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✈️ What it really costs to travel the world

A 16-country breakdown, job scam red flags, and a free tool to plan your next destination

Curious what a full year of globe-trotting actually costs? We’ve got the receipts.

  • Real numbers from a 12-month, 16-country trip (€31,926.77 per person!)

  • A new free tool to plan your next nomad destination smarter

  • Japan + Hong Kong tour: flights, hotels, and bullet trains—at half the price

  • Spot a remote job scam before it finds you

  • The power bank you’ll wish you had sooner

Some of the links featured in this issue are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

🌍 What Does It Really Cost to Travel the World?

Ever wondered how much it actually costs to spend a year traveling the globe? This detailed breakdown from Tasting Sunsets lays it all out: €31,926.77 per person for a 12-month trip across 16 countries.

In Bali, they spent €928.98 for 28 nights, averaging just €33.18 per night on accommodation. Pretty affordable when you consider the beaches, coworking spots, and laid-back vibe that come with it.

Japan, on the other hand, was pricier. Over three weeks, transportation cost them €1,122.51 (thanks to the Japan Rail Pass), and they spent €955.65 on food—about €47.78 per day for two people.

They also drop some smart budget travel tips, like eating local, using public transport, and booking affordable stays. If you're dreaming of a global adventure, their full expense report is a great place to start.

🇯🇵 Fly to Japan and Hong Kong for Half the Usual Price

Bullet trains, city lights, and a Mt. Fuji lake cruise—all bundled into one wallet-friendly package.

This 12-day tour cuts the usual cost in half, and includes daily sightseeing, hotels, and flights. Bonus: you’ll still have time to wander on your own or tack on extra adventures.

From Tokyo temples to Hong Kong skyscrapers, this deal is kind of a flex. Take a peek before it disappears.

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🚩 Spotting Remote Job Scams: Key Red Flags

As remote work becomes more popular, so do scams targeting job seekers. According to this guide from Business Insider, experienced freelancers like Portia Moore, who runs a vetted remote job board, have identified several warning signs to watch out for.

One major red flag is being asked for money upfront. Legitimate employers won't require payment for applications or training materials. Additionally, poor grammar or unusual wording in communications can signal a scam. For instance, the frequent use of the word "kindly" is often associated with fraudulent messages.

Another warning sign is a rushed hiring process with minimal vetting. Legitimate companies typically have thorough application and interview procedures. If you're offered a job almost immediately after applying, it's worth investigating further. As freelancer Kristi Roe-Owen points out, a comprehensive sign-up and interview process is a positive indicator of a genuine opportunity.

To protect yourself, it's smart to seek recommendations from trusted sources and dig into any potential employer's background. Building a network of fellow freelancers can also provide insights into which gigs are legit. If something feels off, trust your gut—slow and steady is the safer path when it comes to remote job hunting.

🔋 Power up anywhere with this portable powerhouse

Meet the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD — your new best friend for keeping devices charged on the go. With a massive 20,000mAh capacity, this power bank delivers over 5 full charges for an iPhone XS or more than 2.5 charges for an iPad mini 5. 

Its 18W USB-C Power Delivery port ensures high-speed charging for your gadgets, while the Qualcomm Quick Charge-enabled USB port caters to a variety of devices. Plus, with trickle-charging mode, even your low-power accessories like Bluetooth earbuds get the attention they deserve. All this power comes in a sleek, travel-friendly design that won't weigh you down.

🇳🇴 Solo Travelers Save Big on an 8-Day Norway Adventure

No single supplement. Two fjord cruises. And a rail ride through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.

This solo-friendly Norway tour rolls from Bergen to Oslo with guided excursions, scenic trains, and superior hotels all included. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to do Norway on your own—this is it.

🌐 In Other News

Tired of outdated travel data and paywalls? Nomadlio is a new, free alternative to NomadList with live Airbnb prices for 5,698 cities, better filters, and fully transparent data. Built by a fellow traveler, it's designed to take the guesswork out of picking your next destination.

After 14 years of remote work, one marketing director shares how she smoothly returned to full-time office life. Her approach? Set boundaries early, prep for the week ahead, and treat in-person work as a chance to connect and grow — not a step back.

Ben Lowe explains how he uses Revio, an AI tool that animates still images into talking videos, to earn $500/week creating content for clients. He outlines how the tool works, how he finds buyers, and why it’s a low-effort side hustle with solid returns.

A federal employee describes feeling blindsided by a sudden return-to-office order—only to face a long commute, empty desks, and confusion about why they’re back. The piece sheds light on broader frustrations with rushed RTO policies in government.

Apple’s Photos app has some quietly powerful tools — like object removal, auto-generated memory movies, and natural language search. This quick read breaks down how each one works and why they’re worth a try.

Until next week,
The Nomad Cloud Team ⛅️