Category: Adventure

After four years of living here in Bulgaria (yes, FOUR!), I’ve finally decided to take Bulgarian language lessons. In my defence, we really only live here around half the year and travel the rest…so I’ve been here more like 2 years

But in all seriousness, there’s no excuse. I’ve been the typical lazy English speaker!

Stumbling over the few Bulgarian words I know, while relying on English the rest of the time – in a country where only around 30% of people speak it – doesn’t really cut it.

It’s time to dive into the (somewhat) intimidating world of the Bulgarian Cyrillic alphabet and be a better resident of the country we now call home. обичаме България! (translate: we love Bulgaria!)

The Importance of Learning a Language

When living abroad, it’s so important to be able to immerse yourself into the community. And what better way than by actually speaking their language!

Not only do the locals appreciate the effort, but if you’re living somewhere (whether temporary or permanent), it’s a bit ignorant not to.

You’ll have a stronger connection with the people, and you can easily navigate the important daily tasks (supermarkets, doctors, transport…), not to mention, you can avoid paying “tourist pricing” in many cases!

I really value being able to speak the local language and am looking forward to being able to speak some Bulgarian.

Why I Chose Preply Over Other Language Learning Options

I’ve tried the app route in the past, I used one when we were living in China and it was fine for picking up a handful of words. And, I took in-person Spanish lessons in Mexico for a couple of months while we were living in San Pancho.

But, since we travel a lot, having virtual lessons is really handy. And for me, I like having the human element rather than learning just from an app.

We’ve been partners with Preply for years now – promoting becoming a Tutor as a great way to make money online for travellers and aspiring digital nomads.

They’re a highly-rated company on TrustPilot and the reviews on Reddit and other blogs and YouTube channels are good as well.

So, when they reached out asking if we wanted to try it on the student side of things, I jumped at the opportunity! I’m excited to share my honest opinion of the lessons I took online with my Preply Tutor, Tanya.

How Preply Works: Finding Your Perfect Tutor

Getting started on Preply is pretty straightforward.

First, you choose the language you want to learn (Bulgarian in my case), then you list what your goals are (I chose culture, travel & hobby), then you choose by when you want to achieve that goal, and add in what style of learning you prefer.

You can also choose if you prefer your tutor to be a native speaker (I do), and then you add your budget per lesson. It’s all multiple choice and super easy to fill out.

From there, I just created a profile with my email, name and the timezone that I’m currently in and uploaded a photo of myself – I didn’t need to add my phone number which was good.

Finally, it was time to choose my tutor! This part took me longer than expected because I wanted to make sure I chose a tutor that had good reviews an that “felt” like the right fit for me.

Luckily for me, Bulgarian isn’t a super popular language so there weren’t too many tutors to filter through!

You can filter by price, teaching style, native vs. non-native speaker, and more. I spent awhile watching introduction videos before landing on Tanya, and I’m really glad I did.

For a language as niche as Bulgarian, I wasn’t sure how many tutors there’d be and I was happy with my choice.

One thing I appreciated: Preply offers a trial lesson at a reduced rate so you can test the connection with the tutor before committing. And, if you don’t jive with them, you get to try another tutor for free.

What to Expect from Your First Lesson

My first lesson with Tanya was a video call through the Preply platform – there was no need to download any software.

She started by asking me a few questions about my life here in Bulgaria: where I live, why I want to learn. It immediately felt like a real conversation rather than a classroom.

She quickly assessed my level (basically zero, let’s be honest) and mapped out a rough plan for where we’d start and where she hoped to get me. We dove into reading the alphabet right away – which being the Cyrillic alphabet is quite challenging!

What I loved is that she has her own learning materials – PDFs and documents that she screen-shared with me throughout the lessons. It’s nice to have a visual when learning for sure. And, she sent those over to me after the lesson for me to keep.

Even though I struggled a bit, Tanya gave me good feedback and I left that first lesson feeling excited to learn more.

Tackling Bulgarian…Harder Than I Expected

Bulgarian is not an easy language for English speakers. It’s a South Slavic language, which means the grammar structure, the sounds, and – most intimidatingly – the alphabet are all completely different from English.

Not to mention, some words have so many consonants in them! My mouth struggles to move that way.

Bulgarian has cases (meaning the endings of words change depending on how they’re used in a sentence), verb conjugations that vary by gender and number, and sounds that simply don’t exist in English.

When we were travelling through Russia and Central Asia, I was able to read a lot of the Russian words – which has 27 of the same letters as the Bulgarian alphabet.

Even so, I’ve forgotten a lot of that and during the lessons, it was challenging. Tanya started our very first lesson with the alphabet, and I’m so glad she did.

Within just a couple of lessons, I could sound out words and read much faster. That said, reading fluently is a long way off for me – I’m still trying to remember what the letter ‘Ж’ sounds like.

There were definitely moments in my lessons where my brain kind of felt full!

But, there’s something satisfying about slowly cracking the code of a language that once felt completely impossible. Every small win during my lessons felt HUGE.

How My Lessons Were Structured Week to Week

Each lesson with Tanya followed a loose but consistent structure.

First, there was a warm-up reviewing vocabulary or grammar from the previous session, new material for the day (grammar concept, alphabet, or vocabulary theme), practice through conversation or exercises, and a mini homework assignment to work on before next time.

There was a lot of conversation and speaking as well, so it wasn’t just learning the alphabet or grammar.

I loved how she’d ask me what I thought of that plan for the lesson, and if there was something else I would prefer to learn. She was really adaptable to my needs.

The “homework” was basically just for me to practice and study what we’d learned that week so I’d be familiar with it. And, to go and practice Bulgarian in the real world!

I’m doing two lessons per week, which is manageable alongside normal life and work. I’d recommend at least once per week, twice a week if your schedule and budget allows it – the consistency makes a real difference.

The Cost of Preply

Tutor rates on Preply vary quite a bit – you’ll find tutors ranging from around $10/hour all the way up to $80+/hour depending on their qualifications and experience.

Tanya’s rate was a bit high at $35 for a 50-minute lesson compared to many of the other Bulgarian teachers.

BUT, I still chose her based on her reviews, her qualifications, and her energy on the introduction video she made! Having been her student now, and given the quality of her lessons, and her patience with me as I was learning, the price was fair.

Choosing the right tutor for you is so important.

There’s also a Preply subscription option which helps you stay consistent with your language learning by automatically scheduling and renewing lessons with the same tutor each week. Obviously, this helps create accountability and momentum.

Taking lessons with Preply is more expensive than an app, sure. But it’s also infinitely more effective because you’re learning from a native speaker and practicing your conversational skills!

What Preply Does Well (and Where There’s Room to Improve)

The tutor marketplace that Preply has is impressive. The range of languages available (there are 90!), price points, tutors and teaching styles means there really is someone for everyone.

The platform itself is clean and easy to use, the built-in lesson space works well, and because there’s an option to switch tutors if you’re not satisfied, it removes a lot of the risk from getting started.

The tutors are vetted before they’re able to join the platform. They have to provide Government issued ID, their profiles are reviewed, and their credentials (if any) are verified.

Keep in mind that tutors aren’t required to have specific qualifications (if they do have them, they’ll be listed on their profile).

The best indicators of a professional tutor are typically a high number of completed lessons, excellent reviews, and a proven track record teaching the specific language or subject.

The one thing I didn’t love about Preply is there’s an emphasis on the subscription model – which I get because the more lessons you take consistently, the quicker you’ll learn. But, I was trying to just book a few lessons at a time and it wasn’t all that easy to do so.

Who I’d Recommend Preply For

If you’re going to be travelling or living abroad somewhere temporarily, or more permanently, I highly recommend learning some of the local language!

Preply is perfect for you if:

• You want flexible, one-on-one lessons that fit around your life
• You’re travelling or are a digital nomad who plans to spend a month or so in a destination
• You’re the kind of person who wants to be more immersed in the places you visit
• You want to make real conversational progress

It might not be the right fit if you’re looking for a fully self-guided solution – for that, apps or YouTube will serve you better. But if you’re serious about actually speaking a language, there’s no substitute for a great tutor.

Am I Actually Speaking Bulgarian Now?

Ha! Okay, “speaking Bulgarian” might be a stretch. But so far, after my lessons with Tanya, I can confidently read the alphabet, navigate a basic shop interaction, introduce myself, and I’ve increased my vocabulary a lot.

For someone who spent four years pointing and smiling, that feels like a massive win.

I’m continuing my lessons, this isn’t a one-and-done for me. Bulgaria is our home, and I want to honour that properly and I’m finally doing something about it.

If you’ve been putting off learning a language, whether it’s the local tongue where you live or plan to travel to, or a language you’ve always wanted to speak, I can’t recommend taking the leap enough. And if you want to try Preply, click here to find your perfect tutor!

The post Learning Bulgarian With Preply: My Honest Review appeared first on Goats On The Road.

After more than a decade of living and working on the road, we’ve learned a lot about what makes or breaks a destination – not just as a place to visit, but as a place to actually live and work. Trust me, those are two very different things!

Since 2012, we’ve based ourselves in dozens of countries around the globe.

Some spots (like Thailand, Malta, Barbados, Guatemala, Bali, and Montana USA), we spent around 2 months there. While others like Lisbon, Playa del Carmen, China & Grenada, we ended up spending between 6 months…or more than a year!

These days, we call Bulgaria our home base, but we leave for around half the year to experience other parts of the world.

Over time, we’ve developed a checklist – a set of filters we run every new destination through before we commit to spending more than a month there.

If you’re trying to figure out where to plant your laptop next, here’s exactly what we look for in a digital nomad destination, and what you might want to consider as well.

1. Nature (Our Non-Negotiable)

This one tops our list for a reason. No matter how good the wifi is or how affordable the cost of living is, if we’re surrounded by concrete with no access to the outdoors, it won’t work for us. Nature is always the first filter we apply.

Of course, what that looks like varies by destination. In Thailand it was jungle and beaches, and in Montana it was mountains and wide open sky. In Barbados, Mexico and Grenada it was the sea – literally steps away.

Even during our city stay in Lisbon, there was the Tagus River running along the city, and the beaches were nearby as well.

Bulgaria actually ticks this box better than almost anywhere we’ve lived, it has mountains, rivers, hiking trails, and the Black Sea coast all within a few hours. It’s a big part of why we chose it as our home base.

Ask yourself: what kind of nature recharges you (if any)? Then make sure your base has it nearby. Without it, even the most “perfect” destination will start to feel like a cage.

2. Cost of Living vs. Quality of Life Ratio

This is the one people get wrong most often. They either look for the cheapest destinations possible, or assume spending more money automatically means living better – which isn’t always the case.

The real sweet spot is where your money stretches far enough that you’re not stressed, but you’re not sacrificing quality of life to save a few dollars either.

For us, this means good food options (local AND international), comfortable accommodation, and the ability to easily afford experiences like day trips, restaurants, and activities.

We’ve found incredible value in places like Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia & Thailand), Latin America (Argentina, Guatemala, Playa del Carmen), and Europe (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, Georgia).

We always think: Can we live comfortably, cover all our business expenses, save money, AND enjoy ourselves here? If yes, we’re in the right place.

Another great way to save on accommodation costs is to become a house and pet sitter (in exchange for taking care of someone’s home and pet, you receive free accommodation).

This is something we did for many years and had the best experiences living in Costa Rica, Grenada and Barbados. We found our jobs through Trusted Housesitters and they’re currently running a promo of 30% off the signup fee. Click here for details.

3. Amenities

This one sounds boring until you’re 2 weeks into a base and realize you can’t find decent coffee, a gym, or a grocery store that stocks anything beyond the basics. Just like when you’re living at home, amenities matter.

By this, I mean the practical infrastructure of daily life. Being able to find reliable supermarkets, good restaurants and cafés (especially ones with wifi you can work from), coworking spaces, gyms or yoga studios, pharmacies, banks, reliable transport, etc.

The more months you plan to stay somewhere, the more these everyday details affect your quality of life.

Grenada and Barbados were incredible for nature and relaxed lifestyle, but the amenities were limited compared to a city like Lisbon, Buenos Aires, or the digital nomad hub of Bali. So, this is something worth factoring in if you have specific needs.

4. Community

This one took us years to fully appreciate. In our early days, we thought community was a “nice to have.” Now we think it might be one of the most important factors – especially for long-term mental health and motivation.

When you’re surrounded by people who are also building businesses, working remotely, and living location-independently, it’s energizing.

You swap tips, create collaborations, and make real friends. When you’re isolated, even the most beautiful place starts to feel lonely…

Look for cities with active nomad Facebook groups, regular meetups, and coworking spaces that double as social hubs. Playa del Carmen, Uluwatu, Ubud, Canggu, and Chiang Mai are classic examples of places with a strong, built-in nomad community.

5. Fun Things to Do

Of course, it’s not all about working on your laptop! You also need to actually live wherever you are. A destination with nothing to do outside of work hours gets old quickly, no matter how cheap or well-connected it is.

Things to do looks different for everyone. For us it’s hiking, fly-fishing, exploring local culture, wine and beer bars, trying new food, or weekend road trips. For you it might be nightlife, live music, museums, or a surf break.

This is also where having a “base” really pays off. When you’re staying somewhere for a month or more rather than passing through as a tourist, you get to dive deeper into the destination and live a little more like a local rather than a tourist.

We had house and pet-sitting jobs in Costa Rica, Grenada and Barbados, and it was such a great way to properly experience the places we were visiting.

6. Connectivity (WiFi & Data)

As a digital nomad, you’ll know the importance of a strong internet connection. It doesn’t matter how many amenities or amazing restaurants somewhere has, when you have to work and the internet isn’t stable, all the amenities in the world won’t matter.

Before committing to staying somwehwere, we research the average wifi speeds, look for recent reports from nomads in Facebook groups and Reddit threads, and if possible we’ll even ask the host/owner to send us a screenshot of the internet speeds – upload and download.

Choosing a destination with a coworking scene is also a good option – even if the apartment wifi is slow, a good coworking space is the backup plan. We’ve never been huge coworkers, but in Bansko we gave it a try for a month or so and really enjoyed the community vibe.

On the data side, one thing we’ve come to rely on over the years is travelling with a global eSIM. We’ve used them across multiple countries and we definitely don’t miss the days of physical SIM cards – having to find them was always a nightmare.

With a global eSIMYou load it before you leave, and you’re online when you land. Whether you’re doing a trial run at a potential new base, or making weekend trips from your new base, having data sorted before you arrive removes one more thing to stress about.

Plus, you can use your phone as a hotspot and tether your laptop! Check out the Mozillion Travel eSIM – it covers 201 countries with their Global Plan on a single reusable eSIM, which is exactly what this kind of lifestyle calls for.

7. Location (Airport Access & Proximity)

This is a practical one that’s easy to overlook when you’re dreaming about a destination…until you’re stuck doing a 36-hour journey every time you want to travel, visit family, or move on to your next base.

Here’s what we always consider: How close is the nearest international airport? How well connected is it? How long and expensive is the journey if we need to be home in Canada at the last minute?

Bulgaria does pretty well in this category. We wish the airport was closer (it’s a little over 2 hours to drive to the Sofia airport). But, it has direct flights across Europe and beyond, and we can be in most major European cities in under three hours.

When we were based in Playa del Carmen, the Cancún airport was just a 45-minute drive and served by direct flights to most of North America. Being an island in the Caribbean, Grenada was the trickiest – beautiful, but getting anywhere else involved connections and expense.

You have to consider what your goals/plans are. If you’re a frequent traveller within your nomad life, this factor alone can save you enormous amounts of time and money over the course of a year.

8. Healthcare

Not the most exciting thing to research, but one of the most important – especially if you’re planning to stay somewhere for months at a time. I’ll be honest, we’ve only recently started really considering healthcare on the road (we’re getting older, after all!).

These days, we always look at: Is there a decent hospital or clinic nearby? Is private healthcare affordable? Are we covered by travel insurance that works here? What’s the standard of care like for more serious issues?

In most of Southeast Asia and Europe, private healthcare is excellent and affordable. In some smaller island destinations in the Caribbean, and places in Latin America, the infrastructure is more limited – which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, but it does mean having solid travel insurance is essential.

In our personal experience, Bulgaria is definitely a mixed bag when it comes to healthcare. There are pros and cons for sure.

Pros being that you can see a specialist within a day, and that it’s very affordable. Cons being the quality of facilities in some cases and the bedside manner. But, we have international travel insurance for any serious issues. For digital nomads and remote workers, SafetyWing has insurance plans that work well for this lifestyle.

9. Safety

Safety is contextual and definitely personal. What feels comfortable to one person might feel stressful to another (especially men vs. women), and crime statistics don’t always match the lived experience on the ground.

My advice is to read recent first-person accounts from nomads who’ve actually been there, not just government travel advisories.

You’ll usually find the real picture of day-to-day safety in Facebook groups, Reddit threads, YouTube videos and blog posts from people currently based there.

Beyond safety in terms of crime, think about daily comfort as well.

Is it easy/safe to get around? Can you walk to a restaurant at night without stress? Are there neighbourhoods that are clearly better to stay in than others? What about getting ripped off?

And also, consider environmental safety. Maybe try to avoid known hurricane seasons in certain destinations (we’ve experienced 2 hurricanes…), or visiting in the high season with extreme heat, and consider mountain and ocean safety as well.

Do your research, be street-smart, and don’t let fear-based headlines stop you from exploring.

10. Visa Situation

Unless you plan on moving around every month or so, nothing is more annoying than realizing you have to do a border run every 30 days. Before basing ourselves anywhere, we always figure out the visa situation.

The good news is there are more options than ever right now!

Countries like Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Cyprus, Croatia, Bali, and Georgia all have clear pathways for digital nomads – official nomad visas, long-stay tourist visas, or remote worker permits.

Georgia is still one of the most flexible countries in the world, with visa-free stays of up to a year for most nationalities. And for Americans, Albania offers a year-long stay as well.

Thailand now has the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay up to 180 days per entry (extendable to 360), which is one of the most flexible long-stay options we’ve seen anywhere.

Mexico doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa, but the Temporary Resident Visa works just as well in practice – it’s granted for one year and renewable for up to four, and thousands of remote workers use it as their legal pathway to live and work there long-term.

Do your homework before you land. Know how long you can legally stay, what the extension options are, and whether there are any restrictions on earning income remotely.

Plus, everyone’s tax situation is different, so it’s important to speak with an accountant to make sure you don’t trigger tax residency.

It’s not as complicated as it sounds once you’ve done it a couple of times, but it’s always worth sorting out before you book the flight.

Trust Your Gut After Week One

All the research in the world doesn’t replace actually being on the ground. After a week in any destination, you just know whether it has the right energy for you.

Maybe somewhere sounds good on paper, but you just don’t jive with it. Don’t ignore your instincts. If you’re planning to stay for a couple of months, try to do a trial run before committing to a longer stay.

Do a week or two before you sign a three-month lease, and give yourself permission to change it up if you’re just not feeling it! That’s kind of the whole point of this lifestyle, isn’t it?

The post How to Choose a Digital Nomad Base (Our 10 Point Checklist) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

The Venetian Castle is one of the best things to do in Zakynthos thanks to its close proximity to the capital of the island, Zante Town.

After many earthquakes have damaged similar sights around the island of Zakynthos, the Venetian Castle still stands as a good example of Venetian architecture in the Ionians and is an interesting sight to check out. 

We spent around 10 days on Zakynthos island and while it was hard to peel ourselves away from the sandy beaches, we’re glad we made the trip to Zante town to check out the Venetian Castle.

In this post, I’ll shed a little bit of light on this lesser-visited sight in Zakynthos including how to get there, how long to stay and how much it will cost (spoiler alert, it’s free).

See Also: The Ultimate Guide to Greece Travel

Where is Zakynthos?

Zakynthos is a small island about 20 kilometres off the westernmost point of the Greek Peloponnese mainland and just under 250 kilometres west of the capital of Athens.

This island is one of the best places to visit in Greece thanks to its bustling tourism scene, great restaurants and nightlife and spectacular Ionian beaches.

The island can be reached by a ferry from Kyllini (7 sailings per day), or by direct flight from Athens. There are also a few direct flights from major European cities like Amsterdam, Rome and London (which is where we flew from).

The island of Zakynthos is perhaps most famous for the nightlife of Laganas and the stunning Navagio Beach (aka Shipwreck Cove), which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

See Also: The Best Time To Visit Greece & The Greek Islands

About The Venetian Castle in Zakynthos

Opening Hours:

• November 1st – June 30th: Every day from 08.30-15.30 except Sundays & Tuesdays
• July 1st to October 31st: Every day from 08.00-19.00 except Mondays

Hours of operation change frequently, make sure to ask a local before heading there to avoid disappointment. Or, try calling them: +302695048099

If you’re staying in Zante Town (the capital city of Zakynthos), then it would be a shame not to head up the hill and check out this 15th-century castle. 

The castle itself is situated in a lovely pine forest on a high hill above the city and the harbour below and it not only offers spectacular views of Zakynthos and the Ionian Sea, but it’s also a great example of Venetian architecture in the Ionian.

The location is quite tranquil and is very quiet compared to the bustling port town below.

History of The Venetian Castle

The castle was almost completely destroyed by the Turks in 1460 but was repaired and eventually completed by the Venetians in 1646 AD.

As you walk in the main entrance, notice the Winged Lion Of Saint Mark on the arch above the former gate. This is a symbol of the Venetian Empire and their rule in the Ionians.

The castle was once the central capital of the island, but today you’ll see quite a bit of damage from earthquakes and a history of war attacks and pirate raids on the fortress.

In 1812, when the British Empire took over the Ionian Islands, they used this castle and its fortified position to build barracks and powder stores and it was once the house of the British Parliament in the Ionians.

Inside the castle walls were the remains of many Byzantine churches such as the Church of the Savior (San Salvatore) which dates back to the 12th century AD. There’s also the 14th century Church of Saint Francis and the Church of Santa Barbara.

How To Get To The Castle

The Venetian Castle of Zakynthos is located at the top of Bohali about 2 kilometres from Zante Town. The easiest way to get here is by car.

If you’ve rented a car for your stay in Zakynthos, then you can drive from Zante Town to the castle in about 5 minutes, walk around it for an hour or two and then continue exploring the island.

If you don’t have a car, it’s only about a 20-minute walk from the town, but you’ll be climbing up about 125 meters (410 feet) so be sure to bring some water.

If you’re visiting Zakynthos in the summer, I’d recommend going in the early morning or late afternoon as it’s extremely hot in Zakynthos in the middle of the day in the summertime.

Cost To Enter The Venetian Castle Zakynthos

The Venetian Castle in Zakynthos is free to enter. There is no one there to guard the entrance and it is open until 3:30 pm or 7:00 pm (depending on the season). It’s not a major site in Zakynthos and because it’s so easy to walk here from the city, you won’t likely find the Venetian Castle on many tour itineraries.

Instead, just come here on your own time early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

How Long Should You Visit The Castle For?

The castle itself only covers an area of a few hundred meters so you don’t need that much time to visit it. While there are some lovely carvings on the walls and the remains of a few crumbled churches, there has been a considerable amount of damage to much of the main structure.

 An hour or two will be more than enough to visit the Venetian Castle in Zakynthos. The view from the top of Bohali Hill is spectacular though, so you may want to bring a picnic and have a snack while looking out over the Ionian Sea and Zante Town from the castle viewing platform.

There are a few English signs explaining the main parts of the castle, but there is little else there to bring the place to life.

Main Areas To See in The Venetian Castle

The Venetian Castle sight isn’t a huge place to visit, so there aren’t too many main points of interest to stop and look at. Mostly it’s about just walking around and enjoying the peace and nature on Bohali Hill and of course, the view. Here are a few things to check out while in the castle:

The Venetian Entrance: At the entrance to the castle you will see the 17th-century Winged Lion of Saint Mark, which is a symbol of Venice and their rule on the Ionian Islands at that time.

The Viewing Platform: There is a large open area that hangs out over the cliff overlooking Zante Town and the beautiful Ionian Sea below. This is a great spot for photos and just chilling out and enjoying the view. This castle has historically protected the island from many pirate attacks and raids, so this platform would’ve been a great vantage point for the Venetian Army to watch for invaders.

The Prison Cells: Inside the castle, there are still the remains of some (albeit damaged) structures. Some of the more confined spaces you see are old prison cells, while other rooms were used as munitions storage areas.

Hotels Near The Venetian Castle Zakynthos

If you want to stay close to the castle, then you’ll want to stay in Zante Town. When searching where to stay in Zakynthos, you’ll probably find that Zante Town is one of the best areas to stay, along with the Laganas Beach area, and Tsilivi. Here are a few of the top-rated hotels in Zante Town.

Pheonix Hotel: One of the largest hotels in Zante Town, the Pheonix hotels has nice double rooms with private bathrooms starting at around $50 / night (depending on the season). They get 8.7 out of 10 stars from reviews on Booking.com and the hotel is very close to the center, and all the main sights in Zante Town. See Prices on Booking.com.

Yria Hotel: This quaint little hotel is located in the center of Zante Town about 70 meters from the beach. The rooms are all air-conditioned with private bathrooms and a balcony. The cost starts at around $33 / night (depending on the season) and they get 8.5 out of 10 on Booking.com reviews. See Prices on Booking.com.

In Closing

While it would be nice if Zante Town put a little bit more effort into restoring and bringing to life this beautiful example of a castle from the time of Venetian rule in the Ionian Islands, it’s still worth a visit.

Due to the lack of audio guides and detailed information, you’ll have to use your imagination a little bit, but the view from the hill and the peaceful nature around the castle make it one of the best things to do in Zakynthos.

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The post Visiting The Venetian Castle in Zakynthos, Greece appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Unless you don’t mind shelling out thousands of dollars if (when?) you get in an accident while travelling, having international travel insurance is definitely a good idea.

Most people purchase cheap travel insurance (without knowing exactly what’s covered), or end up not purchasing any due to how difficult it can be to understand insurance policies…why do they make them so confusing?!

Choosing international travel insurance is a bit of a daunting task. In this article, I’ll try to simplify things so you get a better idea of which insurance company covers what.

Plus I’ll answer many of your frequently asked questions, and give you some ideas of what to look for when purchasing travel medical insurance.

And, I’ll share my top 4 international travel insurance picks (we’ve personally used 3 of these companies).

*Note: It’s very important that you read YOUR policy to see what is covered – and what isn’t. Each traveller’s circumstances and coverage will be different. Always do your due diligence before purchasing travel insurance. 

Is International Travel Insurance Worth It?

Short answer? Yes, absolutely. 

To be completely honest, in the past we’ve only purchased travel insurance sporadically. We figured, hey, we’re in Mexico and it’s cheap to visit the hospital, so there’s no need to buy travel insurance.

But, once we spoke to people who have had horrible accidents abroad, and after witnessing two friends and family members having emergencies abroad…we started to realize just how stupid we were. 

Sure, visiting a doctor in Mexico for something basic and getting medication will only cost around $20-$50, and we paid about $200 in Thailand, but that’s not the only reason to have travel medical insurance.

The main reason is for more serious accidents and events that can happen abroad – especially when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

• See Also: My Experience Visiting a Doctor in Argentina

Not to mention, in some countries, international travel insurance is mandatory. Cuba, Qatar and Ecuador are a few countries that require you to show proof of travel insurance before entering the country. 

A good travel insurance policy will cover you for emergency evacuation and flights to a hospital that’s able to handle your medical condition.

There’s accidental death benefits (ie: money paid to your estate or whoever you direct in your will), crisis response, political evacuation, natural disasters and much more. 

Many policies cost around $2 – $4 per day. If you can afford to travel, you can afford $2 – $4 a day. So, there’s really no excuse!

What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 

You really want to make sure you read the fine print of your travel insurance policy. All policies are different and while you may be covered for something with one company, you might not be with the next. It also depends on the actual type of policy you decide to purchase.

Different companies cover different things, so make sure you read your policy to ensure you’re insured for all your needs. 

In general, you should be looking for a travel insurance policy that covers the following: 

• Emergency evacuation 
• Hospital room and board
• Intensive Care 
• Local ambulance
• Adventure activities – ensure that you’re covered for exactly what you plan to do. Some policies have exclusions to depths you can scuba dive, and altitudes you can trek, for example.
• Outpatient care (physiotherapy, chiropractor, etc.)
• Emergency dental care
• Crisis response – ransom, kidnapping, etc.
• Terrorism
• Natural disasters
• Accidental death benefits
• Return of your remains

As a bonus, some international travel insurance providers cover things that aren’t medical related, such as:

• Lost luggage
• Trip interruption 
• Trip cancellation 
• Rental car damage protection 
• Stolen baggage

We’ve personally made claims for visits to massage, chiropractor, acupuncture and hospitals abroad. And, since we had a plan with $0 deductible, we received our money back. On the flipside, since we had $0 deductible plans, our monthly insurance costs were higher.  

You’ll also want to make sure that your policy includes global assistance, 24/7. 

Which Travel Insurance Is Right For Me?

Are you planning on trekking at high altitudes, scuba diving or doing any extreme sports? Will you be riding a motorbike or scooter? Are you a resident of your home country?

These are all things that will affect which insurance is right for you.

World Nomads has a reputation for being the best for adventurous travellers, as they cover pretty much every adrenaline-inducing activity you can think of. If you’re from the UK and Europe, True Travellers is another excellent insurance option for backpackers. 

If you’re not a resident of your home country anymore (many digital nomads and remote workers aren’t), and are looking for an affordable plan, Safety Wing is a great option. They even cover you when you’re visiting your home country.

Something else to consider is whether or not you’ll be riding a motorbike / scooter during your trip. For most people visiting Southeast Asia, this will be your primary mode of transportation and is a fun way to see the countries you’ll visit.

However, not all policies cover motorbike and scooter accidents. World Nomads does (if you have the proper driving licenses).

If you’re a Canadian citizen and you purchase expat travel insurance with Allianz, you’re not covered when you return to Canada for a visit / holiday! (I’m not sure about citizens from other parts of the world, so make sure you ask).

We only realized this just a few months ago, which is part of what inspired me to write this post. We bought this insurance specifically for our trip to Canada and the USA. Turns out, we wouldn’t have been covered at all during our one month visit to Canada. 

Read the fine print and choose an international travel insurance policy that covers everything you need.

How Much Does International Travel Insurance Cost?

What you’ll pay for travel insurance depends on a few factors, with the main ones being your age, your place of residence, where in the world you’ll be travelling, the length of the trip and the company you purchase with. 

As an example, with World Nomads Insurance, for a one month trip you’d pay $158.64 for their lowest plan. With Safety Wing, you’d pay between $62.72 – $218.96 for their lowest plan, depending on your age.

How much you’ll pay really depends on your age and the insurance company you choose. Some policies don’t cover people who are residents of certain places, or are a certain age.

For example, if you’re from Quebec, Canada, World Nomads won’t cover you. If you’re from the United Kingdom, you must be under 65 years old in order to qualify for travel insurance. 

Prices often vary due to the amount of coverage you have (ie: $250K vs. $1M), and whether or not you have a deductible. 

Everyone’s circumstances are different, which is why it’s so important to get a number of quotes and read the policies before choosing an insurance company. 

How Do I Buy Travel Insurance?

Purchasing travel insurance is simple. You can start by contacting a few insurance companies to get a quote, and when you decide on the company you want to go with, you provide your travel details and provide payment. Within an hour, you’ll have your insurance policy in your email inbox. 

Many companies allow for changes to your policy before the effective date. Allianz allows changes for 10 days before the insurance policy starts. 

With some companies, you can purchase the policy while you’re already travelling and can extend while you’re on the road. You’ll want to make sure your company allows this, as with some insurance policies, you must return to your home country first.

Important Questions to Ask Before Buying

When we first purchased international travel insurance, we didn’t even think to contact the company and ask any further questions. We just read (some of) the small print and went ahead and booked.

Having been on the road now for over 10 years and tried out a few different travel insurance providers, we now know there are some questions you should definitely have answered before buying:

1. Will this insurance cover me while visiting my home country? 

2. If I’m in the Amazon (or any other remote area) and fall and break my back and have to get airlifted to hospital. Will this insurance cover me for ALL expenses?

3. Will this insurance cover the cost of transporting me back to my home country if I suffer a serious injury or illness? – or just to the nearest hospital?

4. What happens when I need medical treatment? Can I go to any hospital or doctor or only those approved by the insurance company?

7. Does this insurance cover me for adventure activities? Are there any exclusions?

8. What happens if the company goes out of business? Will I still be insured?

9. Is the deductible per claim, or per trip?

Travel insurance companies want your business, don’t be afraid to ask them any and all questions you may have.

Which International Travel Insurance Is the Best?

There are numerous travel insurance providers out there, and it’s important that you find one that suits your needs and the type of trip you’re embarking on.

If you’re a digital nomad, or long-term traveller, Safety Wing is a great option. If you’re into adventure activities and are heading off for a few months, World Nomads is a good bet.

If you want all around great coverage, with a well-known brand (at a higher premium), then Allianz might be right for you. If you’re into adventure activities and are a resident of the UK or Europe, True Traveller is a good option. 

Here’s a breakdown of these four travel insurance companies. Of course, you’ll need to ensure you read the policies yourself, but here are some of the main pros and cons:

1. Safety Wing

This is one of the best international travel insurance companies for digital nomads, freelancers and long-term travellers. If you don’t have residency and healthcare in your home country, Safety Wing is a good option. If you’re between 18 and 39 years old, this is the cheapest policy you’ll find.  

Pros of Safety Wing:

• You don’t need to be a resident of your home country. This is great for digital nomads who don’t have a permanent home.
• Costs are fair at $62.72 / month for those aged 18-39.
• The cost is the same whether you purchase 1 month or 1 year of coverage. 
• Rather than having to pay one large lump sum up front, you pay monthly. 
• They offer auto-renewal. It’s like a subscription service, which is great because you can cancel at anytime and don’t need to set an end date (unless you want to).
• The insurance is underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC.
• The policy and website are easy to read and understand.
• Private doctors and hospitals are covered. 
• Coverage in your home country is provided. If you’re a resident of the USA, you’ll be covered for 15 days out of every 90 days you’re on the insurance policy. Outside of the USA, you’ll allowed 30 days in your home country.
• In addition to medical coverage, you’ll receive travel benefits, including trip interruption, travel delays, lost checked luggage, natural disaster and political evacuation. 
• There’s no deductible.

Cons of Safety Wing:

• If you travel to the USA, you need to add on $1.78 – $7 extra per day depending on your age. 
• Maximum coverage of $250,000 on the Essential Plan. If you choose the more expensive “Complete” plan, you get $1.5M coverage.
• Many activities aren’t included. In particular, trekking above 4,500m, kite-surfing, ice hockey, American football, soccer (football), and scuba diving past 10m.
• If you’re an adventurous traveller, this isn’t the best insurance policy. 
• Motorbikes and scooters are covered in the policy but you must hold a proper license and be wearing a helmet. 

Click here to read the full insurance policy. Click here to learn more about Safety Wing and to get a free quote. 

2. World Nomads Travel Insurance

If you are a Lonely Planet guidebook fan, you’ll know that this is the company that they frequently recommend. We went with World Nomads in the past and were able to easily make a claim, and extend our coverage while we were on the road.

If you’re a backpacker or adventure seeker, this is the company you’ll want to choose. 

Pros of World Nomads Travel Insurance:

• While they don’t offer the cheapest plans out there, they definitely aren’t the most expensive. 
• You can obtain and extend your policy while on the road – no need to return home.
• Many adventurous activities and sports are covered (make sure you get the right plan).
• In addition to medical, you’re covered for baggage delays, trip cancellation or interruption, stolen baggage, assault, stolen electronics while under your supervision and more.
• The policy and website is easy to navigate and understand.
• A popular and highly recommended travel insurance company.

Cons of World Nomads Travel Insurance

• You need to have health care in your home country. This is a huge con for us as we aren’t residents of Canada anymore and therefore don’t have provincial healthcare. We can no longer use World Nomads Insurance. 
• Motorcycle and scooter accidents aren’t covered unless you hold a valid motorbike licence from your home country and one from the local country (in most cases). 
• There’s not one standard underwriting company for World Nomads. Which company you are insured with (including inclusions and exclusions to policies) depends on which country you’re a resident of. 
• To get a discount, you’ll need to book and pay for your insurance in advance. 
• On the “Standard” plan, you only get $125,000 in coverage for medical emergencies.

Click here to get a free quote with World Nomads Insurance. Click here to read the full policy (for US residents). 

3. Allianz International Travel Insurance

This long-standing company is reputable and offers numerous types of policies. They offer great insurance plans for expats as well.

In the past, we’ve personally purchased our Expatriate Travel Insurance through Allianz, as they offer affordable plans (around $2/day), with $500K coverage and the adventure activities that we partake in are covered.

The expat plans are different from the travel insurance plans – in terms of costs and coverage.

Pros of Allianz Travel Insurance:

• They offer different levels of emergency transportation coverage – up to $2M dollars. 
• Up to $500 coverage for stolen baggage.
• Trip delay coverage of $150 per day is offered for airplane delays due to bad weather, natural disasters, etc.
• A reputable, long-standing company. 
• Making a claim is simple.

Cons of Allianz Travel Insurance

• One of the more premium insurance providers, meaning they cost more.
• Travel to the USA and Mexico is an additional daily fee. 
• You are not covered when you travel to your home country if you are an expat. (this is true for Canadians, check Allianz for your country of residence).
• Trip interruption is covered, but only for medical or natural disaster reasons. No compensation for an airline, cruise or tour cancellation. 

Click here to read the full travel insurance policy with Allianz for Americans. Each country is different, make sure you read the policy applicable for the country your are a resident of. 

4. True Traveller

If you’re a resident of the UK or many countries in Europe (including France and Germany) and are a backpacker who loves adventure activities, then True Traveller is a great insurance option.

Pros of True Traveller: 

• They cover many adventure activities 
• High coverage amounts – up to £10 million GBP
• You can purchase a policy even if you’re already abroad
• You can choose policies to have a deductible (excess), or not
• Insured by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. which is part of the AXA Group
• 24/7 medical assistance

Cons of True Traveller:

• They only cover UK and European citizens and residents
• You need to add on “packs” to your policy to ensure you’re covered for the right activities and interruptions
• You must have a proper motorcycle license and be wearing a helmet in order to be covered for scooter accidents

Click here to read the insurance policy and see if it’s right for you. Or, click here to learn more about True Traveller. 

Insurance Hotline

Travel insurance costs on average for Insurance Hotline:

• $22.20 for a 10-year-old traveller

• $41.16 for a 35-year-old couple

• $42.24 for a family of four

 

Most policies cover the following:

• Emergency medical expenses

• Emergency trip cancellation and interruption

• Lost baggage

• Emergency transportation to a hospital

• Hospitalization and emergency room fees

• Medical examinations such as x-rays 

• Transportation back home after a medical event

• Flight delays and cancellations 

Travel With Peace of Mind

I hope that this article helped to answer some of your burning travel insurance questions. No matter which company you decide to choose, just make sure you read the fine print of the insurance policy, and utilize the support staff. That’s what their job is! Ask any and all questions you might have to ensure you know what you’re purchasing. Happy and healthy travels.

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