So this is it, I'm coming home. It's been quite a freaking amazing few weeks and there has been tremendous learning, appreciation, excitement, expansion and so much more. Thank you Universe for all that is. Onwards and upwards!!!
Some appreciation for things which have made this trip phenomenal, much like an Oscar speech there will be stuff I undoubtedly forget but hey what can ya do?! This ain't no Oscar awards and I ain't no Meryl Streep ha!
Things which I've used which were never available in 'my day.' (Obviously, do your own research, double check everything and see what resonates with you before embarking upon any spend.)
- Uber and Lyft- OMG, an absolute life saver, a private driver picking you up wherever you are and taking you to wherever you want, linked to your credit card or PayPal account. Simply download the app, type in your pickup and destination and it will show you your assigned driver, photo and car registration and approximate cost. It has saved so much time and effort and money and has been so insanely convenient. (Download the Uber app and enter the code 'nickf449' and when you use it for the first time, we both get free credit). Lyft was a great alternative when Uber was unavailable or was more expensive, (download the app and enter promo code 'NICK264646' for mutual free credit). I cannot recommend these enough, they are sooo great for travel, especially in unknown areas.
- AirBnB- this has saved a small fortune in comparison to hotels, plus it has enabled me to cook for myself (very important as I like to eat pretty healthy!). Joe Average who has an apartment, room or place to rent out, lists it on the site and then you can book it similar to a hotel. The advantages of this is that you get to live a bit like a local, I've found them cheaper than a decent standard hotel and you get to live like you would at home!
- 3 UK mobile network- another God send! You can use your phone abroad in one of about 18 listed countries for free! You can call and text the UK and use the internet as part of your phone plan without paying any extra roaming fees. Truly wonderful! Lord knows how much I would've racked up!
- Halifax Clarity credit card- this card gives you amongst the best rates, with little or no fees. I now travel with only a little foreign cash and use this for most purchases. Martin 'money man' Lewis swears by this and I've used this for years!
- Global Entry/TSA Pre Check for the USA- this was the first trip I was able to actually use this. Basically, you complete some security paper work checks, go for an interview in an American city. Once you have this, it lasts up to 5 years (if your passport expires before, then you need to renew your Global Entry). And you can basically waltz into America bypassing the huge customs and immigration lines. Also, when you fly domestically in the USA, you can use TSA Pre Check- enter your known traveller number on your flight booking and when you get your boarding pass it should say TSA Pre Check on it, you then go through a dedicated line where you don't need to take out your liquids nor any light jackets.
All the 4 cities, the 5 groups, the wonderful participants who've come along and shared themselves with us at the workshops. JetBlue (my fave USA airline), Virgin Atlantic (my only choice when flying transatlantic- superb staff and product), Virgin America (lovely), Alaska Air (pleasant). The amazing cruise, ship, staff, Abers and obviously J-Esther-Ham. My travel companions, wonderful people I met and the hopefully lifelong connections! The amazing shows (Britney- so good! KA- best ever! LOVE- so fun! One- so high octane!), the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel. The phenomenal ease, flow and timing of the Universe that has enabled me to get from place to place in perfect timing (and believe me, some of it could've been cut very close!). Whole Foods, Safeways, Walgreens for the delicious sustenance.
Anyhoo, my flight is about to board shortly, so there ya go! Some appreciation and I hope that some of the above adds a bit of ease to your worldwide travels!
Happy travel-ing!!!
All is well!!!
Lots of love, Nick Xxx
Some appreciation for things which have made this trip phenomenal, much like an Oscar speech there will be stuff I undoubtedly forget but hey what can ya do?! This ain't no Oscar awards and I ain't no Meryl Streep ha!
Things which I've used which were never available in 'my day.' (Obviously, do your own research, double check everything and see what resonates with you before embarking upon any spend.)
- Uber and Lyft- OMG, an absolute life saver, a private driver picking you up wherever you are and taking you to wherever you want, linked to your credit card or PayPal account. Simply download the app, type in your pickup and destination and it will show you your assigned driver, photo and car registration and approximate cost. It has saved so much time and effort and money and has been so insanely convenient. (Download the Uber app and enter the code 'nickf449' and when you use it for the first time, we both get free credit). Lyft was a great alternative when Uber was unavailable or was more expensive, (download the app and enter promo code 'NICK264646' for mutual free credit). I cannot recommend these enough, they are sooo great for travel, especially in unknown areas.
- AirBnB- this has saved a small fortune in comparison to hotels, plus it has enabled me to cook for myself (very important as I like to eat pretty healthy!). Joe Average who has an apartment, room or place to rent out, lists it on the site and then you can book it similar to a hotel. The advantages of this is that you get to live a bit like a local, I've found them cheaper than a decent standard hotel and you get to live like you would at home!
- 3 UK mobile network- another God send! You can use your phone abroad in one of about 18 listed countries for free! You can call and text the UK and use the internet as part of your phone plan without paying any extra roaming fees. Truly wonderful! Lord knows how much I would've racked up!
- Halifax Clarity credit card- this card gives you amongst the best rates, with little or no fees. I now travel with only a little foreign cash and use this for most purchases. Martin 'money man' Lewis swears by this and I've used this for years!
- Global Entry/TSA Pre Check for the USA- this was the first trip I was able to actually use this. Basically, you complete some security paper work checks, go for an interview in an American city. Once you have this, it lasts up to 5 years (if your passport expires before, then you need to renew your Global Entry). And you can basically waltz into America bypassing the huge customs and immigration lines. Also, when you fly domestically in the USA, you can use TSA Pre Check- enter your known traveller number on your flight booking and when you get your boarding pass it should say TSA Pre Check on it, you then go through a dedicated line where you don't need to take out your liquids nor any light jackets.
All the 4 cities, the 5 groups, the wonderful participants who've come along and shared themselves with us at the workshops. JetBlue (my fave USA airline), Virgin Atlantic (my only choice when flying transatlantic- superb staff and product), Virgin America (lovely), Alaska Air (pleasant). The amazing cruise, ship, staff, Abers and obviously J-Esther-Ham. My travel companions, wonderful people I met and the hopefully lifelong connections! The amazing shows (Britney- so good! KA- best ever! LOVE- so fun! One- so high octane!), the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel. The phenomenal ease, flow and timing of the Universe that has enabled me to get from place to place in perfect timing (and believe me, some of it could've been cut very close!). Whole Foods, Safeways, Walgreens for the delicious sustenance.
Anyhoo, my flight is about to board shortly, so there ya go! Some appreciation and I hope that some of the above adds a bit of ease to your worldwide travels!
Happy travel-ing!!!
All is well!!!
Lots of love, Nick Xxx
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