60+ unexpected countries your Schengen visa can open doors to

With a Schengen visa or residence card, you can visit or live in any of the 26 Schengen countries. However, did you know that if you have one, you may be permitted to travel visa-free to a broad variety of European nations as well as select places outside of Europe? That’s right, with the 26 Schengen nations included, there are more than 60 countries and territories that you can travel to easily with a Schengen visa! Read on to find out which countries will open their doors to you.

60+ Unexpected Countries Your Schengen Visa Can Open Doors To

The Schengen visa or residence card is an entry document that allows you to visit or live in the 26 Schengen countries. However, did you know that if you have one, you may be permitted to travel visa-free to a broad variety of European nations as well as select places outside of Europe?

Schengen visas are respected by non-Schengen countries for a number of reasons. For starters, several of these are Schengen candidate countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and the Republic of Cyprus. Furthermore, it is safe to assume that other countries trust Schengen visa holders, who are subjected to stringent checks to ensure that they would return to their home countries during the given time period. Schengen visa holders are also given visa-free travel into countries that do not have the infrastructure, technology, or capacity to screen applicants as completely as the Schengen visa criteria.

Quick note: you must always double-check that you are permitted to visit or transit the following countries with a valid Schengen Visa before confirming your travel arrangements because it may vary from one nationality to another. For instance, some countries accept Schengen A-Type (transit) visas while others don’t.

That being said, without further ado, here's a list of countries that countries you may or may not have expected to open their doors to you if you have a valid Schengen visa-

Albania: If the visa bearer has previously visited one of the Schengen countries, they may enter Albania using a multiple-entry Schengen Visa.

Andorra: All nationalities can enter Andorra with a Schengen visa. This is partially due to the fact that Andorra can only be entered via Spain, which is a Schengen country.

Aruba: All nationals who are holders of a valid multi-entry Schengen Visa are can visit Aruba as a tourist for up to 30 days.

Anguilla and the Barbuda: If a foreigner has a valid Schengen visa, they may get a visa at the airport upon arrival. More information can be found here.

Bahamas: Indian nationals with visas or permanent resident status in any of the Schengen nations do not need a visa to visit The Bahamas.

Belarus: Citizens of these 12 countries, including El Salvador, Mexico, and North Macedonia, who have a used Schengen Visa do not need an additional visa to enter Belarus for 30 days.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: As long as you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you may enter and remain for up to 15 days.

Bulgaria: With a valid Schengen visa, visitors may remain for up to 90 days in a six-month period.

Colombia: Schengen visa holders from Cambodia, China, India, Macau, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam may visit Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa as long as they have a valid Schengen visa (given that your Schengen Visa is valid for 180 days upon arrival).

Croatia: Croatia accepts Schengen visas of several types, including multiple-entry and two-entry visas.

Cuba: Citizens of 20 countries may travel to Cuba with a tourist card if they also have a valid visa or permanent residency permit from an EU member state.

Cyprus: Visitors and those in transit from other countries with valid Schengen Visas may enter and exit Cyprus.

Dominican Republic: 108 countries already enjoy visa-free access to the Dominican Republic but this extends to all nations if they have a valid visa or residence permit from an EU member state.

Georgia: Visa-free entry to Georgia is available to holders of a variety of visas, including Schengen Visas. More information is available here.

Haiti: Nationals from Colombia, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Cuba can enter Haiti visa-free if they have either a used or unused multiple-entry Schengen visa in their passports.

Georgia: All nationalities are eligible to enter Georgia if they have obtained a Schengen visa.

Gibraltar: Similar to Colombia, citizens of Morocco, China, Mongolia, India, and Russia may enter visa-free for up to 21 days if they have a valid multiple-entry Schengen Visa with at least seven days validity. All other nationalities can find out whether they need a visa or not here.

Guatemala: Visitors from certain countries, such as India, are not required to obtain a Guatemalan visa in advance if they have a Schengen Visa as long as they fulfill other conditions.

Jamaica: Passport holders from a select few countries can enter Jamaica visa-free with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, including Albania, Bulgaria, and the Dominican Republic.

Kosovo: A multiple-entry Schengen visa or residence permit grants you access to the territory of Kosovo.

North Macedonia: Visitors who have a Type C Schengen Visa valid for more than five days after their stay in Macedonia are allowed to visit Macedonia for up to 15 days.

Mexico: Visit Mexico for vacation, on business, or just for transit, as long as you have a valid passport and Schengen Visa.

Moldova: Citizens of 55 countries are able to enter Moldova freely if they have a valid visa (excluding transit visa) or residence permit from one of the Schengen countries. The full list may be found here.

Monaco: All nationalities are eligible to enter Monaco visa-exempt if they have obtained a Schengen visa.

Montenegro: Holders of a Schengen Visa are permitted to stay in Montenegro for a total of 30 days every 180 days.

Oman: Visitors from 25 countries may enter Oman visa-free for 30 days if they have a Schengen visa. To find out if you’re eligible, click here.

Panama: Passport holders of any country that have a valid multiple entry visa (that has been previously used), study permit, or work permit from any of the member countries of the European Union do not require a visa to enter Panama.

Peru: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas can be used by Chinese and Indian nationals to enter Peru visa-exempt for 180 days.

Philippines: Indian nationals can enter the Philippines with a valid Schengen visa for a period of 14 days.

Qatar: All nationalities with a valid Schengen visa - used or unused - are eligible to obtain the Qatar ETA free of charge.

Romania: Within 180 days, Schengen Visa holders as well as specified nations may enter for up to 90 days at a time.

San Marino: All nationalities can enter San Marino with a Schengen visa. This is partially due to the fact that it can only be entered via Italy, which is a Schengen country.

Sao Tome and Principe: Sao Tome and Principe is visa-free for holders of valid Schengen visas for a maximum of 15 days.

Saudi Arabia: If you have a used Schengen visa, you are eligible to obtain a Visa On Arrival at all of Saudi Arabia’s international airports. The fee is 440 SAR.

Singapore: Indian and Chinese citizens who are transiting through Singapore and able to visa-on-arrival that is valid for 94 hours (4 days) if they have a valid Schengen visa in their passports.

South Korea: Similar to Singapore, South Korea also offers a visa-exemption for all nationalities, EXCEPT 24 countries, while transiting through one of their international airports. In addition to a valid Schengen visa, they must either be flying to or from one of the Schengen countries, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, or the UK.

Vatican City: All nationalities can enter the Holy See with a Schengen visa. This is partially due to the fact that it can only be entered via Italy, which is a Schengen country.

Taiwan: Nationals of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam with a valid Schengen visa - whether used/unused or valid/expired - are exempt from needing a visa but must apply for a ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online before arrival.

Turkey: Most countries’ citizens who have a valid Schengen Visa are eligible to apply for the 30-day e-visa which must be shown upon entry. To find out if your country is eligible, click here. Here’s more information about the Turkey e-visa like how to apply, how long it takes, fees, and more.

Well, there you go! With the 26 Schengen nations included, that's more than 70 countries and territories that you can travel to with a Schengen visa! Happy traveling!

5 tax-friendly countries in Europe for digital nomads

As remote working becomes more widespread, and many people are going in search of destinations where they may enjoy a higher quality of life while lowering their cost of living, many have begun to explore the prospect of optimizing taxes by being a digital nomad. Here’s a list of 5 countries in Europe that promise to treat you and your bank balance well.

5 Tax Friendly Countries In Europe For Digital Nomads

As remote working becomes more widespread, and many people are going in search of destinations where they may enjoy a higher quality of life while lowering their cost of living, many have begun to explore the prospect of optimizing digital nomad taxes.

The truth is, most people in the world are liable to pay taxes somewhere in the world. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible to legally reduce your tax burden by relocating to a nation where income earned outside of the country is taxed at a low or nil rate.

If you want the flexibility that a digital nomad lifestyle provides while avoiding unnecessarily high or double taxation, it may be worth looking into "going where you're treated best," as the NomadCapitalist says.

Disclaimer: It goes without saying that when it comes to financial and digital nomad tax matters, don't rely solely on online advice. We highly recommend consulting with a tax attorney who can properly advise you on your individual situation, especially when it comes to taxes for digital nomads.

That being said, it never hurts to be aware of your options so you may explore them with your tax expert to determine whether they are a good fit for you. As such, here are 5 best countries for digital nomads tax-

Greece is quickly gaining prominence as a destination that budding digital nomads will want to keep an eye on, not only because the country is incredibly stunning but also because of its generous tax breaks and keen desire to attract digital nomads.

For the first time, the idea of "digital nomads" was included in Greece's Immigration Code (Law 4251/2014) on September 4, 2021, with Law 4825/2021 coming into force on September 4, 2021, enabling remote employees from other countries to migrate to Greece. This policy offers a 50 percent reduction in income tax and social security payments. For example, the maximum tax rate for someone earning $40,000 will be reduced from 44 percent to only 22% under this scheme.

So this digital nomad tax incentive may be something to keep in mind, particularly if you're planning to sip gin and tonics overlooking the Mediterranean shoreline as the sun goes down.

Malta's mild temperature, laid-back atmosphere, and fascinating history all combine to make it an ideal place for digital nomads. Last year, Malta launched its Nomad Residence Permit, which enables digital nomads to work remotely from this stunning island for a year (renewable for up to 3 years).

The remittance basis of taxes is one of the most significant benefits of moving to Malta. When it comes to taxation, non-Malta residents pay taxes on their local income and some of their profits, but they are exempt from paying taxes on their worldwide income that hasn't been sent to Malta. As a bonus, they are not taxed on capital gains, even if this money is sent back to Malta. As a cherry on top, any money they earn from that remote work does not require them to do local fillings.

As if these benefits weren’t enough to convince you to move to the sunny island already, the tax rate may be reduced to 5% after applying for all subsidies and tax relief programs available if you register your firm in Malta as a digital nomad. Moreover, Malta offers the lowest cost of an EU-wide transferable company license (EU).

So there you go- another digital nomad tax-friendly country considered to be a gem.

The country of Portugal has a lot to offer digital nomads. Expatriates love it here because it's a safe place to live, there's good cuisine, and it's always bright and pleasant.

The Portugal Passive Income Visa (or D7 Visa) and the Non-Habitual Residence Tax are two of the government's primary tools for luring distant workers to the country. Tax-free overseas income and tax-free cryptocurrency are only two of the perks. As a bonus, both the income requirements and the minimum stay length are much lower than most other European countries.

Non-Habitual Residents (NHR) is a popular policy in Portugal that enables persons relocating to the nation to take advantage of tax benefits after they settle there.

With all this in mind, no wonder the Portugal is one of the most tax friendly countries for digital nomads from EU and non-EU countries alike!

Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is one of Europe's sunniest and most desirable destinations. Starting January 2022, non-EU citizens who work remotely for companies or customers located outside of Cyprus have been able to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa with some exceptional incentives on taxes for digital nomads.

Cyprus has always attracted people interested in their “non-dom tax residency.” In case you’re not familiar, non-dom tax residents do not have to pay taxes on overseas earnings, 'passive' interest income, or profit from the sale of securities, as an incentive to recruit and maintain highly-skilled and highly-paid expats to Cyprus. Additionally, it has been proposed that new resident workers earning up to €55.000 per year would be excluded from paying 50% of their taxable income in 2022. Although this has not yet been adopted, we’re definitely going to be watching this space closely so you’ll be one of the first to know when it gets rolled out.

If enjoying delicious halloumi cheese paired with sweet dessert wine while soaking in one of the oldest cultures in the Med sounds like your jam, keep your eyes peeled for updates!

Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture that harkens back to Europe. Caucasus highlands are ideal for trekking and skiing, while the black seashore is a great place to relax in the sweltering summer heat.

A new initiative called “Remotely From Georgia” has been designed to enable you to come and work in Georgia from anywhere in the world. Your monthly income must be at least $2,000 or a bank statement confirming $24,000 in order to qualify.

Georgia offers a fantastic program for individual entrepreneurs, which taxes just 1% of your business's gross revenue up to $155,000. This alone makes the most enticing visas available to digital nomads today.

The best part is that Georgia’s living costs are one of the lowest in Europe while offering excellent connectivity to the rest of the continent from Tbilisi, the capital. You don’t need to go on unnecessary visa runs or deal with too much red tape as it’s just a simple online form to apply.

If the streamlined digital nomad visa, generous digital nomad tax benefits, and spectacular landscapes don’t entice you, then maybe the delicious cuisine and the world's oldest wine culture will.

So there you have it. Hopefully, these tax friendly countries have inspired you to consider how you may optimise your digital nomad tax status compliantly while enjoying a high-quality lifestyle in Europe!

Get money to move: paid relocation programs in the U.S!

Cities and counties around the United States are providing a range of relocation assistance programs to encourage remote workers to migrate there. Are you looking forward to a new beginning, or at the very least, a change of scenery? If so, consider moving to one of these 5 cities for a fresh start.

Paid Relocation Programs In The United States

It's possible that weathering a pandemic over two years has afforded a chance for contemplation. Are you looking forward to a new beginning, or at the very least, a change of scenery?

Cities and counties around the United States provide a range of relocation assistance programs to encourage you to migrate. It is possible to reduce the financial burden of relocating in a number of ways, including cash, discounts, and incentives.

So if you've been thinking about it for a while, consider moving to one of these five cities for a fresh start-

Tucson is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to live in a desert metropolis with a wealth of restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Additionally, this city has a reputation for having an abundance of sunny days, which is a nice perk.

Tucson has implemented an incentive program called ‘Remote Tuscon’ to entice individuals from all industries to come there in order to spur economic development. They also cover over $9000 in moving expenses, in addition to relocation services, advisors to aid with the house hunt, free internet, unique coworking options, and discounts, among other things.

So, what qualifies you? Applicants must have the ability to work legally in the United States, be at least 18 years old, and be ready to move within 6 months of being accepted into the program. And if you already know how awesome Tucson is because you live there, we’re sorry to tell you that that’s a disqualifier. After all, they're trying to bring in new talent and residents to the city.

The city has long been referred to as one of the country's best-kept secrets, and it is renowned for its art deco architecture, underground arts culture, and cuisine.

If you are able to work remotely and willing to commit to a one-year stay, you might just be the person they’re looking for. In order to encourage you to consider packing up your belongings and relocating, Tulsa Remote has created an incentive program that offers $10,000 in cash as a perk for participating. Though they won't offer you the whole amount at once, they will give you a stipend and the remainder at the end of the year to help with relocation expenses if you are accepted. There are also incentives like as lower housing expenses and access to a co-working space in the center of the city, among other things.

If you intend to stay in your present area for the foreseeable future, you may be able to utilize the money to make a down payment on a home. But hold just a minute, there's more! As a remote employee or self-employed individual in the United States, you must be at least 18 years old and have the right to work in the country.

If you're searching for a more laid-back lifestyle with plenty of hiking and bike trails, as well as a vibrant cultural environment, moving to Northwestern Arkansas may be just what you've been looking for.

The pilot initiative, Life Works Here, is intended to recruit remote workers in order to address the lack of specialists and entrepreneurs in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) domains. If you are accepted into the program, you will get a stipend of $10,000 as well as a mountain bike to use (or a street bike to get around town, if you prefer).

So, if you're considering it, here are a few things to consider. You must be at least 24 years old, have 2 years of work experience, and be able to move within 6 months after being accepted into the program in order to be eligible. Additionally, you must be employed full-time or self-employed in the United States and have the right to work there in order to qualify.

A long-standing city in the United States, Savannah is renowned for its stunning coastal views, well-preserved architecture, and colorful past.

Those in the IT industry may take advantage of Savannah's relocation program! If you are a remote worker, self-employed, or able to secure a position with a tech-based organization in Chatham County, Savannah welcomes you. It doesn’t matter what kind of tech job you have as long as you can prove that you have at least 3 years of experience.

Do keep in mind that you'll need to sign a one-year lease or make a down payment on a property before you can submit an application. The good news is that the documents required for applying are very simple. A Georgia driver's license and a month of residency in the state are all that are required to apply for up to $2,000 in relocation fees.

Topeka, popularly known as the "Golden City" because of the way the sun fills the country, is located in the gorgeous Flint Hills region of Kansas and has played a significant part in American history, from the campaign to abolish slavery to the integration of public schools.

In an attempt to attract more residents and workers to the city of Topeka, the state capital of Kansas, is ready to break out the big bucks to attract the best talent. If you purchase a property, a Topeka-based company may provide you benefits of up to $15,000, and if you rent, you may get benefits of up to $10,000. It is possible that you may qualify for benefits ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 if you work from home.

There are just a few requirements, but you must be able to work legally in the United States in order to be considered. They intend to accept around 60 applications for this initiative, which will be supported by $300,000 in funding.

So there you go. If you want to move to a new city and start over, yet remain near to home, family, and friends, you now have several possibilities of places that are ready to greet you with open arms (and wallets!)

Finland’s northern lights: a gas station experience that saved $$$

Due to a strange series of events, a 24h gas station in the middle of nowhere in Finland turned out to be the ideal base for chasing the northern lights!

How I Saw The Northern Lights In Finland From A Gas Station

Every year, thousands of people travel to the Arctic Circle, splurging on luxurious resorts with glass roofs that cost several hundred dollars per night, all in the hope of seeing the elusive Aurora Borealis. Many of them return rather disillusioned, feeling as if it was all for naught.

What if I told you that we didn't spend a dime on lodging to witness the northern lights?

We hadn't planned for it to turn out that way, of course. But, thanks to a strange series of events, a 24h gas station in the middle of nowhere in Finland turned out to be the ideal base for chasing the northern lights before returning to a piping hot pizza.

My partner and I had just arrived in Rovaniemi on New Year's Day 2022. We boarded the 'Santa Claus Express' from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the 'Official Hometown of Santa Claus' to see the famous and enigmatic Northern Lights.

Our intention had been to travel to Soppela, a little village further north, where we'd reserved an Airbnb. However, as the train approached the station, we realized with consternation that there were no connecting trains or buses for Soppela that day.

We could've sworn we saw connections to Soppela when making all the bookings, but our recollections failed us. They were irregular even on a good week, and it didn't help that we were trying to book one last minute on January 1st.

So there we were, stranded in Rovaniemi in -25°C (-13°F) temperatures with nowhere to stay for the night. Our New Year's Day was already looking bleak. We considered taking a €230 cab ride to Soppela or booking a €150 hotel and getting a train the next day.

As we sat in the train station debating our options, I noticed a bus bound for Santa Claus Village getting ready to depart. In a split second, I suggested hopping on it (why not?).

We quickly and awkwardly lugged our huge backpacks as we scampered to catch the bus. Our fate for the evening was still up in the air. (You're probably wondering how we got this far in life with our obviously poor decision-making skills!)

Santa Claus Village is 8 kilometers north of Rovaniemi- a theme park where you can indulge in the Christmas spirit all year round. Once there, we crossed over into the Arctic Circle, met with Santa Claus, and even sent postcards to our friends and family with a special ‘Arctic Circle’ stamp on it.

Quick note: If you have extra time, you can even go on sleigh rides drawn by huskies, meet and greet reindeers, and more! There are also numerous cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops catering to Christmas-loving tourists.

It was starting to get dark around 3pm (remember we’re close to the north pole in the depths of winter!) and the temperatures were dropping rapidly in tandem with our rising stress about what to do for the night.

We asked another cab driver how much it would cost to travel the 100 kilometers to Soppela and were given a cheerful quote of €300. Not a chance. We even approached one of the companies offering Northern Lights chasing tours (€60-120pp) whether we could join them last minute, but they were fully booked.

Just as tempers were rising (as was to be expected), I noticed the 24h 'Shell Rovaniemi Napapiiri' petrol station in the distance. I looked at my partner, pointed to the petrol station, and asked sheepishly, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

So we walked over to the gas station, spoke with one of the workers, and were told we could stay all night as long as we ordered something. That totally worked for us as we were ravenous anyways. They not only offered a fantastic selection of food and drinks to choose from, but with every meal order, we also got unlimited salad and tea or coffee! So, after spending the entire day outdoors in subzero temperatures, we sat down to a hearty burger and pizza, as well as salad with all the dressings.

All this while, I had been closely following the Northern Light activity in our area using the free app, My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. There are paid applications available as well, but I'd recommend this one because it was fairly accurate and also provided cloud coverage information, which affects visibility.

For the Aurora to be visible to the naked eye, you need to have a KP index of 3-4 at the very least. Up until about 8 p.m., the KP index had been hovering between 1-2, but about 9 p.m., it reached 3 for the first time, and so my partner and I immediately set off on our own expedition.

The first round was not only a colossal failure, but we also somehow ended up in the middle of a thick forest, fleeing from a pack of howling huskies. Don't ask how.

So we returned, panting and puffing, to the gas station, defeated but alive. I sipped a hot chocolate slowly, attempting to re-establish sensation in my numb fingertips. I swore I was never stepping out again. There was no way I was going to end up as a husky's midnight snack on my first day in Finland after coming all that way.

Surprise, surprise! My app teasingly informed us that the KP index was 4 about 11 p.m., and we knew we had to try again.

To avoid another husky incident, we went to a car park that’s located right next to the gas station. After a few moments of craning our necks, my partner noticed a strange haze in the sky, but we weren't sure if it was what we thought it was, or simply the milky way(?).

Incidentally, we came upon another couple on a similar mission at the same time. I noticed the girl's iPhone was aimed towards the north sky, so I asked her in French if she'd had any luck! "Of course!" she exclaimed, surprised. "It's there right now, but you can't see it...use your phone!" She proceeded to show me magnificent photographs of the Aurora captured on her iPhone camera.

We immediately took out our GoPro, set it to night mode, and squealed with delight when we saw the developed photographs! Although we could only see a greenish haze with our naked eye, the photographs produced by the camera showed us gorgeous green rippling spirals! 

In about 15 minutes, as the aurora got stronger, we could see it with our own eyes too! We leaped for delight and soaked in the moment, all while attempting to capture it on film before the lights faded.

We returned to the Shell Rovaniemi Napapirii petrol station just after midnight, weary and with cheeks blushing pink from the cold, but oh-so-happy! We ended up taking turns napping (the shop attendants were lovely and didn't mind) and in the morning, we boarded a train to Soppella, where we stayed at an Airbnb overlooking a lake for €70/night.

We saw the northern lights yet again! It danced just above our heads, and the views of the north sky from the lake were beyond spectacular. But perhaps this is a story for the next time (wink).

Going on a Kenya Safari? Here are expert tips no-one talks about.

Planning your next trip to Kenya? Here are a few top tips for an unforgettable Safari.

Kenyan Safari Tips

Did you know that the term "safari" is derived from the Swahili word for "journey" or "trip"?

Whether you’re staying close to the capital at Nairobi National Park, making the journey to the world-renowned Masai Mara, or going off the beaten path to explore Amboseli National Park, the Kenyan Wildlife Service takes great pride in their country's natural landscapes and wildlife.

Despite the fact that planning to go on a safari in Kenya may seem to be a daunting task, a little forethought and planning will go a long way in making your experience enjoyable and memorable!

Of course, before you can have the opportunity of going on safaris in Kenya, you will first need a visa. Visa applications can be quite tiring especially if you apply through the embassy, but what if I told you that it's possible to make a visa application from the comfort of your smart phone in only a few minutes.

"How?" You ask.  Atlys is how. This app helps with your visa application from gathering all your documents, scheduling a visa appointment and visa fees.

You'll be enjoying safaris under the African sun in no time!

Planning a safari trip does not have to be complicated or stressful. So here are five expert tips to ensure your Kenyan safari is unforgettable and seamless!

When planning a trip to Kenya, it's really important to be smart about what you want to do while you're there!

There are so many things to do and see that trying to do everything would mean a rushed and stressful experience, especially if you’re there for a short trip. Therefore, we recommend picking one ‘big ticket’ item and rolling with it.

For instance, in order to view the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinoceros), you need to travel during the dry season.

Kenya is also home to the Great Migration, which occurs every year from July to October, where millions of animals travel from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. Your visit should be properly planned so that you can enjoy this spectacular natural phenomena to the fullest.

Do you have a passion for birds? In that case, consider visiting Kenya during the wet season, when hundreds of bird species can be spotted, and you'll have less competition as well as a lower cost of travel.

On that note, you also want to decide whether you want a general tour or a specialist game drive. While a general tour may be appropriate if it’s your first African safari and you want to see as many animals as possible, a specialist game drive would give you the opportunity to go with a veteran guide to spot a single kind of animal you’re very passionate about.

The height of the dry season has long been regarded the ideal time to go on safari.

When there aren’t many trees obstructing your view, you’re more likely to spot the animals. Moreover, watering holes often dry up after it hasn't rained for a few months, leaving just a few options for animals to drink- and that’s where you’ll be taken by the wildlife spotters and guides too!

I should mention that his does not rule out other times of the year as viable options for a visit.

In reality, there are many benefits to traveling outside of peak season. For starters, fewer tourists ensure that you have a more authentic safari experience, lest it becomes akin to a theme park. A second benefit of fewer visitors is more competition among tour operators, which results in lower prices for you!

Carefully consider your camera and safari gear before embarking on your trip. Photography in the Kenya's wilderness is no easy feat.

For example, if the wildlife you want to photograph is within 25 meters of the vehicle, you'll be able to get some great images, but if they are farther away, you'll need a much more expensive zoom lens to get the clarity and quality you're looking for. To get great shots in the wild, you'll need to go large. There are lenses with focal lengths of up to 600mm, however, you will want at least 200mm.

In the event that you lack both the desire and the funds to purchase a high-quality camera, our advise is to just observe and appreciate as much of the sights as possible rather than spending all your time attempting to capture a fuzzy, faraway elephant.

If the animals are in the national park, any tour operator should be able to help you see them, right?

Many people return from the safari experiences disappointed because they went with the cheapest tour operator or decided to go at it on their own. Therefore, it’s important to recognize that experienced wildlife tour guides will have immense experiential knowledge that no amount of ‘training’ can replace.

Take a guide who understands the terrain, the best spots, and how animals travel. A good guide will always be able to point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that the animals will not approach you; you need to go in search of them. You’re not the only one keeping an eye out for lions - so are a hundred other species (wink).

You may be wondering, “What paperwork? I thought I was going to see animals?”

Depending on where you’re coming from and what passport you hold, you may need to prepare some paper work in advance of your trip to Kenya in order to avoid any issues at the airport, such as visas or vaccinations.

You can apply for an e-Visa online through the official Kenya e-Visa website or contact your nearest Kenyan embassy for assistance if necessary. Alternatively, Atlys can help you get your Kenya e-Visa effortlessly. Applying through Atlys will ensure that you spend more time planning your trip instead of enduring a frustrating visa application process.Furthermore, you may need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate depending on where you’re traveling from.

With these expert tips, we hope your Kenya Safari experience is one for the books! Do make sure to tag us on Instagram at @travelwithatlys with your epic wildlife photos!

Make the most of your boarding pass: perks beyond the flight

Did you know that getting aboard a plane is just the beginning of the benefits you'll get from having a boarding pass? Here's how to take advantage of a plethora of travel advantages, including city tours, spa treatments, museum admission discounts, complimentary beverages, and even free ski passes... all with your humble boarding pass, even after you've landed!

Make The Most Of Your Boarding Pass

Did you know that getting aboard a plane is just the beginning of the benefits you'll get from having a boarding pass?

Once the flight lands, most boarding passes get relegated to a sad fate such as the insides of a trash can or the cobwebby corners of an airline app. However, only the street-wisest of travelers know that their boarding card may continue to give them access to a plethora of travel advantages, including city tours, spa treatments, museum admission discounts, complimentary beverages, and even free ski passes!

We’re here to let you in on that secret. Chances are, if you’re a frequent flier, you’ve flown with at least one of the airlines listed below. For your next trip, armed with the knowledge of which airlines give the best boarding pass advantages that are not related to flying, you may be able to get more bang for your big bucks.

Here are some of our favorite perks from across the globe that come with a boarding card-

Thai Air Asia is one of the largest carriers in Southeast Asia and in a bid to constantly expand their rewards program, they’ve formed partnerships with hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, and retail brands all over South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, and Indonesia.

For instance, visitors to the Everland theme park in South Korea may save 25% off regular admission prices. Additionally, AirAsia guests can also present their boarding passes at Lotte World’s entrance ticket booth to receive a 30% discount on tickets to Lotte World Aquarium and Lotte World Adventure.

In the mood for some free wine tasting? Simply produce your Alaska Airlines boarding pass at the Union Wine Company in Oregon or Washington State.

If you’re traveling during the winter months, you have access to 8 ski resorts across Alaska, Canada, and the United States. Many ski resorts, such as Steamboard, Big White, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, and Sun Valley, also provide cheap or complimentary lift tickets for those with a boarding pass.

Travelers who fly with Alitalia may take advantage of many discount opportunities in Italy, including a significant saving on the Roma Pass Tourist card, which provides access to most major attractions and public transit in The Eternal City. Moreover, museums and art galleries in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice all offer special discounts to visitors with Alitalia boarding passes as well.

Seoul-based Asiana's “Magic Boarding Pass” is probably one of the best out there in terms of post-flight rewards because their partners are spread all across the world, unlike most airlines that offer rewards only in their hub city.

With a discount card, you'll get discounts on anything from Italian sweets to Vietnam tours to automobile rentals in the United States to even capsule hotels in South Korea. If you’re traveling internationally, say, to Paris, you can even avail yourself of a discount of up to 53% discount on the famed Bateaux Parisiens, a boat ride on the Seine that passes through major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame de Paris.

Passengers flying on British Airways can present their boarding pass upon arrival in London to be privy to some jaw-dropping offers such as a 15% discount at Bentley & Skinner's Jewelers in Mayfair, 15% off at Hackett British Menswear, and 10% savings at Floris British Perfumers. In the afternoon, after a long day of shopping, guests may enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne or a free drink at Hotel Café Royal, St. James Hotel, or Ham Yard Hotel.

As part of the "My Emirates Pass" promotion, Emirates passengers may use their boarding cards to get discounts at over 500 locations in Dubai and in the UAE, including at some of the world's most lavish hotels, like the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi and the Ritz-Carlton Dubai. Discounted entrance to famous tourist locations in the UAE, as well as a flat 20% discount at some of the country's best restaurants, round out the package.

The deals offered also include theme parks, hot air balloon rides, desert safaris, dinner cruises, and sightseeing trips, so Emirates boarding passes really go the extra mile.

If you fly to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, your boarding pass will also serve as your Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass.

If you’re a golfer, some of the golf courses and hotels offer you up to 15-25% off your bill, including the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl. Additionally, you can also visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi and save 20% on your ticket price. Don’t miss the opportunity to ascend the observation deck at the Jumeirah at 50% off the full ticket price.

Here’s a complete list of all the discounts you get as an Etihad flier.

Travelers on Korean Air may take advantage of the "Excellent Boarding Pass" program, which offers deals on restaurants, retail outlets, car rentals, and complimentary access to major tourist attractions across South Korea, Europe, and Hawaii.

Some of their most popular boarding pass perks include half-price admission to the Jeju Folk Village, savings on Lotte-Rent-A-Car reservations, and complimentary beverages at well-known restaurants.

When flying with Singapore Airlines, you get access to their exclusive Boarding Pass Privileges Program, which allows you to take advantage of a variety of discounts at popular tourist destinations, retail establishments, dining establishments, and amusement park admissions by using this program.

For example, you get 25% off the National Gallery Singapore's entry fee and 20% off treatments at Ikeda Spa, including an onsen bath and massage or an organic facial.

With a Turkish Airlines boarding pass, you may be eligible for the “Touristanbul” service, which offers complimentary city tours to travelers! This is perfect for a layover if you’ve got at least 6-24 hours to kill to ensure that you don’t miss your connecting flight. In the international arrivals section of the airport, there is a hotel counter where visitors may book the experience, which leaves at predetermined intervals.

This is certainly one of the best boarding pass perks out there, especially given that you get to experience the beautiful city of Istanbul without needing to spend a penny!

If you’re eligible for the Turkey e-visa, you can get it in advance to save you waiting time at Istanbul Airport.

When you travel with WestJet, a Canadian Airline, you may save up to 20% on entry to the Plaza Premium Lounge. The best part is, their rewards program has partnerships with a number of other major airlines including Delta, Air France, KLM, and Qantas. So when you fly any of those airlines, you get WestJet ‘dollars’ that can be spent on hotels, car hires, and more.

So there you go. Next time you fly, make your boarding pass go the extra mile in getting you the benefits and rewards you deserve.

The hidden costs of buying a €1 house in Italy

Purchasing a cheap house in Italy is an appealing notion for many visitors, especially with an increasing number of municipalities providing properties for next to nothing via restoration initiatives. Here’s what you should be aware of before taking the plunge on a €1 house in Italy.

The Hidden Costs Of Buying A Euro1 House In Italy

As the world becomes increasingly globalized and remote work becomes ever more common, many people are looking to invest in property in the countryside. Purchasing a cheap house in Italy is an appealing notion for many visitors, especially with an increasing number of municipalities providing properties for next to nothing via restoration initiatives.

However, the €1 is certainly a bit misleading for those who think it’s very cheap. After all, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Here’s what you should be aware of before taking the plunge on a €1 house in Italy.

To be frank, most of these buildings are decrepit, unsafe, and in need of significant repair. Owners typically wish to get rid of them in order to avoid paying taxes and fines, which they see as a drain. Furthermore, as many Italian youth head to the big cities in search of better opportunities, smaller Italian towns are facing a declining population. So the €1 houses are also a way to attract young individuals and families to move to the countryside to revive its rural economies.

Simple- you are just expected to renovate the property within a year of buying it. We assume you wouldn’t want to stay in a crumbling property either. Begin the project as soon as you have obtained the necessary licenses and within the timeframe set by the municipality.

In addition to aesthetic facelifts like a fresh coat of paint, keep in mind that you may need to upgrade the grid running water and heating systems, as well as repair portions of the flooring.

Make sure there are no outstanding mortgages and that any minor repairs or upgrades done by previous owners have been legally approved and paid for. Unless they do so, you may be held liable for any unpaid bills.

Are there any other costs I need to be aware of?

Yes, you’ll need to pay for the registration and volture, which need to be notarized. The notary for the purchase deed will cost you €3000.

You also need to take out surety insurance of between €1,000.00 and €5,000.00 to ensure that the work is done correctly. The policy should cover you until you finish all renovations.

So if you look at it practically, a €1 house is more like a €10,000 house, when you take into account the renovation costs. On average, you should budget €100 per square foot for restoration costs. More, if the house is in particularly bad shape.

If you’re using an agent to find your find, factor in an additional €500-1000 as well.

How come Italians aren’t buying these properties up?

Shivani Suresh

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