Thanks for sticking with me the last couple months as you've patiently waited for the reader survey results (I know you're sitting on the edge of your seat and stuff)! I have FINALLY tallied up all the numbers and some things really surprised me! A big thank you to the 250 participants: you have not only made my year, but you have helped me figure out my reader-base that much more. I am eternally grateful! Let's get started: What is your age? Are you male or female? Where are my male readers?! I do for a fact know I have them! Do I? Where are you from? Also had 2.70% from France, 2.70% from Denmark, 2.70% from Belgium, 2.40% from Sweden, 2.40% from Germany and 26 other countries were listed! Wow! I never realized how broad of an ... Read More
Archives for December 2014
Travel Insurance: Yay or Nay?
The age old question for any chronic traveler (especially those on a budget). Travel insurance tends to be a bit on the spendy side, and can be a real burden to those contemplating if it's something that's necessary or not. I used to be wishywashy about travel insurance. Not sure why, could have been the sticker shock associated with it I guess. Confession time: we spent our first two years traveling abroad without it. I am so thankful we stayed happy, healthy, and without injury. I just saw us as two average, physically fit, 20-something year olds, wandering the world with as much as we could fit in two checked bags. Why would we need insurance for that? As the years go by, I've slowly changed my mind. We purchased our first-ever ... Read More
Beginner’s Guide to Astrophotography
New Zealand is known to have some of the best starry sky visuals in the world. It's probably due to the fact that this little country is known as having some of the cleanest air in the world. I've enjoyed getting out and shooting the night sky a time or two while we've lived here, and after sharing a couple of those posts (found here and here) I thought it was high time to write a tutorial on how I take my night sky pictures. Astrophotography is a tricky thing. Not only do you have to get the light settings just right, but the proper infinite focal placement is insanely important. If you happen to stumble upon a quiet, clear night, head out and try your luck! What you need: -A camera with manual settings and manual focus -A ... Read More
And We’re Off!!!
The moment of waiting is finally over, our passports are being put to good use, and we're out discovering some more of the amazing world we live in! Just letting you know as a little PSA, I won't be replying to comments, posting on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for the duration of our vacation. Derik and I are going phone, tablet, and computer free, and I'm looking forward to a little R&R away from things! Don't worry, I'm not going to vanish entirely for three weeks: I have some lovely posts lined up for you! I look forward to reading all your comments when I get back. Wanna know where we will be? December 18th-30th South Pacific Cruise out of Sydney destinations being: New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and then back to ... Read More
Yonderbound: Make Travel Planning a Breeze
I'm a last minute accommodation booker. Why? I absolutely hate spending hours looking at hotels, reviews, and then finally digging around the interwebs for a good discount on the hotels that look the best to me. Derik and I typically use Agoda and Booking.com for reserving accommodation for our travels, but after the experience we had in Boracay, I've almost given up on them altogether. Enter Yonderbound. When I was first told of this spiffy new travel booking site, I was a bit skeptical. Oh no, here we go again, another confusing, time sucking, site to reference just so I can get the best prices. But, once I actually took the time to check out their site, I was blown away by how easy it was to search, book, and save something for ... Read More
Things All Expats Do But Won’t Admit To
First of all, I'm currently working on getting those survey results to you, and I'm so thrilled that 250 of you participated! Love seeing what you had to say and what you're interested in with LIAL. It's quite the feat to get that post up showing you all the stats, but I'm bound and determined to have it up before the week's over. Now, let's talk a little bit about expats. As you know (or maybe you don't), Derik and I have been living overseas since February of 2012. We began our expat journey on a little industrial island in South Korea, and then decided to move over here to New Zealand after 2.5 years. We're not 'professional expats' by any means, as there are some folks out there that have lived abroad for more than a decade! I'd like ... Read More
Wellington, New Zealand
Before moving to New Zealand, Derik and I were 70% sure we were going to settle down on the North Island in Wellington. The city somewhat resembles the quirky, active, inviting atmosphere we left back in Portland, Oregon, and we were ready for that again. We were still open to other places, and that's why we decided to campervan around New Zealand until we found the place that fit us. We chose Dunedin which happens to be near the bottom of the South Island. It's not quite the hustling, bustling little city as Wellington is, but it's full of history, things to do, and coffee shops. Derik was also given a great opportunity job-wise, so that was a huge factor in our decision to stay. That being said, in the brief time we had in Wellington, ... Read More
12 Songs for Your Travel Playlist
Derik and I love music. My husband probably even more than myself, as he ALWAYS has something playing on his phone. I'm one of those people that really enjoys listening to music…but not so much as background noise. That's why I can't listen and write-I get distracted! Blame it on me being a music minor in school for three years (that was before I realized majoring in two different fields and minoring was complete suicide…especially when you're on a 4 year graduation track). While traveling, music is a great way to kill the in-flight time and soothe a stressed-out mind. Derik and I just booked a 12 day cruise through the South Pacific for Christmas (thankful to his boss for surprising us with some time off !!!), and then will be ... Read More