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If you want to travel the world for a year with your partner and children, here are some things to know about getting it right:
The reality of long term travel is that it isn’t always fun or easy. While there are plenty of adventures to look forward to, you should also prepare yourself for boredom, disrupted travel plans, poor weather, uncomfortable situations, and more.
This is not meant to put you off your gap year. Rather, it is meant to offer a more balanced perspective of what your year of travel may look like. This way, you can ensure that you and your family are better prepared for the experience.
If you are traveling with younger children, education may not be a pressing issue. However, with older children, the situation can be more complicated, especially since each state and country has its own laws on homeschooling. Check what the requirements are and make sure to abide by them to prevent your kids from falling behind. To make the job easier, try to register your children in homeschooling courses or systems. They will be able to follow professionally constructed lessons, assignments, and more.
When traveling with children, you may not always get to be as adventurous as you like. This is especially true when moving around with infants and toddlers.
When it comes to babies, look for places with creature comforts and good healthcare in case of emergencies. You should also have constant access to safe water and food. Primary school-aged kids are a bit tougher, but you should still look for areas with proper accommodation and basic comfort.
When your kids enter their teenage years, you can head out to more remote areas or even into the wilderness. You can choose to live in RVs, and tents or travel to countries where you will find yourself off-the-beaten-path on a regular basis.
It’s only once you begin traveling that you realize how vastly different countries are, especially when it comes to supplies for your children. You might not be able to get the kind of baby formula or top quality car seats that you’re used to at home. Stock up on items that you can’t do without. If your children are quite young, take a car seat and stroller wherever you go as well.
When planning activities, it is important to balance out museum visits with fun activities for your kids. Otherwise, they will get bored and that’s not going to make a family gap year any easier. This doesn’t mean that you only have to hit up theme parks or play centers though.
Instead, focus trips around nature, animals, and activities that actively engage your kids. These trips keep them occupied but also broaden their minds and horizons. You may also want to do plenty of research before visiting larger cities. It won’t take long to see how kid-friendly a certain city might be and whether or not they have sufficient activities that would appeal to kids and a family.
A family gap year can be a great experience for everyone as long as you are prepared for what to expect. With the tips above, you can proceed knowing that you have properly thought out your decision and now understand how to move forward in the best interests of your entire family.
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Savannah is one of the greatest gems of the southern United States. It’s an enchantingly beautiful city with warm and welcoming locals — and an ideal stop on a Southern USA road trip!
In fact, I spent 3-days in Savannah to create this ultimate guide. Soak in the rich history and admire all the Spanish moss…beware, this Georgian peach is going to steal your heart.
Being the first planned city in the US, the streets are laid out on a perfect grid, making it an easy city to walk around. As you stroll from the waterfront all the way to Forsyth Park, you’ll see little “town squares” every block or so, and each one is as charming as the last.
Like much of the southern United States, this city is at its prime during the shoulder seasons. You’ll find gorgeous weather, reasonable pricing, and fewer crowds from April to May then again from September to October.
This coastal city with its cobblestoned streets, horse-drawn carriages, period architecture, trendy boutiques, and otherworldly beauty is like nowhere else — and, ohhh, that food!
You’ll definitely want to make reservations at a few of the iconic restaurants in the area — check out my Savannah foodie guide to plan out your meals!
Whether you are planning a girlfriend getaway, a holiday with your mom, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, Savannah is a dream destination for a long weekend.
Are you planning a trip to Savannah? Let me know in the comments below!
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It’s Black Friday time!
As we know, this day has become the ultimate shopping day every year in countries around the world. In the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Sweden, Mexico (known as “El Buen Fin”) and others, companies, both physical and online, offer deep discounts that are generally not seen the rest of the year.
For travelers, this is also a great period to plan your trips for next year as everything from travel gear to hotel rooms, if you look in the right places, are being offered at discounted rates.
Where do you want to go next year?
For me, I’m hoping to reach Japan, the Cook Islands and East Africa.
Take a moment to daydream. What destinations pop into your head? White sand beaches? Historic cities of Europe? The ancient temples and pyramids of Egypt?
If it’s beaches and warm water you’re after…
I’ve always been a huge fan of Mexico and would take any opportunity to hit up the Riviera Maya for some time in the sun, on the sand and in the beautiful water. Mix in some historical sites and visiting a few incredible cenotes and it’s a trip that’s hard to beat. On the other hand, one of my friends just learned to surf in Costa Rica and she raved about the experience down there. And after my recent trip to the Dominican Republic, if you’re just looking to relax in a paradise setting, Punta Cana offers remarkable opportunities to do just that.
If you’re looking for history and culture…
Perhaps a European trip is in order, admiring the architectural masterpieces that can be found in places such as Prague, Budapest, Rome and Barcelona. You can also combine this with some of Europe’s lesser known destinations (Brno, Bratislava, Ljubljana and Valencia, perhaps?) to create an experience that offers the best sights and days without any tourist crowds.
And if you’re looking for a proper hotel or resort stay, here’s an example of potential savings. Barcelo Hotels has announced Black Friday hotel offers at their 251 properties around the world (in over 20 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa). You’ll find up to a 40% discount plus you can get an extra 20% off with the code BF2021 at some excellent accommodations for next year.
This ensures you get the best price guaranteed. You can also receive other discounts through their “my Barcelo” loyalty program as well, simply by signing up.
If you saw yourself on a white-sand beach, options include:
If you prefer a cultural European trip, Barceló’s discounts can be found here as well:
Again, this is just an example. Black Friday discounts are everywhere.
So, where do you want to go next? What type of adventure are you looking for? If you can answer that question, get ready to save and turn those travel dreams into reality!
By the way, did you know the origin of the term Black Friday? It was apparently used by the police and bus drivers in Philadelphia back in the 1960s to describe the heavy pedestrian traffic on the day after Thanksgiving. It’s quite a different story these days.
*Dates of application of the promotional code are for new reservations made between 11/19/2021 to 11/28/2021 for travel between 11/19/2021 to 12/31/2022. Restrictions may apply in some hotels and specific periods.
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If you’ve never heard of Leavenworth, Washington, you’re in for a treat!
Did you know that you can channel all those European vibes without leaving the US? The Bavarian-styled village of Leavenworth is the place!
Located in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is lined with Alpine-style buildings and restaurants that offer German beer and food. The nearby lake of Wenatchee is the ideal spot for a cozy cabin getaway where you can bird-watch.
Oh, and did I mention the ski areas and wineries? Yep! This place is the ultimate winter holiday destination.
This quaint little town is the perfect Pacific Northwest winter weekend getaway, especially if you can visit during the holiday season. If you’re looking to embrace all those European Christmas market vibes without leaving the US, Leavenworth is like a little Bavaria.
While you would see the best of the town in 24 hours, I would recommend making a weekend out of it to truly get the chance to soak it all in.
Whether you’re exploring the Pacific Northwest on a road trip, looking to make a day trip from Seattle, or simply wanting to plan a cozy winter weekend in Leavenworth — definitely add this charming spot to your list.
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While every place on our beautiful planet is a sight to behold, some are simply magical, such as the city of Kyoto. Standing as the monument to the imperial age of Japan for over a millennium, Kyoto is the very lifeblood of traditional Japanese culture.
Naturally, the list of everything you can do and see in Kyoto is as long. Vermillion shrines and golden temples to graceful tea ceremonies, spiritual quests, swaying bamboo forests and taking mind-soothing strolls through Zen rock gardens – Kyoto is more like a place from another dimension.
The city is swarming with tradition, culture, rich history and architecture. Shrines and temples, wooden treehouses, luscious forests, peaceful gardens and shimmering pavilions are just the tip of the iceberg.
From top food to deep spirituality, Kyoto takes you on a journey where you’ll get to know its history and people and get in touch with your inner self. While Kyoto is the center of traditional Japan, it is also a city that gives way to modern technologies.
You’ll find all the perks of the modern world here, including a vibrant theater and food scene, countless vending machines, concrete high-rises, excellent infrastructure and so much more.
The crowds in Kyoto can be large at certain times of the year. In addition to locals, tourism has been booming in this city. After all, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Japan. However, there are certain ways you can ensure that the trip is not too overwhelming, especially if the crowds are something you are not used to being around.
While in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari is a sight you simply must visit. It is a breathtakingly beautiful shrine with countless bright orange torii gates diving into the forest as it snakes up into the misty mountains.
Visiting this shrine can be a simple temple visit or a forest hike. There are many other shrines to visit along the way, with stunning miniature toriis and magnificent stone fox statues. The fox is vital to Japanese culture as it is considered the messenger of Inari – the Shinto god of rice. The shrine is open 24/7, and entry is free.
Gion is part of southern Higashiyama, which is one of the most interesting areas to visit in Kyoto. You can find some of the best-preserved and most picturesque streets from old times in the city. It’s considered a historic district and is crowded with paper lanterns, paved stone pathways, narrow lanes and wooden houses.
The entire district is loaded with temples, but the area we recommend visiting first is Gion. Being that Gion is Kyoto’s main geisha district, you can see many beautiful women in traditional Japanese attire. That aside, Yasaka Shrine, Shinbashi-dori, the Shirakawa Canal and Hanami-koji are also top sights that should be on your radar. Overall, Gion is known for its mesmerizing, historic atmosphere with many elements of the traditional Japanese culture preserved.
Additionally, do not miss the opportunity to visit Shijo Dori. It is a shopping street full of goods for tourists with high-end tastes. Even if you do not plan on buying anything, just seeing all the gorgeous things for sale is an experience.
Kiyomizu-dera has been standing since 778 AD and is another monumental Kyoto sightseeing spot that you shouldn’t miss. What is so characteristic about this particular location is its rather dramatic hillside view across the city. The first thing that will captivate you is a vast wooden main hall that was built entirely without a single nail.
Then, there is also a thousand-armed, eleven-faced statue of Kannon to behold as well. You can also find other interesting things to see in this rather large complex that houses many other buildings and structures such as the bizarre Tainai-meguri, quiet paths into the forest, red three-story pagoda and the captivating entrance gate.
Located in Northern Higashiyama along a canal lined with cherry trees, the Philosopher’s Path is truly a wonderful sight to see. It connects two of the most popular temples, Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, and is 2 km long. It is an excellent place for getting in touch with your inner energy and doing some meditation, as well as strolling down the canal while exploring smaller temples along the way. Of course, you do not have to go all the way along the path. You can walk for as much as you like and turn around.
You might need some time to rest before visiting another place. Teahouses are the place for calm and soothing contemplation and relaxation. Thus, be sure to visit at least one teahouse on your trip to Kyoto. If you are more used to seeing coffee shops, teahouses serve a similar purpose. However, instead of coffee, you get tea.
For instance, if you are already in the Gion district, there are countless teahouses you can visit. While some might be more modern, other teahouses will have preserved their original authenticity. Hence, for the full experience, we suggest visiting Ichiriki Ochaya. It is a historic teahouse, a place that is mentioned in the history books. After all, Japan’s revolutionary warriors assembled in this place to talk strategy.
Being in Kyoto is a brilliant travel experience. In addition to modern technology, you get to behold one of the most historic places in the country. Additionally, almost all locations are well-preserved, allowing you to imagine what they looked like centuries ago.
However, all fun aside, staying safe in Kyoto should also be a priority. After all, you might get enchanted with everything around you. And then, accidentally, you might lose important documents or put your digital data in danger.
Here are some basic travel safety tips while you’re visiting Kyoto to make sure you have the best time possible. These recommendations work in any city you visit. So, remember them whenever you are about to embark on any trip.
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Americans sure love to travel. Over 45 million Americans traveled abroad in 2019 – some of them for business, others for pleasure. And while the pandemic has dampened those numbers, the need to experience the sights and sounds of the world remains.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, here’s a quick tax guide to get you started.
Yes! A few have even decided to make the most of the ongoing situation to travel the world.
In an effort to boost flagging visitor numbers, some countries such as Estonia and Bermuda have offered special visas for Americans who want to temporarily work abroad. Since many companies have allowed their employees to work from home for the foreseeable future, the idea is to attract people who might want to continue working in an exotic destination.
It sounds like the perfect solution for people who don’t want to spend their time cooped up in their homes or apartments. They get to live in a foreign country while keeping their old jobs. But traveling and working abroad comes with responsibilities, chief of which is your taxes.
Your tax situation depends on where you stay, and the length of time you spend abroad. It is estimated that over 10 million Americans live abroad long-term. Some of them stay in one place, while others jump from country to country.
But what does this mean for you?
If you spend a total of 330 days abroad during a 12-month period, you meet the Physical Presence Test. Meeting this test is crucial if you want to avail yourself of the many tax benefits available to American expats and travelers.
It’s important that you keep track of your time spent abroad. Even coming up a day short of the 330-day requirement means you forfeit any expat tax benefits that will help you reduce your tax liability.
Your length of stay could also determine your tax residency in that country. This means that you would be subject to that country’s tax laws. It’s important that you do your research ahead of time before making any big decisions.
Yes. The United States is one of the few countries in the world to adopt a citizenship-based tax system. This means that American citizens and permanent residents (also known as Green Card holders) have to pay U.S. taxes and file a federal tax return, even if they are based overseas.
Your worldwide income is also taxed by the IRS. Let’s say you decided to open a small side business during your stay abroad, while still keeping your day job for a U.S.-based company. Even if you don’t live in the United States and the business is based in a foreign country, both sources of income are subject to U.S. tax laws.
Living and working abroad, while exciting, also comes with a lot of challenges. You have to navigate two different tax systems, which could lead to double taxation. It’s important that you understand all the benefits available to you if you want to minimize your tax liability.
One of the biggest tax benefits available to expats is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE).
The FEIE allows expat taxpayers to exclude a certain amount of foreign earnings from federal income tax. For the tax year 2021, the FEIE threshold is $108,700. You still need to file a federal tax return even if your income doesn’t exceed the threshold and you have no tax liabilities.
To claim the FEIE, the taxpayer must meet the Physical Presence Test.
Another tax benefit you need to know is the foreign tax credit. Expats who have paid income tax to a foreign government can claim a dollar-for-dollar credit to reduce their U.S. tax bill.
Let’s say you’ve paid $1,000 of income tax to a foreign government. You can take a tax credit to reduce your U.S. tax bill by the same amount.
Once you have claimed the FEIE, you cannot take a tax credit for taxes on excluded income. You can, however, take a tax credit on foreign-earned income that exceeds the FEIE threshold.
It’s important that you straighten out your finances before deciding to move abroad. Moving to a foreign country without a proper plan can lead to issues with your tax return. You can always talk to tax experts, such as those at TFX, if you need help clarifying your tax situation.
This post was written by Veronica Rhodes of TFX. TFX is a women-owned tax firm that offers all U.S. tax services — for both American citizens and non-citizens with U.S. tax filing requirements. From straightforward expat tax preparation to complex cases involving multiple factors — we’ve handled it all for over 25 years.
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