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Rick Steves conducting guidebook exploration in Bern, Switzerland. Rick Steves’ Europe Rick Steves is aware Europe. In simple fact, he is a strolling, conversing European encyclopedia. If it’s a European expertise, opportunity are he’s “been there, performed that.” Perhaps most greatly acknowledged to the basic …
Share The Article Last Updated 3 hours ago The last thing anyone wants to worry about when traveling is whether or not they will make it safely to their destination. However, the truth is that traveling does come with risks. Therefore, when planning a vacation …
When Disney Cruise Line announced in September at its D23 Expo that it would launch its first-ever South Pacific cruise itinerary, Rachel Medlock was ecstatic. She describes her and her husband as “those Disney adults” — referencing people who, for better or for worse, love Disney like it’s a religion.
Medlock, who works in Australia as a freelance copywriter, sought a spot on the cruise, which starts in Honolulu, then meanders through American Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia before arriving in Australia.
Disney’s South Pacific cruise has two scheduled sailings so far, one in October 2023 and a second in February 2024 (which follows a similar itinerary, albeit in the reverse direction). Bookings opened in October 2022, with the first few days limited to Disney’s most loyal customers, including Disney Vacation Club members and repeat cruisers with Castaway Club status.
But even Medlock’s fandom wasn’t enough for early access, and she says every cabin posted on Disney’s website was booked before sales even opened to the public.
Optimistic that someone’s deposit might fall through and she’d snatch a room, Medlock and her husband refreshed roughly every hour. Two days later, they finally snagged a coveted spot.
A stateroom on the Disney Wonder, the ship used for Disney’s South Pacific itineraries. (Photo courtesy of Matt Stroshane/Disney Cruise Line)
The dash to book Disney’s South Pacific cruise is an anomaly, says Tracy Sannes, who runs The Disney Cruise Family Travel Blog. A spokesperson for Disney cruise line said the route is “very popular” and confirmed in an email to NerdWallet that bookings through its website are sold out. Though, there is availability through some online travel agencies, including Expedia.
“The last Disney cruise I remember selling out that quickly were cruises from Vancouver to Hawaii,” Sannes says. That cruise was set for spring 2020 but never departed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The route is back for 2023 and 2024, with cabins still available.
Disney isn’t the only company cruising in the South Pacific for the first time this year. Others include Variety Cruises, which will launch its first-ever Tahitian cruises in January 2023.
Royal Caribbean operated South Pacific cruises pre-pandemic, and in October 2022 resumed sailings out of Sydney for the first time since 2019. And in November, Royal Caribbean launched its first-ever voyages out of Queensland for South Pacific trips that include stops at Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Planning an escape to the paradisiacal islands of the South Pacific is rarely cheap or easy. Flights are long and tough to come by. High-end luxury resorts dominate the lodging options at many tourist hotspots, where you’ll face high prices for rooms, food and excursions. And with so many islands, it can be tough to decide which to visit.
Cruises solve many of those problems.
Flying between the U.S. and South Pacific is almost certain to induce jetlag. Flying from Los Angeles to Tahitian island Mo’orea takes just over eight hours, and it’s 11 hours to Fiji. And that’s if you can get a direct flight — which can be difficult.
“The biggest driver of cheap flights is not distance traveled or size of the cities, but rather competition between airlines,” says Scott Keyes, who runs deal-tracking website Scott’s Cheap Flights. “Right now, the number of scheduled flights across the Pacific is down 50{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} from 2019.”
For what it’s worth, flight availability is growing among some major airlines. As of mid-December, Delta Air Lines jets off three times a week on a never-before-operated, nonstop route from Los Angeles to Tahiti. Hawaiian Airlines is set to launch flights between Honolulu and the Cook Islands in May 2023, though that flight will run once a week only.
Keyes, who sends out alerts to readers whenever he spots extraordinary deals, says South Pacific airfares are higher now than pre-pandemic. He says the cost of South Pacific flight deals he emailed his followers in 2019 averaged $672. In 2022, it was $828 on average.
But when opting for an itinerary like the Crown Princess’s 28-night cruise through Hawaii, Tahiti, Mo’orea and Western Samoa — which starts and ends in Los Angeles — West Coasters might not need to fly at all.
Transpacific cruises at least eliminate jet lag and airfare one way. And typically, that one-way flight is from a major city, thus there’s more availability. Los Angeles, San Diego or Honolulu are common docking points on one end, with Sydney or Brisbane, Australia, or Auckland, New Zealand, on the other.
The National Geographic Orion has 53 cabins and is used for itineraries in the South Pacific. (Photo courtesy of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic)
Deciding which of the South Pacific’s many islands to visit can be tough, but spending a chunk of your trip in airports to island-hop could be tougher.
Plus, cruises efficiently ferry you to your next destination while you sleep — and you’ll only have to unpack once.
Disney’s 13-night South Pacific itinerary starts at about $2,400 per person, assuming two people per room.
While Disney cruises are notoriously pricey compared with most other cruise lines, the South Pacific itinerary is actually cheaper than many other Disney cruises of similar length. Disney’s nine-night Alaska cruise in summer 2023 starts at about $2,800 per person. Its 10-night Caribbean cruise in summer 2023 starts at just over $4,000 per person.
It’s not even much more than some cruises that never leave Australia — yet more than twice the duration. For example, a December 2023 Disney cruise from Brisbane to Sydney starts at about $1,800 per person (that’s about 25{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} less), but it’s only six nights long.
“With flights to Hawaii, a week there and then jumping on the Disney Wonder back to Australia, it’s not costing that much more than they’re charging for a week in Australia itself,” Medlock says.
The cost savings is due in part because the cruise is called a “repositioning cruise.”
In October 2023, Disney will send its ship, the Disney Wonder, from the U.S. West Coast to Australia for the winter (as it’s summer down under). The Wonder will return to the U.S. by March 2024 for spring and summer itineraries around San Diego and Mexico. The South Pacific itinerary is a way for Disney to keep the ship at capacity while it makes a voyage it would need to make anyway.
“Repositioning cruises are notoriously better value, regardless of cruise line,” Medlock says.
Disney’s $2,400 cruise includes 13 nights of meals plus 24-hour room service, shows, pools, character meetings, kids clubs and nightclubs. Expenses like alcohol, spa services, port excursions and tips are extra.
Though sometimes even those extras can be paid for in advance — and at a discount.
“Cruises offer package deals that cover transportation, lodging and meals, in addition to activities and entertainment,” says Mirela Letailleur, who runs a travel blog called The Travel Bunny. “Travelers won’t stress about reserving several hotels and flights, which may rapidly mount up and increase vacation costs.”
Meals are included at most of Wonder’s restaurants, including Animator’s Palate, which is a dinner-show-type restaurant. (Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)
Expedia found that the average two-week vacation package from Seattle to Sydney in October 2023 costs between $2,400 and $3,400. That’s just flight and hotel — it doesn’t include meals and activities. An Expedia spokesperson said that if you opt out of a package and instead book a la carte, costs can balloon to $4,200 (because Expedia offers discounts for booking trip elements together).
Disney’s cruise starts at $2,400, yet other companies are cheaper. Royal Caribbean’s 17-night cruise in April 2024 from Australia to Hawaii starts at about $1,300 per person — just over half the cost of Disney’s.
Letailleur also says that cruises tend to offer promotions like discounted fares for kids or groups, which can make cruising an especially good option for families.
If cruising on floating cities isn’t appealing, other options include Variety Cruises’ 10-night round-trip Tahitian cruise, which puts you aboard a small vessel with just 48 other passengers. The cruise starts at about $3,100 per person.
Variety uses its Panorama II to sail through Tahiti. (Photo courtesy of Variety Cruises)
For all the benefits of cruising, there are trade-offs. Avichai Ben Tzur, who has written several South Pacific travel guides for his website X Days In Y, has done multiple South Pacific cruises. But, he says he usually wouldn’t recommend it.
“It’s impossible to get a sense of these magical islands during a quick port call when hundreds of passengers quickly flock to the main tourist sites,” he says. “The magic of the South Pacific islands is only felt when you overnight on the islands and interact with locals.”
And even if you do opt for a transpacific cruise, there are trade-offs compared with other cruise routes. Expect to spend multiple days at sea before setting foot on land. For example, the Royal Caribbean’s 18-day cruise from Sydney to Oahu leaves French Polynesia on day 12, but you don’t dock again until day 18 upon arrival in Hawaii. That leaves passengers with the final full five days of their cruise at sea.
Ben Tzur said he recognizes that sometimes cruising can be the only way to see islands that are otherwise hard to reach and expensive, particularly if there are no airports or hotels. But for itineraries that just stop in large ports anyway, Ben Tzur steers clear. Instead, he advises people to choose one area to hone in on and explore, rather than trying to see everything.
“Focus on a specific region, and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime trip,” he says. “That’s key to avoiding disappointment.”
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As a digital nomad, it’s important to research the healthcare system in the countries you plan to visit. Make sure you understand how to access care, what type of insurance is available, and what coverage you might need. Be prepared for any potential health issues that could come up while you’re traveling.
I’m sending out this advice because my daughter, 3 years old, ended up in the IC with a heart rhythm disorder in a foreign country. She was a healthy kid, but it happened. This can happen to anyone. We have private insurance, yet we ended up in the state hospital, which was very traumatizing for her.
Now we know how to get the right care next time, but this time we were in an emergency and not in a position to find a private clinic that could help us. Just make sure you’re prepared for a similar situation; it’ll make a huge difference, for yourself or your child.
Angie Makljenovic, Blogger & Content Creator, She Can Blog
If you’re looking to save money, traveling during off-peak season is the way to go. Peak season usually falls between June and August in Europe, December through March in Latin America, and October and April in Asia.
Prices drop significantly during these times, so it’s definitely worth it if you can plan your trip accordingly. Tourist spots will be a lot less crowded during this time, so you can access the attractions without having to wait too long. Many hotels have lower prices during this time.
Demi Yilmaz, Co-Founder, Colonist.io
Limiting your flight time is a great way to save time when traveling. You should always try to book nonstop flights. Make sure that any layovers are only a few hours long.
As a result, the first advice I would give to someone looking to book a flight with a layover is only to book a flight with a layover of less than an hour. You might save time, but only if everything goes according to plan.
Flight delays are common, especially when traveling abroad. After learning this advice the hard way too many times, it is better to realize that flights won’t hold out for you. If your flight is a little later, they might depart without you, even if it’s with the same airline.
You then lose a full day or more of travel time. You should also allow yourself enough time to pass through customs (if necessary) and arrive at your next terminal on time.
Axel Hernborg, Founder & CEO, Tripplo.com
I was working from internet cafes and on various desktops before “digital nomad” was a thing. And it grew into my life, as I now own a business in Japan and work in other parts of Asia while maintaining my US citizenship.
Having a dream and a special romantic feeling about being a digital nomad is great. Backing your dreams with pragmatic research is what will help you make it. Read up, watch videos, take courses, and talk with mentors about:
The place alone will not change you because it’s still you; you are the same as back home. The entire experience can change you in wonderful ways or can waste years of your life and chunks of your savings. You do have savings, right?
Adam Goulston, PsyD MBA, MS, Owner & Manager, Scize
Traveling with a mobile hotspot is an essential tool for digital nomads who need reliable internet access while on the go. With a mobile hotspot, digital nomads can access the internet wherever they are, without having to rely on unreliable public Wi-Fi networks or expensive roaming charges.
A mobile hotspot also allows digital nomads to connect multiple devices to the same internet connection, allowing them to work from multiple locations without having to worry about finding a reliable internet connection.
Having a reliable internet connection is essential for digital nomads to work while they travel, and a mobile hotspot is a perfect solution.
Carly Hill, Operations Manager, VirtualHolidayParty.com
Digital nomads’ life is indeed full of surprises. Imagine living a few months in Mexico, spending the summer in Spain, and moving to Bali to avoid the European winter while being able to work from anywhere.
It sounds like a dream comes true. But it is not always as easy to find five-star facilities as you expected on your journey. I personally will advise everyone who wants to mix their career with travel to be prepared for any discomfort that they will experience.
Whether lack of Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, or even food poisoning. This might be the last thing that we think of when we travel as digital nomads. And no matter how much research you do, the reality is not always the same, therefore it is best to prepare yourself.
Georgi Todorov, Founder, ThriveMyWay
As a digital nomad, it is easy to spend a lot of money on accommodation. Before you go abroad, think about where you’re staying and how much you can spend.
You could save on rent by storing all your belongings in a storage box and don’t rent anywhere long-term. This, however, requires a bit of planning and organization to not end up without a bed to sleep in. Alternatively, you could try to sublet your flat whilst away. The latter depends on your rental agreement and the location.
Julia-Carolin Zeng, Director, Charlie on the Move
The idea of digital nomadism is to create a lifestyle that allows you to travel the world while earning an income. I’ve traveled around the world twice and lived and worked abroad as an ex-pat. Expat packages are getting harder to get and you need to build a passive affiliate marketing income.
Affiliate marketing is one way that digital nomads can make money online. When someone clicks on an affiliate link in your blog post or social media post and then purchases the product from the merchant, you get a commission for the sale.
As an affiliate marketing manager for well over a decade. I work with digital nomads living in Chang Mai, Thailand with a tax-free income in Dubai. The working world is changing, but you need to take control of your paycheck to not just sell your time. Like my dad always told me, you don’t get rich on a salary, and you have to take some risks to live a travel lifestyle, which he wrote about in his book.
Brian Hawkins, Marketing Manager, GhostBed.com
US-originating digital nomads might be in for a bit of a rude shock if they choose to earn money in the local currency in their nomadic destination, which often seems like a smart thing to do as you take a broader range of clients.
This opens you up to some very complicated double taxation policies, as the US is one of a few countries that taxes its ex-pats on earnings made in a foreign country where you, presumably, will also need to pay local taxes.
This, naturally, isn’t an issue if you continue to work only for US-based firms as you travel but this also can occasionally lead to a headache with getting an apartment abroad, for example, as you might have a hard time proving your earning capabilities without local proof.
Kate Kandefer, CEO, SEOwind
To be a successful digital nomad, one needs a robust internet connection. Without an internet connection, you can’t work.
Sometimes your internet equipment may not work well, but you have a deadline to meet or an emergency work to finish. In those situations, a co-working space comes to the rescue.
Enrolling in a co-working space gives you the right environment for working. It’s like a mini office where you can work with no issues. Also, co-working spaces have other advantages. For instance, working alone can be tiring. You may crave to work with others. During those situations, it’s best to work in a co-working area. Your mind will be at peace, and you can work well.
Ryan Knoll, Owner, Tidy Casa
The best advice I can give to those who want to have a career and travel the world is to first start out by getting crystal clear on your ideal day-to-day life.
Once you’re absolutely sure of that picture of your lifestyle, only then should you figure out what kind of knowledge, career, income streams, etc. you need in order for that to happen.
Don’t force your current skill or job situation into being able to provide what you want. It’s better to open up your mind and consider the possibilities from a blank slate.
If you align everything you do around flexibility and location independence, you can go anywhere you’d like. Happy travels!
Ken Marshall, Chief Growth Officer, RevenueZen
Think 10 steps ahead when preparing for a trip and have a backup plan for likely scenarios that could hinder you from working. You don’t want to be caught off-guard in the middle of nowhere with your device batteries on empty or with unstable Wi-Fi, making you unable to finish your deliverables. This puts your work in peril and will surely ruin your trip as well.
Pack backup gadgets, like a tablet or an extra smartphone, in case something unfortunate happens to your work device. Bring a portable prepaid Wi-Fi router so you’re assured of your own Internet connection. Keep your devices fully charged beforehand and bring power banks to expect long hours on the road. Always have a failsafe, so your work won’t get compromised while you explore the world.
Mark Woodbury, Co-Founder, Minerva Equity
I think even though it may seem like we’re stating the obvious, weekend getaways are crucial. Just a few days away from home will do wonders for your energy levels and keep your restlessness in check until your next long vacation.
Traveling by rail, ferry, or even by vehicle to local locations is a better alternative to flying for small distances if you want to be a thoughtful and ethical traveler.
After all, a quick weekend getaway close to home can be just as fulfilling as a long trip abroad. Every trip counts. People simply don’t understand what they’re talking about when they claim a trip isn’t a trip until you’ve traveled for hundreds of miles or spent millions of euros.
Salim Benadel, Director, Storm Internet
First things first, make sure all your documents are in order before you leave home. Make copies of important papers like your passport or driver’s license, so if the originals get lost or stolen while traveling, you can easily replace them with backups.
Also, research any visas that may be required to live and work abroad; many countries will require an official document confirming the length of stay before granting entry.
Next comes budgeting—know how much money you need to bring with you and plan accordingly! Research currency exchange rates beforehand so that when it comes time to pay bills or purchase goods, there won’t be any surprises at the register.
And don’t forget about taxes—make sure all applicable tax forms are filled out correctly before leaving home to avoid any financial penalties down the road!
Jamie Irwin, Director, Straight Up Search
Similar to how you’d secure your valuables in a safe, you also need to secure your online data while abroad, and a virtual private network (VPN) is the ideal way to do this.
These services encrypt your internet traffic and disguise your online identity so your data can’t be stolen. This is important because as you travel abroad, you’ll be connecting to many Wi-Fi networks, so your emails, personal messages, and banking information can all be compromised if you’re not careful.
A VPN gives you the peace of mind to work with the assurance that your personal information is safe, no matter where in the world you are.
Dakota McDaniels, Chief Product Officer, Pluto
If your job requires you to keep track of and receive physical mail while abroad, it might make sense to invest in a traveler’s mail service such as Traveling Mailbox or Amazon Hub Lockers.
A mail service like this allows you to maintain a physical address in the US and receive, open, scan, and store your mail online. This way, you won’t have to worry about missing any important documents or correspondence while on the road.
Many of these services also provide a virtual phone number and mailbox rental options, which can be useful for those who need to receive calls and messages from clients or family back home.
Ryan Delk, CEO, Primer