Passport Joy Travel Talk

We sold everything and moved to the Caribbean. Get the latest on our adventures.Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube page at youtube.com/@mattjavitiVisa for all your visa needs: https://www.ivisa.com/?utm_source=passportjoyOur travel website gives tips that helped us travel to over 50 countries. Passportjoy.comThe complete list of solutions and partners from Passport Joy. https://passportjoy.com/partners/Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We discovered a slice of heaven down here in Southern Mexico. Wow! What a great spot. Sun, sand, great food options, outdoor adventures, easy to get around, scooter vibe, and friendly people. We even went out and saw whales and dolphins on a fun sea trip while catching a massive marlin. A bonus section of this podcast includes my interview on the Thought Hustle podcast giving insight on our big trip and thoughts on the future state of travel. Links Mentioned in the Episode:Thought Hustle show notes: https://www.thoughthustle.com/podcast/show113Day on the Ocean Video: https://youtu.be/VKHpcMZP-jIOmars SportFishing Crew: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g153373-d2397755-Reviews-Omar_s_Sportfishing-Puerto_Escondido_Southern_Mexico.htmliVisa for all your visa needs: https://www.ivisa.com/?utm_source=passportjoy Our travel website gives tips that helped us travel to over 50 countries. Passportjoy.comPodcastGuests helps you find podcasts to tell your story and promote your brand. Use the link: https://podcastguests.com/join/ref/182/Check out COINBASE to get $10 free in bitcoin with link: https://www.coinbase.com/join/javit_lThe complete list of solutions and partners from Passport Joy. https://passportjoy.com/partners/Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We tend to think about the money we are going to spend on a vacation or travel but rarely do we think about the money we can make from our experiences around the world. In today's podcast, I get into the details of how your knowledge from the road can make a life-changing impact on your finances and the decisions you make in the markets. Watch the full episode - https://youtu.be/IazOhBePpqw Links Mentioned in the Episode:Our travel website gives tips that helped us travel to over 50 countries. Passportjoy.comPodcastGuests helps you find podcasts to tell your story and promote your brand. Use the link: https://podcastguests.com/join/ref/182/To discover more of Mikkel's educational tools go to EscapeArtist and use Promo code: PASSPORTJOY20 for 20% off - https://www.escapeartist.store/ I never miss an episode of the Expat Money Show podcast - https://expatmoneyshow.com/ World Barber Shop Adventures on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2Ol2f1q The complete list of solutions and partners from Passport Joy. https://passportjoy.com/partners/ Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJ

Watch the episode filmed in Roatan, Honduras - https://youtu.be/jzJ8mCMQ7ksRoatan is a Caribbean island off the northern coast of Honduras as part of the Bay Islands. It is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest reef system in the world which makes for great scuba, snorkeling, boat trips, and calm sandy beaches. Our trip was full of adventure as we made sure to take advantage of everything that was offered. The amazing people of Roatan make sure you feel welcome and loved. With their great hospitality and eagerness to show you all aspects of the island, it is easy to fall in love with the island life. Getting to Roatan from Northern America is a breeze with easy connecting flights, simple to book Airbnbs, and use of the US dollar. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and ATMs are easy to find. Enjoy the many towns of Roatan that make it unique: Sandy Bay, West End, West Bay, French Harbour, Coxen Hole, Dixon's Cove, Flower's Bay, The East End.Pack light, enjoy the sun, go deep-sea fishing, and party on a yacht! Roatan has it all. Links Mentioned in the Episode:Find Airbnb Stays in Roatan:https://bit.ly/3buhhxKOutstanding Local Guide and Driver:Channin Bodden + wife Kimberlyhttp://www.channinboddentours.com/Whatsapp: +50498845340Deep-Sea Fishing:Lonny Miller + his son Anthonywww.roatanfishinganglers.comhttps://www.facebook.com/roatanfishinganglers/Scuba Diving:Ernesto - Banana Hut Burgers Dive Shophttps://www.banananutburgers.com/homeEpic Yacht Party:Rob and Natasha - Amavi Chartershttps://www.amavicharters.com/ Best Bar and Sportsbar in West End:Sundowners Beach Bar

We just had a great week in Miami Beach, Florida soaking up the sun, going out to restaurants and bars, and enjoying the freedoms of travel. We felt like everything was extremely safe and people were taking the right precautions. I had the chance to connect with my buddy Chris Gayle, met heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, and connected with an old friend of Nikki. The cars and yachts are out of control on South Beach and it was so much fun to them check out. I also got a great haircut in Little Havana. Listen in to this podcast to hear all of the highlights of what it is like to vacation in Miami during these odd times. Main Topic Covered:Traveling in FloridaLinks Mentioned in the Episode:Book List for 2021 - https://passportjoy.com/2021booksThe complete list of solutions and partners from Passport Joy. https://passportjoy.com/partners/COINBASE link to get $10 free in bitcoin - https://www.coinbase.com/join/javit_lBLOCK FI is a strong company that allows you to make interest on your bitcoin, then take out an interest-only loan without touching your crypto while you travel. https://blockfi.mxuy67.net/c/1209671/907782/10568World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime https://amzn.to/2v0WY88Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJ

Is this the best time ever to book your travel? Based on my experience, I will tell you why now is the time to make the most of these amazing deals and prices. Also, why and how you should negotiate your pricing for your accommodations. I will share some amazing people that are still traveling the world full-time. Plus, the 2021 book recommendations from several high achieving bookworms. Main Topic Covered:Why Now is the Time to Discover the Best Deals on Travel Ever Links Mentioned in the Episode:Book List for 2021 - https://passportjoy.com/2021booksThe complete list of solutions and partners from Passport Joy. https://passportjoy.com/partners/COINBASE link to get $10 free in bitcoin - https://www.coinbase.com/join/javit_lBLOCK FI is a strong company that allows you to make interest on your bitcoin, then take out an interest-only loan without touching your crypto while you travel. https://blockfi.mxuy67.net/c/1209671/907782/10568Isa and David - https://www.instagram.com/hoponthemap/ Jen and Shane - https://www.instagram.com/shanifer_july28_2017/ World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime https://amzn.to/2v0WY88Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJ

This podcast is all about how to get your finances lined up before taking that big trip around the world. We used this system to travel stress-free for 27 months to 35 countries. Safe, secure, efficient. Multiple checking accounts, credit cards, bitcoin storage, account freezing, and more. Links Mentioned in the Episode:The complete list of solutions and partners from Passport Joy. https://passportjoy.com/partners/We set up our Living Trust through Legal Zoom. https://www.legalzoom.com/personal/estate-planning/living-trust-overview.html Charles SCHWAB gives unlimited ATM fee rebates and they are now partnered with TD AMERITRADE. Plus they have amazing customer service. https://www.schwab.com/Find a local bank and build a relationship.Set up the internal and external transfers BEFORE you leave on your trip. Test run this stuff!BLOCK FI is a strong company that allows you to make interest on your bitcoin, then take out an interest-only loan without touching your crypto while you travel. https://blockfi.mxuy67.net/c/1209671/907782/10568Citi Prestige is a great card that gives you access to outstanding travel points. https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/credit-card-details/citi.action?ID=citi-prestige-cardChase Shappire is another excellent card for travel benefits - https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire/reserveIf you are looking to do US-based travel only, I would suggest the Southwest Chase card. https://creditcards.chase.com/southwest/homePriority Pass is a must if you are traveling in and out of airports around the country or world. https://www.prioritypass.com/Freeze your credit once you have what you want to set up; Transunion, Experian, EquifaxCash App is great for sharing money back home or with other travelers - Try it using my code and you’ll get $5. TBZRJKD - https://cash.app/app/TBZRJKDUse Express VPN when accessing the internet from cafes, Airbnbs, or hotels when traveling. http://bit.ly/MattExpressListen how to take advantage of WorkAway or TrustedHousesitters in Podcast 25: Free Travel with Pet and House Sits https://passportjoy.com/petsit-podcast/ World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime https://amzn.to/2v0WY88Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJ

With the travel restrictions continuing, many are wondering where they can go now. As this is an everchanging list, I am creating my WHAT I WOULD DO NOW list (dreamingly) based on what is currently open to Americans as our visas and money are not currently wanted around the world. There are plenty of amazing places to visit, and a few very unique opportunities, if you are comfortable flying to these unforgettable spots. Listen to this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk to discover an idea of where you should go during the Fall of this wacky 2020.Main Topics Covered:Where You Can Travel NowWhat We Would DoUnique Travel OpportunitiesIdeas for Long-Term TravelersLinks Mentioned in the Episode:We loved our time in Dhermi, Albania (Incredible Beaches) and would love to go back - https://passportjoy.com/dhermi-albania/Croatia Island Travel (Yacht Week & 2 More Weeks Exploring) - https://passportjoy.com/croatia-island-travel/Jamaica is open. I had a blast hanging out with Cricket Star Chris Gayle in Kingston, Jamaica - https://passportjoy.com/chris-gayle/You can visit Guayaquil, Ecuador now too - https://passportjoy.com/guayaquil/And while you are there you need to see if you can go to the Galapagos Islands (One of Earth’s Most Unique Locations) - https://passportjoy.com/podcast-galapagos-islands/If you don't mind the 14 days in isolation, you could do an Ireland Road Trip - https://passportjoy.com/ireland-road-trip/World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime https://amzn.to/2v0WY88Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJ

This week’s podcast is a review of the best selling book, Die with Zero by Bill Perkins. Yes, it aligns with everything I believe in maximizing life experiences over buying needless things, but it is a new take on how to live your best life. Bill dives into many different points of view behind making the most of your time buckets, leveraging your health, and understanding how much you really need to save before you can retire comfortably. I touch on what moved me the most in this book that will change the way you look at your retirement and what you need to do now! Main Topics Covered:Die with Zero Book ReviewLinks Mentioned in the Episode:Get the book Die with Zero by Bill Perkins - https://amzn.to/2PXYUFp2 apps he offers - Spend Curve App and Time Buckets Toolkit App - https://www.diewithzerobook.com/appsThe family that is about to begin their tour - https://thatnomadfamily.com/World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime https://amzn.to/2v0WY88Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJ

Title: Dave Chappelle Live in a Cornfield in OhioHaving the chance to watch Dave Chappelle live in Ohio was a no brainer. It is a unique event to see someone at the top of their game in such an intimate setting. Our event included Matthew Broussard, Michelle Wolf, Violinist Minyoung Baik, Mo Amer, Donnell Rawlings, and Talib Kweli. Tons of laughs and plenty of entertainment.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Dave Chappelle’s 8:46 is thought-provoking and will show you the Yellow Springs venue.https://youtu.be/3tR6mKcBbT4Dave’s DJ crushed it, DJ Trauma - https://www.instagram.com/djtrauma/Matthew Broussard opened up. http://mondaypunday.com/matthewbroussardMichelle Wolf was second. https://www.michelleisawolf.com/Violinist Minyoung Baik was unbelievable! https://www.instagram.com/minyoungbaik/Mo Amer, from the special Vagabond, crushed it. http://www.moamer.com/Donnell Rawlings, famous for Ashy Larry, was hysterical - https://www.donnellrawlings.com/Show ended with a live performance from Talib Kweli - https://www.instagram.com/talibkweli/Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime https://amzn.to/2v0WY88Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world - http://bit.ly/SignUpPJ

Las Vegas opened on June 4th and I was there to find out what it was like as the Strip came to life. I also spent time on Fremont Street, ate some delicious food in Chinatown, and enjoyed time in the sun. Main Topics Covered: Summary of the Vegas Trip Links Mentioned in the Episode: Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime  Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

Cathleen Merkel aims to inspire her audience to take charge and create a fulfilling career and personal life without sacrificing their hard-earned success. I was recently interviewed on her podcast and it was a fun and energizing conversation so I wanted to share it with my audience. Main Topics Covered: Interview with Cathleen Merkel Links Mentioned in the Episode: Cathleen Merkel Legendary Leaders Podcast  A full list of other interviews I have had.  Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime   Looking for a Father’s Day gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.   Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

During this series of discussions, I am catching up with a wide range of friends from around the world to see how the current crisis is affecting them and their hometowns. In this episode, I catch up with Expat Financial Strategist Mikkel Thorup who is currently in Panama and a podcast engineer expert, Dave, in the Philippines.  Main Topics Covered: Mikkel Thorup in Panama David in the Philippines Links Mentioned in the Episode: Mikkel discusses global strategies to protect your wealth at Expat Money Show  He talks about Second Passports, Offshore Banking, International Trusts, Flag Theory, Tax Strategies And Global Investment at the EscapeArtist.com  Get Mikkel’s book today! Expat Secrets: How To Pay Zero Taxes, Live Overseas & Make Giant Piles of Money  Are you ready to get your podcast going or need critical advice? Check out Dave on PodcastEngineers.com Panama City, Casco Viejo, and San Blas (Sailing Adventure in Panama) Cebu + Moalboal Philippines (Scuba and Scooters) Philippines (2 Weeks of Adventure Travel) Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime   Looking for a Father’s Day gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.   Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

During this series of discussions, I am catching up with a wide range of friends from around the world to see how the current crisis is affecting them and their hometowns. In this episode, I catch up with a travel buddy that lives in Dublin, Ireland, a professor in Central Italy, and an inspiring traveler in Tokyo, Japan. Main Topics Covered: Talia from Dublin, Ireland Silvia from Ancona, Italy Hiro from Tokyo, Japan Links Mentioned in the Episode: Japan Travel (Sumo Wrestling, Geisha, and the Countryside) Japan Travel (Our First 3 Weeks) Ireland Road Trip – Lush and Luxury (And how we do laundry) Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary (9 Cities to See) Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime  Looking for a Father’s Day gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.  Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

During this series of discussions, I am catching up with a wide range of friends from around the world to see how the current crisis is affecting them and their hometowns. In this episode, I catch up with a law student in Kolkata, India, a good family friend in Athens, Greece, and an angel of a host from our month in Mossel Bay, South Africa. Main Topics Covered: Kolkata, India with Pratik Athens, Greece with Christos Mossel Bay, South Africa with Sheila Links Mentioned in the Episode: Kolkata (Calcutta) India {23 Hours in the City of Joy} Five Greek Islands We Love (with Tips and Tricks)  South Africa: A Guys’ Trip Heaven (Couples Welcome too)  South Africa Guys’ Trip [Ultimate Adventure Travel]  Looking for a Mother's Day gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.  Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime   Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

During this series of discussions, I am catching up with a wide range of friends from around the world to see how the current crisis is affecting them and their hometowns. In this episode, I catch up with one of the stars from Narcos Season 3, Andres Crespo, from Guayaquil, Ecuador, a friend I met at a business networking event in Singapore, and the host of The Gratitude Podcast, Georgian Benta from Romania. Main Topics Covered: Guayaquil, Ecuador with Andres Singapore with Scott Romania with Georgian Links Mentioned in the Episode: Andres Crespo was a star in Seasons 3 of Narcos on Netflix  Scott just founded a new company called Travel Horse in Singapore where they will watch your luggage as you enjoy the city.  Georgian Benta hosts an uplifting and powerful podcast called The Gratitude Podcast  Find out why we loved our visit to Singapore in Podcast 36: Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Travel (2 Kinds of Awesome) -  The Galapagos Islands (One of Earth’s Most Unique Locations) was an unbelievable trip for us.  Get a glimpse of the beauty of Bucharest, Romania on World Barber Shop Adventures.  Looking for a gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.  Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime  Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

With all of the uncertainty in the travel world, I wanted to discuss wet markets, the impact on prices, and my top places to be stuck in a pandemic. In an attempt to educate and find a lighter side in these troubling times, I hope you enjoy this episode while you continue to make those travel plans in the future. Main Topics Covered: Virus Thoughts (Where Would I Go) Links Mentioned in the Episode: Video of a Market (Con Market in Da Nang, Vietnam) -  Our time in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Why we loved Queenstown, New Zealand so much. The sleepy but growing Dhermi, Albania. The isolation in Tasmania, Australia Our time on an oyster farm in Kyotango, Japan  Looking for a gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.  Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime. Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

We loved our time in Cebu, Philippines so much that we canceled a trip to the exotic island of Boracay to spend more time. Having the chance to really get to know Moalboal over our ten days was special. From the families we met to the Scuba certification we achieved - our trip was a fun adventure. The beautiful beaches, the great nightlife, tasty food, fun locals, and cultural experiences like cockfighting, all added up to a vacation of a lifetime. Main Topics Covered: Cebu + Moalboal Philippines Travel Links Mentioned in the Episode: The ad for the Philippines that I saw in an airport and loved.  The awesome bar in IT Park Cebu - The Park Social - where we watched the Super Bowl.  The Airbnb that we stayed at in Moalboal. My big brother Chuck in a photo with our barber in Manila. Military Grade flashlight is an important part of my traveling bag. Cebu Diving Centre is absolutely awesome place to get certified or do local dives.  A few of our favorites included the Mayim for breakfast, The Pleasure Principle for dinner, and Chili Bar for nightlife Oslob Wild Monkey Viewing was a fun way to visit locals that help keep monkeys in their back ‘yard’. The Tumlog Falls and Kawasan Falls are gorgeous and worth the long trip into the forest. The Moalboal Cockpit on Sundays is a ton of fun. Check back soon for my video discussing the matter. A great local guide, Dax, showed us a great time traveling around the island.  My brother got the bug to travel more based on our journey to Da Nang, Vietnam (Trip of a Lifetime). Looking for a gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.  Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime.  Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

We spent two full weeks getting to know the Filipino way of life visiting Manila, Cebu, and Moalboal. We scootered around the islands having a blast diving off waterfalls, getting scuba certified, hanging out with monkeys, and soaking up the sun. We visited Manny Pacquiao’s training facility in Manila, watched the Super Bowl in a huge bar, and bet the games at one of their awesome casinos. I had no idea I would love the Philippines as much as I did and you will too. The people are amazingly kind, speak great English, and love basketball. If you want to know what we did during our two weeks, tune in to this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk. Main Topics Covered: Philippines Travel Links Mentioned in the Episode: My brother got the bug to travel more based on our journey to Da Nang, Vietnam (Trip of a Lifetime). Manny Pacquiao’s training facility in Manila is at Elorde Boxing Gym in Pasay City. We watched the Super Bowl at The Social at IT Park. Where we stayed in Moalboal on the beach that we booked through Airbnb. Cebu Diving Centre was outstanding and a wonderful place to get our scuba certification. Solaire Resort and Casino was a gorgeous casino. There was a big poker tournament going on at Okada Casino. Looking for a gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.  Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime  Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

There are a lot of fears about traveling to Asia with the Coronavirus spreading. I discuss my 2-weeks of travel after returning from Asia during the COVID-19 scare. Obviously, this is a moving target but this discussion is a time-stamp of our trip and what we saw and what I am gathering as I returned home to the US. If you have upcoming travel or if you are thinking about heading to Asia, you might want to listen to this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk. Main Topics Covered: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Links Mentioned in the Episode: Full description from the CDC on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) The mask that I purchase from Amazon based on Nikki’s advice The alarming article that I read on how the numbers being portrayed in China.  Looking for a gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.  Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime  Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

I am asked often by the younger travelers that hope to accomplish big travel goals, where they should begin in their quest to see the world. How to save, what jobs to seek, websites to utilize. I break down a top 5 list on where I would begin if I was a younger traveler and what things can really make an impact in the upcoming years. Main Topics Covered: Young Traveler Advice (Hot List to Start Now)  Links Mentioned in the Episode: Have a travel fund to begin your saving process. I highly recommend a Schwab account to limit fees while using ATMs around the world.  Have an abundance mentality and find a job that you can do from your laptop using websites like Upwork.  Teach English to kids around the world in person or online. There are plenty of websites that allow this. Vipkid.com is one that we know many of our traveler friends used to make money as they saw the world. Build your profile early on sites like WorkAway and TrustedHousesitters.com so you have a great online presence when you reach out to strangers. Looking for a gift for a police officer? Check out my book that showcases officers around the world.   Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime -  Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

Taking memorable photos is a fun part of traveling. What do you do when you return from your trip or vacation with the photos? In this episode, we are going to look at three options to turn your photos into books that you can look at over and over to remember the amazing trips. I go into detail about Groovebook, Google Photo Books, and self-publishing with a professional printing company. Main Topics Covered: 3 Types of Books to Capture Your Vacation Links Mentioned in the Episode: Groovebook - A cost-effective way to keep all of those great photos around.  Google Photo Books - High-end but cost-friendly books to have as good coffee table books around your home or office.  Check out all of the details of POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World. Season 3 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime. Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

Since returning home from the 27-month trip around the world, many people ask us how we went about accomplishing such a big feat. It all started with having big goals and dreams, writing them down then setting out to accomplish them. In this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk, we will discuss the process of setting goals as the new year begins, looking out and envisioning an unbelievable year, and making your ‘Best Me’ list. If you have some huge travel and life goals for 2020 but don’t have a system set for accomplishing them, this might be a good episode to check out. Main Topics Covered: Setting Huge Goals Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the details of POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World Season 2 of World Barber Shop Adventures is on Amazon Prime. Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

We get asked the question all of the time ‘what was our favorite place we visited?’ In this episode, I talk through my top list and where I would go in 2020 if I was starting all over. Hear about why I love Vietnam, New Zealand, India, Bali, Portugal, Poland, Japan, and Chile. I get into the details about how each is different and why you should consider them in 2020. Main Topics Covered: Top 2020 List Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World Season 2 of World Barber Shop Adventures on Amazon Prime Check out the list of recommended books for 2020 from my high-performing peers.  Check out the two-part series on New Zealand (South Island)  And New Zealand’s North Island (Road Trip Tips)  Understand our point of view on Vietnam Travel  Da Nang, Vietnam (Trip of a Lifetime) is one of our favorite locations in the world  India is Incredible (2 Months Traveling 7+ Cities) We saw many parts of Vietnam with a Friend (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Quy Nhon) The beauty of Phu Quoc (Fantasy Island of Vietnam) Hard to top the Beautiful Bali, Indonesia (4 Weeks in Travel Paradise) We loved our time in Japan Travel Part 1 (Our First 3 Weeks) Japan Travel Part 2 (Sumo Wrestling, Geisha, and the Countryside) A great option is Chile Travel – Santiago, Valparaiso, San Pedro de Atacama (& Other Beauty) Historical Poland (Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz) is a great trip  One of the favorites and a planned trip to go back - Lisbon, Portugal Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

Have you used Mega Bus or one of the other big bussing companies in America? I did recently and I tell you all about it. I also discuss our trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where we hung out in a barber shop and met JuJu Smith-Schuster and a few other Steelers. With the release of Season 2 on Amazon Prime for World Barber Shop Adventures, it’s pretty exciting around here. Main Topics Covered: Bus Travel Pittsburgh Trip Links Mentioned in the Episode: We will miss our grandmother dearly. RIP.  Season 2 of World Barber Shop Adventures on Amazon Prime -  Check out the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania episode.  My trip from Chicago to Indianapolis was only $5 on Megabus. Check out their site to see if they have similar deals. Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World. Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

You may have heard about the October 2020 deadline for the Real ID transition but are you aware of the importance of how it may affect your travels? In today’s podcast episode, we are going to listen in on an interview between TheNewsWorthy’s Erica Mandy and Jamie Garza, Information Officer in the Office of Public Affairs with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. They discuss the change in travel requirements in the coming year and the need to get your Real ID in the coming months. Main Topics Covered: Real ID Interview with Erica Mandy and Jamie Garza Links Mentioned in the Episode: TheNewsWorthy is an excellent podcast to get all of the daily news updates in a Fast, Fair, and Fun way.  Here is the episode on Thing to Know Thursday from October 24, 2019 with Jamie Garza Erica Mandy on Instagram  Erica Mandy on Twitter  Erica Mandy on Facebook  Erica Mandy on Spotify  Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World. Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

We are talking about flying private with my buddy, Eddie, who recently flew from Phoenix to Las Vegas for cheaper than flying commercial. ‘Empty legs’ are flights that are due to operate without any passengers as the aircraft repositions back to its base, or is going elsewhere to be ready for its next assignment. If you can move quickly or have a flexible schedule, an empty leg can help you save significantly on the cost of a conventional private jet charter. We get into the details of his trip and how he was treated like a VIP throughout. Main Topics Covered: Conversation with Eddie Robinson on his trip on a private plane Links Mentioned in the Episode: Excellent article comparing the top charter flight services. Eddie described using JetSuiteX from Phoenix to Las Vegas.  Find empty leg charter flights - they have to go to a location to drop off or pick up people anyway, they are looking for ways to fill their flight Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World. Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

After a major back surgery six years ago from chronic back pain, I am now able to travel the world. In this podcast episode, I discuss how I went from spending six days in the hospital after getting three discs replaced from degenerative disc disease which included all kinds of new ‘equipment’ in my back to traveling to 35 countries in 27 months. I struggled with my back pain since my late teen years, played through the pain in my D1 basketball days, struggled in my 20’s to stay active, and then finally had enough in my early 30’s. I will discuss not only the exercise that changed my life but also the other factors that play a part in the pain on vacations like hydration, food, and even beer. If you have ever struggled with back issues during vacation, listen in as I give tips to help you get your life back. This is an important episode for me as I know how many people have asked me about my recovery process and I want to continue to share how I made it through. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Watch the video of my daily exercises to relieve back pain: https://youtu.be/sHO5y4WvLSs The book that changed my life by Dr. Eric Goodman.  Eating is also a major factor in back pain. Read Eat to Live to understand more about inflammation.  The Foundation Training Instagram post of my back equipment - An awesome overview of Foundation Training. Be sure to subscribe to the channel as well. Watch the World Barber Shop Adventures on Amazon Prime now. Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World. Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

Americans don’t grow up knowing about Cricket (2nd most popular sport in the world), so when I befriended Chris Gayle through social media about a year ago, I had no idea of his fanbase within the sport. All I knew was that we shared a common interest in cigars, having fun, and appreciated barbers (he enjoys World Barber Shop Adventures *now available on Amazon). Fast forward to his epic party celebrating his 40th birthday in Kingston, Jamaica, where I had the unique opportunity to stay in his home with his family for 5 nights. Not only did I get the chance to realize how super-famous he is around the world (there were people from every part attending his party), I got to see how extremely kind and giving he is. The Universe Boss (his nickname) is truly that. He has zero judgment of those he encounters, is considerate of his massive fanbase that is always asking for a photo, and is extremely humble for his global status. With our travels, I often talk about how amazing poor people are around the world that live on minimal incomes. The fact that they are happy even though they don’t have much. It was uplifting to see the other side of that spectrum. Someone that has it all and is comfortable with himself and makes those around him happy. Chris has abundance through his hard work, but he embraces it and shares it, always with his huge smile. Travel opens many doors. The Jamaican people were warm, welcoming, and a ton of fun. Not only did I have time sharing great conversations with Chris’ partner, brothers, and sister, but his circle of friends that traveled in from around the world were all amazing people. The chance to meet such upbeat, positive thinking, motivated people was an added bonus of the trip. Always stay open to random encounters. Engage with people you don’t know. You never know where it might lead. Main Topics Covered: Weekend at Chris Gayle’s 40th Birthday Celebration Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World Check out Chris Gayle’s House tour Video from the birthday celebration for Chris Gayle’s 40th birthday Check out Chris’ restaurant and nightclub the Triple Century Sports Bar We went to Fiction Nightclub on Saturday night. Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

It was quite a week with the launch of the photography book POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World. Getting featured on Fox & Friends nationally, as well as two local stations, was a blast in front of the camera. With orders being shipped and kind notes coming in, it was an exciting few days. With a trip to Jamaica soon to hang out with world-famous Cricket player Chris Gayle, it is sure to be another crazy week ahead. We reflect on all of that as well as tell stories of how small the world is in this week’s Passport Joy Travel Talk Podcast. Main Topics Covered: Update on the Crazy Week of News Interviews Jamaica Trip Ahead The World is Small Stories Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World Hanging out with world-famous Cricket player Chris Gayle in Jamaica.  Fox & Friends First interviewed me about the photography book.  We volunteered at an amazing surf lodge while in South Africa.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world.

The weather can play a huge part in how well your vacation goes. The weather is not predictable, but some have more skills than others. Today we talk with one of those professionals that truly understand the weather, Todd Klaassen. Todd is a meteorologist with over 15 years of experience and has earned the CBM (certified broadcast meteorologist) seal from the American Meteorological. Beyond his profession, Todd is also an avid traveler, most recently visiting Iceland, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. We get into details about his experiences on the road, advice for planning your trips around travel, his favorite weather app, and a crazy story when his lips touched an amputated toe. This was a fun and entertaining interview on this week’s Passport Joy Travel Talk Podcast. Main Topics Covered: Todd Klaassen Interview Links Mentioned in the Episode: News bio for Todd Klaassen on RTV6 Todd’s Public Profile on Facebook where he shares tips and advice on the weather.  Todd’s Twitter account sharing all of the days' hot topics in weather and beyond.  The Sourtoe Cocktail in Dawson City with the amputated toe We talked about Hanoi and the scooter chaos. Check out the podcast Vietnam with a Friend (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Quy Nhon).  We met up in Melbourne and shared stories of our experiences in Australia. Check the podcast Melbourne, Australia (Travel to the Great Ocean Road) for more details.  For more advice on Travel Insurance be sure to read the complete guide with details.  Todd Klaassen’s main smartphone app for the weather - RadarScope - that he checks in on.  Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

This podcast is dedicated to describing the new self-published 180-page photography book POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World which showcases police officers encountered during our 800-day journey around the world. 89 large-format color photographs from 60+ cities celebrate police who, while performing daily duties, paused to show off their uniforms proudly.  Main Topics Covered: POLICE Photography Book   Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the details at POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Helping others achieve their travel dreams is a big part of what I plan to accomplish now that we have returned home. In this three-part series, I talk with a future world traveler as he has plans to set out with his wife for at least a year. In this episode, we talk to Shane about his trip and dreams, understand overtourism and how they might plan to avoid certain areas, and how to maximize their experiences in other cultures. If you are a potential long-term traveler with big dreams, you will find this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk interesting as I answer questions from a listener who wants to see the world. Main Topics Covered: Shane's travel plans, how they plan to achieve their dream Overtourism Understanding the cultures on the road. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Podcast 35: Overtourism (What!?!) Travel Backpack Carry On TSA (20 Tips to Pack Your Life) Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Financial Travel Tips (and Always Wearing the Same Clothes) Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Discussing travel with other jetsetters is one of our favorite things to do. In this three-part series, I talk with a future world traveler as he has plans to set out with his wife for at least a year. In this episode, we discuss safety concerns while traveling, packing tips to make the most out of a single backpack, and using tour guides to your advantage. If you are a potential long-term traveler with big dreams, you will find this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk interesting as I answer questions from a listener who wants to see the world. Main Topics Covered: Security on the road Handling safety concerns Packing tips Using tour guides to your advantage Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Podcast 5: Staying Safe on the Road (Matt Gets Left at Sea) Lisbon, Portugal Podcast (Our Second Trip to the Romantic & Festive City) Travel Backpack Carry On TSA (20 Tips to Pack Your Life) Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Financial Travel Tips (and Always Wearing the Same Clothes) Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

We love to be able to share our advice with other travel lovers around the world. In this three-part series, I talk with a future world traveler as he has plans to set out with his wife for at least a year. In this episode, we get to know Shane, talk about buying that first one-way tickets, understand the logistics of traveling full time, discuss saving money and the effective use of your travel time, and how we handled our finances from the road. If you are a potential long-term traveler with big dreams, you will find this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk interesting as I answer questions from a listener who wants to see the world. Main Topics Covered: Introduction of Shane Where to Go and Why? Buying the first one-way ticket Logistics of the full journey Spending time on the road planning the next leg of the trip Saving money, going to the places that are on the bucket list Effective use of your travel time What did we do with our home? Financial and Banking hacks Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Why I decided to Quit My Job  Lisbon, Portugal Podcast (Our Second Trip to the Romantic & Festive City) Saving Money on Travel Ideas (Short Trips or Long Vacations) Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Financial Travel Tips (and Always Wearing the Same Clothes) Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

It is hard to have a clear perspective of the world if you only hear negative stories perpetuated by the mainstream media. Travel does have some dangers, but at the core of it, there is a kindness that coats every corner of the world. In almost every city, we have found kindhearted people that have either opened their hearts or their homes. Many offered a meal, shared a story, helped us in a time of need, and shared a part of their culture with us. In this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk, we open up about a few of the stories that touched our hearts as we travel this beautiful world. Main Topics Covered: Stories of Kindness Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  A great way to give back and travel the world with Global GameChangers Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Day Trips from Cusco are a must when visiting Machu Picchu.  If you are considering a trip to Africa, check out the post South Africa Guys’ Trip [Ultimate Adventure Travel].  Cambodia Travel (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Angkor Wat) Hong Kong: 96 Hour Travel Guide (Macau Included)  Playing Poker in Vietnam [Millions at Stake]  Why We Love Southeast Asia Saving Money on Travel Ideas (Short Trips or Long Vacations) Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Being able to see the world as we did for 27 months gave us much to ponder as we returned home. In this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk, we reflect on a few lessons learned from traveling, including our new ‘real world,’ patience, our fresh perspective, and building a global travel network. As we transition back to our normal life in Indianapolis, our views will likely adjust over time, but we wanted to share what we are thinking within the first few weeks. Main Topics Covered: A Few Lessons Learned Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

In Part 2 of the Q&A with Matt’s longtime friend, Mike Polder, in Youngstown, Ohio, we talk about what we would do first if we started the journey over, cannabis laws around the world, a time when we partied too hard, could we do this trip without smartphones, and several other creative questions. Enjoy this special edition of Passport Joy Travel Talk while we enjoy a few drinks while catching up with friends after seeing 35 countries in the past two years. Main Topics Covered: Live Q&A by Mike Polder (Part 2) Links Mentioned in the Episode: Thank you Sam’s Wedge Inn for the great hospitality.  Special thanks to Mike Polder for the interview and awesome style of questioning.  Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Fiji Islands (Tips for an Unforgettable Trip) POLICE Photo Book (Around the World) South Africa Guys’ Trip [Ultimate Adventure Travel] Playing Poker in Vietnam [Millions at Stake] Why We Love Southeast Asia Saving Money on Travel Ideas (Short Trips or Long Vacations) Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

After traveling the world for 27 months, we are back in the United States visiting friends and family. As we make the rounds to a few cities in the midwest, we stopped by Youngstown, Ohio, where Matt spent part of his youth and still has many longtime friendships. His buddy, Mike Polder, does an outstanding job interviewing with some very different questions. In this episode broadcasted from Sam’s Wedge Inn, find out the most critical item in the backpack, the overall attitude towards Westerners, views on Donald Trump from around the world, and several other fun answers. Enjoy Part 1 of this special Q&A edition of Passport Joy Travel Talk while Matt & Nikki enjoy a few drinks catching up with friends. Main Topics Covered: Live Q&A by Mike Polder Links Mentioned in the Episode: Thank you Sam’s Wedge Inn for the great hospitality.  Special thanks to Mike Polder for the interview and awesome style of questioning.  Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Kolkata (Calcutta) India {23 Hours in the City of Joy}  Cambodia Travel (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Angkor Wat) Why We Love Southeast Asia Saving Money on Travel Ideas (Short Trips or Long Vacations) Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

We heard about the natural beauty of the South Island of New Zealand from travelers around the world. They told us many times about the mountains, hills, lakes, and countless sheep. We began our trip in Christchurch, where we started our adventures around the South Island. We stayed in Lake Tekapo, Lake Wanaka, Queenstown, Ranfurly, and Dunedin. With our rental car fueled up, we took our time discovering the ins and outs of this wonderful country. We stopped many times to take photos along the way. Listen to this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk to understand why ending our journey in New Zealand was the perfect way to wrap up our trip of a lifetime. Main Topics Covered: South Island New Zealand Travel Tips Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Our stay in Christchurch was fantastic with our host Ali. Very kind and inviting.  Church of Good Shepherd is a beautiful spot for photos of the surrounding mountains and lake.  The backpackers spot in Lake Tekapo was perfect.  This tree in the lake in Wanaka is a unique photo opportunity.  The Queenstown Hill is a great hiking trail and has the most beautiful views of the town.  The Aspen Lodge Backpackers was an ideal accommodation in Queenstown for the price.  Between Queenstown and Dunedin we stopped off at Hawkdun Lodge in Ranfurly.  Be sure to check out the World Barber Shop Adventures episode from the chair in Queenstown.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Road tripping through the North Island of New Zealand was more fun than we could have imagined. Taking in all of the beauty with the endless hills, wildlife on the farms, and scenic landscapes was a treat as we stopped for photos several times. Auckland offers a ton of great restaurants and nightlife for the city lovers while the rest of the trip was mostly town-sized communities surrounded by nature with jaw-dropping beauty. We visited Rotorua, Lake Taupo, and Wellington as we headed south with a few stops along the way. No matter how you decide to discover the North Island, you will have a blast driving in the gorgeous landscapes of New Zealand where every angle is a screen saver. Listen to the episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk as we give a few tips on how we made our road trip memorable. Main Topics Covered: New Zealand North Island Tips Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  We really enjoyed staying in the Ponsonby district of Auckland for the wide variety of restaurants.  Steven Adams is a famous NBA basketball player from Rotorua, New Zealand.  The Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest are a must-visit location with several walks offered.  Aorangi Peak Chinese Restaurant overlooks the city of Rotorua with a great view. Grab a coffee or dinner.  Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon are a couple of great places to visit just outside of Lake Taupo. On the drive to Wellington we stopped at the Southward Car Museum and checked out the many rare vehicles on display.  There are many walks and trails in and near Wellington including seeing the Red Rocks, going to the top of Mt Victoria for the view, or hugging the coast line in Oriental Bay. You can’t go wrong when visiting Cuba Street in Wellington and we found a favorite in the Hanging Ditch Pub.  If you love tapas like we do, you will love Havana Bar in Wellington just off of Cuba Street.  We had a blast hanging out with our host, Peter, and many of the people that attend the regular Tuesday Night Dinners in Wellington.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

The Fiji Islands are high on everyone’s bucket list for good reasons. With unforgettable snorkeling, world-class hospitality, and gorgeous beaches, you will have the time of your life no matter accommodations you plan. In this episode, we will give travel tips on what we experienced with our friends and how it might help you in your adventure to the islands. Not only did we take advantage of having shark at our feet, swim in the best snorkel areas of our lives, and lay near the most beautiful water you can imagine, we also met local families, explored a waterfall, and watched a local rugby match. With my birthday celebration came a kava ceremony, dancers to traditional Fijian music, and a beach bonfire. We had a blast spending 10 days in Fiji and living it up. Please listen in as we share a few tips you might consider before having the trip of our life. Main Topics Covered: Fiji Islands Travel Tips Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  If you plan on drinking alcohol while in Fiji you will want to take advantage of the prices at the airport. The public bus is available to take you where you need to go from Nadi Airport. It is much cheaper than a taxi but it is a tight squeeze. We stayed at the De Vos Private Residence in Maui Bay, Sigatoka, Fiji. We visited Biausevu Village where we enjoyed a private village tour and waterfall experience with Veronica’s Authentic Tours.  We stayed at a great house near the Nadi Airport that had tons of space, a pool, and BBQ area. It was a great stay.  I am addicted to the Rugby Sevens now and Fiji dominated when we watched in the HK7’s in April.  We went to Lawaqa Park and watched local rugby. These guys are extremely tough.  We had the time of our lives with the best snorkeling ever, unbelievable food, and amazing skippers with Coral Cats Sailing.  We visited a great barber shop in Fiji called Nomu Barbershop and had an awesome time.  The Fiji Airport is fantastic and the lounge access you have with Priority Pass gives you the chance to visit one of the best lounges in the world.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Spending almost three weeks in Brisbane and Sydney helped us truly understand the ins and outs of Australian life. We enjoyed our time with our two friends, Nick and Kathryn, and their kind family. BBQs, rugby, and laughter dominated our time in Brisbane. We had a chance to walk the coast in Redcliffe, get some ink like an Aussie, and cheer on the Lions. The wide range of bars and restaurants provided many chances to discover what the Brisbane nightlife is all about. Transitioning to Sydney and the beautiful Bondi Beach provided long walks along the coast, a surfer’s vibe, and many options for coffee or drinks. The Opera House is a world-renowned symbol of Australia, and it did not disappoint with its beauty. Walking around the downtown area gave us a chance to feel the diversity and big-city atmosphere that comes with the charm and kindness of the Australian people. We really enjoyed our time in these two major Australian cities, come along as we share a few tips and tricks we learned along the way. Main Topics Covered: Brisbane, Australia Travel Sydney, Australia Tips Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  We enjoyed our time hanging out with our friends in several parts of Brisbane. Be sure to take your ID if you plan on going out after 10pm. We went to Michelton to visit a classic Brisbane barber shop at Aldo’s Barbershop.  The TAB outlets around town make it easy to gamble on basically anything in the sports realm.  Eat Street Northshore is a great way to discover a wide range of food options and listen to local live talent.  The Treasury Casino is a classic casino with all of the typical game options, great party vibe, and live music on occasion.  The Waterloo Hotel was a favorite bar hangout when we visited the Newstead area.  Rugby is an important part of the Australian culture. We went to a Brisbane Lions game where they won 102-58.  We ended up having our own wing challenge at Lord of the Wings.  Getting an Opal Card is very important when you land in Sydney to save money on transportation.  One of the best walks in the world can be found along the coastline in Sydney.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

With only a few weeks left on the 27-month journey around the world, we wanted to take some time to give updates on what the future of our trip looks like as well as the passion projects we have been working. We cover the Kickstarter campaign for the photo book POLICE: Brotherhood in Uniform Around the World, Nikki’s recently released travel memoir Passport Joy: Reflections on Life, Love, & Other Stuff While Traveling the World, World Barber Shop Adventures, the Passport Joy Travel Talk Podcast, my screenplay, and the weekly newsletter. We hope to give some insight into each of these passion projects, the significant time spent, and what we see the future of each becoming. We also talk about our next few weeks on the road, our summer plans, and how we might communicate during our transition phase back to the US. Main Topics Covered: Police Photo Book on Kickstarter Nikki’s Book, Passport Joy WBSA Update Podcast Future Screenplay Complete Newsletters Links Mentioned in the Episode: If you want to hear about our story in better detail check out Podcast 45: Who We Are, Why We Did It, and Where We’ve Been.  You can also look at the Journey So Far tab to get the month-by-month details.  Read all about the Kickstarter campaign for the Police Photo Book on this latest post.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Find all of the episodes of World Barber Shop Adventures and watch Matt in barber chairs around the world.  Look through all of the episodes of Passport Joy Travel Talk to discover a city you hope to travel to.  If anyone has any advice on how to get my screenplay to the right people, feel free to email me. Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Tasmania is a gorgeous island state of Australia off the southern coast of the mainland. We wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the beauty of the wilderness, the peaceful town with plenty to do, and fun day tours to visit exotic animals. We loved walking around Hobart to visit boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. You can find plenty of shops in Salamanca Place, Battery Point, and all of the quaint neighborhoods of Hobart. Tasmania has a large port area with huge yachts, quiet beaches, and the Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) just a short private ferry away. Drinking a cold beer at the Cascade Brewery was a deliciously good choice. Our day trip out to Mt. Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mt. Wellington was our highlight as we had a chance to experience the wilderness and interact with kangaroos, wombats, and the iconic Tasmanian devil. Main Topics Covered: Tasmania Travel Tips Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  We had a fun night of live music at the Republic Bar in Hobart Relax and enjoy St. David’s Park where you might spot a few acrobats I got an awesome haircut at Bob’s Your Uncle Barber Shop Taste great local beer and a chance to tour the brewery at Cascade Brewery A great full-day experience with a talented professional guide at Tasmanian Wilderness Tour on Airbnb We interacted with a ton of animals (kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, wombats, koalas) at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary We had a relaxing lunch, cold beer, and felt like a local at The Richmond Arms Hotel We failed to visit the Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) but you should definitely go. Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Arriving in Melbourne was exciting as we began our month traveling to a few cities in Australia. The large, beautiful city has a multicultural vibe with a ton of great restaurants, strong artist attitude, and a beautiful coastline. We walked for miles around the town taking in all of the beauty of St. Kilda, eating at a Japanese restaurant on Chapel Street, and enjoying the street art within every pocket of the city. The trip was topped off with the ride down Great Ocean Road to take endless photos of the gorgeous beaches and unforgettable landscape. Spotting bouncing kangaroos and sleeping koalas were a bonus that made the week in the city a great start to our adventures in the Land Down Under. Main Topics Covered: Melbourne, Australia Travel Tips Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Getting sick is sometimes part of your travel experience. Protect your investment with Travel Insurance.  St. Kilda is a great area to stay when visiting Melbourne if you enjoy beaches, bars, and nightlife.  Acland Street is vibrant with many shops and great restaurants.  Blank Coworking is a great place to get your work done while on the road. A fun and inviting cowork space in St Kilda.  The Myki Pass is the easiest way to get around Melbourne if you don’t want the hassle of renting a car.  The Chapel Street precinct has fashion, fun, and a bunch of places to be seen in. A highlight in Melbourne.  Crown Casino is a world-class casino. Believe me, I’ve been in all of them.  The Great Ocean Road Tour is a MUST. With the wildlife sightings, driving along the gorgeous coastline, and the unforgettable photos at the 12 Apostles, you have to build it into your itinerary when visiting Melbourne.  We went with Go West Tours for our visit and had a 5-star trip. Our guide Joel was fantastic.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

We had the chance to spend 23 hours in Kolkata on a long layover from Hyderabad, India to Bangkok, Thailand, so we jumped on it. Based on a relationship that I had in the city, we set up a local guide who took us to a few authentic places that left us with a sense of how the people of Kolkata really live. We tested many of the excellent street food options including the chicken egg roll, puchkas, and bhapa doi. We road on the crowded train from the extremely busy Howrah Station. Visiting the College Street Coffee House is a must in Calcutta, so we made sure we sipped coffee in the busy upstairs hall. In and out of rickshaws, uber, and taxis, we saw the vibrant city and even had the chance to slow down for a shave with a street barber. We had a great time on our short visit in the former capital of India, please listen along on this fun episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk. Main Topics Covered: Kolkata (Calcutta) India Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Laying over in a city can be a great way to see it. We did the same in Doha, Qatar as well as Copenhagen, Denmark.  Our personal guide in Kolkata was Pratik Jio - reach out to him if you visit the city as well.  Being able to visit the Ganges was a big deal to both of us.  Puchkas or Pani puri, are very tasty street food that you will find everywhere around the city.  Carrom is a game we found walking the streets. It’s basically hitting checkers with your hand into four corners like the game pool.  Bhapa Doi is made by blending yogurt and condensed milk. It becomes more tasteful with the garnishing of almonds and pistachios.  College Street Coffee House is the most famous of Indian Coffee House branches in Kolkata.  The Chicken Egg Roll was one of the best street foods I have ever eaten. I love paratha so to have a burrito style snack with that tasty combination was heaven in my mouth.  The Howrah Station is the busiest railway station in India. It can be intense at times. The streets of Kolkata were chaotic and energizing. Many forms of transportation were fighting for space on the tight roads.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Having the chance to go back to Hyderabad, India for a wedding of our two friends, Preetham and Spandana, was an unforgettable experience. Not only did we have the opportunity to partake in the many ceremonies of the marriage including Sangeeth, Haldi, Groom’s Day, Bride’s Day, Mehndi, and the huge wedding event, we also visited Hitec City, Nalgonda, and Gandipet. The incredible visit included a trip out delivering invitations on a motorbike, dancing choreographed steps to Indian music, and making a trip for Toddy palm wine. The people were all incredibly kind from the families to our amazing hosts. We stayed with four different families, met kids on the streets playing cricket, and enjoyed late nights understanding the culture. This India trip will not be forgotten, and we hope you enjoy us telling our unique story of discovering more reasons why we love to travel so much in this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk. Main Topics Covered: Hyderabad Nagole Hitec City Nalgonda Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  Listen to our previous journey to India on Podcast 48: India is Incredible (2 Months Traveling 7+ Cities).  Utilize the Pre-Paid Taxis ran by the government to give you peace of mind when you land at the airport in Hyderabad. Our outfits during the wedding festivities were outstanding.  HITEC city is an area in Hyderabad focused on technology, engineering, and other sectors of economic growth.  The Westin in HITEC was unbelievable with its great service and huge rooms.  Toddy palm wine is what we went searching for on Sunday and it was a great trip.  Our hosts, Jaya and Anthony, were amazingly kind. I compared tattoos with their mother one day.  Sangeeth is the dance portion of the wedding festivities. Nalgonda was smaller version of Hyderabad and a fun town. We celebrated the bride’s day and Haldi at her home.  Nikki got mehndi on her hands and forearms.  The wedding was a bit early in the morning but a gorgeous ceremony.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

We have spent plenty of time during our journey in Southeast Asia. We love everything these countries have to offer travelers. The people, food, scooter lifestyle, gorgeous beaches, and affordability are all part of the reasons why we have stayed 7 months in this region that includes Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. We have still yet to see the beauty of Laos and the Philippines, but that will happen someday soon. In this episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk, we hope to give you a reason to visit these countries and discover why we have enjoyed it so much. Main Topics Covered: Why We Love Southeast Asia People, Food, Scooter, Cost Tech-friendly, Beaches, Belief System Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Part of our love for Southeast Asia was because of our amazing time in Da Nang, Vietnam (Trip of a Lifetime).  If you are looking for a great island trip head to Phu Quoc (Fantasy Island of Vietnam).  World-class treatment can be found in the barber shop in Bali, Indonesia – World Barber Shop Adventures.  The historic ruins and the vibrant cities are waiting to be discovered in Cambodia Travel (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Angkor Wat).  There are endless great restaurants and cafes in Beautiful Bali, Indonesia (4 Weeks in Travel Paradise).  Several of our favorite Southeast Asian locations made our Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know).  Two places that are close together but worlds apart are Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Travel (2 Kinds of Awesome).  If you are looking for a great time with your older friends, take a Thailand Adult Trip (Bars, Night Markets, & an Island).  Traveling with friends is a lot of fun like when we did Vietnam with a Friend (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Quy Nhon).  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Da Nang is a fantastic city in Central Vietnam with a vibrant culture and gorgeous coastline. We have had the privilege of spending 50 days in this city over the last two years. We have gotten to know all of the great places to visit, fabulous restaurants, fun bars, and must-see sights around the city. Hoi An is only 30 minutes away and on everyone’s travel destination list. When my brother and his wife decided to visit us during our journey, we were excited to suggest Da Nang as the location to meet for their first international travel vacation. With the exciting scooter culture, extremely kind people, and tons of stuff to do, it is a great place to visit for any world adventurer. The cost-friendly prices are an added bonus. Join us for the fun podcast where we discuss why we love Da Nang, Vietnam so much and hope to come back again someday. Main Topics Covered: Da Nang, Vietnam Hoi An, Vietnam Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  My brother and his wife stayed at the Balcona Hotel and really enjoyed it.  We have stayed at the Infinity Residencies several times and love the location, comfort, and owners.  One of our favorite places to get a wide selection of Vietnamese food in My An is Kenta A great bar to enjoy drinks with ex-pats, travelers, and locals in My An is the Filling Station The beauty of My Khe Beach is endless.  Our favorite spot to grab an authentic Bahn Xeo is at Miss Nhi’s.  The Dragon Bridge is a great photo opportunity in Da Nang and a gorgeous landmark.  Marble Mountain is an important part of the Da Nang travel experience. Amazing historic importance.  Lady Buddha looks over the city and is a wonderful place to walk in peace and observe the beauty of the city.  Monkey Mountain near InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a great place to get out scooter around.  Apocalypse Now is a beautiful bar on the beach with great music and fantastic service.  We visited one of the places that I have played poker in Vietnam.  Con Market is an outdoor market selling goods (clothing, shoes, spices, anything you can think of) and a great place to understand the culture.  We found a spot for the epic Scooter Mafia photo with the big buildings in the back.  Hoa Cuong Wholesale Market is an authentic market that will give you deep insight into how business is done in Da Nang.  One of my favorite barber shops in the world is Ky Lee Barber Shop in Da Nang.  Hoi An a beautiful historic city of streams and lanterns.  We picked up a few suits at Kimmy Tailor and were very pleased with the quality and exceptional service.  Phi Banh Mi is my favorite banh mi spot in Hoi An and ended up getting three on my last visit.  We attended the Super Bowl party at Dirty Fingers, an awesome sports bar in Da Nang near the coast.  Taking the motorbikes to the Hai Van Pass was one of the most memorable times of our journey in Da Nang.  Ho Dong Xanh Dong Nghe is a huge lake near mountains that was about an hour outside of Da Nang. We came across a dice game that had about 25 people betting on different animal faces on the dice.  Chua Hung Quang Buddhist Temple was an unforgettable experience when the head monk brought us in for a Buddhist meal.  Fire-Fly Mobile Bar is on the curbside near the front of Balcona Hotel and run by two young hustlers. A great bar to visit near the beach in Da Nang.  Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Is it best to stay in one city for a few days and then hop to the next city or is it better to stay longer to really understand the culture when traveling? How can you build your country-visited list if you are only in one country for a long time? Is it easier to save money by staying put in one place? Is slow travel more relaxing? Is fast travel more fun? We dive into all of the details and differences between fast and slow traveling and let you know what we find the most rewarding in this latest episode of Passport Joy Travel Talk. Main Topics Covered: Fast vs Slow Travel Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  We mixed slow and fast travel in Paracas, Peru (Plus an Ultimate Ica, Nazca Guide). While spending 10 days in Cusco we found The Best View of Machu Picchu- Climbing Huayna Picchu (An Epic Journey) We think you should definitely have slow travel in Cusco Peru (Ultimate Guide 2018 ) Our Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary (9 Cities to See) is a journey we will always remember. I loved Playing Poker in Vietnam [Millions at Stake] in different cities around the country If you have time to visit, be sure to discover South Africa Guys’ Trip [Ultimate Adventure Travel] Finding barber chairs and culture in World Barber Shop Adventures We did a little of slow travel and fast travel when we found that India is Incredible (2 Months Traveling 7+ Cities) If you want to hear a list of our favorites, check out Best Travel Spots for 2019 (Places You May NOT Know) Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world