Month: August 2020

Digital Nomad Lifestyle

by Heather Anne • August 25, 2020

The Digital Nomad Lifestyle

What is a digital nomad? It’s someone who is location-independent, and can work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Many digital nomads travel internationally, staying weeks or months in each place. Some others take their work with them on shorter trips, or domestic trips. Chart your own path and choose the itinerary and schedule that best suit you!

Is this lifestyle right for you?

To determine whether this lifestyle is right for you, take an inventory on yourself. If you do, not only will you be determining if this way of life is right for you, you will be able to determine what TYPE of digital nomad is right for you. There are many different ways to embark on this journey!

It may be right for you if:

You have a good work ethic
You’re open minded
You’re open to risk
You’re adaptable
You have a tolerance for being alone
You can succeed without structure

It may not be right for you if:

You have an aversion to hard work
You’re not open minded
You have an aversion to risk
You’re rigid or don’t like change
You crave a strong connection to family and friends
You need a structured environment to succeed

Digital nomad planning pre-trip

Plan for success! To succeed as a digital nomad, there are several considerations you need to address before taking the leap. Sure – you could just “wing it,” and some do. But to maximize the chance that you will be a happy, successful, well-adjusted digital nomad, you should consider the checklist I have outlined below!

You need access to a remote, sustainable income. That income could take many forms, which I will cover later in this post. And multiple income streams will give you even more financial security.
And 3-6 months’ cost of living in savings, OR a pre-paid return ticket, pre-paid accommodations, AND a place to return to. Things happen. It’s a fact of life. So be prepared. Three months’ worth of living expenses can help you ride things out if work is slow or clients are slow paying you. And if your return ticket and accommodations are pre-paid, the panic won’t set in if, for whatever reason, you run out of money. A “home base” to return to could be a home you own or rent, or family you can rely on. This will offer you a secure way out if you need to bail on your trip, or if you decide the lifestyle is not for you.
If you’re in a relationship your partner should be on-board with your plan. Ideally that would mean accompanying you. But it could also mean they are willing to maintain a long-distance relationship. If you opt to enter into a long-distance relationship, be prepared to face major challenges. While apps like Skype can keep people connected, with physical contact limited you lose a lot of the intimacy that relationships thrive on. Of course, if you’re single, you’re good to go!
Do you have kids? It may not be impossible to do this with kids in tow, but I wouldn’t advise it. Children have more difficulty adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, and pulling them out of schools and away from their friends and family can be extremely hard on them. Absolutely the best case scenario here is: no kids, or your kids are over eighteen.

You also need a plan for any pets you may have. Whether or not it’s impossible to bring your pet with you depends on where you’re going and that country’s rules. Make sure you do your research if you want to do this. Another option is to hire a pet-sitter, or leave them with willing friends or family. There’s also some businesses popping up where people exchange use of their home to travelers in exchange for watching their pet. Of course, if you have no pets, there’s no problem!
Personality is important. Take an inventory of your feelings about adapting to foreign cultures. For example, it’s a lot cheaper to get your food at locals’ establishments abroad than foreign or “Western” (assuming you’re not in the West) restaurants. And getting around and conducting your daily routine is definitely easier if you’re willing to pick up some of the language. There’s also manners and routines in the culture to consider. Your success depends on being adaptable!
Consider your health needs. Your first consideration will be whether you need any vaccines before traveling, depending on where in the world you’re going. The second consideration will be your health insurance strategy. This may mean checking to see what any plan you currently have covers abroad. Or thinking about whether you want to obtain health insurance for travel if you don’t currently have a plan. And if you decide to purchase coverage, you’ll want to shop around for the combination of coverage and price that best meet your needs. Don’t forget to read the fine print!

Pros of being a digital nomad

There are many amazing experiences to be had as a digital nomad that will be cherished for a lifetime. And who wouldn’t want to make friends world-wide? Check out some of my pros:

Location freedom
Lower cost of living (depending on where you go)
Cultural worldliness
Sense of adventure
Scheduling freedom (to an extent – consider your clients/employer and the time zone!)

Cons of being a digital nomad

There’s also some pitfalls and myths about being a digital nomad that should not be overlooked. Consider the cons:

Away from familiar social circle for long periods of time
Border and immigration hassles
Hard work and hustle
Possible infrastructure issues (such as potentially slow internet)
Unfamiliar culture and language (although, may be a plus!)
Financial risk (unless you’re living on some kind of guaranteed income or savings)

Immigration considerations

You’ll need to do your research on immigration requirements. Different countries have vastly different requirements for foreign nationals on extended stays. What the requirements are in a place should factor into your decision whether to go there. For some countries, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Britain can stay for a very long time with no visa. The countries of Georgia and Barbados, for example, allow stays for up to a whole year with no visa. In the case of other countries, you do need to leave after a smaller length of time. Often you can stay without interruption between one and six months. But some countries allow you to return after a “visa run.” This is when you leave the country overnight and come back, re-setting the length of time you’re allowed to stay. Then there’s other countries where you’re allowed a fixed amount of time per year, whether you leave and come back or not. You’ll want to have a clear grasp of these regulations for wherever you’re going. Otherwise you may be leaving in the worst way possible – being kicked out!

Digital nomad sources of remote income

Digital nomads have many options when it comes to ways to earn an income remotely. I’ll go through an abbreviated list here!

A lifetime of hard work may earn you retirement. Whether you’re living on a pension, government retirement program, or savings, this is clearly the best option. You’ll have the most time to enjoy your new destination, and your finances will be predictable and stable.
Remote work for a land-based employer. These jobs are tougher to score, but becoming more mainstream. I had success proving myself to an employer in-person at headquarters for a year before requesting the option to work remotely. If you take this route you can prove to your employer you’re indispensable, that you can work without supervision, and that you can be trusted.
Freelancing can be done in a variety of fields. Think about what marketable skills you have, and contract them out to different clients. This is a great opportunity for people from high-demand fields. Some of these include information technology professionals, accountants, language teachers, recruiters, and virtual assistants. You could contract your services out on a platform like Upwork or Fiverr, or market yourself on your own website.
Got a LOT of patience? Blogging or social media influencing may work for you. I can tell you from first hand experience this is a long, tough road. It’s advisable this not be your sole income until you’re well-established. Get grounded before hitting the road. Otherwise, you may find it takes a lot longer to curate a following, and make money from it, than you thought! This is best utilized as a backup stream of income.

Passive income is ideal for nomads. Passive income, like retirement, can give you a lot more time to explore and soak in the sights and sounds of your new home! Passive income can be achieved through investment in the stock and commodities market. Or by investing in real estate – either by buying and flipping properties, renting them out to tenants, or renting them out through agencies like Airbnb.
You could start an online business. This can be done through selling products on a Woo Commerce storefront, through drop shipping, selling products on a site like Etsy, or offering your services through an online business presence. Many of the skills that are good for freelancing are also good for opening an online business. You could also buy an established, existing business to take the helm and run.
Contractor or gig work may be an option… Companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Skip the Dishes are jobs you can take with you, but often only domestically unless you have a work permit for the foreign country you’re headed to. Just like regular employees, contractors also need to be eligible to work in a country to get hired. Be advised, with some of these companies, you need to contact them to switch your home base, and there may be a waiting period. There’s also gig jobs on sites like Craigslist, or through people you meet on the road. Since these jobs are more informal, you may not need to provide documentation that you’re eligible to work. But be aware that if you are outside your home country it’s likely a violation of the law to engage in this type of work, since you’re taking a potential job away from a citizen or resident with a work permit…

More of the digital nomad lifestyle

Thank you for reading! I’ll have more digital nomad content coming soon! Please leave a comment if you’re a digital nomad, or considering becoming a digital nomad! I’d like to hear about your experiences and why you decided to pursue this way of life! And check out my YouTube video on becoming a digital nomad here!

Digital Nomad Overview on YouTube

Want to hit the road right now… virtually…? Check out my blog post on Kusadasi, Turkey! https://ultimatetraveladventures.wordpress.com/2020/07/28/kusadasi-turkey-tour/

And you can view more video tours on the Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube channel at!

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherAnneUltimateTravelAdventures

Podcast

Ultimate Casino Update Podcast Episode 2

by Heather Anne • August 19, 2020

Amuesment Park at Steel Pier Atlantic City, NJ

News from Atlantic City, Las Vegas, New York, and More!

Welcome to Episode 2 of the brand new Ultimate Casino Updates podcast! Tune in for the latest news going on around the casino resort and gaming industry! For the time being, the podcasts will be uploaded bi-weekly, BUT once our subscriber count goes up we’ll switch to weekly! So if you enjoy the podcast be sure to subscribe and share with your tribe! The podcast is available here on the blog every other Wednesday, as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more! I scour the internet regularly to gather all the biggest casino updates from around the U.S., Canada, and around the world, to provide to you what you need to know all in one place! Thanks for listening!

Travelogue

Spectacular Travel in Paphos Cyprus

by Heather Anne • August 18, 2020

The Promenade in Paphos

Travel in Paphos Cyprus

Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said “Big results require big ambitions.” These big results by the ancient world are evident all over the island of Cyprus. The Cyprus of today is culturally split. Much of the west and south are culturally Greek. And much of the east and north are culturally Turkish. The capital of Limassol has been a point of contention over history, and remains influenced by both. Despite the conflict over history, Cyprus is a peaceful, safe, and friendly place today. I will be exploring Pathos and the surrounding areas in this post. Pathos is on the west coast of the island.

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beaches

Visiting a black sand beach has always been high on my bucket list of travel experiences. And Cyprus was happy to oblige! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Black sand comes from eroded volcanic material such as lava, basalt rocks, and other dark-colored rocks and minerals, and is typically found on beaches near volcanic activity.” (NOAA. How Does Sand Form. National Ocean Service website, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov.) Meanwhile, iron oxide is responsible for the tan color common to many beaches around the world. This area of the mediterranean is notorious for volcanic activity, hence the brilliant black color of many of Cyprus’ beautiful beaches.

Aphrodite’s Rock… and more Black Sand

Aphrodite’s Rock

Petra tou Romiou, or “Rock of the Roman,” is most commonly referred to as “Aphrodite’s Rock.” This is the birthplace of Aphrodite in Greek mythology. The “Roman” referred to in the name cites Basil, a Christian who supposedly stood upon a mountaintop and threw the rock to interfere with an assault by the Saracens, an invading Arabian peoples. There’s no reference to Aphrodite here on the beach. Her presence today is in spirit only. And in kitschy souvenirs lining the shelves in the shop by the parking lot… This is a peaceful location, ideal for reflecting on the wisdom of Greek mythology. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore is ideal for this kind of meditation.

Promenade Shops and Restaurants

Strolling Along the Promenade

The town of Paphos is scenic and inviting. A stroll along the lengthy promenade treats you to the ocean breeze. Meanwhile, you enjoy beautiful scenes of the sea, and an abundance of shops and restaurants to explore. I found this area spotlessly clean and well-maintained. It’s a great place for leisurely people-watching. There are numerous gelato stands with many mouth-watering varieties to help you beat the heat if you’re here in the hot months. Feast on your favorite on a nearby bench and watch the tide come in.

Roman Theatre in Paphos

The Incredible Ancient Roman Theater

The ancient Roman theater in Paphos sits way up on a high perch. It has a commanding view of the ocean below. The theater was built around 300 B.C. It boasts some impressive civil engineering feats! For one thing, the acoustics are amazing! You can stand on the stage and project your voice for the whole of the stands to hear, and beyond. And, the location high up on the cliff is a sight to behold. Visit the site and imagine a Roman drama under the stars. The University of Sydney is conducting research on the site. You can visit their website here if you are interested in reading about their work on the site.

Mosaics in Paphos Archeological Park

Paphos Archaeological Park

The ancient Roman ruins don’t end with the theater. There’s a whole museum site to explore, the “Paphos Archaeological Park.” Here you’ll find yet another theater and several other structures. The highlight of a visit to the park, however, is the main complex, which houses numerous brilliantly preserved ancient Roman mosaics. Let the Romans tell you their story through their art, here in the park. The park is most famous for the elaborate villas of the Roman elites. These include the Houses of Dionysos, Aion, Theseus, and Orpheus. The aristocracy in Rome took every opportunity to flaunt their wealth through magnificent art in their private residences, including these magnificent mosaics. The Cypriots have done an outstanding job of preserving these treasures, and excavation continues as there is even more to be uncovered. These were the best Roman mosaics I’ve seen anywhere.

More Travel in Paphos Cyprus

When you travel to Paphos, Cyprus you’ll find so much to explore. The written word alone can’t do this incredible island justice. You can view my full video tour here:

Check out more amazing Roman ruins! Join my virtual tour of Ephesus, Turkey here:

Tour Ephesus Turkey Treasures

Click HERE to get my FREE 12-page e-guide with my Top 10 tips for saving money on travel and to subscribe to be informed of future posts! Thank you for reading!

Travelogue

Tour Athens Greece and Be Amazed!

by Heather Anne • August 11, 2020

The Parthenon at Night

Tour Athens Greece and Be Amazed!

To tour Athens, Greece is to journey back in time to the ancient soul of this timeless city. Athens may be a huge metropolis, but many of its neighborhoods have a peaceful, village feel. There are many oases to which to escape and ponder the wisdom of the philosophers. Aristotle wrote, “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” This quote beautifully illustrates Athens. She has a single soul inhabiting both the ancient and the modern bodies. Her spirit of curiosity and innovative thinking are timeless.

The Parthenon by Day

The Parthenon

The iconic Parthenon is the symbol of Athens. Also known as the “Temple of Athena,” it stands proudly atop the Acropolis Hill. At this towering height it overlooks the entire city. It’s a constant remembrance of Athens’ illustrious past. The Greeks finished the Parthenon in 437 BC. It was a tribute to Athens’ patron goddess Athena. Unfortunately, the Parthenon was heavily damaged in 1687. At that time the Venetians besieged the Ottoman ammunition storage post here. But its beauty continues, scars and all. You can visit the Parthenon today, if you’re willing to brave the lines and make the trek up Acropolis Hill. Visiting Athens without a stop at the Parthenon is unthinkable!

The Erechtheion and Caryatids

While you’re up on Acropolis Hill, don’t miss the Erechtheion and Caryatids. The Erechtheion, constructed in the early 400s BC, may have been a tribute to King Erechtheus. It was used as a temple to the goddess Athena. The structure housed a statue of her. She was Athens’ patron goddess, and the namesake of the city. The Caryatids inhabit the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. These six women serve as pillars. But they are distinctly different from the doric, ionic, and corinthian orders of pillars more commonly found in the ancient world. Caryatids were notably used within structures serving treasury purposes. Here they stand, timelessly guarding this ancient sanctuary, in all their stunning beauty.

The Parliament building, Syntagma Square

The Parliament Building, Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is the central square in Athens. It was unveiled in the early nineteenth century. Syntagma Square has been a core meeting place and transportation headquarters ever since. Wide open spaces cancel claustrophobia, and Athenians conduct their business and pleasure with the beautiful backdrop of the Parliament building. Also known as the Hellenic Parliament, 300 elected members meet here to administer, in a democratic republic governing system that has stood the test of time from Athens’ ancient roots. Not to mention a system which has influenced government functioning all over the world up to the modern day.

The Acropolis Theatre

The Acropolis Theatre, also known as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, was finished in 161 AD. This impressive structure could hold up to 5,000 spectators in its heyday. The Germanic tribe of “barbarian” Heruli demolished it in 267 AD. At that time they were ravaging the ancient Roman Empire across the European continent. Greece was part of the Roman Empire from 146 BC to 330 AD, beginning with the Battle of Corinth. Magnificent views of the city can be had from this high perch. Whether there’s a show going on upon the stage or not, enjoy the show of Athens’ fascinating daily life down below from these elevated stands.

Charming Plaka Neighborhood (Old Town)

Quaint Plaka Neighborhood

The “old town” in Athens exists in what is called the “Plaka” neighborhood. This quaint labyrinth of a village provides a peaceful respite from the boisterous downtown of the city. Here you’ll climb steep, narrow steps that weave their way through cute little houses. Pots of brilliantly colored flowers decorate and perfume the whitewashed path. So to really enjoy this neighborhood, let yourself get lost, and have fun navigating your way out! Consequently, by the end you’ll have a hearty appetite, and will have the perfect excuse to indulge in a delicious Greek lunch!

Pork Souvlaki Lunch Break

Delicious Grilled Meat Treat

Athens is well-known for their street food, particularly their succulent grilled meat kabobs. Thus, you’ll want to stop for Souvlaki or a Gyro for a quick treat. Or relax and enjoy some people-watching while you alfresco dine on delicious Greek specialties like Moussaka and Pastisio under the radiant Greek sun. Want something lighter? Go for some fresh Greek yogurt with honey. And wash it all down with an Ouzo, a local licorice-flavored alcoholic beverage. Then you’ll have the stamina to tackle Athens’ impressive museums.

The National Archaeological Museum

National Archaeological Museum

Given Greece’s esteemed history, it’s no surprise that her museums pack a punch. The National Archaeological Museum is Greece’s largest museum. Housed here are some of the most archetypal artifacts from the ancient Roman, Egyptian, and, above all Greek, worlds. See sculpture, metalwork, ceramics and more in this sizable museum. This is one of the world’s finest museums. It’s assuredly worth a stop on your tour of Athens, Greece.

The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is located next to Acropolis Hill. Hence, you can enjoy views of the Parthenon through gigantic glass walls here. The Greeks built this new structure in 2019. It was an attempt to persuade the British to return the “Elgin Marbles.” The Elgin Marbles are sculptures taken by British archaeologist Lord Elgin from the Parthenon in the early 1800s. Significantly, he carted about half of them back to Britain. Subsequently, he sold them to the British Museum, where they remain now. After that, the British argued that the Greeks didn’t have a suitable location to display the marbles. So the Greeks built this beautiful museum for that purpose. It’s a brilliant location within sight of the Parthenon, notably the original structure that housed it. And it’s within view from inside the museum where the sculptures would be displayed. But did the British return them after that? No…

Character is Destiny

Heraclitus wrote that “Character is destiny.” Undoubtedly, Athens’ character has been her destiny as one of the most alluring cities in the world. As a result, I hope you enjoyed my article on this captivating city. Finally, what do you think? Should Britain return the Elgin Marbles to Greece? Next, do you think Britain should be compensated in any way? On the other hand, should the marbles stay in the British Museum? Leave a comment with your thoughts, below. If you have an opinion, I’d love to hear it!

Tour More of Athens

Do you want to tour even more Athens via video? Consequently I have a full video tour on my YouTube channel here!:

And for more Greece:

Tour Rhodes Greece!

And for more travel around the world, check out my YouTube channel at:

Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube Channel

Podcast

Ultimate Casino Update Podcast Episode 1

by Heather Anne • August 5, 2020

Welcome to the Ultimate Casino Update Podcast!

Welcome to the grand premiere of my new podcast, Ultimate Casino Update! You got lucky finding this podcast! Now get the latest news updates on travel as it relates to the casino gaming and resort sector. I’ll update you on what’s happening with casino gaming around the world, with emphasis on the United States and Canadian markets. I’ll also pass along commentary and opinion from time to time. Listening to this podcast is a winning strategy! Thanks for your support!

If you enjoy this podcast, I hope you will subscribe and be notified of future podcast releases! Also be sure to visit my YouTube channel at:

https://youtube.com/c/HeatherAnneUltimateTravelAdventures

Travelogue

Tour Rhodes Greece!

by Heather Anne • August 4, 2020

Rhodes City Walls

The Island of the Knights

Tour Rhodes, Greece and you’ll quickly see why many call it “the island of the knights!” The Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem controlled the island from 1310 to 1522, and they definitely left their mark on this amazing place. Massive stone walls surround the Old Town area in near pristine condition. This World Heritage Site has maintained the historical integrity of the area. You can take a step back in time, surrounded by history, untarnished by the modern sprawl. Stone pathways lead you through a labyrinth of peaceful passageways you want to get lost in!

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Medieval Castle Culture

The most prominent structure in town is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. The Byzantines built this Gothic castle and fortress in the 7th century. Beautiful mosaics carpet the building. Meanwhile, a forest of archways, arcades, statues, and columns guide the way through. There’s so much to explore among this citadel of stone. The Palace is open to the public, and many guided tour options are available. So feel free to unleash your inner knight and storm the castle!

Temple of Apollo

Tour Rhodes’ Ancient Ruins

The island of Rhodes is littered with ancient ruins. In fact, there’s everything from complete villages to single structures scattered throughout the island. During my visit, restorations were being made to the Temple of Apollo on the Acropolis of Rhodes, up on the island’s highest point. Aphodite, Zeus, and Athena boast their own temples on the island as well. And at Ancient Kamiros and the archaeological site at Lindos provide an even more comprehensive look at an Ancient Greek community.

What’s Left of Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes

Rhodes was an important hub of activity in the ancient world long before the Crusaders. You can view what’s left of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Colossus of Rhodes at the port, and imagine the Greek deity Helios straddling the platforms and guarding the harbor. Wondering where the towering Helios is now? It’s thought he fell victim to earthquakes around 225bc. There are talks in the works of a possible rebuild of Helios, at five times the original height! I’m not sure how I feel about this prospect. Copies just don’t feel authentic to me, no matter how much research is completed or how true to the original concept the builders are. And, in this case, they’re looking at making a larger version, not a replica of the original. What do you think? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Incredible Panoramic Views

Tour Rhodes’ Panoramic Views

Just when you thought you’d seen it all there’s the incredible panoramic views Rhodes has to offer. I took a taxi from the port for a tour around the island, and one of the most memorable stops was the incredible overlook above the beach line and town. You can see the diverse geography of the island from here, and watch the cars drive by down below looking like the matchbox toy cars of your youth. For the bigger picture (where everything’s smaller!), make sure you visit the high points!

Greek Souvlaki. Lamb Skewer on a Plate with Potatoes and Tzatziki, Geece

Greek Treats

Cute Cafes along Cobbled Lanes

You may not want to return to the reality of the present, but when you spot the cute cafes, and smell the appetizing aromas, you may not be able to resist! Adorable cafes along cobbled lanes serve delectable Greek treats, like succulent grilled meat on the spit, mouth-watering moussaka, and the licorice-flavored liquor “Ouzo.” The tastes and scents of Rhodes are every bit as good as the sights, so consider a leisurely stop for lunch!