headershadow

Latest Blogposts

Nyepi: A Day Of Silence in Bali

Ogoh Ogoh

Nyepi, a Hindu celebration, is celebrated mainly in Bali on the last day of the Balinese calendar, although it is a public holiday everywhere in Indonesia.

From 6am to 6am the next day no-one is supposed to engage in any activities. No entertainment, no electricity, no work, no travel and for some even no talking and food.

It’s a day reserved for self-reflection.But Nyepi has another, more interesting purpose. The night before Nyepi, the Balinese ride a number of Ogoh-Ogohs through the streets, accompanied by loud orchestral music. These are skillfully crafted monsters, mostly build by youth organizations. Each village typically build one Ogoh Ogoh. Continue reading »

The best Adriatic Cruise Destinations

The best Adriatic Cruise Destinations

Cruises to the Adriatic are gaining ground on the global travel market, and it’s no wonder; the area’s culture, history, cuisine and climate have conspired to woo travellers from across the world.

With so many potential destinations to choose from, it’s best to combine some familiar hotspots with a few, lesser-known gems. Here are some prime candidates for your cruise in the idyllic Adriatic. Continue reading »

Six Interesting Observations About Brazilian Culture

Flag_of_Brazil

Brazil is one of my favorite countries and I’ve spent a fair amount of time there in the last few years, enough to notice a lot of interesting aspects of Brazilian culture and behavior.

Instead of listing the usual stereotypes, such as Brazilians love soccer, carnival, parties and are always late, I’ve tried to include less-well known and more interesting aspects of Brazilian culture.

Note that Brazil is a very large country and there are big differences between the various states and cities. However, I believe the following is true in most parts of Brazil. Continue reading »

Meal Sharing, Dog Sitting and Other New Sharing Economy Concepts

meal sharing

The sharing economy has been around for a while, but awareness is still very low. According to Jonathan Millenhald (CMO of Airbnb), awareness for Airbnb is still less than 1%, even though the company is the second highest peer-to-peer platform valued at $17B.

There are many small platforms that offer many other opportunities for anyone to make some extra side money. You could be a cook, a dog sitter or tour guide. Continue reading »

Teaching and Tutoring in the Sharing Economy

Teaching and tutoring in the sharing economy

Every human being on this planet has skills and knowledge that is valuable to others and therefore can be monetized by becoming a teacher or tutor. Most people don’t realize this.

They think that to be a teacher you have to have a university degree, be an expert in your field or know everything there is to know about a subject. This notion prevent people from taking action and reaching their full potential. Continue reading »

How to Monetize your Car in the Sharing Economy

how to monetize your car

The second most expensive asset that most people have is a car. Cars are generally used in a very inefficient way. This study shows that cars are parked 95% of the time. That’s right, for every hour that passes cars are on the road for 3 minutes and doing nothing but taking up space for 57 minutes.

Isn’t that crazy? Think about how much precious space all these vehicles are taking up in cities like New York, San Francisco, London, Paris and so forth. Another way to look at this is that if we can find an efficient way to share our cars, only 1 in 20 people that own a car now would have to own one! Continue reading »

How To Monetize Your House In The Sharing Economy

How To Monetize Your House

The easiest way to make money in the sharing economy is to monetize your most valuable asset: your house. Monetizing property is nothing new of course, people have been renting out accommodation for thousands of years.

However, with the arrival of short term rental platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO and Homeaway, it is now easier than ever to make money with a house, room or even a couch. There are a lot of advantages of renting out this way versus the traditional long term rental option. And the best thing is, you don’t even need to own a property. You can list rented accommodation as well. Continue reading »

Monetization Series: How to Monetize Your Assets, Skills and Knowledge

monetize yourself

Do you have a regular job that you don’t particularly like? Do you ever sit at your desk, dreaming about what life would be like if you would have the freedom to do what you love and make a living? If so, then this post is for you!

There has never been a time in which living the life of your dreams has been more within your reach then right now. Modern technology allows many of us to work remotely from any location. The internet provides opportunities for starting an online business in almost any niche. The sharing economy allows us to easily monetize our assets, skills and knowledge through platforms such as Airbnb, Uber, Wyzant, Takelessons and countless others. Continue reading »

Bluesmart: World’s First Smart, Connected Carry-On

Bluesmart Carry-on

I’m always on the lookout for new, smart travel products. When I came across the Bluesmart, I was immediately sold. This is for sure the most bad-ass suitcase I’ve ever seen. Curious?

Suitcases haven’t changed much in the last few decades, but that is about to change. Bluesmart has taken suitcase technology to the next level, utilizing micro-sensors, actuators and a microcomputer with GPS to communicate with smartphones over bluetooth.

In addition, the Bluesmart app can be synced with the suitcase and online travel services to provide smart notifications, alerts and reports to the owner.
Continue reading »

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

The Power of Habit

Ask anyone who’s ever tried to stop smoking or lose weight and they will tell you that it’s very hard. Even those who manage to change their behavior will often fall back to their old ways at some point, often during stressful or difficult times.

Why is it so hard to change what we do? Aren’t we in control of our own actions? Turns out, we’re not. Not consciously at least. When we repeatedly engage in a certain type of behavior, a small part of our brain called the basal ganglia stores the behavior and a habit is created. We no longer need to consciously think about it, we go on auto-pilot. Continue reading »

What’s the Best Way to Sleep on an Airplane?

Best way to sleep on a plane

A lot of people don’t like overnight flights because they have trouble sleeping on a plane. What’s the secret to getting those well deserved hours of sleep? To figure out the best way to sleep on an airplane you first have to ask yourself what has kept you awake the most on recent flights.

Do you have a hard time sleeping with noise? Does light keep you awake? How about temperature? Or can you just not find a good position to go to sleep in? Continue reading »

New Flight Search Engine: Genius Flight

Genius Flight

I just came across a new flight search engine that I really like. GeniusFlight is a budget driven search engine for flights. Genius Flight works a little different than most search engines.

Instead of specifying a destination, Genius Flight only asks for (1) a departure city and (2) a budget and (3) your travel dates.

The algorithm then scans all the cheapest flights for you and displays the options within your budget. This is a great way to get some inspiration. Specially if you (like me) love going on spontaneous trips! Continue reading »

Amazon Book Launch of Get Paid For Your Pad

GPFYP Cover 3D 4.21

Today is a big day for me as I’m launching my first ever book on Amazon: Get Paid For Your Pad – How To Maximize Profits From Your Airbnb Listing.

To promote the launch, the book will be available for FREE in the next three days! The goal is to make the book an Amazon best seller in several categories.

And you can help! All you need to do is download the book for free. We’re throwing in the audio version of the book as well! Continue reading »

How I Decided To Quit My Job And Travel the World

Travel the World Airbnb

In 2010 I left my finance job in Chicago to fulfill a life-long dream: to travel the world full-time. It was not an easy decision, I gave up a very lucrative career and I had no idea what would happen and what I would end up doing.

I took the leap anyway as I didn’t want to grow old with regrets, knowing I had never taken the chance to live the life I wanted to live.

So I took off to Brazil and never looked back. It was the best decision in my life. Want to know more? Watch this short video to find out! Watch the video »

How Airbnb Hosts Can Prevent Damage To Their Property

Preventing Damages as Airbnb host

When I talk to fellow Airbnb hosts, I always ask them if they were apprehensive about letting random people from the internet into their homes. The answer is always a clear “yes.”

The next question I ask them, is if those fears ever materialized. The answer to this question may surprise you. It’s almost always a very definite “no.”

The biggest worry that people have when renting out their space on Airbnb is that guests will damage their property. Particular questions that are often raised include the following: Continue reading »

How Airbnb Gave Me Financial Freedom And Wings To Fly

How Airbnb Gave me Wings to Fly

In the winter of 2010, I decided to quit my financial career. I booked a one-way ticket to Brazil, sold my belongings, packed what was left in two suitcases, and ventured into unchartered territory.

I didn’t know what I would do for money or where I would end up in the world; I simply recognized that I was taking the first step of an epic journey. Continue reading »

Three Tips To Set The Optimal Price For Your Airbnb Listing

Pricing your Airbnb listing

During my travels, I often stay at Airbnb apartments across the globe. Since I am a host myself, I pay close attention to various aspects of the listings I peruse.

One of those aspects is price. Over the last few years, I have noticed that most hosts have a fixed daily price regardless of the day of the week or month. This is highly surprising. Why? Continue reading »

Why Communication With Your Airbnb Guests Is So Important

Airbnb Communicating with guests

The main concern that most people have about Airbnb is that they will not be welcomed appropriately upon arrival. Guests are fraught with innumerable concerns and questions.

Will my host be on site when I arrive? Will he answer my phone calls? Will he be thoroughly prepared for my stay?

Truth be told, these fears are completely understandable. Why? Because most travelers are accustomed to staying at corporate style accommodations, i.e. hotels. Continue reading »

How To Craft The Perfect Airbnb Title

Creating the perfect Airbnb title

The main promotion avenue for your Airbnb listing is the Airbnb search results. This is where potential guests shop for relevant listings.

When your listing pops up, the first thing a user will see is the title of your listing along with the primary photo of your home.

These two pieces of information are what will burn an indelible first impression into the mind of the user. Accordingly, these components must be of the highest quality if you expect guests to inquire further. Continue reading »

Managing Check-ins For Your Airbnb Listing

Airbnb Hosting while out of town

One of the reasons why I love Airbnb is that it enables me to travel. I make money everyday, even if I’m lounging at a beach in the south of Brazil or jumping off a ski lift in the Swiss Alps.

But when I first transitioned from fixed-term rentals to Airbnb, I was a bit dumfounded as how I could manage my budding business while maintaining my nomadic lifestyle. Continue reading »

How A Bad Review Can Boost Your Airbnb Business

Bad review, a good thing?

An integral part of a solid Airbnb business is receiving an abundance of positive reviews. Airbnb is built on trust, reputation, and social standing.

Accordingly, nothing entices new guests more than a collection of stellar recommendations from former guests.

It must logically follow, then, that bad reviews are the kiss of death, right? Not necessarily. Continue reading »

Turning A Negative Airbnb Experience Into A Positive

My Worst Airbnb Experience

In the summer of 2013, life was good. My Airbnb business was in full swing, earning more than double what I was making from my fixed-term rate.

I had hosted over 60 groups and had a healthy collection of glowing reviews and five-star ratings. My listing was on the up and up. And then, without warning, disaster struck.

I received the following message from a guest who had just checked in in a day earlier: Continue reading »

Five Tips To Get Stellar Reviews On Airbnb

Getting Reviews on Airbnb

Reviews are the foundation of the service industry. Hotels, restaurants, personal trainers, real estate agents, and any other service-based professions must live and die by the review system.

As the world has grown ever more interconnected, and social media has engulfed every aspect of our lives, the power of customer feedback has grown exponentially. General advertising and marketing are still vastly important tools, but at the end of the day, cyber word of mouth is fast becoming the ultimate determinant for a business venture’s success. Continue reading »

Three Tips For Airbnb Hosts Negotiating With Guests

Airbnb hosting negotiating with guests

Nowadays, everyone wants a bargain. There are a plethora of websites and services that make their money by flooding consumers with terrific financial savings for all sorts of products. When people save money, it makes them feel good. It often engenders a feeling akin to earning an extra bit of income.

Airbnb customers are no different. They are constantly in search of the best deal available. Most hosts are aware of this because they’ve likely dealt with a customer who is eager to haggle. You think you’ve set a reasonable price for your listing, but a potential guest has requested a discount. What now? Should you accept it, or do you stay strong and hold your ground? Continue reading »

How Airbnb Has Enabled Me To Travel The World

Get Paid For Your Pad

The last few years I’ve been traveling around the world non-stop. I’ve been to over 50 countries.

I went lobster hunting in the Bahamas, scuba diving in the worlds’ most tropical places such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Thailand and the Philippines, hiked up a volcano in Iceland and sailed along the coast of Croatia during Yacht week.

The number one question I get from my readers is: how do I afford this? The short answer is: Airbnb. Continue reading »

Tamarindo Costa Rica Travel Guide

Costa Rica Tamarindo Beach

Located on the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste, the town of Tamarindo swells from a mere 500 to 5000 due to its popular tourist attractions, including surfing and eco-tourism.

 Tamarindo is known for its beautiful beaches, particularly Playa Tamarindo–which has several excellent breaks for surfers–and Playa Grande, which is famous as the nesting ground for Leatherback turtles. Continue reading »

The Lifestyle Architects with Navid Moazzez

The Lifestyle Architects with Navid Moazzez

During my four years of traveling around the world I have met a lot of people who also chose to step out of the 9 to 5 environment and try something entrepreneurial. It’s always inspiring and interesting to see what these fellow globetrotters are up to, but some of them have really blown me away by what they’ve accomplished. Navid Moazzez is a good example and I’m honored to be featured on his business podcast, The Lifestyle Architects, which is ranked #2 in the iTunes business section! Continue reading »

Why Medellin is a great place to live

Medellin II

For years I wanted to visit Medellin. I had heard so much about this city. January 2014 the day had finally arrived, as I touched down at José María Córdova International Airport with a few friends.

The following month I discovered what all the talk was about. Superb climate, stunning scenery, beautiful women, delicious food and fresh mountain air. What else can you wish for? Continue reading »

Eight Reasons to Visit The Philippines

Malapascua Island Beach

People often ask me which countries they should visit in South East Asia. Most of the time, they have Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia in mind. I often ask if they’ve considered the Philippines. Most of the time the answer is “no.”

I’ve been to the Philippines almost ten times and I’m not sure why the Philippines isn’t on the top of the list of countries to visit for most people, but I definitely think it should be. Here’s why. Continue reading »

Best Ways to Communicate While Traveling

Communicating while traveling

During your travels, you will most likely want to chat to family or friends back home from time to time and share photos with them. And, if you are freelancing as you go, then communication with clients is crucial.

Back in the day, this was usually a costly endeavor. Not anymore, though! The internet revolution has made international communications a lot cheaper—free in many cases! Continue reading »

The Ultimate One-Week Curaçao Itinerary

Willemstad Curacao

In the Southern Carribean lie a few small islands that form the remnants of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Once a vast empire, it now consists of The Netherlands and the tropical islands of Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten.

Curaçao is the biggest of the three and a popular tourist destination for mainly Dutch and American holiday makers. Here’s how to make the most of a week long visit to Curaçao. Continue reading »

São Miguel dos Milagres – The Best New Year’s Party in Brazil

Milagres New Year's Party

You probably have never heard of this place. São Miguel dos Milagres, a small municipality of less than 10,000 inhabitants, located on the north-eastern coast of Brazil, in the state of Alagoas.

It’s part of an area between the cities of Maceio and Recife, that’s know for it’s pristine, long-stretched beaches and warm tropical waters. An unfamiliar New Year’s setting for most of us. Continue reading »

Never Check Another Bag: The Travel Ease Carry-On

carry on bag fits underneath seat

Over the years it has become more and more difficult and expensive to travel with a log of luggage. A lot of airlines started charging for checked luggage and size restrictions for carry-ons are being more and more enforced.

Two of my good friends saw this problem and decided to do something about it: they created a carry-on that can be carried on the plane, as a personal item! Continue reading »

Malapascua Island Destination Guide

Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island is a small island off the northeastern coast of Cebu in the Philippines. It features warm, tropical waters, palm trees, white beaches, and excellent dive sites.

The island has a long stretch of white sandy beach, where most of the resorts are located. There are a number of local villages on the island. Fishing and tourism are the main sources of income for the locals. Continue reading »

How traveling has led me to complain less

Travel Inspiration

I was recently asked the question: “how has traveling changed you?” A tough question. It’s often hard to see changes in yourself.

I believe this is because changes take place gradually and since you experience yourself continuously you don’t always notice the change. It sometimes takes a good friend or family member who hasn’t seen you for a while to spot the differences. Continue reading »

A week in Florianopolis – Nine things you shouldn’t miss

Floripa Beach

Florianopolis is a popular holiday destination for Brazilians and Argentinians alike.  While it is a well known spot in South America, it’s relatively hidden to the rest of the world.  Most tourists go to Rio de Janeiro, Natal, or Fortaleza.

Florianopolis is one of my favorite destinations. It has everything I look for: over 40 beaches, magnificent natural beauty, a great climate, a vibrant nightlife scene, and plenty of things to do.  If you are lucky enough to make your way to the paradisiacal island, here are nine things you can’t miss. Continue reading »

Is Sligo really that surprising?

Clarion Hotel Church

The first thing I read about the county of Sligo, Ireland, is that there is a wonderfully enigmatic local expression: “Sligo is surprising.” Why?  

Well, the county is known to have an abundance of scenic landscapes and diverse cultures. As you might imagine, I was completely intrigued by this catch phrase.  And so began my quest to find an answer to the question of the day: is Sligo really that surprising? Continue reading »

How to Fly Like a Gentlemen – Boarding and Disembarking Etiquettes

Air Vanuatu

One thing that always surprises me is how people seem to lose all manners and etiquette as soon as they enter an airplane or airport. Suddenly, everyone behaves like a buffalo amidst a panic stricken stampede.

Ever wonder why everyone tries to rush out of an airplane at the same time as if it’s about to explode? Or why people stand at the luggage belt, blocking the view and access for all other passengers? I think it’s time for a quick rundown on air travel etiquette. Continue reading »

Dolphin watching at Slieve League, Ireland

Dolphin Watching Slieve League

One of the highlights of my tour through county Donegal in Ireland was visiting the cliffs of Slieve League. These are the highest in Europe, raising from sea level up to over 600 meters! To get the best view, we went on a boat ride with to see the cliffs from the ocean. As an added bonus, a group of Dolphins decided to join us for the ride! They really put on a show for us, making the boat tour that much more special. Check out this video I created to get an idea of what it was like. Watch the video »

Get Paid For Your Pad


Optin Arrow
FREE eBook!

Let’s be friends!

My World Map

Search

What I’m blogging about

Airbnb Air Travel Amsterdam Animals Australia Beach Destinations Brazil Chile China Croatia Cuba Culture Curacao Diving El Salvador Fiji Food France Holland Honduras Hong Kong Iceland Indonesia inspiration Ireland lifestyle Lithuania Malaysia Mexico monetization Off The Beaten Trek Outdoor Activities Road Trip Shanghai sharing economy South Korea Spain Surfing Thailand The Bahamas The Netherlands The Philippines Travel Tips Trouble Vanuatu

Travel Advice

Amsterdam