Trying to decide which portable power station is right for you? In today’s post we review the BLUETTI EB70S Portable Power Station.

If you’re in the market for an electric generator that can keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle or provide essential backup power when you need it most, the BLUETTI EB70S is definitely worth a look.

We’ve only been able to test the EB70S hands on for a few weeks so far, but we’re definitely impressed with the balance of power and portability.

With a compact design and 800W of power, the EB70S is the ideal companion for camping and van life, providing a dependable source of energy for lighting, cooking, and device charging.

See prices and more on the BLUETTI website now.

It also gives peace of mind during power outages and natural disasters, ensuring that you stay connected and prepared, even if the grid goes down. For RV enthusiasts, the EB70S makes powering your mobile home a breeze, while remote workers can benefit from its reliable backup power capabilities for their home offices.

Before we get into how the EB70S can help in different scenarios, let’s look at some of the technical specs that we think make the BLUETTI EB70S one of the best mid-range solar power stations available.

BLUETTI EB70S Review

To start, let’s look at the battery capacity, charging time, solar panel compatibility, and portability for the BLUETTI EB70S, to help you make an informed decision in your search for the perfect solar power station.

Battery Capacity and Power

The EB70S is a pure sine wave inverter, with 716Wh capacity and 800W rated wattage, with 1,400W of surge power.

So what does that mean? There is 716Wh of energy stored in the battery (total battery capacity in watt hours), and there is 800W of power output, which is how much energy the battery can push out at any time.

The bigger the battery capacity, the longer you can run your devices per charge and the higher the power output, the larger the device (or sum of devices) you can power at once.

The EB70s 716Wh will give you:

• 50 phone charges
• 9-10 laptop charges
• 8 drone charges
• 18 hours running a typical fan

It also offers pass through charging, meaning that you can charge the BLUETTI and charge up your laptop or phone at the same time that it’s charging.

What can you power with an 800 watt generator?

With the BLUETTI EB70S you can power up to 12 devices that take a total of 800 watts at one time.

There are 12 charging ports:

• Four 120V AC outlets
• Two USB-C ports (100W Max)
• Two USB-A ports (5V/3A)
• One 12V/10A car outlet
• Two 12V/10A (DC5521)
• One 15W wireless charging pad

How long does it take to charge a BLUETTI EB70S?

The BLUETTI EB70S can be fully recharged from an AC wall outlet in three to four hours. The package comes with an AC adapter brick charger and charging cable.

It can also be recharged in 7-8 hours from the included 12V car cable.

Using a 200W solar panel, it can recharge fully in 3 to 4 hours. With a BLUETTI 120W solar panel, it will recharge fully in 6.5hrs.

Solar Panel Compatibility

The maximum solar input for the BLUETTI EB70S is 200W, meaning that you can safely charge it with up to a maximum of 200W of solar panels (Open Circuit Voltage: 12-28V). It also has a dedicated MPPT charge controller to ensure it charges the stable LiFePO4 battery it uses both quickly and safely.

The battery is rated for over 2500 charges so the EB70s should last for years to come and is shelf stable at 80% charge for 3 to 6 months at a time which is handy when only used for emergencies.

Portability

One of my favorite things about the EB70S is how easy it is to pick up and move. It weighs 21.4 pounds (9.7 kg), and comes in a compact package (12.6 x 8.5 x 8.7 in, or 32 x 21.6 x 22.1 cm).

It’s lightweight enough to pick up and carry comfortably into our backyard, or to our local park for a picnic.

The handle folds neatly into the top, making storage a breeze, but it unfolds in a snap to make it easy to carry.

What’s included:

• the EB70S portable power station
• AC adapter brick and charging cable
• 12v car charging cable
• solar charging cable
• user manual
• warranty card

What’s the difference between the EB70 and the EB70S?

The EB70S delivers up to 800W AC power while EB70 offers 700W.

Learn more about the BLUETTI EB70S here.

More great articles:

• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel
• An Honest Review of GlocalMe WiFi Hotspot
• The 10 Best Road Trips in British Columbia, Canada
• The Ultimate Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

10 Ways to Use a BLUETTI EB70S Generator

From off-grid living and camping excursions to staying prepared during natural disasters and power outages, the BLUETTI EB70S Power Station has you covered.

Tenting

As our kids get older, we’re enjoying tenting and hammock camping more and more. That said, it’s nice to have some conveniences while we’re out in the mountains.

A lightweight power station like the BLUETTI is easy to take on car camping trips, and helps us with everything from heating water to powering lights to recharging our devices.

Van Life

We were original van lifers, way back on our first big trip together in 2003.

We spent five months in Australia, driving our trusty Toyota HiAce van from Adelaide to Darwin, across the Australian Outback, and down the East Coast to Sydney. We charged our laptop and camera on the go, scrounging power at campsites and the occasional restaurant along the way. When we were in more remote places, like the Outback, it was a constant struggle to power our electronics.

These days, a solar generator lets you get reliable electricity even in the most remote locations.

With a BLUETTI EB70S power station on board, van dwellers like us can run everything from a mini fridge to a coffee pot, and everything in between. Imagine the luxury of enjoying a home-cooked meal and a steaming cup of coffee in the heart of the wilderness – it’s a game changer! Coupled with a couple solar chargers, you could stay off grid nearly indefinitely.

Natural Disasters and Power Outages

Every year, weather events are becoming more and more extreme.

Our home base is less than three hours from Lytton, BC, where Canada’s highest ever temperature of 49.6 °C (121.3 °F) was recorded in 2021 and most of the town was destroyed in the resulting wildfires. The same year, extensive flooding in British Columbia damaged major highways in the province.

2021 hammered home the fact that emergency preparation is important in a world where weather extremes can happen at any time.

A generator can give you emergency power for many things, including TVs, LED lights, a small heater, a freezer or just keeping your internet modem and router up, so you can continue working during a power outage. An electric power generator also has the luxury of working directly in your home, meaning you don’t need to run an electrical cable through your window or setting up costly breakers so your fuel fed generator can continue to safely provide you power.

Off site Working

Power stations can power tools and equipment for building projects in locations without access to traditional power sources. Whether they’re used to power traditional plugged in power tools or to recharge the battery hungry cordless tools most contractors use day to day, they’re indispensable for many unpowered sites. They’re even helpful for charging your laptop for late night meetings while on the jobsite.

RV Camping

There’s something magical about immersing ourselves in nature and unplugging from our digital lives however we often need to stay connected too, whether it’s for work, or just for fun. After a day filled with outdoor adventure, nothing compares to the simple pleasures of listening to our favorite tunes, or even catching up on a favorite TV show. This is where the BLUETTI lithium powered power station steps in, making sure we can stay connected while we’re away from the grid.

Thanks to the BLUETTI 800W solar generator, the lack of power sources in remote locations is no longer an issue. A solar generator lets us gather around a well-lit campsite or blend up a batch of refreshing smoothies, while powering up our essential devices, such as drones, cameras, and even cooking appliances.

Backyard Barbecues

Ah, backyard barbecues – those fun times when we gather with friends and family to share good food and even better company.

A power station can help the mood by powering enchanting string lights, plus running speakers and a smartphone to provide the perfect musical interlude. With its reliable electric-powered capabilities, a power station can effortlessly power and even run outdoor projectors for movie nights under the stars. Just fire up the grill, kick back, and enjoy.

Portable Arts and Crafts Station

Taking your arts and crafts projects on the go has never been easier.

With its sustainable and reliable energy source, an electric generator offers the freedom to set up a portable arts and crafts station virtually anywhere, from bustling craft sales to lively farmers markets. The EB70S can power an array of crafting tools, such as hot glue guns and Cricut makers, allowing you to create and showcase your masterpieces without being tethered to traditional power outlets, inside or out.

Picnicking

Want to elevate your picnic game?

A portable power generator can provide everything from music to lights to cooking on the go. Just add the picnic basket and blanket and you’re all set!

Off-grid living

Interested in life off the grid? For those living in remote or off-grid locations, electric generators can supply essential electricity for daily needs and household appliances. Once you add in some solar panels, the need to ever be plugged into the grid is no longer a concern.

Busking

Here’s a unique use for a solar generator: busking.

It’s a fun job you can do as you travel, and a way to share your musical talents with the world. With its eco-friendly power, the BLUETTI EB70S generator can run guitar amps, electronic keyboards, and even dazzling light displays to captivate your audience, all while keeping it green and sustainable.

What if there’s no sun?

While a solar generator is a useful solution for powering your devices, it does require a good amount of sunlight to charge efficiently. On cloudy or rainy days, a solar generator may not recharge as quickly, which could leave you conserving power until the sun comes back out. That said, the BLUETTI EB70s can also be charged via a traditional power plug or even via the 12v jack in your vehicle, making it not only a solar generator but also a portable power station.

While there’s a bit of an initial financial investment for a solar generator and solar panels, in the long run, it’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay powered up on the road and doesn’t require the continual costs of fuel like gas or propane to run. Unlike a gasoline generator, electrical power stations like the BLUETTI can also be safely run inside a home, camper or van with zero emissions or a hot muffler to worry about.

Is the BLUETTI EB70S worth it? Our Bottom line

The BLUETTI EB70S is a capable mid-range portable power station, with solid performance, and decent capacity. Using it is as easy as plugging in your device and using one of the 12 charging options. The LED readout is bright and useful, showing the power draw, how much power is left, and how long a full charge will take.

Pros

• Solid performance
• Lightweight and portable
• Wireless charging port
• Capable of pass through charging
• Excellent balance of portability and power

Cons

• No app
• Large external brick wall charger
• The fan on the brick wall charger isn’t silent when charging the BLUETTI

All in all, the BLUETTI EB70S is a capable mid-range portable power station, with solid performance, and decent capacity, that hits a nice balance between power and portability.

See prices and more on the BLUETTI website now.

Join us as we uncover how the innovative eSIM technology is transforming the way we stay connected, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

eSIMs are the answer to staying connected wherever you are. They’re cheap and also reliable, which is perfect when you’re on vacation. Having an eSIM for travel also means you don’t need to worry about roaming charges, swapping out physical SIM cards, and network compatibility.

An eSIM is usually great for someone who doesn’t mind having a short-term pay-as-you go plan. This makes having an eSIM solution a perfect option for travelers like us.

While some eSims are tied to certain countries, many eSIMs let you connect to cellular networks around the world, meaning you can get cheap travel data and avoid roaming charges.

It has to be noted though that the aloSIM eSIM data in particular does not come with a cell number to make calls or texts and is reserved only for data.

See AloSIM prices now.

Is an eSIM better than a physical SIM card?

Back in the day, we used to recommend that travelers pick up a physical SIM card when they arrived at their destination airport. However, there are definitely disadvantages to this approach:

• It can sometimes be hard to identify a reputable local mobile provider.
• There’s often a lot of annoying paperwork, including showing your passport to register.
• You have the hassle of figuring out mobile data and cell plans when you’re jet-lagged, and sometimes having to make the deal in another language.
• Having to physically swap out your old SIM card for the new one, and store your home SIM card somewhere safe for when you head back home.

These days, we generally recommend travelers get an eSIM instead, as long as their phone supports it.

What’s an eSIM?

An eSIM is exactly what it sounds like: an electronic SIM card. The eSIM hardware is embedded in your phone (meaning it’s not removable, unlike a standard physical SIM card) and just needs to be programmed to work with different carriers and cell providers.

What’s cool about an eSIM is that you don’t need to visit a physical store. You can get an eSIM entirely online.

You can also buy an eSIM from your home country, before you leave on your trip.

An eSIM lets you change your wireless carrier, data, or service plan through software, without removing a physical chip, and inserting a new one. Most of the time, all you need to do is scan a simple QR code to switch your eSIM from one carrier to another.

An eSIM can also let you use two different data plans on the same device (like a home and work plan), or let you switch between different plans, depending on where you are in the world.

Is my device compatible with an eSIM?

Most newer devices are compatible with eSIMs. However, not all phones are compatible with an eSIM. When choosing an eSIM, first make sure that your phone is compatible using this link.

Important Note: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM.

If you’re not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible, you may still be in luck!

iPads and some laptops support eSIMs. Apple iPads have an easy eSIM interface, where you can simply choose your plan and provider from a menu on the iPad. Some laptops from Dell, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Samsung and Microsoft support eSIM, but Apple laptops don’t support eSIMs at this time.

Using an eSIM is pretty simple for most users. First, make sure your device is eSIM compatible, then buy the eSIM online. Finally, scan a QR code (or enter the settings manually) and turn on data roaming from your settings.

After that, you can call and message all your existing contacts on free chat providers like WhatsApp, just as if you’re in the same country. You can even keep your original SIM for phone calls if you wanted to continue using your existing provider.

AloSIM Review

In this aloSIM eSIM review, we test the aloSIM personally, and give you more information about aloSIM eSIM plans so that you can see if it’s a good choice for you.

Getting an aloSIM is a simple process.

How to buy an aloSIM eSIM

1. Choose your location from 130+ countries for your prepaid eSIM data package.
2. Select your eSIM plan, choosing how much data you want, and how long you want it.
3. Add your eSIM to your device.

My personal experience buying and activating my aloSIM eSIM

Getting started with aloSIM was easy.

You can buy an aloSIM on either:

• their website at this link, or
• through the aloSIM app. You can get the aloSIM app on Google Play here or the App Store here.

I chose to buy it in the AloSIM App so I could do this aloSim app review.

First, I installed the aloSIM app from the Google Play store (on my Samsung phone).

From there, I created an account.

I then activated the account through an email confirmation.

Next I browsed to their store, and chose my eSIM plan.

There are options for plans from over 130 countries worldwide.

Since I’m in Canada right now, I chose the Canada plan. You can choose different data amounts, but I grabbed just 1GB of data, since I don’t need much data right now.

I bought the eSIM, following the onscreen directions.

Then, I went to the My eSIMs page.

Next, I clicked on the eSIM plan (Canada in my case). Notice that it’s not activated yet.

Click Activate.

I could then install the eSIM one of two ways:

1. Manually, by entering the eSIM ID in your phone’s SIM card manager settings, or
2. Using a QR code.

Select the QR Code or Manual tab option.

I chose the install via QR code, since it’s faster, but it’s nice to see there’s a manual option, if you need it, for whatever reason.

I selected the Samsung instructions, which were detailed and clear.

I followed the instructions for Samsung, and took a screenshot of the QR code. If you don’t have a Samsung newer than a Samsung Galaxy 22, you’ll need to either print out your QR code, or get it to display on a different phone, laptop, or other device. If you can’t do this, you can always back up a step and install the eSIM manually.

Follow the instructions for setting up the eSIM. Essentially, you’ll go into your phone’s SIM card manager settings. This is what my SIM manager setting screen looks like:

Select Add eSIM.

Add the QR code. In my case, I chose the camera gallery icon, and chose the screenshot I’d taken. If that doesn’t work for you, just add the code manually.

A message pops up, asking, Add aloSIM eSIM.

Select Add.

I got a message asking me to restart my phone to connect to the new network.

Once the phone was restarted, I continued following the instructions, and browsed to Mobile Networks. Under Access Point names, I changed my eSIM’s name to aloSIM, and the APN to alosim, as per the instructions.

Next, in the Mobile Network settings, make sure the aloSIM setting is turned on, and select aloSIM as your preferred SIM card.

Turn on roaming for the aloSIM, and turn off roaming for your physical SIM to avoid roaming charges with your physical SIM.

And just like that, I was up and running with my new eSIM giving me data in Canada.

After that, I browsed to My eSIMs in the aloSIM app.

My plan was now activated!

You can see how much data you have remaining here. It will tell you your Network, and speed. In my case my speed was fast with an LTE 5G connection on the Bell Mobility or TELUS Communications networks.

You can also top up the eSIM data directly in the app here!

I found the purchase and install easy. I purchased and installed the eSIM in about ten minutes, following the instructions in the app.

Easy!

You can also go into your phone’s SIM manager settings to tweak your settings. To avoid using roaming data on your normal physical SIM, you can even just toggle your primary physical SIM off in the settings.

Will I have a phone number with aloSIM?

No, your aloSIM is a prepaid data package. It does not come with a cell number.

Even though a data-only eSIM doesn’t come with its own phone number, there are still ways to make/receive phone calls with a data-only eSIM, and send/receive texts with a data-only eSIM.

How to make phone calls with an eSIM

• use a calling/texting app like Hushed, WhatsAPP, Viber, Messenger, Skype or any of the dozens of apps with this feature
• use your primary physical SIM for phone calls, but use the eSIM for data (if you use this option, your carrier may charge you for calls and texts while roaming)

How to text with a data-only eSIM

• use an app like iMessage or WhatsApp (which only needs Wi-Fi or data to work)
• use a calling/texting app like Hushed or Skype
• text using your primary physical SIM, but use the eSIM for data (if you use this option, your carrier may charge you for calls and texts while roaming)

See AloSIM prices now.

aloSIM eSIM Review

Stay connected anywhere with eSIMs – affordable and reliable, perfect for your next trip. See AloSIM prices now.

M C Kosman

Cheap

Quick and easy to set up

Data-only eSIMs for over 130 countries

Easy to top up

Summary

With an eSIM, you’ll enjoy cheap global data and dodge roaming charges, but remember, it won’t provide a cell number for calls or texts – still a game-changer!

4.8

Read these helpful articles next:

• Our Fluentalk T1 Offline Voice Translator Review
• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel
• How to Use a VPN to Get Cheaper Flights: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
• Using A Cell Phone In Europe Made Easy and Affordable

Learning a new language can be difficult and time-consuming. After years of learning Spanish with Rosetta Stone and Lingoda, I still struggle to do much more than order in restaurants, and give basic directions to a taxi driver.

But what if it was possible to immerse yourself in local culture off the beaten path and chat with locals without having to master a new language?

A real time handheld language translator can do that, from translating directions, to starting a conversation, or even to asking for emergency assistance if you become ill. It’s even helpful for learning a new language or using as a pocket dictionary.

See the Fluentalk T1 translator on Amazon.

Even better, an offline language translator like the Fluentalk T1 can help you break the language barrier and explore with confidence, even when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi and out of cell range.

Our Hands-on Fluentalk T1 Review

Let’s take a closer look at this powerful translator in our Fluentalk T1 review and see how it can help you during your travels.

What does it do? As you speak into the device, it immediately translates your words into another language (both as voice and as text). You can also translate photos. It works with a Wi-Fi connection, an included data plan, or offline.

The Fluentalk T1 comes with:

• an included two year data plan that works almost anywhere in the world
• 95% Accuracy in 40 languages and 93 accents
• offline translation available for 13 languages
• image translation on a four inch color HD screen

The T1 can work offline or online via Wi-Fi or a (included) cellular eSIM card.

See the Fluentalk T1 translator on Amazon.

Quick look at the Fluentalk T1 Handheld Translator

The Fluentalk T1 Handheld Language Translator comes equipped with a host of features that make translating easy and fast. These features include:

• Realtime two-way translation. This feature allows for natural conversations between two people speaking different languages.
• Highly accurate speech recognition. Using advanced algorithms, the handheld translator is able to recognize speech accurately so that users get precise translations quickly.
• Easy one touch operation. With just one button press you can activate the translator so that it recognizes words or phrases in either language being spoken in real time.
• Portable design. The device is lightweight and compact making it easy to carry around while traveling or on vacation.
• Voice recognition accuracy as high as 95%. This means that users get accurate translations every time they use their device, allowing them to navigate their way through any country with ease.

Before I get into the details of the review, a little bit about if the Fluentalk T1 fits my top requirement for any language translation device: It needs to work well, and reliably, offline.

Offline Voice Translator – Fluentalk T1

An absolute must for me for portable translator is that it works well offline.

An offline translator is particularly useful if you don’t have a local SIM card, mobile hotspot, or a portable hotspot to stay connected. It’s also helpful when you’re somewhere remote that’s out of range of cell service.

The Fluentalk handheld language translator can translate 13 pairs of languages offline in either direction: English-Chinese, English-Japanese, English-Korean, English-French, English-Spanish, English-Russian, English-German, Chinese-English, Chinese-Japanese, Chinese-Korean, Chinese-French, Chinese-Spanish, Chinese-Russian and Chinese-Germany.

The T1 comes out of the box with four offline language sets already downloaded for portable translation. You’ll need to connect to Wi-Fi to download the other nine languages for use offline.

Offline review of this translator device without internet

While it was offline, I tested the T1’s translation from French to English, and English to French, and it was reliably able to translate short sentences.

Since my French is pretty limited, I couldn’t confirm it’s accuracy at longer sentences however Charles is fluent and he said it seemed spot on.

I’m more fluent in Spanish, so I was able to push it a bit further, testing full sentences at a time. It translated accurately and quickly in Spanish, as long as I was careful to pronounce my Spanish words carefully.

In my tests translating between French and English, and Spanish and English, the offline mode worked well. Translation was just as fast in offline mode as in online mode, and it seemed as accurate in offline mode as it was using Wi-Fi or data.

In offline mode, the translator outputs both voice and text translation.

Overall, I was happy with how well this little language translator device works without wifi.

Our Hands-on Fluentalk T1 Review

My first impression of the T1 was that it is cute and compact. It’s small enough to be hung around the neck, and feels sturdy and reliable. It weighs only four ounces (155 g), so it’s easy to slip into any pocket, ensuring you have it on hand when you need it.

The four inch color touchscreen is easy to read and navigate. The translation buttons are easy to press, and feel like they’ll hold up with repeat use.

I found the T1 pretty easy and intuitive to use.

There are three buttons on the side. The top yellow button is the power button. I used the middle blue button for my native language button and the bottom red button (it actually looks more orange to me) I used as the other language button however they can can be easily swapped around to your preference.

On the opposite side, there’s also a volume up or down button. Besides for the responsive touchscreen, the controls are pretty straighforward.

It was easy to start up and to choose the languages for translation on the touch screen.

On first start up, it prompted me to activate the eSIM, which happened in a couple of clicks and took less than five minutes for it to fully activate.

I really loved that it came with an eSIM preinstalled, saving me the hassle of inserting and activating a physical SIM card when I received the device. There is a slot for an additional physical SIM card, in addition to the eSIM card if you’re in another country and want to pick up a sim card just for the device.

What does the T1 cost? Is it worth the price?

The T1 costs $299.99 USD.

It’s definitely toward the high end, cost-wise, compared to other personal translators.

However, in my tests, it offered offer good performance in terms of speed and accuracy, and also with the number of languages offered.

Some cheaper pocket translators work by connecting to your smartphone and using your phone’s data or Wi-Fi connection. However, the T1 has a built-in data connection, with an included two year plan, for translating without another device or Wi-Fi connection.

On top of that, it has a solid offline mode, which is crucial for many travelers.

Want to check it out right away? See the Fluentalk T1 on Amazon.

How does it compare to a translation app on a smartphone?

Honestly, I was pretty skeptical about getting a handheld translation device, when I already had a translation app or two on my phone, that mostly work pretty well.

But translation apps are a little glitchy.

For example, if you speak more than one language well, then you’ll know that translation apps like Google Translate make a lot of weird errors, which seem to get worse if you use slang, speak in an accent, or swear. Most also get noticeably worse if you dan’t have a Wifi or data connection.

While translator apps are easily available, having a dedicated device means you won’t have to thumb through apps to get an instant translation and the inclusion of 2 dedicated language buttons right on the device means it’s easier to get it going for both you and the person you’re trying to communicate with. Accuracy and speed are also top-notch.

I also really like not having to hand my smartphone to strangers when doing the translation. Having a stand-alone device makes me feel a lot more comfortable, in terms of protecting my data and personal information.

One area where the T1 is much better than most smartphone apps is that it differentiates between multiple accents in a language. For example, the Fluentalk translator lets you translate Spanish in accents from these countries: Spain, USA, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Columbia, Dominic (I assume this is the Dominican Republic), Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Salvatore.

That’s pretty impressive to me, as there can be huge differences in the accents in Spanish!

After several months in Mexico a few years ago, we flew directly to Spain. I was pretty cocky, thinking that my Mexican Spanish would translate well. Unfortunately, as soon as I got off the plane, I realized that I couldn’t understand half of what everyone was saying in Spanish. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the difference in accents between Mexico and Spain!

Is the Fluentalk fast and accurate?

The T1 handheld voice translator translates in real-time, almost instantly between two or more different languages.

Translation accuracy

While we can’t test all 40 languages (we did try a multitude of them but couldn’t verify their output), we ran our main tests translating between English and Spanish (Mexico), or English and French. We both speak and read some Spanish, I understand some basic French and Charles is fluent in it.

I found no difference in speed translating in offline or online mode.

Text to speech speed

Fluentalk says the T1 immediately translates any speech within 0.2 seconds. In our tests, there wasn’t any perceptible lag between talking and having our speech translated to text.

Speech translation

Similarly, when translating from my voice to the T1’s translated voice output, it was also fast.

Fluentalk T1 translation modes

The T1 offers a few translation modes: One-Click Translation mode (default), Chat mode, Custom mode, Spectator mode and Photo translation mode. It also includes a speech transcriber for Voice memos.

One-Click Translation mode

The One-Click Translation mode is the default translation mode and works with the two colored buttons on the right. The blue button is language 1 and red button is language 2. I set up the blue button as English in our tests however they can be swapped around as needed.

To use One-Click Translation mode, I’d just press the middle (blue) button to speak. It would wait until I released the button to translate my voice into the other language. This was helpful to avoid confusion having the voice translation play over our own voice while we were talking.

I’d just press the bottom button (red) when I wanted the T1 to translate, in reverse, from the second language.

Not a fan of physical buttons? In One-Click mode, you can quickly rotate the device to use it without having to continually press the buttons on the side. To rotate the screen, just tap the small switch button on the bottom left of the translation screen for a side-by-side conversation. Tap the on-screen language button to start or pause the translation. It will continue auto-translating from that language until the other language is chosen or the current language is paused.

Chat mode

Chat mode allows you to have a real time conversation without having to hold any buttons. Just point the top of the device facing the person you want to talk to and the bottom towards yourself. Once you have your languages properly set up, just click the middle play button and it will then translate what each of you is saying.

You can access Chat mode directly through the touchscreen menu and can adjust the speaking interval for chat translation, if you want to translate longer or shorter sentences, in the options in the top right of the screen. You can also enable/disable voice if you just want the device to translate into text. It’s a cool feature because the screen is split in 2 with both people able to read it standing in front of each other.

You can also see your chat history by swiping up or down on the screen while in Chat mode.

Custom Translation/Ask for Directions mode

In a hurry? Use Custom Translation mode.

Just double click the power button to start a conversation using pre-written text (and voice) translated to your language of choice. It’s set up by default to say in English “Excuse me, can you help me? We can use this translator to communicate.”

However, you can change the content of this message, and change the default language, in the Custom Menu. You can also start Custom Translation mode through the touchscreen menu by clicking the Ask for Directions button.

Spectator (Listening) mode

In Spectator mode, the T1 stays on, and translates what others say around you into your native language just via text.

This could be a great option when watching TV or listening to a travel guide. It could also be great when listening to instructions given in another language since you can quickly scroll back to what was just said if you need to reference it later.

Photo translation

I had good luck with the photo translation as well. On the road, we would use this for road signs, maps, menus, and so on. As a vegetarian, I love using photo translation for ingredient labels and menus.

To do photo translation, just snap a photo of what you want to translate using the T1’s built in eight megapixel camera.

The four inch HD screen makes the translation easy to read.

Image translation works for 36 languages.

I found that the photo translation worked like a dream most of the time, but it would occasionally break down if it was translating an unusual font, and it didn’t work well for me for handwriting.

Photo translation is from text to text only. It doesn’t give a voice readout.

Voice memos

The Fluentalk T1 also includes a Voice Memo mode that automatically transcribes your voice to text and saves it on your device. It’s a cool method to leave yourself notes to follow up on later. You can also set the name of each transcribed voice text for easier identification later on.

I just wish there was an easy way to pull those texts off the device so I could use them in other places. Fluentalk is missing an opportunity here for uses outside of the translation world. Having a ready to go voice transcriber that works well could be handy in several different fields. Couple in the ability to change the side buttons for it’s use and you’ve opened up another use case for the device.

Common Questions about the Fluentalk T1

T1 Battery life

When we first got the T1, it was charged to about halfway. I used the device for about two hours, and it was then ready for a charge.

I charged it using the USB-C cable provided, and it was fully charged when I checked a couple of hours later.

It has a 1500 mAh battery, which offers 3.5 hours of continuous translation time, and 96 hours of standby time.

I played with it, off and on, for around three hours, and the battery level showed at about one quarter.

Will it translate jargon, slang, and swear words?

Instead of translating swear words, it translates them as asterisks (***), at least with the few we tried in English, like f*ck, b*tch, and any swear words we knew in Spanish.

It does translate common slang well in English to Spanish, for example, it translates “what’s up” as “how are you doing“. However, it didn’t translate new slang for us, like the word “cheugy“, which is new slang roughly meaning out of date or trying too hard.

It’s designed as a general translator, so the T1 won’t necessarily translate specialized jargon (or language specific to an occupation). That said, I did test it by asking it to translate some specific words in neuroscience (my university degree). It accurately translated common words like “neuroscience” and “dopamine“, but it didn’t understand less common words like “amygdala” (a region of the brain) and “gamma aminobutyric acid” (a neurotransmitter) from English to Spanish.

Is it loud enough?

I had no trouble hearing the translator at about 75% volume, in a normal home environment, with our (loud) dishwasher running the background and my kids talking in the other room.

I also tried the volume at 100%, and while it was tinny (which is what I’d expect with a speaker in such a small device) I could easily understand it even if I had music playing in the background or the TV on up close. You may struggle to hear the little speakers if you keep the device on a table a couple of feet away in a louder environment, like a busy restaurant. I think for most uses, in normal environments, it should be fine.

How’s the microphone?

There are two microphones on the top of the device, and one on the bottom.

When the device was held at arm’s length, I had no trouble with the mic picking up my speaking voice, and translating it properly. I have a soft speaking voice, and I found that it started to have a little trouble picking up my voice from about ten feet away, while in Spectator mode.

Does it use voice commands?

It does not have voice commands. You operate the device through the buttons, or the touchscreen.

Can you use it as a mobile hotspot?

You can only share data with other devices, using the WLAN hotspot, if you insert a separate nano SIM card of your own. It does not share the included eSIM data (I got errors when I tried).

However, I tested to see if it would act as hotspot for the Wi-Fi signal that I was connected to, and it worked perfectly when I connected my phone to the T1’s hotspot (named Android AP_6654, in the photo below).

How well does the mobile data work?

I tested the T1 using only the mobile data eSIM.

When I ran a speedtest, it downloaded at 17.4 Mbps and uploaded at 11.5 Mbps, which is quite fast. More than fast enough to stream video, in fact.

Given that the eSIM data was so fast, it’s no surprise that I found the T1 translation to be just as fast using mobile data as it was using Wi-Fi.

Is it easy to use and intuitive?

Overall, the T1 is easy to use and intuitive.

To get up and running, all you need to do is turn the device on, choose your languages, and press the side buttons. It’s easy to switch languages, the eSIM started up like an absolute dream, and it’s even simple enough to switch between Chat and Spectator mode.

One feature that wasn’t the most intuitive (to me at least), was how to navigate back through the screens. I had a little trouble navigating back and forth between screens, until I broke down and looked at the manual, which told me that I could use swiping gestures from the sides to navigate back and forth.

For example, to see the previous screen, you just swipe right on the edge of the left hand side of the screen with one finger to return to the previous screen. This works well, but it would have been helpful to have a back arrow on all screens, in addition to having the swiping option. It’s a small thing, and you may just pick it up intuitively, but I didn’t.

Can I connect T1 with my Bluetooth device?

Fluentalk doesn’t recommend connecting via Bluetooth.

While there is a menu option to connect via Bluetooth, it’s not recommended, except in the rare case where you’re connecting directly to the Timekettle TWS earbuds, and listening to the translation through the earbud, with the user talks to the T1 in one-talk mode.

What happens when the two years of data expires?

After the two year free cellular data plan expires on the eSIM, you aren’t stuck with paying for the Fluentalk cellular data. After the data service expires, you can either insert your own SIM card, or use Wi-Fi.

If you want, Fluentalk is currently working on an option to purchase more data directly through them, but details aren’t available yet.

What other features does the Fluentalk T1 have?

There are several extras on the T1 including a flashlight, a configurable world clock, an exchange rate conversion, and an SOS feature.

The little flashlight is fine for a little extra illumination to find your keys in the dark, but I found it to be less powerful than my Samsung S22+ smartphone’s flashlight. It has 2 locations you can set for a world clock and an automatically updated exchange rate conversion for a large variety of world currencies. I just wish it also included a calculator here rather than just the days current rates.

The SOS feature is handy as it lists the countries emergency contact numbers including police, emergency and fire. In North America (US, Canada and Mexico), all 3 are 911 however, in some countries, they have different numbers for different emergencies so that’s a nice feature.

Handheld translator vs translator earbuds: Which is better?

Language translation earbuds are an alternative to a handheld translation device however, for many earbuds, this means giving one of the earbuds to the person you’re speaking to. If, like me, you’re a bit squeamish about someone else having your earbud in their ear, then a handheld device like the Fluentalk T1 may be a better choice.

Who makes the Fluentalk T1?

Fluentalk is a sub-brand of Timekettle Technology Co., Ltd. (founded in 2016). Fluentalk mainly specializes in the research and development of handheld translators.

Timekettle also makes translation earbuds, like the:

• WT2 Edge
• M3
• M2
• WT2 Plus

Want to order the Fluentalk T1?

See the Fluentalk T1 on Amazon.

Articles you might like:

• The Ultimate Travel Essentials List
• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel
• An Honest Review of GlocalMe WiFi Hotspot

Finding authentic Japanese snacks and sweet treats outside of Japan can be really difficult, especially in our area of Canada. That’s a huge shame, since food gives us a unique insight into the culture of a country, and snacks are an easy, fun, and accessible treat.

We tried the Sakuraco Japanese subscription box, and here’s what we thought.

Our Sakuraco Box Review

Our Sakuraco box came securely wrapped in a thick layer of bubble wrap. All the contents inside were in perfect shape.

I really loved the muted earth tone of the box, accented with gold. The elegant packaging really fits with the upscale snacks inside as well.

See Sakuraco box pricing here.

What’s inside the Sukuraco box?

The Sakuraco box is filled with locally sourced Japanese teas, sweets and snacks. There are 20 new, seasonal snack treats in each box and each box often includes treats from different Japanese prefectures.

Each box includes traditional Japanese teas such as matcha, hojicha or other seasonal teas, as well as Japanese home goods like ceramics, chopsticks or furoshiki. You’ll also find traditional Japanese cakes, and sweets like mochi, manju and yokan. There are also seasonal treats like momiji, and sakura, along with senbei and konpeito from local makers.

Each box comes with a gorgeously detailed snack and culture discovery guide. The guide describes each snack in English, along with its origin and often information about the area the snack derived from. Boxes also come with complete allergen information for each item.

We reviewed the December Hokkaido Winter Festival box.

With three vegetarians out of the four of us, we were thrilled to see that Sakuraco notes in the guide whether or not each treat is vegetarian.

While most of the treats in our box were vegetarian friendly, there were a few that weren’t exactly to our tastes however that’s to be expected when given an assortment and why these types of boxes are great for families or groups of people. Being able to share an experience, good or bad, is always a great bonding experience.

That said, there were definitely a few that stood out for each of us.

Our Favorite Sakuraco treats

My daughter’s favorite snack was the Hokkaido milk karinto. It’s a lightly fried wheat batter made with Hokkaido milk, and coated with a sweet, sugary coating.

One of Charles’ top picks was the Yubari melon chocolate sandwich cookie. It’s made with Yubari melon, which is a classic Hokkaido flavor, coupled with white chocolate and two layers of crisp butter cookies.

Our son really liked the banana baumkuchen. It has thin layers of sweet egg batter with a light, banana flavor. It’s meant to be enjoyed with tea or coffee, but we ate them plain.

My two favorites were the Kobukoro mochi and the walnut mochi.

I’m usually not a fan of seaweed, but I absolutely loved the Kobukoro mochi, which are flavored with the umami Hokkaido kobu, which is type of seaweed. Delicious!

The walnut mochi is made with red sweet bean and mochi rice, with chunks of roasted walnut. The guide said it has a hint of soy sauce flavor (which I couldn’t pick up on, honestly). It comes wrapped in a thin layer of edible rice paper.

Just don’t make our initial mistake, and assume the outer white cardboard is the edible rice paper. (Hint: It’s not!)

The edible rice paper is, of course, the thin, translucent wrapping around the sticky walnut mochi and dissolves quickly in your mouth.

How much does Sakuraco cost?

The cost for Sakuraco is $37.50 for a one month box.

That cost drops to $35.50 per month if you get a three month subscription, and drops again to $33.50 for a six month subscription.

The most affordable option is $32.50 per month for a 12 month subscription. You’re charged the full amount of each subscription when you sign up.

Sakuraco delivery

You can get your Sakuraco box delivered worldwide.

Boxes are sent by trackable or express delivery. If your country doesn’t support express shipping, Sakuraco will deliver your box with Japan Post Priority Shipping and Tracking.

Sakuraco vs Tokyo Treat

We tried the Tokyo Treat box earlier this year (see our Tokyo Treat review here).

Overall, the Sakuraco box is smaller than Tokyo Treat however they do include different things in them which will appeal to different groups.

Once you look inside, the Sakuraco snacks are much more adult focused than Tokyo Treat. They’re both fantastic boxes, but I’d say that Sakuraco would be a better box for adults and older children, while Tokyo Treat’s larger box with more brightly colored popular snacks is a great fit for young families, especially those with younger children.

Is Sakuraco Box worth getting?

Both the box, the English guide and the snacks within, while not all to our taste, are well presented and a fun way to explore both the culture and flavor of a distant land for a fraction of what the airfare alone would cost.

Whether you’ve already been to Japan and have a fondness for the snacks or have never been and are curious what kinds of things they call tasty, these subscription boxes offer us a glimpse of travel without ever having to leave our home and for that they get a thumbs up.

We look forward to trying out more of these services in the future.

As any seasoned traveler can tell you, local food and cuisine often plays an integral role in experiencing a new area. While an authentic and delicious full course meal has made us fall in love with a country more often than we’d admit, we find it’s the snacks that often define a people and their culture.

So what happens when the world is a little more shut down and you can’t just jump on a plane and fly somewhere to sample things? Well, sometimes the easiest answer is to just get food shipped to you.

Unfortunately, it can be really hard to find authentic Japanese snacks and candy outside of Japan. That’s where Tokyo Treat come in.

Japanese snacks and candy are thought to be some of the most unusual and fun treats in the world.

Right now, travel’s still a bit expensive and difficult, so a trip to Japan, though solidly on our bucket list, isn’t in our immediate future. As much as I want to visit Japan as a family, and travel Japan by train, we’re going to wait until travel is less complicated for us.

Luckily, trying Japan’s fun snacks is a nice way to experience a bit of the culture, even if we can’t be there in person right now.

So, we were really excited to try the Tokyo Treat box.

What is Tokyo Treat?

Tokyo Treat is a monthly subscription box that’s shipped directly from Japan.

A typical Tokyo Treat box includes:

• a drink exclusive to Japan
• a rare KitKat Party Pack
• assorted Japanese snacks (2.7 plus pounds / 1.2 kg)
• a full sized Japanese crazy candy, crunchy chips, and more
• an illustrated English guide describing each snack in the box
• a special contest or rewards for Tokyo Treat members

Our Tokyo Treat Review

Let’s start with the question that almost everyone asks first: How much does Tokyo Treat cost?

The cost is $35/month for a monthly subscription.

If you get a 12 month subscription, the cost drops to $31.50/month. It’s $32.00/month for a six month subscription, or $33.50/month for a three month subscription.

The cost for Tokyo Treat is in USD, and you can cancel anytime.

What’s inside the Tokyo Treat candy box?

Our October 2021 Tokyo Treat box was Halloween themed. So much fun!

Throughout the year, Tokyo Treat offers several themed boxes, including Halloween and Christmas.

Our Halloween box came with:

• Grape Calpis Soda
• Cinnamon Apple KitKats
• Red and Black Magic Gum
• Pokemon Halloween Choco Corn
• Umaibo cheese
• Tongari Corn Halloween Butter Toast
• Pocky Crushed Strawberry
• Mini Monster Fruit Candy
• Spooky Water DIY Kit
• Halloween New Mochi Taro
• Happy Halloween Fugachi
• Holland Senbai
• Maple Butter Beer Ramune Candy
• Mini Strawberry Milk Coco Balls
• Umaiwa Mentai flavour
• Full Moon Pon
• Halloween Pizza snacks
• A snack guide with photos of each snack, and an English explanation of each snack
• A member only contest for a chance to win Japanese KitKats

I was impressed by the number of snacks in the Tokyo Treat box. There were 17 different treats and snacks for us to try.

Luckily, there was a really helpful snack guide, with photos of each snack, and a short description.

The Umaibo cheese was one of my personal favorites. It’s about a four inch long hollow tube that tastes a lot like a fluffy, sweeter cheese Cheeto. So good!

The Pocky Crushed Strawberry was probably my son’s favorite. It’s a thin, sweet stick that’s a lot like a chocolate wafer, dipped in a sweet strawberry glaze (like a strawberry chocolate flavor).

My husband’s favorite was the mini monster fruit candy. It’s a lot like a fruit rollup, but he loved how each color was a different, distinct flavor.

The Mini Strawberry Milk Coco Balls were a hit with everyone. They had a nice white chocolate and strawberry flavor inside of a crunchy candy coating. Yum!

My daughter was especially excited to try the drink, which was a refreshing Calpis soda with a unique sweet grape fizzy and milky goodness.

The anime style cartoon on the front of the snack guide was really beautifully drawn. It was a custom cartoon designed for this specific box, with details about what was inside the box in the cartoon. Very cool!

Where does Tokyo Treat come from?

The Tokyo Treat box ships worldwide from Tokyo every month.

Want to try some tasty Japanese candy and savory snacks?

Get your own TokyoTreat box and try Japanese snacks at home for yourself!

In our almost 20 years of travel together, we’ve tested all sorts of travel gear, from travel jackets, to the best travel backpacks, to packing cubes, and even the Scrubba portable wash bag.

One thing we’ve never tested, however, is merino wool clothing. Sure, we’ve heard from our backpacking and outdoorsy friends that merino wool is one of the best fabrics out there.

Merino wool is moisture wicking, odor-resistant, and versatile. It keeps your skin dry if you’re sweating in cooler temperatures, and it will keep you cool and dry as well on a hike in the warm sun.

So, we decided it was about time to give merino wool a try. In this article, we review the Unbound Merino hoodie, t-shirt, and polo shirt.

What is special about Merino wool?

Merino wool is a natural fiber made from the fleece of Merino sheep from Australia and New Zealand. Merino wool is known for being softer and thinner than regular wool, making it easier to wear next to the skin, and meaning that you don’t get that itchy, scratchy feeling from merino wool that you might get from less expensive wool.

Because merino wool can be re-worn multiple times due it’s inherent nature, it means that you don’t need to pack as much. If you couple that with smart clothing choices, and using packing cubes to save even more space, you’ll end up with plenty of extra room in your carry-on.

Unlike cotton or poly blends that quickly absorb sweat and odor, Merino wool can be worn multiple times without needing to be washed, making it a fantastic choice for travel. You’ll save on trips to the laundromat, and be able to keep your suitcase lighter at the same time. It’s actually possible to go a few weeks wearing the same merino wool clothing, without washing (though you might get tired of the outfit well before then).

Unbound Merino Review

Unbound Merino was founded by three lifelong friends who became huge fans of merino wool on long road trips across America.

What is Unbound Merino?

Unbound Merino has a wide range of men’s merino wool clothing. The men’s line has t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, hoodies and sweaters, polos, and button down shirts, as well as socks, shorts, pants and underwear. The women’s line is coming soon.

Unbound Merino has free shipping in the USA and Canada on most orders, plus free exchanges and free returns within 90 days.

First impressions

Our Unbound Merino clothes came in a luxurious black package, with simple white lettering on the outside. Inside, the hoodie, t-shirt, and golf shirt were individually wrapped in tissue paper, with a colorful leaflet inside.

When I buy a premium brand like this, I expect luxe packaging, and Unbound Merino delivers here. I’d give them 10/10 for presentation.

Unbound Merino Hoodie Review

We love hoodies in our household. Each of the four of us in the family owns multiple hoodies – some for outside, some for snuggling up on the couch, and some for travel.

The Unbound Merino hoodie is made with superfine (21.5 micron) merino wool, making the fabric softer and more comfortable than a cotton hoodie.

The merino wool hoodie has a matte YKK zipper, with a black oxidized finish.

The Unbound merino hoodie’s fabric is 97% merino wool, with 3% elastane added for stretch and durability. The fabric weight is 250 GSM (grams per square millimeter), for a light feel, without the weight of a typical cotton hoodie. There are seamless pockets that keep the hoodie looking sleek, and not bulky.

Unbound Merino T-Shirts and Polo shirts

Are merino wool shirts worth it? Merino is long-lasting, versatile, and durable, but that does come with a higher price tag than a standard t-shirt.

Merino wool shirts are a great option if you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting shirt that you can wear for multiple days without washing. Merino is great for travelers like us who want to keep their suitcases light, and it’s especially good for hikers and backpackers, as well as outdoor lovers.

Is Unbound Merino good?

We’re really happy with our Unbound Merino experience. The merino clothing is comfortable, cozy, and nice looking.

Getting wrinkles out was a breeze. All I did was mist lightly with a spray bottle, and any wrinkles were gone within 10 minutes.

See prices here.

Is merino only good for cold weather?

It’s true that merino keeps you warm and cozy in cold weather and it’s especially great in cold weather, because it wicks sweat away from your body when you exert yourself, thus keeping moisture away from your skin when it’s cold.

In warmer weather, merino fibers wick away moisture as well, leaving you feeling cool, instead of damp and uncomfortable.

How to care for your merino wool clothes

Taking care of your merino wool clothes doesn’t take a lot of extra effort. Turn your merino clothes inside out, and wash with warm or cold water with regular detergent. Be sure to hang to dry, as merino can shrink in the dryer.

If you do wash a thick merino wool jacket while you’re traveling be aware that it can take a while to dry.

Have you tried merino wool for travel? Let us know what you thought in the comments!

In our almost 20 years of travel together, It’s safe to say that we’ve used and reviewed a lot of backpacks over that time. We’ve tried nearly every kind from the cheapest backpacks to expensive backpacks. We’ve used top loading packs, suitcase style backpacks, overnight backpacks, urban backpacks, and even some of the best travel backpacks and the best business travel backpacks out there.

But no matter how expensive the backpack, or how well designed, they all have one flaw: you need to take the backpack off your back, and set it down, to access what’s inside.

This can be a huge hassle.

If you’re stuck outside in the rain, setting your backpack down to access the inside means placing it on the soaking wet and muddy ground. Half the time, backpacks aren’t balanced well, and the pack topples over on the ground, soaking the entire thing.

Even when the weather’s sunny, it’s a hassle to access the contents of a backpack when you’re wearing it. If the backpack’s small enough, and you’re especially flexible, you may be able to slide the pack around your hips so you’re wearing it on the front of your torso, and access the inside that way. This is pretty tricky to do, but especially difficult if you’re a person with more curves.

Accessing the contents of my pack is especially annoying when I’m outside taking photos. Having to stop, put my pack down, and dig around to find my photography gear has ruined quite a few fantastic shots. Wildlife tends to not pose patiently while I set my pack down to find the perfect lens.

So why hasn’t a backpack company come up with a way to access your pack’s content easily while you’re wearing it?

Well, one company has.

Paxis backpack review

The Paxis Twin Lakes backpack has a pod that swivels around from the back to the front of your body. The whole thing takes seconds, and it means that you can access the gear in the pod without having to take the entire pack off.

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A post shared by Micki and Charles (@thebarefootnomad)

The Paxis swing arm backpack was designed and engineered in the USA by outdoor enthusiasts Paul and Cathy Vierthaler.

We reached out, and Paxis agreed to let us test out a Paxis Twin Lakes backpack for our readers.

Technical details

• Capacity: 30 liters
• Exterior Dimensions: 21” high, 14” wide, 9” deep
• Shuttle Pod Capacity: 5 lbs.
• Shuttle Pod Interior Dimensions: 11”W x 4.5” H x 5” D
• ARC Swing technology swings lower part of backpack to the front
• Free standing design
• Waterproof base
• Interior tablet/laptop pocket
• Lifetime limited warranty

How does the swing arm work?

There are two parts to the Paxis backpack with swing arm: the upper part, which acts like a standard small day bag, and the lower pod, which swings around so you can access the pod contents without removing the pack. The top part of the pack does not swing around – only the bottom pod swings around to the front.

To operate: Keeping the straps on, and sternum strap closed, pull the release handle with one hand. The lower part of the pack (the pod), swings from your back to the front, letting you access the pod gear (snacks, camera, fishing gear, and so on), without taking the backpack off.

I wasn’t sure what to expect of the swing arm. Would it be hard to operate? Would it feel flimsy and cheap?

The swing arm worked exactly as Paxis said it would – with one quick pull of the release, the bottom pod swung smoothly from the back to the front. Perfect for grabbing snacks from the bottom on a day hike!

The motion felt smooth and effortless, and it just required as gentle push to swing the pod to the back of the pack and a small tap to click it back into place.

Paxis Twin Lakes Materials and Design

The Paxis Twin Lakes swing around backpack is made out of nylon fabrics, with hi-tech polyethylene foam.

The frame itself is made of aluminum for strength, and to make it lightweight.

The Twin Lakes pack comes in four colors: mineral (aqua), quarry (a greyish brown), madrona (orange) and long range grass camo (a green camo color).

The Paxis logo is big, and up front on the pack, but because it’s white, it’s not terribly obnoxious on the grey, orange, or teal blue version of the pack. The logo’s in a fluorescent orange on the camo version, though.

Zippers on the Paxis Twin Lakes easy access backpack feel sturdy and move smoothly.

The shoulder straps are well padded, with a sternum strap for stability. The waist / hip straps are padded as well, with a quick release buckle.

The back of the pack is comfort fit padded and vented, and cool when worn.

Paxis backpack interior pockets and exterior straps

There are plenty of interior pockets. The most important to us, of course is the tablet/laptop pocket on the interior of the top pack. There are two other interior zippered pockets, perfect for storing electronics gear, like chargers and cables.

The main pouch of the upper pack is softly lined, with plenty of room for a day’s worth of clothes and toiletries.

On the top exterior of the top part of the pack, there’s a small key or sunglass pocket.

The bottom Shuttle Pod part of the pack is a single compartment, lined with a soft fabric. It doesn’t come with any dividers (though you can buy them separately as accessories).

There’s also a small exterior accessory pocket on the outside of the bottom pod.

There are exterior straps on either side of the upper pocket for holding tripods, ski poles, hiking poles, fishing poles, or other gear.

There are also exterior compression straps, with quick release buckles, on either side of the top part of the pack.

Fit and comfort on the Paxis backpack

We tested the Paxis Twin Lakes fit and comfort for myself (female, 5’4″), Charles (male, 5’11”) and our 12 year old daughter (female, 5’0″).

The pack fit snugly on my back, and was easy to adjust using the waist and shoulder straps, with a pull on each.

Charles needed to let out the waist and shoulder straps a bit for comfort, and the backpack rode up a little higher on his hips. That said, he said it was plenty comfortable for a day hike, and well padded.

Switching the pack from Charles’ frame to our 12 year old daughter’s frame took a little more adjusting of the waist and shoulder straps.

After a minute or two, she had the pack snugly on her back, and said she was quite comfortable, even with a loose fit in the shoulders. There was plenty of room to tighten the shoulder straps, but she preferred them a bit loose.

Returns and refunds

Paxis allows returns for a full refund, if gear is received in “new condition with all tags intact“. The purchaser is responsible for return shipping.

Accessories

Paxis has two accessories you can buy: a foam packing system for the bottom pod to help protect valuable gear like cameras and binoculars, and a rain cover.

Paxis pod dividers – Pod Armor Gear Protection

The two (somewhat confusedly named?) Pod Armor inserts let you divide the lower Shuttle Pod section of the backpack.

The two inserts can help to protect camera and photography gear or other electronics, or help you organize fishing gear.

The inserts are hade of high density aviation foam covered in soft velour fabric.

Paxis Rain Cover – RainShield Gear Protection

The Paxis Twin Lakes backpack does not come with a rain cover.

The RainShield rain cover accessory, with an elastic binding, slips over any 30-liter or smaller pack.

Use timeline

Initial use: Backpack is in excellent condition.

• swing arm works smoothly and effortlessly
• upper fabric repels water beads nicely
• cool and comfortable back panel

Two weeks of use: Pack is in excellent condition.

• swing arm working smoothly, no binding or wear visible
• shoulder and waist straps are padded and comfortable for day hiking

We’ll continue updating this timeline as we use the pack over time.

Cost: The Paxis Twin Lakes backpack runs around $199 USD.

We found Little Passports when searching for fun, indoor activities for our kids, with a travel and exploration focus.

After over a year of not traveling due to the pandemic, we miss the sense of adventure and exploration that we used to get from seeing new places and experiencing new things. That’s why we’ve been looking for ways to bring some of the fun you get while learning and exploring during travel to our home life.

Sure, watching the best travel vloggers on YouTube is a lot of fun, but its educational value is debatable, especially for our kids, and to be honest, planning out your next adventure can only go so far until you can actually start booking things and marking off dates.

What is Little Passports?

Little Passports is a monthly subscription box for kids, with kits that focus on travel and exploration, or science (or both).

The subscription delivers everything your kids need to make, create and play, with different kits for different ages and interests.

They have monthly boxes for kids aged three to twelve.

Little Passports has five subscription packages (more on these down below):

• Early Explorers (ages 3-5)
• Science Junior (ages 5-8)
• Science Expeditions (ages 8+)
• World Edition (ages 6-8)
• USA Editions (ages 7-12)

Looking for a deal? Little Passports usually has a coupon on the home page, so check them out.

Little Passports Review

We tried Little Passports to see if it could bring together education and exploration for our kids.

Science Expeditions Review

We tried the Science Expeditions kit, aimed at ages 8 and up.

The Science Expeditions subscription lets kids solve real-life scientific mysteries every month, helping characters Sam and Sofia learn about the mysteries of the world through science experiments and activities.

The first, introductory, Science Expeditions kit comes with:

• Science Expeditions tote bag
• science lab notebook
• forensic science experiment kit
• fingerprint analysis card and ink pad
• a booklet with more fun games and activities

We tried a regular monthly Science Expeditions kit. Each monthly kit lets you solve new mysteries with cartoon characters Sofia and Sam, and comes with:

• 16-page comic book with glossary and bonus activities
• hands-on science experiments
• achievement badges for each subsequent theme
• access to bonus online videos and science content

Little Passports Science Expeditions review

The first Science Expeditions kit we tried was the Pinball Party.

Pinball Party kit

The first thing I noticed was that the 16-page comic book for the kit is glossy, colorful, and nicely illustrated. Inside there were fun facts about pinball’s history, and an illustrated story about Sam and Sofia, which taught about how pinball machines work, and which raised a lot of fun questions.

The comic book is full of games and puzzles, a pinball word search, and a comprehensive glossary at the end.

There were physics terms and questions throughout the book, and they were presented in a way that was fun, and simple, but also challenging.

There is even a link to more fun facts and a video online.

Once my 12 year old was done reading through the comic book for Pinball Party, she moved on to the science experiment.

The experiment had her create her own pinball machine with a guide, pre-cut wooden pieces, and all the assorted bits she’d need to make the pinball machine.

I really loved that the experiment guide is thoroughly illustrated, and easy to follow, with plenty of color illustrations, and tips.

What’s especially fun is that she ended up with a working pinball machine at the end of the experiment. She had the fun activity of building the pinball machine, learned a lot about physics and building, and she also ended up with a fun toy to enjoy at the end.

The second kit we tried was a Solar Energy Science Expeditions kit.

Solar Energy Science Expeditions kit

The timing of the solar energy kit was perfect, since we are working on getting a solar system for our travel trailer.

The illustrated comic for the solar energy kit started with a fun story of how Sam and Sofia join their Aunt Charlie on an adventure to monitor the movement of snow leopards in the Himalayas.

That’s a win – science and travel adventure combined!

While visiting a local village in the Himalayas, Sofia and Sam are surprised to learn that the village has adopted solar technology for everyday uses like cooking and drying clothes. Along the way, they learn how solar energy works.

For this kit, the science experiments are a solar powered car, a spectroscope, and an ultraviolet impact experiment. Again, all of the parts needed to do all the experiments are included in the package.

Our daughter hasn’t quite finished all three experiments yet, but she keeps asking when we can get started. We had a busy week, so we haven’t had a chance to get going on the last experiment yet, but I think her enthusiasm to start says it all.

All in all, I was really impressed with the subscription. The booklets, instructions, and supplies are high quality, and they were fantastic at keeping our daughter engaged and entertained.

Early Explorers kit

Early Explorers ages 3-5. Characters, Max and Mia, and their dog Toby, travel around the world exploring a different theme each month.

World Edition subscription with Little Passports

The World Edition subscription is for ages 6-8. In this kit, characters Sam and Sofia travel to a new country every month, teaching kids about the world.

USA Edition Little Passports box

The USA Edition subscription is for ages 7-12. In these kits, characters Sam and Sofia travel to two new states every month, with an activity-packed State Journal.

Little Passports Science Junior box

The Little Passports Science Junior subscription is for ages 5-8. In this subscription, characters Sam and Sofia explore mysteries through science experiments and activities.

Get hands-on educational activities for all ages delivered to you every month,.

Summer Camp with Little Passports

This year, Little Passports has a limited time Summer Camp subscription.

The summer camp boxes come in three types:

• World Edition, for ages 6 – 10.
• Science Junior for ages 5 – 8.
• Early Explorers for ages 3 – 5.

Little Passports Cost

Little Passports subscriptions start at $16.95/month.

The Science Expeditions box costs $27.95 monthly, $25.95/month with a 6 month subscription, or $23.95/month with a 12 month subscription.

You can pay monthly, get a six month subscription, or a 12 month subscription.

Shipping is free within the continental USA.

See up-to-date Little Passports prices on their website here!

Little Passports coupon

Looking for a Little Passports discount?

We found the best Little Passports coupons by navigating to their home page, where they usually have a discount up front.

See discounts here.

Is Little Passports worth it?

What we like about Little Passports:

• on time delivery
• the kit was perfectly age appropriate, and had great quality supplies
• subscriptions include everything you’ll need. There’s no need to shop for additional supplies.
• the kits did a great job of engaging the imagination, and were a lot of fun

What we didn’t like

We have a 15 year-old, and I would love to see a subscription geared toward older kids.

In our case, the kits were fun for our younger child, but we had to find a different activity for the 15 year old. It would simplify our lives to have something for our older one as well.

I would especially love to see an older version of the World Edition subscription, which is for ages 6 to 8. The USA edition is geared for ages 7 to 12, but, as Canadians, we were less interested in a USA-only kit than subscribers based in the USA may be.

Learn more about Little Passports.

More about Little Passports

Here’s what the Little Passports website has to say about their service.

Little Passports creates products designed to inspire children to learn about the world through monthly subscriptions, educational toys and characters kids love. To date, we’ve delivered over 4 million packages designed in conjunction with professional educators, PHDs, and award-winning writers and designers. Headquartered in San Francisco, Little Passports is a National Parenting Publication Award winner and a Parent Tested Parent Approved product. The company was founded in 2009. Today our products are available in 16 countries and counting.

– littlepassports.com

In this review, we test the GlocalMe portable hotspot, let you know the good and bad, and give you our honest opinion on the device and service.

Like a lot of you, we’re always looking for reliable, fast Wi-Fi. Between traveling a lot (when the world allows), working from home (or on the go), and occasionally home schooling, good internet is an absolute must for us.

GlocalMe review

Essentially, the GlocalMe G4 PRO (which is the actual device we tested for this review) is a touchscreen data Wi-Fi hotspot that lets you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously to the Internet. It works almost anywhere around the world with cellular coverage, and since it’s pocket-sized, fits in your backpack or back pocket.

Since we’re using the GlocalMe G4 PRO specifically, here’s what we thought of GlocaMe’s flagship device.

Pros

• internet coverage in 140+ countries
• pay-as-you go
• doubles as a power bank
• supports 4g LTE with speeds up to 150mbps down and 50mbps up (depending on connection)
• easy to use touchscreen with easy to see battery life and data remaining
• long 18 hour battery life
• no sim card required
• can connect up to 10 devices

Cons

• data packages can be a little confusing to find what you need
• can be a little heavy in your pocket

GlocalMe download speed

Once I got the GlocalMe up and running, the first thing I did was run a speed test. Right away, my connection popped up as 28 Mbps. Not bad for a first try. That’s plenty fast enough to stream a 4K movie. Upload maxed out at 6 Mbps however that was plenty fast for what we needed to do.

Why get a mobile WiFi device?

A portable WiFi hotspot can save a lot of money over cell phone roaming charges. It also eliminates the problem with data caps when traveling and both families and friends can share a single connection rather than buying a sim for each user. It also allows easier access if you’re jumping around Europe or neighboring countries that require a sim in each country.

With a dedicated WiFi device, it also saves on battery life for your cellphone (vs using your cellphone as a hotspot) and allows you to connect a laptop, tablet or any WiFi device to the internet.

Because we need internet for work and study wherever we go, it’s so nice to have internet with us everywhere. Meaning no more relying on notoriously buggy borrowed Wi-Fi from hotels, cafes or stores.

While we often stay in AirBnB’s for long term travel, having another method to connect to the internet when out and about (from calling an Uber to searching for a restaurant to using Google Maps) is awesome and saves us from having to research local phone options, picking up a SIM (which isn’t possible in every country if you’re not a local) and then activating it.

Also the fact that all 4 of us can go online at the same time as well as have our laptops connected means happiness all around.

GlocalMe G4 PRO Review

In truth, the GlocalMe G4 PRO really impressed me.

Before the G4 crossed my desk, I’d never used a touchscreen travel Wi-Fi hotspot before. With other hotspots, I needed to rely on the app to see how much data I had remaining, or how much battery life was left. With the GlocalMe G4 PRO, all of that information is right on the 5 inch touchscreen itself.

The touchscreen makes it easy to add more data, and it also comes with Google Maps and TripAdvisor already installed. In truth, it almost feels like a cellphone so there is an inherent comfort in using it to set things up with it’s simple interface and limited but essential options.

Because you can connect 10 devices, the G4 PRO is also great for our family of four. We can each connect our smartphones, and there are six connections left for laptops, tablets and other devices.

For road trips, or even just walking around town, it’s nice to have that 3900 mAh battery that lasts up to 18 hours. We haven’t tested that limit yet however it does seem to hold a charge well.

The GlocalMe G4 PRO comes with a data package, with free 8 GB Local Data, plus 1 GB Global Data. You can add more data at any time from within the Glocal me touchscreen.

Other G4 PRO features:

• Two nano SIM slots.
• Automatic setting that disables large data consumption
• Option to use the device as a charger for your phone
• USB C fast charge ability as well as a USB 2.0 port
• Cost: $169.00

Learn more about the GlocalMe G4 PRO.

You can either buy a GlocalMe hotspot outright, or rent one.

Rentals give you free US & Canada shipping and returns. Prices vary depending on where you’re traveling, and include a data package (which varies depending on where you travel).

GlocalMe app

The GlocalMe app is available for iOS or Android. It lets you add data, monitor usage, and see battery life.

The app is especially useful for the GlocalMe U3 wireless device, which doesn’t come with a touchscreen.

GlocalMe U3

The GlocalMe U3 is GlocalMe’s smaller, more affordable Wi-Fi hotspot alternative. For me, the one big disadvantage of the U3 is the lack of a touchscreen.

• Light and slim
• Connects to 10 devices
• Cost: $119.99
• Data included: Free 8 GB Local Data + 1 GB Global Data
• Doesn’t have a touchscreen so relies on connected phone or tablet to set things up

Get GlocalMe U3 prices and more now.

Glocalme Duo Turbo

The Duo Turbo is the choice for users who absolutely cannot lose internet. It’s a dual-modem Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot, meaning that it has two modems to ensure connectivity all the time. One modem is connected, while the second is on standby, which reduces the chance of dropped connections.

• Small 2.4″ touchscreen
• 12 hour battery life
• 3,500 mAh battery
• Single nano SIM slot
• Cost: $149.99
• Data included: Free 8 GB Local Data + 1 GB Global Data

Learn more about the GlocalMe Duo Turbo.

GlocalMe data plans

All three GlocalMe hotspots include free 8 GB of local data plus 1 GB Global Data with purchase.

After that, GlocalMe offers either local or global pay-as-you go data plans.

You can get monthly passes, 7 day, or 30 day packages. You can also buy data in 10 GB, 12 GB, 3 GB and other data packages.

Local packages are available for the USA, North America, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Russia, and Egypt. There’s also a Global 10GB 180-Day Package.

The GlocalMe data plan price depends on the specific location and amount of data you need.

A monthly pass for the USA comes with unlimited data, and costs $99 USD per month.

A 10 GB 180-day global package comes with a price of $98 USD.

GlocalMe unlimited data

Is GlocalMe truly unlimited?

Here’s what GlocalMe has to say “The unlimited data service is affected by the Fair Usage Policy of service operators, the maximum data speed will restrict to 256kbps once you have reached the FUP threshold.” To me, that sounds like your speed (and thus the amount of data you use) can be limited if you’re using a lot of data at once. Unfortunately, it doesn’t say exactly how much data exceeds the Fair Use Policy.

On top of that, different data packages have different priorities. For example, GlocalMe says the 10GB 180-Day Package for Global BIZ “has lower priority than unlimited data package.”

See unlimited data plans and prices here.

GlocalMe SIM

GlocalMe doesn’t currently offer a SIM only package.

However, it does offer the GlocalMe SIMBOX.

GlocalMe SIMBOX

The GlocalMe SIMBOX lets you switch between different SIM cards, depending on where you are in the world. Switching between different cell phone SIM cards lets you avoid roaming charges and expensive long distance. It’s great for frequent travelers, international students and work abroad users.

It has four SIM card slots though it seems only 2 can be active at any one time.

One of the most frequent uses of the SIMBOX seems to be leaving the device in your home country with your local SIM card and then connecting to it via their app while on the go. This lets you receive local calls and texts (perfect for when you need to receive SMS confirmations while out of country) via the SIM card that then gets forwarded to your phone via the app (available on both Android and Apple devices).

It also has:

• 1 X Micro USB interface
• 4 X Standard SIM slots
• 1 X RJ45 (Ethernet slot)

You’ll need to download and install the GlocalMe Call App to register and activate the SIMBOX.

The GlocalMe SIMBOX isn’t currently available and, at the moment, doesn’t support Verizon and Sprint.

Check for GlocalMe SIMBOX availability here.

Can I buy GlocalMe on Amazon?

Yes, you can buy GlocalMe on Amazon, as well as on the GlocalMe website.

See prices for the GlocalMe G4 PRO WiFI hotspot on Amazon.

GlocalMe Coverage Map

GlocalMe works in over 140 countries around the world. Like any other WiFi hotspot, including the Skyroam Solis, Tep Travelwifi, or Keepgo, it only works where you can get a cell signal. It won’t work in the middle of the ocean, or in an airplane, where there isn’t a steady cellular signal.

See the GlocalMe coverage information here.

Watching travel videos helps me decide where to travel next in the world, and what exactly to do once I get there.

In person travel around the world is difficult with the pandemic right now, so I’ve loved watching travel adventures virtually from my favorite YouTubers. It’s a wonderful way to mentally escape the stress and uncertainty of the last year.

YouTube has more than 2 billion (yes, that’s billion with a b) monthly logged in users. If you’re a prospective travel vlogger, getting your videos on YouTube can be as easy as filming a video, editing with a video editor, and uploading. Because getting started on YouTube can be so simple, that’s meant plenty of vloggers, with interesting stories to tell, are on the platform.

Many of my favorite vloggers introduce viewers to bucket list travel adventures around the world, while others stay closer to home.

Several travel bloggers on this list, like Kara and Nate, made the transition from around-the-word travel videos to van life during the pandemic. Others have bought and renovated isolated cabins, while others continue their adventures locally.

I enjoy watching their current adventures, but it’s also a great time to dig back in the archives and watch older videos. I even check out a few classic travel TV shows from time to time!

The Best Travel YouTube Channels

Check out some of our favorite YouTube travel channels. We think these are the some of the best travel vloggers on YouTube right now.

Kara and Nate 2.1 Million YouTube Subscribers

I just found Kara and Nate’s channel in the last year. It’s fantastic, and I wish I’d found it sooner!
Kara and Nate are a husband and wife team from Nashville Tennessee, who traveled to 100 countries before travel slowed down in 2020.

The production quality of this channel is fantastic, with high quality videography, and great audio as well. These days, they’re making content driving through the USA in a van, with plenty of stops at interesting accommodations and attractions along the way.

Favorite video: We Slept Outside in Antarctica

Eamon and Bec 782K YouTube subscribers

Eamon and Bec are a Canadian couple that I started watching when they were travelling around Europe and Morocco in their self converted Sprinter van. There’s plenty of gorgeous content on here about their travels, their vegan recipes (they even have a vegan cookbook), and life on the road.

These days, Eamon and Bec are vlogging about renovating their cabin in the woods of Ontario, Canada.

Favorite travel video: How to Winter in the Canadian Wilderness

Foresty Forest 245K YouTube subscribers

Foresty Forest is the real deal, if you’re interested in bicycle touring, ascending mountains, and the great outdoors. His crockpot makes frequent appearances, with simple home cooked meals made in the van.

This is old school YouTube, without paid sponsorships, or paid reviews.

You’ll find yourself singing the insanely catchy theme song, “Foresty Forest, he lives in a van… Foresty Forest!“

I always catch myself smiling when there’s a new Foresty Forest upload.

Favorite video: Living in a Minivan During Freezing Temperatures

Christian Schaffer – 70K subscribers

Christian makes her living as an outdoor adventure and travel photographer, and was a former Abercrombie model and retail manager.

As you’d expect, her travel videography is beautiful, but the channel is also packed full of thoughtful, intelligent tips about van life, making money, and life in general.

Favorite video: Van Life | Parking and Solo Female Safety

The Wild Card: Tom Green 267K YouTube subscribers

Bet you didn’t expect to find Tom Green on this list!

Tom is best known as a comedian, whose career started on MTV in the 1990s. He’s known for quirky and often pretty juvenile comedy like the Bum Bum Song, the Slutmobile, and Hollywood films Road Trip and Charlie’s Angels, as well as being married to Drew Barrymore in the early 2000s.

These days, Green seems a lot more introspective, as he’s vlogging his van life with his adorable dog, Charlie. Green’s still a quirky mix, with gorgeous cinematography, visits to stunning and out of the way places, musical offerings, and rambling, free-form live streams.

Favorite video: Lost Ancient City In America – Tom Green Visits Chaco Culture National Historical Park – Van Life

Slim Potatohead 129K YouTube subscribers

Slim Potatohead is something of an outlier among travel vlogs.

There’s definitely good videography and storytelling here, but this is not the vlog for you if you’re looking for fast paced, high excitement travel. Slim meanders along on his adventures, and it often seems like very little happens in a given blog. That said, he’s definitely an authentic voice that’s well worth checking out.

He travels pulling a small older trailer, spending plenty of time off grid in nature. Older videos feature the USA and Mexico, but these days he’s focusing on travel within Canada. There are videos on frugal camper renovations, camping spots, and plenty of exploring and meandering.

Favorite travel video: Latitude High: The Arctic Circle Campout

Mark Wiens 7.28 Million YouTube subscribers

Enthusiastic and energetic, Mark Wiens is a food vlogger who shares about South East Asia from his home base in Bangkok, Thailand.

I was first introduced to Mark’s Migrationology blog back in 2012, and I’ve loved following his transition to being one of YouTube’s most popular food and travel vloggers.

He features plenty of street food videos, with a strong focus on Thai food and travel.

Favorite video: Extreme Thai Street Food – CRAZY TOM YUM Late-Night Food Tour in Bangkok, Thailand!

Tyler and Todd 77K YouTube subscribers

Tyler and Todd are one of my absolute favorite channels. They’re funny, engaging, and have absolutely gorgeous videography and solid audio.

They’re a Canadian couple who travel with their adorable dogs Charlie and Eddy.

Because of the pandemic, they’re currently not traveling, but I’ve loved following along as they make a home in Nova Scotia, building an off grid cabin.

Incredibly personable and funny, they’re a treat to watch each week.

Favorite video: Gay Couple’s Routine | Living in an RV full time

Vancity Vanlife 145K YouTube subscribers

Vancity Vanlife features Chrome and his adorable bulldog pup, Cruz.

Chrome is a former professional DJ, so this is a fantastic channel if you love great music and great audio. As a former DJ, he has a fantastic voice for audio.

He uploads almost every day, and this channel is a throwback to early daily vlogs of YouTube. Videos are based mostly around Vancouver, British Columbia, but he does sojourn around Canada and into the USA when he’s able. It’s a great channel to get a feel for daily van life realities.

Favorite video: Winter Van Life In The Frosty Canadian Mountains… Is It Lonely Out Here?

Drew Binsky 2.34 Million YouTube subscribers

Drew, an American YouTuber, is definitely an engaging, entertaining presence on YouTube. He’s also controversial, as he continued traveling during the pandemic, and he’s garnered criticism for visiting countries like North Korea.

This is the type of channel that you’ll likely either love or hate.

Favorite travel video: He is the Ice Man (Wim Hof)

Project Amber 57K YouTube subscribers

Project Amber follows the adventures of a UK vlogger and his adorable Spaniel puppy, Lance as they travel in a converted ex-ambulance.

There’s plenty of great content in the archives that features road trips around the UK and Europe.

The man and dog duo just bought off-grid land in Portugal, and I’m looking forward to watching his local Portuguese adventures.

Favorite video: VAN TOUR – Ex-Ambulance Turned Offgrid Home on Wheels, with Log Burner & Upstairs Bedroom

Lost in Europe

Ash Pollard of Lost in Europe is a 27 year old photographer from Leicester/England.

As the channel title suggests, he mostly features van travel around Europe. There’s some gorgeous videography here, and I’ve loved his time in Scotland, as well has his new content on van life in the winter.

Favorite video: Winter Snow Storm Living In A Van / Arctic Van Life

Bald and Bankrupt 2.66 Million subscribers

Bald and Bankrupt follows the adventures of English travel vlogger Benjamin Rich, who mostly focuses on visiting post-Soviet states.

This channel is much more about meeting everyday people, and getting to know them and their lives, than cinematic scenes and views. It’s great entertainment, and I love that it focuses on getting to know people.

Like Drew Binsky, Rich has travelled during the pandemic. Rich was hospitalized for nine days for coronavirus in July 2020 in Serbia, which was not under lockdown at the time. He admitted that he was “blasé” about the pandemic, and has cautioned his viewers to take the pandemic seriously.

Favorite video: Inside The Belarus Chernobyl Zone

These are just some of my top picks for the best travel vlogs on YouTube channel to follow in 2022! I hope you enjoy watching their videos as much as I do.

Do you have any top travel vloggers suggestions that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.