The Bilt Mastercard® is my favorite travel credit card. It’s been making waves in the travel world as the only credit card that allows you to earn points simply by paying your rent (up to 100,000 points on rent per year), making it a must-have for any renter.

And while you can’t earn Bilt Points if you pay a mortgage, in all honesty, it’s a great card to have in your wallet even if you own your house, as it comes with several other standout features.

One of those features, which is unique to Bilt, is Rent Day.

Rent Day is Bilt’s alternative to a welcome offer. A welcome off is normally a one-time offer of a large number of points given to you in exchange for spending a certain amount of money on your card within a set time frame (usually the first 3-6 months).

Welcome offers usually equate to a free flight or free hotel stay(s) so they are used to encourage people to get a card and spend money on it. As such, they are a huge part of earning points and miles for free travel — one of the most important parts.

But Bilt doesn’t have a welcome offer. It has Rent Day instead, which, in my opinion, is just as good (if not better).

I usually advise against getting a new card unless it has a stellar welcome offer. But Rent Day happens 12 times a year, meaning that you have that many more chances to maximize your points earnings. It’s truly one of the best features of the card.

To help you maximize your points, here’s everything you need to know about Bilt’s Rent Day.

What is Bilt’s Rent Day?

For most renters, rent is due on the first of every month, making it something of a dreaded day. But Bilt aims to turn this day into one you can look forward to, with ways to earn more points (up to 10,000 bonus points) each time.

I’ll go over each of these in more detail in the sections below, but the main features of Rent Day are these:

• Double earning capabilities on all categories (except rent payments)
• Point Quest
• Free rent giveaways
• Unique perks that change each month (i.e. different ways to earn or spend more points)
• SoulCycle Rent Day rides (complimentary SoulCycle rides)

There are only two things you have to do to make sure that you’re making the most out of Rent Day.

The first is one of the most important things to know about the Bilt card, which is that you must use the card at least five times each statement period to earn any points, including any earned on Rent Day. Once you’ve used your card five times in a statement period, you’re good to go and will earn all your points.

The second thing to remember is to download the Bilt app, as some Rent Day benefits are only available on the app (like Point Quest; more on that below).

While it really is that simple, here’s how you can start taking advantage of all that Rent Day has to offer.
 

How to Earn More Points on Rent Day

Since Bilt first launched Rent Day in October 2022, double points on all categories have been a main feature, and it’s an easy one to get. All you have to do is use your Bilt Rewards Mastercard to make purchases on the first of the month, and you’ll instantly get double the points on that purchase.

That means you’ll earn:

• 4x points on travel (flights, hotels, and car rentals)
• 6x points on dining
• 11x points on Bilt Dining (dining at select restaurants)
• 2x points on all other purchases (excluding rent)

It’s a no-brainer to make a habit of using your Bilt card for anything you buy on the first of the month. That way, you’ll get more points and be that much closer to hitting your required five transactions for the month.

Pro tip: For any reoccurring payments (like subscriptions) that hit your account on the first of the month, change the payment card on file to Bilt (assuming you can’t earn more points on these purchases with a different card). That way you’ll automatically get at least 2x points for these (more if they’re in travel or dining categories), while ticking off some of those five required transactions.

If you have subscriptions processing on other days of the month, call the company and see if you can move your billing to the 1st so you can get those extra points.
 

Point Quest

While it’s easy to earn double points on your purchases on the first of the month, this Rent Day benefit makes you work for your points.

Point Quest is a game played on the Bilt app in which you can earn points for correct answers to trivia questions. There are always five questions to answer, and you’ll get 150 points if you get them all right, plus a sixth question, worth 100 points all on its own. That means you could earn up to 250 Bilt points playing Point Quest each month.

The questions are usually centered on that month’s theme. For example, when Bilt offered 5x points on sports tickets and NFL boxes as a Rent Day feature, the Point Quest questions were sports related. But don’t worry — the questions aren’t that hard. Even if you don’t know much about the theme that month, chances are you’ll still be able to answer at least a few questions.

Remember to download the app so that you can play. It takes just a couple of minutes and is an easy way to get some extra points on Rent Day.
 

Rent Giveaways

Another popular feature of Rent Day is the monthly free rent giveaways. This has taken different forms over the months, but the central tenet is the same: you could earn a month’s free rent just by playing.

In the past, Bilt created Rent Challenges in which you had to solve a puzzle of some kind in order to secure your entry to the giveaway. Challenges included finding Bilt’s logo hidden within a scene or fill-in-the-blank sentences to complete an idiom or popular saying. Some months, completing these challenges entered you to win not only a free month’s rent but free flights to destinations that Bilt was highlighting that month (e.g., in February 2023, Bilt partnered with Hawaiian Airlines and offered free flights to Hawaii).

Over the past couple months, these challenges have been replaced with the Rent Free Game Show, in which comedians, creators, and other personalities answer questions to help Bilt members earn a chance to get their rent paid (up to $2,500 USD).

It works like this: Each month, Bilt randomly asks a thousand Bilt Members hypothetical questions. (These questions set the baseline for answers. Even if you aren’t randomly selected to participate, you can still win free rent.) These questions are all over the place, and in the past, have included things like: “Where is the worst place to get proposed to?” and “What foods do picky eaters hate?” and even “What’s the biggest red flag you see on dating apps?”

The Rent Free guest (the comedian or other personality) then tries to guess the consensus of Bilt members who answered. The more they get right, the more people’s rent Bilt will pay (up to 10 winners each month).

Then, on Rent Day, Bilt members have the chance to answer those same questions in the Rent Day tab of the app. If you guess correctly, you’ll be entered to win free rent for that month. So far, it doesn’t seem like there’s any limit on how many times you can try, so don’t worry if you guess wrong initially. Just keep trying until you get at least three correct answers, and you’ll be entered to win!

You can watch the game show on the Bilt app too, though it’s not required for entry.
 

Previous Rent Day Prizes

While Bilt doesn’t announce its Rent Day prizes too far in advance, to give you a sense of what they are like, you can look at perks from the past. While it’s nice that there are some Rent Day bonus mainstays, part of the fun of Rent Day is that you never know what they might offer up next month!

To give you an idea of what to expect, past rent day benefits have included:

• United Airlines Elite Status Match
• 7 days of double points: Black Friday through December Rent Day
• 100% transfer bonuses (more on these below)
• 50% Bilt Point redemption bonus for Amazon
• Up to $25 Lyft credit
• 5x points on sports tickets and a chance to use points to book NFL Box Seats

As you can see, most of these perks are one-offs, but one has happened a few times (albeit with different partners): transfer bonuses.
 

Perk Highlight: Transfer Bonuses

I want to talk a little more about Rent Day transfer bonuses, because while this isn’t a perk every month, it’s happened enough times that it’s safe to say we can probably expect them in some form on future Rent Days.

Bilt points are known as transferable points because you can move them to a variety of different programs. Bilt has a variety of great transfer partners, and, most crucially, it’s the only card with American Airlines as one.

Here’s Bilt’s list of current travel partners:

• American Airlines
• AerClub (Aer Lingus)
• Aeroplan (Air Canada)
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Iberia
• IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group)
• Turkish Airlines
• United
• Virgin Atlantic
• World of Hyatt

Normally, Bilt points transfer 1:1, meaning that if you transfer 25,000 Bilt points to, say, United, you’ll then have 25,000 United points.

But transfer bonuses are when you get more for your points when transferring them to another program. For example, if United is running a 100% transfer bonus in partnership with Bilt, you’d get double when moving your Bilt points to your UnitedPlus Mileage account. That means that those 25,000 points would become 50,000!

As you can see, this is an incredibly valuable Rent Day benefit. While credit card companies like American Express and Chase regularly offer transfer bonuses that run for periods longer than just one day, these are normally in the range of 10-40%, not the 100% that Bilt has offered on Rent Day several times now.

Past Rent Day transfer bonuses have included:

• 100% with IHG One Rewards
• 100% with Flying Blue (KLM/Air France)
• 100% with Hawaiian Airlines

Transfer bonuses are one of my favorite Rent Day surprise benefits, as they are an excellent way to instantly turn your existing points into even more.

I will say that, ideally, you don’t want to utilize these transfer bonuses unless you have a flight that you plan on booking immediately. As a general travel hacking rule, you want to keep your transferable points as such instead of preemptively transferring them to a specific airline or hotel, because transferable points are more flexible.

For example: say you took advantage of that hypothetical United bonus mentioned above and transferred all your Bilt points to United in order to double your points. But what if you later go to book a flight and the best deal at the time is with Virgin Atlantic? You won’t be able to take advantage of that flight since all your points are now with United.

I recommend using these transfer bonuses if they’re with brands that you use regularly (as then you know you’ll eventually use those points), but not transferring all your Bilt points. And when in doubt, keep your Bilt points (or any other transferable points) as they are until you’re ready to use them.
 

Is Rent Day Worth Participating In?

Yes! Considering it’s absolutely free to take part in the Rent Day festivities, there’s no reason not to take advantage of the various perks and benefits that Bilt offers on this day. While you might be more excited about the unique offerings some months than others, there are always double points, Point Quest, and giveaways for free rent to look forward to.

To sum up, here’s how to make the most of Rent Day:

• Use your Bilt card for any purchase you make on the first of the month
• Download the Bilt App and keep notifications on (they’ll let you know a few days beforehand what that month’s benefits will be)
• Play Point Quest
• Play Rent Free
• Make at least five transactions that statement period to make sure you get the points you earn on Rent Day!

Do that, and you’ll be able to maximize your Bilt points and get one step closer to free travel!
 

Bilt Rent Day Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bilt points do you get on Rent Day?
You can earn up to 10,000 Bilt Points on Rent Day. There is no category cap, meaning that you could earn all these points in one category (such as travel), or spread out across many different ones.

What is the maximum Bilt points you can earn per year?
You can earn up to 100,000 Bilt Points annually on rent, but there’s no cap on how many Bilt Points you can earn per year on other purchases.

Is it hard to qualify for Bilt?
The recommended credit score to apply for Bilt is in the good-to-excellent range (670–850), though this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Other factors in your credit history may come into play when your application is evaluated.

Can I use Bilt to pay my mortgage?
No. You currently cannot use Bilt to pay your mortgage. However, even homeowners might want to consider getting Bilt for its other benefits, including Rent Day (which, again, anyone can participate in). It’s without a doubt the best no-fee travel credit card out there, with a wide range of travel partners, free point.me (search engine for finding award flights) and Awayz access (search engine for finding award hotel stays), and solid travel insurance.

Do Bilt Rent Day points expire?
Nope! Bilt Points of any kind — including those earned on Rent Day — do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. (Bilt defines “active” as any account on which there has been activity in the last 18 months. That includes using the Bilt Mastercard for regular purchases, paying your rent through Bilt, redeeming Bilt Points, or participating in any Bilt sweepstakes.)

Rent Day offers a host of ever-changing benefits and perks and is one of the reasons that Bilt is my favorite card in my wallet right now. While you can only earn a welcome offer once, Rent Day comes 12 times a year, every year, meaning that as a Bilt cardholder, you’ll have that many more opportunities to earn more points — and maybe even a month’s free rent if you’re lucky!

If you pay rent and live in the USA, this card is a must. I really can’t recommend it enough!
 

The post What is Bilt Rent Day? Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Singapore is one of my favorite cities. Home to famous hawker stalls that serve up mouthwatering dishes (including some of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals in the world), Singapore is a bustling, cosmopolitan city-state and a popular stop for anyone traveling around Southeast Asia.

But since it’s a global economic hub, Singapore is expensive. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world! That means you’re going to want to find affordable accommodation for your trip so you don’t break the bank.

While there is a decent number of hostels here, only a few are actually worth staying at. To help you plan your trip and save money, here’s my list of the best hostels in Singapore:

Price legend (per night):

• $ – Under 55 SGD
• $$ – 55-65 SGD
• $$$ – Over 65 SGD

1. The Bohemian

This is a fun, social backpacker hostel. The lobby and common area are super bright and colorful and the hostel has a very laid-back atmosphere. It’s also one of the cheapest in town, so it’s perfect for budget travelers who are happy with a no-frills accommodation. The beds in the standard dorm aren’t super comfy (the mattresses are a bit thin and there are no privacy curtains) but the pod-style dorms offer more privacy (those beds have a curtain and individual lights too). There’s a free light breakfast each morning too.

The staff regularly organize events to make it easy to meet other travelers too.

The Bohemian at a glance:

• $
• Free breakfast
• Social atmosphere makes it easy to meet people
• Budget friendly

Beds from 49 SGD.

2. Dream Lodge

This is a quiet and comfortable hostel. It’s not overly social, so it’s a good choice for travelers looking to do their own thing. There are lots of cafés nearby, as well as multiple MRT stations, so it’s easy to get around the city from here. The common areas are bright and airy and there’s AC too.

I especially liked the pod-style beds, which are cozy and offer a lot of privacy. The mattresses are decent and you’re given two pillows (which is very rare at hostels). All the pods have their own light, and there are lockers to store your stuff. The walls of the pods are pretty thick, so you won’t be woken up by people coming and going at night. If you want a quiet spot to sleep, this is it.

Dream Lodge at a glance:

• $$$
• Female-only dorm
• Quiet atmosphere
• Cozy pod beds

Beds from 79 SGD.

3. The Pod – Boutique Capsule Hostel

This is a more upscale pod hostel that feels like a hotel. It’s not very social, but it is stylish, quiet, clean, and within walking distance of many of the city’s main sights. The beds are comfy with thick mattresses, privacy curtains, reading lights, and outlets. The showers had great water pressure too (a big plus in my book). There are lockers in the dorm rooms, as well as free coffee and tea (plus a bottle of water when you arrive).

The Pod at a glance:

• $$$
• Free coffee and tea
• Quiet hotel atmosphere
• Thick mattresses so you’ll get a good sleep

Beds from 69 SGD, private rooms from 110 SGD.

4. Atelier Hostel

This homey hostel is located in Chinatown. It’s also right above a café and there’s a tasty free breakfast each morning. I really liked the pod beds here, which had decent mattresses and blackout curtains so you can get a decent sleep. There are lights and outlets for each bed too. Best of all, the hostel is just a short walk to the epic Maxwell Food Centre. Overall, the hostel has a subdued, relaxed atmosphere.

Atelier Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Delicious free breakfast
• Female-only dorms
• Awesome location in Chinatown

Beds from 60 SGD.

While Singapore may be expensive, a visit doesn’t have to break the bank. With lots of cheap (and delicious) eats and a growing list of fun, affordable hostels, it’s never been easier to explore on a budget. Just make sure to book a hostel from this list — they’re the best in town!

The post The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Oaxaca is now one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. Thanks to its history, textiles industry, and architectural beauty — and the growing popularity of mezcal — everyone wants to go there. There’s a ton to see and do, and every time I visit, it seems busier. (It’s not just foreigners either: it’s become really popular with Mexicans and Argentinians too.)

While there are lots of neighborhoods to stay in, most everything is adjacent to downtown (Centro). Whether you stay in one area or another is just a matter of how far you want to walk to the center. Do you care if you walk 20 or 30 minutes, or would you prefer just 5 minutes? That’s the only real difference that you have to think about.

The only noncentrally located neighborhood is Reforma, the more modern and upscale part of town. It’s a really nice area, and there are a lot of good accommodations, shops, and restaurants there.

However, as a tourist with likely only a few days here, I think you’re better off staying in a more central part of town. This will make it easier to get around (Reforma is not really within walking distance of the main sights).

So, with that said, I’m just going to name my favorite places to stay and tell you how far of a walk they are from the Zócalo (the main public square downtown):

BUDGET: Casa Angel Hostel – This is a super social hostel on the northern edge of downtown, just a 15-minute walk to the main square. The staff organize many events, including happy hours, yoga classes, and group barbecues. Breakfast is included and there’s also bar on the roof that makes hanging out and meeting people a breeze. The beds are soft, comfortable, and come with privacy screens. The bathrooms are kept really clean too. It’s one of the best hostels in the city.

BUDGET: Hostal Central – Located on the western edge of downtown, just a 10-minute walk to the main square, Hostal Central offers one of the best free breakfasts in town. The beds have orthopedic mattresses and all the dorms have lockers so you can store your gear safely and securely. There’s a shared kitchen for cooking your own meals and the staff organize regular activities so it’s easy to meet people.

MIDRANGE: La Casona del Llano – Right on Parque Llano, about 15 minutes’ walk from the main square, this is a really nice, traditional hotel with rooms centered around a beautiful garden. The restaurant serves a delicious breakfast (as well as tasty traditional cuisine throughout the day), and the rooms are rustic and quiet. The interior may be a bit outdated, but the staff is super friendly, the Wi-Fi is strong, and the water pressure is great. I love staying here. When we used to run tours here, this is where we stayed with our groups.

MIDRANGE: Los Arrayanes – This hotel in the center of town is in an old hacienda (large estate house) with lots of plants and colorful art around. The rooms are bright, spacious, and colorful; the water pressure in the showers is great, and the beds are comfy. There’s a beautiful courtyard and rooftop garden and the staff goes out of their way to ensure you have a comfortable stay. It’s one of the best hotels in Oaxaca.

MIDRANGE: One Oaxaca Centro – About 20 minutes’ walk from the Zócalo, in the Jatalco district, this modern business hotel has comfy (though a bit bland) rooms. The beds are soft, there’s lots of natural light, showers have good pressure, and there’s a table to work from. There’s also a robust breakfast spread to fill up on too. Consider this lodging to be like a Holiday Inn.

MIDRANGE: Oaxaca Real Hotel – This huge hotel in a restored colonial mansion right in the center of town has a small pool, a rooftop restaurant serving delicious traditional food, and friendly staff. The rooms are homey and clean (albeit a little dark and dated). But the beds are soft and it’s quiet so you can get a good sleep. It’s located minutes from the main square and has the best location out of all the hotels on this list.

UPSCALE: City Centro by Marriott – Located east of Centro in the Jatalco area, this is one of the most modern, hip hotels in town. Its room are plush with trendy art, lots of light, and firm beds. The staff is really helpful and there’s a gym, bar, and outdoor pool here. It’s quite photogenic with its pink décor and inspirational signs, so you’ll see lots of people popping into the hotel just to take photos.

I love Oaxaca. It’s a beautiful, lively city that’s easy to get around if you stay in the center. All the properties here are excellent and rather centrally located, so no matter what your choice is, you’ll have a great place to stay. Oaxaca lives up to all the hype, so you’re going to have a blast!

The post Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I love Japan. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. But is it a suitable destination to visit with a baby? Solo female travel expert Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse was recently there with her baby and has tons of tips and advice for travelers thinking of taking a baby with them to Japan.

Japan was our first major international trip with our then six-month-old. I’d heard mixed things about how baby friendly Japan would be, from DMs telling me it wouldn’t be a great trip to the total opposite with people gushing about how baby friendly it was.

We decided to go for it, hitting four spots in two weeks, taking public transportation and staying in a mix of apartments and hotels. Traveling with a baby in Japan comes with some special considerations, but overall, it can be a great trip IF you plan it right. Here’s everything to know:

Japan Baby and Toddler Friendliness

With a few strange exceptions, like the lack of cribs, Japan is one of the most baby and family-friendly places I have been. It all started when we were personally escorted to the aircraft by a Japan Airlines gate agent when boarding our flight to Osaka. They even offered me a place to sit with the baby while I waited. It felt like first class treatment.

Each time we encountered an airport queue in Japan, whether it was for security or boarding, they always had a family line, which is sadly missing from every US airport I’ve encountered.

There are family restrooms everywhere as well, and I really mean everywhere. Even the smallest metro and train stations had them, and I never encountered one that wasn’t sparkling clean. People respected that they were only meant for those with disabilities and young children, as well. I never had to wait to use one and never saw an able-bodied single person walk out of them, which I see all the time in the US.

The bathrooms are also full of useful items like a baby holder, which I’ve only otherwise seen in Singapore, changing tables, and padded benches for nursing. I’ve truly never seen a family bathroom as equipped as the ones in Japan.

The locals also LOVED our baby. Everywhere we went, people would play peek a boo with him, smile at him, and light up when they saw him. We felt very welcome everywhere we went with him.
 

Getting Around Japan with a Baby

Generally, planning fewer things is easier than a packed itinerary when traveling with a baby anywhere in the world. This is especially true for Japan where you’re most likely taking a mix of trains and buses around the country. The more remote you’re going, the more connections you’re likely to have as well.

Although they’re more expensive, we tended to prefer train travel to bus travel in Japan so that we could make use of the changing tables on the trains. They were more spacious, and the buses rarely had a place to change diapers.

If you’re traveling during high season, be sure to book train tickets ahead of time and reserve seats to avoid having to stand with your baby.

Alternatively, consider renting a car to get around. They can be pricey, and if you’re North American you’ll be driving on the opposite side of the road, but it also gives you ultimate flexibility.
 

Packing Light is Wise for Japan

If you’ll be taking the Japan Rail and/or metro to get around, you’ll want to pack as light as possible. Realistically, only what you and whoever you’re traveling with can carry is going to work. This seems to be the biggest issue for families traveling in Japan. They pack too much and it impacts their trip enjoyment.

We opted to leave the stroller at home and just travel with a soft baby carrier. While a stroller can be helpful at times, Japan has a lot of stairs and some metro stations, even in Tokyo, don’t have elevators. We always found them at JR stations, though.

I have mixed feelings about this decision as we were aching by the end of the trip. If I were to do it with a toddler or older baby I’d probably opt for a hiking baby carrier instead. It distributes weight better and is a more comfortable experience, plus they have storage space. Just keep in mind that they’re bulky and you’ll most likely need to remove it when using public transport.

If you absolutely have to bring more than you can physically carry, there are luggage forwarding services in Japan that can help transport your luggage from hotel to hotel for you.
 

Renting Baby Gear in Japan

Since our baby was a bit younger and not yet mobile when we visited Japan, we felt OK with not having a dedicated sleeping space and utilizing the floor beds instead. However now that he’s older, he needs a dedicated sleeping space and ideally a stroller. If we were to visit now, I’d utilize rental services to keep our suitcases light and still have access to the items we need for safety and comfort.

It’s possible to rent strollers in various cities in Japan, depending on how remote you’re going. You can also rent other baby gear in some parts of Japan, particularly in the more major cities.
 

Buying Baby Essentials in Japan

One way to pack lighter is to plan to buy baby essentials in Japan. It’s easy to find diapers, formula, and baby food if you know where to look.

If you’re doing baby-led weaning, which we were at the time, you can shop at any Japanese supermarket for fruit and veggies.

It was actually a treat to visit the grocery stores there since they had almost entirely different snacks and brands than I’ve seen elsewhere. The produce was also way better, as it was mostly locally grown. Even in the winter, we were eating perfectly ripe, locally-grown strawberries.

If you need diapers, baby food, or formula, you won’t find them at a grocery store. These items are for sale in drug stores only. Matsumoto Kiyoshi (with brown lettering) is the one we came across the most often.

Diapers were easy to buy. They will have the weight clearly displayed in kilograms. Jarred baby food and formula were in the same section of the store. If you need a specialized (non-cow) formula, that may be harder to find. Since we did for my baby, we brought enough with us from home for the whole trip.

Download the Google translate app so that you can hold your phone camera up to the Japanese Kanji and read what the ingredients and baby food flavors are. Don’t expect to see English translations in stores.
 

Choosing Where to Stay in Japan with a Baby

We did a mix of hotels and apartments in Japan and they both had their benefits.

Unless you’re willing to pay up a bit more, especially in Tokyo, you can expect hotel rooms to be on the smaller side. However they tend to include breakfast, which makes life easier for parents with young children.

Apartments, which you can book on Airbnb, usually have two floors and a kitchen. The kitchen was helpful for food prepping for the baby, and the two we stayed in had microwaves. I travel with microwave steam bags to sanitize our bottles, so this was a nice surprise.

The two floors also gave us a place to hang out while he took his naps. Apartment rentals are almost always larger, and in my experience, more affordable than hotel rooms can be. Sometimes they have washers and dryers as well.

Hot water kettles are a nice feature whether you’re in an apartment or hotel room. They seem to be the standard in Japan, which makes sanitizing, washing, and heating water for formula easier. Tap water in Japan is generally safe to drink and wash with.
 

Baby Sleep in Japan

The most bewildering and disappointing thing about traveling in Japan with our baby was the lack of cribs. Even in the 5-star ryokan we stayed at in Kawaguchiko, there was no baby crib on offer. It made me wonder what locals do. Do they bring their own? Do they co-sleep?

In half of the places we stayed, the beds were traditional-style mattresses on the floor, so it was fine for our baby to sleep on the floor mattresses, however now that he’s more mobile, I’d want to bring along our travel bed.

Feeding and Meals in Japan

One of the negative things I heard was that we’d be turned away from restaurants in Japan with our baby. While I’m sure it happens, I didn’t encounter this, even at kaiseki (which is the highest level of dining in Japan) restaurants. Sometimes they even had toys they’d bring out for our son.

We were told that the lounge in the hotel we stayed at in Tokyo wouldn’t be available to the baby in the evenings when alcohol was served, however. Some restaurants, including the Michelin star ones you might be hoping to eat at, could hold the same policy. There are some restaurants in Japan that are specifically geared towards families. The most common you’ll find are Bikkuri Donkey, Joyfull, and Gusto.

Most restaurants in Japan will have high chairs, but when at more casual ramen or yakitori restaurants, you’re less likely to come across them.

If you’re nursing, my sense in Japan was that it’s best done in private. I never saw anyone openly nursing in Japan, though I saw plenty of bottle feeding. The family restrooms are probably your best bet for a comfortable and private experience. I saw a nursing pod (a little room that offers nursing privacy, similar to the Mamava pods at US airports) at a few major train stations in Japan as well.
 

Medical Services in Japan

As a parent, I’m more concerned with the availability of healthcare services than I ever was before traveling with a baby. Thankfully Japan has a wonderful medical system with perfectly capable doctors.

I know this firsthand as I needed to visit a doctor in Kyoto when my asthma flared up. I was able to visit an international doctor at a clinic that services foreigners the same day. All of the medication the doctor prescribed was available there as well. In most cases they’ll want a cash payment which you can then submit to your travel insurance for reimbursement.

In non-emergency situations, look for a doctor that specializes in international patients as there can be language barriers. I was able to find mine easily on Google Maps. Otherwise, hospitals are widely available, even in smaller towns.

Overall, I loved traveling in Japan with our baby. The clean family bathrooms provided an easy place to change him, feeding and buying supplies were easy, and getting around was simple with such a well-connected rail system.

I was worried with so many stops and logistics that it might be a nightmare, but everything is so well-organized in Japan, it all worked out. Plus, the adorable interactions between our son and the locals made it a heartwarming experience.

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings in 2012, Kristin has been traveling the world ever since. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

The post How to Travel Japan with a Baby appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Getting — and using — credit cards is an essential component of any travel hacking strategy, yet there’s still a lot of fear surrounding them. And that’s understandable. Most of us have been taught at one point or another that credit cards are bad. They are often synonymous with debt, which can be debilitating.

But there’s much more to credit cards than just debt. When understood and used responsibly, their rewards and benefits can unlock the world for you.

That’s why, today, I wanted to dispel some of that fear surrounding travel credit cards by explaining exactly how credit cards work. By understanding the system, you’ll be that much closer to making it work for you!

How Do Credit Cards Actually Work?

Credit cards allow you to borrow money from banks, which you then pay back later. They basically facilitate a short-term loan. When you open a credit card, you’ll get a credit limit, which is the limit up to which you can spend. Each month, you can then spend as much as your limit allows.

If you pay that money back at the end of the month, there is no penalty. Your “loan” is paid off and next month you can spend up to that limit again.

If you don’t pay off your card at the end of the month, you’ll be charged interest on the remaining amount. A lot of interest (likely around 20%).

The key to travel hacking with credit cards is to never spend more money than you actually have, even if your credit limit is higher than that. You want to basically use your credit card like a debit card, spending only what you can actually afford, and then paying the balance in full each month. By doing so, you’ll avoid those hefty interest charges.

When used this way, travel credit cards can be an incredible tool for earning free flights, travel perks, and hotel stays — and all without spending extra money. Simply buy your groceries, gas, dinners outs — whatever you usually spend money on — with your travel credit card and pay off the balance each month. Do that, and you can enjoy all the positives (free travel) without the negatives (high interest rates). You’ll also improve your credit rating, which can help you down the road should you ever need to make a large purchase.

By using the system this way, you can get tons of free flights, hotel rooms, vacations, and even cash back. Best of all? It’s never been easier to earn points. You can even earn points on your rent now!

How to Get Started Using Credit Cards

If you’re new to using credit cards, you might not have much of a credit history and may not be approved for the best travel cards. If that’s the case, you’ll want to work on improving your credit.

To start, I recommend getting a secured credit card. This is when you pay a balance in advance (usually a few hundred dollars), which then becomes your credit limit. You can spend up to that amount and pay it off, thereby showing the credit card companies that you’re a responsible credit user.

Capital One and Bank of America both have secured cards to help you build credit. You can also check with your local bank or credit union to see if it offers any options (many do).

Another way to improve your score is asking to become an authorized user on the card of someone with good credit. This can help your score, though keep in mind that that person will be on the hook for the balance. Only do this with someone you trust, and don’t betray that trust by leaving them with the bill or hurting their credit score!

However you work on improving your score, as it goes up, you’ll be able to apply and be approved for unsecured cards, which are typically what you think of what you think of a credit card. You’ll likely want to start with no-fee travel cards as you get the hang of travel hacking, as they are generally easier to get.
 

Picking a Credit Card

There’s no perfect credit card, only the right credit card for you. Everyone has different goals, so first, you’ll want to determine your goals, so you can figure out which card will get you there. Not having a goal is one of the biggest travel hacking mistakes you can make, because it leaves you unguided, like a ship without a rudder.

Do you want your points to cover your hotel stay for your friend’s wedding next summer? Or maybe you want free flights to Mexico for a winter getaway. Maybe you care about making your travels more comfortable and want a more premium card that offers perks like airport lounge access.

Whatever the case, there’s a card out there for you.

Here are a few key things to look for when picking a card:

1. A huge welcome offer – These offers, also known as sign-up bonuses, are the fast track to a lot of points in a relatively short period of time. By spending a certain amount of money after opening the card, you’ll receive a bunch of points at once. For example, “unlock 60,000 points if you spend $3,000 USD within the first three months of having the card” is a standard welcome offer format you’ll see often. For reference, that amount of points could roughly be equal to a round-trip economy flight from the US to Europe, so these welcome offers should not be ignored. They’re the fastest way to get points and miles when you first start travel hacking.

2. Bonus earning categories – These are categories in which you’ll get more points than just one point per dollar spent (the default for most cards). For example, the Bilt card offers 3x points per dollar spent on dining, 2x points per dollar spent on travel, and 5x points on Lyft. If a lot of your spending falls in those categories, you can see how much easier it is to rack up points than if you were only getting 1x point for each dollar spent. Never accept one point per dollar spent. Look for at least two.

3. Travel perks that you’ll actually use – Travel cards are continually trying to outdo each other by adding different perks. Make sure that the card you choose comes with perks you’ll actually use! I personally prioritize lounge access, free checked bags, and priority boarding (on my airline credit cards), free hotel stays (on my hotel credit cards), and no foreign transaction fees (you should never ever get a card that charges these fees). But your priorities might be different, so find a card that works for you.

For a more in-depth look at picking a credit card, head to my dedicated post on the subject.
 

Common Travel Credit Card Perks

Travel rewards credit cards come with a variety of perks geared toward travelers. Generally, the higher the annual fee, the more perks you’ll receive, though even no-fee cards come with some rewards and benefits.

Here are some rewards and benefits that you can expect from most travel credit cards:

• No foreign transaction fees (that means you won’t have to pay an extra fee when using your card outside of the US)
• Travel insurance and protection (always read the fine print so you know exactly what it covers)
• Bonus earning categories (dining and travel are the most common ones)
• Ability to transfer your points to travel partners (to redeem them for free flights and hotel stays)

While many people are initially reluctant to pay an annual fee, cards with fees give you more perks, which can greatly outweigh the annual cost. In addition to the perks above, cards with fees also usually include:

• Bonus categories with higher earning rates (so you can rack up points faster)
• Airport lounge access
• Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
• Travel and lifestyle statement credits

Hotel and airline cards come with perks like early check-in, free checked baggage, and priority boarding for that specific hotel or airline.

As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to having a credit card (or several) that’ll make your travels that much easier!
 

FAQ About Credit Cards

Do I have to pay off my balance as soon as I purchase something?
You don’t have to pay off your balance after every purchase. There is usually a grace period of a few weeks between your purchase and when the payment is due. As long as you pay your balance in full by the statement due date, you’re fine. “Carrying a balance” means paying past the due date — in which case, you’ll incur interest charges, something you never want to do as those negate the benefits of the card.

The average interest rate for credit cards in the US is 20%, so you always want to pay your debt in full each month.

Does opening a lot of credit cards hurt my credit?
While it’s true that opening and closing a lot of cards at once can briefly hurt your credit, applying for a few over a period of time won’t kill your score, which slightly dips every time there is an inquiry, whether that is applying for a credit card, home loan, or car loan. It’s how the system is set up. As long as you space out your applications and pay your bills each month, your credit won’t sustain any long-term damage.

How is my credit score calculated?
Many people mistakenly think that credit scores only have to do with whether you pay your credit card off on time. But credit card bureaus consider a variety of factors, including: your payment history, your credit usage (the percentage of your available credit that you’re using), how long you’ve been building credit, your credit mix (the different types of credit you have), and inquiries for new credit.

How do I find my credit score?
You can see your credit score and report for free by going to AnnualCreditReport.com. (Federal law requires each of the credit bureaus to give you a free report once every 12 months.) You’ll then be able to see what areas you need to work on, so you can start improving them.

How old do you have to be to get a credit card?
Technically, you can start applying for credit cards at age 18, though requirements make it difficult to actually get approved. You’ll likely have no credit history at this age and so will have to prove income, which can be difficult if you’re a student. Your best option for building credit if you’re between the ages of 18 and 21 is to get either a secured credit card or a student credit card, or become an authorized user on someone else’s card. After age 21, these restrictions fall away, and it becomes easier to get a “normal” credit card.

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed tons of free flights, free upgrades, free hotel stays, and other perks just by using credit cards. There’s no reason you can’t be enjoying those too. As long as you pay off your balance each month, you can use your everyday purchases to earn free travel and other incredible perks — all without extra spending.

Don’t leave money on the table. Start travel hacking today!

The post How Do Credit Cards Work? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I write a lot about using credit cards to get points and miles for free travel. It’s a topic I’m passionate about because it has not only saved me thousands of dollars over the years, but it’s helped thousands of my readers too.

And, while earning points and miles has never been easier (at least in the US), there’s a common question I get that I wanted to address today.

“Matt, what if I have bad credit? I can’t get those fancy cards. What can I do?”

While it’s true that if you have bad credit you probably won’t get approved for the best travel credit cards right off the bat, that doesn’t mean you can’t get approved for any card. Just because you don’t have the best credit today doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start working towards better credit tomorrow.

Having bad credit can be difficult in the credit-centered US, but it’s something you can improve — more quickly than you might think. Banks know that not everyone has excellent credit, and many offer credit cards for people either rebuilding their credit or starting to build credit from scratch. You can also check with your local bank and credit unions to see if they offer any options (many do).

To help you get started, here’s my list of the best credit cards for people with bad credit (as well as everything you need to know about credit scores).

 

What Is a Credit Score?

The first credit score wasn’t invented until the late 1950s, and the FICO score (which 90% of lenders use) wasn’t introduced until 1989. But, since then, they’ve become an incredibly important part of financial life in the United States.

A credit score is a number between 300-850 that attempts to predict how likely you are to pay a loan off, and if you’ll do so on time. Lenders (like banks and credit card companies) use your credit score to determine whether to give you a new account of credit, which could be a credit card, mortgage, or car loan. Your credit score also influences key factors when opening new accounts, like the interest rate and credit limit (with higher credit scores come lower interest rates and higher credit limits).

Credit rating companies, of which FICO® is the most widely used, get credit reports from the three credit rating bureaus, Experian, Equifax®, and TransUnion®. FICO® uses five factors to come up with your score (in order of descending importance): payment history, credit utilization, credit age, credit mix, and credit inquiries.

Since the number and frequency of credit inquiries makes up part of your score, you may see a slight dip when you apply for a new card, but it bounces back pretty quickly (especially because when you open a new line of credit, your credit utilization goes down, since you are using up less of your available credit).

If you’re not sure what your credit score is, start by finding out by requesting your free score and credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Federal law requires each of the credit bureaus to give you a free report once every 12 months. Make sure to look at not just your score but your report too as then you’ll be able to see the areas in which you need to improve.

To give you an idea of where your score falls, here are the general ranges for FICO® credit scores:

• Poor (580 and below)
• Fair (580-669)
• Good (670-739)
• Very Good (740-799)
• Exceptional (800 and above)

“Bad credit” is considered to be in the poor or fair range.
 

Secured vs Unsecured Cards

When it comes to applying for credit cards, there are two types of credit cards you can get: secured and unsecured cards. If you have bad credit, your best option may be getting a secured credit card. These are cards offered to those who have bad credit, as they are less risky for both you and the bank.

You’ll be required to put down a security deposit in advance (usually a few hundred dollars), which then becomes your credit limit. You can spend up to that amount, which proves to the credit card companies that you’re a responsible credit user. (But, crucially, this security deposit does not go towards paying your balance. You still have to pay that off in full each month. The security deposit is just a back up for the credit card companies in case you don’t.)

Secured cards usually have fairly low credit limits, high interest rates, and rarely come with rewards, but they’re a good steppingstone as you work to build credit.

As you improve your score, you’ll be able to apply for unsecured cards (though there are some unsecured cards that will approve those with bad credit; you’ll see a couple on this list). These are your standard credit cards, or what probably already comes to mind when you think of one. As your score goes up, more and more cards will become available to you, though you’ll need a good or excellent score to get approved for the best travel credit cards.

The good news is that many credit card companies now offer a prequalification tool where you can put in your information and see if you’re likely to be approved before you submit your application. You can get prequalified without a “hard pull,” meaning that your credit score won’t be impacted since actually applying for a card does create a dip in your credit score.

With all that in mind, here are some of the best credit cards for bad credit:

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One is known for having some of the best travel credit cards out there, and they’re leading the way in secured credit cards too. This card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase, which isn’t common in a secured credit card. It also has no foreign transaction fees, so you can start using this for any overseas adventures you already have planned. As you build credit, you can eventually easily transition to an unsecured version of the card.

With this card, you’ll get:

• No annual fee
• 1.5% cash back on every purchase
• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Prequalification option (see if you’re pre-approved with no impact on your credit score)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Free credit score monitoring with CreditWise
• Potential to upgrade to an unsecured Quicksilver card in the future
• Automatic consideration for a higher credit line in 6 months

While this is the best secured card for travelers, Capital One offers several other secured cards. Another popular option is their card_name, which offers a lot of the same features, but without the cashback rewards (so try to get the Quicksilver first).

Mission Lane Cash Back Visa Credit Card

This card is great amongst cards for people building credit, because it offers a straightforward 1-1.5% cash back (depending on your credit report). And as an unsecured card, there’s no security deposit required either. Note that the card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so you won’t want to use this one while traveling abroad.

The Mission Lane Cash Back Visa Credit Card offers:

• Prequalification option
• No security deposit requirement
• Unlimited 1-1.5% cash back
• No annual fee
• $300 minimum credit limit
• Automatic consideration for a higher credit line in 7 months

The Mission Lane Cash Back is aimed at those with fair credit, so if you’re unable to get approved, there’s also the card_name (which has no cash back and an annual fee but is easier to get).

Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

Issued by Stride Bank, this card sort of works like a prepaid debit card but it reports to the credit bureaus. So, if you want a foolproof way to build credit where you can never be charged interest, this is a great option. The downside is that you must open a Chime checking account, as the card works in tandem with your account.

Once you’ve made a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200, you can move money from your Chime checking account into Credit Builder card’s secured account, which you then use to pay off the card. And unlike with most secured cards, there’s also no set credit limit. You create your limit yourself with the money you deposit.

With this card, you’ll get:

• No annual fee
• No interest charges
• No minimum security deposit required
• No credit check (so there’s no impact on your current score)
• Ability to set your own credit limit
• Easy-to-use app to manage your account and card

Using travel credit cards has saved me a fortune over the years. It can do the same for you. And while having a bad credit score can seem like a death sentence as a traveler, it doesn’t have to be. By getting one of the credit cards above, you can start improving on your score today, getting you that much closer to unlocking cards that will earn you points and miles tomorrow!

Advertiser Disclosure: “Nomadic Matt has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Some or all of the card offers on this page are from advertisers and compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Nomadic Matt and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.”

Editorial Disclosure: “Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.”

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Known as Israel’s “nonstop city,” Tel Aviv is a lively, energetic city. Home to bustling markets and wild nightlife, it’s a city that doesn’t slow down. A large portion of the population here is under 35, which gives Tel Aviv a youthful, active feel that really brings it to life. It’s also a foodie hub and an amazing place to eat out.

Since it’s close to the largest airport in the country, most travelers start or end their journeys here. It’s one of the main stops on every trip to Israel.

But all of those restaurants and nights out add up, because Tel Aviv is also an expensive city (relative to the rest of the region). That means you’re going to want to watch your budget while you’re here.

Fortunately, there’s a well-worn backpacker and budget travel scene here, with plenty of hostels to choose from. But they aren’t all created equal.

To help you plan your trip, save money, and have fun, I’ve created a list of the best hostels in Tel Aviv. These are the places I stay at when I visit so you know they’re all safe, social, and affordable.

Here are my favorite hostels in Tel Aviv:

Price legend (per night):

• $ – Under 100 ILS
• $$ – 100-150 ILS
• $$$ – Over 150 ILS

1. Abraham Tel Aviv

This is my favorite hostel in town. It’s a huge place but still feels like a friendly, social hostel. There are multiple bars and common areas where you can chill out, and while it’s not a party hostel, it is lively and energetic and there’s always something happening. I especially loved the massive rooftop terrace and bar. There are hammocks for when you want to relax and plenty of space to work if you’re a digital nomad.

The hostel also has a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a filling free breakfast each morning. It has its own tour company too, in case you need help booking excursions. The beds aren’t super comfy and don’t have curtains, but there are lockers to store your stuff as well as reading lights and outlets.

Abraham Tel Aviv at a glance:

• $$
• Free breakfast
• Huge rooftop terrace for hanging out
• Three bars on-site

Beds from 125 ILS, private rooms from 446 ILS.

2. Selina Tel Aviv Beach

Selina is one of the best hostel chains out there. Its properties are always clean, social, and comfortable, and this one is no exception. The hostel is right near the beach too, and you can rent surfboards if you want to hit the waves. The beds in the dorms have super comfy mattresses and all the beds have outlets, lockers, and individual lights.

I especially loved the rooftop area, which has a lively bar and a huge common area (as well as a couple of small pools) where you can drink and lounge in the sun. There’s a wellness area for doing yoga, a little library for when you want some peace and quiet, and a co-working space, making this the best place in town for digital nomads.

Selina Tel Aviv Beach at a glance:

• $$
• Female-only dorm
• Co-working space and wellness area
• Lively rooftop bar makes it easy to socialize

Beds from 144 ILS, private rooms from 466 ILS.

3. Marina Ben-Gurion Hostel

This funky hostel has an arty, beachy vibe. There are lots of murals and street art on the walls painted by local artists. The main common area is huge, with hammocks, games, and a bar where you can grab a cheap drink and hang out. The place has a very laid-back, DIY feel to it, and everything is super chill.

The beds are basic and don’t have curtains (or thick mattresses), but what makes up for that is the location. I love that it’s just a few minutes from several beaches (also a big park) and a short five-minute walk to the main nightlife hub.

Marina Ben-Gurion Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Convenient location near beaches and nightlife
• Huge common area makes meeting people a breeze
• Surfboards available for rent

Beds from 129 ILS, private rooms from 580 ILS.

4. Isla

This cozy pod hostel is a quiet place to stay, with more of a hotel feel. The adjustable pod beds are super comfy; I love the thick mattresses and the added privacy. Each pod also has a light and outlet and comes with a towel too. The bathrooms are all new and clean, and the showers had nice water pressure (a big plus for me).

While there is a common area and a café (with a daily happy hour), this is definitely a quieter hostel and not one built around socializing. So, if you want a peaceful place to stay and don’t care about meeting people, this is the place for you.

Isla at a glance:

• $$$
• Super cozy pod beds
• Quiet atmosphere
• Daily happy hour

Beds from 157 ILS, private rooms from 522 ILS.

5. Jungle Jaffa

This is a fun, social party hostel with lots of free perks, including coffee and tea all day, as well as a daily vegan dinner (breakfast is available too, but for a small fee). There’s a fully equipped kitchen too. It’s also the cheapest hostel in the city. I love that they organize tons of events, like comedy nights and karaoke, so it’s easy to connect with other travelers. There’s an age limit (18-45), so it’s only younger travelers here.

The beds are basic bunks with no curtains and average mattresses, but since the party goes late here, the emphasis isn’t on sleeping. Expect loud, late nights!

Jungle Jaffa at a glance:

• $
• Free vegan dinner daily
• Party atmosphere makes it easy to meet people
• 18-45 age limit

Beds from 65 ILS, private rooms from 203 ILS.

6. The Spot

This large hostel sort of caters to everyone. It is social, but not a party place, so it’s easy to meet people, but you can also do your own thing here. There’s a kitchen if you want to cook and a bar for grabbing a beer if you want to socialize. If you’re a digital nomad, there’s an area for co-working (which I appreciated). I really liked the outdoor patio too, which was a nice place to read and work.

I love the dorm beds; they were super comfy and had privacy curtains, so I could get a decent sleep. There are lockers to store your stuff as well as individual lights and outlets.

The Spot at a glance:

• $$
• Bar and restaurant on-site
• Relaxing outdoor patio
• Super comfy dorm beds

Beds from 104 ILS, private rooms from 217 ILS.

Tel Aviv is an energetic city with nonstop nightlife, a beachy waterfront, and an amazing culinary scene. And given the gorgeous weather and a ton of unforgettable day trips on offer, it makes for a fun base as you explore the country.

Just make sure you pick one of the hostels above for your stay. Do that, and you’ll have a fun, social, and safe visit to this dynamic destination!

The post The 6 Best Hostels in Tel Aviv appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Seville is gorgeous. It’s full of beautiful architecture and is considered the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. Known for its flamenco dancing and its unique blend of European and Islamic style, it’s a popular stop along the main tourist trail around the country.

And while it doesn’t see as many visitors as Barcelona or Madrid, it has a large student population (so it’s affordable) and has a ton of things to see and do (and eat), from ornate palaces to historical cathedrals to mouth-watering tapas.

To help you make the most of your visit, here’s my list of the best walking tours in Seville. These will introduce you to the city and ensure you see the stunning highlights that have put it on the map — as well as get you off the beaten path!

Best Overall Tour

Learn More

Take Walks

I’ve taken Take Walks tours all over Europe and it is, by far, my favorite tour company. They always manage to go above and beyond, with tours that are both fun and educational.

In Seville, they run two incredible walks: Seville in a Day is the perfect intro to the city, covering all the highlights, but for something unique, choose Alone in the Alcázar, which gives you early insider access to the royal palace that other tours don’t get. I can’t recommend them enough!

Best Free Tour

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New Europe

When it comes to free walking tours, New Europe sets the standard. It runs solid introductory tours all around Europe, and its Seville offering is no exception. On this 2.5-hour walk, you’ll see highlights such as the Torre del Oro, Triana Bridge, and Santa Ana Church. And while the tour is free, remember to tip your guide at the end!

Here are a few more walking tour options to help you make the most of your time in Seville:
 

1. Devour Food Tours

As a foodie, I love food tours, and Devour is my go-to company. Its guides are local experts, and they always provide incredible experiences. In Seville, which is home to over 3,000 tapas bars, there are three tours on offer, including the four-hour Tastes, Tapas & Traditions, which takes you around the market and to tapas bars, where you’ll eat incredible dishes while meeting the people who make them.

If you just want to focus on tapas, the Tapas, Taverns & History tour covers some of the best spots in town. And if you want to experience flamenco culture, check out the Tapas and Flamenco tour, which will not disappoint.

Tours from 79 EUR.

2. Conoce Mi Ciudad

If you just want to see the main couple of highlights — the Alcázar and the Cathedral — this skip-the-line tour is for you. You’ll get to visit the palace, which is a UNESCO site and Game of Thrones filming location, with a guide who can bring the sweeping history and stunning design to life. You’ll also get to marvel at the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and climb its tower for stunning views. The tour lasts three hours.

Tours from 56 EUR.

3. White Umbrella Tours

White Umbrella runs a standard free walking tour that covers the highlights, but it also organizes a walking tour of Santa Cruz and the Jewish Quarter. You’ll learn about early life in the city, visit old churches and synagogues, and hear the stories of famous people who lived in or visited the city, like American writer Washington Irving, as well some local legends and spooky stories. It’s a great all-around tour that covers areas many others skip.

Tours from 12 EUR.

4. Not Just a Tourist

To explore beyond the main sights, consider taking an Off the Beaten Path tour. Instead of visiting huge historic sights, on this two-hour walk, you’ll explore cool neighborhoods, visit cozy cafés and bookstores, and explore small flea markets most tourists miss. It’s a calmer, quieter look at life in the city, getting you beyond the busy tourist traps to experience a slice of life of Seville.

Tours from 88 EUR.

5. Guías and Tours

If you’d rather take a tour that focuses on the unusual, Guías and Tours offers a cool Mysteries and Legends tour that highlights the city’s infamous characters and paranormal tales. You’ll learn about plagues, ghost sightings, and other spooky happenings, going back as far as the 13th century. If you’ve already seen the main sights and want something more unique and unconventional, this is it!

Tours from 13 EUR.

By taking a walking tour in Seville, you’ll be able to connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. You’ll also develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of southern Spain’s stunning cultural capital, which is bursting at the seams with glorious architecture. I always start my visits with a walking tour. I encourage you to do the same.

The post The Best Walking Tours in Seville appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Edinburgh is fabulous. Famed for its beauty, museums, castle, historic university, and literary past, it’s also a moody city but with a cozy feel. I think Edinburgh is a magical destination, from the pubs with live music to the cafés where you just want to snuggle up with a book to the cobblestone streets that seem to shine brighter on a cloudy day.

It’s also pretty compact and easily walkable. That’s great for travelers. And considering that everything you might want to see or do is within a small area and easily connected by bus, there are only a few areas in which to stay. (Of course, you could stay farther out and then take the bus, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s not worth the extra time and potential taxi/bus costs.)

Here’s a breakdown of the three neighborhoods you should stay in and my favorite accommodations in each:

Where to Stay in the Old Town

This area is the main center of the city. Here, along the Royal Mile, you’ll find a lot of the main tourist sites, historic streets to wander, and a number of cool bars and restaurants. This is the oldest part of town (hence the name), and it’s where most people stay. You’ll be in the center of the action and, while prices are little higher than elsewhere, you’ll likely spend most of your time wandering the area, so it’s super convenient.

Best places to stay in Old Town:

• BUDGET: Castle Rock – Located near the castle, this hostel is simply gorgeous. It’s an old beautiful house with lovely wood interiors, stone staircases, and a very historic, royal feel. It felt like being in an ancestral family mansion. I love that the staff organize events and dinners. In the dorms, the mattresses are comfortable and there are plenty of outlets to charge your devices. It’s one of my favorite hostels in Europe.
• MIDRANGE: Stay Central Hotel – Just three minutes from the Royal Mile, this three-star property is located in a 17th-century building that’s been completely modernized with flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, and rain showers in each room. I like that the rooms are bright and clean.
• LUXURY: Cheval Old Town Chambers – This stylish five-star hotel offers modern luxury apartments, making it the perfect choice for groups or travelers who simply need more space. I really like that beds are incredibly comfortable. There’s also a fitness center and rooms come with a washer and dryer.

Where to Stay in the New Town

This is the lower section of town, built on the outside of the castle area. Dating to 1767, it is the more “modern” part of the city, with neatly laid-out streets (as opposed to all the winding cobblestone lanes of the Old Town). Here you’ll find beautiful town squares and parks, a lot of shopping, and more accommodation options. It’s a cheaper part of the city to stay in, but it’s not as quintessentially charming as the Old Town.

Best places to stay in New Town:

• BUDGET: Haystack Hostel – Located near both the bus and train stations, this hostel has a fully equipped kitchen and a chill common room with lots of board games. The dorm beds are basic (simple metal bunks with thin mattresses), but there are lights, curtains, outlets, and lockers for each bed. It’s a small, quiet hostel with an intimate atmosphere, so I found that it’s easy to relax and meet people.
• MIDRANGE: Yotel – This four-star hotel is clean and modern, with spacious rooms and super comfortable beds. There’s a gym and bar on-site and a full English breakfast each morning. The rooms are small, but I didn’t want for any extra space. Though located on the farther end of the area, the hotel is just a 15-minute walk to the Royal Mile.
• LUXURY: Gleneagles Townhouse – An ornate and lavish five-star property, this hotel boasts beautiful rooms bedecked with antique furniture and historic designs. There’s a delicious breakfast each morning, a bar and gym on-site, and a spa and wellness center with a relaxing sauna. The beds are wonderfully plush and comfortable too.

Where to Stay in the Southside/University

I view this area as a separate part of town, though others might lump it in with the Old Town. It’s pretty close to the historic center but I think a far enough walk that it has its own vibe. Given that it’s the location of the university, it has a lot of cheap restaurants and pubs, and is close to the famous lookout, Arthur’s Seat. I like staying here, because there are fewer tourists, so it has a more local vibe to it.

Best places to stay in Southside/University:

• BUDGET: Argyle Backpackers – This laid-back hostel is located in an old townhouse. It feels more like you’re staying with a friend than in a hostel, as everything is cozy and homey (or “homely,” as the British say). It’s located on a quiet residential street just a 10–15-minute walk from the Old Town. I like that there’s a kitchen for cooking and a relaxing backyard space where you can hang out and meet other travelers. The staff are super lovely and really make you feel at home.
• MIDRANGE: The Salisbury Hotel – This boutique townhouse hotel in a quiet setting is just a five-minute drive from the Royal Mile. There’s a simple breakfast buffet offered each morning, and the friendly staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. The rooms all have original Georgian features, and there’s even parking available if you have a vehicle.
• LUXURY: Prestonfield House – This uber-luxurious, five-star hotel is wildly lavish; I love the really ornate decor. The rooms all have antique furnishings and the on-site restaurant hosts a posh afternoon tea. I think it’s the perfect choice for a luxe retreat or romantic getaway.

Edinburgh is small, so there are not a lot of places to explore. More distant neighborhoods do have hotels, and prices drop a lot the farther out you stay, but you’ll spend more of your trip on the bus (or too much money on Ubers) and away from the city’s best things to see and do. When visiting Edinburgh, just look at these three neighborhoods and pick the one that suits your plans best. You won’t go wrong.

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The post Where to Stay in Edinburgh: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded over 5,000 years ago. And while it is loaded with history, it’s not a stuffy, dusty capital fit only for antiquity buffs. It’s actually a lively, modern place with an incredible food scene and wild nightlife.

But it’s also expensive when compared to other destinations in the Middle East, so finding affordable accommodation is important if you don’t want to break the bank.

To help you make the most of your trip, here’s my list of the best hostels in Jerusalem. These are all fun, safe, and social, ensuring that you’ll have an amazing visit to the Holy City.

Price legend (per night):

• $ – Under 90 ILS
• $$ – 90-150 ILS
• $$$ – Over 150 ILS

1. Abraham Jerusalem

This is one of the most popular hostels not just in Israel but the world. I really liked that it was an energetic place with a friendly atmosphere and a bar. It felt really social. There’s also a tour desk on-site, so it’s easy to book all kinds of day trips and tours around the city, country, and region.

I liked the hostel’s arty feel, and while the bunks are basic metal ones with thin mattresses and without curtains, the rooms are clean and spacious, which I appreciated. There’s also a free breakfast too. I really loved the location, as it’s close to the Machane Yehuda Market (great to shop at) and it’s not a long walk to the Old City or Central Bus Station.

Abraham Jerusalem at a glance:

• $$$
• Tour desk on-site
• Lively, energetic atmosphere
• Super friendly staff

Beds from 161 ILS, private rooms from 793 ILS.

2. Stay Inn

This stylish hostel is laid-back and has comfy dorm rooms. The beds have thick mattresses and curtains (something I really appreciate) so you can get a decent sleep and there are individual lights and outlets too. The rooms also have AC (a big plus since it can get quite warm here). The hostel is very central, located right near the Midrachov (a popular pedestrian mall) and not far from Independence Park. I loved the common area on the roof and the breakfast each morning is fantastic.

Stay Inn at a glance:

• $$
• Delicious breakfast
• Comfy dorm beds
• Convenient location

Beds from 93 ILS, private rooms from 463 ILS.

3. The Post Hostel

This hostel has a stylish, contemporary feel. There’s a rooftop terrace where you can hang out (which I really loved), as well as a large kitchen for cooking your own meals. I liked that there’s also a bar for being social but also a movie room for whenever you want to take it easy after a late night out. The dorms are airy and bright and the bunks are comfy with lights, outlets, and lockers (no curtains).

The atmosphere isn’t super social (it feels a bit more like a hotel), but there is lots of common space for lounging. It’s not far from the Old City either.

The Post Hostel at a glance:

• $$$
• Quiet atmosphere
• Great location near all the main sights
• Clean, spacious dorms

Beds from 188 ILS, private rooms from 680 ILS.

4. Palm Hostel

This is one of the cheapest hostels in town. It’s got a no-frills place and, while the dorms are small and the beds are basic (thin mattresses and no curtains), it’s just a short walk to all the major Old City sights (you can reach everything in around 15 minutes). You really can’t beat the location, just steps from the busy Damascus Gate.

There are a few common areas where you can hang out (including an outdoor patio), and there’s also a small kitchen for cooking your own meals. I think it’s the perfect choice for budget backpackers who don’t need anything fancy.

Palm Hostel at a glance:

• $
• Amazing location near the major sights
• Very affordable
• Lots of common areas for hanging out and meeting people

Beds from 80 ILS, private rooms from 270 ILS.

5. Cinema Hostel

This cinema-themed hostel is a lively hostel located in an old movie theater. I really liked the atmosphere here; it’s quite social and there is lots of common space (indoor and outdoor), group activities (like yoga), and, of course, movie nights. I love the location too since it’s right near the Midrachov and all the nightlife, and just a 15-minute walk to the Old City. The dorms are simple and clean but the beds are basic metal bunks with thin mattresses and no curtains. There are lights and plugs for each bed and there is also a capsule dorm if you want more privacy. There’s a female-only dorm too.

Just note that there is an age cap here: you can’t be over 45 years old.

Cinema Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Female-only dorm
• Social atmosphere makes it easy to meet people
• Younger travelers only (18-45)

Beds from 95 ILS, private rooms from 150 ILS.

Jerusalem is popular among young backpackers, thanks to its blend of old and new. With incredible ancient sites as well as an energetic nightlife and world-class foodie scene, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Middle East.

By staying in one of the hostels above, you’ll be guaranteed to have fun, save money, and make the most of your time in this iconic, historic capital!

The post The 5 Best Hostels in Jerusalem appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.