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Most people plan long trips like extended vacations — and that’s the fastest way to burn out. In this video, we break down the key difference between vacationing and long-term traveling, and why so many people feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or disappointed a few weeks (or months) into their trip.

You’ll learn:

Why long-term travel needs to be sustainable, not jam-packed
The hidden mistake travelers make by forgetting about weekends
Why traveling can be physically and mentally demanding (even when you’re not working)
How downtime and buffer days can save your trip — especially if you get sick
Exactly how to build rest days into your itinerary without wasting time

If you want to travel longer, slower, and actually enjoy it — this is one of the most important mindset shifts you can make.

One of the easiest ways to pack lighter and travel longer is having a simple system for doing laundry on the road. In this video, I break down why a small laundry bag is one of my favorite long-term travel tools — and why I’ve taken the Scrubba laundry bag all over the world.

We cover:

Why relying on laundromats can be a huge pain while traveling
The limitations of doing laundry in tiny or awkward sinks
Why the Scrubba bag is so useful for long-term and multi-country trips
Where it doesn’t make sense (looking at you, Southeast Asia)
Where it’s been a lifesaver — especially in Africa and Europe
How the Scrubba actually works step-by-step
My go-to paper detergent and why it’s better than bringing powder abroad

This isn’t sponsored — it’s just a piece of gear that’s genuinely made long-term travel easier for me.

Quick tip: Paper detergent is hard to find overseas. If you’re leaving from the U.S., bring a small stack with you — it lasts a long time and avoids the hassle of carrying white powder through airport security.

One of the most underrated resources in long-term travel is other travelers. When you’re at home, it can feel like you’re figuring everything out on your own. But once you’re on the road, you’ll constantly run into people who are doing the exact same thing — and their advice can be better than anything you’ll find online. In this video, we talk about:

Why you’ll naturally meet tons of long-term travelers abroad
How itinerary advice from people who were just in the country beats blogs and guidebooks
Why fellow travelers are great at calling out unrealistic plans
How talking to other travelers can save you time, money, and burnout
Why keeping your itinerary flexible is key to taking advantage of real-time advice

Big takeaway: Don’t overbook your trip in advance. Leaving room to adjust your plans lets you capitalize on tips from people you meet along the way — and often leads to your best experiences.

Packing light is one of the hardest parts of long-term travel — and one of the most important. In this video, I share a mindset shift that makes packing lighter much easier: stop bringing everything with you, and start buying what you need abroad. We cover:

Why packing light feels so difficult on long-term trips
How buying items abroad can dramatically reduce what you carry
Why this strategy works best with clothing
The critical rule: only bring things you’re okay donating or giving away
How traveling long-term naturally destroys clothes anyway
When this approach is especially useful (bulky jackets, heavy shoes, one-region gear)
What to do if you really want to keep something — and why you should budget for shipping in advance

Key takeaway: Long-term travel works best when your gear is flexible. Bring items you’re willing to part with, adapt as you move through different climates, and avoid carrying stuff “just in case.” This approach keeps your bag lighter, your travel easier, and your plans more adaptable.

If you’re traveling long-term, over-packing isn’t just annoying — it can ruin your trip. Most people pack like they’re moving hotels once or twice. Long-term travel is different. You’re carrying everything — often on your back — for months at a time. Learning to pack light before you leave is one of the best things you can do for yourself. In this video, we cover:

Why over-packing becomes a serious problem on long-term trips
How carrying extra weight compounds over weeks and months
A simple exercise to help you cut your packing list in half
What items you can rent instead of carry
How buying clothes abroad (and donating old ones) can drastically reduce weight
Why heavy “just in case” items deserve extra scrutiny
When things like fancy cameras or hiking boots aren’t actually worth bringing
The one hard rule that instantly lightens your bag

Quick rule of thumb: If you’re bringing more than 7 pairs of underwear, put everything above 7 back in the drawer. You’ll be doing laundry regularly — and you can always wash a pair in the sink if needed. If you’re working with me directly, I’ll give you a packing list that’s already as slim as it gets. If not, the “lay it all on the bed and cut it in half” method works shockingly well.

One of the biggest packing decisions long-term travelers stress over is whether to bring a camera. In this video, I share my honest take: if you’re not already a photographer, you probably shouldn’t bring one. Here’s why:

Your phone already takes excellent photos, especially if you’re using an iPhone
Carrying a camera adds weight, bulk, and mental overhead
If you’re not practiced, you’re unlikely to get much more out of it than your phone
Long-term travel puts you in situations where managing expensive gear is a liability
Pickpockets and travel friction are very real — and flashy equipment doesn’t help
What surprised me most on the road was how many great photographers you meet naturally. Especially in places like Africa (think safaris and group travel), there’s always someone with incredible gear — and people are usually happy to share photos.

My rule of thumb: Unless you’re already comfortable using a camera and know you’ll use it regularly, leave it at home. Travel lighter, worry less, and enjoy the experience more.

If you’re traveling long-term, your backpack isn’t just luggage — it’s something you’ll carry way more than you expect. Take it from someone who sprained her spine while traveling: having a backpack with proper back support is not optional. In this video, we talk about:

Why long-term travel puts more strain on your body than you realize
How often you end up carrying your bag to avoid expensive taxis or navigate public transit
Why even “short carries” add up over weeks and months
What actually matters when choosing a travel backpack
Why a stiff back panel and a real waist strap make all the difference

My key rule: You want the weight of your backpack to sit on your hips, not your shoulders. A structured back and waist strap are essential for making that happen. You don’t need mountaineering gear — but you do need a backpack that’s designed to be carried comfortably for real-world travel. PS: I'll tell you my favorite backpack in the video description!

A lot of travel gear brands love to advertise their bags as “anti-theft.” You’ll hear about slash-proof fabric, hidden zippers, and uncuttable straps — but here’s my honest take: those bags can make you look like a better target. In this video, I share my old-school approach to travel security:

Why flashy “anti-theft” bags can backfire
How thieves are always more adaptable than products - Why looking wealthy is often the bigger risk
My simple, proven anti-theft strategy for long-term travel

My rule: If it matters, it should be touching your skin. A thin money pouch worn under your shirt keeps your essentials completely out of sight — so pickpockets don’t even know it’s there. You can’t carry much in it, but that’s the point: you shouldn’t be walking around with everything you own anyway. This approach is lightweight, low-profile, and far more effective than relying on gear gimmicks.

One of the eternal long-term travel debates is backpack vs. roller bag (or rolling suitcase... whatever you choose to call it). After traveling long-term, I firmly believe in the power of the backpack — and not just for comfort. In this video, we cover:

Why backpacks give you more flexibility at airports
My personal experience with gate agents and forced bag checks
How backpacks help you avoid last-minute stress at the gate
Why real-world travel often means uneven roads, sand, stairs, and chaos

Our favorite backpacks are noted in the description!

Key insight: When gate agents announce they need to check bags, I’ve never been forced to check a backpack — but I’ve absolutely had that happen with a roller bag. Between unpredictable flights and unpredictable infrastructure, backpacks simply work better for long-term travel.

⚠️ Controversial topic: tipping while traveling. In many parts of the world, tips aren’t optional — they’re an expected part of how people earn a living. When you travel long-term, especially on guided experiences, this is something you need to plan for before you go. You might think tipping culture is out of control in the US. But just because it feels out of control in the US doesn't mean you should take that out on those who've earned tips from you while traveling. In this video, we cover:

Why tipping expectations exist in many countries
How locals often depend on tips, not just appreciate them
Why choosing “not to tip” isn’t a fair budgeting strategy
The importance of researching local tipping norms in advance
How tipping can significantly affect your overall travel budget

Important example: On big-ticket experiences — like safaris in Africa — tips can add up quickly. If you’re traveling for weeks or months, that can mean hundreds of dollars in additional costs if you’re tipping appropriately. The solution isn’t to skip tipping — it’s to budget for it intentionally.

One of the questions we get asked most is: “How do you know where is safe to travel?” The truth is, safety is relative—and it means different things to different people. In this video, we break down how to use travel advisories as a smart starting point when planning your trip. You’ll learn:

How safety is assessed and why it varies by location
How advisories highlight specific areas (sometimes even neighborhoods) to avoid
What you need to know to enter and exit a country smoothly
Visa requirements, passport validity rules, and blank page requirements
Important local laws and cultural norms you might not expect If you’re traveling long-term, these details matter—and travel advisories can save you from costly mistakes or stressful surprises.

When you’re traveling—especially long-term—blending in matters, and that includes your wedding ring. In this video, we talk about why it’s often best to leave traditional wedding rings at home, even if they don’t seem flashy. You’ll learn:

Why any jewelry can attract unwanted attention while traveling
How even inexpensive rings can look valuable to someone else
The risks of losing a ring abroad—and how hard it can be to recover
Why adventure travel can damage stones or bands
A simple, practical alternative: silicone wedding rings

We share our real-world experience with silicone rings, why they’re comfortable, durable, and stress-free—and a few trusted brands worth checking out. If it breaks or gets lost? No big deal. My favorite silicon wedding ring brand is in the video notes!

When you’re traveling—especially long-term—one of the biggest questions is: How will you know if something is going wrong where you are? In this video, we cover how to stay informed about emergencies and ongoing issues in the country you’re visiting, including:

Health alerts and disease outbreaks
Safety concerns like protests or civil unrest
Weather-related emergencies and natural disasters
How governments (well, the US government) communicate with travelers during a crisis

For U.S. travelers, we recommend signing up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) alerts. By entering your itinerary and contact information, the U.S. State Department can:

Send real-time alerts about local issues that may affect you
Reach out directly with guidance on what to do
Know how to contact you if a serious emergency happens

Yes, it takes a few extra minutes to set up—especially for long trips—but once you’re on the road, it’s one of those things you’ll be very glad you did.

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How do you stay in touch while traveling?” In this video, we break down why eSIMs are one of the easiest and most reliable ways to stay connected—especially for long-term travel. We cover:

SIM cards vs. eSIMs: what’s the difference?
Why buying a physical SIM after arrival can delay service
The benefits of having data the moment you land
How immediate service helps avoid airport scams, book rides, and navigate safely
Why we prefer eSIMs even if they’re sometimes slightly more expensive
We also talk about popular eSIM apps like Airalo and Ubigi, how much data you can expect, and why pricing is usually very reasonable.

If convenience, safety, and simplicity matter to you, eSIMs are hard to beat. This is a travel hack for regular travelers, and for long-term travelers!

If you’re traveling for a while and planning to stay in one place long-term, you may be able to negotiate your Airbnb rate—and save a lot of money. In this video, we talk through:

When negotiating an Airbnb price actually works
Why long stays give you more leverage with hosts
How local culture can affect whether negotiation is expected or welcomed
Why hosts may be willing to lower the rate for longer bookings
A simple, respectful approach to asking for a discount

We also share exactly how we frame the conversation: being kind, transparent about budget, and clear about how long we want to stay. Sometimes the answer is no—and that’s okay. But we’ve had plenty of yeses, and in some cases it’s saved us hundreds of dollars. Bottom line: it doesn’t hurt to ask—just be nice.

One of the easiest ways to accidentally overpay while traveling is through foreign transaction fees on your credit card. In this video, we break down why it’s so important to check your credit card before you travel. We cover:

What foreign transaction fees are and how they work
Why even a small percentage fee adds up on every purchase
A quick way to check if your card is good for international travel
How exchange rates and payment processing can quietly increase costs
Why credit cards, ATMs, and point-of-sale machines can all affect what you actually pay
There are lots of ways travelers get price-gouged abroad—and credit cards are one of the most common. Making sure your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees is a simple first step toward keeping your travel costs lower.

One of the biggest mistakes long-term travelers make is trying to do too much. In this video, we talk about how burnout happens before your trip even starts—while you’re building your itinerary. We cover:

Why itinerary planning is really an exercise in restraint
How the urge to “see everything” can ruin the experience
Why moving slower than you think feels better in the long run
A simple rule of thumb for pacing: about 2 countries per month
When that rule works—and when it doesn’t (large vs. small countries)
We also explain how too many destinations lead to too many transit days—often the most exhausting, expensive, and least enjoyable part of travel. If you’re staring at your itinerary and it feels packed, that’s usually your sign to cut things out.

Traveling slower helps you stay energized, save money, and actually enjoy where you are.

So many people dream about that trip—the one they talk about for years—but never actually take. Life gets busy, doubts creep in, and somehow the timing is never quite right. In this video, we share a simple idea we call the “Don’t Chicken Out” policy—a way to make it harder to back out of the trip you really want to take. We cover:

Why dream trips often stay dreams
How building in accountability can help you follow through
The “insurance policy” we used for our own trip (Alaska)
Different ways you can create your own version
Why telling the right person can make all the difference

Whether it’s committing financially, telling someone you admire (so you’d be embarrassed to walk it back), or working with a company like Travelries that keeps you encouraged and accountable—having a plan to not back out matters. Life will always find a way to get in the way. A little built-in commitment helps make sure you still go.

When you’re traveling long-term, staying organized isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. So how do you keep your clothes organized and pack them down as small as possible? In this video, we talk about why packing cubes are one of the best tools for long-term travel. You’ll learn:

How packing cubes compress your clothes to save space
Why they make living out of a backpack much easier
How they keep your bag organized instead of turning into chaos
Why grabbing items in airports or on planes becomes effortless

Packing cubes are basically the closest thing to having drawers while traveling long-term. Instead of digging through unfolded clothes, you just pull out a cube, find what you need, and keep moving.

Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. In this video, I break down the fabrics that are perfect for long-term travel and can be worn multiple times without wrinkling, smelling, or looking worn. ✨ Fabrics That Travel Well:

Merino Wool: Amazing for shirts—stays fresh for multiple wears, resists odors, and packs easily.
Polyester: Don’t knock it! Great for strappy tops and versatile pieces that hold up through several wears.
Dry-Fast/Wicking Materials: Ideal for hiking pants or lightweight pullovers, especially in countries where modest clothing is required. Keeps you cool and comfortable while respecting local culture.
Jeans: Heavy, yes, but durable and perfect for colder climates. Wear them throughout your trip without constant washing.

Haggling is a normal part of shopping in many countries—and if you don’t do it, you might end up overpaying. In this video, we share practical tips to haggle effectively and respectfully:

Be polite and friendly
Ask for extras or additional items rather than showing all your cards upfront
Pay in cash whenever possible
Consider using USD or Euros, depending on the country
Don’t be afraid to walk away politely if the price isn’t right

With the right approach, you’ll get better prices without awkwardness—and it can even be fun! This is a new travel hack any regular passenger can do! It's a Haggling 101 course that will set you up for success in 4 minutes.

When it comes to long-term travel, booking everything in advance can actually work against you. Flexibility is key—but some things are important to lock in early. In this video, we cover:

How having a general plan helps reduce stress while leaving room for spontaneity
What you NEED to book ahead
What it’s advantageous to book...
And what you can wait on, like...most accommodations and activities, to keep your itinerary flexible

Long-term travel is about finding the right balance between planning and flexibility. Book strategically, but don’t over-commit—you’ll thank yourself on the road. These are travel hacks that every day travelers can apply to their trips! Disclaimer: Make your own financial decisions. I'm not a financial expert. But you can always reference the Points Guys & Nerd Wallet for great guidance on credit card points.

When you’re planning a long-term trip, most budgets cover the basics: accommodation, food, transportation, activities. But what about the unexpected? In this video, we explain why having a miscellaneous budget is essential:

Clothes tear or gear breaks—what if your only pair of pants rips?
Illness or emergencies—unexpected pharmacy or medical costs
Currency fluctuations that make your trip more expensive

The truth: you can’t make a perfect budget, but you can prepare for surprises. A realistic miscellaneous budget gives you room to handle the unexpected without stress. Our guideline:

Experienced budgeters: ~5% of your total budget
Newer budgeters: 10–15% of your total budget to allow more wiggle room

Planning for the unknown keeps your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. This tip is an absolute must for international travel! And it works not just for long-term travelers, but for every day travelers too.

When traveling long-term, it’s tempting to just “go with the flow” and take advantage of off-season prices. But some weather patterns are serious and unavoidable—like monsoons. In this video, we cover why paying attention to weather is crucial, especially in regions like Southeast Asia and India:

Monsoons can flood cities, disrupt transportation, and ruin plans
Weather patterns vary by region—even within the same country
Some countries have multiple monsoon seasons depending on where you are visiting

The key takeaway: research regional weather patterns in detail before booking, especially if you’re backpacking or traveling long-term. A little planning can save you a lot of stress, money, and missed experiences.

One of the easiest ways to save money on long-term travel is by cooking your own meals. But it’s not always as simple as it sounds. You think it's a travel hack! BUT sometimes... it's not a reality you can make happen. And if you budget assuming you'll cook for your whole trip, you'll make a big mistake! In this video, we explain how to determine when cooking is a smart strategy:

Make sure your accommodation has a kitchenette or kitchen access
Check if grocery stores or markets are accessible without extra transportation
Consider local food prices—sometimes eating out is cheaper and easier

From experience:

Europe: Cooking can save a lot of money—kitchenettes are common and stores are accessible
Southeast Asia: Cooking may not be worth it—kitchenettes are harder to find and restaurant food is very affordable

The takeaway: validate your plan before budgeting for cooking. Otherwise, you risk spending more than expected if your plan falls through.

Looking to cut food costs while traveling? One of the easiest ways is to grab breakfast at a local bakery instead of a restaurant. This is a travel hack that works for the every day traveler, not just long-term travelers! In this video, we cover:

Why bakeries are usually cheaper and more convenient than restaurants
How this simple strategy can keep your breakfast budget low without sacrificing quality

Breakfast doesn’t need to be expensive—sometimes the simplest local options are the best.

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