN is a standout. They have 7,700+ servers in 111 countries, AES-256 encryption (which is apparently awesome), and a no-logs policy audited five times (2018-2024) by PwC and Deloitte.
Its obfuscated servers (servers that trick firewalls into thinking you’re not using a VPN) can help bypass tough restrictions, and their ''NordLynx protocol' ensures fast streaming.
The good thing with Nord is they tyipcally have awesome deals that make their service very competitive. At the time of writing you can get 73 % off NordVPN + up to 10GB free data on Saily eSIM which will cost you just 3.39 Euro/month.
ExpressVPN is also solid, covering 105 countries with its Lightway protocol and an audited no-logs policy (PwC, KPMG, 2020-2023), but NordVPN’s larger network and extra features (like Double VPN) give it an edge.
Both support multiple devices and are ideal for travelers.
Countries Limiting VPNs and Workarounds
China, Iran, Russia, Cuba, the UAE, and India (with its data retention laws) restrict VPNs.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN use virtual servers (e.g., for India, hosted in Singapore/UK) to avoid logging data.
In Shanghai, our hosts recommended downloading LetsVPN before arrival, as app stores may be blocked.
Workarounds include obfuscated servers (NordVPN excels here) to disguise VPN traffic or setting up a personal VPN on a home router.
Check local laws—using VPNs where banned can lead to fines.
Options If Your Chosen VPN Fails
If your chosen VPN fails, locals often know what works— as mentioned our Shanghai hosts suggested LetsVPN.
Try switching to NordVPN or ExpressVPN for better coverage.
You could also try a proxy serve or a Smart DNS, depending on what you are trying to do.
For website blocks, disable your VPN on a secure (NOT public) Wi-Fi network, switch servers (eg. change from the VPN location in Australia to say Singapore), or contact the site’s support to whitelist your account.
Use password-protected WiFi networks and avoid sensitive tasks as a last resort.
Tips for Effective VPN Use While Traveling
Choose a VPN (like NordVPN) that has robust AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and a kill switch to cut your connection if the VPN drops.
Select VPN server locations near your location for speed. Most VPNs will have an 'Automatic' setting, however you may sometimes have to override these. (I oftent have to change ours fromt he automative location to Australia to access specific sites.)
Research which VPNs will work in your destination and test it on your devices before travel to confirm it works.
Download your chosen VPN before arriving—app stores may be restricted in places like China.
Enable auto-connect for public Wi-Fi.
Run DNS leak tests (e.g., browserleaks.com) to ensure no data exposure. NordVPN’s DNS Leak Test Guide is fairly easy to follow.
If a website blocks your VPN, switch servers, disable it on secure networks, or contact support.
Pair with privacy-focused browsers like Brave (blocks ads/trackers), DuckDuckGo (private search), or Tor (anonymous but slow) for extra protection.
As house-sitters, we’re always hopping between incredible destinations, and next week, we’re headed from Almancil (Faro) in Portugal’s Algarve to Fuengirola near Málaga, Spain.
Finding the best travel deal is part of our DNA, and this time, our partner Busbud came through.
Here’s how they helped us score a budget-friendly trip—and why checking multiple sources is a must for savvy travelers.
I started my search as usual, digging through options to get us from Faro to Málaga.
Google threw up a mix of routes, most needing three or more transfers via FlixBus, ALSA, or trains, taking at least six hours. There were no prices, and it just looked like a headache.
Rome2Rio told me there was a Flix bus taking 7.35 hours for 40-65 USD, bus-train-train options from 27 to 130 USD taking 5.30, and a whole bunch of bus options from ALSA.
One left at 3am, another arrived after 7pm, and the third mentioned Flixbus connecting with ALSA leaving at 10.45 am. But when I clicked on them, they took me to the OMIO site, which didn't want to play for some reason. Too much hassle - move on.
Next, I tried 12Go, which is awesome for Asia but less so here—it offered 2 options on ALSA 8.5- & 9-hour slogs for a steep €84 each. Ouch! (Note, I just checked back while writing this with my VPN on (set to Australia) and they are 40 USD each....Hmmm)
At this stage, I'd kind of written off going to the ALSA site directly as the required transfer options looked too complicated and it seemed super pricey. (See below.)
Plus, all the sites to date pointed to there being at least one Flix Bus route. We've taken them before in Europe, and they were fine. So, I checked their site...
FlixBus? They straight-up said no buses were available. Curious!
Then I turned to Busbud, which I’d always pegged as better for the US and Canada.
Boy, was I wrong! Busbud found a gem: a 6-hour route on ALSA with one connection in Seville for just €54.90 total for both of us, including a €4.90 service fee.
Bonus - a very civilized 10.45 am departure time and arriving at 5:45pm!
Curious, I then checked ALSA’s site to see if I could find that route. Lo and behold, I found the same tickets (sans service fee) for €50 total.
We booked direct with ALSA, but here’s the kicker: without Busbud’s search, I probably would have taken a lot longer to find that route. Some their platform saved us a bundle, even if we didn’t actually book through them!
Sure, I probably could have checked the ALSA site earlier. But as I said, Google et al. were telling me the options were complicated and expensive.
The moral of this convoluted story?
Always check multiple sources when planning and booking travel.
Google, Rome2Rio, 12Go, and FlixBus all missed the route we finally booked and presented either complicated or expensive options.
This time, Busbud’s user-friendly search cut through the noise, revealing a deal that saved us over €100 compared to 12Go’s price. Next time, it might be another site that comes through.
Also...try searching with and without your VPN on. It can make a difference to the prices your presented with.
How Our Travel Plans Are Shaping Up
Woot! A very exciting update to summer plans this week.
As seasoned house-sitters, we just made a tough call—passing on an 18-night Barcelona apartment sit for an absolute gem: an 18-night villa with a pool in Calpe, Costa Blanca.
Why?
Our expertise and slick systems let us spot, screen, and snag top-tier sits fast.
The Calpe homeowner sealed the deal in record time—application at 10 p.m., reply by 7:15 a.m., and confirmed by noon.
The Barcelona’s homeowner? Still waffling after 2 days.
Their loss, our gain.
A lack of decisiveness and poor communication is a red flag for us. Just one of many we look for that helps us avoid problem sits.
This sit is a dream for any reasons besides the fantastic property itself.
It's walking distance to several stunning beachs and Calpe’s old town, but away from tourist chaos.
It's close to a friend we met in Vietnam that we want to catch up with
It dovetails perfectly with our Malaga sit (saving us accommodation costs), and
It sets us up for our final Spanish stop in Valencia.
Total accommodation cost = 0$/nil/nada/nothing
Sure, there’s a pinch of luck, but our success comes from rock-solid processes, a stellar reputation, and strict criteria for picking sits.
We trust the perfect opportunity always finds us—and this Calpe stunner proves it.
We are so grateful for the adventures we get to live!
Does exploring amazing destinations worldwide with minimal accommodation costs sound like something you might like to do?
Use: EUSUMMER50% at checkout to slash the price in half—but hurry, this deal expires at 11.59 pm AEST May 25th. .
So here's what our summer looks like now:
We're currently - in central Almancil on Portugal's Algarve with a kitty called Monkey with visits to Faro and the surrounding beaches locked in.
Next we head to Fuengirola, near Malaga and MArbella in Spain: Caring for a sweet cat in a well-equipped 3-bedroom apartment near Malaga
Then we have 18 Days in a Villa with a pool near the beautiful town of Calpe caring for three easy-care kitties. We'll have easy access to all the sites in the area, but stay out of the tourist fray. If we had to pay for this accommodation, we'd be up for at least 2000 USD...more like 3500 in the same standard with the same facilities. (You can see all our accommodation savings through housesitting here.)
8 days in central Valencia with a kitty called Meatball.
A small gap sits between atm where we haven't quite decided on the best option. Malta, Madrid and Warsaw have potential atm.
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??? We're hoping to get to Glasgow, Newcastle, Rye and back to London to catch up with friends before we leave for the winter, so I've set up systems and alerts to try and achieve those goals. Those opportunities are likely to start popping up around August, so no need to make a decision yet.
Travel Bloggers, Websites, Info and Newsletters You Might Like
A couple of things this week.
First, I took the Travel Competitions section out because none of you seemed interested.
But occasionally a competition comes along that's just too good to keep to ourselves.
I recently discovered a new travel tracking app that seems designed specifically for slow travel enthusiasts like us.
Pebblsmaps journeys—hikes, bike tours, or road trips—with GPS accuracy, letting you pin photos, videos, or notes as “Pebbls” to create shareable, interactive story maps.
The platform is eco-conscious (carbon-negative, renewable energy-powered) and offline-friendly, it conserves battery life.
It's available free on iOS and Android.
I haven't had a good chance to explore it properly yet as I'm still playing with Benable (see below). But it's on the ever growing list.
If you do give it a try, let me know what you think.
Thirdly... I finally got that review on our partner TourRadar finished.
If you have any thoughts about taking a tour of any description in the future, I encourage you to read this blog first.
Even I was surprised at how many benefits TourRadar offers.
A quick update on my Benable experience (The new social sharing platform I invited you all to last week.)
It's actually really easy to use:
I now have 6 optimized lists (which means they get indexed in Google to attract more viewers,) a bunch of new followers, and I think I'm seeing extra traffic to our website from the platform too.
No extra cash yet, BUT since views, likes and followers seem to be exponential, I'm hoping that won't take long either.
The 6 lists were ones I was going to pull together anyway, but Benable makes it way easier to create and monetize. I've had notifications that the platform thinks all of these are useful and been featured, so I must be doing something right.
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