Traveling while living OCONUS
On this episode, I talk through the logistics, options, and how to make the most of traveling while living OCONUS. I have taken about one trip a month for the last three years since living OCONUS in Naples, Italy and I have visited about 28 different countries. I tell you my favorite way to look for airfare which is with Google Flights, I know some people really like Skyscanner too. You are going to find the cheapest flights on airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet where you pay for just a seat and if you want anything extra like drinks on the flight or checked luggage you will be paying extra!
Next, I talk you through lodging and the three main options are hotels, hostels, or airbnbs (or your preferred apartment rental site.) I do most of my reservations of hotels and hostels through booking.com . No matter what accommodation you choose, I believe the main factor should be LOCATION. Remember the bed in Europe will be smaller and not all hotels have a 24/7 front desk.
You can rent a car almost anywhere. Some countries require an international driving permit, like Greece. You can get it through AAA and it’s like $20. Read the terms and condition on the rental car sites cause that will give you info about the deposit amount and if you can drive into other countries. Now if you aren’t going to rent a car I recommend tours and booking through the companies actual website. I touch on the taxi system and Ubers. And the amazing bike sharing systems that a lot of big cities have.
I try to ease your mind about the possible language barrier and give you three key phrases to know! I recommend the best places to get the local currency and remind you to tell your bank if you are traveling.
Then, I give you tips for buying tickets at the big attractions. Cause no one wants to spend their trip waiting in line after line. Even if you do buy tickets ahead of time (which I recommend) book the early tick slots so you can beat the crowdedness of the place.
Remember I am taking on this topic from the perspective of living OCONUS in Europe. I think some of the advice is universal but it is probably not the same in Korea, Japan, Guam or Alaska etc.
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