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Hilton fans, remember that you can be eligible for double credits on stays if you join our group. This might just get you over the hump to get Gold or Diamond status.
Hiya Reader ! Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting off, there are some questions that you might've always wondered about. This month, we answer five of these!
Here's what to expect from this month's newsletter.
- π₯ Burning travel questions
- πΆββοΈββ‘οΈ Renos and the path to walking
- π Christmas markets
If you're new to our monthly newsletter, thank you for joining! And if you're wanting to see more of what you're up to, give us a follow at your preferred social media spot: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Answering Your Travel Questions
Over the years, we've helped a ton of travelers and along the way we've picked up on a couple of key travel questions that come up.
1) eSIM, hot spots, or physical SIM?
This has been beaten to death lately but here's how I see it:
- eSIM - With more phones that have eSIM, this is becoming the best option. You can keep your home SIM active to receive two-factor texts while getting local data through the eSIM. There's tons of competition and prices are getting lower and lower.
- Hot spots - Great for sharing one connection with a big group but requires an external power bank, logistics of renting, upfront cost if buying. The advantage is that they can offer lower prices but that gap is closing.
- Physical SIM - Usually still the lowest price but you need to get one in every country you go to and there's a lot more upfront work to get one and the recharge process for foreigners isn't always the easiest.
If you're looking for an eSIM deal, we have access to the following deals:
- KnowRoaming β Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
- AloSIM β Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%
- Airalo β Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
- Ubigi β AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
2) Where should I exchange money?
I know some of you avoid cash as much as possible but we always recommend having cash with you. So where should you convert currency? Let's break down your options.
- Locally, at home - You can do this at your bank or a foreign exchange shop. While some forex places can feel a little sketchy, they're usually worth it as they have better rates. Check the reviews beforehand. It's nice to have cash ready to go when you land.
- At the airport - Don't do this. They know you're vulnerable at this point so they don't need to have good rates. This should be your last resort.
- In-destination bank/atm - We've done this often. The exchange rates are good but not the best. What you need to watch out for are the service fees as not all banks charge the same amount. We experimented this quite thoroughly for our Atacama Chile travel guide.
- In-destination money changer - These can have good rates but these can also be complete rip offs, preying on tourists. You really need to shop around and be careful that you're not getting fake bills. With how sketchy these can be, I'd avoid this unless they have really good reviews.
- Wise - This is actually a debit card but these days, this is the ultimate cheat code for foreign currency. We used them all throughout Japan because they offer near-market rates, could be loaded with your home bank, and was even better than those no forex-fee credit cards. The main catch is that you need to load it with money, making it more like a prepaid credit card.
3) Do I really need travel insurance?
The answer is a resounding yes. Sh*t really does happen when traveling and you want to make sure you're protected. This is precisely what happened to our friends, Dave and Deb, had happen to them in Peru.
More specifically, you need emergency medical insurance. Here's how you can get travel insurance
- Credit card - If you are paying an annual fee for a credit card, you most likely already have some coverage. The key is in reading the pamphlet and knowing how many days you get. For something like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite you get 21 days and Amex Platinum, you get 15 days. The coverage amounts are also different. If you have this, great, you don't have to buy any additional coverage.
- Single-trip - If you don't travel often, this can cover you specifically for the trip you're going on. There are lots of options. In Canada we usually start with Rates.ca and then compare it against the likes of Heymondo.
- Multi-trip - If you anticipate 2 or more trips, annual multi-trip is the way to go. Get your emergency medical coverage for all 12 months. In the past, this has only cost us $156 CAD per person.
Things to always watch out for include the deductible, coverage amount, days you're allowed to be away from your home country, whether you get coverage if you're 65+, and how they treat certain sports activities.
4) What's a good daypack for trips?
If you subscribe to our YouTube channel, you'll know that we're big fans of Peak Design but backpacks aren't a one-size-fits-all kind of thing so here are a few ideas to inspire.
- Minimalist - I don't know if I could even travel like this but a sling is all you need these days. I really like the Arc'teryx Mantis 2 for travel but if you have camera gear, the Everyday Sling or the brand new Outdoor Sling.
- Practical - I've always been a big fan of the ergonomics of Osprey backpacks. The Talon 22 (for men and women) is sweet with its hipbelt and mesh back panel. It's good for hikes but also just walking around town.
- Concerned about security - Travelon makes great anti-theft backpacks including this Urban bag.
- Photographer - The Shimoda Urban Explore bags are perfect for their camera cube features but also looking discreet and stylish.
- Trekking - Non photographers will really love the Eja 58 for women and Exos 58 for men. Now if you're a photographer and trekking, I love the Shimoda Action backpacks but the Peak Design Outdoor Line is a serious contender.
5) Is there a way to save money on car rentals?
There sure is! You pretty much shouldn't be renting a car without apply some sort of code. Otherwise, you're paying more than you should.
- Corporate codes - These are for employees of companies that have relationships with the big car rental agencies. If you're eligible, use them. We share many of these on our car rental discount article. If you're not eligible, use them at your own risk.
- Official codes - Companies are always running seasonal offers. You just need check and apply them.
We update these often so to make sure you're taking advantage, you simply need to try these codes to see what yields the best price.
Are there other burning questions you want to ask? Just reply back to this e-mail!
π° This Months Travel Deals
We've got a bunch of sweet travel deals that you'll want to take advantage of. Remember, we have our deals group on Facebook. It's free to join if you haven't yet!
- Mountain Hardwear: Use the code MHWOCT70 to score 70% off select apparel! Hurry, offer ends October 27, 2024.
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- Maui Jim: Receive a $50 promotional credit when purchasing a full price pair of sunglasses AND subscribing to the Maui Jim promotional newsletter. Ends October 31, 2024.
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- Free eSIM: Klook is offering free eSIMs as part of their 10th birthday bash. It's free to sign up for an account. This promotion is valid to October 31, 2024.
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- Airalo: Use the code NEWTOAIRALO15 and new customers get an additional 15% discount on all eSIMs. For existing customers, use AIRALOESIM10 to save an additional 10%. Ends December 31, 2024.
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- Avis: Rent an SUV for as low as $55/weekend day by using AWD A425857 and Coupon Code MUWA003. Available for pick up until December 15, 2024.
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- Radisson: Park Plaza Plan & Save- Book your stay in advance and enjoy up to 25% off on city breaks. Deal ends December 31, 2024.
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- Klook: Save 20% in Australia and New Zealand tours until October 30, 2024.
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- LATAM Airlines: Fly to South America from 245 USD Round Trip (final price). Starts on May 23, 2024 and ends on December 31, 2024.
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- Four Seasons at Home: Speaking of hotels, if you ever wanted pillows or linen sets from a fancy hotel, you can buy them! Makes a great gift for the holidays too.
Remember, we update our Going Awesome Places Deals page often so make sure you bookmark it. Also, if you want to know about deals right when they come out, join our FB deals-only group.
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Car Rental Discounts
Remember to check several codes to see if you're getting the best deal. You could save hundreds of dollars on rental cars!
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βοΈWhat's New on the Site
We've written about a few amazing trips we've taken and refreshed updates to older articles. Keeping everything up to date and relevant over here!
βοΈ What's Next at Going Awesome Places
Here is the before and after of our small basement! It's starting to look like a real room now right?
If you missed it from last month, we're turning this space into a bit of YouTube studio! We had to do quite a bit of research on the fluted walls, whether we wanted LEDs, placement of outlets, oh and don't even get me started on trying to pick paint colors π
If you've followed us on Instagram, you'll know that our project hasn't gone exactly smoothly. I'd love to hear your reno stories.
On the rehab front, I faced a pretty serious setback this month but am glad to say that my knee has taken a turn for the better and walking more and more normally as the days go on.
At the end of October, you'll also see some content about our visit to Google HQ in Mountain View. I am one of 20 creators invited to their Web Creator Conversation event. For any of the bloggers in the group, you know that Google's decimated many of our businesses and so it'll be interesting to see what they might be doing (or not doing) to help us.
Lastly, hoping to travel again in November!
πͺ Travel Tidbits
Christmas markets to book flights to now
Wrapped up in a cozy scarf, sipping on hot wine or a cream covered hot chocolate, finding handmade decorations and strolling around to the sound of carol singers. What's not to love about Christmas markets! Europe has the handle on the best ones but you don't always have to cross the Atlantic for festive fayre.
- Washington DC - The Downtown Holiday Market opposite the National Portrait Gallery is like a street party, it is packed with musicians and performers as well as the necessary food trucks and festive shopping. While you are there head over to Leavenworth for a great weekend trip!
- New York - It wouldn't be a Christmas list without NYC on it! The city is known for its festive attractions including huge Christmas trees and incredible lights. For markets head to Union Square for over 160 vendors selling gifts, crafts, food, and treats. Check out where to stay in New York for the ultimate festive trip.
- Daly City - Visit the Cow Palace arena outside San Francisco for the most unique festive market you'll find. The market is transformed into Dickensian London with performers and vendors dressed in full Victorian gear, stalls and food are all charmingly old English too. Don't miss this one for some classic festive cheer!
- Baltimore - Ready for a trip to European Christmas? Head to Inner Harbor in Baltimore for a German Christmas market complete with a tower of glΓΌhwein. Go wild at the amusement park or cozy up in the beer garden with Belgian fries and glΓΌhwein.
- Chicago - Winter in Chicago is a special time anyway with snow almost guaranteed, but head during the festive season for another German themed market, inspired by a 16th Century Christkindlesmarkt. Pick up classic gifts and sweet treats for your stockings.
- Philadelphia - Pick up gifts from all over the world at the Christmas market in Philadelphia. With unusual and interesting gifts, rides for the kids, and wine tastings for the adults this is a great place to get into the festive spirit. There is also an ice rink at Dilworth Park for all the family to skate around.
Travel news
Here's the latest from the industry with a few articles that we think you'll enjoy.
- Social media for travel planning: Where do you fall in the group and do you agree?
- βSpending Kids Inheritance and Boys II Zen Trips Are The Trends to Watch in 2025: Travelers will be rewriting their playbook in 2025, defying the rules of conventional getaways, and forging new connections with themselves and the destinations they visit.
- βEmbracing Community and Sustainability in the Nordic Countries: The Nords lead the way in sustainable tourism and community engagement, by offering unique experiences that combine environmental consciousness with authentic local connections. From urban innovations to rural traditions, they are setting new standards for responsible travel.
- βEat, Sleep, Delay, Repeat: Are Flight Disruptions Truly Inevitable?: β
Day-to-day operational challenges, uncontrollable weather, and strikes all contribute to flight disruptions. For travelers, this disruption can range from a change to their gate to cancelled flights.
- βEuropean Union Delays Rollout of New Entry Requirements: The European Union's new Entry/Exit System or EES was set to go into effect for travelers entering the bloc next month. However, key countries are still working to get their border computer systems up to speed.
- βYou can now visit Yosemite National Park without a reservation for the rest of 2024: Yosemite National Park ended the reservation season early, announcing that visitors do not need a reservation to drive through the park for the rest of 2024. As for 2025, it's still up in the air.
π€£ Being Trapped In A Metal Tube
Flights are definitely an odd situation, but this one is up there with one of the best!
What's the most hilarious thing you have found or have happened to you while on a plane?
| Is hiking more on your New Years resolution list? |
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Canadian Thanksgiving was this month and with US Thanksgiving coming up, winter is coming fast and furious. What do you have planned for the upcoming holiday season?
Alright, that's all I got for this super long e-mail. Have a super November!
Cheers,
Will Tang
βChief of Awesome, Going Awesome Places
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