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

If you travel a lot, you know how important it is to find the best flight deals. Spending too much on flights means that you have less money to enjoy great meals, fun activities, and cool accommodations.

Have you thought about using a VPN to save money on your next trip? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you get cheaper flights by hiding your location and making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different country.

It’s honestly much easier to do than you might think to use a VPN on flight tickets to save you money.

Why does using a VPN save money?

Airlines and travel booking sites use a pricing model called dynamic pricing. This means that prices can change depending on factors like your IP address, your purchase history, browsing habits, your ZIP code, demand and supply, and even which Wi-Fi you’re connected to, among other factors.

Using a VPN to change your IP address to another location means that websites might show different prices based on that location. This means that if you use a VPN to change your location, you may get a cheaper price if the new location has lower demand for flights.

A bonus is that you can also use a VPN to find lower prices on hotels and even car rentals using the same idea!

Does changing the IP address impact the price of an air ticket?

Important! This is definitely not a guaranteed method of saving money on flights. It really depends a lot on the pricing model the website is using for flights, and whether or not prices vary on location.

Even though this isn’t a 100% guaranteed travel hack, we’ve had great luck in the past booking flights in different countries, at prices that were much less than we’d seen in Canada.

For example, while in Mexico, we found cheap one way flights from Cancun, Mexico to Madrid, Spain for $160 USD all in. Similarly, while in Istanbul, we were able to book a one-way flight from Istanbul, Turkey to Toronto, Canada for just $288, including taxes and fees. That’s far cheaper than we’d found while physically based in Canada.

There are plenty of other reasons to use a VPN when you travel as well, including:

• streaming your home country’s Netflix shows or local only websites
• protecting your privacy on the road
• preventing theft of personal information
• accessing social media sites that may be blocked in the country you’re visiting

Couldn’t I just use Incognito mode instead of a VPN?

Your browser’s incognito mode is great for hiding your browsing history from other people on the device you’re using and for less cookie tracking. However, incognito mode doesn’t change your IP address (your devices internet address, which most sites can track and get a rough approximation of your actual address) while a VPN will change your IP and help keep you anonymous.

Since your location is attached to your IP, incognito mode means that your location will still show to flight websites.

Can just changing the language save money on flights?

We occasionally see stories that changing the language on a website can save money on flights.

We’ve tried this language changing hack in the past, and had mixed results. It also means that you’ll need to book flights in another language. If you don’t speak the language fluently, even with Google translate, you do run a risk of not understanding the terms and conditions fully.

How to Use a VPN to Get Cheaper Flights

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to save money on your next flight, in five easy steps.

Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN Provider

The most important step, in my opinion, to using a VPN is choosing a reliable and safe VPN partner. They’re not all built the same, so it’s absolutely crucial to choose a reputable, safe VPN.

A good VPN should offer IP addresses in many different countries, strong encryption, and a no logs policy.

These days, I’m using Private Internet Access.

Private Internet Access (also known as PIA) is great at hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet connection. All PIA apps are 100% open source, meaning that you, and security experts, can look under the hood to see how everything works.

PIA has over 30 million downloads, and has been around for more than 10 years. It offers thousands of next-gen servers in over 83 countries and each US state, and there’s unlimited bandwidth.

This one’s hugely important for security, so I’m going to go full geek for just a couple of sentences here, and explain what everything means along the way. Here goes: PIA has an independently audited (by Deloitte) no-logs policy.

A no-logs policy means that the VPN provider doesn’t keep any record of what you do online. There’s no record kept of IP addresses you use, data you transfer or websites you visit, keeping your online activities totally secure and private.

If a VPN provider keeps logs, this means that someone could potentially access this information. The logs could be accessed by hackers, authorities, or simply advertisers. With a no-logs policy, there’s simply no information for the VPN provider to give out, even if they receive a request for user data, or if they’re hacked. A no logs policy helps keep your privacy protected and your sensitive information safe. And Private Internet Access is a great choice for this.

It’s also important to mention Private Internet Access can protect up to 10 devices simultaneously with just one subscription. This means you can use it for yourself and the people you are traveling with.

And if you ever have any questions, or would like more tips and tricks, Private Internet Access has a 24/7 Customer Support service, ready to cater to your every need.

Step 2: Download and Install the VPN Software

Once you’ve chosen a reputable VPN provider like Private Internet Access (PIA), download and install the VPN software on your device.

Just visit the VPN provider’s website, choose the plan that suits your needs best, and follow their instructions to download and install the VPN software.

It took me less than five minutes to download and install the PIA VPN software on my desktop. The process is intuitive and fast.

Step 3: Connect to a Server in the Desired Country

The next step is what intimidates most people, but it’s honestly incredibly simple.

Using your VPN, connect to a server in the country where you want to appear as if you’re browsing from.

Important: If you’re logged into your internet browser, be sure to log out. If you’re logged in, Chrome, Bing, or other browsers set your location based on your account information, overriding the change you’re making with the VPN. Also make sure you’re logged out of any airline or travel booking websites, for the same reason.

For example, if you want to book a flight, while appearing as if you’re in Mexico, you’ll need a VPN to connect to a server located in Mexico. This will make it appear as if you’re there, even if you’re actually in another country.

With Private Internet Access, all it takes is one click to connect to a server. Then you’re ready to start browsing and find those sweet, sweet deals.

Which is the cheapest country to set your VPN location to for the cheapest flight bookings?

There’s no firm answer to what’s the most affordable country to book a flight from. Prices can vary greatly, depending on both your departure date and destination.

That said, in the past, we’ve had good luck with these destinations:

• Mexico
• India
• South American countries, like Peru or Argentina

Other flight hackers often mention:

• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Australia
• India
• Portugal
• Thailand

So, you may have to play a little bit by changing your location a few times to see what lands you the cheapest flight.

Step 4: Start Searching for Flights

Once you’re connected to your desired country’s server through the VPN, start searching for your flights.

Try a travel booking website to start, as this will give you multiple flights and airlines to choose from. After that, be sure to try the airline directly, as prices sometimes differ directly from the airline and a booking website.

Prices will reflect the country you appear to be browsing from.

Tip: When at all possible, we book with the airline directly, as this makes changes to flights and communication easier. If you’ve ever had to deal with a large, faceless, travel booking website when changing a ticket, you’ll understand how frustrating the experience can be.

If you don’t find a good price, try changing your VPN’s country again.

For international flights, I get a baseline price by first searching from my home country. Then, I set my VPN to the country I’m flying to, to see if the flight is cheaper. If this doesn’t get a cheaper flight, I set my VPN’s country to the home country of the airline. After that, I start searching through the list of countries above, in step 4.

Step 5: Compare Prices and Book Your Flight

After you’ve searched for flights, it’s time to compare prices and book your flight.

Make sure to compare the prices with other airlines and travel booking websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal. If you find a cheaper flight, consider booking it immediately, as prices can change quickly.

Important tip! Before you book, check the terms and conditions. I once found fantastically cheap flights from Quito, Ecuador to the Galapagos. Unfortunately for me, when I checked the terms and conditions, I found those cheap prices only applied to citizens of Ecuador. The flights were about 20% more expensive for us.

Step 6: Change the VPN’s location back

Once you’ve booked your flight, don’t forget to change the VPN location back. This makes sure you can keep browsing and downloading based on your default location.

So, does using a VPN to change your location get you cheaper prices?

The answer is yes. Sometimes it can be a simple, affordable, and effective way to save money on your next trip.

By hiding your location and making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different country, you can access lower flight prices and get more value for your money.

Just remember to choose a reliable VPN provider like Private Internet Access (PIA), connect to the desired country’s server, search for flights, compare prices, book your flight, and disconnect from the VPN.

Happy travels!

More great reads:

• How to Get High-Speed Wi-Fi When Traveling
• How Not to Fry Your Electronics Overseas: A Quick Guide
• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what it would be like to fly business class on your next international flight, you know it can be tempting. After all, the thought of extra legroom, free drinks, and gourmet meals can make regular old economy class feel like a total drag.

But is business class really worth the higher price tag? Let’s find out!

Is Business Class Worth It?

Whether you’re looking to book an international flight from the UK to Australia, or a long haul business class flight to Greece, there’s a lot to consider.

While you can sometimes find business class on domestic flights, it’s mostly found on international flights, and offers more comfort and amenities than standard economy, premium economy, or domestic first class.

One thing we can guarantee, because business class is more expensive, and geared more to solo business travelers, you’ll likely have fewer babies and children in business class.

Not all business class tickets are made equal

A word of caution first. Not all business class tickets are equal.

Some business class flights have lay flat seats, meals designed by celebrity chefs, multiple bars for business class passengers, and fantastic service. Other business class tickets are minimally upgraded economy tickets, with barely larger seats, the same food as economy, and a seat toward the front of the plane. There are huge differences in business class between different airlines, specific routes, and even airplanes.

Different airlines may also call their business class seats by another name, like executive class, upper class, club world, or club Europe.

Cost

The biggest knock against business class tickets is their cost. A long haul full fare economy ticket can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while a business or first class ticket can set you back thousands of dollars. But if you’re looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip or fly in comfort for an important meeting or event, the extra money might be worth it.

Generally, business class is more expensive than economy, but considerably less expensive than first class.

Short haul flights also tend to have smaller cost differences between economy and business class than long haul flights. For some long haul flights, for example between the UK and Australia, business class can literally cost thousands more than economy.

Meals

If you’re flying over several time zones and want to thoroughly enjoy your journey, then it might be worth shelling out some extra cash for quality meals in business class.

Many airlines offer better quality food than what’s available in economy (think fresh salad instead of soggy sandwiches) plus complimentary wine and champagne (if that’s your thing!). Business class also often includes on-demand snacking.

In general, business class food is marginally better than economy, but there are certain exceptions where business class food is much higher quality. For example, Air France has commissioned Michelin star chef Anne-Sophie Pic to create eight dishes for business class customers.

On short haul business class flights, however, the meal won’t make much of a difference, since most flights don’t have time for a proper in-flight meal service anyway.

Seats and comfort

Business class seating can be night and day compared to the experience you get in economy. First off, business class seating provides added luxury and comfort with bigger, reclining seats, and more legroom.

Long haul business class flights generally offer a lie flat bed, but it isn’t guaranteed. With some airlines such as TAP, the business class seat only partially reclines.

A great seat isn’t just about comfort. On a long haul flight, a comfy experience can give you a much better sleep and less jet lag, leading to a more enjoyable vacation (or business trip). It can also mean choosing an overnight flight and a decent rest rather than a day flight. Not only can you save on hotel costs, you can also get off the flight rested and ready for your first adventure.

Want to know the specific details of your seat? Find your airline on seatguru and check the specifications. Here are a few things to look for. How wide are the seats? How close are you to other passengers? How many seats fit in a row? Does the seat recline? Will the seat convert into a bed?

Departure and arrival

Some, but not all, business class tickets offer a better departure and arrival experience. Depending on the airline and route, this can include express check in, fast track security, priority boarding, priority immigration plus a more generous baggage allowance for the best business backpack.

Services and perks

You can expect better perks in business class than economy, from powerful chargers to keep all your devices in working order, better entertainment options, and even complimentary amenities like free Wi-fi access, newspapers and magazines.

Plus, business class travelers get priority boarding and check-in services so they can be one of the first passengers on board. Business class generally has a higher flight attendant to passenger ratio, leading to better service, including faster meal service which means meals served first and more time with lights out for a better sleep on long haul flights.

Some business class flights offer extra perks like chauffeured pick-up and drop off, and an in flight amenities kit including items like socks, eye masks and toiletries.

Generally, (though not always), a business class ticket gives you access to the airline’s airport lounge. Lounge access often includes amenities like free meals, alcohol, showers and clothes pressing.

Business class vs first class

In business class, you’ll expect perks like wider or more comfortable seating and priority boarding.

When you upgrade to first class, you’re pampered from start to finish. From dining experiences that rival high-end restaurants and personalized concierge services, to private suites with beds, showers, and sound-proof areas for business conferences, first class is a much more luxurious experience.

Food in first class can often rival that of the best restaurants, and can have menus designed by famous chefs.

Business class has more legroom, but not always a private space while first class sometimes offers seats that turn into a bed or an mini apartment.

How to save money on business class tickets

If you just can’t stomach the cost of business class there are a few tricks that may help drop the price.

Wait for a last minute upgrade. You may simply get an offer from the airline at the last minute to upgrade. At one point in the past, they often gave someone a free bump up but those days are generally over since planes often max out their occupancy and it will usually cost you, though oftentimes at a much reduced rate, than you’d pay ahead of time.

Use your airline points or frequent flyer status. If you have points or miles, then it may be worth it to you to shell out some of those points to upgrade. If you time it right, there are times where using points makes the most sense.

Consider premium economy tickets. If you can’t quite justify the cost of business class, premium economy is another option. Generally, premium economy gives you bigger seats, seats toward the front of the plane, better food, and a few more perks at a much lower cost than business class.

Book early. The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the cheaper business class ticket. Book as far in advance as possible to secure the best deals. While hoping for a last minute upgrade can sometimes be cheaper, there is zero guarantee a better deal will pop up.

Consider alternative airports. Sometimes, flying into a nearby airport can save you money on business class tickets. Don’t overlook smaller airports in the area.

So is business class airfare worth it?

In the end, choosing business class or economy is a personal choice. It really depends on your budget and how important comfort is to you when flying long distances (or short distances).

If you’re cash rich and time poor, business class may be for you, and by all means go ahead and book yourself a seat in the front cabin, but make sure that you maximize your benefits by taking advantage of any perks offered along with your ticket, like lounge access or priority check-in privileges!

Should a business class ticket be on your business travel checklist? A good business class experience really makes getting from point A to point B a pleasure rather than an endurance test!

However, if saving money is more important than indulging yourself, then economy may be the way to go. Just remember that there are always ways to make your flight more enjoyable by researching airlines’ amenities before booking your ticket!

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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.

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In this Jase Medical review, I want to share the importance of having emergency antibiotics while traveling and how Jase Medical can provide that extra level of protection and security.

As a seasoned traveler, I understand the importance of being prepared for any situation, especially when it comes to health and safety. While carrying a well-stocked first aid kit is essential, it’s not always enough. That’s why I highly recommend considering Jase Medical’s emergency antibiotics for your next trip.

With the shortages, travel disruptions, and political unrest in the world right now, being prepared seems like an especially good idea.

When you’re traveling, the unexpected can happen. It’s important to have a reliable source of medical support. Jase Medical’s emergency antibiotics can give you that peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Our family of four carries a well stocked travel first aid kit, and it’s come in handy many times. That said, even the best first aid kit for traveling abroad usually doesn’t include antibiotics for emergencies.

There have been many times where our family of four has needed antibiotics on the road, including a kidney infection in Thailand, an E. coli infection in the Philippines, strep throat in Mexico and a nasty cut to our son’s ear in Greece. (See the blue boxes for details from a couple of our personal stories).

In a hurry? See Jase’s emergency antibiotic prices now.

Jase Medical Review

When I found out about Jase’s emergency antibiotics kit, I was excited to get one for my family.

The Jase Case is a 100% legal emergency antibiotics kit that contains five of the most common antibiotics you might need. I think of it as a backup plan if we aren’t able to make it to a doctor or pharmacy when we’re traveling.

Since we’ll keep the Jase Case with us wherever we are, it also serves as prepper antibiotics if we’re off grid, if there’s a natural disaster, or if we can’t make it to a doctor or pharmacy for some reason, and for emergency antibiotics for travel abroad.

How do you get antibiotics for travel?

In an ideal world, if you get sick as you travel, you would just visit an English speaking doctor and pharmacy and have medications prescribed.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to access medical care on the road, and even harder to find a pharmacy to dispense those medications.

Another option to get emergency antibiotics for travel is to have them prescribed by your family doctor. Unfortunately, not everyone has a family doctor. In the US, doctor visits can be expensive. On top of that, a local doctor may not specialize in travel medicine, and may not know the best antibiotics to include in a travel medical kit.

That’s where Jase comes in. Jase lets you order emergency antibiotics for travel online, from a board-certified doctor, and delivered through a local pharmacy.

Wondering how to get antibiotics for a survival kit? While we got Jase for our off-grid and travel use, it’s a great option for getting antibiotics for a survival kit at home.

Since Jase provided us with a kit to see how their service works, I jumped at the chance to check it out. Before I talk about my experience ordering antibiotics through Jase, here’s a little info on Jase, and how it works.

Click here if you want to jump straight to my personal review.

About Jase Medical

Jase founders created the company so people have access to medical help even when professional assistance is not available.

Emergency or unforeseen medical situations can be stressful and without the proper supplies, life-threatening. Jase Medical’s aim is to make sure that you have the medications you need even in times when access to medicines is hard to come by.

Jase Medical is for people who want to keep an emergency supply of medication available wherever they travel or happen to be.

The process for ordering emergency antibiotics is simple. You just:

1. Fill out a simple online form, which is evaluated by a physician.
2. The antibiotics are sent directly by mail from Jase’s pharmacy network.

What I really love is that a Jase order also includes unlimited ongoing care, so you can ask your prescribing physician any questions you may have about a particular condition or treatment. 

To order online, go to Jase Medical’s website here and use code NOMAD10 at checkout to get $10 off).

What medications are in the Jase case?

Jase’s medical team have put together a comprehensive kit with emergency antibiotics for travelers.

The Jase emergency antibiotic travel pack contains the following medications:

• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
• Azithromycin (which the CDC says is used to treat severe traveler’s diarrhea.)
• Ciprofloxacin
• Doxycycline
• Metronidazole

This isn’t legal or medical advice. Make sure you consult with a doctor to see if emergency antibiotics are right for you.

Among other things, the Jase antibiotics can be used to treat:

• traveler’s diarrhea
• kidney infections
• bladder infections
• pneumonia
• wound infections
• possible bioterror incidents
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
• strep throat
• urinary tract infection

How long does it take to get the Jase antibiotics?

Unlike traditional medication, you don’t need to pick up your medication from a pharmacy. Instead, it’s mailed to the address you provide.

My Jase antibiotics came five days after placing my order, which is lightning fast compared to other online orders that I’ve made with other companies.

Orders are shipped from the Jase partner pharmacy via either USPS or the Canadian Post.

Can’t I just buy antibiotics overseas as I travel?

Absolutely, you can get antibiotics from an overseas pharmacy when you travel.

There are a few risks though.

First, you may not be close to a pharmacy or medical help when you need medicine.

Second, you may not get the professional advice you need about usage and dose because of language barriers, or lack of access to medical professionals.

Third, and this is something that most travelers don’t think about, but there’s a risk the meds you get overseas may be counterfeit, especially in emerging countries.

My Personal Experience with Jase

My entire experience ordering the Jase emergency antibiotics online was smooth and simple, and only took about 10 minutes in total.

I very much like the convenience of ordering online. It’s so much simpler than making an appointment with a family doctor, or with a walk-in clinic.

My experience ordering Jase emergency antibiotics online

To start, I went to the Jase website.

From there, I followed along with their online ordering process. Basically, it was just a few questions about my medical history and they verified my identity.

To start, I answered a few simple medical questions, including if I had any potential allergies, if I’ve had a general health checkup in the past two years, and if I was taking any other medications.

After that, I uploaded a picture of an official ID (my driver’s license in my case), which was quick and secure by just holding my ID in front of my webcam. To comply with telemedicine laws, the Jase physicians are required to verify their patients’ identity with a government issued photo ID.

After I was done, I got a confirmation email from Jase, saying my order was being reviewed by one of their independent board-certified physicians.

I placed my order at 3:23 pm, and got an email from the doctor at 7:10 am the next morning saying my prescriptions were ordered from the pharmacy. There was also on email where I could reach the doctor if I had any questions.

I got a text from the pharmacy the day after that, saying that they’d received the prescription order, and setting up a time to talk to the pharmacist.

Later that day, I got a call from the pharmacist, who provided helpful education on how, and when, to use the medications in an emergency. He was also able to answer any questions I had.

Since I live in Canada, my Jase antibiotics were shipped from a partner pharmacy, Pocketpills.

Since I didn’t have any other prescriptions, or medical history, I wasn’t contacted directly by a doctor after the initial consultation. Jase says that a physician only contacts you if there are questions about your medical history. Otherwise, the responses you give during the online consultation are typically enough.

My Jase antibiotics came only a few days after placing my order.

Honestly, that’s pretty impressive since I live in Canada, and in a smaller city, which often makes shipping slow.

To order online, go to Jase Medical’s website here and use code NOMAD10 at checkout to get $10 off.

If you have allergies, or another medical reason, the medications listed can be substituted or removed at the discretion of the physician.

Since I’m based in Canada right now, my Jase Case prescription was fulfilled by a pharmacy that serves Canadian customers.

My Jase case contained everything the Jase website said it would.

The only tiny difference was that I got Metronidazole caplets instead of tablets, but the number and milligrams in each was identical to the website. Here’s exactly what I got:

• 30 Metronidazole 500 mg Capsules
• 6 Azithromycin 250 mg Tablets
• 28 Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 875/125 mg Tablets
• 28 Ciprofloxacin 500 mg Tablets
• 120 Doxycycline 100 mg Capsules

As a note, your pill bottles may look a bit different. Jase’s medications are are sent in their typical pill bottles from independent, licensed pharmacies.

The Jase emergency antibiotic kit came in a handy zippered pouch, which is helpful for keeping the bottles organized in one space, and protecting them from light. The bag is really well constructed, with several compartments, and a sturdy zipper.

It’s a small thing, but I would have liked my fifth bottle of antibiotics to have a designated place. Four of the five pill bottles were snugly held in place with an elastic band, but the fifth was just placed in the case. Again, it’s a trivial thing, but maybe future cases could include this?

There’s also a 33-page Emergency Antibiotic Guide Booklet.

Inside the booklet, there’s a description of each antibiotic in the kit, along with what conditions it’s used to treat. The antibiotic description includes notes on possible dangers, including interactions with other drugs, and potential allergic reactions. It also includes when it is to be taken (e.g., during meals), expiration and storage information, and whether it is compatible with breastfeeding mothers and/or pregnancy.

The booklet also has an easy-to-read index at the front that lists medical conditions, and then which antibiotic in the kit can be used to treat that condition, along with page numbers to find out more information.

There’s even information in the back on how to safely dispose of expired medications.

How much does a Jase case cost?

Currently, prices for the antibiotic kit are:

• For US patients: $259.95 USD*
• For Canadian patients: $339.95 USD*

The pricing difference includes differences between USA and Canadian costs of medications, shipping, fees and materials. Prices may change over time.

We asked Jase for a discount for our readers.

Use our code NOMAD10 at checkout to get $10 off!

See Jase prices here.

Does Jase accept insurance?

Jase Medical does not accept any type of health insurance. If you’re in the USA, you should be able to use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account), but it depends on the specifics of your account.

Is there a fee for the Jase doctor’s visit?

Your doctor’s consultation is free and is included in the cost. If the physician determines that your order for chronic condition medication or antibiotics is appropriate, the only payment made will be for the prescribed medications.

Is Jase Medical legit?

Jase Medical was founded by board-certified family physician Dr. Shawn Rowland who is supported by a team of experts.

Jase’s clinical advisors are:

• Shawn Rowland, M.D., Founder – Jase Medical, LLC., board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
• Lissa Baird, M.D., Director of Neurosurgical Oncology in the Department of Neurosurgery at Boston Children’s Hospital
• Brandon Webb, M.D., Associate Professor of Research in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Epidemiology at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jase Medical contracts with physicians who are licensed to prescribe medicine and treat patients in your area, and complies with all governing medical laws.

JASE MEDICAL

Can I order medication other than antibiotics?

You can request specific medications for many chronic conditions.

However, you can’t place partial orders for the antibiotic kit, or select specific medications for the antibiotic kits.

Jase Medical Canada

Jase Medical is available both in the USA and in Canada. They currently aren’t in any other countries.

Canadians can order on the same Jase website as Americans, here.

How long can the emergency antibiotics be stored?

Most antibiotics have an expiration date between two or three years from the date of manufacture on the bottle. Store medications in air-tight containers in a cool, dry environment to maximize their shelf life.

The Jase website says “Under proper storage conditions antibiotics, expiration dates can be extended for a minimum of an additional 5 years. Studies have even shown 90% retained potency after as many as 20 years.“

What about antibiotic shortages, and supply chain disruptions?

Canada is currently experiencing a shortage of some antibiotics, primarily liquid formulations of amoxicillin and azithromycin. Tablet forms of antibiotics aren’t currently seeing shortages in Canada. See current antibiotic shortages in Canada here.

There are also shortages of some antibiotics in the USA – see this FDA list for current details.

Can I send a Jase case as a gift?

Jase offers gift cards if you’re looking to send a Jase antibiotics as a gift.

See Jase gift cards here.

Use our code NOMAD10 at checkout to get $10 off!

Is Jase Medical Worth it?

I was pleasantly surprised with how quick and simple it was to order emergency antibiotics from Jase.

It may be a couple of more steps if you have potential drug allergies, or don’t have a primary care physician, or if you’re taking other medications.

It feels good to have the peace of mind that I have emergency antibiotics on hand. A medical kit stocked with emergency antibiotics may mean the difference between a ruined vacation and a memorable one.

While I really liked the quick, easy online experience, it really put my mind at ease to know that I could have any of my questions answered by a Jase physician. On top of that, talking to the pharmacist about any potential issues was incredibly helpful.

One downside is that there’s currently no a la carte option, where you can just buy one or two of the more common antibiotics in the kit. You need to purchase all five in the kit.

Should you stock Jase in your DIY travel first aid kit or road trip first aid kit?

If you’re like me, and want to be prepared for travel emergencies, or just want an antibiotic supply for emergency preparedness, I definitely recommend the Jase antibiotic kit.

Carrying a Jase Case just might save your life, and at the at least, you’ll be able to sleep soundly knowing that you have access to vital antibiotics right away if you need it.

Order Jase emergency antibiotics here.

The past few years of travel restrictions were tough on travelers.

Being unable to hit the road, or grab a flight is one of the more frustrating things that can happen to a travel lover.

Pandemic aside, there are plenty of reasons why you may not be able to just get a visa to Colombia or to somewhere else, find the cheapest flights, choose the best travel backpack (or pack your carry on), and hit the road.

Maybe you’re saving money to travel, or you have a passport that makes travel difficult. Maybe you have family or caregiving commitments that make it hard to explore the world. Maybe you’re in the middle of a university degree, and don’t want to take time off. Maybe your financial situation means that it’s not as easy as finding a job that lets you travel around the world.

During the last few years, we found ourselves stuck at home as the world shut down. Flights were canceled, travel restrictions tightened, and some countries even closed their borders completely to visitors.

Things to do when you can’t go on vacation

Of course, things are better now that we can travel almost anywhere, but those days of travel lockdowns and restrictions left their mark.

We tried to make the best of the situation, as so many others did, by finding other interests and activities to take the place of being on the road.

Lockdown was a time of self reflection, when we thought a lot about why we traveled, and what we wanted out of travel.

From there, we worked hard at finding activities to scratch our travel itch. Some of our ideas were adventurous, some were quieter and self reflective, and some were just… a bit out there.

So what can travel lovers do when we can’t travel?

Figure out what you love about travel

For us, the first step in how to deal with travel withdrawal was figuring out what we loved most about travel. From there, we brainstormed what activities would scratch that specific travel itch.

Do you love meeting new people? Learning a new language? Trying new foods? Exploring city streets? Or is getting out in nature more your thing?

Once you figure out the things that you love most about travel, you can try to recreate what you love about it in another way.

For us, figuring out what we loved about travel was the first step in finding adventure at home. Here are some of our best ideas for what to do when you can’t travel the world.

Explore your local area

If you’re lucky, there may be a lot to see and experience close to home. In a city, there’s likely to be plenty of culture, food, and even history to explore. In more rural areas, nature is likely right at your doorstep.

Local parks are a wonderful place to start.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a back yard, try lying on the grass and watching the bees buzz about, or try your hand at gardening.

Take a day trip

If you’re able to get some time away, a day trip can help scratch that travel itch.

We’ve taken a day trip as little as half an hour down the road, where we packed our suitcases, hung out at the hotel pool, and went for walks along the water. It wasn’t far, at least in terms of distance, but just being away from home was a nice taste of adventure.

Take up camping

For those fortunate enough to be close to nature, camping is a great way to bring some adventure into your life. Camping doesn’t need to be expensive if you camp on public land and you already have camping gear (or know someone you can borrow gear from).

Cook a new dish from your travels

Some of our best travel memories are tied to local foods, so one of the ways we tried to recreate the joy of travel was to make dishes from the places we had visited.

Looking for specialty ingredients? Almost any city has specialty grocery stores. In our small city of around 100,000 people, we have Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Arabic, Asian and German markets. You may even get lucky and find specialty ingredients on Amazon.

Off the top of my head, there are plenty of excellent online cooking classes to get you started on your culinary adventures. YouTube has a a multitude of videos from different local cuisines. Plus, there are excellent foodie blogs and recipe sites.

I’m a big fan of Skillshare’s cooking classes, with classes in everything from Italian cooking to brewing the best cup of coffee, plus plenty more.

Learn a musical instrument

Not much of a chef? You can also learn a new instrument and immerse yourself in the music of a specific country.

There are dozens of apps and websites, plus YouTube has a great selection as well. We picked up a digital piano right before lockdowns in 2020 started (lucky timing) and our kids learned to play by watching online courses.

Learn to dance

Love music but don’t have a musical note in your body? How about learning to dance? You’ll be a hit with everything from the salsa to the jig depending on where your future travels will take you and get a great workout at home while you’re at it.

Learn a new language online

Food and music may be the window to the soul of a country, however nothing beats being able to talk to people in their native tongue.

Using an app like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone can teach you a few basics in a few hours, and entire sentences after a few weeks of 20 minutes a day. See our Rosetta Stone for kids review.

You might not be able to explain your life story once you get there, but even just learning some language basics can turn a forgettable moment into a memorable one. Not to mention that whenever we can chat in a local language we often get better deals and are invited to more events.

Try learning with a real, human teacher, too, with a company like Lingoda. See our Lingoda review here.

Watch travel movies or YouTube channels

Watching movies about travel or YouTube videos about travel can be a wonderful way to feel the enjoyment of exploring new places.

A word of caution here. For me, watching travel movies, TV shows, and reading travel books is sometimes tough when I can’t travel. For a few months in 2020, I couldn’t read or watch anything travel related without feeling overwhelmingly discouraged, sad, or frustrated (and sometimes all three at once).

However, as the world re-opens, watching them has re-awakened our desire to get back out there and explore again and they’ve given us some inspiration about new places we still want to see in the future.

Watch some great travel movies

There are so many wonderful travel shows that it’s really hard to pick the best travel movies (but we did try).

Two of my favorite travel movies are Hector and the Search for Happiness, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Travel TV shows are a great choice too. I’m still a big fan of the Destinations TV show, now long canceled. Absolutely anything with Anthony Bourdain is a win in my book as well.

Watch travel blogs on YouTube

Travel vloggers are a great way to get an often unfiltered look at travel. Well, at least more unfiltered than a heavily produced TV show.

Here are our favorites for the best travel Vloggers on YouTube.

Read travel adventure books

Movies and TV shows not your thing? Pick up a good travel adventure book. While real life travel books are great, even reading fictional books focusing on adventure and travel can help cure your travel blues.

Listen to some authentic music

Books alone not quite doing it for you? How about throwing a local music playlist up centered around the area you’re dreaming or reading about? Nothing gets you into the spirit of a country like local music. Whether it’s traditional or the local top 40, guaranteed you would be hearing music as you walk through the local shops or while sitting in a restaurant or even walking through a hotel lobby.

A great musical score is the backbone to any great movie, so why should you not have one as you delve into your next adventure.

Take a virtual tour

If you’d like to be a bit more immersed in travel, a virtual tour may be for you.

Many tourism boards and destinations offer virtual walking tours. Some are free while others can charge a small fee. There’s even VR tours you can take that really get you right there if you have a VR headset.

While it’s not free, you can take a virtual walking tour of Stanley Park in Vancouver with Talaysay tours. I took the in person version of this tour a few years ago, and highly recommend it. Check out more details on our Things to do in Vancouver with kids article.

Make plans for when you can travel again

Dreaming of travel can be half the fun, right? We know people who we’re sure get more enjoyment from the planning, research and logistic side of travel than they do actually being there.

We love to plan out trips, from accommodation to flights to meals and activities however we don’t put any money down until we’re 100% sure of our plans. Even then, we look for cancellation policies that let us cancel in advance with little or no penalty, just in case.

So, even if you can’t travel or vacation now, it’s never too early to start planning your next trip for the future. Even if it’s as simple as creating an idea board with a few bookmarked links to helpful sites and information, it can go a long way to making your next trip a reality and get you one step closer to getting out your front door.

Do you have any favorite things to do when you can’t travel? Let us know in the comments below!

Have you spent endless days walking the miles and miles of theme parks and just can’t stand in line for the next ride one moment longer?

Well, this post should help you out, as we look into some of the smaller venues that take you off the well beaten path and try to offer something a bit more unique.

First a word on Orlando’s theme parks

So, how does one find unique things to do in a small city that gets 60 million visitors a year? From ghost tours to paddle boats to the largest rose garden in Florida, there is bound to be something that interests you.

Orlando Florida is known as the theme park capital of the world for a reason. Between Disney World and its many parks, Universal Studios and its many parks, plus SeaWorld and LegoLand, you can easily think that that’s all Orlando offers.

While we’re big fans of the big parks (looking at you Harry Potter World, we do love to find the quieter places to unwind and experience other things as well.

That said, Orlando is the most visited city in the US and there will always be people around no matter where you go. However, in comparison to the larger theme parks, the places on this list will generally be quieter and give you alternate things to do in Orlando.

While we’re on the subject, many places on this list aren’t in Orlando itself, but within quick and easy driving distance from your hotel so make sure to visit Official Disney Resorts Site if you’re thinking of visiting Orlando and looking for something close to all the action.

Unique Things to do in Orlando

Without further ado, here are 15 unique things to do in Orlando Florida. Hope you enjoy it.

Strain your neck at the Giraffe Ranch

Ever been licked by a giraffe, nipped at by a zebra or ridden on a camel? I’ve been lucky to do all three, and lived to tell the tale.

At Orlando’s Giraffe Ranch, you can explore wildlife via a driven safari tour, a camel safari tour or on a Segway safari tour.

What do they all have in common? They all take you on a ride to see a huge variety of African, Asian, Australian and American animals from rhinos to hippos to lemurs and ostriches. Every tour includes hand feeding some giraffes so watch out for that two foot long blue tongue, it will surprise you I guarantee it.

Go on a ghost hunt at American Ghost Adventures

Never been on a ghost hunt?

Have you ever been fascinated by the supernatural? Want to explore the darker (literally) side of downtown Orlando?

The American Ghost Adventures tour takes you on a ghost tour that includes some history, a few ghost stories and a brief investigation inside some of the most haunted buildings in downtown Orlando. When the sign says you will be provided ghost hunting equipment or you can bring your own, you know you’re in for a unique experience.

Stroll through the Bok Tower Gardens

What do acres of trees and the Singing Tower have in common?

Both can be found at Bok Tower Gardens just outside Orlando in Lake Wales. The Singing Tower is a 205 foot tall, circular pink and grey marble building with a carillon on the top floor with 60 giant bells connected to a clavier (piano like device) that fills the surrounding garden with rich reverberating sound when being played. With over 250 acres of trees, reflective pools, winding paths and a thriving bird sanctuary, there’s plenty to explore on a nice day.

Defy gravity at Spook Hill

What does gravity, illusion and roads have in common?

Spook Hill in Lake Wales (close to Bok Tower Gardens) is known as a gravity hill. While uncommon enough to warrant inspection, especially if you are already down the road at Bok Tower Gardens, this anti-gravity phenomenon puts you at the bottom of a seemingly small hill. When you put your car in neutral your car will magically start driving up the hill. Perception is a wondrous thing.

Go indoor skydiving at iFly

Never been skydiving? A little nervous jumping from a plane?

Well, you can go indoor skydiving at iFly Orlando. With state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels, you can experience the thrill of skydiving only a few feet off the ground. It’s a great experience when you’re with a group and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll walk away with a smile whether you’re five or 105.

Visit the indie-inspired Ivanhoe Village

Love the indie scene? Want to see where hipsters dwell, art lovers peruse and wine connoisseurs congregate?

Ivanhoe Village comprises of an eclectic group of retro retailers, art museums, craft breweries, boutique wineries and savory restaurants. You can hunt for records at Rock & Roll Heaven or check out vintage clothing at Deja Vu Vintage. You can have a beer at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company or a glass of wine at the Imperial Wine Bar. You can even stroll or bike the many lakes and pathways that call this little area of Orlando home.

Get mystified at the Orlando Science Center

Love science? Want to know the secrets of the universe and to unlock age old questions in a fun setting?

Then the Orlando Science Center is your ticket to happiness. With four floors of interactive exhibit halls, an observatory, theaters, labs and workshops, there’s no better place to learn as you play than a science center. With ever changing exhibits, 3d films on giant screens, a hands on dinosaur exhibit and huge playrooms for the little ones, it also makes a great indoor rainy day activity and is located in Ivanhoe Village.

Walk around Lake Eola

What do swans, ducks, turtles and an amphitheater have in common?

They all can be found around Lake Eola in Orlando. With a mile-long walking trail skirting the pretty little lake, you can easily walk it in an hour. Between the artisan markets, the local wildlife and the nearby restaurants, it’s easy to spend a few hours here.

If you want to go the tourist route, take an electric swan boat out for a ride at night, but if you want to chill with the locals, sit down on one of the many benches and watch the real swans swimming and walking around.

Take a paddle boat out on Lake Fairview

Have a fear of land and speed?

Then taking out a paddle boat on Lake Fairview is a sure way to put a smile on your face. There are actually a large variety of boats you can rent to spend the afternoon on Lake Fairview in Orlando. You can rent everything from kayaks and canoes to pontoon boats and fishing boats.

Strike a pose at Madame Tussauds Orlando

Have you ever wanted to stand next to your favorite superstar? Wondered just how tall a particular famous person was or just how round their belly really was?

Well, you can likely see their doppelgangers at Madame Tussauds in Orlando.

Gimmicky? Yes. Quirky? Definitely. Unique? Well, unless you happen to be a world class wax carver or painter with uncanny skills at making true to life replicas, the answer is definitely yes. While there are wax museums found across the world, Madame Tussauds Orlando is worth checking out if your celebrity curiosity knows no bounds.

Sink your blues away aboard Titanic Orlando

Ever wondered what life aboard the Titanic was like?

Whether you love history or just loved the movie, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is a great step backwards to the beginning of the last century with exhibits highlighting the wonder of that fateful ship.

This two hour romp gives you a replica boarding pass as you become a passenger aboard the historical ship. Featuring more than 300 artifacts as well as full room recreations, if you loved the Titanic, this should be placed on your list of things to do in Orlando.

Tackle the unbelievable at Wonderworks

Ever walked into an upside down building?

While I tried to step away from amusement parks, this place leaves a lasting impression. Complete with over 100 hands on exhibits, Wonderworks is more entertainment than education, but it doesn’t mean you won’t learn something along the way.

From walking through a 100 mph hurricane to experiencing a 5.1 earthquake there’s a few other activities that are worth checking out including playing a giant piano, sleeping on a bed of nails and experimenting with a giant Tesla Coil.

Go for a hike in the Tibet-Butler Preserve

What does the worlds largest amusement parks and a preserve have in common?

Nothing, except they’re both found in Orlando. If you need to get away from the chaos known as theme parks, there’s not much better place in Orlando than the Tibet-Butler Preserve.

With raised boardwalks, numerous trails, marshes, trees, plenty of birds, turtles and small animals, the preserve is a great free way to get away from the crowds and back into nature. With a small visitors center complete with clean bathrooms, it’s a great way to spend a quiet morning after a day battling the crowds.

Walk among the roses at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Ever been in a rose garden so large you’re not sure which direction you came from?

The largest rose garden in Florida can be found at the Harry P. Leu Gardens. This sprawling 50 acre estate, only minutes from downtown Orlando, comprises over 40 different plant collections and different dedicated gardens from a butterfly garden and herb garden, all the way to a bamboo garden. If you love camellias, this is one place you don’t want to miss as they also have one of the largest camellia collections in North America.

Glide through the bogs at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

What do huge fans and small flat bottomed metal boats have in common?

They can both be found together at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. Whether you take one of the personal tours or go on the larger 16 person boat, going for a swamp ride on an airboat is a unique adventure.

As you cruise along you’ll see everything from huge alligators to wading cranes to piles of turtles basking in the sunlight. You might be able to convince yourself you’re going there to experience nature but the truth is, those airboats are a ton of fun to ride on.

Have any other unique places in Orlando that are worth sharing? We’d love to the hear about them!

More Fun things to do in and around Orlando

• 10 Fun Things To Do at ICON Park Orlando
• Harry Potter Souvenirs from Universal Studios Orlando That are Worth the Money (and Where to Buy Them)
• Universal Orlando Tips to Save You Time and Money
• The Best Road Trips in Florida
• 21 Best Things to do in Destin Florida Bucket List

Cairo is one of the great cities of the ancient world. Home to some of the oldest pyramids and artifacts found anywhere on earth, this 10 million strong megacity is also Egypt’s largest city as well as its capital.

As a popular tourist destination for centuries, the city’s infamous pollution, noise and crime haven’t detracted from its continued place along the tourist trail.

15 Best Things to do in Cairo Egypt

Modern Cairo is full of life and vigor, and while most visitors simultaneously love and hate the city for varying reasons, there’s no doubt that vibrant Cairo must be experienced at least once in your life.

Getting to Cairo by air is relatively easy. Whether you’re flying from London or New York, or have Sharjah to Cairo tickets, with the most affordable airfares in the low season of November to March (excluding Christmas).

See the Pyramids of Giza (Giza Necropolis)

When people think of Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are at the top of the list.

The largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau, as well as all of Egypt, is the Great Pyramid. Known locally as the Pyramid of Khufu (for the pharaoh it was originally built for in the early 26th century BC), its narrow passages can be explored. However, the huge exterior is what people generally marvel at.

Farther south along the plateau is the Pyramid of Khefre (also known as the Pyramid of Chephren). It includes an internal tunnel that can be explored. The smaller Pyramid of Mycerinus (also known as the Pyramid of Menkaure) stands right next to it.

This area on the edge of Cairo makes a great half day visit. You can get here by metro, taxi or by joining a tour. If you want to get the most out of it, a tour is strongly recommended.

Guess the riddle of The Great Sphinx

Also located at the Giza Necropolis at the entry to the Giza Plateau, stands the Great Sphinx of Giza. Seemingly guarding the giant pyramids, the lion-bodied and pharaoh-faced Sphinx is as iconic with ancient Egypt as the pyramids themselves.

Built around 2500 BC for the pharaoh Khafre (the builder of the Second Pyramid at Giza), the Sphinx is a large monolith carved from the bedrock of the plateau that served as the quarry for the pyramids and other monuments in the area. It’s thought by a few that the head of the Sphinx may have been carved first out of a natural bedrock that was previously sculpted by the wind to give it shape. The area around it was excavated afterwards to provide blocks for the pyramids.

Float along the Nile River

Cairo is a great jumping off point for a Nile River cruise. The northward flowing Nile is the longest river in Africa and is generally believed to be the longest river in the world. It meanders through 11 African countries and splits in two just north of Cairo to empty into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Nile fuels hydro dams and provides irrigation all along its route. However, Cairo has a gorgeous unspoiled river front that is perfect for a water cruise. You can choose between party boats, historical boats and overnight and all-inclusive options. Some packages also include guided tours to the Pyramids and other landlocked sites.

Get lost at the Egyptian Museum

Also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities or the Cairo Museum, the Egyptian Museum is one of the largest museums in the region, as well as one of the oldest archaeological museums in the Middle East.

It houses over 120,000 Egyptian artifacts, many of them pharaonic in nature. Often portrayed in books and movies, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo is a great place to get lost in the past.

Featuring everything from mummies and beautifully intricate gold masks, to pottery, papyri, sarcophagi and jewelry, the museum houses some of Egypt’s most prized collections. The museum was founded in 1901.

The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance tickets cost 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students.

Wander through the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC)

The first of its kind in Egypt, the NMEC displays the history of Egypt from prehistoric times all the way to today. It’s a large museum with well over 50,000 artifacts, including the wooden Coffin of King Ramses II and the gold foiled leaf cartonage (ancient Egyptian blend consisting of linen or papyrus held together with glue) coffin of Nejim Ankh.

Collecting artifacts from all the major museums in the region and opened in 2017, its collection of Pharaoh mummies is quite extensive as well as its collection of Greco-Roman, Medieval, Islamic and contemporary.

Split into two permanent collections, you can explore both the chronological side and the thematic side.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Entrance tickets cost 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students.

Admire the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo

The Hanging Church, more formally known as the Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. The first iteration of the church likely dates to the third century, and is also called the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa. It was built by edict of the Roman emperor Diocletian.

The Hanging Church isn’t actually hanging. Instead, the hanging name came about because it’s built on top of, or hanging over, the gates of an old Roman fortress.

It’s a unique structure, with a roof shaped in the supposed structure of Noah’s Ark. The altar is especially beautiful, with lotus-shaped inlaid wooden panels decorating the wall above the altar.

Entrance to the Hanging Church is free, but donations are accepted.

The Coptic Museum is located by the Hanging Church. It houses the largest collection of Coptic artifacts in the world. The entrance fee for foreigners to the Coptic Museum is 40 EGP (Egyptian Pounds).

Enjoy the view from the Cairo Citadel

The Cairo Citadel is also known as the Citadel of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin), or the Citadel of Saladin.

It’s a formidable and impressive defensive fortress, due to its strategic location on the Muqattam Hills.

It’s also one of the best locations to enjoy an unrestricted panoramic view of Cairo.

There’s a lot to see here, including the Muhammad Ali Mosque, built by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1848 AD, and the Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, which was the royal mosque during the Mamluk period. The site also contains the National Police Museum, and the National Military Museum.

Daytime foreigner entrance fee, adult: EGP 200, night visiting foreigner entrance fee, adult: EGP 160.

Relax in the green oasis of Al Azhar Park

Al Azhar Park is a lovely, restful break from the noise and busyness of Cairo.

There’s plenty of greenery, including palm trees, with children’s play areas, fountains, a lake, and restaurants. There are even trips by golf cart inside the park.

Located by the Old City of Cairo, Al Azhar Park is an expansive 30 hectares (74 acres). The park was originally a 500-year-old dumping ground, which was transformed into a green oasis with waterfalls, citrus trees, and gardens. It opened in 2005, and cost in excess of 30 million USD.

While you’re at the park, visit nearby Al-Azhar Mosque, which is Cairo’s first mosque, commissioned in 970. Admission to the mosque is free.

Admission to Al Azhar Par is not free. Foreigner tickets are EGP 30, and EGP 35 on Sunday.

There’s so much to do and see in historic Cairo that we couldn’t stop at just the typical top 10 Cairo attractions. If you’re looking for some more bucket list items for sightseeing in Cairo, here are five more ideas.

Explore the Cave Church

Visiting the Cave Church is one of the most unique things to do in Cairo.

The Cave Church, or Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, is located in the Mokattam mountain in southeastern Cairo. To get to the Cave Church, you’ll need to go through Garbage City.

Garbage City is a poor settlement at the base of Mokattam Hill on the outskirts of Cairo. It has Cairo’s largest concentration of Zabbaleen garbage collectors, with an economy which revolves around collecting and recycling the city’s garbage.

Rubbish from greater Cairo gets collected by the Zabbaleen and taken to the Garbage City settlement. Residents then separate the garbage from the recycling. There’s garbage everywhere – the roofs, streets, and so on.

The Cave Church is hand carved out of the mountain. The Cave Church itself is tranquil, peaceful, and clean inside.

With a seating capacity of 20,000 it’s the largest church in the Middle East.

The Cave Church is free to visit.

Bring your bargaining skills to the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar

In the heart of Islamic Cairo, the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar is a busy and colorful open-air bazaar. You’ll find everything from spices to perfumes to souvenirs to jewelry to hanging lamps.

There’s a lot to see here, including Cairo street shops filled with haggling shopkeepers, narrow alleyways, buskers, bars and restaurants.

Credit cards are not accepted in the majority of the shops at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, but USD and Euros are often accepted.

There’s no fee to enter the bazaar.

Shop until you drop at the Cairo Festival City Mall

This modern mall has all the requisite features you’d expect in a mall, including international chain stores, a cinema, restaurants and a food court. It also connects to IKEA.

There’s even a dancing fountain attraction.

It’s a huge, modern place, with free Wi-Fi, shopping cart rentals, and valet parking. You can even rent a power bank for your phone.

If you have kids, you’ll love the stroller rental, mommy’s room, and child identification bracelets. There’s also Magic Planet, with rides, games, and fun for the kids (and adults).

There’s no cost to visit the mall.

Walk Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street

Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street (known locally as Al-Muizz) is a major street in the walled city of Historic Cairo.

One of Cairo’s oldest streets, it dates back to the foundation of the original walled city in the 10th century.

Running north-to-south, the street grew in fame in part to its proximity to the popular markets in the area, like the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar, as well as the large and beautiful buildings built along it, especially towards the northern section with its finely restored Mamluk buildings.

At just one kilometer in length within the walled city, running from gate to gate, traversing its length is an easy walk for most people.

Some of the highlights along Al-Muizz include the Madrassa of as-Salih Ayyub, built in 1247 and a fine example of Islamic architecture. Directly across from the madrassa is the beautiful Madrassa of Qalaun, considered by many as one of the Mamluk period’s greatest architectural triumphs.

Completed in 1293 by Qalaun’s son, Muhammad al-Nasir next to it has an interior filled with fine marble, mother-of-pearl mosaics, intricate tile work, and stained-glass windows. Farther north is the younger Madrassa of an-Nasr Mohammed (built in 1309) with tons of ornate detailing.

Next, you have the Egyptian Textile Museum with a wide collection that spans the Pharaonic era right up to the Islamic period. as well as the large and impressive Sultan Hassan Mosque (Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan).

Enjoy the views at the Cairo Tower

Situated on the Nile Island of Gezira is the Cairo Tower. Standing at 187m or 614ft, it is the tallest structure in Egypt and the tallest in North Africa. This free standing tower of concrete is second only to the Pyramids of Giza in popularity, and its circular observation deck and revolving restaurant at the top have some of the best views in Cairo.

Home to the district of Zamalek and the majority of Cairo’s arty boutiques and hipster restaurants, the Nile Island of Gezira that the Cairo Tower sits on is also a great place to hang out with friends and explore.

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Do you have any favorite attractions in Cairo? Let us know!

Want to see more of the country, stay closer to nature and set your own timetable? Want to hit the road and not worry about checking in and out of hotels every night or only seeing the most popular attractions?

Want some time to yourself and the ability to just pull off the road and make yourself a sandwich, take a quick nap or throw on your bathing suit and jumping into that lake you just drove past? If so, this is our the essential guide to planning your first campervan trip.

Planning a Campervan Rental

Whether you’re renting a campervan, RV, caravan, trailer or motorhome on your next holiday, the truth is that you’ll need to plan things out a little more before leaving home. Unlike a traditional hotel or Airbnb stay, renting a campervan or motorhome is one part car rental, one part home rental and one part hotel room rental. What that probably means is that you have a lot of questions about campervan rentals.

In regards to driving the vehicle itself, some common questions can include everything from rules of the road, insurance and drivers license requirements, rental deposits and whether you are allowed to cross into neighboring countries.

From a route perspective, renting a campervan in another country leads to further questions such as what routes are allowed, what kind of mileage can you expect and are you allowed to camp on public land.

Finally, it’s important to find out what’s essential and what’s included with the campervan rental. Questions you need answered include do you need bedding, does your rental include necessities such as soap and toilet paper, do you need a voltage converter, does your campervan have a furnace or air conditioner and finally, does it include an RV solar generator so you can remain off grid for a extended amount of time.

While many vacationers love the freedom that a campervan can give them, for others there’s too many unanswered questions. Well, we’re here to help answer those questions with our essential guide so put your mind at ease and let’s start planning your first campervan trip!

The Rules of the Road

While many of the questions you might have regarding renting a campervan have fairly solid answers, please realize that these rules aren’t all set in stone and there can be discrepancies from one company’s campervan rental rules to another’s as well as some variances from one country to another. What this guide will do is give you a solid base of the typical rentals and teach you some of the most important questions you need to ask your campervan rental company before you book anything.

What are the local rules concerning renting a campervan?

While every country is different, the general rule is that most campervans are regarded no differently than renting a car in that country. That means that if you can rent a car, you can rent a campervan. Some companies might have a no driver under 25 years old clause and all of course require a current and valid drivers license from your home country.

Luckily, the vast majority of motorhomes that are rented aren’t huge trailers requiring a special license, however note that they do exist so make sure to clarify with the campervan rental company you’re dealing with. They’ll let you know if there’s any special clauses you need to know.

Is there extra campervan insurance needed or permits you need to have?

When renting a campervan, chances are pretty high you will need to purchase additional insurance for it. Some companies include the insurance however most offer varying levels similar to renting a vehicle. It’s up to you to decide what risks you want to take but we advise you not to skimp on insurance.

Most campervans are big and expensive vehicles and with that, repairs for them can be costly if an accident happens. Also note that unlike a car or truck, you’re going to be cooking, sleeping, eating, showering and living in a campervan so there’s a greater chance of problems than just driving a regular car.

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While many credit cards include some form of car/truck insurance, chances are very low that they would cover a campervan accident. Of course you can call your credit card and verify but we haven’t heard of anyone being reimbursed in this way without proper insurance.

Will your current drivers license qualify or do you need an International Driving Permit or some special class driver rating?

As mentioned previously, most campervan rentals require nothing more than a valid drivers license to be able to rent them. If you’re from out of country, some companies might require a copy of your passport for their records before they let you drive off with their property. That said, some countries require an international drivers license for any vehicle rentals from out of country so that would include campervans and motorhomes. Make sure to ask your rental company what’s required before booking.

While some countries require a special class license for vehicles of a certain size or equipped with certain types of airbrakes, most campervan rentals don’t require anything but a standard drivers licence. If you’re unsure, ask the rental company before booking.

Can you cross borders into another country with a campervan?

While this is definitely not a problem for an island country like Australia, renting a campervan in North America or Europe means that international borders can sometimes be only a few kilometers away. While we’ve never heard of a country specific rule on this, whether you can or not depends on the rental company and the insurance provider they use. While some companies might allow you to visit neighboring countries, others might not or have a strict policy in place saying which neighboring countries you are permitted to visit and which you cannot. (For instance, many companies allow Canada/US crossings but require different insurance if driving into Mexico.)

While the rental company can’t force you to obey them once you’re on your way, please realize that your insurance will be void should you cross into a country they told you not to go to. That means that you’ll be on the hook for any charges, hospital fees or damages that occur if you have an accident outside of the supported countries. To put it simply, it’s not worth it and look into another company if you want to cross certain borders.

If you know right away that you want to border hop, make sure you’ve discussed it with the rental company before you book. Once you get there it might be too late to change your plans.

Do you need a special deposit when renting a campervan?

The answer is…. maybe. Due to the higher cost of a campervan plus the fact you’ll be living in it and causing more wear and tear, you might need to drop an extra damage deposit when renting a motorhome or campervan.

Most vehicle rental companies also charge this refundable deposit (usually done via a credit card when paying) so it’s not too different for a campervan though the wording and amount might be. This amount is usually refunded once the motorhome has been returned and verified in working order. Of course they don’t expect it to come back spotless however like a hotel stay or home rental, they do expect that nothing is broken, damaged or stolen when it’s returned. You can ask what their policies are before booking if you have any specific questions regarding the deposit.

Campervan Routes and Camping Policies

While there are plenty of established campervan routes and guides you can find in books and online, the fact you rented a campervan likely means you want to get away from the normal on your next holiday. Like a giant tortoise, your home is now on your back and you can go anywhere the road leads. While that’s true, there are a few things you should know if you haven’t rented a motorhome or campervan before.

Where are you planning to stay each night?

While pre-planning every night of your campervan holiday might not appeal to everyone, sometimes it’s good to at least know a few things before you book. One of those questions is where can you stay every night?

While this answer is, of course, country dependent, the sad reality is that “not everywhere” is likely the answer. Depending on the season for instance, some campsites sell out months in advance while others are more of a first come, first served camping site. Some sites also shut down for part of the year.

Some campsites have full power, sewer hookup and even cablevision and internet hookups. Some even include you’re own personal cooking and washroom facilities while others don’t even offer a picnic table or firepit.

The amount of places you can stay can be as varied as a secluded woodland lot overlooking the ocean to a Disneyland type theme park with waterslides and rides all the way to spending the night in a Walmart parking lot. (Very common as a last resort in North America when you can’t find a local campsite near a bigger city.) Knowing what season you’re in and how quickly each campsite tends to fill up can make or break a great trip.

If you prefer to get off the grid as they say, then knowing the local laws in terms of whether you’re allowed to camp on public or government land is also good to find out. Most of these questions can be found in a good RV or campervan booklet or website talking about an area you’re planning to visit. The campervan rental company is also a fountain of local knowledge and can help answer any questions for the period in which you’re hoping to get away so feel free to email or call them before booking.

What route are you going to take and can the campervan make that trip?

While this might seem redundant, we’ve travelled more than a few routes where your average camper wasn’t going to make it. Whether it was because of ground clearance over rough terrain, slippery mud and clay along a rarely used road or even because the campervan is too wide for the trail, most campervans aren’t designed for extreme terrain. Of course, there are some rugged 4×4 and even 4×6 rv’s and motorhomes out there that can handle some wickedly tough terrain however most campervans aren’t built to that standard.

A good general rule to follow is not to go anywhere a regular car can’t go, always make sure you have enough space to turn around and if your sides are touching the trees on both sides of the road, maybe that route isn’t for you or your campervan.

While you’re not forced to follow it, travel guides are there to help you choose the best route for your situation. If you have a smaller campervan you can get to places a big motorhome can’t go and will likely have more options in places to camp. Choosing whether more space and comfort is worth the trade off of being more nimble should definitely factor into your rental decision. Where you’re planning to go can help that decision even further.

What kind of mileage will it get?

Campervans, motorhomes and RV’s come in every shape and size. Guessing how much fuel you’ll use depends on multiple factors: Your vehicle size, your vehicle engine, your speed, your driving habits and the conditions you’re driving in. Regardless of that, campervans are not known for good gas mileage and expect to pay double to triple what your current vehicle uses for the same distance.

Generally speaking, you’re going to be driving a bigger vehicle than you’re used to. Staying under the speed limit, slowing down when climbing a mountain or taking a sharp corner, accelerating a little slower and stopping a little sooner will go a long way to extending your mileage. Some rental sites will even give you this information however if they don’t, you can usually find a similar camper online that will tell you this information. Another good piece of advice is to fill up sooner with gas rather that later with a campervan, just to be safe.

Are there gas stations along your planned route?

While we can’t answer this question without first knowing your exact route, likely the answer is yes. In North America you can use something like GasBuddy to plan your route and see what gas stations are available. Most countries have a similar site you can check and if not, Google Maps is your friend.

Can you just camp on public land or do you need a registered site?

As we said earlier, being allowed to camp on public land is dependent on the country, state, province or region you’re hoping to camp on. Likely there are just as many rules as there are regions of the world. In North America it is generally allowed to camp in National Parks however you might have to pay a fee or stay in an established area. Some parks allow backcountry camping as long as you clean up after yourself. Most of Canada and the USA don’t allow camping within a city, along a roadway or near any beach where there are no camping signs posted. Mexico is more liberal in where you can camp however safety is more of a concern if you’re on your own or away from people.

While many van conversion videos often show people staying for a night on a quiet side street in a big city, it’s technically not allowed most of the world over and while many still do it, staying overnight on a street in a campervan is much more conspicuous and can lead to fines or being towed. It’s up to you whether you want to risk it however we’ve been forced to do it ourselves from time to time if approved spots just aren’t available.

In Australia, you aren’t technically allowed to free camp anywhere however there are plenty of places people tend to stay where, though it might not be allowed, it is tolerated.

In New Zealand, there are plenty more free sites due to their Freedom Camping Act. Of course it is up to each city and region to govern what is and isn’t permissible however there are spots right across the country.

In the UK and most of Europe, unfortunately free or wild camping isn’t generally allowed these days. Long gone are the days when you could just drive into a forest and set up camp. This post has a good list of legally camping rules for most of Europe.

Wild camping for free in Africa is as varied as anything on that continent however it’s imperative that you understand what each area brings in terms of laws, risk and safety. As with most places, there is more safety in numbers so talk with your rental company if you’re planning to head out on your own here.

South America has plenty of opportunities to free camp however many of the same laws apply as in North America. Best to stick to approved campsites and check out posts and websites before heading out on your own.

Regardless of what country you go and stay in, always discuss your overnight options with your camper rental agency. They will know the local rules better than anyone and can help guide you where you need to be. You can also check out an app like Caravanya (Google Play, App Store) to help you locate free sites around the world.

What’s Included With A Campervan Rental?

Plates, towels, bedding, toilet paper, propane and power are all vital necessities when camping. Doubly so when you’ve just gotten off a plane with nothing but clothes and a toothbrush. What does your average campervan rental include? Let’s find out.

Do you need bedding or a sleeping bag?

Generally, the answer is no. Most campervans or caravans include all your bedding. Just like a hotel, sheets, blankets and pillows are almost always included. Before you pick up your camper rental, the entire campervan is thoroughly cleaned and new bedding furnished. It’s never a bad idea to verify first with the company before making your reservation though just to be certain.

Does it include things like camp chairs, prefilled propane bottles, bath and hand towels, soap and toilet paper?

The short answer is generally yes. Like a hotel room or AirBnB rental, the expectation is that you can just show up at your rental time and everything you initially need (other than food) will be furnished. Most often this includes clean towels, dish soap, hand soap and toilet paper. That said, if you’re renting the RV for a month, you’ll likely need to replace some of this as you use it up.

Sometimes the campervan will include things like camp chairs and even occasionally extras like an outdoor BBQ or camp stove however these aren’t usually guaranteed. Just like a car rental, they will usually top up your fuel (expecting you to return it at the same level) as well as fill up your propane bottles (generally used for cooking, heating, running the fridge and the hot water tank.) You can ask when booking what exactly the rental includes so you’re not caught off guard if they demand extra for certain things you expected them to include.

Will you need a voltage converter?

Most campervans use the same electrical plugs that are common in the country you’re arriving in. That means that if you needed a voltage converter for your hairdryer or electrical toothbrush if you stayed in a hotel, you will need one for your caravan rental. You can check voltages and plug styles here.

Some caravans don’t have built in inverters (ability to run AC current from the built in batteries) without being connected to an electrical cord provided in fully serviced campsites so don’t expect certain plugged in things to always work when you’re on the road or staying at a non powered site (including microwave and air conditioning).

Most trailers run off a set of 12v batteries so having a few things charge via USB isn’t a bad way to go. We always carry a 12v to 5v converter (plugs into a standard lighter socket) when we travel in case the vehicle doesn’t have a built in USB port. Often a newer campervan will have a socket or outlet specifically for this.

Can the campervan handle an unserviced site?

Is the campervan ready for RV living without services?

Most campervans include dual electric and propane appliances. Meaning that the fridge and hot water tank will work via propane when in an unserviced campsite or electricity when plugged into an electrical source at a serviced campsite. The stove is generally always run with propane and the lights and water pump generally run off the batteries. The large batteries get recharged when plugged into an electrical socket, when the vehicle is running or if there are solar panels or a generator on board.

Does the RV include a furnace and an air conditioner?

Pretty much every campervan or RV includes a warm air furnace. These work via a combination of propane and batteries. The propane heats the air and the fan blows the air through ducts in the floors, walls and ceilings all around the trailer. They generally have a thermostat that you control nearly identical to a house thermostat and let you set the heat points for those colder nights.

Many campervans also include an air conditioner however it’s not always guaranteed and it’s important to realize that even if the campervan includes an air conditioner, it needs certain things to run. Unless there is a very large inverter or an included generator on board, most air conditioners need a serviced site and electrical power to operate. Also note that many campsites have strict policies regarding the use of generators with times often limited to a few hours in the morning and a few in the evening.

Does the camper have solar panels to extend off grid, unpowered camping?

This is really a per campervan question and can vary greatly depending on which trailer, camper, motorhome, campervan or RV you’ve rented. Lots of newer campervans include at least 1 solar panel to help extend your batteries and some will include enough plus a decent inverter that can last for weeks in an unserviced site. Talk to your rental company if you plan to camp off grid a lot and see what they offer. Some will even offer additional solar panels for a small fee to keep everything running smooth.

Final Notes on Campervan Rentals

While everything above applies to most campervan rentals, there is no guarantee the company you’re renting from is following the majority. It’s imperative that if you have any questions that you contact the rental company before booking anything. Hopefully some of the things we’ve listed will help provide some essential questions you should be asking both them and yourselves.

Regardless of the questions, renting a trailer or campervan is a great way to explore an area and to see a different side of a country. Whether you love doing your own thing, love being out in nature or just want someplace to always call home as you tour the countryside, renting a campervan gives you the freedom to do it on your own terms.

Safe travels and enjoy yourselves!

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