All posts by Marilyn Vinch

Marilyn is a freelance writer and a digital nomad currently based in London, England. She enjoys reading (and writing!) about being a digital nomad, expat life, travel and work/life balance.
Books, Movies, and TV Shows, Infographic, Travel Tips

Your Road Trip Guide to TV’s Most Iconic Landmarks

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Your road trip guide to TV’s most iconic landmarks

When life in front of the TV gets tiresome – or, worse yet, you’ve reached the end of every box set – there’s nothing better to rekindle your love affair with the gogglebox than hitting the road to visit your favourite shows’ locations in person. Whether you fancy sleuthing on Baker Street or just want to check the coast is clear in The Walking Dead’s Atlanta, Georgia, seeing the worlds your heroes and anti-heroes inhabit can be more rewarding than any virtual reality experience – with the added bonus of live sounds and smells to take in as you go.

Washington DC has always been a popular tourist destination, as the seat of the world’s power is surrounded by imposing monuments and buildings familiar from both Hollywood and the news. Post-House of Cards, however, The Peachoid and the Capitol take on further pertinence to the avid fan – and a short trip to Baltimore will allow you to also tick Frank Underwood’s Park Avenue address off your to-see list.

What they rarely seem to mention in Game of Thrones is just how lovely the country surrounding King’s Landing is. On their days off from all that killing and ‘sexposition’, we can only assume the murderous cast make their way down to the beaches of Dubrovnik, Croatia, to top up their tans and catch up on the plot twists of their favourite fantasy novels. Not such a bad life to be a Lannister after all, eh?

In London town, you’ll find that Baker Street has drifted from the map, somewhat. While the atlas Baker Street remains a fine place to view classic London architecture and even do a bit of shopping, in the series the famous address is played by a stand-in, an address on North Gower Street in Kings Cross. Of course, taking a black cab from one destination to the other is the perfect way to get the full experience all the same.

If you’ve still got a few air miles to spare, be sure to check out this infographic listing some more such destinations from the latest hit shows, including some suggestions on the most ‘in character’ forms of transport in which to experience them.

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Food, Travel Tips

Around the World in 10 Steaks [Infographic]

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Around the World in 10 Steaks

Nevermind “going to work on an egg”, you can travel the world on a (series of) steak(s) if you put your mind to it – though with some of the delicious regional variations on grilled beef available, there’s nothing quite like making that trip to taste them in person.

Westerners may be most acquainted with England’s comforting slow roast rump or, Stateside, the racy New York Strip n’ fries – but there’s a lot more going on nearby than just those classics. Further south, for example, Argentina is famous for its beef, and their Bife De Chorizo steak (nothing to do with sausage) is best-cooked Asado-style (think: barbeque) with a local sauce of parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano and red pepper flakes. When in France, be prepared for a more delicate approach: their famous steak tartare is minced before being served – wait for it – raw. Fries, egg yolk, and Tabasco sauce will make it more appealing to those for whom this sounds a little too exotic.

If you’re planning a trip to Asia, you’re probably already anticipating the spicy treats in store – and this extends to the world of Asian steaks. The Japanese serve a particularly well-bred beef as ‘kobe wagyu’, teasing out the flavours with added soy sauce, wasabi, and saki. In Korea, you’ll likely find your flank steak seasoned with bok choy, sesame, soy sauce – and honey to sweeten it. Reaching for your passport yet?

Down under, the Australian Tomahawk steak combines the best of both worlds – a satisfying 2kg rib-eye or scotch fillet on the bone, which’ll soak up the beer for sure, but is not to be sniffed at by more discerning diners. In fact, an authentic Tomahawk comes from grass-fed cattle and the inclusion of the bone makes for a tender intercostal meat treat.

One of the best steaks I tasted was in actual fact in Argentina – cooked with such passion, accompanied with the Chimichurri sauce!

Before you choose your destination, though, be sure to refer to this new infographic, with mouth-watering definitions of these and other iconic steaks from around the globe. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

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Travel Tips

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep Away from Home [Infographic]

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How to get a good night’s sleep away from home

If you’re a bad sleeper, you’ll recognize the feeling that it’s always toughest to nod off when you need a good night the most: ahead of that interview, that journey… that holiday of a lifetime. When you wake up after a rough night’s sleep in a hotel or B&B already fearing your holiday is spoiled, you needn’t blame it all on your (ir)regular sleep patterns: in fact, it’s your animal instinct kicking in, and there are ways to deal with it.

Science tells us that, similar to other mammals when we sleep a part of our brain stays alert to potential dangers, and this is why it’s so easy to be disturbed in a place full of new sounds, smells, and light sources. Unless you’re staying in Bates Motel, you can probably do without these innate security measures – but with no on/off switch to flick, the only way to hush the night watchman inside is to neutralize potential stimuli.

If such disturbances are a particular concern to you, it’s recommended to take measures as early as the booking process. Instead of going online, pick up the phone and talk to the receptionist about the environment of the hotel: you’re looking for a room away from the noise, so that’s way upstairs and probably towards the back, away from the street. The hotel may be able to pre-arrange blackout curtains and even a white noise machine to regulate the sound pollution around the suite.

One great cheat is to bring an unwashed pillowcase from home. The smell, even if you think it is scentless, will add familiarity to your surroundings and reduce your unconscious levels of vigilance. You’ll also benefit from mindful bedtime rituals and preparation, so be sure to consider your diet, your routine, and your nightwear. For more ideas on how to do this and more, check out this new infographic on conquering your inner animal – and claiming that good night’s sleep.

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Infographic by: Oliver’s Travels

Infographic, Travel Tips

Backpackers Guide to Packing [Infographic]

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Preparing to backpack is about a lot more than filling an ample bag with a ton of stuff you think you might need over the next weeks. Of course, this method might get you to the train station quicker, and you might not even notice the problem for a few hours – but our bodies were not made to carry randomly assembled weights on our backs, and a poorly thought-out pack will soon result in unexpected aches and pains just when you’re meant to be enjoying your adventure. The ‘chuck it in’ method will also likely result in finding yourself far from home with several items you don’t need while something vital is missing; and you’re bound to find, when a burly border guard is staring down on you or you’re exhausted and ready to pass out for the night, that your passport or toothbrush is right at the bottom of your bag.

The key to avoiding these pitfalls is twofold: picking and packing. The day before you travel, take time to lay out your stuff into a pile of essentials and one of ‘wish’ items. Once you’ve done a dummy pack of all the essential gear, you’ll know how much of your wish list will fit in the bag – and how much you can bear to carry. Essentials are items that will make your travels comfortable, safe and easy, without doubling up on other items.

There is a science to the packing part: put lightweight stuff to the bottom of your bag, heavy things closest to your back, and mid-weight things in the middle and top. By now, you’ve already twigged it’s useful to put your passport, toothbrush, and any medication in a separate pocket where it can be easily accessed.

It’s by no means a quick process, which is why it’s calming to pack comfortably in advance of your departure time. You can also ease the process by referring to this excellent new infographic, which comes replete with suggestions about just what constitutes an ‘essential item’ and a few more tips on making that weight comfortable on your back. It’s the adventure of a lifetime, and you’ll want to free up that concern so you can enjoy the rest of your trip.

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Editor's Picks, Infographic

The Rise of the Expat-preneur’s [Infographic]

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The Rise of the Expat-preneur’s

The world has got a lot smaller since the advent of the Internet, improved international relations and low-cost airlines – and it’s easier than ever to escape the grey skies of home to enjoy life in a new culture. From Ecuador to Australia (and it seems to be the warmer climates that attract the most expats), economic migrants and romantic adventurers are finding ways to make a living outside of their country of birth, offering a fresh perspective to foreign businesses as well as helping to expand the international networks of their new colleagues.

Expat network/information source Inter Nations surveyed nearly 15,000 such migrants, to try to get a clearer idea of who is moving and why. The gender split is pretty even, with an average age of 41 – suggesting that those making the move are either looking for a fresh burst of energy, or were waiting for the financial security to make the leap. But in fact, a sense of challenge and of romance are often the fuel that gets them there. One in ten expats moved to be closer to a loved one, with around the same proportion moving for the sense of adventure.

These motivations are reflected in the choice of destination. Three of the top ten landing places are in Latin America, with migrants to Ecuador (number one) and Mexico (number two) specifically listing the cost of living, quality of life, and leisure activities among the aspects that attracted them. An abundance of teaching opportunities and translation gigs for foreigners, as well as the option to work remotely for your employer back home (or anywhere else in the world for that matter), indicate that the time is ripe to take advantage of these opportunities – and if you’re looking for a bit more insight into what it’s like, you can do no better than to check out this new infographic which puts some of Inter Nations extensive research into context.

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The Rise of the Expat-preneur’s Source

Cultural and Historical Heritage, Infographic

6 Ways Travelling Will Make You A Better Entrepreneur [Infographic]

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Before you go to study, or when your studies are behind you and a promising career beckons, the decision to dedicate a serious wedge of time and money to travelling the world can seem counter-intuitive. Many of us entertain the idea of seeing new places for a while before consigning the idea to a drawer marked “I’ll Do It Once I’m Stable” – but in fact, business leaders and thought gurus refute this attitude, pointing out that travel early on in your personal development will equip a rising entrepreneur with all sorts of enviable skills and experiences. Books and exams are, after all, just one small subsection of a complete education.

Travel’s primary benefitting factor is the independence that it fosters. Removed from the security of everyday life, a traveler is forced to think, decide and act for themselves in situations where they would usually default to a cultural convention, habit, – or mum and dad. Not only will you develop serious levels of self-confidence by negotiating day-to-day with strangers from unfamiliar cultures, but the communication skills that you will be forced to learn will prove incredibly helpful in the business world. Learning languages has even been shown to increase the size of the brain – suggesting there’s power there that will go untapped if you never venture beyond your safety zone.

In fact, 95% of students who travelled abroad said that they developed a more sophisticated way of looking at the world, and 89% claim that travelling enabled them to deal with the very uncertainty that the ‘travel question’ poses – and which is a necessary challenge of any entrepreneurial activity. Similarly, 94% of business leaders see a competitive advantage in those that have travelled, suggesting that regardless of the nature of your experiences, travel on your CV sends positive vibes to potential employers. Check out this ace new infographic for even more reasons why travel may be the best investment a young entrepreneur can make.

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Infographic, Travel Tips, Travelling with Kids

12 Tips for Stress-Free Travel with a Baby [Infographic]

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12 Tips for Stress-Free Travel with a Baby

Plane, train, or automobile? However you’re planning to travel with a baby, the thought of hauling baby along with you can be a daunting one. You don’t know how she will react to all the new sights, sounds and smells, and the unfamiliar motion is likely to be disorienting for a little one with no real idea of what’s going on around them. Yet, travelling is a great way to stimulate a developing mind, and in many ways, it is more simple to get around with a babe-in-arms than later on when there are school holidays and competing tastes and desires to be taken into consideration. With a bit of forethought and imagination, travelling with a baby needn’t be the trial that nervous parents foresee.

Air travel, for example, is all about comfort and stimulation. Booking ahead to ensure the family sits together and in close proximity to the bathroom, and creating a space for the little one to kick out her legs on a long trip, can go a long way to making things run smoothly. And here’s a special ‘baby cheat’: feed her on take-off and during landing so that her swallowing motion will naturally clear the discomfort of changing pressure in her ears.

You may have a bit more room to move around on a train or boat ride, but this means it is essential to pack economically. Ditch the pram and use a carrier or foldable pushchair, and make sure you’ve got all the essentials in an easy to access bag – especially if you’re on a boat and planning to leave the luggage downstairs in the car. Don’t, repeat don’t scrimp on baby wipes and motion sickness remedies.

Travelling by car puts your destiny back in your own hands, to the extent that you can even plan travel times around your baby’s sleep pattern. Okay, your spouse may end up grumpy if forced out of bed to drive at 4am, but if that’s the hour that you expect to get most peace from the little one then it can be considered a net gain. Just be sure to strap them (the baby, not the spouse) into a rear-facing baby seat in the back of the car, and you should be good to go.

It can be difficult to think ahead in the chaos of dealing with a newborn, but this handy new infographic puts all the best travel with a baby cheats in one place. Study carefully, and bon voyage!

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Travel Tips

6 Reasons Why Living Abroad Will Make You Smarter [Infographic]

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There are plenty of good reasons for living abroad – a change of perspective, chasing the seasons to escape dreary weather back home or to pursue the kind of work or study that just isn’t available in your native land. However, one of the most enduring rewards of upping sticks and relocating is the effect that living abroad can have on your intelligence. Simply put, new surroundings and new challenges exercise your brain: and science has the figures to prove it.

For a start, you may notice while living abroad that your problem-solving capabilities come on leaps and bounds. Freed from your habitual solutions and remedies, the brain is forced to make unprecedented cognitive leaps. Students given a common cognitive performance test fared better if they had lived abroad: 60% of the travellers solved the puzzle, compared to just 42% of those who’d stayed at home.

The social challenges that expat life poses can be beneficial, as you are forced to develop new communication skills, patience, and ingenuity to co-operate with those who have a different language and culture. Learning a second language has been shown to change the very shape of the brain, improving cortical thickness – the neurons in charge of thought, memory, and consciousness. Leaving your home can be a lonely experience, but seeing yourself in a new environment raises self-awareness and forces you to make new social connections that would otherwise pass you by.

If you feel like your professional or creative development is stunted, and your inspiration has faded even more than last summer’s tan, it could be time to look for opportunities abroad. Check out this insightful new infographic, which lays out six proven ways in which a move abroad could sharpen your intellect and help you reach your true potential.

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Editor's Picks, Infographic

Which Cities Recycle The Most [Infographic]

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Which Cities Recycle The Most

Travelling abroad is a luxury well-earned, and the ability to share cultural experiences in far-flung corners of the world is a wonderful aspect of modern life. However, for those of us concerned with the toll our trail takes on the environment it can be reassuring to know our destination is not just culturally rich, but ecologically responsible: there’s little more dismaying than having to respectfully watch on as less environmentally-oriented locals dump recyclable trash or drive you from A to B in a fume-chugging jalopy.

A trip to an environmentally progressive city can be as inspiring to the intellect as it is refreshing to the lungs, which is why we’re pleased to present this data-driven infographic which breaks down the eco-achievements of some of the most responsible nations on Earth.

Copenhagen and Stockholm, for example, can each boast fantastic levels of green transport use among their native populations – with neighbouring Oslo at the forefront of the electric car revolution. In Amsterdam, cycling is more popular than driving, so if you favour the pedals around your own home car-clogged town, imagine how liberating it will feel to be in the majority for a few days!

Other cities defy the cliché of the grey metropolis, popping parkland on top of buildings and legislating for serious levels of green space. Surprisingly, it is a Brazilian city – Curitiba – that leads the way, with 52m2 of natural space thanks to a mindful development strategy established as far back as the 1960s.

Meanwhile, San Francisco is the world capital of recycling, nearly doubling the already-impressive U.S. national average by processing 80% of their waste. Charges for throwing non-recyclable garbage keep the city sustainable – and San Francisco also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% before 2050.

A city trip offers unique opportunities that a more rural eco-excursion cannot, but if you’re set for an urban break your plans needn’t be in conflict with your green ideals.

Cities Recycle The Most

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Europe, Infographic, Travel Tips

8 Travel Scams Happening Right Now in Europe and How to Avoid Them

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8 Travel Scams Happening Right Now in Europe and How to Avoid Them

Falling victim to a scam is something we want to try and avoid in life, but when we’re on our holidays we sometimes tend to be more relaxed and naïve to the local’s way of life. Researching the laws and culture before you venture out is really important, and could potentially stop you from falling victim to many of Europe’s tourism scams.

Being in ‘holiday’ mode is an exciting adventurous feeling often leading us to believe we’re invincible to danger, and not taking into consideration the risk and dangers still surrounding us. In more than enough cases we’ve all seen an intoxicated tourist in an unfit state, wondering down the strip alone – some laugh and others stare, but more freighting is organised scam artists are probably watching their every stumble.

One of the 8 common scams in Europe put together courtesy of AIG ,is the extortionate bill scam and it can start as early as you step of the plane, to adventuring out in search of nightlife entertainment. A few drinks later you look at your bill to see an extortionate surcharge and by the time you know it, your being marched to the cash machine and threatened.

Don’t be put off by these scams, just be wise and use your common sense, you may feel like you’re in paradise but the dark side is just metres away.  Stick to the main bars, but if you want somewhere more local and relaxed check out the reviews, if it doesn’t feel right don’t go in.

Apart from this example there are many other common scams happening right now, from highway pirates to fake taxi drivers. Enjoy your travels but be pre-cautious, take a look at the infographic below and wise up in time for your adventure.

 

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