SafetyWing Review: What Happened When My Flight Was Delayed 24 Hours
The cascading waterfalls of Ribeira Flores on the Azorean island of Flores is worth the flight delay to visit.
Since I travel full-time, one of the most important things I buy is travel medical insurance that includes travel delay coverage. I’ve been using SafetyWing for years and have previously written a review of my experience with medical claims. During a three-month Europe trip this spring, I used the travel benefit coverage for my SafetyWing Nomad Insurance plan when my flight to the Azores was canceled in May. In this post, I share my experience about filing a travel benefit claim with SafetyWing.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn affiliate revenue at no cost to you, which goes toward blog maintenance costs.
Who is SafetyWing?
SafetyWing offers two types of travel medicial insurance polices, Essential and Complete.
SafetyWing is a fully remote startup founded in 2018 by expats and nomads providing travel medical insurance. The company provides two types of policies: Nomad Insurance Essential , flexible coverage from 5 to 364 days, and Nomad Insurance Complete, long-term full health insurance with additional travel protections. U.S. residents are not eligible for the latter. Neither policy covers preexisting conditions. For a full breakdown of each policy, SafetyWing has a nice visual chart of coverage options.
What are SafetyWing’s Travel Benefit Coverage?
SafetyWing covers delayed transportation more than three hours for flights, boats, trains and buses. A delay over three hours qualifies for a $60 reimbursement, while an eight-hour delay is $150 per night and up to $450 USD per trip and $900 per active insurance period.
The travel benefits also include inaccessible or canceled accommodation, lost checked luggage, stolen passport/travel visa, theft of wallet, along with trip interruption coverage. Visit the SafetyWing website for a full list of travel benefits.
If you decide to use SafetyWing, use code TravelAnna for 8 weeks of free electronic theft coverage on new 28-day subscription or annual Nomad Essential plans. New members only.
My Review of SafetyWing’s Travel Delay Benefit
Poço do Bacalha waterfall near Fajã Grande on Flores island, Azores.
In early May, I visited Flores and Corvo, the two most remote islands in the Azores, which are not easy to reach and often involve multiple flight connections on tiny propeller planes. On our way to Flores, we flew from Lisbon to Terceira for a six-hour layover (ugh!) on SATA Airlines, the only airline that serves the remote islands.
Roughly an hour before our flight, the airport made a cancellation announcement because the incoming flight was canceled due to mechanical problems. My friend and I lined up at the airline service desk and were given tickets to the same flight the next day, a 24-hour delay.
After getting our new boarding passes, my friend said we should get a proof of delay letter from the airline, which is something I would not have thought to do. It’s very important to gather all the required documents and proof of delay before leaving the airport. Double check the airline fills out the form correctly.
SATA included the wrong flight number (the canceled incoming flight that in turn canceled our flight) on the form and listed an “irregularity” as the reason for the delay. (The form was in both English and Portuguese.) I didn’t catch the flight number issue because the numbers were so similar, and I was exhausted from being up at 5 a.m.
While the airline did offer some compensation, including a round-trip taxi to the main town, SafetyWing’s travel benefit was a huge help . The airline offered a hotel, which we declined due to the inconvenient location, and chose our own.
Since the delay was over eight hours, I was entitled to a $150 benefit from SafetyWing, which covered our hotel (with free breakfast) and my dinner and lunch exactly. The airline was only offering vouchers for airport cafe meals (ham and cheese sandwiches), which we declined.
SafetyWing Discount Codes
Use code TravelAnna for 8 weeks of free electronic theft coverage on new 28-day subscription or annual Nomad Essential plans. New members only.
Due to our flight delay, we got to spend a night in the UNESCO town of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceria.
The delay happened on May 2nd, and I filed the claim on May 5th. The form was very simple and provided a place to explain the situation, so I typed a short paragraph. I submitted my receipt for purchasing the flight, the airline proof of delay letter, along with the boarding pass for the canceled flight and the new flight. I also uploaded receipts for the hotel and meals, totaling $150.86. It only took a few minutes to fill out the claim form because I had the documents organized in advance.
I got an email from a real human the following day requesting proof of the transportation delay, which was likely due to the error on the form. Since Flores was small, I stopped by the airport to correct the issue. The staff corrected the flight number but could not change the “irregularity” line to canceled. I submitted the new form and got a similar email the next day. I explained the issue with the form and attached a screenshot of a text from the airline saying the flight was canceled. The claim was approved the next day (May 8th), and the payment was direct deposited on May 19th. The entire process was completed in less than two weeks and would have been expedited if the airline hadn’t made a mistake on the form.
Under the new EU flight delay rules, SATA Airlines also owes us additional compensation, which we applied for the same day as the SafetyWing claim but have heard no response from the airline in over two months!
Overall, the process for filing a claim for SafetyWing’s travel delay benefit was fast and easy , and the 24/7 customer service always responded promptly. It was a much more pleasant experience than dealing with the airline support.
2-Week Eurail Itinerary: How to Travel Europe by Train (Budapest, Bratislava, Lake Bled & More)
Sunrise at Fisherman’s Bastion, a fairytale-like UNESCO World Heritage Site in Budapest, Hungary, one of the highlights of my Eurail trip.
The best way to explore Europe is by train. Eurail makes it easy and affordable to travel seamlessly between countries in Europe without the hassle of airports. This spring, I spent three months in Europe with a long stint in the Azores for work. I was on a mission to explore some new parts of Central Europe and decided on a roughly two-week train trip to Wales and a Budapest-to-Zagreb journey with stops in Budapest, Bratislava (my new favorite city!), Vienna, Lake Bled (Slovenia) and Zagreb.
To help you plan your own European rail adventure, I wanted to break down my trip by location to share the best things to do, where to stay and eat, along with helpful tips on how to make the most of your Eurail pass.
Locations Visited: London, Conwy (Wales), Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Lake Bled, Zagreb
Duration of Trip: 16 Days
Type of Eurail Pass: Eurail Global First Class 15-Day Continuous Pass ($717 USD)
Disclosure : Eurail provided a free rail pass for this trip. All opinions are my own. The Eurail links are not affiliate links, but other affiliate links are included. If you make a purchase, I earn affiliate revenue at no cost to you.
Types of Eurail Passes
Eurail sells one country passes and global passes valid for two or more countries. Global passes include 33 countries and have two types: continuous or flexi, a set number of days within a month. All passes include unlimited travel .
Calculate how many days you will need to be traveling by train on your trip. If you are going to spend a few days in each city in between trains, then the cheaper flexible (flexi) passes are often your best bet. Since my trip was only 16 days, including four in Zagreb at the end, the 15-day continuous pass was perfect for me.
How to Use Your Eurail Pass
First, add and activate your Eurail Pass to your app (left), then start adding trains to your journey (right).
Activating your Eurail Pass and planning your trip is a breeze. First, purchase the pass that best suits your trip duration and type. Be sure to save and screenshot your confirmation email.
Next, download the Eurail Rail Planner App. To load your pass, simply go to the My Pass section on the bottom of the app, hit the plus button in the top right corner and follow the prompts to add your pass using your last name and pass number from your email confirmation.
Create a new trip under the My Trip section and name it accordingly. (I named mine Europe May 2026.) Then, use the planner tool to search for trains and add them to your trip, which automatically adds them to your pass. This feature easily organizes trains chronologically.
When you board the train, simply tap on My Pass, your trip name and show ticket to display a barcode railway staff scanned easily.
Conwy, Wales
An aerial view from one of the eight towers at the 13th-century ruins of Conwy Castle in Wales.
Why Go: Conwy Castle is one of the most intact medieval castles in Europe.
Where to Stay: I loved this centrally located Airbnb .
How to get there: Express train from London Euston to Chester and Express from Chester to Conwy (3.5 hours)
How Long: Two nights
Despite having lived in England, I had never been to Wales, so I Googled “ best castle town in Wales, ” and Conwy was the perfect match. (I started my trip in the UK because I needed to make sure, I didn’t go over my 90 days in the Schengen.)
Conwy Castle, a behemoth ruin on the banks of the River Conwy, is the main attraction for good reason. I highly recommend climbing all eight towers for the views. For the best photos of the castle, take a stroll on the walking paths on both sides of the river.
For tasty meat pies, try the spicy dragon rolls or the turkey/cranberry ones at Edwards of Conwy. The soup and homemade scones at 2 The Square (right below my Airbnb !) were lovely. The Albion, a co-op between local craft breweries, is a good spot for a drink.
Benefits of Eurail Pass in U.K.
First-class trains in the U.K. are like business class on a plane —food and drinks (including craft beer and alcohol) are free. Of course, I didn’t know this and was sitting there with my Marks & Spencer’s sandwich like a peasant. No other train on my trip provided free food. The value for the money for the first-class Eurail Pass in the UK is unmatched in the rest of Europe. This short journey alone paid for my pass! (I break down the pricing in this section.) This was the nicest train of my entire trip.
I started my journey at London Heathrow and Eurail covers the Elizabeth Line train, so it was easy to get around in London, but I had to pay for a short Tube ride to connect to Euston station. My Eurail pass wouldn’t scan, so I always had to show it to an attendant for the Elizabeth Line. (FYI: The line connects directly to Paddington Station.)
Seat reservations are free on trains in the UK, so I made sure to reserve my seats at advance in the station. (You can do this in the Eurail app, but it’s paid. The app said reservations were required for my train, but this was not true.) Due to time and the fact that my job was paying for the flight, I flew from London to Budapest instead of taking the train, which would have been covered by my pass.
Budapest, Hungary
A sunset view of Budapest’s parliament building from across the Danube River.
Why Go: Thermal baths, architecture (Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion) and eclectic dive bars
Where to Stay: I loved this beautiful apartment on Airbnb.
How to get to Budapest: I flew from London to start my trip.
How Long: Three nights
Budapest did not disappoint. I purposely chose an Airbnb away from one of the city’s most famous and largest ruin bars (dive bars housed in abandoned buildings ), Szimpla Kert. One of my favorite photos spots was the fairytale-esque Fisherman’s Bastion that provides excellent views of the Parliament building. (I went at sunrise (5:30 a.m.!), and it was packed with Instagrammers who disappeared after an hour, so I finally had it to myself.)
It was cold and rainy, so I decided to visit the indoor circa 1571 Rudas Thermal Baths. The historic rooms were cool, but I was bored after an hour and left. One of the highlights was the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center, a gallery with rotating exhibits and a permanent exhibition about the famed Hungarian-born war photographer who assumed an American identity to command higher wages.
The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library is worth a visit. It costs $6 (for non-members) to explore the portion of the library housed in an ornate 19th-century palace.
Budapest Eurail Transit Tips
Since I had a lot of luggage, I ended up taking a taxi to the train station because the metro has the steepest escalators I’ve ever seen! The Eurail app said that a seat reservation was required for my train, which was true. I stopped by the train station the day before to book a seat. It was three Euros in person and six through the app. (It’s always cheaper to book seats in person at the station.) It was always very easy to book seat reservations in advance in person. I just showed my app with my pass and never had an issue.
Bratislava, Slovakia
A view of Bratislava Castle from the top of St. Michael’s Tower.
Why Go: Laid-back European capital with cobbled streets and castles minus the crowds
Where to Stay: LOFT Hotel Bratislava
How to get there from Budapest: RJ276 Railjet Train from Budapest-Nyugati to Bratislava Hlavna Stanica (2.5 hours)
How Long: Two nights
Bratislava (Slovakia’s capital) was the most surprising part of the trip. I absolutely loved it—such a fun, livable city with large public parks and tons of people walking dogs. Plus, the craft beer and food were top-notch.
During its golden age, the city was the coronation capital of the Kingdom of Hungary from 1536-1783 at St. Martin’s Cathedral. The city is famous for its preserved cobbled old town, gorgeous palaces, quirky street statues (like Napoleon leaning on a bench) and the UFO bridge .
Buying the 24-hour (30 Euros) Bratislava Card was the most affordable way to see all the sights, but it was a struggle to see them all in one day! Public transport is also included. (Most European cities have this pass, but I didn’t find it to be a good value in Budapest for my interests.)
The best view in town is from the St. Michael’s Gate tower in the morning, and the interior of the pink-hued Primates Palace was very photogenic. Devin Castle, perched at the confluence of the Danube and Morava Rivers, is one of the country’s most important landmarks and worth the 30-minute bus ride.
Bratislava Eurail Travel Tips
The aging Bratislava train station wasn’t my favorite station of the trip, but it was very walkable from the old town (35 minutes). I chose a hotel ( LOFT Hotel Bratislava ) halfway between the two. The train to Vienna was a short 56-minute journey on an older commuter train with compartments of seat benches that face each other like they do in movies. Seat reservations weren’t possible. Even on the smaller trains like this, my Eurail pass worked easily with no issues.
Vienna, Austria
Why Go: Imperial history, classical music and coffeehouse culture
Where to Stay: DoubleTree
How to get there from Bratislava: ER 2515 Euregio from Bratislava Hlavna Stancia to Wien Hbf (56 minutes)
How Long: One night
Vienna was just a practical stop to break up the trip for the long journey to Lake Bled the next day. I’d been here before, and it’s not really my favorite. (Vienna does parks well, I will say.) I did walk around to a few locations from Before Sunrise, one of my favorite travel movies. The lounge for first-class was nice in Vienna and included a few snacks. It was mostly nice to have a quiet place to relax before the train.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
The view of Bled Island in Lake Bled from the Ojstrica viewpoint.
Why Go: Emerald-green lake with a cliffside castle and a 17th-century church perched on an island
Where to Stay: Centrally-located Airbnb just steps from bus station
How to get there from Vienna: RJX 52 Railjet Express to Villach Hbf connecting to EC 115 EuroCity train to Lesce Bled (5 hours if trains are on time)
How Long: Two nights
The beauty of Lake Bled is undeniable, but beauty often equals crowds. Even on a weekend visit, I found ways to escape the hordes (go out before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.) to hike and paddleboard in relative solitude. It was a perfect weekend. (I did a morning run around the lake at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning, and it was nearly deserted!)
I used the eastern edge of the lake in Bled, the largest village on the lake, as my base, which I would recommend. The first thing I did was walk the 3.7-mile loop (1.5 to 2 hours) around the lake at sunset to scout for photo locations.
For 20 Euro roundtrip, I took a traditional wooden pletna boat (rowed by a local oarsman) with other travelers to Bled Island to visit the 17th century Church of Assumption to ring the famous wishing bell. The island is worth visiting, and you can also rent a smaller rowboat to go on your own.
I’m a hiker, so I scouted the best time to trek to viewpoints for the best light for photos, which is 4 p.m. in late May. I did the Ojstrica Loop, going to the Mala Osojnia viewpoint first (highest view to separate the island from the mountains), then to the famous (and more crowded) Instagram spot of Ojstrica (island is centered in the lake with a rock people can stand on for photos).
I rented a paddleboard for 15 Euros/hour and had a magical Sunday morning. (You can’t land on the island in a paddleboard.) I recommend renting boats and paddleboards on the western side of the lake at this spot because it’s closer to the island. On my walk back to Bled on the southern side of the lake, I met an old man named Bobi selling paintings for 4 Euros who literally made my trip. When you buy a painting, he paints a portrait of you and him on the back!
For food, I loved the peach burrata salad and local wines at Beestro Bled, ice cream from Jodlar, baked goods and affordable sandwiches from Pekarna Planika (affordable) and pricey but delicious sandwiches for the train from the Market by the Lake.
Parking is terrible, so I’d avoid having a car unless you have parking at your accommodation. It’s easy to walk everywhere.
Lake Bled Eurail Travel Tips
Traditional wooden pletna boats, rowed by an oarsman, drop off people at Bled Island for 20 Euros round-trip.
The town of Bled is about a six-minute drive from Lesce Bled train station. A taxi is 15 Euros, so I took the bus for 1.50 Euros. Check the bus schedule on the tourism website.
Arriving in Lake Bled by Train
The best thing about the Eurail pass is the ability to hop on almost any train (that doesn’t require reservations) instantly. If you miss a train, you just catch the next one with no drama. This was a huge benefit on my way to Bled because my initial train from Vienna was late, so I missed my connecting train and had to wait two hours for the next one. I didn’t have to stand in line to change my ticket. The first-class car on the smaller train was only half a carriage and not really the best.
Departing Lake Bled by Train
Since there were only two direct trains from Lesce Bled to Zagreb (an early and later afternoon one), I stored my luggage at Funturist Bled, a rafting, biking and outdoor company at the bus station for 5 Euros a bag. I highly recommend this spot because the owner was so nice and helpful with travel details. This train was packed, and the first-class car was overly crowded, so book ahead for seats if you can. (The Lesce station is staffed infrequently, so seat reservations were impossible in person, and it wasn’t an option in the app.)
Zagreb, Croatia
The colorful tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church in Zagreb, built in 1880, features the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia on the left and the emblem of Zagreb on the right.
Why Go: Crowd-free capital with an excellent food scene
How to get there from Lake Bled: EC 115 EuroCity from Lesce Bled to Zagreb (3.5 hours)
How Long: Four Nights
Zagreb was a charming, livable city with a great food scene. It’s a refreshing break from the crowded hotspots of Spilt and Dubrovnik. It’s famous for the world’s shortest funicular ride (217 feet!) and the intricate, colorful tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church and the Grič Tunnel, an underground walkway through a former bomb shelter during World War II.
While those are all cool, the best thing in Zagreb is the Museum of Broken Relationships, a crowd-funded art project sharing objects and stories from broken relationships of all types (romantic, work, family and friendship). It’s hilarious, heartbreaking and above all, real. It’s worth going to Zagreb just for this award-winning museum!
The culinary scene is fabulous. Stop by Bastion No. 19 for some unique wines —one of the Croatian co-owners is the beverage manager for Gaggan in Bangkok. The Garden Brewery is an easy train ride from the city center and has one of the best taprooms in Europe. La Štruk serves up traditional Croatian štrukli, a baked dish of dough and fillings.
Eurail FAQ: Is a Eurail pass worth it?
The Eurail Rail Planner app keeps track of your journey.
Yes, my Eurail pass saved me almost $300! An adult Eurail First Class 15-day consecutive pass is 618 EUR/$717 USD, while the total cost of individual tickets would have been $1,011.92. The pass saved me 27% of the total cost.
Prices below are all one-way for the trains I took on my trip.
London Heathrow to Conwy Wales (I did this round trip. One-way prices listed below.)
First Class: 281 GBP/$378 USD
Standard: 85 GBP/$114 USD
Budapest to Bratislava, Slovenia
First Class: 79.99 EUR/ $91.50 USD
Standard: 42 EUR/48.60 USD
Bratislava to Vienna
Standard: 18.50 EUR/21.16 USD
No first-class option.
Vienna to Lake Bled, Slovenia
First Class: 69.90 EUR/79.96 USD (nonflexible)
Standard: 49.50 EUR/56.62 USD (nonflexible)
Lake Bled to Zagreb
First Class: 54 EUR/62.30 USD
Standard: 36.25 EUR/41.47 USD
How to Use Make Seat Reservations with a Eurail Pass
The Eurail app gives you the option to book and reserve seats on select trains in the app directly through Eurail or the trainline. Seats can also be reserved in person for a cheaper fee.
The Rail Planner app lets you make seat reservations for most trains for a fee (usually around 6 Euros). You can also reserve directly through the train line in person and online. I found it to be much cheaper to reserve seats directly at the station, instead of using the app. Keep in mind that seat reservations aren’t an option on many smaller trains. For peak travel times like holidays and summer months, reserve seats well in advance.
Is a first-class Eurail pass worth it?
A first-class Eurail pass is worth it if you are taking long-haul services, especially in the UK where food and alcohol are included for free. The shorter trains usually have very tiny first-class compartments that don’t add as much value as the long-haul ones. The standard price for my round trip trains to Wales alone was more than the cost of the pass. In big transit hubs, a first-class ticket and Eurail pass includes lounge access with snacks and WIFI.
Overall, my Eurail pass made this trip seamless, even with train delays. The pass is worth the money, but I’d just book seats in person at the station or directly through the train line to save money.
How much does a Eurail Trip Cost?
Excluding the rail pass, I spent $2,103 USD in 16 days, which is $131/day for my 16/day trip. My largest expense was accommodation. I spent about $150-120/USD night for hotels and Airbnbs because I needed a quiet place to work, so I was picky about where I stayed. (I mostly did Airbnbs because they were cheaper.) I did spent four nights in Zagreb at a friend’s place for free. I bought groceries for breakfast but ate out for most other meals. I was traveling solo, so this would have been a lot cheaper with a friend.
The U.S. dollar is pretty weak compared to the last few years, which made the trip much more expensive than I had originally planned. (The dollar was a lot stronger when I booked the trip!) Wales was the most expensive by far followed by Budapest and Vienna. Bratislava and Zagreb were surprisingly affordable with great quality food.
If you’d like to do this trip, I’d recommend sharing accommodation to cut costs along with eating out less.
Pros & Cons of eSIM Cards for Travel
Bonifacio, Corsica // I used an EU SIM card I bought in Italy for a trip to three different countries in the Mediterranean with success.
This post was originally published in May 2023 and is updated frequently. Last update July 4, 2026.
Since I travel full-time, my biggest travel pet peeve is finding affordable cellular data plans abroad. Historically, I’ve always bought local SIM cards because they are significantly cheaper than paying $12/day for my U.S. plan with Verizon to work abroad.
When Apple removed SIM card slots from the iPhone, I had no choice but to reluctantly switch to eSIM cards. For a while, I traveled with my old iPhone 13 as a backup in case I had to buy a physical SIM card. Now, eSIMs have become my lifeline.
I’ve spent the last three years researching and testing eSIM cards across the globe, from Southeast Asia to Southern Africa. Keep reading for more details about eSIM cards for international travel, along with eSIM discount codes to cut costs!
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward blog maintenance costs. I only recommend products and companies I truly love and use.
In this Post
What are the cons of an eSIM card for travel?
Do eSIMs offer unlimited data?
Are eSIMs cheaper than SIM cards for travel?
Do eSIMs work in the U.S. for travel?
Do eSIMs support personal hotspots?
Are eSIMs safe? Are there privacy concerns with eSIMs?
What is the best eSIM card for international travel?
How much does an eSIM card cost for iPhone?
How to check which network your eSIM uses
What is an eSim card?
An eSIM card is essentially a digital SIM card included in many newer phones. (Apple nixed the SIM card tray on U.S. models with the iPhone 14, so eSIMs are the only option for those models and newer ones going forward.) It makes things more convenient since people no longer have to go to a store to get a physical SIM card and find a tool or paper clip to open the SIM tray! The main benefit of an eSIM card is that it can work in multiple countries, so it eliminates the hassle of buying multiple SIM cards. Plus, it’s much cheaper than paying for an international plan through a U.S. carrier.
Apple made the iPhone 17 eSIM-only in 12 countries, including the U.S., Canada and Japan. In parts of Asia, iPhones with physical SIM trays are still available, but AppleCare doesn’t cover theft on models bought abroad
What are the cons of an eSIM card for travel?
The cons of eSIM cards are that they can be tricker to activate and aren’t compatible with all phones or phone plans. I initially had issues with my previous iPhone 13 Pro (locked by Verizon) but never had problems with the iPhone 15 or 17 Pro models. Now, most eSIM apps will tell you if your phone is compatible before purchasing.
The biggest problem with eSIM cards is that they don’t have coverage in remote parts of the world. Options are either limited or very expensive. I struggled to find an affordable eSIM card for a trip to Laos in Southeast Asia last year but was able to buy a cheap one from a local provider at the airport with no issues. I had similar issues in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Also, learn from my mistakes: If you’re buying a regional or global eSIM card, be sure to check that every country on your trip is covered by your plan.
Honest eSIM Reviews for Travel
Since I travel fulltime, I constantly test eSIMs across the globe. Here are my reviews:
- Airalo eSIM Reviews for Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa.
- Saily eSIM Review for Southeast Asia.
- Truely eSIM Review for Southeast Asia.
- GigSky eSIM Review for Southeast Asia.
How do I get an eSIM card?
To set up an eSIM card on your phone:
1. Download the app on your phone from any of the eSIM card brands, including Airalo, Saily, Nomad eSIM, GigSky, or Truely.
2. Choose and purchase a global, regional or local eSIM card, depending on your needs. (The apps will even tell you right away if your phone is compatible before purchasing!)
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install, which I recommend doing before leaving for your trip.
4. In the cellular settings on your phone, make sure the eSIM card is selected for cellular data.
Important Note: The plan will not activate until you arrive in the destination. If it doesn’t connect automatically, toggle Airplane mode on and off.
Sarandë, Albania // I used an Airalo 10 GB Europe eSIM for seamless connectivity hopping between Greece, Croatia, Albania and Montenegro recently. Since the latter two are not E.U., so I’d had pervious issues with a physical SIM card bought in Greece not working in those countries. The eSIM solved the issue.
Do eSIMs offer unlimited data?
Yes, there are several eSIM companies that offer an unlimited data option, but read the fine print. The word “unlimited” is deceptive because there’s always a “fair use” data limit, where you get a set amount of high-speed data (usually 3-5GB) per day. After that, data speeds are throttled, which makes sense. This also really affects hotspot users. I’ve seen brands that cap hotspot data at only half a gig a day, which is insane.
Most unlimited plans are more customizable allowing you to pick exactly the number of days you need but are always more expensive that plans with set data limits.
Currently, Airalo, Saily, Nomad eSIM, GigSky and Truely offer unlimited data plans in certain parts of the world, while Holafly specializes solely in unlimited plans worldwide.
Are eSIMs cheaper than physical SIM cards for travel?
It depends. While eSIMs for travel are cheaper than paying for a U.S. international plan, they are not cheaper than buying a local physical SIM card in most places.
With companies like Airalo or Saily, it’s $16-20 for 5GB in various regions of the world, which is a good deal and more convenient if you’re country-hopping. If you’re staying in one place long-term, it’s still cheaper to buy a local SIM card. In Thailand, I pay roughly $10/month for an unlimited plan and in Laos, I paid $4 for 30 GB a few months ago buying directly from a local network.
Always avoid buying SIMs or eSIMs in an airport—everything is usually half-price outside the airport! I’ve found physical SIM cards to be slightly less expensive than an eSIM, but most phones don’t have this option anymore, so eSIMs are often the only option.
The Best eSIM Discount Codes
- Airalo: New customers get 15% off with NEWTOAIRALO15. Existing users save 10% with AIRALOESIM10.
- Saily: Use code ANNA10 for a 10% discount.
- GigSky: Free 15-day plans and up to 30% off all plans for select Visa card holders in the U.S., Canada & Latin America.
- Truely: Use ANNA15 for 15% off all plans, including unlimited data.
Do eSIMs work in the U.S. for travel?
Yes, eSIM cards work in the U.S. for travel. Nearly, every major eSIM card company has plans in the U.S. Last spring, I ran out of data on my Verizon plan right before a three-month trip to Europe, so I but didn’t want to renew for another month. I bought at three-day Airalo plan, and it worked perfectly. This is great for people traveling in the U.S. or expats returning for a short stint.
Do eSIMs support personal hotspots?
The short answer is yes, eSIMs support personal hotspots but not all do! This is a dealbreaker for me because I work while I’m traveling and most of the time, I find that WiFi networks are terrible. I rely heavily on my personal hotspot for WiFi on my computer for Zoom calls.
I’ve had great success using my personal hotspot with both country-specific and regional Airalo eSIMs in Asia recently in Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. As long as the local carrier supports using a hotspot, then it should work. (I still travel with my old iPhone 13 Pro in remote areas as a backup in case I need to buy a physical SIM to hotspot but haven’t needed to use it.)
I’ve successfully been able to hotspot to my computer using plans from Airalo, Saily, Nomad eSIM, GigSky, and Truely.
Are eSIMs safe? Are there privacy concerns with eSIMs?
eSIM are as safe any doing anything on the internet. eSIM providers require you to use their app to activate and use the service, which means you can be tracked. Apple users should turn on the “ask app not to track” setting to avoid this. I’m sure Android devices have a similar setting. In some ways, eSIMs are safer.
If your phone is stolen, you can easily switch the service off your phone to prevent your number from being stolen. If you’re really concerned, you can also use a VPN for added security. (Saily eSIM cards actually include a virtual location feature.) I personally use NordVPN, which is the company that owns Saily, as my VPN for my phone and Mac for traveling. For more about VPNs, check out my post about two-step verification and traveling.
On a recent two-month trip to Africa, I used Airalo’s plans in South Africa and Botswana seamlessly, which I wrote about in this detailed review.
What is the best eSIM card for international travel?
All eSIM brands have a similar pricing structure, but eSIM cards are only as good as the local partner network. And, networks on regional packages might differ from those used by local country-specific packages.
Research which brand partners with the strongest network in the location you are visiting. (For remote locations like Laos and Namibia, you’re better off going with a local company from my experience. Buy one when you arrive.)
Airalo is the world’s oldest eSIM store with one of the widest variety of plan options, while Saily adds built-in security features including virtual location. I’ve had great experiences with both. Gigsky offers great discounts with select VISA cards, while Truely offers seamless connectivity and the option to pause plans. If you decide to purchase these brands, use the discount codes in the next section.
Other brands include Holafly, Flexiroam and Nomad eSIM. Apple also has a comprehensive webpage with a list of wireless carriers worldwide that offer eSIM services.
How much does an eSIM card cost for iPhone?
eSIM card plans start as low as $4 USD. While pricing is often consistent between brands, certain companies will have a larger variety of plan options than others. Europe or Southeast Asia will always be cheaper than Africa.
Seven-day plans start around $4 USD for Europe, the U.S. and Asia, while five-day unlimited data plans start around $18.99 USD. Pricing varies based on duration (usually three to 60 days) and data limits (1GB to unlimited).
Save money with these eSIM discount codes:
- Airalo: New customers get 15% off with NEWTOAIRALO15. Existing users save 10% with AIRALOESIM10.
- Saily: Use code ANNA10 for a 10% discount.
- GigSky: Free 15-day plans and up to 30% off all plans for select Visa card holders in the U.S., Canada & Latin America.
- Truely: All plans are 15% off with code ANNA15.
Faial Island, Azores. I’ve tested both Saily and Airalo in the Azores with great success on the NOS network, which is a strong network in the region. Both worked well on Faial island above.
How to check which network your eSIM uses
The key to eSIM card performance is the strength of the local mobile network. If you want to know the best network for a country, ask a local or email your accommodation to ask what they recommend. (If you are traveling to Vietnam, Viettel is the best network, so don’t waste your time on anything else.)
Most brands list the network online (Airalo is good at this), so you can usually check before buying. Lately, I’m seeing brands skip the network name because the eSIM switches between multiple based on signal strength. If it’s not listed, I always contact the eSIM’s support team to find out. Once your eSIM card connects, the network name appears in the top left corner of your screen. Some brands mask this to only show their own name, which is annoying.
If you are traveling in a developed area or honestly anywhere in Europe, most networks should provide good coverage. Network choice matters the most in remote areas, like my Namibia road trip last year, or when you are going off the grid like I often do.
Do eSIM brands have loyalty programs or cash-back rewards?
Nearly, every eSIM brand has a loyalty program as an incentive. Most are cash-back systems but some offer points that are redeemable for discounts. There are also discounts for referring friends.
For example, Airalo offers 5% to 10% back on purchases, while Saily offers 3% credit and a 15% student discount.
The only negative side to loyalty programs is that you usually can’t pair discount codes with loyalty programs. I find it’s a better deal to use the 10% discount codes for every purchase than earning a lesser amount on the loyalty programs. (I use my own discount codes for purchases and don’t bother with loyalty programs.)
What I do for phone data when I travel long-term
Since Verizon’s international plan is outrageously expensive ($12/day!) and never worked for me, I use travel eSIM cards for the region I’m traveling. The only exception is in Thailand, where I spend a few months every winter, when I buy an eSIM directly from the local AIS network.
For two months in Europe last fall, I strictly used Airalo eSIMs, a regional Europe plan and a Greece-specific plan, which has been great.
Final eSIM Takeaways
Overall, eSIMs are the future—ready or not. They are very convenient and cheaper than paying for an international plan for an American phone plan unless you have T-Mobile. Regional eSIM plans are excellent for short trips to multiple countries.
If you’re going to be traveling long-term in a country or region, I still think getting an eSIM or regular SIM card from a local cellular provider is a better deal, especially in places like Southeast Asia. After two months in Africa last year, I feel more confident about the availability of eSIMs for travel in remote locations.
Happy travels!
Best Places to Visit in Azores: I Visited All 9 Islands, Here’s Where to Go
The short walk to Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is São Miguel’s most scenic viewpoint.
The Azores is a nine-island Portuguese archipelago located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America, known as Europe’s Hawaii for its mild climate and lush volcanic landscape. From epic hikes with jaw-dropping waterfalls to whale watching and soaking in thermal springs, these volcanic islands are worth a visit.
Half of Portugal’s cheese comes from the happy Azorean cows who live in a patchwork of endless green fields lined with volcanic rock fences. Each island has its own cheese and queijadas, dense egg tarts with varied fillings, which I highly recommend tasting.
Over the past three years, I’ve done an extensive amount of travel in the Azores and have visited (and hiked!) all nine islands. For hikers, the Azores provides excellent online trail maps and clearly marked trails. I’ve linked to the official trail maps for all hikes mentioned below.
The hardest part of planning is deciding the best places to visit in the Azores. Keep reading to decide which islands to visit, how far in advance to book and the best things to do in the Azores.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
São Miguel
Best for hot springs, lakes & widest activity range
The Janela do Inferno hike is a photogenic series of stairs and tunnels.
Why Go: Easy-to-reach from Lisbon with whale watching, scenic lakes, lava tubes and hot springs
Where to Stay: Hotel Marina Atlântico in Ponta Delgada
How Long: 3-7 days
São Miguel is the largest island and the easiest to reach from Lisbon—a one-stop shop for the most impactful landscapes, ranging from lava tubes to scenic lakes and hot springs. One of my local guide friends calls the island a “volcano Disney park.” You can easily spend a week or 10 days here and never run out of things to do. It’s the best Azorean island (after Pico) for whale watching outings.
Sete Cidades, contrasting blue/green twin lakes in a dormant volcano, is one of the main draws. While you can hike the crater rim, the most scenic viewpoint is Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, a short walk best visited early before the crowds arrive.
There are over 30 official hiking trails, but my favorite São Miguel hikes are the Janela do Inferno, an easy scenic 4.7-mile trail with a series of tunnels, and Fogo Lake, a 6.8-mile hike along stone levadas to the island’s highest lake. Don’t miss Gruta do Carvão, lava tubes near Ponta Delgada.
Cozido is a traditional Azorean dish of meat and vegetables cooked underground in pots with geothermal steam at Furnas Lake.
No trip to São Miguel is complete without a soak in the volcanic hot springs at Furnas. While I recommend visiting Parque Terra Nostra, a sprawling 30-acre botanical garden with a geothermal pool, I find the pools and modern facilities at Poça da Dona Beija to be more relaxing and less crowded. (Tip: Wear a dark bathing suit because the water will stain light colors.)
The Furnas Lake is a nice stroll, but be sure to arrive at the Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas around 11:30 a.m. to see people digging up traditional cozido pots, a signature Azorean dish with meat and vegetables cooked with geothermal steam underground. To sample it yourself, make a reservation at Resturante Tony’s or visit as part of a Furnas day tour. (To be honest, I don’t care for the dish, but some people love it.)
But, I do love the traditional queijadas from Queijadas do Morgado and the gelato from La Gelateria in Ponta Delgada.
Terceira
Best for history, lava tubes & natural swimming pools
The vertical lava tube of Algar do Carvão on Terceira island is the most awe-inspiring.
Why Go: Portugal’s first UNESCO site, bullfighting, vertical lava tube and natural ocean swimming pools
Where to Stay: Hotel Cruzeiro in Angra do Heroísmo
How Long: 3 to 5 days
Terceira, the third-largest Azorean Island, is home to Portugal’s first UNESCO site, the town of Angra do Heroísmo, an obligatory port of call for ships from the 15th to 19th centuries protected by two 400-year-old fortresses. The city is the best hub for exploring the island.
Algar do Carvão, a vertical lava tube, is the archipelago’s most impressive. The best hikes in Terceira are Mistérios Negros, a hard 3.2-mile circular route; the hydrangea-lined cliffs of Rocha da Chambreand, and the ocean views from the easy Baías da Agualva.
Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos is one of Terceira’s refreshing ocean swimming holes.
I highly recommend going for a post-hike dip in the Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos, natural rock ocean swimming holes. Visit the island in summer to witness the ancestral bullfighting. Bulls actually run through the streets!
The island is one of the easiest to reach (after São Miguel) from Lisbon and has a plethora of accommodation options. The craft beer scene is also solid.
Pico
Best for whale watching & wine
Pico Mountain (7,713 feet) is the tallest peak in Portugal and a popular hike (permits required!) on Pico Island.
Why Go: Hike Portugal’s tallest peak, whale watching and sipping wine grown in lava rock vineyards
Where to Stay: Whale’come AO Pico or Casa do Brasão in Lajes do Pico
How Long: 3 days
Pico is one of the three triangular islands, including Faial and São Jorge, which are connected by frequent short ferries on the Atlantico line. The island’s namesake and biggest attraction is the 7,713-foot Pico Mountain, Portugal’s tallest peak. The hike is a challenging climb, taking roughly 6-to-8-hours roundtrip. Only 320 people are allowed each day and advance permits are required.
Pico’s vineyards literally grow out of lava rock, making it one of the world’s most unique landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’m a big fan of the white and rosé from Azores Wine Company. Book ahead for tastings.
A whale watching tour is a must for anyone visiting Pico. For a deep dive into the history of the local whaling industry, visit The Whaling Industry Museum, housed in a former whaling factory in Lajes do Pico. The factory was the largest sperm whale processing facility in the Azores and operated from 1946 to 1981.
Faial
Best for sailing culture
Horta is the capital of the sailing culture with “sea art” along the marina and gin and tonics from a historical Peter Café Sport.
Why Go: Sailing culture and otherworldly landscapes
Where to Stay: Casa da Baía in Horta
How Long: 2-3 days
Faial is the sailor’s island—it is either the first or last stop for boats crossing the Atlantic—and has the strongest presence of sailors and maritime culture in the archipelago. The marina at Horta is an open-air museum of “sea art” painted by sailors for safe passage or to come their journey before having one of the famous gin and tonics at Peter Café Sport, a local watering hole that’s been welcoming seafarers since 1918. (The upstairs has an impressive scrimshaw (carved whale teeth/bones) museum.)
For food and drinks, I like Oceanic Cafe (great bar, too) or Restaurant Atlético. The homemade ice cream at Gelados do Atlântico is another favorite.
My favorite place in the Azores is hiking to the ruins of the Capelinhos lighthouse, a result of a 13-month eruption in the late 1950s.
If you’re up for a challenge, the 12- mile Dez Vulcões (10 Volcanoes trail) hike is a must. (Shorter variations are an option, too.) The trail ends at the ruins of the lighthouse of Capelinhos, which was destroyed during the 13-month eruption in 1957-8 that added roughly 617 acres of land to the island. The otherworldly landscape is one of my favorite places in the Azores. Be sure to climb the lighthouse, and visit the fantastic interpretation center.
São Jorge
Best for extreme hikes & cheese
The steep cliffs of São Jorge with Pico Mountain in the background.
Why Go: Extreme hikes & cheese tastings
Where to Stay: Hotel Sao Jorge Garden in Velas
How Long: 2-3 days
São Jorge, famous for cheese, is often called the dragon island for its narrow shape and jagged, steep cliffs. All the hikes are extreme—straight up or down. You can even hike the 34.7-mile-long island end-to-end on the Grand Route (trails GR01SJO and GR02SJO). Portuguese surfers flock to Santa Cristo, accessible only by foot or quad bike.
The sleepy town of Velas is the ferry port from Faial and Pico, and the best hub for accommodation. For a good meal and cheese, I like Alcatra Rustica Sao Jorge (located in center of island off main road). Coffee-lovers shouldn’t miss the house-grown espresso at Café Nunes.
No visit to São Jorge is complete without tasting the cheese, originally made famous by sailors for its longevity and taste (mild yet buttery). Tour one of the three active cheese manufacturers on the island: Uniqueijo, Finisterra and Lourais.
Graciosa
Best for solitude & epic lava cave
The lava cave of Furna do Enxofre on Graciosa island.
Why Go: Least crowded island with largest volcanic dome in Europe
Where to Stay: Praia or Santa Cruz da Graciosa
How Long: 2 Days
Graciosa is the second smallest and the least visited Azorean island, making it the best place to escape crowds. School buses double as tourist transport around the school schedule!
While the entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the highlight is Furna do Enxofre, a lava cave housing the largest volcanic dome in Europe. It’s worth the 183-steps to walk down (and back up!) to see the lake inside the cave.
While the island has mild slopes, it’s still fun to hike or bike the 405-meter-high Caldeira da Graciosa. The famous red-roof, Dutch-style windmills, many of which are rental accommodation, are another highlight. The queijadas from the nearby Queijadas da Graciosa Factory are tasty. Locals call Graciosa “the 15-minute island” because everything is 15 minutes away from everything else, from hot springs to surf spots.
Flores
Best for waterfalls & wild nature
Flores is home to the most stunning landscapes in the Azores, including Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro, a series of waterfalls cascading into a lake.
Why Go: Untouched Nature & Waterfalls
Where to Stay: Villas do Mar in Fajã Grande
How Long: 5 Days, including day trip to Corvo
Flores is the magical wild island and yet another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. (It’s the furthest western island in the Western Group that includes Corvo.) If I had to pick a favorite Azorean island, it would be Flores.
The landscape on the west coast is the most beautiful in the Azores, thanks to Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro, a series of a dozen waterfalls cascading into a natural amphitheater. It’s a 20-minute uphill hike from the road but best seen as part of the longer eight-mile Lajedo to Fajã Grande hike that meanders through a ghost town and epic viewpoints.
Other highlights include Baía da Alagoa, a photogenic bay with rocky outcrops accessible via a short trail, and Rocha dos Bordões, a vertical set of basalt columns. Book ahead for the duck at Maresia Restaurant in Fajã Grande. It was so delicious we went twice!
The ghost town of Caldeira do Mosteiro is on the Lajedo to Fajã Grande hike but can also be visited by car.
I found the seven volcanic crater lakes to be underwhelming, but the final view of Fajã Grande at the end of the Miradouro das Lagoas to Poco do Bacalhau trek was worth the effort. Please note that stage 2 of the Grand Route trail closed in July 2024 due to fallen rocks and trail disintegration. It was still closed in May 2026 and unlikely to reopen anytime soon.
The two museums in Santa Cruz, Fábrica da Baleia do Boqueirão, a former whaling-factory, and the Flores Museum housed in a 17th century church, were fantastic. All public museums in the Azores are free on Sundays.
Flight cancellations and delays are common when visiting Flores and/or Corvo, so plan a night or two in Lisbon as a buffer between any international flights. We got stuck in Terceira for a night due to a flight cancellation. I highly recommend travel insurance.
Corvo
Best for staying off-the-grid
The Corvo Caldera is 1.42 miles in diameter and 1,000 feet wide. It’s a popular hiking spot shared with grazing sheep and cows.
Why Go: Most impressive volcanic crater in Azores
Where to Stay: Joe & Vera’s Villa in Vila do Corvo
How Long: 1 or 2 days
The entirety of Corvo, the smallest Azorean Island, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to the archipelago’s most beautiful volcanic crater. While it can be visited easily on a day trip (weather permitting!) from Flores, it’s worth staying longer.
Hiking the caldera (trail PRC02COR) is the main attraction. While you can hike to the caldera (all uphill!) from town, it’s best to take a taxi (20 Euro RT for two people) to the trailhead then hike back. When you get to the trailhead, walk up to the radio tower for an aerial view, then walk back down to take the official trail down into the crater. The island’s second trail is the 6.4-mile trek, Cara do Índo, from the caldera (mostly downhill) back to Vila do Corvo.
The island only has one village, Vila do Corvo (population 430), with two restaurants and limited accommodation, so book ahead for meals and rooms. There is free camping park near Praia da Areia beach.
Famed Portuguese street artist Bordalo II has three sculptures on Corvo.
Bordalo II, a famous Portuguese street artist known for creating large installations out of trash, has three sculptures on Corvo: Mero, a grouper fish on the side of an old boat; Cagarro, a Cory’s Shearwater (migratory seabird) on a building; and a cow (my favorite) on the side of an old car in a junkyard.
There’s an airport with limited flight connections to Flores, Faial and São Miguel. We took the Atlântico Line ferry from Flores but left a night early due to incoming bad weather on a private open-air zodiac-style boat booked through our helpful taxi driver, Lourenço, who runs a tour agency called Paralelo 39. I highly recommend booking through him. (I recommend using the free Windy app to track sea and wind conditions.)
Santa Maria
Best for diving & summer festivals
The vineyard-clad slopes of São Lourenço Bay on Santa Maria in the Azores.
Why Go: Swim with manta rays and whale sharks, summer festivals, then hike the island end-to-end on the 78.6 km Grand Route.
Where to Stay: Vila do Porto
How Long: 2-3 days
Santa Maria, the southernmost island, is famous for being the sunniest Azorean Island with a bit of a Caribbean vibe (in my opinion) and white sandy beaches. Manta rays and whale sharks frequent the island in summer (June to October), including the marine protected area of Baixa do Ambrósio, one of the Azores’ best dive sites. July and August are best for free diving sightings, but scuba divers can see them starting in June, according to local guides.
Hike the island end-to-end on the 78.6 km Grand Route (2.5-3 days) or opt for a shorter trek like Areia Branca (PR06SMA) through São Lourenço Bay, a natural terraced amphitheater lined with vineyards. Don’t miss the summer music festivals—Santa Maria Blues (July) and Maré de Agosto (August).
Azores Travel FAQ
The most photogenic time to visit the Azores is when the invasive hydrangeas bloom from late June to August.
When is the best time to go to the Azores?
The summer months of June through September have the best weather for hiking, sunshine and blooming hydrangeas. While it can be crowded, it will likely be less crowded now that Ryanair suspended all flights to the Azores in March 2026.
For peak summer season, book accommodation a year in advance for all islands except São Miguel and Terceira. I tried to book in April for a July trip to Pico and Flores once, but everything (cars and hotels) was sold out. We had to change the islands we visited.
The shoulder months of April and May have fewer crowds but a higher chance of rain and rough seas, which can affect flights and ferries. I’d still book at least six months out if not more for accommodation and cars in shoulder season. For my May trip to Flores and Corvo, I booked accommodation in October, flights in January and rental cars in December.
What is the best way to get around the Azores?
Renting a car is the best way to explore the islands. All the islands, excluding Corvo, have public buses, but planning hikes around infrequent bus schedules on islands like Flores is complicated. (Sometimes, there’s a 7:45 a.m. school bus, and nothing until 3 p.m.!) Taxis are an alternative but can be a bit pricey.
There are two main local rental car companies on each island, Ilha Verde and Autoatlantis. I used both on Flores, and they were fine. Ilha Verde had nicer cars, but Autoatlantis seemed a bit cheaper. I found the rates on Booking.com and DiscoverCars.com to be the cheapest. There are a few bigger rental brands on the bigger islands, but I recommend supporting the local companies.
On the smaller islands, it’s best to book months in advance for the best prices and options. In Corvo, you can only rent small electric cars that don’t have enough range to make it to the caldera, so you’ll need to take a taxi or hike.
In May, we returned to Flores a day early from Corvo due to weather. Thankfully, I got a last-minute car rental through Ilha Verde on DiscoverCars.com because Autoatlantis was fully booked. For a six-month advance booking, I got a car for $56 USD/day with Booking.com but a last-minute booking on DiscoverCars.com for $114 USD/day, which was cheapest option last minute.
There are more cows than people in the Azores. Every island has its own cheese.
Is it easy to get between islands in the Azores?
Atlântico Line ferries are the easiest way to travel between Flores and Corvo (40 minutes, pedestrian only), the two most Western Islands, and the Triangle Islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge. There is a seasonal summer ferry between Terceira and Graciosa that runs roughly once a week. There are private boats that also connect the islands.
Otherwise, a series of inter-island flights on SATA Azores Airlines are your best options. These are usually smaller propeller planes, so carry-on luggage space can be limited.
From Lisbon, you can fly directly to São Miguel, Pico, Terceira and Faial on Azores Airlines and/or TAP Air Portugal. Ryanair stopped flying to the Azores in March 2026.
The Cabras Islets, two uninhabited islands formed by a collapsed volcano off the coast of Terceira, are a protected wildlife zone due to nesting seabirds. Visiting is not allowed, but boat trips explore the coastline.
What’s the best eSIM for the Azores?
The best eSIM is one that works with the NOS, Vodafone and/or MEO networks. Don’t buy an Azorean-specific eSIM card. Instead, buy a cheaper Portugal one since they use the same networks. People forget that the Azores is part of Portugal.
I’ve tested Saily’s Portugal eSIM on the NOS network in April on all the islands, except Graciosa, and had excellent 5G coverage. For 10% off Saily plans, use code ANNA10.
I used Airalo’s Portugal eSIM in Graciosa in 2024 and 2025, and it worked perfectly. In general, Airalo also has great coverage in the archipelago, but I haven’t tested it in Flores and Corvo. Use AIRALOESIM10 for 10% off your plan.
Do you need travel medical insurance for the Azores?
Travel medical insurance is a must for any trip abroad. Be sure to choose a plan with trip delay protection for the Azores because weather can wreck travel plans. This really saved me on my recent trip to Flores and Corvo when our flight was canceled, and we were stuck in Terceira overnight. My SafetyWing Nomad Insurance covered $150 USD of expenses, including a hotel and meals. Filing a claim took just a few minutes, and payment arrived a few days later.
17 Best Travel Apps to Download Before your Next Trip (2026 Guide)
From tracking expenses to booking flights, here are the 17 best travel apps I use as a full-time traveler to ensure my adventures are seamless.
In 2002, I took my first trip overseas to study abroad in England. Smartphones didn’t exist. Texting wasn’t even a thing yet. While the nostalgic part of me misses the days of paper maps and film cameras, smartphones do make travel and life a lot easier.
I recently wrapped up a seven-month trip abroad to three different continents, and these apps simplified my travels and life. They include currency converters and making your own postcards to planning the perfect outdoor photoshoot and filing travel insurance claims. Most have free versions across phone platforms and many have web versions. Add downloading these apps to your digital packing list.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
In this Article
The apps are organized in the following categories:
Expense Tracking & Currency Apps
Health, Safety & Logistics Apps
Photography & Entertainment Apps
Discount Travel Booking Apps
Klook (Free)
The Klook app allows me to skip ticket lines!
I’ve used Klook to buy discounted admission tickets and transportation online across the world. It saved me roughly $10 on entry to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and $13 on the cable car to the big Buddha in Hong Kong. I’ve also used it for private transfers in Vietnam.
The best part of the app is the tiered Klook Rewards program, where users earn KlookCash to redeem on future purchases. Additional points can be earned by posting reviews. The free loyalty program includes member-only rates and exclusive perks. Overall, I’m a big fan because it saves me money, and I never have to stand in long queues. Book on the app or directly on the website.
Booking.com (Free)
Take advantage of Booking.com’s cheaper mobile rates in the app.
The majority of the time, I find Booking.com has the lowest rates for accommodation, especially when booking on their mobile app where prices can be 15-30% cheaper than booking on their website. (I’ve written a deep dive into why mobile rates are cheaper.)
Now that I’ve reached tier three of their Genius loyalty program, I get even more discounts. When pricing accommodation, cars and even flights, it’s worth doing a quick mobile search on Booking.com’s app to compare with other platforms.
Finance Apps
Tricount (Free)
I used the Tricount app in May to track expenses on a nine-day trip in the Azores to Flores and Corvo.
Tricount is a free expense-splitting app that makes it easy to track travel expenses. I tested this recently on a week-long trip in the Azores with a friend, and it was seamless. The user-friendly interface includes functions to split expenses unevenly and upload receipt photos. A built-in calculator and currency converter tool do all the math for you. And, the best part is you can start using it instantly without creating an account. (To sync data across multiple devices, you will need to create an account.)
The app is owned by the Amsterdam-based bank bunq B.V. and is currently ad-free, which is why I stopped using Splitwise and exclusively use Tricount now.
Dollarbird (Paid)
I’ve used Dollarbird for years to track my travel spending. I’m currently using it for my two-month Africa trip.
Dollarbird is an expense tracking app that I use to track my spending on my travels. (It’s $4.99/month or $39.99/year.) It can be used for your regular budgeting. I make custom categories and manually add my expenses. It provides a running balance summary and allows you to export the data to a spreadsheet. (I only use it to track expenses, not income.) I used this app to create the charts in my post about the cost of my two-month trip in Southern Africa.
XE Currency Converter (Free)
The free XE Currency Converter even works offline with the last updated rate.
XE is my favorite currency app. It allows you to add up to 10 currencies and switch easily been them. The best part is that it even works offline using the last updated rate. I use this all the time to check the cost of things to make sure I’m not overspending.
TIP: If you have the option to pay in different currencies, check the rate for both to see which is cheaper. It’s almost always cheaper to pay in the local currency than in USD, which I dig into deeper in my travel banking post.
iPhone Calculator App Currency and Unit Conversion (Free)
The iPhone calculator app has a feature that allows you to convert currency and units.
When Apple introduced iOS 18 in September 2024, it included a conversion function in the calculator that allows you to convert categories ranging from currencies to units (speed, time and weight). To access the feature, click on the calculator symbol to the left of the 0 button, then turn on Convert. Use the arrow to choose the unit or currencies to convert from.
Genius Scan (Free)
Genius Scan helps sort my receipts for taxes and work travel. I export the files to my Mac as a backup.
This PDF-scanner app is super helpful. It allows you to photograph anything – receipts, maps, brochures—and make a PDF file from the documents. It’s the best for tracking expenses for business travel. You can take photos through the app or import them from the camera roll on your phone. I find it useful for both tracking receipts when I travel and sending them to Dropbox. I also use it to photograph brochures to reduce my paper usage. The PDFs can be easily sent via email, AirDrop and messaging apps.
1Password (Paid)
1Password helps manage passwords, bank accounts and loyalty programs. It’s secure and allows you to copy and paste numbers for online shopping.
1Password is my favorite app of all time, even when I’m not traveling. The app securely stores and organizes all your passwords in one place. It’s easily searchable for what you need. I keep EVERYTHING in it – bank details, frequently flyer accounts and email passwords. It syncs across devices easily and is very secure. You use one password to open the app. (TIP: Use a password that you’ve never used elsewhere.) I use it to copy and paste my credit card number when shopping online.
While the app isn’t free, it’s inexpensive – $2.99/month or $4.99 for a family of 5. There’s a free 14-day trial. (Full disclosure: I got this app for free through an old job, so I don’t pay for it.) While Apple has introduced the free Passwords app, I find 1Password to have a better interface and organization system when it comes to credit cards and membership numbers, etc.
Communication Apps
Airalo (Free)
Airalo eSIMs make it easy and affordable to stay connected while traveling.
eSIM cards are an affordable way to stay connected abroad. The Airalo app makes it easy to purchase, install and monitor your balance while traveling across over 200 countries and regions. Airalo was the world’s first eSIM store and often has the best partner networks abroad.
Use promo code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off your first purchase. Existing users can save 10% with AIRALOESIM10.
Google Voice (Free)
Google Voice is an easy way to call U.S.-numbers for free while abroad.
As someone who travels most of the year, two-step verification is the bane of my existence. Google Voice has changed this—I’ve started using it as my phone number for two-step verification. (If you have trouble with codes coming through on the app, log in on your computer.) Google Voice allows you to have a second phone number to use for calls, texts and voicemail. To set up, you need an existing Google account and a phone number. U.S. and Canadian users can choose their phone numbers. Google Voice is also available in select European countries.
You can also call U.S. numbers for free so it’s easy for me to call family members or even airline customer service, etc. (Google Voice has been my replacement for the now-defunct Skype. RIP.)
Google Translate (Free)
Google Translate offers both text and photo translations.
Google Translate has been a lifesaver. I simply type a phrase and show it to my taxi driver or anyone I need to communicate with. It also lets you save phrases to use later. There’s a camera option so you can translate labels, which is helpful if you’re trying to find lotion that doesn’t have whitening cream in it in Asia. (It’s nearly impossible in Vietnam.) My favorite app in Spanish speaking countries is SpanishDICT, it allows you to translate phrases and also provides conjugations.
WhatsApp (Free)
The chances are high that you are already using WhatsApp. If not, then you need to download this text and voice message app NOW. The app is owned by Meta and works across all phone platforms and locations. It’s a great way to connect with friends and even business when you are traveling. Outside of the U.S., it’s the primary means of personal and business communications, from booking dinner reservations to taxis. You’ll need a phone number to register.
Postagram (Free;$1.60-$2/postcard)
This is a postcard I sent my Aunt with one of my own photos of my globetrotting gnome, Alfred. I’m a big fan of the Postagram app and how you can customize everything including delivery dates so I never miss a birthday!
Let’s be honest—everyone appreciates real mail! I’ve spent countless hours on trips writing postcards to friends and family, and even more time waiting in endless post office lines just to buy stamps! (I spent thirty minutes in Greece recently waiting in line to buy postcard stamps, which were 2 Euros each!)
I’ve used the Postagram app for years to send printed postcards using my photos. The app allows you to customize the background design and colors. The most important feature is that it allows you to schedule a delivery date, so I never miss a birthday or holiday.
While I still send real postcards when I can, Postagram has been the next best option. International locations cost $3/card, while U.S. addresses start at $2. The price decreases if you buy in bulk. The printing quality is excellent. (Full disclosure: I did have an issue once when a postcard did not arrive, and they resent it for free.)
Health, Safety & Logistics Apps
Maps.me (Free)
I used Maps.me to track all the places we stopped on my Mongolia trip. It’s a great, customizable offline map tool.
The offline GPS app Maps.me is a must-have for all hikers and anyone traveling to areas without phone service. Simply download a map of where you are going, and the app will help you navigate turn-by-turn efficiently without phone service. It allows you to create and edit routes, which many hikers share online. Read the app user guide before using it in remote locations. The app was initially completely free, but now, they’ve added in-app purchases and the ability to make travel bookings. The free version allows 10 downloaded maps at a time.
I loved using this for my Mongolia trip, which was 90% off-road, to label all the locations where we stopped. I also used it for my Namibia road trip over the winter.
SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance
SafteyWing offers affordable travel medical insurance for 180+ countries.
SafetyWing is currently my go-to company for flexible travel medical insurance. They offer two plans: Essential and Complete. (I always use the Essential plan.) The new claims process can be done in the app in just five minutes. For more details, check out my SafetyWing review.
NordVPN (Paid)
NordVPN makes it easy to safely browse the internet from any corner of the globe.
I started using NordVPN about four years ago to protect my data and identity online while traveling both in the U.S. and abroad. It just makes it safer to browse the internet, check up my banking and even to use streaming services, like Disney+, which sometimes are location dependent. I usually buy a two-year subscription that works on both my Mac and iPhone.
AirVisual (Free)
AirVisual makes it easy to track the air quality anywhere you are traveling.
If you’re traveling anywhere in Asia, then I recommend the free AirVisual app to check the air quality. It uses sources from government agencies to tell you the current air quality. It’s really helpful in places with pollution (India) or burning seasons like Chiang Mai, where you might need to wear masks! It works worldwide.
Photography & Entertainment Apps
TPE Photo Ephemeris (one-time fee of $9.99)
TPE is my go-to app for planning outdoor photo shoots based on the sun’s location.
This photography app is life-changing for photographers because it allows you to plan outdoor shoots in natural light. TPE shows where the light will fall on any part of the globe both day and night. The AR feature lets you visualize a shoot by overlaying the features over your camera app in a location. The app has a one-time $9.99 fee and additional in-app purchases.
Hoopla (Free)
I read a lot more books thanks to the Hoopla app and my public library membership.
Hoopla is an online platform that allows you to read eBooks and listen to audiobooks for free with your public library membership across North America. It also works on web browsers. I use it a lot for travel guides and audiobooks when I travel. There’s a monthly limit for the number of books you can check out that varies based on your library membership. I get four per month from the library in Austin. This is also great to use when you aren’t traveling.
14 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas, From a Local Travel Writer
The 11-acre Waterloo Park near the Capitol Building is one of Austin’s newest greenspaces and part of a larger on-going project extending to Lady Bird Lake.
Post Updated in May 2026.
Austin, the Texas state capital, is famous for many things, from music to barbecue and spring-fed swimming holes. Most of all, the city is known for its laid-back “Keep Austin Weird” vibe that makes it a great place to visit but hard to leave.
The capital city has been my home base since December 2013. It is a mixture of all the things I love about the South (biscuits, grits, the word “y’all,” and barbecue), merged with the things I loved about California (fitness-focused outdoor culture and the ability to recycle everything easily) sprinkled with a little LA-style traffic and no state income tax.
As a travel writer, it’s literally my job to write and photograph many of the coolest spots in my current hometown and the great state of Texas. If you’re heading to Austin for SXSW, ACL or a football game, here’s my list of all the best things to do in Austin, Texas categorized by topic for easy scrolling! (I’ve been to every place on the list!) Of course, I’ve also written about the where to eat in Austin and the best hotels organized by neighborhood!
In this Post
1. Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
2. Swim at Barton Springs Pool
3. Tour the Texas State Capitol
4. Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
5. Play a Round at Peter Pan Mini Golf
8. Attend an Austin City Limits Taping
9. Stroll Through Austin’s Parks
10. Visit Austin’s Central Library
12. Take Advantage of Free Museum Days
1. Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
The ever-changing Austin skyline photographed from the Lamar pedestrian bridge
Location: Zilker / Barton Springs | Google Maps (boat rental)
Hours: Public access generally 5 a.m.–10 p.m
Lady Bird Lake is the heart of the city and one of the best places to enjoy the city skyline. There are several boat rental places on the lake, so choose the one closest to you. I like Zilker Park Boat Rentals, which is located adjacent to Barton Springs Pool. They offer buy-one-get-one coupons on weekdays! You can also rent kayaks and canoes. The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail around the lake is great for running, walking and biking. (I run a five-mile section every week.)
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2. Swim at Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is open year-round from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. except Thursdays when it’s open only in the morning and evening.
Location: Zilker/Barton Springs | Google Maps
Hours: Usually 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; closed for cleaning part of Thursday.
Barton Springs Pool is 68-70 degrees year-round and a great way to cool off on sizzling summer days. The spring-fed pool is a local favorite tucked in Zilker Park and open year-round. Another option for a dip is the 100-year-old Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest swimming pool in Texas.
3. Tour the Texas State Capitol
The interior dome of the Texas State Capitol Building
Location: Downtown | Google Maps
Hours: Usually Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat–Sun 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (tour times vary).
The Texas State Capitol building is an icon of the Austin skyline. The stunning four-block complex is taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Free guided and self-guided tours are available daily. Don’t miss the interior dome with an eight-foot-wide star and the view from 15th Street of the glass-roofed extension.
4. Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of the best places to go for a hike or a swim.
Location: South Austin / Barton Creek | Google Maps (Twin Falls access point)
Hours: Generally 5 a.m.–10 p.m. (city park hours).
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a hiking and biking trail that covers 12.86 miles with multiple access points. It’s one of the most popular spots for taking a dip in the summer months. (Twin Falls is one of my favorite spots for a swim.) Hiking the entire trail one way takes roughly three hours and can be broken into sections.
5. Play a Round at Peter Pan Mini Golf
Peter Pan Mini Golf is an Austin icon that’s managed to survive despite an uncertain future due to lease uncertainty.
Location: South Lamar / Zilker | Google Maps
Hours: Usually Sun–Thu 9 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri–Sat 9 a.m.–midnight (seasonal).
You can’t miss the giant green T.rex statue at Peter Pan Mini-Golf overlooking the corner of Barton Springs and South Lamar. This colorful putt-putt spot opened in 1948 and has two courses with colorful statues of Austin landmarks and Peter Pan characters. The courses are challenging but fun. And the best part about the course is that it’s BYOB – no glass containers.
6. Play Chicken Shit Bingo
Location: North Austin (Burnet Road) | Google Maps
Hours: Sunday 4p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays in Austin are for Chicken Shit Bingo. The Little Longhorn Saloon, a tiny hole-in-the-wall honky-tonk off Burnet Road, has been hosting the event for over 40 years. To play bingo, you buy a ticket and hope the chicken literally poops on your ticket number. There’s always live music and cold beer.
7. Watch the Bats on Congress Avenue
Crowds gather every night along the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the bats spiral into the sky.
Location: Downtown | Google Maps
Hours: Bats emerge at sunset March–November.
The world’s largest urban bat colony lives under Congress Avenue Bridge. From mid-March to November, the bats spiral into the sky every night for a spectacular show. Check here to find the best time to see the bats nightly. For the best photos, watch the bats from the Statesman Bat Observation Center adjacent to the Congress Avenue Bridge.
8. Attend an Austin City Limits Taping
Location: Downtown | Google Maps
Want to be in the audience for a taping of the Austin City Limits TV show? All tickets are distributed through a free online lottery. If you don’t win, you can also wait in line to see if there are extra tickets available on the day of the show. The lottery opens usually a week before tapings, and winners are announced roughly two days before. For details about upcoming tapings, visit https://acltv.com/upcoming-tapings.
9. Stroll Through Austin’s Parks
Pease Park’s new suspended treehouse (left) is part of the space’s ongoing renovation projects.and troll statue (right), Malin, by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, was one of the park’s main sights until it burned down in May 2026.
Hours: General city park hours 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The City of Austin is home to 512 parks, according to the Trust for Public Land. The 351-acre Zilker Park is the most famous and the hub for large events and festivals. It’s also home to Barton Springs and a great spot for paddleboarding. While it’s worth exploring, don’t miss out on some of the smaller but equally amazing outdoor spaces.
The new downtown ADA-accessible Waterloo Park has unparalleled views of the skyline and the Capitol Building. The 11-acre park, home to a 5,000-seat Moody Amphitheater, is part of a larger Waterloo Greenway Project connecting 15th Street to Lady Bird Lake.
Pease Park, an 84-acre green space along the banks of Shoal Creek, is famous for its photogenic treehouse, 40-foot circular observation pod suspended in the air. The park was home to a giant wooden troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo that sadly burned down in May 2026.
Other favorites include Mayfield Park and Preserve, a 23-acre nature area with a historic cottage and two gardens filled with peacocks. It’s walking distance from The Contemporary Austin’s Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria, which is a stunning outdoor space. Nearby, Mount Bonnell, a ridge-line peak overlooking the Colorado River, is great for sunset.
10. Visit Austin’s Central Library
Austin’s Central Library building and grounds showcase a variety of temporary and permanent artwork, including Christian Moelle’s CAW, a red 37-foot-tall kinetic sculpture.
Location: Downtown (Seaholm) | Google Maps
Hours: Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 12–6 p.m.
Austin’s new downtown Central Library is one of the coolest buildings in town! The state-of-the-art facility feels like a swanky boutique hotel combined with an upscale mall with sweeping skyline views. Highlights include the rooftop butterfly garden, second-floor art gallery with rotating exhibits and a technology petting zoo featuring the latest gadgets. There’s WIFI, free computers to check out, and “shared learning” rooms that offer video conferencing capabilities for meetings and workshops.
11. Listen to Live Music
A night view of the Paramount Theater, a historic movie theater listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Austin lives up to its reputation as the Live Music Capital. Start a visit to Austin at the “grandaddy” of live music venues, The Continental Club is one of the oldest in town, dating back to 1955. The Broken Spoke is another legend—a proper honky tonk that offers two-step lessons.
Mohawk has been one of my favorites since my first trip to Austin in 2007. The multi-level bar has both an indoor and outdoor stage. The Paramount Theater, a 1915 movie theater, is one of my favorite places to photograph live shows. (The Paramount is closing for an 11-month renovation starting June 2026.)
Other options include Antone’s (old school blues downtown), Hole in the Wall (campus dive bar), Donn’s Depot (dive bar in old train depot), The Parish (sweet Sixth Street spot that relocated a few blocks to East Austin), Historic Scoot Inn (Eastside outdoor venue recently bought by C3), and Elephant Room (jazz and cocktails).
12. Take Advantage of Free Museum Days
You can’t miss the giant star outside the Bullock Museum.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Location: Capitol | Google Maps
Hours: Bullock Texas Stat Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; free first Sundays.
The Bullock Museum focuses on the history of Texas and offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. Each floor represents a different time period in state’s history, from early European exploration to the Texas Revolution and modern culture including oil and music. If it’s your first visit to Texas, this is a great place to start your trip.
Blanton Museum of Art
Location: UT Campus | Google Maps
Hours: Tue–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 1–5 p.m.; closed Mon; free Tuesdays.
The Blanton Museum of Art, located on the UT campus, offers free admission on Tuesdays. The museum hosts a series of visiting and rotating art exhibitions sourced from its vast 21,000-piece collection. These museums are a five minute walk and can easily be visited together.
13. Tour Austin’s Art Gallery Scene
Austin is filled with cutting-edge galleries and large public art pieces like the 10-floor high, Tau Ceti mural by Josef Kristofoletti on the corner of East Second Street and Brazos Street.
Austin’s art scene is not to be missed, from street art to top-notch galleries. Start your art tour at Canopy Austin, a former East Austin Goodwill warehouse that’s been transformed into 89 galleries, studios and offices, including ICOSA, an artist-run cooperative gallery.
My downtown favorites include McLennon Pen Co., a contemporary arts space on West Fifth Street named after founder Jill McLennon’s grandfather’s Chicago luxury pen shop, and West Chelsea Contemporary, specializing in museum-quality exhibitions. The Creek Show is one of my favorite annual outdoor public art shows—it’s located on Waller Creek and happens every fall, usually in November.
14. Hope Outdoor Gallery
The Hope Outdoor Gallery is a place for adults ands kids to both view and create art.
Location: Airport area | Google Maps
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hope Outdoor Gallery is a free space for artists to create and was one of my favorite things when I first moved to Austin in 2013. The original park closed for years and was relocated to a larger eight-acre space near the airport that opened in late November 2025. The outdoor art park campus includes outdoor mural walls, a 6,000-square-foot event venue and a park space. On my first visit to the new space on Friday afternoon, the place was buzzing with adults and families creating colorful artwork with spray paint .
Thailand Travel Tips: Insurance, SIM Cards, Transport & Logistics (2026 Guide)
Ko Tao on Thailand’s east coast is best visited from February to April (hot, clear weather with calm seas) or May to September for good visiablity for diving with potential whale shark sightings.
Planning a trip to Thailand can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in Southeast Asia. Lucky for you, I live here every winter, so the logistics are a breeze. Below, I’ve answered the most common questions readers ask me—from money and travel medical insurance, eSIM cards and getting around—so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your trip.
Need more help planning? Check out my Thailand travel guide. I’ve also made in-depth posts on the best things to do in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
When is the Best Time to go to Thailand?
It will be hot year-round in Thailand, even in the “cool” season. The rainy season lasts from May to October, but it usually only rains a little each day. The occasional deluge can occur so keep an umbrella handy. (I honestly prefer the rainy season because it’s much greener and lusher. But, it’s been rough lately due to climate change with heavier rains.)
Avoid the burning season near Chiang Mai starting in February/March, when the air quality is the worst in the world. This lasts through April and sometimes into May.
March to May is steaming hot across the country, so avoid this time of year if possible. November through February is peak travel season when temperatures drop (low 80’s Fahrenheit in the north), and prices increase dramatically. The water festival (Songkran) in mid-April is another peak travel time so book ahead for accommodation. I personally love October and early November, when everything is still lush from rainy season. By January, it’s cooler but all the trees have lost their leaves.
What’s the best eSIM card for Thailand?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
The easiest thing to do is buy a Thailand-specific eSIM card from Airalo that will work instantly when you arrive. If you are traveling to multiple countries in Southeast Asia on a short trip, try one of the convenient Asia Regional eSIMs, though a country-specific eSIMs are usually cheaper. Both types have worked well for me and support mobile hotspot, which I rely on for remote work.
For more about my experience, read my Southeast Asia Airalo review. Save 10% with code AIRALOESIM10.
If you are staying for a month or more in Thailand, go by an AIS store and buy a local SIM or eSIM card for the cheapest deal. (AIS is Thailand’s largest mobile network operator.)
Do you need travel medical insurance for Thailand?
Yes, travel medical insurance is important things for any trip abroad, including Thailand, to help cover medical emergencies and travel issues like lost luggage and delays.
I use SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance, which offers $0 deductible travel medical insurance coverage for over 180 countries for travelers aged 69 and under outside their home country. It only costs a few dollars a day, and you can visit any hospital or doctor.
Other benefits of Nomad Insurance include coverage for lost checked luggage, travel delays over 12 hours, motor accidents (with proper license, safety gear and not intoxication) and injuries from sports or leisure activities. You can optionally add adventure sports, electronics theft and U.S. coverage (for non-residents).
If you’re abroad for 90 days, the policy includes 30 days of home-country coverage (15 days for U.S. residents.) For more about my experience in Southeast Asia, read my SafetyWing Review.
Thailand Transport Tips & Logistics
Tuk tuks made from beer cans at a market in Bangkok.
What’s the best way to get around Thailand?
Long-Distance Trains
The long-distance trains in Thailand are good but usually late by at least 30 minutes to a couple of hours. The sleeper trains are old but quite comfy and one of my favorite forms of travel. (Always get the bottom bunk – it’s bigger. Plus, the air conditioner makes the top bunk FREEZING.) Book directly at the train station or through 12go.asia. Bottom bunks can sell out so try to buy a day or two in advance.
Bus
Buses are more efficient than trains. Always take the second-class buses instead of the VIP tourist buses. It’s half the price and nicer. (The VIP buses are always blaring music all night and can be targets for people to get robbed since it’s all foreigners. I’ve heard rumors of bus staff going through bags when coming from the beaches.) The second-class buses are usually only locals, so they are safer in my opinion. They have air conditioning and bathrooms, too.
Budget Airlines
While buses are the cheapest option, budget airline like AirAsia and VietJet offer some steals to fly domestically and internationally if you don’t have a lot of luggage and want to save time. (Most budget airlines fly out of Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).
I’ve flown VietJet recently and it was an overall good experience. I only had carry-on luggage. If I have a lot of luggage, I tend to fly Thai Airways because I prefer flying out Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) where most long-haul flights depart.
Tuk Tuks
Tuk tuks (auto rickshaw) prices are outrageous in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Always get a taxi in Bangkok – it’s significantly cheaper to pay by taxi meter than the horrible flat rate tuk tuk prices. They can be cheaper in other parts of the country. Negotiate the price beforehand. Consider using the price in the rideshare app to help with negotiations.
Rideshares
Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia and the most reliable of the rideshare apps. You can even schedule pickups in advance, which is great for airport runs. There are other apps as well like Maxim that are slightly cheaper but a bit more glitchy. Bolt also works, but it’s not as reliable.
Can you use credit cards in Thailand?
Bring cash for street vendors and markets in Thailand.
Credit cards are accepted in most major cities but it’s still a very cash dependent society. You’ll always need cash on hand. For credit cards, some places will charge a 3% fee or set a minimum transaction limit (300 THB/$9 USD), which is much higher than the average meal cost. Most places allow you to pay with a QR code but you need a local bank account for that.
If you are brining cash to exchange, rates are always better in towns than at the airport. All ATMs in Thailand are now charging ATM fees for withdrawals. To avoid these fees, be sure to open a fee-free travel bank account before your trip, which will save you a significant amount of money. For more details, check out my post on Travel Banking 101.
What should I wear in Thailand?
Bangkok’s Wat Arun is best photographed from across the river.
Thailand is very conservative, so be sure to cover your knees and shoulders in temples! Many temples in Bangkok even require long pants and long sleeves, and they will require you to rent clothing if you are not dressed appropriately. Be respectful at all times. Normal shorts are okay in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Anything goes along the beaches in Southern Thailand.
An Easy Guide to Getting American Airlines Elite Status—And How to Optimize it Once You Do
A work trip to Egypt in January helped me earn American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum status thanks to a stopover in Dubai and flying oneworld alliance airlines.
This post was originally published in April 2024 and updated in March 2026 to reflect how I earned status in 2025 and recent changes to the program.
In 2024, I achieved American Airlines Platinum status, my first elite status on any airline. For the past two years, I’ve hacked the system to reach Platinum Pro status. How did I do it? (Hint: Hotels are the secret!) Is it worth the effort? Until June 2025, I would have set yes for these reasons. After the June 12, 2025 update removing the popular mileage upgrade award chart, I have to say that I don’t really see the value for Platinum Pro over Platinum, which I dig into in this post. Upgrades on international flights are no longer an attainable perk for most AA elite status members because of the skyrocketing costs.
Here’s my guide to American Airlines Elite Status, including pie charts with a breakdown of how I earned status!
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
In this Article
How I Got American Airlines Platinum Pro Status (2026)
How I Got American Airlines Platinum Pro Status (2025)
How I used Hotels to get American Airlines Status
Is American Airlines Platinum worth the effort?
American Airlines Frequent Flyer Mile FAQ
Why American Airlines’ Instant Upgrade System is Terrible
American Airlines Status Levels
There are four American Airlines status levels: Gold (40,000 loyalty points), Platinum (75,000 loyalty points), Platinum Pro (125,000 loyalty points) and Executive Platinum (200,000). Status levels are calculated annually from March 1 to February 28. (For example, I hit Platinum Pro again in December 2025 and my status is valid until March 31, 2027.)
How are American Airlines Loyalty Points Calculated
My loyalty has always been with American Airlines because I’ve always lived near one of their hub cities. In 2022, the airline revamped its loyalty program to focus solely on a loyalty point system for achieving elite status. For each qualifying mile you earn, you also earn one loyalty point from flying on American, oneworld airline partners and Jet Blue. In addition, you can earn loyalty points for using their branded credit cards, shopping on their portal sites (SimplyMiles, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining, American Airlines Vacations) or through other partners. The more money you spend, the easier it is to earn elite status. It’s no longer about how much or far you fly—it’s all about money.
Loyalty points for flights are calculated using the base fare before taxes. You’ll earn a loyalty point for every dollar spent. You earn a significant mileage bonus for every dollar spent based on your status:
AAdvantage member: 5 miles per dollar
AAdvantage Gold: 7 miles per dollar
AAdvantage Platinum: 8 miles per dollar
AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 9 miles per dollar
AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 11 miles per dollar
Example: If the base fare for a flight is $500, that equals 4,000 loyalty points for that flight with the 8-mile multiplier for platinum status.
How I got American Airlines Platinum Pro Status (2026)
To achieve American Airlines Platinum Pro status in 2025, I earned 131,043 loyalty points from the following: Flights (36%; 46,611), Credit Card Spending (38%; 49,435), Hotels (19%; 24,298), eShopping ( 7%; 9,329) and miscellaneous (1%; 1,370 from rental cards, Simply Miles and the 1,000 point loyalty bonus once you reach 15,000 points.)
It took a calculated combination of efforts to earn status because I’m a pretty frugal person who doesn’t spend a lot of money and usually saves half of my income. This makes it extremely difficult to earn elite airline status since it’s all about how much money you spend.
Full Disclosure: One of my freelance jobs is teaching photography for a luxury travel company, so most of my flights are paid for by my job. This alone is the only reason I’m currently able to earn status because I wouldn’t be flying as much without this job. I try to strategize the best I can to stay loyal to American Airlines or oneworld airlines when convenient. Since traveling is exhausting, I’ll always fly a non-oneworld airline if they have a direct flight versus having to connect or even worse, overnight somewhere just to stay loyal.
A few notes:
-
I flew 12 American Airlines and oneworld alliance flights for a total of 46,611 points. Since one of my freelance jobs pays for my flights, I only got loyalty points for flying, not for purchasing them.
- My credit card spending was higher than normal because I spent two months traveling in Africa with friends. I booked and paid for most of our accommodation on my AA card.
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Once I hit the 15,000-point level, American Airlines let me choose a reward, and I selected the bonus of 1,000 loyalty points.
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After hitting the 60,000 level, you can earn a 20% loyalty point bonus reward, which includes AAdvantage Hotel bookings. After achieving 100,000 loyalty points, it increased to 30%, which was instrumental in helping me get status. (In 2026, this changed to only a 25% bonus when you hit the 60,000 level.)
How I got American Airlines Platinum Pro Status (2025)
To earn American Airlines Platinum Pro status, I earned 127, 096 through the following: credit card spending (26%; 33,703 points ); flights (34%; 43,455 points); hotels booked through AAdvantage Hotels (37%; 47,020 points); eShopping through the American Airlines portal (1%; 1,885 points) and miscellaneous (1%;1,841 points from a rental car, dining and the 1,000 point loyalty bonus once you reach 15,000 points.)
A few notes:
- I flew 10 American Airline and oneworld alliance flights for a total of 38,832 points. Since one of my freelance jobs pays for my flights, I only got loyalty points for flying, not for purchasing them.
- My credit card spending was higher than normal because I dropped $10,000 on new camera system (switched from Nikon to Sony). Roughly, 10% of my credit card spending was reimbursable from work expenses.
- Once I hit the 15,000 point level, American Airlines lets you choose a bonus of 1,000 loyalty points, which helped.
- After hitting the 60,000 level, you can earn a 20% loyalty point bonus rewards, which includes AAdvantage Hotel bookings. After achieving 100,000 loyalty points, it increased to 30%, which was instrumental in helping me get status.
How I used Hotels to get American Airlines Status
Three nights at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok worth nearly 10,000 loyatly points each helped me achieve American Airlines Platinum Pro status.
The secret for me was booking hotels through AAdvantage Hotels after I was eligible for the loyalty point bonuses. (Again, there’s a 25% bonus at 60,000 points as of 2026.) Keep in mind booking through AAdvantage Hotels is always more expensive than booking directly—at least 20% by my calculations but sometimes more. You are always paying more for the points.
Here’s how I did in 2024 and 2025:
Once I achieved Platinum status (75,000 loyalty points) in late August 2024, I needed 47,000 points to reach Platinum Pro, which seemed unrealistic because I wasn’t going to be flying any oneworld airlines again until March. There was no way I’d spend nearly that much on my credit card over the next six months. (I was in Southeast Asia where things are often cash-based.)
By November, I needed 42,000 points for Platinum Pro and decided to try to hack the system with hotels for some January trips. I booked four hotel nights for $1,431.25 totaling 39,660 points. To earn the same amount of loyalty points from flights, I would have had to spend $4,957 on airfare (base fare, excluding taxes). By booking the hotels, it was essentially a 72% discount on money spent!
I found an amazing 5-star hotel in Bangkok (Chatrium Grand Bangkok) that I booked three individual nights back-to-back to get roughly 9,300 to 10,000 points each night. (The rewards are higher for individual nights than multi-night stays booked together.) I emailed the hotel in advance to ensure I had the same room the entire time and “checked in/out” daily. It was roughly $400/night, which is more than I’ve ever spent on a hotel. Don’t get me wrong it was a stunning hotel, but I could have gotten it at least $100 cheaper on Booking.com. The loyalty points for each stay posted individually less than a week later.
In late 2025, I needed roughly 25,000 points to hit Platinum Pro, so I booked the same Bangkok hotel for three nights. It was $364/night roughly and 6,700 points per night (8,710 because the 30% bonus was still in effect). It was cheaper than last year (and the rate included breakfast) but less points per night. I booked three individual nights again because the points value was higher. And, it worked to get me to Platinum Pro!
I booked another hotel in Hanoi for $167/night for 4,300 points. (I booked a second night at the same hotel fairly last minute for a discounted $66 on Booking.com.) I only chose these hotels because they had the highest loyalty point value and good reviews. These were trips I was taking anyway and not every city I was visiting had great deals like this. To be honest, I was really concerned this wouldn’t work, and I’d wasted my money, so I was grateful it paid off.
Benefits of American Airlines’ Platinum Status
Flying Royal Jordanian, a oneworld airline, to Jordan for work also helped me earn status on American Airlines, and my status got me access to their lounge in the Amman Airport, which is also a Priority Pass lounge. While in Jordan, I hiked to the monastery in Petra, which is best photographed in the afternoon.
Upgrades: The popular mileage award chart for upgrades was discontinued on June 12, 2025. While unlimited domestic upgrades are still a benefit for all status tiers, American Airlines no longer offers the option to upgrade on international flights to business class for 25,000 miles + $350 fee for those with status. (This was the main benefit of status for me and makes it not worth the effort for me anymore to be Platinum Pro. Due to the benefits below, I still think Platinum is worth the effort.)
Main Cabin Extra: After booking, you have access to extra-leg room seats (these are up to a $100 value). I would never pay for these, but this is a huge help for long-haul flights where I can’t get the upgrade.
60% Status Mileage Bonus: For every dollar spent on flights, you earn a 60% bonus on flights that helps you earn status faster.
Two Free Checked Bags + Priority Handling: This is nice, but I never check two bags. The priority handling is great when I have Global Entry and don’t want to wait ages for all the bags to come.
Priority Lanes for Check-in Security and Boarding: My biggest pet peeve with flying now is having to fight to carry on my camera gear, which I don’t want to check for fear of theft or damage. Priority boarding resolves this easily. You get group 2 with platinum pro, group 3 with platinum, group 4 with gold and group 5 if you have an American Airlines credit card. Group 5 has been fine for me with my luggage previously, so this isn’t as much of a game changer as other things.
Priority boarding has been a lifesaver with oneworld airline flights—that’s huge for me because British Airways was recently trying to make me check my carry-on bag with my camera gear. Priority boarding saved me last summer. The priority boarding with gold status was enough to make a difference.
Oneworld Sapphire Status: Lounge access is one of the top three benefits for me because I literally hate being in airports and love anything that makes it more tolerable. You only get access to lounges when flying oneworld airlines. If you’re flying internationally, you can get into business class lounges. For American Airlines, this means I get Admirals Club access, which is a game-changer—free champagne, delicious food and showers. It’s a nice space to work as well.
Other benefits include same-day priority standby and a designated travel planning desk.
Benefits of American Airlines Platinum Pro
It includes all of the benefits of Platinum listed above with some added perks. The two biggest are an 80% mile bonus on every dollar spent on flights and oneworld Emerald Status, which means access to fancier lounges and priority boarding on oneworld flights. In addition, you get three free checked bags with priority handling. You also get to priority check-in and boarding on all oneworld airlines.
American Airlines Frequent Flyer Mile FAQ
Alfred the Gnome at the Sphnix in Egypt. We had a private tour of the Sphnix and were able to get closer than you can with general admission tickets.
How does American Airlines Gold status compare to Platinum?
Gold status offers priority upgrades on domestic flights (very difficult), but no free main cabin extra and only one free checked bag. The mileage bonus is slightly less, and you only get oneworld Sapphire status, which gives you priority boarding but no lounge access.
Gold status was worth it for me in 2023 for the priority boarding on other oneworld airlines, which prevented me from having to check my camera gear. It also allowed me to upgrade to business class on a 15-hour flight from LAX to Sydney, but that benefit was discontinued in August 2025.)
Is American Airlines Platinum worth the effort?
If it’s convenient for you to fly American Airlines or another oneworld alliance airline regularly, then yes, it can be worth the effort.
The most valuable benefits of Platinum are the free main cabin extra seats, priority boarding (especially on partner airlines) and lounge access. Platinum Pro provides access to first-class lounges, which are often less crowded. [Check free main cabin extra bookable at booking for platinum]
For me, American Airlines Platinum status has definitely been worth it but ONLY because I organized most of my flights with American Airlines and oneworld airlines. First of all, it gave me access to Fast Track security in London Heathrow with British Airways, which is similar to TSA PreCheck. This was a game changer because I was through security in minutes without having to take out all my electronics.
I got access to the Cathy Pacific Lounge, which is the best lounge in Heathrow Terminal 3, with my oneworld emerald status. The spacious and quiet lounge had a NOODLE BAR and free-flowing champagne. I boarded the plane a happy girl with a belly full of bao and pho. Literally, it was the best airport lounge I’ve ever visited.
The priority boarding and seating meant that I didn’t have to check my carry-on bags on British Airways flights. I was able to choose main cabin extra seats with extra legroom for free. (You can’t upgrade with miles on British Airways flights, which is a bit of a bummer.)
In July 2024, I was trying to fly from Austin to Charlotte but was hit by multiple delays (10 hours of sitting in the Austin airport!). I ended up switching flights in the app and was upgraded for free to first class for the flight! This was the first time I’ve ever been upgraded domestically, which seems like a bit of a fluke related to the delays and switching flights. Two weeks later, I got upgraded again on a domestic flight from CLT to SFO.
These are the only two domestic upgrades I’ve ever received on domestic flights in three years of chasing status. Since then, I’ve always been very far back on the list. I don’t see this as a valuable benefit to
Then, I was approved for an upgrade on an 11-hour LAX to Tokyo flight to business class, which is paid ($350 plus 25,000 miles). (As mentioned above, this benefit was discontinued in Summer 2025.)
My connecting flight to Bangkok was on Japan Airlines, another oneworld airline, so I got priority boarding AND Fast Track security, a total game changer. (I’ve add issues with Japan Airlines being stern about the weight of my carry-on luggage. I was really concerned about this in Tokyo, but they didn’t weight my bags at all.)
I had two rough and long weather-related delays so my status really helped make the flights more manageable thanks to the Cathy Pacific lounge at Narita Airport in Tokyo. It was a quiet reprieve to get some work done, shower, eat and drink a glass of champagne.
Why American Airlines’ Instant Upgrade System is Terrible
The screenshot on the left shows the ridiculous upgrade cost for premium economy in advance on a flight from CLT to LHR, while the right image shows what I was offered at checkin for a middle seat.
American Airlines new upgrade system is outrageous. In August 2025, the airline nixed the consumer-friendly mileage upgrade award chart and instituted a new one called Instant Upgrades with the option to upgrade for cash or miles. Dynamic pricing is used to determine cost.
To upgrade an economy ticket from LAX to Tokyo, it was 450,000 miles compared to roughly 350,000 miles to buy the business ticket directly! For domestic upgrades, it was offering $726 or 67.5K miles from LAX to CLT. From CLT to AUS (3-hour flight), it offered the option of $471 or 48.7K miles to upgrade. Both of these are ridiculous because I’m already on the waitlist due to my status. (I haven’t gotten a domestic upgrade in ages.)
On a recent flight from CLT to London Heathrow, it offered me to upgrade to premium economy for $674 or 77.1K miles. When I checked in for the flight, it offered me the same upgrade for $180 but with the caveat that seats were automatically assigned. Being savvy, I searched for the same flight as if I was buying a ticket to check the open seats—only middle seats. It wasn’t worth the value to me since I already had an aisle bulkhead seat just a few rows back. It’s very interesting that American is now offering upgrades like this at check-in.
The new upgrade policy is a terrible deal for American Airlines flights, especially compared to the old system. (Most airlines have outrageous pricing on their own award flights, so this is the industry standard.) But, American still offers some excellent deals for tickets booked with miles on partner airlines.
American Airlines Credit Card Versus
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Starting in April 2026, all American Airlines credit cards are switching to Citibank. Many of the old Barclay’s cards transitioned directly to CITI, except for mine. I had to apply for a new card, which was a literal nightmare. Instead of going with the lateral $99/annual card, I decided to try the Executive World Elite that is $595 and includes Admirals club access. The laborious process took a month—Global Entry is easier to get—because they had to snail mail a code to my address then, snail mail an IRS form to fill out.
My goal this year is to test this new card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. I will downgrade one of the cards next year to a free version. Currently, I use my American Airlines card for all spending until I hit the status level I want, then I only use my Chase card. I primarily use the Chase points to book hotels. Now that the Chase annual fee has skyrocketed to $795, I find it less useful because most of the benefits are useless to me because I’m abroad most of the year. Priority Pass is the main reason I’m keeping it now but I do find that these lounges are degrading in quality.
Even if your loyalty is with another airline, they will have very similar benefits and ways to earn miles/status. I hope you find this helpful.
15 Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) that are Actually Worth Your Time
A statue of Ho Chi Minh sits outside the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City building on Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the sleek modern paradox to Hanoi’s ancient streets. With a population of eight million, the city is flooded with motorbike traffic—crossing the street isn’t for the faint of heart—and towering skyscrapers. While most of the main sights in the city center are war-related, Saigon has an unmistakable vibe that will make it hard to leave and some of the best craft beer in Asia.
These recommendations are based on my experience living and working for travel companies in Southeast Asia for the past decade. (I visit Vietnam multiple times a year for work.) Ho Chi Minh City, known as HCMC, has a vibrant energy that I love. I enjoy spending a few days here simply eating and hitting up the breweries.
Here are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), along with the best time to visit and where to stay!
You can easily do all these things on your own, but if you’re short on time, consider a city tour.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
Plan Your Trip
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
When to Go: November to April for dry weather.
Travel Insurance: Protect yourself with SafetyWing travel medical insurance to cover accidents and travel delays.
Mobile eSIM Card: Get seamless connectivity worldwide with Airalo minus the hassle of physical SIM card.
1. Bitexco Financial Tower
The view of the Landmark 81 building from the Bitexco Financial Tower.
Nothing puts the massive size of the city into perspective like the view from the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower ($9 USD) in District 1. (I suggest buying advance tickets through Klook for your preferred time slot because it’s the same price as buying in person without any lines.)
An alternative with a higher view and slightly steeper admission rate ($12 USD) is the Landmark 81—a nearby District 1 skyscraper that was the tallest building in Southeast Asia until 2024 when the Merdeka 118 Tower opened in Kuala Lumpur. Combo tickets can be bought on Klook to avoid the queue. (I haven’t found any other way to buy them online.)
2. War Remnants Museum
This powerful museum is devoted to showcasing the impact of the U.S. invasion of Vietnam on civilians from a Vietnamese perspective in eight thematic exhibitions with over 20,000 artifacts. (Please note the Vietnam War is often referred to as the American War across the country.)
The images of the atrocities, horrific destruction and effects of Agent Orange are upsetting, so prepare yourself emotionally before visiting. While it’s a deeply moving experience, visiting the museum is essential for gaining a larger understanding of the conflict and modern-day Vietnam.
The upstairs Requiem Exhibition showcases the work of photographers on both sides killed during the conflict, including Robert Capa. The grounds display a series of U.S. armored vehicles, weapons and bombs. Allow an hour or two to visit. Tickets can be bought in advance on Klook ($1.85 USD).
3. Reunification Palace
The Reunification Palace was the home and office of the president of South Vietnam.
Once you’ve wrapped your head around the size of the city, start digging into the history. This airy 1960s government building is a landmark—communist tanks rolled through the gates on April 30, 1975, marking the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War. The building, also known as the Independence Palace, was formerly the home of the South Vietnamese president and originally the site of the 1868 French governor-general of Cochin-China. The interior features lavish reception rooms and the president’s living quarters. The most interesting part is the basement war room and telecommunications center featuring a photogenic collection of vintage rotary phones. Tickets are $1.89 USD and can be bought in advance on Klook.
4. Chu Chi Tunnels
Left: The entrance to one of the Ben Douc tunnels, part of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Right: Artillery left over after the Vietnam War.
No trip to Saigon is complete without a visit to the spiderweb of narrow tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s.There are two sets of tunnels, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, located 30 to 40 kilometers from the city. Ben Dinh is the most touristy one because it’s more easily accessible by a scenic boat ride or a day tour.
I’ve been to both and prefer Ben Duoc because it’s not as touristy—there was only a handful of people when I went. (I went by public bus from the town center (formerly District 1) in Saigon, which I highly recommend—it’s one of my favorite experiences in Vietnam.
For details, I wrote a post about how to get to the Ben Douc tunnels by public bus.) You need a full day to go by bus to Ben Duoc. If you have less time, consider booking a half-day tour to Ben Dinh from Klook.
5. The ÀÕ Show at the Saigon Opera House
The best (and only) way to see the inside of the Saigon Opera House is to attend one of the spectacular ÀÕ Show, a bamboo circus, performances!
The only way to see the stunning interior of the 1898 opera house is to attend an event or a performance. While the Ho Chi Minh Ballet Symphony and Opera occasionally hold performances, the most frequent is the ÀÕ Show, an acrobatic bamboo circus with Cirque du Soleil elements and a touch of humor. The scenes are a fun mix of gymnastics and tumbling elements with some traditional props, like round basket boats and gigantic bamboo poles with a live music soundtrack of traditional and modern instruments. I really enjoyed the hour-long performance!
Seating is assigned, so I recommend booking in advance. Prices are steep for Vietnam with three categories: 1,750,000 VND ($66 USD), 1,250,000 ($47 USD) and 800,000 ($30 USD). I booked six weeks in advance and got a $30 USD front-row seat (seat A15), which is literally the seat beside the more expensive section! (No photos are allowed during performance, which is why I don’t have a photo to share!)
6. Ben Thanh Market
An aerial view of the red-roofed Ben Thanh Market building shot from the Bitexco Financial Tower.
The yellow-façade of this Indochine-style bazaar has been a city landmark for over a century, and a key orientation point for the city. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., you’ll find vendors hawking everything from cheap eats to fake watches. The market has 1,500 vendors covering 13,000 square meters, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
The market has four main and 12 smaller side entrances. Here is a short list organized by goods sold:
- South Entrance: Main gate by the clock tower with wide variety of goods, from fabric to dried food.
- East Entrance: Cosmetics, skin and hair care products.
- West Entrance: Shoes, handmade crafts and souvenirs.
- North Entrance: Fresh flowers and fruits.
Even if you are not a shopper (like me!), it’s worth a stroll to get a sense of the atmosphere. There’s a lot of junk for sale, like most tourist shops, so you’ll have to look for quality. The outer perimeter is mostly fixed price shops, usually with clear signage, while the interior shops are fair game for bargaining, which you should do!
7. Saigon Central Post Office & Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
The 1891 Central Post Office is one of Saigon’s many French Colonial era buildings and a great place to buy postcard stamps.
You can’t miss the yellow and green façade of the 1891 French-era Central Post Office. The interior is a functioning post office with side hallways filled with stalls hawking tourist trinkets that distract from the tiled floors and Ho Chi Minh mosaic. Even though the building is crowded—nearly every day tour stops here—, I do think it’s worth a visit just to peek at the architecture for a few minutes.
Across the street is the Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been flanked by restoration scaffolding since 2017 but is scheduled to complete in 2027. The interior is currently only open during mass times.
Don’t miss the Nguyen Van Binh Book Street around the corner. The pedestrian-only zone is lined with bookshops selling both Vietnamese and English titles and cozy cafes, a haven from the buzzing streets. I personally love all the public benches for relaxing in the shade. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know this existed for years, and now, it’s become a little reprieve.
8. Traditional Water Puppet Show
A Vietnamese water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is a fun-filled attraction for all ages.
Water puppetry, a century-old form of Vietnamese theater, is a great insight into local culture. The colorful puppets depict scenes of local life in a waist-deep pool accompanied by traditional folk music. While the show is entirely in Vietnamese, it’s easy to follow along with the action and laughs. (I go to one water puppet show every year for work, and it’s really fun to experience at least once.)
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater (nightly at 6:30 p.m.) and the Museum of Vietnamese History have regular performances. (You can buy tickets in person or in advance on Klook for the same price.) All water puppet shows across Vietnam have similar storylines, so no need to see shows in multiple cities.
9. Nguyen Hue Walking Street
The Nguyen Hue Walking Street decorated for Lunar New Year (TET) in HCMC.
This pedestrian-only walking street stretches 900 meters from the photogenic People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City building to the Saigon River. It comes alive on weekend nights with street performers and food stalls. During special occasions like Lunar New Year, it’s heavily decorated. This is one of my favorite parts of the city. It’s the perfect place for people watching and a sunset walk.
Don’t miss the Cafe Apartments located at 42 Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This nine-story, 1960s-era apartment building is now a vertical hub of cafes, shops and coworking spaces. Everyone has their own balcony overlooking the walking street.
10. Sample Saigon’s Craft Beer Scene
Belgo (left) and Heart of Darkness (right) are two craft breweries with great patios.
One of my favorite things to do is brewery hop around HCMC—the craft beer capital of Southeast Asia. Pasteur Street Brewing ignited the trend in 2015 and has multiple taprooms (all serve food) spread across the city (and one in Hanoi). I love the vibe of their original location on Pasteur Street. (The flagship Jasmine IPA and Pomelo IPA are my favorite brews.)
The Heart of Darkness taproom is always hopping on weekends and serves up some tasty hazy IPAs. (I’m an IPA girl if you can’t tell.) A new addition to the scene— Belgo, a Belgian brewery—is quickly becoming a favorite because the patio, beer and food are fantastic. BiaCraft is also a great spot.
Don’t miss the two taprooms for 7 Bridges Brewing Co. The Da Nang-based brewery just won gold at the 2025 Asia Beer Championships for best small brewery and best beer!
11. Tai Dinh Church (Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus)
The rose-hued exterior of the historic Tai Dinh Church, an active Catholic church, is a great photo spot.
This stunning 1876 pink French and Gothic-style church is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. It is the second largest church in the city after the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. It was painted in its famous rose hue in 1957. While it’s a gorgeous photo spot, the Tai Dinh Church interior is not open to the public because it’s an active church. Only people attending mass can go inside. Visitors are allowed to wander around in the front courtyard to take photos for free.
For me, the best photo spot is directly across the road on street level. You’ll need a bit of patience to wait for cars to pass to get a clean shot. Across the street, Cong Coffee has an upstairs, outdoor patio with nice views, but I still preferred the view from the street level.
I recommend visiting the nearby pink-hued Jade Emperor Pagoda (below) afterwards, which is only a 15-minute walk away. Both sites are about 2.5 kilometers from the tourist center near Ben Thanh Market.
12. Jade Emperor Pagoda
For an authentic temple experience, visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda to watch locals honoring the supreme Taoist god.
One of the city’s most revered and bustling Taoist temples, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, lies on an unassuming neighborhood street. The pink-hued Chinese-style temple was built in 1909 to honor the supreme god, the Jade Emperor, Ngoc Hoang. Clouds of incense linger across the fountain-filled courtyard. Be sure to cover your knees and shoulders before entering.
Pair this temple with a visit to the nearby rose-colored Tan Dinh Church above.
13. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
A motorbike loaded up with flowers during an early morning visit to Ho Thi Ky Flower Market.
Located a short Grab ride away from the main tourist area, this 2,000 square-meter market is the largest wholesale flower market in the city. It’s one of the best places to snap photos and people watch in the city. The market is open 24 hours with fresh deliveries arriving in the early morning hours (midnight to 3 a.m.). A nearby food area opens in late afternoon and into the evening.
I visited at 7 a.m. because I wanted to have nice light for photography. I spent over an hour wandering through the streets, memorized at the piles of flowers being strapped to motorbikes. It was a great slice of local life because I didn’t see another foreigner the entire time I was there!
Be sure to ask permission before taking close-up shots of vendors. I did see several “no photo” signs, and please respect the locals.
14. Ride the NEW HCMC Metro Line
Three metro lines are aimed to be completed by 2030 in HCMC.
In December 2024, HCMC opened its first metro line (Metro Line 1) connecting Ben Thanh Market (town center) and Suoi Tien (Eastern suburb). The line connects 14 stations, three underground and the rest above ground, and takes about 30 minutes to ride the entire line. Aside from the first three stops, the metro isn’t very useful for most travelers, but it is an air-conditioned reprieve with toilets (after you pay train fare), especially in the rainy season.
I took the metro one stop from the Opera House to Ben Thanh out of curiosity. It is very sleek and modern, thanks to Japan, who funded the majority of the project. The fares are very cheap, and it’s easy to tap to pay with a credit card! Card payments range from 6,000 to 19,000 VND (23 to 72 cents USD) for a ride.
15. Visit the Mekong Delta
Boats along the Mekong Delta have eyes painted on the bow to ward off evil spirits.
The Mekong Delta is a must-visit if you’re already in HCMC. Ideally, it’s best to spend a few days exploring the water world of bustling markets, scenic boat trips and beaches. Can Tho is the hub of all the excitement, but I love the wet market at Chau Doc. Keep an eye out for the large ships with eyes painted on the front to ward off evil spirits and sea monsters. If your time is limited, Klook and GetYourGuide offer great day and multi-day trip options.
Where to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
A banh mi from L’Usine.
My favorite cafes and sandwich spots to eat are The Old Compass, L’Usine, The Vintage Emporium, and Banh Mi 3362. ABC Bakery Café was a great spot to grab a fast and cheap breakfast to go!
If you are looking to splurge, the Park Hyatt’s breakfast buffet is worth the $40 because it includes all-you-can-drink Prosecco and ordering items off the menu—the banh mi and French toast are fabulous.
All the craft breweries have tasty food, but Belgo is my favorite brewery food.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
If you’ve got some credit card miles to cash in, the Park Hyatt Saigon is a great place to treat yourself.
All of the accommodation options below are centered around the city’s main attractions.
Hotels: The sleek, spacious rooms and delicious breakfast buffet at the Fusion Original Saigon Centre ($133/night) are the perfect peaceful reprieve from the bustling city below. Located around the corner from the Bitexco Financial Tower, Au Lac Charner ($105/night) is a great spot with a rooftop pool and free breakfast (and afternoon tea!).
Hostels: The majority of District 1 hostels are concentrated around Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien. While most have lackluster reviews, the conveniently located Loan Võ Hostel shines with a 9.1 rating for clean dorms and private rooms. The sleek design and bunks with curtains make The Common Room another great choice.
Splurge: If you’re looking to splurge, the Park Hyatt Saigon ($289) is the nicest hotel in town with an amazing pool, gym and a mind-blowing breakfast! (I stay here for work every year. Otherwise, Au Lac Charner or Fusion Original are my go-to spots.)
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh is home to the busiest airport in Vietnam and the main transport hub. (I always fly through Ho Chi Minh when I’m flying back to the U.S. from Southeast Asia because I can connect in Japan. This really helped me successfully hack my way to elite status on American Airlines.)
You can take buses, vans and the train anywhere in Vietnam from there. Keep in mind that Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are on opposite ends of the country and a 30-hour train ride apart.
I recommend booking transfers on Klook for convenience and using 12go.asia for bus and train tickets if it’s too much hassle to go to the station. Please read reviews before booking.
The Best Time to go to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
HCMC has two seasons: the dry season and the monsoon. The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit. The monsoon season brings high humidity (83%!) and brief but powerful storms along with occasional flooding. (I always visit in January and February.) The air quality is often better during the rainy season because the rain cleans pollutants from the air. Consider a visit just after the rainy season for the best air quality and while all the plant life is still lush.
Vietnam FAQ
A view of the Bitexco Tower from the Au Lac Charner hotel.
Where’s the best place to buy a SIM card in Vietnam?
The easiest thing to do is buy a Vietnam-specific eSIM card from Airalo that will work instantly when you arrive. (Airalo partners with Viettel, the fastest network in Vietnam.) For more details, read my review of Airalo eSIM cards in Southeast Asia.
Promo Codes: New customers save 15% off with NEWTOAIRALO15 and existing users save 10% with AIRALOESIM10.
If you are traveling to multiple countries in Southeast Asia on a short trip, then consider one of their Asia Regional eSIM cards. (Both the country-specific and regional eSIMs have worked wonderfully for me and even have a mobile hotspot option that’s critical because I’m always working remotely.) Keep in mind it’s always cheaper to buy a country-specific eSIM than a regional one.
Do you need travel medical insurance for Vietnam?
Yes, travel medical insurance is one of the most important things to purchase for any trip abroad, especially Vietnam. It covers all the things that could go wrong, from injuries to travel delays, so that you don’t have to worry and can focus on traveling!
SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance offers $0 deductible travel medical insurance coverage for over 180 countries for people aged 69 and under when traveling outside their home country. The best part is that it only costs a few dollars a day! If you get sick or injured abroad, you can visit any hospital or doctor. I’ve found SafetyWing to be the best option for me.
Other benefits of Nomad Insurance include coverage for lost checked luggage, travel delays over 12 hours, motor accidents (if properly licensed, wearing all safety equipment and not intoxicated) and injuries from sports or leisure activities. You can even add adventure sports, electronics theft and U.S. coverage (for non-residents) to your policy.
One of the best things about SafetyWing is that you can buy policies abroad and speak to a REAL human from the 24/7 customer support team if you have questions! (I can vouch that they are excellent at assisting and will follow up with you afterward.) Pay in full or choose an auto-renewing plan that can be canceled anytime.
For more details, read my review of using SafetyWing in Southeast Asia.
Why I go Abroad for Health Care
Photo Credit: Stock image from Pexels.com
This post was written in 2019 and is updated annually. Latest update: February 2026.
As a full-time freelancer, health care has always been one of my biggest burdens due to the lack of cost transparency and the complicated structure of the American medical system. Since I work for a travel company for part of the year, I have a travel insurance policy that covers me when I’m working abroad.
Travel insurance is $92/month (It would be cheaper if I was under 40.) with no copays or deductibles while my U.S. insurance was $450/month in 2017 with high copays and deductibles.
Health insurance is one of those topics that gets me all riled up, so I’ll do my best to avoid getting on a soapbox. I feel so strongly about the subject that I even wrote a chapter in my book about how to hack the cost of U.S. healthcare because I understand it well, especially the flaws.
In short, the American healthcare system is inefficient and expensive. (Source: The Atlantic) While the quality of care is high in the U.S., the lack of transparency about cost is what frustrates me more than anything because I want to pay upfront and not wait months for some mystery bill to arrive in the mail. Plus, it often takes months to get an appointment, which is nightmare because of my work schedule.
Due to this, I’ve started going abroad for my annual physical, routine dental cleaning and other routine doctor appointments. I wanted to explain how I handle medical care in my nomadic lifestyle and dispel myths about the quality of care abroad. I highly recommend it and wish I’d started doing this sooner!
This post includes my experience and pricing from 2019 until 2026. In 2025, I signed up for a Cigna global healthcare policy that I review at the end of the post.
The goal of this post is to show what works for me and share my experience. I hope you find this helpful or at least, interesting!
Affiliate links are used in this post for travel insurance only. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
Why I Go To Thailand for Medical Care
All the mailboxes in Bangkok are separated by location.
I have lived and worked in Thailand off and on for the last decade. I love the country and live in Chiang Mai every winter. I’ll probably retire in Thailand because it just feels like home and it’s always warm.
I had a great experience in 2012 when I went to Bumrundgrad Hospital in Bangkok when one of my running injuries flared up. They did a hip x-ray and gave me the results immediately. It all cost a total of $70 compared to the $700 my insurance was billed for the exact same x-ray I had six months prior in the U.S.
Bumrundgrad and Bangkok Hospital have been recommended by all the expats I’ve met living abroad and even my Thai friends. And, these Thai friends have all lived in New York City and other parts of the U.S., so they understand the U.S. healthcare system.
In Hong Kong in 2018, I had lunch with some old friends — a wealthy retired couple from Australia who spend part of their year in Phuket. They both go to Bangkok Hospital in Phuket for their annual physical, which is what led me to start getting health screenings in Thailand as well! I’ve started conversations with other foreigners I’ve met at these hospitals. Most are more affluent than me proving this isn’t something that lower-middle-class folks due to save money. It’s high-end care at an affordable rate! (My income has doubled since I started getting my healthcare done in Thailand, so I can afford to pay for care in the U.S. but prefer the efficiency, quality and refreshing price transparency of Thailand. )
Private healthcare in Thailand is affordable at baseline. Travel insurance doesn’t cover routine care like annual physicals and dental visits. I pay out of pocket for these, but the hospitals all accept insurance.
If you’d like to read more about the quality of Thai healthcare, The Economist recently did a story, Why is Thai health care so good?, and a case study about how the U.S. and Thailand compare on healthcare spending.
The Cost of an Annual Health Checkup in Thailand
The central interior courtyard at Bumrundgrad Hospital in Bangkok looks like a posh hotel more than a hospital!
The quality of the private healthcare system in Thailand is extremely high, safe, efficient and affordable. Unlike in the U.S., the prices are clear and posted. Bloodwork and other test results are delivered in roughly 60-90 minutes. They also take insurance.
There is a set price list for annual health check options online for both of the major hospital brands in Thailand. Prices increase based on your age due to the extra tests that are included in the package. The prices below are for Bumrungrad Hospital.
2019: I chose the cheapest option since I was under 40, and the cost was 7,140 Baht/$235 USD. (Note prices are higher for females because a pap smear is included.) This includes normal physical blood work, a pap smear, a chest x-ray, urine and stool samples and detailed consultation with an English-speaking doctor. This takes two to three hours.
2022: I chose a higher-priced package since I turned 40 that included a mammogram with ultrasound, pap smear, EKG, ultrasound of the whole abdomen, chest x-ray, extensive bloodwork and urine/stool samples, and detailed consultation with an English-speaking doctor. All results except the pap smear were given to me at the appointment. Cost was 30,500 Baht/$847 USD. Clearly, this is higher than 2019, but it also includes a lot more. Again, prices are cheaper for men because they don’t need a pap smear or mammogram. This takes roughly three to four hours.
2023: The cost of the same package increased to 33,420 Baht/$991 USD, which was about a 17 percent increase from the previous year.
2024: The cost of the same package increased only slight to 34,700 Baht/$1,029 USD, which was only a 4 percent increase. It only took me three hours from when they took my bloodwork until the end when the doctor sat down and gave me all my results.
2025: The cost of the same package increased 4.5% to 36,300 THB/ $1,168.71 USD in December 2025. The Thai Baht was extremely high, which lead to part of the pricing difference.
The doctors all speak fluent English. You can choose a doctor off the website based on their credentials. (My doctor grew up in Florida, and she’s awesome!)
Bumrunggrad International Hospital in Bangkok is constanlty rated one of the best in the world by Newsweek.
Step-by-step guide to a health checkup process at Bumrundgrad Hospital in Bangkok
When you arrive at the hospital, you check in and register to be in the hospital system. If it is your first visit, you’ll need your passport, and they’ll take your photo for their charts. You’ll be given a hospital number that’s your reference for future visits and medical records.
Next, you go to the health screening floor. You take a number and are called up to the registration counter in less than 10 minutes. They go over what package you’ve chosen and what’s included. If you have any medical records or previous x-rays/labs, bring those with you as well. They give you a hospital bracelet with your name and birthday and a barcode they scan at every step of the process. They give you a little buzzer like you’d get a restaurant that lets you know when you are next for all the procedures. Very efficient!
The next counter is the cashier. (You only pay for health screenings in advance since they are packages. Payment is done for normal appointments afterward. Unlike in the U.S., they can easily quote you exact prices before you are given any treatment or tests.)
The floor is set up in a giant circle with the central glass-enclosed area looking down on a well-manicured courtyard below. Each area you proceed to is labeled by letter from A to D.
Counter A: Bloodwork
At Counter A, they take your blood pressure and weight, do bloodwork, measure your waist and check your vision. When doing any records or bloodwork, the nurses are constantly asking you to verify your information on the paperwork and labels. They scan you hospital bracelet for everything. They have you verify your name on the vials for the blood, which is printed on a label. Everything is sealed, packaged and sanitary just like in the U.S. (I used to work in India, so I’ve been to some proper third-world hospitals, so I know the difference!)
Counter B: X-Rays, Mammograms, EKG & Ultrasounds
At Counter B, they ask for a urine and stool sample. This is also where you do your chest x-ray, mammogram with ultrasound, EKG and whole abdomen ultrasound. They give you a key to a locker in a giant changing room/bathroom that’s separated by gender. Each locker has a set of clean scrubs, slippers and hangers for your clothes. They even give you a cute free scarf to wear if you are cold.
Your name is printed on the containers for the urine/stool samples. You place those in a little cubby inside the bathroom for the nurses to retrieve. You sit in the lobby for your x-ray and other tests for just a few minutes. They call you, and you are done quickly. (Again, they scan your hospital bracelet and manually verify your name with each test.) After you are finished, you toss your scrubs in the bins provided and give back the key. They go through, clean and replenish the lockers after each use. The slippers are disposable, so they aren’t reused, so I just use my own shoes.
Counter C: Meet with Doctor & Breakfast Buffet
Counter C is my favorite because it’s where they feed you! A free breakfast buffet catered by the J.W. Marriot is provided! All your bloodwork and test results are processed while you wait. For the basic package, it is roughly a 60-90 minute process from when they take the bloodwork, which was at Counter A. Keep in mind that they already started processing my bloodwork while I was doing the X-ray and other tests. There’s free, fast WIFI, so I brought my laptop so I could work while waiting. I barely had a chance to do any work previously because they were so quick to call me!
I usually sit at Counter C for about 30 minutes or so before they call me back to see the doctor. The doctor goes over your full bloodwork and chest X-ray, mammogram, EKG and abdomen ultrasound results in detail. They ask about preexisting conditions and if you have any concerns. They also do a normal exam listening to your heart and lungs, etc. For women, this includes a breast exam if you didn’t get a mammogram. (You are randomly assigned a doctor. I really liked my doctor. She grew up in Florida and went to medical school in Thailand. I really liked her, so I always request her.) Afterward, men are free to go, but women are ushered over to another hallway to see another doctor to have a pap smear, which is a quick process. This is the only result that’s emailed to you afterward. I got the email about three days later with a detailed PDF with all my test results, including the pap smear.
After this, I was done and free to leave. The entire process takes about three to four hours depending on the packages you choose. The cost of the health screening and the roundtrip flight to Thailand is cheaper than paying for three months of my old insurance plan in the U.S.!
Important Note: I have no preexisting conditions or major health concerns. I’ve often thought about what I would do if I did, which was live abroad most of the year. Currently, I’m already living abroad most of the year anyways with my base in Thailand. I’m only in the U.S. now three to four months a year.
I spent too many years working jobs in the U.S. that I hated just for the health insurance and decided life was too short to be that miserable. (It’s amazing how my career took off the minute I quit the job I was working just for the healthcare because I finally had the time to devote to what I really wanted to do.) And, again, this is what’s best for me. I just all this information is helpful to others!
Specialist Doctors in Thailand
The lobby at Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Dermatologist
Since skin cancer runs in my family, I always go to a dermatologist for a full-body skin cancer screening. There is an option to choose a doctor off the website based on their photo and their bio, which is what I had done.
I chose one who went to school in Boston. (From this experience and my last experience in the U.S., never choose the young, pretty dermatologists because they will make you feel bad about how you are aging and try to sell you all these cosmetic procedures that aren’t necessary. Older women are always nicer.) This was the only doctor I didn’t really like, but I also felt exactly the same about the last dermatologist in the U.S. who tried to sell me cosmetic procedures. I ended up with a different one last year who I like.
2019 Total Cost: 1,730 Baht/$57.12 USD
2022 Total Cost: 2,000 Baht/$55.54 USD
2023 Total Cost: 2,860 Baht/$84.82 USD (This was a much longer appointment to cover different skin concerns and questions I had, so it cost a bit more.)
2024 Total Cost: 2,675 Baht/$79.34 USD (This year, I had a new doctor who charged a bit more for a new patient visit, but it was still cheaper than last year.)
2025 Total Cost: 2,190 THB/ $70.51USD
I also had two large moles laser removed off my face and scalp for 9,533 THB/ $306.92 USD. It was a quick and great experience.
Gynecologist
I had a golf-ball-sized ovarian cyst a few years ago, so as a preliminary measure I went to see a gynecologist for an ultrasound as a precautionary measure in 2019. This entire process from meeting with the doctor to doing the ultrasound was less than 45 minutes. We sat in her office and discussed everything first. I showed her the results from my previous ultrasound in the U.S., which I keep on my computer.
During the process, she even had the ultrasound on the screen and labeled everything during the process. (Thankfully, everything was good!) I feel more comfortable with a woman doctor in most situations especially this one, so I chose a woman off the website who went to school in Germany. She reminded me of my grandma with her accent, and I totally loved her. I knew this would cost more, but I wanted to be sure things were okay. I knew I was paying for peace of mind! 2019 Total Cost: 7,060 Baht/ $233 USD ($100 for ultrasound, $100 for doctor fee & $33 for supplies) Now that I’m 40, my healthcare package includes an ultrasound, so I don’t pay extra for this anymore.
Colonoscopy/Endoscopy
Since I turn 45 in 2026, I had my first colonoscopy in early January 2025. (Due to the increase in colorectal cancer, doctors are recommending getting one at age 45.) I also did an endoscopy at the same time. The prep wasn’t fun but not nearly as bad as people make it sound. Thankfully, all my results were good.
I had the procedure at Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai. The colonoscopy and endoscopy cost 38,000 Bhat/ $1,223.44 USD. The doctor went over all the results and showed me photos as soon as I got out of the recovery room. They send a few things out for testing, which were all fine. The follow-up appointment cost 2,931 THB/ $94.37 USD.
The medicines needed for the procedure were around $20-30 USD. To save money, I bought them all at a pharmacy outside the hospital, except for the powder I had to drink the night before and morning of the procedure. (I had my first endoscopy in 2019 for around $700 USD.)
I did not need a referral. I just made an appointment to talk to the doctor and set the date for the procedure. My Cigna insurance would have paid $350 of this if I had waited until August when I turn 45. I decided to just do it now while I had the time.
Which is better: Bangkok Hospital or Bumrundgrad?
A sample of the health screening options offered by Bumrundgrad International Hospital in Bangkok.
Both Bumrundgrad International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital offer similar packages. Bangkok Hospital offers discouts making them a bit cheaper. Since Bumrundgrad has my medical records and I like my doctor, I decided to keep using them. Prices increase yearly for all packages, which I covered above.
For appointments, I’d book at least a week ahead. I booked a few weeks ahead so I could get an early morning appointment and my doctor of choice. In Bangkok, both hospitals are fairly accessible by public transit. Bumrundgrad offers two free shuttles in Bangkok and an airport pickup service.
Since Bumrundgrad doesn’t have a branch in Chiang Mai, I go to Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai, which is $3 taxi ride from the center of town.
Bangkok Hospital is the largest network in Thailand with over 40 hospitals in big cities including Phuket. My Thai friends (even the one who lived in New York) like Bangkok Hospital better but say both have the same quality of healthcare.
Keep in mind that the cost of these hospitals is very expensive to most locals. The average income in Thailand is $10-15 USD/day. (This figure comes from a nonprofit I volunteered with several years ago but has likely increased. I see other sources saying it’s $20/day but can’t verify the accuracy.) The two hospitals I mention are private and the most expensive in the country. There are significantly cheaper options that offer quality care for locals, but those doctors don’t always speak English, which is why I go to the private hospitals, which cater to foreigners.
Medicine in Thailand
Photo Credit: Stock image from Pexels.com
In Thailand, you can buy common antibiotics at the pharmacy without a prescription like doxycycline (malaria drug) and azithromycin (used to treat strep throat, food poisoning, etc.). This does NOT include controlled substances like pain or anxiety meds, etc. Certain medications are only available at pharmacies inside hospitals with prescriptions.
When I am prescribed or suggested to take a medication or dosage that I’m not sure about while traveling, I call a 24-hour pharmacy in the U.S., like Walgreens or CVS, and ask to speak to a pharmacist to get their opinion. I do this in the U.S. all the time to check drug interactions, etc. (You can call U.S. numbers abroad for free with Google Voice.)
If a doctor at any hospital in Thailand prescribes you medicine, it’s much cheaper (almost 50%!) to buy it outside the hospital. Siam Pharmacy near Bumrundgrad Hospital in Bangkok has a wide selection. In Chiang Mai, Dara Pharmacy, not far from Bangkok Hospital, has a wide selection at better prices than the hospital.
Travel Vaccines in Thailand
For travel vaccines, I verify the name of the vaccine to ensure it is one that’s approved by the FDA in the U.S. I recently got my Typhoid Fever vaccine again, which was a shot that lasts for two years. It was a simple process, and the vaccine cost 1,533 Baht/$42 USD (2022 prices), which is half the cost in the U.S.
In late 2024, I got my Yellow Fever vaccine since I was going to Africa in 2025. It was 5,269 Baht/$155, including the shot and doctor’s fees. (It costs $240 to get the Yellow Fever vaccine at Walgreens. I called while I was in the waiting room just to check.) I had to see a doctor in the infectious disease department, who used to live in Texas oddly enough, to get the shot. He was great and it was a quick process with a same-day appointment. I mainly got this abroad for convenience, but the price savings was a nice bonus.
In December 2025, I got my Tdap vaccine for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus for 2,500 Baht/$80.49 USD.
Dentists in Thailand
Photo Credit: Stock image from Pexels.com
I also get my teeth cleaned in Bangkok at Thantakit International Dental Center at their All Season’s branch. This was recommended to me years ago by my expat friends. The best part about this place is that my teeth cleaning, included free pick-up and drop-off in a private car!
I started getting my teeth cleaned in Thailand in 2013 after my dental hygienist in Santa Barbara recommended it after she’d scolded me for going too long between cleanings because I’d been living in Asia! She’d lived in Bali previously and said the quality of dentists in Asia was good. In Thailand, an actual dentist cleans your teeth.
2019 Total Price: 1,350 Baht/ $44.56 USD (Thantakit gives you a 10% discount if you pay cash.)
2022 Total Price: $1,200 Baht/ $33 USD + 800 Baht/$22 USD for fluoride application. (I’ll decline the fluoride application in the future because it’s not really needed and I didn’t realize it was extra. It was just added like it was part of the procedure. They still give you a 10% discount for paying in cash. My dentist was lovely so I’d go back to her.)
2023 Total Price: 1,350 baht/$44.46 USD (It was 1,500 Baht but they gave me a 10% discount for paying cash.)
2024: Total Price: 1,500/$44.49 USD (They stopped doing the 10% cash discount so I just pay with a card now to earn my airline loyalty points!)
2025 Total Price: 1,500 Baht/$48.29 USD (The Thai Baht is really strong, so the USD price increased even though price did not change.)
Full disclosure: I have perfect teeth, but I went through literal hell to get them, including five years of braces, a cracked tooth, a root canal and a crown that was another two-year hellish ordeal. I’ve lived in five states in the U.S. and been to many dentists, only liked three. Now, I only trust my hometown dentist with major dental work and will not do that abroad or in another state in the U.S. (I wish I’d driven 18 hours to him instead of getting that damn root canal/crown in Texas.) While I’m open to doing most things abroad even surgery, I won’t let anyone else touch my teeth for major dental work. No one does teeth as well as America.
Dental tourism is a huge business in Thailand. The island of Koh Samui in Southern Thailand is filled with dental centers, especially ones that do implants. People literally fly in and start the process on the first day of their vacation. They vacation and then come back at the end to finish the process!
To dig in a bit deeper into medical care abroad, I also wrote a Travel Insurance Guide here!
When I lived in Austin, I had insurance through a job then switched to a ACA plan. Now, I live abroad and use a global health insurance policy.
What I Do for Health Insurance in the U.S. as a Freelancer
When I quit a part-time job that provided health insurance in May 2017, I paid for a middle-grade healthcare plan through a Texas company called Sendero Health. I purchased it through the health care exchange (Affordable Care Act). Initially, I had a subsidy for my policy, but my income increased, so I owed the full amount.
My monthly premium was $350 but jumped to $450 in January 2018. All my co-pays and deductibles doubled, which is why I immediately canceled the plan. While a lot of doctors in Austin were in-network, they often had a limited “quota” for my type of plan that was already filled.
Most of the doctors who I found that would take my insurance were terrible. I canceled the plan because it was useless and focused on other alternatives. (For the self-employed, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) isn’t perfect, but it is a step in the right direction because it covers preexisting conditions without increasing premiums.)
To be VERY clear, I ALWAYS have some form of health care coverage. It’s too risky to do without. When I’m traveling, I have travel medical insurance, which is roughly $92/month with no deductible through SafetyWing. (Again, this was half the cost before I turned 40.) This covers if I get sick while traveling and emergency evacuation. For these policies, I pay upfront or monthly depending on how long I need the policy. and they reimburse me in roughly seven to 30 days. (U.S. health insurance rarely covers you abroad.) I’ve written a detailed review of my experience with SafetyWing travel medical insurance.
For U.S. coverage, I previously used a short-term high-deductible major medical plan that cost roughly $175/month to cover major emergencies with a $7,500 and 100% co-insurance. This meant that if I got sick, I paid the first $7,500, and they pay 100% of the rest. As of September 2024, the U.S. government restricted short-term major medical policies to only four months maximum in a 12 month period. (This varies by state, and some states have a shorter duration.)
Due to this change, I started investigating global polices that cover up to 180 days each year in the U.S. for Americans who live abroad (Thailand is my current base.) and decided on a Cigna Global plan. (Other similar options include GeoBlue and Vumi, which both have shorter limits for U.S. visits (21 days at a time). Those limits are why I chose Cigna Global.) You can read my review of Cigna in the new section.
Important Note: Most of the ACA plans and even private plans have very limited coverage outside of the state that you live in, so read the fine print carefully. If you have an emergency out of state, the doctor will most likely be out-of-network so you’ll be on the hook for that amount.
In January 2022, Congress passed the No Surprises Act, which expands restrictions on charging health care plan holders out-of-network rates for certain services. While this can help, I still want to stress the importance of fully understanding your out-of-network benefits within the U.S. for ACA plans.
I’m currently investigating cash-based and direct primary care practices that don’t accept insurance as an alternative. (An example of one these practices is Brightmark Health in Birmingham, Ala. if you’re interested in looking into details. I chatted with the owner, Dr. Jospeh Wu, about the business model recently for a potential freelance story.)
These cash or direct primary care practices paired with a lower cost high-deductible catastrophic insurance plan could potentially lower healthcare costs while also increasing the efficiency of medical care and more quality one-on-one time with the doctor. This could be a game changer for many Americans, including freelancers like myself.
My Review of my Cigna Global Policy
I switched to a Cigna Globa Policy last year with Thailand as my residence. (This plan limits you to only six months a year in the U.S., and I only visit the U.S. three to four months anyway.) I have the Silver plan with a $10,000 USD deductible and 0% cost share. This means that I pay the first $10,000 and Cigna covers the rest. This is a basic policy that keeps me from going bankrupt from a medical emergency when I’m in the U.S. It does include a health and wellbeing option that covers some preventative care and screenings. I pay for these upfront and they refund the covered amount.
2025 Annual Cost: $1,456 USD
2026 Annual Cost: $1,603 USD (10% increase)
When I submitted my claim for reimbursement for the preventative care (annual physical and skin cancer screening), I got an email back the next day saying I was entitled to a higher reimbursement than I had submitted in the claim. I was shocked! What insurance company emails to say they will pay you more money? I got reimbursed the next day for a total of $680, more than half of what I had paid for both ($1,239).
Keep in mind that I chose a health screening package that included a lot of extra things, which I knew I’d pay out of pocket for and would definitely not have been covered by U.S. insurance. And, a few of the items I was reimbursed for are only covered every two to three years.
In 2025, I spent about $3,700 on health insurance and doctor’s appointments and tests. (I included the colonoscopy/endoscopy I had in early January in this cost.) I spent about $678.83 on travel medical insurance. If I lived in the U.S., I’d be paying more than that just for the insurance premiums.
What travel medical insurance is best for Thailand?
Travel medical insurance is one of the most important things to purchase for any trip abroad, especially Thailand. It covers all the things that could go wrong from injuries to travel delays so that you don’t have to worry and can focus on traveling! I’m a big fan of SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance, which offers $0 deductible travel medical insurance coverage for over 180 countries for people aged 69 and under when traveling outside their home country. (Please note that travel medicial insurance will not cover any of the routine doctor’s visits above but will cover injury or illness.) For more details on my experience, read my review of SafetyWing in Thailand!