Travel Tips

Black Market Exchange Rates
Black Market Exchange Rates 304 455 Greg Ellifritz

I mentioned in my book that some countries have an official currency exchange rate as well as a black market exchange rate. This article explains that process well.

 

Bring Good Ole Cash When You Visit Argentina Now

 

Plane Exercising
Plane Exercising 748 498 Greg Ellifritz

With plane seats getting smaller and smaller while airline delays skyrocket, it becomes more and more important to maintain circulation during your flight.  Twenty years ago, walking in the aisles was common.  Airline bathrooms were big enough to do a short workout routine.  Now bathrooms are too tiny to move and security concerns prohibit random walking.

 

While it has become more difficult to exercise on a plane, our culture has also become less fit.  Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis are now serious threats to the traveler’s health.  How does one stay healthy and mobile on a long flight?

 

The article below offers some very good options and is well worth your effort to read.

 

10 Simple Circulation Exercises You Can Do In Any Airplane Seat

 

 

 

How Not to Look like an American in Foreign Lands
How Not to Look like an American in Foreign Lands 1000 667 Greg Ellifritz

I’ve traveled in more than 50 countries and on all seven continents.  Despite what lots of folks believe, foreign citizens DO NOT hate Americans.  Many people from other countries really dislike our governmental policies, but they don’t extend that hatred to the average American person who is traveling in their country.

 

To put things in perspective, think of Cuba.  You may disagree with the communist  government, but would you treat the average Cuban person badly because of your dislike for communist politics?  Most of you would not.  It’s the same way when people from other countries meet Americans.

 

Then why would you want to dress to avoid looking like an American?  Mostly it’s because Americans are considered wealthy by third world standards.  As an American, you will be targeted by more scams, solicitations, and even robbery attempts.  Try to blend in as much as possible when you travel.  This article gives you some good starting points.

 

How Not to Look like an American in Foreign Lands

 

Political Turmoil
Political Turmoil 1024 663 Greg Ellifritz

A long form article that contains good information.  With that said, it might be a little much for the casual traveler.

 

What If You’re Stuck in a Country Consumed by Political Turmoil

 

 

Mexico Compendium
Mexico Compendium 480 640 Greg Ellifritz

Now that we are outside of hurricane season for Mexico’s Caribbean coast, it’s time to post some travel guides to Mexico.

 

I’ve been to Mexico more than 25 times in the last 15 years.  I lived in Playa del Carmen for two months last winter.  It’s close, cheap, beautiful, fun, and has no Covid restrictions.  I really think it’s one of the best places for Americans to travel this winter.

 

I’ve compiled a list of the best articles on the internet for visiting and/or moving to Mexico.  If you are curious about life south of the border, you’ll find all the information you need in the links below.

 

Riviera Maya (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum)

 

26 Unexpected Things to Do in the Riviera Maya, México

 

 

The Ultimate Guide To Nightlife In Playa Del Carmen

 

 

19 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting Tulum

Playa Del Carmen: The absolute guide for gay travelers

 

 

Digital Nomad Communities Booming In Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Cozumel

 

 

5 Things You Should Know About the Hotel Zone of Cancun

 

How To Get To Cozumel – Cancun To Cozumel

Everything You Need To Know About Traveling To Cancun This Summer

 

 

The Best Time To Visit Tulum

 

 

Other Areas, Trips, and Travel Tips

 

Travel Tips For Mexico

 

 

The 24 Most Beautiful Places in Mexico

 

 

Complete Guide To Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico

10 Best Mexico Cities (and Worst) to Work Remotely in 2021

 

Solo Female Travel in Mexico – Your Essential Guide

 

Best Mexico Tours: Ancient Ruins, Sun & Spicy Food!

 

Mexican Food Bucket List: 60+ Traditional Dishes to Eat from Mexico

 

Top 7 Places To Visit For Adventure Tourism In Mexico

 

Living in Mexico

 

Living In Mexico City: A Guide (For Digital Nomads)

 

 

15 Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico

 

 

Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Playa del Carmen

 

3 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Moving to Mexico

 

I hope you enjoy Mexico as much as I have.  Please contact me if you have any questions.

 

 

Vacation Emergency Gear
Vacation Emergency Gear 703 401 Greg Ellifritz

The answer is absolutely “YES”.  I really like the ice bucket idea here.  Going to start filling mine at every hotel as an always available emergency water source.

 

Should You Pack Emergency Gear While on Vacation?

Insulting Hand Gestures
Insulting Hand Gestures 680 508 Greg Ellifritz

How to insult people from every country.

 

The Global Guide to Hand Gestures

 

 

 

Hotel Safety
Hotel Safety 965 543 Greg Ellifritz

Generally good advice here. I’m not particularly worried about being bugged, but keeping radio and tv on makes it appear that the room is occupied, thus discouraging petty theft.

I don’t copy the fire escape routes, but I do check the escape routes. They will often be blocked or locked in third world countries.

 

A Hotel Safety Checklist for World Travelers From a Former CIA Operative

Long Haul Flights
Long Haul Flights 645 363 Greg Ellifritz

Good advice for optimum comfort on a long haul flight.  I’ve made several 22+ hour flights to Asia and Africa, along with dozens of 10+ hour flights to South America.

 

My advice to you is to pay for the business class upgrade.  It’s worth the money.

 

How to Make the Best of a Long Haul Flight

 

 

Don’t Use Airport USB Chargers
Don’t Use Airport USB Chargers 790 300 Greg Ellifritz

Don’t plug your phone into any random airport charging stations.  Several of my friends in high places working for three-letter federal agencies overseas have given me the same advice.  In addition to hackers, you also have to worry about your host country’s government spying on you and stealing your data/texts/emails.

 

Government spying via the use of fake charging outlets is incredibly common in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet countries.

 

Why airport USB charging stations are actually dangerous