Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?…What are restrictions travelers must observe?…

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Saudi Arabia is located in various colors on this map.

When considering travel to countries that are vastly different from our own, questions of safety and restrictions naturally arise. Saudi Arabia is one of those places that many travelers are curious about, yet also hesitant to visit. In recent years, the country has made a noticeable push to attract more tourists. This effort, known as Vision 2030, is designed to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and showcase its rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and vast desert landscapes. But as travelers, we can’t simply look at glossy brochures or enticing Instagram photos. We need to weigh safety, cultural restrictions, and practical realities before deciding whether it’s a destination for us.

From a safety standpoint, Saudi Arabia is generally considered secure for tourists. The country has a strong police presence and strict laws that help maintain order. Major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have the infrastructure to support visitors, and crimes against tourists are rare. Terrorism concerns that once dominated headlines have been significantly reduced in recent years, thanks to the government’s firm measures to protect both its citizens and visitors. Travelers often report feeling physically safe walking around, even at night, which is reassuring.

Yet, while violent crime is not usually a concern, the greater risks for travelers come from cultural misunderstandings and breaking laws—many of which are enforced with much greater severity than in Western countries. This is where restrictions come into play, and where we need to be well-informed before we step off the plane.

The most noticeable restrictions are tied to Saudi Arabia’s conservative interpretation of Islamic law. For instance, alcohol is strictly prohibited. There are no bars, no happy hours, and certainly no bringing your own wine tucked away in your suitcase. Attempting to do so could result in harsh penalties. For those of us who enjoy sundowners or a glass of wine with dinner, this is a significant adjustment. It’s a reminder that when we travel, we are guests in another culture, and respecting the rules is essential.

Dress codes also remain an important part of Saudi society, though they’ve eased in recent years. Women are no longer required to wear the abaya (the long black cloak) in public, nor is it mandatory to cover their hair. However, modest clothing is still expected—long skirts or pants, sleeves covering the arms, and high necklines. Men, too, should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts in public settings. While visitors might not face fines for showing too much skin, they could attract unwanted attention or disapproval. Out of respect, it’s wise to err on the side of modesty.

Social behavior carries restrictions as well. Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are frowned upon and can result in reprimand or worse. Unmarried couples traveling together may still face scrutiny, though rules have relaxed in recent years, especially in tourist areas. Still, travelers should be mindful of how they present themselves in public spaces.

Then there are digital restrictions—something not everyone thinks about before traveling. Internet usage in Saudi Arabia is monitored, and some websites and apps may be blocked. Social media is widely used, but critical comments about the government or religion can carry severe consequences. It’s a reminder that freedom of expression, something many of us take for granted, does not carry over when we travel to the Kingdom.

On the positive side, Saudi Arabia is opening up in ways that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. Tourist visas are now available online, making access easier. Women can travel without a male guardian, a significant step toward independence for both Saudi women and female visitors. Large-scale events, such as music festivals, art exhibitions, and sports competitions, are being promoted to draw global interest. Travelers who approach the Saudi people with an open mind often find themselves pleasantly surprised by their hospitality, which is a testament to the country’s rich culture.

Health and safety precautions should also be taken into consideration. The desert climate is harsh, with extreme heat in the summer that can be dangerous without proper preparation. Travelers should drink plenty of water, dress appropriately for the heat, and limit exposure to the midday sun. Road safety is another concern, as driving standards can be erratic compared to what many of us are used to. For visitors, hiring a driver or using ride-hailing apps is often the best option.

So, is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia? Yes, if you approach it with respect, awareness, and preparation. Physically, the risks are low, but culturally, the potential for missteps is high if you arrive uninformed. Unlike destinations where rules are looser and forgiving, Saudi Arabia requires mindfulness from the moment you land. For those willing to adapt, it can be an enriching experience. You can marvel at UNESCO World Heritage sites like Al-Ula, explore the cosmopolitan waterfront of Jeddah, or witness the blend of old and new in Riyadh. The rewards of travel there are unique precisely because the country has been closed to the outside world for so long.

Ultimately, traveling to Saudi Arabia may not be suitable for everyone. It requires a certain flexibility, a willingness to accept restrictions that may feel uncomfortable, and an understanding that we, as visitors, do not set the terms. But for those who embrace it, the trip can offer extraordinary insights into a part of the world that few outsiders truly know.

For us, as global wanderers, the decision to visit Saudi Arabia would depend on weighing our desire for cultural exploration against our comfort with restrictions. It is not about whether the country is safe in the traditional sense…it is. It’s about whether we are prepared to travel within the boundaries it sets, and to see safety not just as freedom from crime, but as the reassurance that rules are enforced to preserve order.

Would we consider visiting Saudi Arabia? If we were in the Middle East at any given time, we might consider it. However, making a special trip from a distant location would deter us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 1, 2015:

This is actually a dine-in restaurant located in Savusavu, Fiji, in a strip mall, featuring two tiny tables for diners and minimal cooking space for the cook. For more photos, please click here.

Wrapping up e-visas, one more to go…Cruise lines don’t help…

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Photo from a restaurant in Kenya on September 30, 2013. The buds of the sweet-smelling flowers were intoxicating, like a fine perfume. For more photos, please click here.

Yesterday morning, we initiated and completed the process of applying for the required e-visas, also known as Electronic Travel Authorities (ETAs), for New Zealand and Australia. Both countries require these documents, which we’ll print once we board the ship on October 27, in case printed copies are needed.

We won’t be visiting New Zealand during the 47-night cruise, but we will do so after we arrive and fly from Brisbane, Australia, following the completion of the 47-night cruise. However, on the last leg of the cruise, we’ll be entering Australia. The e-visa for Australia is mandatory and may have prevented a passenger from boarding the cruise without it.

To clarify, the 47 nights are three back-to-back cruises on the same ship, Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas. We will be required to check out of each leg and then check back in, which process will be made known to us once we are aboard. We have taken several back-to-back cruises, but since the pandemic, we haven’t experienced the process firsthand.

One of the more confusing aspects of preparing for a cruise, especially one as long as the 47-night sailing we’re about to embark on, is figuring out which visas, ETAs, or e-visas are required for each country along the way. Cruise lines do an excellent job of highlighting excursions, dining packages, entertainment, and, of course, the ever-tempting drink offers. But when it comes to the very serious matter of what paperwork passengers must have to even step foot off the ship, they provide surprisingly little guidance.

We’ve learned this the hard way over the years of cruising. At most, the cruise line may send a vague email a few weeks in advance, mentioning that “certain countries may require a visa or ETA.” Beyond that, they wash their hands of the matter. It’s left to the passengers to decipher government websites, apply through official or third-party services, and hope they’ve selected the correct visa type. It amazes me that a multibillion-dollar industry, which can plan the logistics of moving thousands of passengers, crew, and tons of food across the world’s oceans, can’t take the time to streamline this process for its guests.

The reality is that most passengers don’t think to check until it’s nearly too late. For people who don’t travel frequently outside of cruising, visas can be baffling. The terms themselves are confusing—what’s the difference between a visa, an ETA, and an e-visa? One country’s “visa” may be another’s “entry authorization.” Some are valid for years, while others are only valid for a few days. Some require embassy visits, while others can be obtained in minutes on a smartphone. And then there are tricky requirements, such as needing a printed approval rather than just a digital copy, which could leave a passenger stranded at the gangway.

We’ve always been cautious, knowing how important it is to have these details ironed out well in advance of boarding day. But even with our experience, it still requires hours of research. We often use government websites directly, double-checking against travel forums and news articles to ensure rules haven’t changed. For the average passenger, especially one who booked the cruise expecting everything to be “all-inclusive” and carefree, this is far too much to ask.

The irony is that cruise lines could easily fix this. They already collect every passenger’s passport information in advance. They know the exact itinerary, port by port. With a little effort, they could integrate a visa guide into the booking process, showing passengers exactly what’s required for each stop, with links to the correct application portals. Airlines manage to do this to some degree, warning passengers about visa requirements during check-in. Why can’t cruise lines?

Instead, the burden falls on each traveler. Those who are unprepared may find themselves confined to the ship, watching others disembark and explore. In the worst cases, passengers have been denied boarding at the very start of the trip for failing to have the proper paperwork. Imagine the disappointment of saving for a dream cruise for years, only to be turned away at the dock because no one clearly explained the rules.

As seasoned travelers, we’ve come to accept that visa research is part of the preparation, as essential as packing or buying travel insurance. But I can’t help but feel frustrated on behalf of the many passengers who get caught unaware. Cruising is marketed as the easiest way to see the world, your floating hotel that takes care of everything. And yet, in this one critical area, the lines fail to provide the support people need most.

If cruising is truly meant to be a stress-free experience, it’s time for the industry to step up. A simple checklist, tailored to each passenger’s nationality and itinerary, would prevent endless confusion. Until then, travelers must take it upon themselves to double and triple-check every destination’s requirements. It may not be glamorous, but it’s the only way to ensure that when the ship docks in a new country, you’ll actually get to step ashore.

Tomorrow, we’ll complete the ETA for Indonesia and finally be done with all of these needed for our upcoming back-to-back cruise.

Yesterday, Tom’s hearing aid charger arrived at our mailing service in Nevada, and it will be shipped via DHL International today. Due to lithium battery restrictions, the package must be wrapped in a specific manner; otherwise, it may be returned as undeliverable. This evening at 6:00 pm here in Spain (9:00 am in Nevada), I will call Maillink to ensure the package is wrapped correctly. We hope there are no issues at customs when it enters Spain in about a week.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 30, 2015:

Many locals in Fiji, as well as some tourists, take this bus to other parts of the island. For more photos, please click here.

We booked all the rental cars we’ll need until May…Prices are rising…

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As we slowed down the car to take photos in Fiji, my eyes caught sight of something black moving in the distance. Getting out of the car where there was no fence to keep these piglets contained, we squealed with delight, as did this little white piglet, who seemed happy to see us.

Since we arrived in Spain, almost two weeks ago, we’ve spent considerable time booking holiday homes, flights, and rental cars for the upcoming eight months until our last cruise ends in Seattle in May. We’ve been shocked by the cost of rental cars in New Zealand and Tasmania, which averages around US $1,200 per month. I suppose we were spoiled in South Africa, where our typical rentals averaged from US$ 500 to US$ 600 per month.

When we consider the cost of travel, we often think of flights, cruises, or hotels. However, in the past few years, another essential piece of the puzzle, rental cars, has skyrocketed in price, leaving many travelers bewildered. For decades, renting a car was a relatively affordable way to move about freely in a new destination. Now, in some cities, the cost of a modest vehicle for just a few days can rival a week’s hotel stay. Why has this happened, and will prices ever return to what they once were?

The answer isn’t a simple one. It’s a combination of supply chain disruptions, global economic shifts, evolving traveler demand, and the business realities of rental car companies themselves. Each factor has contributed to driving costs upward, and together they’ve created the perfect storm that has reshaped the industry.

The pandemic’s long shadow

When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, the travel industry collapsed almost overnight. Flights were canceled, hotels sat empty, and rental car companies suddenly faced fleets of unused vehicles generating no revenue. To survive, most major rental companies sold off large portions of their fleets. At the time, this seemed like a sensible decision—why keep tens of thousands of cars sitting idle when travel demand was near zero?

But the recovery came faster than expected. By 2021, travelers began returning in large numbers, desperate to make up for lost time. Airlines struggled, hotels filled, and rental cars became one of the scarcest resources in the travel sector. Companies that had shed their fleets suddenly found themselves with too few cars to meet exploding demand. That imbalance pushed prices sky-high, and travelers had no choice but to pay.

Supply chain troubles

In a normal world, rental car companies could have replenished their fleets quickly. But the timing was disastrous. The auto industry was grappling with its own crisis: a global shortage of semiconductor chips, critical components for modern vehicles. Without enough chips, car manufacturers slowed production, resulting in fewer new cars being rolled off assembly lines.

This bottleneck meant that even if Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise wanted to buy tens of thousands of new vehicles, they often couldn’t. Prices for new cars surged, and used car values hit record highs. For the first time in memory, rental companies were competing directly with everyday consumers for the same pool of cars—and losing. Simply put, the pipeline of affordable vehicles dried up, making it nearly impossible for rental agencies to scale up their fleets at pre-pandemic prices.

Inflation and rising costs

The past few years have also brought broad inflationary pressures. Fuel costs, maintenance expenses, insurance premiums, and labor wages have all risen. Rental car companies are not immune to these realities. Just as hotels raised room rates to cover higher operational costs, rental agencies increased their daily rates. For travelers, this translated into sticker shock, especially when combined with already scarce inventory.

Additionally, new cars are packed with more technology than ever before, touch screens, safety sensors, electric or hybrid powertrains, all of which cost more to repair and insure. That added expense inevitably trickles down to the consumer.

Changing travel patterns

Another subtle factor has been the way people now travel. Remote work has allowed longer, more flexible trips, with travelers staying weeks instead of days. For rental companies, that means cars are tied up for longer stretches, reducing availability for other customers. Similarly, leisure travelers have shifted toward domestic road trips and away from short international flights, placing greater demand on rental cars in popular destinations.

In places like Hawaii, Florida, or the American West, demand has often outstripped supply so dramatically that prices for even compact cars hit shocking levels. Stories of tourists renting U-Haul trucks in Hawaii because no cars were available became symbolic of the crunch.

Industry consolidation

The rental car industry is dominated by a few major players. Hertz, Avis Budget Group, and Enterprise control the majority of the market. With limited competition, especially in smaller cities and airports, these companies have more pricing power than ever. Unlike airlines, which are constantly battling low-cost competitors, rental agencies don’t face the same level of disruption. As a result, prices are less flexible and can remain elevated for a longer period.

Will prices come down?

This is the big question on every traveler’s mind. There are some reasons to hope for relief. The global chip shortage has eased, and automakers are gradually catching up with production. As rental companies slowly rebuild their fleets, availability is expected to improve.

However, it’s unlikely that we’ll ever return to the rock-bottom rates many of us remember from years past. Cars themselves are more expensive, labor costs continue to climb, and rental agencies are cautious about over-expanding their fleets again. The lessons of the pandemic have made them leaner and more profit-focused, meaning they may prefer to keep fleets smaller and prices higher, rather than chase volume.

What can travelers do?

For now, travelers must adapt. Booking early, especially during peak seasons, is critical. Exploring alternative options such as car-sharing platforms (Turo, Getaround), or even considering public transportation and ride-hailing services in certain cities, can help reduce costs. Some travelers are discovering that bundling car rentals with flights or hotels through booking platforms can result in better deals. Flexibility—whether it’s changing pickup locations or adjusting dates—remains a traveler’s best friend.

Ultimately, the high cost of rental cars is a testament to the interconnectedness of the global economy. A health crisis, a chip shortage, inflation, and changing travel behaviors all collided to transform a once-predictable industry. While the shock of $150-a-day compact cars may eventually fade, the era of ultra-cheap rentals is likely behind us. As with so many aspects of post-pandemic travel, the landscape has shifted, and both companies and consumers are learning to navigate the new normal together.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 28, 2015:

These baby goats are less than a week old. They seem to hang together constantly.. For more photos, please click here.

Was I ripped off?…

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The question was whether to use a taxi or Uber.

When I looked at Maps, it appeared that the salon I selected for my pedicure wasn’t far away. When I experienced difficulty in finding a taxi that would pick me up for the short distance, I ended up selecting Uber, having used the service many times in many countries.

When I paid in advance on the Uber app, US $24.63, Euro 21.5I, I assumed this was due to many one-way streets and traffic lights along the way. I rationalized this expense based on the fact that we didn’t get a rental car during our stay, which saved us a considerable sum. The cost to take me to the salon and return me to the apartment would be less than the cost of one day’s rental.

My pedicure at the salon was professional and well done. I will return one more time closer to our embarkation date.

When I couldn’t get a strong enough signal in the salon to order an Uber to pick me up after my service was done, the shop owner used her phone’s “translate” feature, advising me to go outside and hail a taxi with a green light on, at the corner, a short distance away. I walked to the corner, and less than a minute later, a yellow taxi picked me up.

I showed him the address on my phone, but surprisingly, he spoke English and we chatted on what proved to be a very short distance at a fare of US $5.64, Euro 4.83!

Apparently, the Uber app took me on a route that would extend their fare. What a rip-off! From now on, we’ll use local taxis to take us anywhere we’d like to go, including back to the airport on October 27, one month from today. I’m looking forward to that date more than I can say.

On another note, I received a notification from the Tedee app, the Bluetooth door opening app, indicating that the battery is running low. I wrote to the management company, and they told me we should recharge it. We don’t have a proper plugin for that, which requires being plugged into an outlet.

There isn’t an outlet within 12 feet, nor do we have an extension cord that can reach it. I told them that they would need a technician to perform this task. It’s not our responsibility to figure it out. Gosh, we’ve had enough of this place. The hot water heater still isn’t working correctly, and we have to unplug it for ten seconds, plug it back in, turn a dial, and wait for hot water.

Each time we try to wash a dish, wash our hands, or take a shower, the hot water shuts off after about five minutes. Since I am taking cold showers to improve my immune system, this hasn’t been as much of an issue for me as it has been for Tom, who prefers hot showers.

While he’s showering, I perform the restarting process on the water heater, allowing him to wait in the shower for the hot water to return so he can finish. Oh, good grief!

Yesterday, we received a message from Costco that Tom’s hearing aid charger is delayed in shipping to our mailing service in Nevada, and won’t arrive until Monday, after which we’ll have it shipped to us. In the meantime, I am hollering at him when I need to say something. Conversation is nonexistent. It will be nice to have a conversation with him once again. At this point, we have no idea how long it will take to go through customs on its way here.

Thank goodness we have Bluetooth speakers so he can hear the shows we stream at night.

Well, that’s all my whining for today. Thanks for hanging in there with us. There’s nothing wrong with Sant Marti or Barcelona.. It’s a matter of us experiencing these issues since we arrived, leaving us with little interest in going out, especially with the precarious three flights of dangerous stairs. I’m not about to get injured before this long-awaited cruise.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 27, 2015:

In Fiji, this duck’s unusual crown caught our attention. He seemed proud of his facial characteristics. For more photos, please click here.

Off to pedicure appointment…Grocery prices in Barcelona…

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Houses in the surrounding area.in Savusavu, Fiji, ten years ago.

It wasn’t easy finding a highly rated taxi that could book reservations online. Calling would have been futile with the language barrier. We’re doing fine when ordering groceries and takeaway meals. But calling, as many online services recommended, would have been challenging.

As a result, I ordered an Uber, which will be here in less than an hour to take me to my appointment. Considering we don’t have a rental car here, using an Uber or taxi is much less costly for transportation than a rental car would have been.

This will be my first time out and about by myself in a long time, except for pedicure appointments in Marloth Park. It will be nice to get out. The salon is less than a mile from here, but there was no way I could easily walk that far on my own.

Yesterday, our second grocery order arrived. After reviewing the receipt, it’s clear that prices are approximately 40% higher here than in Marloth Park. Since we’re only cooking a few nights a week, it seems that ordering takeaway can be economical, especially since many of Tom’s selections are under US $20 per day.

My choices are a lot more since there’s very little I can order other than whole chickens. The chickens come with roasted potatoes, which Tom eats. In these cases, we can get by with about $20 per day for both of us.

Since we’re both steadily losing weight through intermittent fasting, I have started making some meals for myself, while Tom orders from Uber Eats, which offers free delivery. I’ve been making chicken breasts and bunless burgers along with scrambled eggs and salad, enough to hold me until we eat again the next day.

The grocery order was $108, which included ingredients for making salad, as well as bacon, tomatoes, ground beef, and tomato sauce and vinegar (I will make homemade ketchup later today) to accompany the burgers. Additionally, we purchased shampoo and conditioner to ensure a sufficient supply for the upcoming cruise, along with some miscellaneous household items.

Our baggage won’t be an issue boarding the cruise, as there are no weight restrictions for cruises. There are other restrictions, such as bringing certain plugs and adapters onboard and alcohol. Only two bottles of wine are allowed, and with our drink allowance, it makes no sense for us to bring any on board.

We have an ample supply of our iced tea (Crystal Light for Tom and herbal for me), which we’ll drink on the ship each day, since neither of us drinks soda, except for an occasional Sprite Zero.

It’s time for me to get ready to go. The temperature is only 59 °C, 15 °C this morning, and it may make sense to bring a light jacket to wear while I am standing outdoors waiting for the Uber.

Not much excitement to share here. Sorry about that. However, we are content after having accepted the limitations those steps present while we’re here.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 26, 2015:

When we went to buy eggs, we approached this pair atop this table, who turned away from us, while others curiously meandered toward us. For more photos, please click here.

We are teetotallers while in Barcelona…

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While in Marloth Park, we frequently enjoyed sundowners; wine for me and beer for Tom.
Taking a break from drinking alcohol has been a refreshing change since we arrived in Barcelona. Back in Marloth Park, our sundowners were almost a ritual, as natural to the rhythm of our days as the sounds of the birds calling at dusk or the gentle rustling of kudus grazing in the bush. The late afternoon would arrive, the sun dipping lower in the sky, and Tom and I would often pour ourselves a drink, sit on the veranda, and watch the wildlife wander into our garden. There was something so fitting about having a beer, a cocktail, or a glass of red wine while elephants trumpeted in the distance.
Those sundowners were less about the alcohol itself and more about marking the day’s end, a way to pause and appreciate where we were in the world.

But here in Barcelona, life feels different. The evenings in Sant Martí have their own charm, which we easily hear from our apartment. Yet, without the same bush backdrop, we feel less inclined to have a drink. At first, I thought it might feel like something was missing, but instead, I’ve noticed something unexpected: I sleep better. Much better.

Without alcohol in my system, my nights are deeper, less restless, and my mornings brighter. For years, I told myself that a glass of wine or two didn’t really affect me, that it was harmless. And maybe in moderation, that’s true. But stepping away from it has reminded me that even small amounts can change the way I rest. I’ve woken each day in Barcelona with a clear head, more energy, and a sense of lightness. For two people like us, who are constantly on the move and relying on our health to keep up with our nomadic lifestyle, that clarity matters.

Of course, the reality is that alcohol has always been woven into social situations. If we dine out in Barcelona, it almost feels expected to order a glass of red wine. Yet, I doubt I won’t miss it as much as I thought I would. A sparkling water with a slice of lemon feels just as festive when I’m in the right frame of mind. Tom, too, has been mindful. While he enjoys a cocktail or beer here and there, he’s been just as content to skip it, knowing that moderation is key. We both know that keeping our health intact is the real prize, far beyond the fleeting pleasure of a few extra drinks.

The timing of this little hiatus is interesting, though, as we’re only a month away from embarking on our upcoming 47-night cruise. On paper, the cruise sounds like an open invitation to indulge. Included in our perk benefits is a beverage credit that allows each of us to enjoy five drinks per day. Five drinks! That’s ten between us. I can’t imagine consuming that much. If I have two glasses of wine with dinner, that feels more than enough. Tom will likely have a few cocktails, especially when socializing, but even then, not the limit.

We laugh when we think about it. Ten drinks a day is designed for people much younger, or those who see the cruise as one long party. For us, it’s more about the journey, the destinations, and the company we’ll keep. Yes, we’ll certainly enjoy an adult beverage now and then, especially when meeting new friends onboard or toasting to a beautiful sunset at sea. But we’ve reached a stage in life where we know our limits and have no desire to push them.

It’s not about abstaining completely. We both enjoy the ritual of sharing a drink, the way it can open conversation and create a relaxed atmosphere. There’s something celebratory about clinking glasses with fellow travelers or savoring a glass of wine that pairs perfectly with a fine meal. Those moments add to the enjoyment of travel, but they don’t define it. If anything, our time in Barcelona has reminded us that we don’t need alcohol.

This little break has also been a good reset. It’s easy to let routine slip into habits without much thought. In Marloth Park, sundowners were part of the landscape, and I never questioned it. Here, away from that familiar rhythm, I’ve had the chance to step back and reconsider. It feels empowering to know that I can enjoy both ways of living, sipping a drink as the day winds down or passing on it altogether, and still feeling just as content.

As the cruise approaches, I feel ready to strike a balance. I’ll happily enjoy a glass or two of wine in the evenings, especially when paired with the onboard dining, which is always a highlight. Tom will indulge in his favorites, a Marguerita here and there, but we’ll both keep it reasonable. Our health, energy, and ability to enjoy every moment are more important than anything else.

So, as I sit here in Barcelona, enjoying nights of deep sleep and mornings filled with clarity, I’m grateful for this pause. It’s been a gentle reminder that moderation doesn’t mean deprivation, and sometimes stepping away entirely, even for a short while, can bring unexpected benefits. When we sail away at the end of October, we’ll do so with a renewed perspective, not feeling pressured by the abundance of what’s included but instead savoring only what enhances the journey. After all, travel, like life, is best experienced with mindfulness, balance, and a clear head to take it all in.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 25, 2015:

The views from the property we rented in the Huon Valley in Tasmania, referred to as Anchorage Waterfront (no relation to Alaska). For more photos, please click here.

Finally, we’re flushed!…Booking flights…

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Tasmania is home to many horses, a beautifully remote location.

Booking flights has always been one of the most challenging aspects of our world travels. Over the years, we’ve learned that no matter how organized we try to be, or how many tips we pick up along the way, flights remain a puzzle filled with ever-changing variables. The costs fluctuate, routes get complicated, layovers turn into mini-nightmares, and cancellations or delays can quickly undo weeks of planning. And yet, flying is unavoidable. Unless we want to confine ourselves to traveling only by ship or land, air travel is part of the deal. It gets us from Point A to Point B, often across oceans, in a way nothing else can. But it doesn’t mean we enjoy the process.

For us, booking flights is not just about finding the lowest fare; it’s about balancing convenience, safety, loyalty rewards, and timing. Over the years, we’ve experimented with numerous booking platforms, airline websites, and discount search engines. Some looked promising at first, but ultimately offered more headaches than help. In the end, we’ve consistently circled back to Expedia. We receive a small commission since they advertise on our site. We encourage our readers to try it, which helps cover a small portion of the costs associated with managing our site.

It has become our trusted platform for booking flights, not because it’s flawless, no booking service ever is, but because it consistently delivers the best combination of price, convenience, and, most importantly for us, points. Those Expedia Rewards points have helped offset costs and made some of our more expensive long-haul flights feel a little less painful.

But getting to that “Book Now” button is rarely simple. The first challenge is choosing dates. Our travels seldom follow a straight line. We’re not simply flying from a “home” or destination to destination, and then back again. We’re bouncing around the globe with a mix of cruises, extended stays, and stopovers in places that appeal to us. That means our flights often need to line up with embarkation dates or the expiration of a visa.

Then there’s the issue of connections. We’ve had our share of awful layovers. Airports in unfamiliar cities can either be a traveler’s dream or a complete disaster. I’ll never forget the time we spent nearly twelve hours in a crowded terminal with no decent food options and chairs so uncomfortable they left us sore for days. Now, whenever we book, we carefully study layovers. A one-hour connection might look attractive on paper, but in reality, it’s often a sprint across a massive airport, worrying the entire time about missing the next flight. On the other hand, a ten-hour layover feels like wasted time, especially after an overnight flight. So, we find ourselves balancing the impossible: not too short, not too long, and always in airports that are known to be manageable.

Price, of course, is the significant factor. Flying isn’t cheap, especially when you’re covering long distances several times a year. We’ve spent countless hours comparing fares, often to find that a “great deal” isn’t so great once you add in baggage fees, seat selection charges, or the inconvenience of flying at odd hours. That’s where Expedia has saved us more than once. The transparency of their system, which clearly shows what’s included and what’s not, gives us a better sense of the actual cost. And when you’re booking multiple flights in a year, saving even a little here and there adds up.

Still, even with the best tools, airlines can throw curveballs. Flight schedules change. Planes are swapped. Seats we carefully selected weeks in advance suddenly disappear. Cancellations are perhaps the most challenging part to stomach, although we’ve only experienced it a few times. The most challenging experience was on March 20, 2020, when our flight (at the beginning of the pandemic) from Mumbai to Johannesburg was canceled due to the international airport in South Africa closing while we were waiting to board in Mumbai.

Another challenge we face is the emotional toll of flight planning. Booking a flight means committing. Unlike booking a hotel or even a cruise, flights often come with stiff penalties for changes or cancellations. Every time I hover over that “confirm purchase” button, I feel a tiny knot of anxiety. What if something changes in our schedule? What if there’s a better deal tomorrow? What if we’ve overlooked a cheaper or more direct route? That “what if” never really goes away, no matter how many times we’ve done this.

And yet, there’s also a sense of relief once the flight is booked. Suddenly, the blurry lines on our travel calendar sharpen into focus. A flight means we’re going somewhere new, somewhere exciting, and all the frustrations of planning fade into the background as anticipation takes over. That’s the bittersweet nature of booking flights: the stress and the excitement are inseparably bound together.

At the end of the day, booking flights will probably never feel effortless. The airlines set the rules, and as travelers, we do our best to follow them. We’ve learned to accept that sometimes we’ll overpay, sometimes we’ll be inconvenienced, and sometimes everything will fall perfectly into place. What makes it manageable is finding a system that works for us.

So yes, booking flights is one of the toughest parts of our travels. But it’s also one of the most rewarding, because each booked flight is another step forward in our journey around the world. It’s another opportunity for discovery, another chance to adapt, and another reminder that even the most stressful parts of travel eventually lead us to new experiences we wouldn’t trade for anything.

In the past few days, amid the maintenance issues in our apartment here in Barcelona, we booked the following flights.

  1. December 13, 2025: Brisbane, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand
  2. February 12, 2026: Auckland, New Zealand to Hobart, Tasmania

We still have to book the flight from Tasmania, Australia to Brisbane, Australia, where we’ll board another cruise, sailing from Brisbane on April 14, 2026, which we’ll book in the next few days.

As for the repairs in our apartment in Sant Marti, the toilet is working again after two professionals arrived last night and performed the equivalent of a Roto-Rooter service. In 20 minutes, they solved the problem, cleaned the toilet, and had us sign an acknowledgement that they had completed the job and were on their way.

Another maintenance person arrived in the early evening and got the dryer working properly again. Apparently, since the dryer lacks an external vent, a water receptacle collects the moisture and needs to be emptied frequently. We’d never seen such a thing since we never stay in apartments. I doubt we ever will again, after this experience.

Today, we won’t order takeaway. Instead, I’ll cook chicken breasts with a side of cheesy scrambled eggs, onions, and a side salad.

Tom’s hearing aid charger is expected to arrive in about ten days. I can hardly wait to talk to him again!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 24, 2015:

There was no post on this date ten years ago.

Ugh!…This is awful…

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We lived on an alpaca farm in NZ when this situation occurred in the paddock in the backyard. Luckily, it turned out OK for the alpacas. We laughed over this once we realized they were both doing well after figuring out how to untangle themselves. For more on this story, please click here.

This is day five with no working toilet. Last evening at 6:00 pm, a maintenance guy came to fix it, but was unable to do so. This morning, he’s scheduled to return with a heavy-duty piece of equipment that hopefully will resolve this issue. There is nothing we’ve done to cause this.

When we first arrived eight days ago, we noticed that the toilet paper wouldn’t flush. Over the next few days, the situation worsened, and the toilet quit flushing sufficiently for anything to go down. You know what I mean. I will not describe what we’ve had to do during this dreadful situation.

Additionally, the hot water doesn’t work correctly, and we rarely have hot water. No, it’s not as simple as turning on the faucet in the proper direction to produce hot water. It’s a confusing and convoluted hot water heating system in a closet in the bathroom that isn’t working correctly.

Then, as mentioned, the dryer doesn’t work. There is a clothes drying rack which we’re using to hang clothes, but when we do the sheets again, there is nowhere to hang them to dry in time to put them back on the bed. We’ll have to wash one sheet on one day, drape it over the rack, and then do the second sheet once the first one dries, using only one sheet at a time during these periods.

What does all this remind me of?… Lockdown in India in a hotel room for ten months, with no laundry service and having to wash our clothes in the shower. Ugh. However, I must admit, this is much worse. Not having a working toilet is unbearable.

Last night, we reported this situation to Capital One Travel. If the toilet issue isn’t resolved today, we are calling them back to help get our money back, including the $1500 deposit we paid when we arrived, which wasn’t disclosed as required at the time of booking, nor were the three flights of stairs to get to the apartment. There was a notation that there were a “few steps” to the front door of the unit.

If this doesn’t get resolved, we’ll have no choice but to move to a hotel at a significantly higher cost, hoping to recoup our US $ 6,500.

In the meantime, we have no interest in exploring the area or dining out. Our entire focus is on getting things fixed here. Little things, such as the absence of kitchen towels, an extra set of sheets, cleaning supplies, a toilet paper holder, or bathroom towel racks, contribute to the inconvenience of this apartment. Gosh, we had it made in the bush in South Africa!

We haven’t experienced such issues since the first house we rented in Belize in 2013, our first holiday rental, which we left after a week due to a lack of water and an infestation of sand fleas, resulting in a loss of the money we paid. Without a rental car (rentals were US $3500 a month at that time), with horrible WiFi to use to find something else. We ended up renting a golf cart and driving to resorts to find something else.

In Belize, we lucked out and found the fabulous Laru Beya, where we were able to negotiate a 50% discount for the two-month stay in a beautiful oceanfront condo. It all turned out well in the end, when we loved the location, the people we met, and the easy walking distance to restaurants. But now? Ugh!

Additionally, the fact that Tom can’t hear a thing only exacerbates the issues. Need I say, he is frustrated and grumpy?

As of this writing, the maintenance guy is late by 90 minutes.

That’s all of my whining for yet another day. Hopefully, we’ll be back tomorrow with good news.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 23, 2015:

The sunrise over Penguin Beach, Tasmania. Can’t wait to see this in person once again in five months! Then again, we’re not wishing for time to pass quickly. We’re looking forward to upcoming bookings. For more photos, please click here.

Most affordable countries for digital nomads…

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Penguin Beach in Tasmania, where we’ll be in five months.

From Travel and Leisure Magazine:

“This Country Was Just Named the Most Affordable Destination for Digital Nomads

India tops the 2025 ranking thanks to low living costs, vibrant culture, and thriving tech hubs. By Katie Nadworny, Published on September 10, 2025

If you’ve ever been tempted to become a digital nomad, one global destination is officially the most affordable choice.

That honor belongs to India, according to a report from Global Citizen Solutions, a firm that specializes in residency and citizenship by investment. The company’s Global Digital Nomad Report 2025, shared with Travel + Leisure, examined the cost of living, the cost of co-working, and the cost of a hot desk to compile its list. Factors taken into account included housing, groceries, transportation, and other essential living costs.

Delhi and Mumbai are popular destinations in India, renowned for their vibrant and bustling culture and affordable cost of living. Goa can also be an appealing destination thanks to its fantastic beaches, UNESCO-recognized churches, and unique Portuguese-influenced cuisine.

“The digital nomad phenomenon has evolved from a niche lifestyle choice to a mainstream economic driver,” Laura Madrid Sartoretto, the lead researcher at Global Citizen Solutions’ Intelligence Unit, said in a statement shared with T+L.

In fact, the report examined digital nomad visa programs in 64 different countries and found that 91 percent of these programs have been launched since 2020.

India was followed by Ecuador, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Colombia, rounding out the top five most affordable destinations for living and working remotely.

On the other end of the spectrum were countries like Iceland and Norway, which ranked very high in quality of life metrics, but were expensive to live and work in.

The Netherlands actually took the top spot in quality of life, which is assessed by a combination of public infrastructure, safety, and cultural appeal.

Overall, the most extensive collection of digital nomad programs is concentrated in the Americas, accounting for 36 percent of the analyzed programs, followed by Europe, which comprises 33 percent of the programs, and Asia, which has 9 percent of the programs.

Many digital nomad programs encourage temporary stays, but a few offer long-term opportunities to remain in the country. Of the countries analyzed, Global Citizen Solutions found 14 that offer a path to permanent residency and three that offer a direct path to citizenship.

“Over the past two decades, the growing availability of high-speed internet, mobile technologies, and the normalization of remote work have transformed this once niche concept into a global movement,” Patricia Casaburi, the CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, said in a statement shared with T+L, adding the “digital revolution” and the pandemic “propelled it into the mainstream.”

These are the top 10 most affordable destinations for digital nomads, according to Global Citizen Solutions.

  1. India
  2. Ecuador
  3. Malaysia
  4. Indonesia
  5. Colombia
  6. Namibia
  7. South Africa
  8. Armenia
  9. Mauritius
  10. Serbia”
By the end of our upcoming 47-night cruise, we will have visited eight of the above-listed ten countries (excluding Armenia and Serbia). Of course, the only country we’d consider living in for extended periods is South Africa, mainly because we have spent a considerable amount of time there and are familiar with the lifestyle on a broader scale than those we may have visited for shorter periods.
Based on our prior visits and experiences in other countries, we have no interest in extended stays or revisiting the above countries in the future. However, this is due to personal preferences which may be very different than ours. At no point would we consider acquiring citizenship in another country.
We’re hoping the property management company sends a plumber today to fix the clogged toilet. The weekend has been challenging!
Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 22,015:

Flowers are blooming profusely due to the excessive rainfall. For more photos, please click here.

What did we do about Tom’s hearing aids?…

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In the days to come, we will dine at one of the local cafes.

Yesterday, at 4:30 pm, when the Costco store opened, where Tom purchased his hearing aids in July 2024, Tom explained his dilemma regarding the failure of his Phillips hearing aid charger to work. The only solution they suggested is that we order a new charger for US $199 from their store, and once we return to the US in May, they will refund the cost.

Of course, they won’t cover the cost of shipping it internationally, and thus, we had no choice but to have it sent to our mailing service in Nevada, which will send it to us here in Barcelona as soon as it arrives from Costco on September 29. No doubt, the cost to send this small package overnight will be hundreds of dollars.

There are Costco stores in Spain, but they don’t carry Phillips hearing aids or accessories. Nor could we find anywhere in this country where we could order it and have it shipped to us. The Costco order is the only viable option.

The interior of a local restaurant.

In the meantime, Tom can’t hear anything I say unless I talk so loudly that I end up with a sore throat. Most likely, we won’t have the device until at least two weeks from now. If Tom is facing me, he can read my lips if I speak loudly enough. It will be a long few weeks.

Also, yesterday, the toilet clogged, not due to anything we had done. That’s been quite a challenge, along with the fact that we still have no hot water, and the clothes dryer doesn’t work. Good grief. There is a clothes drying rack, but washing and drying the stiff sheets will be a hassle.

There’s only one set of sheets, and neither is a fitted sheet that’s too small to tuck in on the sides. As a result, every night we get tangled in the sheets, and making the bed is awful. Oh, good grief, listen to me whining. Since we’re ordering most of our meals from Uber Eats, I now wish we had stayed in a hotel without all these issues. We are not apartment people and will most likely never rent an apartment again, if possible.

The view near our building.

Over and over again, we’ve reminded ourselves to choose single-family holiday homes. We’ve had very few issues with these, and in most situations, the owner or property manager lives nearby and responds quickly. In this case, it’s a property management company, and they seem to have little to no interest in resolving these issues for us.

This will be one of those rare occasions where our review will be candid about our negative experiences.

Fortunately, the WiFi works well enough that we can stream shows in the evenings, and Tom can listen to his favorite podcasts and watch football games while I am busy online. I enjoy watching the Minnesota Vikings football games with him. There’s no HDMI access on the smart TV, but it appears we can cast shows to the TV from our phones from other streaming services we use.

That’s all I have to say today, dear readers.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 21, 2015:

The main street in Savusavu is always bursting with activity, with more locals shopping than tourists. For more photos, please click here.