Category: Travel Tips

Best Tips for How to Be Productive on a Working Vacation

1/21/2021

Yes, You Can Work in Paradise, Get the Job Done and Have Time for Fun

Courtesy Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

By In The Loop Travel, in collaboration with Sandals Resorts
Over the past year, remote work has become an increasingly popular option for employers and businesses. In many cases, it's mandatory for at least the time being.
This style of work opens up an entire world of possibilities for employees. Avid travelers are now faced with an exciting range of new ways to combine work and wanderlust. Here's our guide to best tips and tricks for how you can make the most of remote working situation when you're combining it with a vacation.

Check the WiFi Speeds
Wireless internet access is available at almost every resort location, but that doesn't mean the connection speeds are suitable for your needs for video conferencing and downloading files, etc. You can expect to see two real categories of internet speeds.
Casual internet speeds at resorts are similar to those in private residences. These speeds are fast enough to stream videos to televisions and smartphones, often at speeds up to 1080p. Typically, this is all that most people need for remote work. Casual speeds are those between 25 Mbps and 200 Mbps.
Professional internet speeds (greater than 200 Mbps) are better for heavy data usage. These are necessary if you want to transfer gigabyte-size files quickly, and they usually aren't available at all resorts. However, you might get professional speeds if you can plug into the internet with an ethernet connection instead of using the property's WiFi service.

Schedule Your Work Times
You can hardly call it a vacation if you're always thinking about work. That's why you should schedule your work times so you can get things done, then put it aside and enjoy the rest of your time in your chosen idyllic destination (say, The Bahamas or Barbados?) to the fullest.
We suggest getting everything done in the morning. That might not work if the rest of your team is too far away, so you might need to do some work around lunchtime or even through the afternoon.
If possible, try to schedule your work times and any necessary meetings before you head off on your vacation. Maybe your team will be flexible if they know that you plan to enjoy a working vacation for a week or two. If you know when to be available for work and when you can focus entirely on yourself, it's far easier to plan the rest of your trip activities, such as hikes, boat outings and other excursions.

Select a Working Zone
Whether you're staying overnight or for several weeks, try to pick a specific area of your accommodations and designate it as your working area. This makes it easier to put your work behind you when you're finished with it. You might pick an area as small as a single table. Or, if your rental space is large enough, you could designate an entire separate room for your working environment.
Avoid taking work outside of your residence. Doing so will greatly diminish your experience and negate the reason you decided to work from a tropical Caribbean paradise.
For example, vacations in Antigua offer access to plenty of upscale bars, swimming pools, fun activities and serene spaces. It will difficult to fully enjoy all the amenities and experiences if you let your work environment sprawl into the places meant for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Security Matters
VPNs (virtual private networks) are a useful tool for doing remote work. Even better, you can usually try one out with a free trial while you're on vacation, which means you won't have to pay for it unless you want to keep using it.
The main reason to consider using a VPN is that some workplace systems have security measures that will slow or even deny you access to certain websites. A VPN allows you to set up a "private network" and designate your location even while you're using a public network. This offers greater security from hackers and avoids any problems, such as blocked access to websites or systems you need for work.
Some companies offer VPN services to employees traveling internationally, so be sure to ask your company whether it can set you up on a VPN for your working vacation.

Craft Your Creature Comforts
Extra comforts are one of the best perks of working remotely. The little extras that come along with a relaxing resort vacation might even help boost your work productivity.
Drinks: Savoring local coffee blends is a great way to start your day. You can enjoy a taste of your destination, and delicious coffees may help you wake up and become energized to power through all of your work. If you're not a coffee fan, juice blends can offer a sweet alternative. After work, it's time to celebrate, settle into vacation mode and try the regional wines, cocktails and beers.
Cuisine: Just like having drinks around, setting out a little food, like regional fruits and nuts, can make work far more enjoyable and keep up your energy levels. We recommend dishes that you can eat with one hand, including fruit bowls or sandwiches.
Be Bright: Lighting can vary by room. A bright environment helps mood and productivity. Make sure to have a good view of your scenic surroundings. If needed, you can ask the staff to provide an extra lamp (table or free-standing) to light your work area. Lamps can also make it easier to work without disturbing others.
Seating: Why sit in a small, hard chair while you're on vacation? Plush seating is easily the best option, and it can help you stay relaxed while you focus on work. You can move the furniture in your room around a little if necessary to create the best ergonomics for your time at the resort.
Room Service: If you know when you plan to finish working, you can ask the resort staff to provide food or drinks at a scheduled time. It's a great way to change your pace and begin focusing on the real reason you decided to work from paradise.

Thanks for reading,
JR

0 Comments

U.S. System Adds Cross-State Bike Routes in Wisconsin, California

9/8/2020

0 Comments

Wisconsin's USBR 30 includes several miles in the state's scenic Driftless Region.

By John Roberts
One of the most-exciting ways to see the country is to get a good look around while sitting high in your saddle- or bike seat. We love biking adventures that allow you to set the pace for your daily exploration and also give you a great sense of accomplishment when you sit down for that well-earned meal and cold drinks with friends each night.
The Adventure Cycling Association is the largest cycling membership organization in North America with more than 50,000 members, and the group supports the development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System, a network of more than 14,000 miles across 29 states.
The organization has announced the designation of the first U.S. Bicycle Routes in Wisconsin and California. In Wisconsin, USBR 30 and USBR 230 utilize several off-road trails to connect Milwaukee to the Mississippi River at Bluff Siding. In California, USBR 50 connects Lake Tahoe and the existing USBR 50 in Nevada to the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, they add more than 500 miles of new routes to the USBRS.
To check for awesome routes in your state, have a look at the interactive maps of the USBR System as well as the Adventure Cycling Route network. Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free.
"The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging everyone to find new and creative ways to spend their recreation and vacation time," said Jim Tymon, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials executive director. "Many people have turned to the bicycle for daily commuting, recreation and tourism.
"State departments of transportation are committed to providing more travel options to get people where they want to go. And with the addition of U.S. Bicycle Routes in California and Wisconsin, there are now 29 states that are part of the USBRS, which is connecting communities both large and small and urban and rural."
The USBRS is developing a national network of officially recognized, numbered and signed bicycle routes. All U.S. Bicycle Routes are designated by AASHTO. With the new designations, the USBRS boasts 14,598 miles of routes in 29 states and Washington, D.C. At least 40 states are currently developing U.S. Bicycle Routes.
Adventure Cycling Association, a nonprofit organization that provides national coordination for the U.S. Bicycle Route System, partners with AASHTO to ensure states have the resources and expertise needed for successful route designation.

Let's have a look at the two new rides:

In Wisconsin
USBR 30 begins in Milwaukee, at Lake Michigan, and ends in Bluff Siding, on the Mississippi River. The 269-mile route uses multiple types of existing bicycling infrastructure, including state and county bike trails, roads and bike paths, and state and county highways. Wisconsin also designated USBR 230, a 40-mile alternate route that provides routing directions for use when the Merrimac Ferry (Colsac III) is not in operation.
"Establishing this route has been years in the making and it's a great accomplishment for the state," said Craig Thompson, Wisconsin Department of Transportation secretary-designee. "More than 70 communities in 11 counties worked together to create this great transportation corridor that will be enjoyed by local, regional and national bicyclists."
USBR 30 and USBR 230 showcase many natural and cultural resources across the state, including forests, vibrant urban areas and the meandering Driftless Region. Together the two routes guide cyclists through more than 160 miles of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources state and county trails, including the Glacial Drumlin State Trail and the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.
"More than half of USBR 30 is made up of our state bike trails," said Preston Cole, Department of Natural Resources secretary. "This new route gives bicyclists detailed directions to navigate across the state, providing yet another way to experience our great outdoors."
More information about USBR 30 and USBR 230 can be found on the Wisconsin DOT website.

In California
USBR 50 begins in South Lake Tahoe, at the Nevada border, and ends in San Francisco. The 233-mile route traverses the Sierra Nevada, winds through the Sacramento Delta and crosses the Bay Area. It incorporates a ferry across the San Francisco Bay and connects to USBR 50 in Nevada.
Leaving South Lake Tahoe, the route climbs over several mountain passes and follows the Mormon Emigrant Trail Road, featured in the 2018 and 2019 Tour of California races. In El Dorado County, USBR 50 utilizes the popular El Dorado Trail. This paved rail trail segment treats cyclists to a restored railroad trestle 200 feet above Weber Creek.
From Folsom to the state capital city of Sacramento, USBR 50 utilizes the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, providing more than 30 miles of car-free cycling.
Continuing to the west, USBR 50 passes the Pena Adobe, located within the 470-acre Lagoon Valley Park. Built in 1842, Pena Adobe is the oldest structure in Solano County. Cyclists on USBR 50 can take in the scenic vistas of the Suisun Marsh, one of the largest freshwater ecosystems in California, before dropping into the greater San Francisco Bay and enjoying the waterfront views.
From the "California Alps" to the agriculture of the Central Valley, from the Sacramento River Delta to the San Francisco Bay, this route illustrates the diversity of natural beauty within California.
"USBR 50 in El Dorado County not only provides a scenic bicycle route over the Sierra Nevada but also connects the largest communities in our county," said Mike Bean, Friends of El Dorado Trail board member. "Long term, I hope we can improve USBR 50 to serve not only visitors to the county, but local residents cycling for recreation, biking to work, and running errands by bike."
With the designation of USBR 50 in California, the U.S. Bicycle Route System is now only one state away from a complete coast-to-coast connection. A future connection across Colorado will one day make this seamless routing possible.

Happy riding, and thanks for reading,
JR

0 Comments

5 Countries to Consider if You Want to Try Life Outside the U.S.

8/10/2020

0 Comments

Costa Rica might be your ideal expat home. The Caribbean nation is affordable and English is widely spoke, making it easy for Americans to settle in.

By John Roberts
If you're reading this, you obviously have a passion for travel and new experiences.
What about really leaning into your wanderlust by moving to a new country?
Americans are increasingly looking abroad, pondering a life outside of the United States.
The following article, courtesy of InternationalLiving.com, details some of the hottest spots that look like attractive new homes for Americans looking for something new and exciting.

More Pondering a New Home Since the Pandemic
More than 250,000 Americans have investigated moving to New Zealand since the world became gripped by the COVID-19 crisis, according to the New Zealand Herald. In June 2020, searches were up 160 percent compared with June 2019.
International Living reports that its How to Move Out of the U.S. page has seen a surge of in traffic, with views up 505 percent since the end of May 2020.
Companies that help people get second passports say they're seeing a significant uptick in interest in their services. Clearly, Americans are looking for ways to escape, for a variety of reasons, including concern about the possible dwindling attractiveness of the U.S. passport.
The pandemic has caused job losses in the millions in the United States, so some folks are looking for places where they can lower their cost of living. For others, remote working flexibility has them thinking that if they can work from home, their home might as well be at a beach. In the right spots overseas, a waterfront home can prove remarkably affordable.
"English-speaking New Zealand, which has been in the news lately for its positive handling of the pandemic, seems an obvious place to start," says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor, International Living. "However -- it's relatively expensive, far away, and has very strict and hard-to-satisfy immigration rules.
"Other options can make more sense -- places that are closer, lower cost, and have easier-to-meet visa requirements -- but which are also friendly, safe, welcoming locales where it's pretty easy to settle in as an expat.
"In a place like Costa Rica, for instance, lots of people speak English as it's taught in the schools from a young age. Well-established expat communities make settling in easy, your dollars really stretch (a budget from as low as $1,500 can bankroll a comfortable life for a couple), and three good visa options make it relatively easy to gain residence there."
The website's editors have highlighted countries that offer good value and ease of transition for Americans looking to move.
Thinking of making a big move overseas? You might want to consider Costa Rica, Belize, Ireland, Uruguay, and Portugal.

Costa Rica
A perennial front-runner in International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index, Costa Rica's political stability and low-key profile are strong draws for expats.
Costa Rica's landscape is stunning, with jaw-dropping expanses of coast, jungles rich with everything from spider monkeys and sloths to scarlet macaws and quetzals, gorgeous lakes and volcanic valleys.
Although just the size of West Virginia, the country has two major international airports, typically with daily flights on every North American airline from major gateway cities. With that ease of travel, it is convenient to get back home for special occasions or to easily receive visitors in your adopted homeland.
Ticos (the moniker Costa Ricans give themselves) have established one of the world's most stable democracies. The country dissolved its standing army in 1949 and the reallocated funds are spent on education, healthcare and pensions.
English is taught in schools in Costa Rica from a young age, so while it's helpful to know Spanish, a lot of expats get by on just the basics, as most citizens speak some English -- and in tourist towns, English is widely spoken. With plenty of well-established expat communities, Costa Rica is a relatively easy place for Americans to settle in.
Tourists can stay for up to 90 days on a tourist visa, and longer stays are easy enough to arrange. If you plan to live in Costa Rica long term it is best to seek residence -- The Pensionado Program and The Rentista Program are more popular visa options.
A couple a can live well in Costa Rica's cooler-weather Central Valley in a town like Atenas, for instance, from $1,518 a month.

Belize
This beautiful country has seen rapid growth in popularity as an option for expats.
There are good reasons for the retirement haven's popularity.
As a British Commonwealth country, English is the primary language, making it easy for expats to transition. In fact, Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its main language, and that goes for its islands, too.
Also, moving to Belize is easy -- U.S. currency is accepted, credit cards are widely used, and well-known U.S. brands are available too; they're expensive, but substitutes are easy to find.
Belize is a barefoot nirvana. It's hard to put its charm into words, but the best description might include the phrase "rustic paradise."
From its secluded beaches to its steamy rain forests, Belize is a country of diverse natural beauty. Its slow pace of life makes it a popular tourist destination, and the cost of living remains low. For the more adventurous traveler, activities can include a trek into the jungle in search of Maya ruins, spotting parrots, toucans and maybe even a jaguar along the way.
Belize requires visitors to have sufficient money to support themselves, a return ticket and a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of arrival. As a citizen of the U.S. or Canada, you can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to go to the Immigration office for an updated visitor's permit or tourist stamp. If you can show proof of long-term renting or other documents showing why you are staying in the country, you can be granted a 60- or 90-day permit.
Many expats apply for permanent residence in Belize. As a resident, you can work in Belize without needing a work permit. Having your residence also makes it easy to travel in and out of the country.
You must live in Belize for 50 consecutive weeks before you can apply for permanent residence. To do this, enter the country on a tourist visa and then renew your visa every 30 days until you reach 50 weeks. At that point, you can submit your application for permanent residence. It can take a few years to receive approval and your residence card.
A couple living and renting on Ambergris Caye can live well on a monthly budget from $2,875.

Ireland
Even if you have no familial ties to Ireland, you've likely heard plenty about what this small island nation in the North Atlantic has to offer: the stunning beauty of its dramatic coastlines, historic castles, a rich culture of music, dance and literature -- and warm, witty, friendly people.
The whole nation -- but particularly the countryside -- takes a small-town approach to life. Everyone in Ireland speaks English (even in the few Irish-speaking areas). The Irish are friendly, hospitable people. It may be a cliche, but it's true: the literal translation of "hello" in Irish is "a hundred thousand welcomes to you."
You don't have to make a hard choice among seascapes, mountains, tranquil lake lands or verdant river valleys. Ireland has them all.
Ireland is small. In most towns and villages, you're never too far from the ocean, golden beaches swept clean by rolling Atlantic waves, views of mysterious smaller islands shimmering offshore and quaint harbor towns with hand-painted shop fronts and color-washed cottages.
And Ireland is a key player for folks who want to explore Europe, thanks to the island being outside the Schengen Zone. That means that a trip to the Emerald Isle (or another country outside the Schengen Zone, such as Cyprus or Croatia) for under 90 days, stops the clock on their EU tourist visaâ€”allowing travelers to pick up where they left off when they return to the Zone.
On a monthly budget of $2,762 to $2,806 a couple can enjoy a coastal retirement in a community like Waterford.

Uruguay
This small country on the east coast of South America is also among the top countries in the region when it comes to infrastructure.
Here, you'll find the best overall road system, the most reliable electrical grid and one of the fastest overall internet speeds in Latin America. You'll also find quality medical care, safe drinking water and good public transportation.
The country's interior is part of the South American Pampas used for cattle grazing and farming. On Uruguay's coast, you find beautiful sand beaches popular with vacationers. Most expats are attracted to Uruguay for its tranquilo (calm) lifestyle -- a healthy, stress-free approach to living.
Even though Uruguay is a small country, it offers a variety of lifestyle options. Choose among places like Punta del Este, the continent's most sophisticated beach resort; La Paloma, a small beach town on the Atlantic coast; a small farm or rural town in Uruguay's countryside or Montevideo, the capital city with an active cultural scene.
Montevideo, a coastal city on the Rio de la Plata, is a place where the traditional and the modern weave together to form a sophisticated European-style feel. It is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in South America.
From its Old World theaters and opera houses, to its jazz festivals and exquisite restaurants, Montevideo looks and feels like modern Europe.
The city has many large parks, plazas, tree-lined streets, sandy beaches, and wide avenues. The "rambla" -- the promenade that runs the full length of Montevideo's seven-mile coastline --provides a long-paved strip ideal for walking, running and bicycling.
You can stay in the country for 90 days at a time as often as you like. And for a small fee, a tourist visa can often be renewed, for stays of 180 days at a time. However, if you are thinking longer-term, becoming a permanent resident enables you to live in Uruguay full time, make Uruguay your home country, get a job or start a business in Uruguay. One of the benefits of Uruguay residency is the ability to import your home furnishings and household goods duty free during the residency approval process.
Two people can live in Montevideo on $3,200 a month, renting a one-bedroom, furnished apartment in Pocitos, the most popular expat neighborhood in the city.

Portugal
"Safety, quality affordable healthcare, a relaxing lifestyle, a rich history and culture, savory cuisine, geographic diversity -- you'll discover all these elements in Portugal -- on about a third of your current budget," says expat Tricia Pimental. "I know. It's where I've spent the past seven years and I love it.
Portugal offers so much to retirees. Expats typically find their expenses in Portugal run about one-third of what they are in the U.S. You can live a comfortable, although not extravagant, lifestyle for about $2,500 a month.
If you choose to live in Porto, Lisbon or in the expat havens of Cascais or the Algarve, that number bumps up to $3,000.
Rental and housing markets offer diverse options. Naturally, it is more expensive in prime areas like Lisbon and in the southern region of the Algarve.
"But by searching within 20 minutes of a specific town, you can find a gem that fits your budget,â€ Pimental says.
As a retirement destination, Portugal is simply fantastic -- but it is also a top destination for digital nomads.
"Since the late 2000s, Portugal has been implementing a plan to develop a preeminent, state-of-the-art infrastructure," Pimental says. "That's evidenced by one of the highest per-capita fiber optic networks in Europe and also what is arguably the most modern highway system, per mile driven, in all of Europe. The speed of this development has attracted international high-tech firms, even luring the Web Summit a few years ago from its home in Ireland to a ten-year contract in Lisbon."
A visa is not required for tourist visits to Portugal for a period of up to 90 days for U.S. and Canadian citizens. However, note that your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry into Portugal. If you wish to stay in Portugal for longer than the tourist limit of 90 days out of every 180 days, then you should look into getting a residence visa. There are several types of visas available, including visas for students, the self-employed and investors. Portugal also offers a so-called Golden Visa for high net-worth individuals.

What do you think? Do any of these destinations stir a little expat wanderlust in your soul? Do you think you would like to try living at least part time in another country?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks for reading,
JR

0 Comments

<<Previous

Best Tips for How to Be Productive on a Working Vacation

U.S. System Adds Cross-State Bike Routes in Wisconsin, California

5 Countries to Consider if You Want to Try Life Outside the U.S.

Categories

Archives