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π₯°βοΈπ₯³A Humbling Gift, UK ETA Success, + BIG Savings!
Published 16 days agoΒ β’Β 20 min read
Hello Again From Saigon
Hey there Reader,
We've settled into our Saigon apartment and are finally enjoying some stress-free living in an excellent location with great facilities.
It's been wonderful catching up with friends and revisiting favorite haunts while tackling some of those important tasks that are difficult to manage on the road -
Tim's had his crown fixed, we both have new glasses (hello, clear vision!), completed baseline blood tests, and stocked up on medication.
Speaking of things accomplished, we've also successfully navigated the UK ETA application process. It wasn't without challenges, but we've documented our experience to help you avoid the pitfalls.
Plus, we've got:
Some truly great money-saving deals from our partners that you won't want to miss.
An important update on the EU ETIAS
The growing list of destinations banning Airbnb and other short-term rentals & how weβre dealing with it
Tips on a long-term health management while on the road
And a whole lot more.
But the first cab of the rank is a personal story and a massive heartfelt thank you to the reader that made my week.
*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.
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A Heartfelt Thank You from the Bottom of the Newsletter
When I added that little "Buy Us a Beverage" link at the very bottom of our newsletter, I honestly didn't expect much.
I was simply following advice from a successful blogger about monetizing content.
It felt a bit uncomfortableβafter all, we're not exactly broke! Far from itβbut considering the hours we pour into sharing our experiences and hard-earned travel knowledge, why not?
Anyway, I tucked the link way down at the bottom in a PS just before the signature block because, frankly, I didn't think anyone read that far down.
Well, I was wonderfully wrong.
To those of you who not only found that hidden link but actually clicked it and treated us to a beverageβthank you. We think of you as we raise our glasses.
Your support and appreciation means more than you know, especially after some of the recent challenges and tech issues with both our website and the newsletter that had me tempted to throw in the towel.
And to the particularly generous soul who contributed enough for more than a few drinks this week: your timing was incredible.
What you couldn't have known is that since the COVID saga, I've been dealing with significant hair loss.
My "Golden Mane" (as Tim affectionately called it) was falling out in chunks, leaving me with a completely bald spot about 3 inches square on my crown by mid-last year (hence the strategic bun you've seen in photos).
I've been trying various remedies, and thankfully, a new product/care routine I started in January has worked wonders.
There's been amazing regrowth these past two monthsβyou can barely see the scalp now!
I'd been working up the courage to visit a salon again but kept putting it off.
Then a few days ago, I noticed an unexpected deposit in our account which I managed to trace back to someone in this Travel Bug Community via that link.
Incredibly, it was exactly enough to cover a quality haircut at a decent Saigon salon plus transportation there and back.
I was planning to get a haircut next week anyway, but this felt like a sign from the universe. So I got my act together and got it sorted.
It's nowhere near it's former glory, but let's just say, from now on you'll be seeing me in photos with my hair down.
Thank you for this small act of kindness that made a bigger difference than you could know.
Before, during and after the hair crisis.
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Promo Code: TPO5β βValid Until: April 30, 2025
Our experience getting this digital blessing to enter the United Kingdom was nothing short of a comedy of errors!
First things first: The UK government REALLY wants you to use their app.
Not in a gentle, "we'd appreciate if you'd consider" way, but more of a "we've invested the GDP of a small nation in this app and by golly, you're going to use it" kind of way.
My adventure began with Google Play crushing my dreams, informing me that their precious app wouldn't work on my phone.
A quick internet search revealed I wasn't alone in this digital wasteland β scores of frustrated travelers reported the app crashing faster than British weather changes, especially on Samsung phones (Samsung owners, consider yourselves warned!).
Not to be deterred, Tim volunteered his newer, non-Samsung phone as tribute. Success! The app downloaded!
Victory was short-lived, however, as it promptly crashed the moment he attempted to use it. So much for technological superiority!
Eventually, we both retreated to my laptop to complete the process online. But even there, the system seemed desperate to reunite us with the app experience.
The website threw up several hurdles, practically begging: "Please, PLEASE use our app! The developers have families to feed! We spent our tea budget for the next decade on this!"
After convincing the system that yes, we had indeed tried the app, and no, it hadn't worked, the rest was surprisingly straightforward.
Both applications were approved almost instantaneously β much faster than the time it took to download their ill-fated app.
And compared to many visa processes we've endured, it was refreshingly non-invasive. No questions about our great-grandparents' shoe sizes or what we had for breakfast three Tuesdays ago.
The damage?
A reasonable Β£10 each (though they do add sneaky exchange fees if you're not paying in GBP).
Your ETA remains valid for two years or until you get a new passport β which, given our travel plans, we'll likely need by 2026 anyway.
So there you have it β your roadmap to navigating the UK's newest travel requirement. May your app download more successfully than ours, or at least may your laptop be charged and ready for Plan B!
And while we're talking about ETA's and ETIAS's, apparently the EU's new scheme WON'T be in place this year as planned. In fact, it's likely to be the last quarter in 2026. Watch this space for any further updates.
The Shifting World of Vacation Rentals
Airbnb Gets the Boot in Ibiza
Many of our long-time readers know we've been closely tracking how European destinations are responding to over-tourism.
We're particularly focused on how these destinations are managing the strain on local infrastructure and housing affordability for residents, especially in the accommodation sector.
In one of the latest developments, Ibiza just took some serious steps against unregulated properties in partnership with Airbnb that I think we all need to pay attention to.
They've struck this "historic" deal (their words, not mine) to tackle illegal rentals that have been making local housing impossible to find.
300 listings have already been yanked off the platform and there's likely to be a whole lot more. We're talking everything from regular apartments to more creative options like caravans, boats, and even yurts!
If a place doesn't have proper registration or meet local rules, it's gone - no appeals, no discussions.
Why is this happening?
Well, tourism makes up a whopping 80% of Ibiza's economy, but the island is drowning in its own success.
Locals literally can't afford to live there anymore. Some are sleeping in their cars or just giving up and moving away completely.
And it's not just Ibiza. Barcelona is on track to phase out short-term rentals completely by 2028. Rent has shot up 60% in a decade there!
What This Means for Us Budget Travelers
This hits close to home for those of us who travel for extended periods.
Let's be real - having a kitchen is non-negotiable when traveling long-term.
It's not just about saving money (though that's huge). It's about:
Not blowing your entire budget on restaurant meals three times a day
Being able to shop at those amazing local markets (half the fun of travel!)
Not being stuck eating out when you just want a simple breakfast or late-night snack
Having options when your stomach needs a break from unfamiliar food
Being a Responsible Traveler (Yes, It's Actually Possible!)
I know what you're thinking - "How am I supposed to know if my rental is causing housing problems?"
It's complicated, but here are some real things we can actually do:
Research local housing situations before booking: This doesn't have to be extensive research - just a quick Google search like "housing crisis [destination]" can tell you if an area is struggling. If locals are protesting tourism or housing costs, that's a big red flag.
Choose licensed accommodations: Many cities now require short-term rentals to be licensed. In Barcelona, for example, legal listings must display a registration number. Looking for this takes literally seconds but makes a huge difference.
Consider longer-term legal rentals: Many cities differentiate between tourist rentals and monthly rentals. In places like HCMC, you can still find legal monthly rentals in apartments in "Condotels" specifically built for travelers that want to self-cater.
Travel during shoulder seasons: Visiting Prague in November instead of July means you'll not only avoid crowds, but you'll ease pressure during peak times when locals are most frustrated by tourism. Plus, prices are better and you get more authentic experiences.
Be a good neighbor: This one's simple - keep noise down, respect local customs, and basically don't be that tourist everyone hates. Remember you're in someone's neighborhood, not a theme park. One of the key reasons HCMC has banned short-term rentals in residential apartment blocks is that the local residents were complaining about the behavior of the transitory guests.
Is Housesitting One Answer?
As you know, we're big fans of housesitting.
Here's why we think it makes so much sense as an alternative to renting properties in over-touristed destinations:
1 - The homes we housesit would be sitting empty if we weren't there as the owners are traveling themselves! We are not taking housing from locals; we are providing security for a property that would otherwise be vulnerable.
2 - The pets are big winners. Instead of being stuck in some kennel cage, they get to stay in their own environment with all their toys and familiar smells. Sure, the owners could hire a local pet sitter to drop in, but most pets hate being alone for hours. Plus, many need medications or special care that's hard to manage with just quick visits.
3 - The best part? We actually become part of a neighborhood. When we housesit we:
Support and shop at local neighborhood businesses
Frequent the local pubs, and cafes, many recommended by the homeowners themselves, and places you'd never find on TripAdvisor.
Explore more local sites and attractions, rather than the overcrowded tourist haunts
Meet and interact with the neighbors as new friends.
This arrangement is incredibly satisfying - the homeowners get peace of mind, the pets get love and attention, and we get authentic experiences while saving a ton of money.
It feels like one of those rare win-win situations where everybody benefits and nobody gets hurt.
Why Homeowners Often Choose Travelers Over Local Sitters
Let's address the elephant in the room.
We sometimes get asked if we feel as though we're putting local pet sitters out of business.
And, you know what, that's a fair question! A local pet sitter could technically live in the home, but here's the reality we've seen play out over and over:
Trust is complicated: Think about it - would you rather have someone local who knows your address, your routines, and that you've got that expensive laptop sitting in your home office... or a well-vetted traveler who's got 90 five-star reviews and will be heading to another country when they're done?
Most homeowners we've met feel weirdly more comfortable with the second option. There's something about those verified reviews and knowing the person will be thousands of miles away afterward that just feels safer.
Locals have lives: Most local pet sitters already have apartments, jobs, partners, and multiple commitments. They're set up to do drop-in visits, not pack up and move into your place for six weeks!
The money math doesn't work: Have you seen what professional pet sitters charge these days?
We're talking $50-100 PER DAY in most Western countries. A month-long trip could cost pet parents over $3000! That's a lot to add to an already strained holiday budget.
Meanwhile, housesitters like us are thrilled to care for someone's pets in exchange for free accommodation. The economics are night and day.
Lots of pet attention: When we housesit, the pets get loads of attention (if they want it!)
We only choose sits that give us plenty of flexibility to explore, but we still spend until mid-morning and then from late evening in the home most days BY CHOICE. A local sitter would likely still be working their regular job, maintaining their social calendar, and splitting attention between multiple priorities.
Someone's always home overnight: Homeowners love knowing someone is actually THERE, not just stopping by.
We've prevented potential disasters by quickly addressing small issues like leaks, blown fuses, and blocked drains. And maintained security by collecting mail and handling unexpected visitors, including suspicious-looking strangers who claimed to be 'lost' when knocking at the door.
The cultural exchange is fun: We now consider many of the homeowners as firm friends - and have open invitations to visit as such. They genuinely enjoy sharing their local tips and hearing about our adventures.
So while yes, a local could theoretically do it, the practical realities make travelers like us a much more attractive option for many homeowners. We've seen this play out dozens of times across our sits - it's one of those situations where what seems logical at first glance isn't actually how things work in practice.
If any of those arguments hit home and you want to explore the world of housesitting as either a sitter, a home-owner, or both, then don't hesitate to reach out.
We've now completed over 90 housesits worldwide, saving over 850 nights of accommodation costs, and have plenty of hard-won advice to offer.
βThis spreadsheet. contains details of all of our sits and estimated savings.
βThe Housesitter's Roadmap - A comprehensive course for Aspiring Housesitters that will save a ton of time, money and effort and have you housesitting in incredible destinations worldwide.
- Become a sought-after sitter for highly desireable housesits, OR
- Create a listing & process that ensures you attract the best sitters.
Just message me back if you want more details on that last one.
All four options include generous discounts to the major housesitting platforms that could save you over 230 USD.
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
Since healthcare has been a focus for us this week, I thought I'd drop some tips for long-term healthcare while on the road.
So hereβs this weekβs tipβ¦
Travel Tip N7 - Long-term Healthcare While Traveling The World
We are no stranger to health issues while traveling. After almost two decades on the road, we've had our fair share of both emergency and routine health issues to manage.
Having a strategy in place for both instances is the difference betweena minor inconvenience and a trip-ending disaster.
Here's what we've learned about managing healthcare while traveling long-term:
Why We Handle Most Healthcare Abroad
First up, we totally understand that everyone will have different healthcare needs AND accessible services in their own country.
What works for us might not be ideal for you based on your home country's healthcare system, your personal medical situation, or the specific places you're traveling to.
Coming from Australia, we have "free" healthcare and private medical insurance, but here's the reality:
Our visits home are usually during holidays when many medical services are limited
Getting specialist appointments requires GP referrals and long wait times
That "free" healthcare? Always includes copayments that add up quickly
And our private insurance always has that pesky excess.
That's why we've shifted to handling most non-emergency healthcare while traveling. The efficiency and cost savings are mind-blowing!
Our Recent Healthcare Adventure in Saigon
We're currently on a bit of a health kick in Vietnam, getting all those nagging issues sorted:
I had a FULL baseline blood and urine screen last week. No appointment is needed, no waiting, and results are back in under 4 hours. Total price: 60 AUD (37 USD) for complete peace of mind.
Tim got a double crown on the tooth that had the Shanghai root canal. Our dentist (trained in New York) runs a state-of-the-art clinic we've used for years. The total cost is 400 AUD (250 USD), which is Claimable on our travel insurance. It was done in just two days.
Tim replaced his glasses lenses for 60 AUD (38 USD), and the wait time for both the eye test and manufacturing was less than 30 minutes!
I got new frames and lenses, with a Total Cost of 100 AUD (63 USD) and the same quick turnaround.
We always stock up on our regular medications here too. No prescriptions required and you can choose between brand names (cheap) or generics (ridiculously cheap!).
Medical Tourism Hotspots
Different countries excel at different types of care:
Malaysia: Next month we'll be in KL for comprehensive wellness checks. For about 460 USD (females)/400 USD (males), you get cancer markers, heart testing, x-rays, and a full suite of physical and diagnostic testing to leave no stone unturned. The same thing at home would cost thousands or take months to arrange.
KL also has some excellent specialist cancer treatment facilities.
Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket have international hospitals rivaling anything in the West. Dental work, cosmetic procedures, and complex surgeries cost a fraction of Western prices.
Mexico: Particularly cities near the US border specialize in dental work and elective procedures. Americans save 60-70% on major dental work here.
Hungary: The dental capital of Europe. People fly from all over the continent specifically for complex dental work. We have a good friend from England who is currently doing some major dental work in Hungary and seems very happy with the service.
Turkey: Becoming the go-to for hair transplants and cosmetic procedures at about 70% less than US/UK/Australian prices.
Our Healthcare Strategy
Here's how we approach healthcare as long-term travelers:
Map out "healthcare hubs" β We identify cities with excellent, affordable care along our route. Because we return to Asia-Pac once a year, that usually means Vietnam, Malaysia or Thailand.
Schedule routine checks β Rather than rushing home for everything, we plan dental work, vision checks/re[lacement glasses, and wellness exams in these hubs.
Research country-specific medication rules & Plan Accordingly β We can source most of our regular medication in Vietnam, Thailand and parts of Europe without a prescription. However, some countries ban certain medications completely or limit quantities. Be especially careful when traveling through places like the UAE where some common medicines are banned, including Stemetil (for vomiting) and most Cold and Flu tablets. Trust us - Those guys don't much around!!!
Find our medication's international name β Brand names differ by country, but the generic name is universal. Knowing that "paracetamol" is the same as "acetaminophen" and "Voltarin" is the same as "Diclofenac Sodium" has saved confusion and time on pharmacy visits where English is non-existent.
Keep prescriptions in the original packaging (where possible) β Border agents get suspicious about unlabeled pills. Carry a doctor's letter explaining each medication, if you have anything that might be considered a restricted substance.
Maintain digital health records β We keep all test results, x-rays, and treatment notes in secure cloud storage. Note the wellness checks are excellent proof if an insurance company trys to invoke a "pre-existing condition" loophole.
Always have a backup plan β For every destination, we have some idea of where the nearest quality hospital is located and at the first sign of illness, we contact our travel insurer to provide their recommendation.
Travel Insurance Covering Emergency Medical Is Still Essential
Despite the amazing routine and preventative healthcare offered in many countries, proper travel insurance remains non-negotiable for emergencies:
Tim hurt a tooth requiring a root canal and crown, and the insurance refund will equal almost his entire year's premium.
I broke my arm in Vietnam and insurance covered 100% of the 5,000+ USD bill which is the equivalent of more than 7 12-month policies.
We've had many other instances where our travel insurance has saved our butts and our wallets. You can read about those disasters here.
Without insurance, these emergencies would have had a significant impact on our budget.
That's all for this week. Next week's tip will be about emergency preparedness (over and above travel insurance) when traveling.
Travel Partners That Saved Us Money This Week
This week our award goes to a partner that didn't so much save us money, but more a headache and time - πββ12GO!
12GO is our go to platform for checking buses and trains throughout Asia. It operates in 5000+ destinations in 100+ countries, but we've found it most useful in this region.
Anyway...After Saigon we are headed to Vung Tau for a week.
We can catch a ferry that ges twice a day, a cheap intercity bus, or one of the dozens of VIP vans that service the route for not much more.
With luxury leather recliners, free wifi, and delivery to our accommodation, we chose the latter as it's still cheaper than the ferry.
I tried booking directly online through the company we chose, however the payment failed at the last hurdle (2FA security check.)
So I jumped on 12GO, booked exactly the same route and time, with the same credit card and had the tickets in my inbox within a few minutes.
It cost me an extra 2.72 AUD/1.72 USD, but was far less hassle than trying to sort out which payment method was going to work or going into town to book the tickets at the office.
We had a similar experience in India where payment was a problem on local platforms, but 12Go worked a treat. So if you are headed to Asia, make sure you check it out as a reliable option for booking transport here.
How Our Travel Plans Are Shaping Up
Not much change from last week, except we've confirmed we'll go via London for a couple of days on the way to Portugal. Airfares work out the same and we hopefully get to catch up briefly with a friend who's passing through too.
We're also confirming plans to catch up with other friends in Spain.
Here's our confirmed itinerary for the next few months:
Vietnam: Another three weeks in Saigon and Vung Tau
Kuala Lumpur: 10 nights in a modern condo with a gym, pool, and three easy-care cats
2 days in London.
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
Fuengirola, Spain: Caring for a sweet cat in a well-equipped 3-bedroom apartment near Malaga
Spanish Coast: Catching up with friends around Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona.
Probably back to the UK briefly to catch up with other friends.
Caucasus Adventure: A month exploring Armenia and Azerbaijan
Tbilisi, Georgia: Our newly extended 3-week sit with two cats
Cambridge: 2 weeks in the city center
Much of June and July are a moving feast atm as there are so many opportunities blitzing our notifications, we're having to be very particular about what we lock in.
Travel Bloggers, Websites and Newsletters You Might Like
It's a small, small world. I just found out that the people we are housesitting for in Georgia also have a website, podcast and a bunch of resources for digital nomads and those that want to move abroad.
You can find Richelle HERE and sign up to her newsletter.
That's all for now.
I have a call with an old friend from Brissie who's helping me out with my latest project. Then we're off to meet a friend from Taiwan for beer o'clock.
Happy Travels!
Tim and Sharyn
PS. If you enjoy receiving this newsletter, please feel free toBUY US A BEVERAGE. π βπ«π»π·
Every $ helps keep us motivated and the show on the road.
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.
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