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4 Tax Tips for J-1 Visa Holders
An exchange program in the United States can be a life-changing experience. You get the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge and get a taste of the American way of life. But there’s also one thing you shouldn’t forget: your J-1 visa tax return.
The Exchange Visitor Program has allowed millions of people from every corner of the world to work, study, and live in the United States. Visitors who enter the U.S. through this program, also known as J-1 visa holders, are subject to federal and state laws – including taxes.
Here’s a quick guide to taxes for J-1 visa holders, including what taxes to pay, what forms to file, and everything in between.
read moreTrends in Sustainable Travel Gear
They say travelers should take only photos and leave only footprints, but it may just be our footprints that are doing the most harm to our planet.
Most of us are now aware of our carbon footprint, which is the total amount of greenhouse gases each of us generates. Sadly, our carbon footprints tend to be more damaging when we travel.
While most of us put a lot of time and effort into carefully packing for our vacations in terms of saving on weight and space and only carrying things we’ll actually need, few of us are conscious of how environmentally friendly our travel gear is.
One of the best ways to become a sustainable traveler is to start thinking about what products you take with you traveling. There are now countless eco-friendly travel products on the market made by companies that use organic or recycled materials and in some cases even donate a percentage of their profits to earth-saving initiatives.
After researching sustainable products, you’ll soon discover that items like sunglasses, hats, and suitcases are now being made from recycled materials, and can result in a huge reduction in waste. Here are some great sustainable travel gear items you should think about.
read moreBest Card Games You Can Play While Travelling
As exciting as travel is, there’s usually a fair share of dull downtime to fill whether it be waiting in a hotel lobby for check-in time or waiting for a flight at the airport.
Sure, you can fill that time with endless scrolling on Facebook , but if you’re without Wi-Fi or data , or simply want to be a bit more social, card games are a great way to pass the time. They’re also a great way to meet new people while travelling, as they can be a great ice breaker when staying in places like hostels.
So, if you’re looking for that ace up your sleeve the next time you’re bored while on holiday, check out one of these top card games for travellers.
read more4 Ways to Make Your Next Vacation Memorable
I think most of us would agree that vacations seem to go by way too fast. As the old saying goes, “time flies when you’re having fun”. But how can you make sure your vacations are indeed enjoyable and even more importantly, memorable?
After many years of continuous travel, I have found there are a number of effective ways you can ensure your travel memories will stay with you for the rest of your life.
And it’s important to note that a trip can be memorable for wrong reasons as well, so let’s just focus on ways you can enjoy positive travel experiences that will bring back many memorable moments.
read moreTravel Back to a Clean Home with the Help of this Robot
After your incredible trip, the last thing you want to do is to clean your floors. You probably just want to take a rest, catch up with friends, or browse through your photos to re-live your adventure. The back-breaking chore of using the good old mop and bucket is always the least of my priorities.
Of all the most disliked household chores, mopping is perhaps the most despised. Even vacuuming doesn’t top that list. From the filthy water to the floors of most homes which are a challenge to mop, I’ve found it’s often easier to simply neglect the task!
Fortunately, technology has evolved and introduced robots, yes, robots! … that can perform almost anything, including household chores while we’re out of the country on an adventure.
If you’ve ever fantasized about having your home cleaned while you’re away on vacation, consider investing in a robot mop. The battery-operated mop can get rid of stains, grime, and dirt from all sorts of flooring surfaces such as wood, tile, and stone. There are even models that can even vacuum your floors first.
With so many out there, it’s vital to do your research (when it comes to reviews, read before you go to the store), and to buy with enough time to test it out around the house before you leave. This guide will help you understand what mopping robots are and which necessary functions and features you need to look for.
read moreBest Side Hustle Jobs to Save Up for Travel
International travel may be coming back soon, but that doesn’t mean your travel fund will necessarily be ready. Many people have seen their finances take a hit and are now looking for ways they can earn extra cash to save up for travel.
Thankfully, there are many side hustle jobs out there that will allow you to earn quick money on a schedule that works for you without having to seek out another constrictive part-time job which may force you to work more than you are willing or able to.
The best part of many side hustle jobs is that they don’t require a degree or very much training if any at all. You may even be able to turn a hobby or something you enjoy into cash.
Whether it’s starting a blog, selling items around your home that are otherwise just collecting dust, or renting out a spare bedroom in your home, there are many easy ways to turn any extra free time into money you can put towards memorable travel experiences. Here are some of my most recommended side hustle jobs.
read moreThe Top 4 Hotels for Digital Nomads
The entire world is your office as a digital nomad as long as you have access to great WiFi and suitable working spaces. And while we used to suffer through power plugs in awkward places, and balancing a laptop on pillows, hotels nowadays have really upped their game.
There are a number of hotels now, who are meeting the trend of digital nomadism, and setting themselves up specifically to offer a fantastic work / travel space. They offer strong, fast WiFi, great cafes, and discounts on long stays. The hotels mentioned below even have their own co-working spaces.
If you’re working from the road, the following are the top hotels in the world for digital nomads. We’ve chosen our favorites across four continents; use them as your newest international base!
read more5 Tips for Traveling After You Retire
Most people love to travel, but it’s often not until we retire where we finally get the time and financial freedom to travel more freely. If you’re approaching retirement age and are looking to travel, there are some important factors to keep in mind.
Nothing beats the feeling of not having to go to work another single day in your life, but many people can feel a loss of purpose or become bored shortly after they retire. One sure fire way to feel alive again after retiring is through travel.
We often think of retirees as older seniors but people of all ages can find themselves not needing to work. If you’re not interested in knitting sweaters in your recliner or working on jigsaws all day, why not consider reinventing yourself through travel.
read more4 Tips to Cut Down on Travel Delays When Flying
No matter how carefully you plan your vacations, every traveler will at some point be impacted by travel delays. And while travel insurance may be able to reimburse you financially for your troubles, nothing will help you reclaim the time you lost.
Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of experiencing delays the next time you fly, and not be part of the 25% of airline passengers hit with either delays or cancellations every year.
read moreA Beginner’s Guide to Travelling in Canada
Made up of ten provinces and three territories, Canada is an enormous country for travelers to tackle. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and deep into the Arctic, this vast nation is home to vibrant modern cities and large tracts of pristine wilderness.
When planning any trip to Canada, it’s important to not bite off more than you can chew. Because of the country’s sheer size, it’s better to focus on a single province or territory in order to get a thorough experience of what each region of Canada has to offer.
Alternatively, you could opt for a bit of city-hopping tour to get a sampling of the highlights, with Canada’s major cities all well-linked by flights with the country’s main airline Air Canada.
Whether you wish to gaze at the mighty Niagara Falls, hit the ski slopes in winter, or seek out wildlife along the west coast, there are a number of things to be aware of when planning your Canadian holiday.
Here is my ultimate beginner’s guide to travelling in Canada which will offer you helpful advice and planning tips for choosing your Canadian destinations and mapping out your itinerary.
read more