Flexible, alternative lifestyles are becoming more and more common in 2018, especially among millennials. Cities all over the world are becoming digital nomad hotspots, tempting remote workers with things like low costs of living, easy-to-obtain visas, and plentiful wifi.

Chiang Mai has become one of those cities.

A beautiful mountain town in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has recently seen a surge in its population of digital nomads. It’s been a popular destination among English teachers for years, but it’s now becoming especially popular among remote workers.

 

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Why are there so many digital nomads in Chiang Mai? Here are seven reasons:

1. A Low Cost of Living

Southeast Asia in general is an incredibly inexpensive place to live, and Thailand is no exception. Basic studio apartments are available to rent for as low as $150 USD/month, with luxury units still only around $800 USD/month. Month-to-month leases are common and spaces often come furnished. Mobile phone packages with unlimited data can run around $18 USD/month (in case you need to hotspot your phone) and wifi is abundant at nearly every coffee shop and restaurant. Local transportation is easy with songthaews (local pickup trucks converted into taxis with two benches fixed along the inside) and Grab, an Uber-like app. And the best expense? Food! You can get a mouth-watering local dish from a street vendor for as little as $1 USD. If you’re making a western salary, digital nomads in Chiang Mai can live like kings, easily.

2. Accessibility to Western Comforts

 

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While Chiang Mai is a city rich in Thai culture and history, it also boasts some familiar Western comforts to appease even the most reluctant of travelers. Thai malls are some of the best you’ll find (seriously, give one a visit and you’ll be pleasantly surprised) with amazing food courts, well-known clothing shops, and plenty of services like mobile phone retailers. Western-influenced neighborhoods attract plenty of foreigners, making them a bit more expensive but with many comforts of home, like American grocery stores, European restaurants, and trendy cafés. The Nimmanhaemin Road area is especially popular.

3. Good Infrastructure and WiFi

Chiang Mai is renowned for the ease it provides remote workers. Traveling within Thailand is easy, with major airport hubs in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. In fact, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi international airport is the ninth busiest airport in Asia, offering cheaper tickets and more accessible flights. (And flights between Chiang Mai and Bangkok are dirt cheap.) Internet is plentiful in Chiang Mai, with most coffee shops and restaurants happily offering free wifi. Coworking spaces are common, offering affordable daily and monthly rates—some host fun informational talks and meetups so you can network and get to know other digital nomads in Chiang Mai. In general, Chiang Mai is an incredibly easy city to settle into and work from comfortably.

 

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4. Stunning Landscape and Temples

Chiang Mai is bordered to the west by Doi Suthep, one of the twin peaks of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. You can grab beers from 7-Eleven and sit on a rooftop or balcony (both of which are common in apartment buildings in CM) to watch the sunset behind the mountain, which never gets old. Dotted throughout the city are over 300 ancient temples, anomalies amidst the modern shops and cafés. Strolling through the streets of Old Town, it’s impossible to avoid stumbling upon a majestic temple, and for a nominal fee you can enter and wander the grounds. (Usually the equivalent of $3 USD—but make sure you’re dressed appropriately.) And sitting at the top of Doi Suthep is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist monastery from the 14^th Century offering incredible views of the city below. No matter where you look, there’s always so much beauty on offer for digital nomads in Chiang Mai.

 

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5. A Plethora of Outdoor Activities

There’s also no lack of things to do outside in Chiang Mai. Feel like climbing waterfalls? Swimming in a reservoir? Hiking up a mountain in a national park? All of these are possible in CM! Sticky Waterfalls, Huay Tung Tao, and Doi Inthanon National Park are all within a day’s drive. Jungle trekking, zip lining, and mountain biking are also available, proving you’ll never be bored in Chiang Mai. (Check out a full list of ideas here.)

6. The Kindness of the Thai People

Perhaps another reason why so many people stay in Chiang Mai long-term is the Thai people themselves. In general, they are welcoming, gracious, and kind. Even if they only speak a bit of English, they’ll go out of their way to try to talk to you and learn about you. Rather than seeing foreigners as an imposition, they’re usually eager to practice English and tell you about their country, which they take so much pride in. They certainly help you feel at home in Thailand, even if it’s a temporary home.

7. Incredible Food

Saved the best for last! Because not only do digital nomads in Chiang Mai live like kings, they eat like kings, too. Noodle soups, chicken and rice, fruit shakes, curries galore—it’s all so good. Ingredients are fresh and family recipes abound. Most food is served street-style, cooked up right in front of you on a cart on the curb. The popular dish local to northern Thailand is khao soi, a coconut and curry noodle soup usually served with chicken, pork, or beef. It’s topped with crunchy fried noodles, and spicy pickled mustard root, shallots, and lime wedges are served on the side. Food just doesn’t get any better than Thai food in Chiang Mai.

There you have it. Chiang Mai is a little spot of heaven amidst Southeast Asia. Is it really any wonder why there are so many digital nomads in Chiang Mai?

Suggested next reading: 7 Wonderful Things To Do In Chiang Mai

The post 7 Legit Reasons Why Digital Nomads Are Flocking To Chiang Mai appeared first on Modern Trekker.

When you stay in Chiang Mai, opt for accommodation in the Old City. It’s a one-mile-by-one-mile square inside of a moat and old gated walls that still subtly remain. It’s where tourists flock, vendors set up street food carts, and where you can find little cafés and massage parlors nestled between mazes of alleys. There’s luxury hotels, adorable guesthouses, and backpacker hostels for any type of adventurer.

Here are 7 top things to do in Chiang Mai.

1. Visit The Temples

There’s no shortage of stunning temples in and around Chiang Mai. In fact, there are approximately 300 Buddhist temples. Near the old city you will find beautiful shiny temples peeking out around various corners and entrances. While entry is typically free or just a small fee, make sure to bring something to cover your knees and shoulders. A must-see temple just on the mountain to your west is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. You can hike for 30 minutes along the Monk’s trail from the base at Suthep Alley Road and stop for a coffee at Wat Pha Lat. From there you can either snag a Songthaew (red truck) for just 40 baht from the main road or hike the remainder of your journey. The temple on top has views of the entire city.

2. Bike Around The City

You can easily rent a bicycle and peddle your way through the town. The city is small, flat, and easy to navigate. You may find yourself popping into little remote corners where you can find cute hidden gems. You can bike northwest to Huay Kaew Waterfall or bike east towards the Mae Ping River. If you’re feeling that you want a bit of guidance on your cycling venture, sign up for a city bike tour or mountain biking expedition.

3. Shop At The Night Markets

Chiang Mai is all about the markets. It would be impossible to visit the city and avoid them. Every day there’s lively evening markets offering street food, massages, clothing, trinkets, and art. If you make it to Chiang Mai on the weekend you can join the heaps of crowds looking for their sweet deals. You’ll be jam-packed shopping side by side with fellow tourists. In this case, you may fancy grabbing an hour foot massage on the streets for about $5 while watching people go by. The Saturday market is a bit less hectic as it is just south of the old city and nearby the delish street vendors. It’s a bit more spacious and if you head far enough south, you can catch the police officers singing karaoke! Even if you don’t make it on the weekend you can head to the Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar any day of the week, Warorot Market or Jing Jai Market for even better discounts, and the markets near Chiang Mai University that cater to the local youngsters in the area. Want to test out your haggling skills? “Lot dai mai?” will be your key phrase to get a better deal.

4. Eat The Street Food

Northern Thai food will transform your taste buds. Thai food is more than just your go-to pad thai dish that your order from your favorite chain restaurant back home. From Khao Soi to Sai Ua to Gaeng Hang Lay you’ll have to test out the food yourself. Although the food may be a bit spicy for your liking, it’s all worth a shot. “Mai pet” means to not add spice if you’re feeling a tad sweaty already. Whether you are meandering around the north gate of the old city and make it to the famous “Cowboy Hat Lady’s” stall for some pork or are eating yourself into a food coma around the south gate, you’ll have plenty to keep your taste buds entertained. Pork noodle soup, spring rolls, mango sticky rice, fruit shakes, mystery meat sticks, and more! The second best part of eating street food in Chiang Mai is that each dish will typically be in the $1-$3 range, which makes eating all the authentic food one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai!

5. Take A Thai Cooking Class

Now that you ate all of that street food you need to learn to make it, right? RIGHT! Thai cooking classes will make you feel like a professional chef, even if only for a day. Sign up for a local cooking class and learn all about the food you love to eat. Many cooking classes in Chiang Mai will offer full or half day excursions which include shopping in local markets, hearing the background on different ingredients, and giving you step-by-step guides on how to cook like a Thai. Not only that, you’ll be able to take recipes home with you and give it a go when you feel that you crave a bit of that spice.

6. Come For The Festivals

If your vacay plans are somewhat lenient, check your calendar and plan accordingly as two of the best festivals in Thailand are worth celebrating in Chiang Mai. In mid-April is Songkran festival which is a three-day nationwide water fight welcoming the new year and rainy season. November is brightly lit by the famous lantern festival, Loy Krathong. Watch thousands of lanterns float up to the sky or along the river. For Thai locals, it signifies a new fresh beginning into the new year.

If possible, avoid coming from the end of February through early April. It is the smokey season and is not as glamorous to travel up north when the rice fields nearby are all being burned to prep for a new season of crops.

7. Sabay Sabay

Or in other words, relaaax! Chiang Mai doesn’t need to be go-go-go. It’s great to spend time here and unwind on your refreshing trip away. You can go for a lazy picnic in the huts at Huay Tung Tao, you can do free yoga at Buak Hard Park in the mornings, you can find various pools around the city, or you can simply go for massages all day long. The city is small enough to not feel overwhelmed by having too much to do. So enjoy some R&R while traveling through Chiang Mai.

Overall, don’t over-plan your Chiang Mai adventure. There are many top things to do in Chiang Mai not mentioned here, so you can go with the flow and find many things to do upon arrival. Eat the food, explore the markets, and take photos of the temples.

Also, if you want to get out of the city for a bit and dive into nature, Chiang Mai offers loads of outdoor adventures for your perfect vacay.

The post 7 Wonderful Ways To Make The Most Of Your Trip To Chiang Mai appeared first on Modern Trekker.

My friend Carmella and I were road tripping through the Southwest, starting in Los Angeles and making our way through Arizona and New Mexico, then looping back around to California. We were in our mid-twenties and had never felt more free, each of us taking our first real grown-up vacation.

We rented a tiny car, threw our bags in the back, stocked up on baby carrots and gallons of water, and struck out on our own. We were elated. We talked nonstop. We left the smog of L.A. behind us, headed east, and arrived in Joshua Tree by evening.

Our First Time Staying In Airbnbs

By the bright light of the moon in the massive desert sky, we managed to find our Airbnb—a tiny cabin at the edge of the national park with just one neighbor in sight. We pulled up at 11pm and tiptoed to the door, still unsure of what we were walking into. We were greeted by the kindest woman named Stella, who’d waited up for us.

There was a little bedroom with fluffy towels laid out for us and a wicker basket of toiletries. There was just enough room for the two of us, and we snuggled up in our shared bed, laughing hysterically under the covers until we drifted off to sleep.

I knew we’d made a good choice when I woke in the middle of the night to the sound of coyotes yipping outside our bedroom window. I fell back to sleep marveling at the magic of the desert and woke the next morning to fresh green juice served in wine goblets, alongside stories of Stella’s past life in San Francisco. We were the first names in her pristine guest book, and we left a raving review.

If I thought we’d made a good choice by booking a room with no reviews, I was yet to be surprised at what was in store.

Joshua Tree To Madrid, New Mexico

We left Joshua Tree and eventually made our way to Madrid, New Mexico, a tiny mining town just outside of Santa Fe. Carmella had booked this Airbnb, and I was excited to see what the “eco cabin” in the hills of New Mexico would be like. We arrived and were greeted by the Airbnb manager, Lucy, settling into our cozy cottage with its compost toilet and limited electricity. Colorful prayer flags were strung about and we immediately felt at home.

It wasn’t until later that night, over glasses of wine beside a glowing fire under the full moon, that Lucy and I realized we had a mutual friend.

On the other side of the country in a remote Southwest town with a population of 200 people, I’d found a connection. We stayed up late into the night talking about synchronicity and human connection. What were the odds?

That trip ended up being one of those vacations where everything just works out. We ended up staying in Airbnbs a total of four different times and left all but one feeling like we were good friends with the owners. They were complete strangers. Welcoming other complete strangers into their homes. Literally opening their doors and hearts to the belief that people can be kind.

A Life Of Travel

As I continued a life of travel following that trip, I learned that this would be more common than not in all of my experiences of staying in Airbnbs. I’ve stayed in Airbnbs all over the world—rambling farmhouses in Maine, cozy cottages in rugged Tasmania, mountain suburbs in Ojai. Sometimes solo, sometimes not—but always with the faith that people are good at heart. (And of course, most of these were private rooms in a home, rather than an entire home independent from the owners—I always find that I like it better when hosts are around.)

Four years after my initial Airbnb stay in Joshua Tree, I found myself in a 1900s clapboard house in the Blue Mountains of Australia, a fantastic region filled with eucalyptus forests and stunning cliffs and roaring waterfalls. I was with a friend who’d never stayed in Airbnbs before, a friend who was a bit reluctant to reserve a room in a stranger’s house with nothing but hope, faith, and a few reviews.

The owner, a sweet woman in her fifties, invited us in and explained how she found herself there—escaping city life in Sydney at the discovery of a troubling illness, settling into the mountains for fresh air, art therapy, and recovery. I spotted my favorite artist’s work on her fridge, and she’d left us hot water bottles at the end of our beds for the chilly autumn night. In her kitchen hung a giant chalkboard upon which she’d jotted affirmations and quotes, and we got lost exploring her bookshelves filled with tomes on lucid dreaming and homesteading.

She was out of the house the next morning when we checked out with our backpacks in tow, and when we realized we’d accidentally left a cell phone behind, she was suddenly pulling up alongside us in her car, encouraging us to get in so she could give us a lift back to get it.

Complete strangers from countries other than her own. Trusting us in her home without her. We could have been the ax murderers.

My friend was shocked at how Airbnb worked. “She doesn’t mind that we’re here without her?” she said incredulously. “Are all hosts this nice? Is this always how it goes?”

(Of course, it doesn’t always go exactly like this. Not every single Airbnb host is kind and welcoming and goes out of their way to make you feel at home. But with a little awareness and intuition when you’re booking, you can find gold. And more often than not, it’s worth it.)

Conclusion

Now, I always prefer to peruse Airbnb before turning to a hotel or hostel. I love not knowing what I’ll find or who I’ll meet. When you can be open to it, there are stories to be heard, kindnesses to be gifted, meals to be shared, neighborhoods to be explored, friends to be made. I’m still in touch with some of my past hosts, and even just a connection over Instagram feels incredibly heartwarming to me.

Because in a world that feels increasingly scary and unsafe, there’s this: the unfailing hope and belief that people are intrinsically good — and that we have more in common than we think.

Note: I want to acknowledge that as a white American female, I carry a certain privilege that not everyone is granted, and others’ experiences of strangers’ kindness may not be the same as mine.

Suggested next reading: Why I Travel Alone (And Why You Should Too)

The post How Staying In Airbnbs Renews My Faith In Humanity appeared first on Modern Trekker.

These countries you can visit on a budget are Cambodia, South Korea, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, and Nepal. Sure, it may depend on where you’re starting from, but that’s why I’ve tried to choose a variety to give you ideas for cheap places to travel internationally.

Let’s now explore each country more!

1. Cambodia

If you plan to visit Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a must.

The most expensive cost for your must-sees would be entrance to the Angkor temples near Siem Reap. The towering temples of magnificent architecture in the Angkor region will leave you absolutely breathless. Tickets are sold for either one day ($37) or three days ($62).

With the history of the Khmer Rouge that devastated the country in the 1970s, the economic boost for Cambodia is rewarding. However, when you put it into perspective, the cost of a three-day pass to see the temples can get you about 30 meals, 120 beers, or more than a week’s worth of accommodation in Cambodia.

• Budget hostels: $5-$10
• Street food: ~$2
• Beer: 50 cents
• Tuk tuk around Siem Reap: $2

Affordable activities in Cambodia are renting bicycles to explore villages nearby, lounging on Otres Beach while getting a massage (only a few dollars), and bartering at the night markets. You will find friendly Khmer smiles every step of the way.

2. South Korea

Korea has westernized since the war in the 50’s and is thriving. It’s a K-Pop world with loud music and bright lights throughout the cities like Seoul. A must see would be the Korean Demilitarized Zone—or DMZ for short. For just $35, you can learn all about one of the most controversial parts of the world.

That offsets the costs of free public Wi-Fi all over Seoul, free workout stations on the rivers, free public restrooms that are extremely clean, and Konglish clothing on all the busy streets for just a few bucks.

• Budget Hostels: $10-$15 — or camp on a beach for free!
• Street food/local fast food: $1-$4
• Sit down meal for two: $18 — with loads of side dishes to add to your meal
• Beer: $2-$4
• Bus or subway: $1.25

Affordable activities in Korea are visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace ($3), cramming into Gwangjang Market, seeing the spring Cherry Blossoms in Gyeongju, and sipping soju at Haeundae Beach while watching kids light off fireworks.

With amazing public transportation that can get you across the country for cheap, you will have access to all of Korea on a budget. You are sure to fall in love with this cutesy country obsessed with selfies and kimchi.

3. Peru

With access to the Andes Mountain range, you’ll be flying high. A must see in Peru is Machu Picchu. The construction was completed by the Incan Empire in the mid-15^th Century and is unique to its mountainous landscape. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is one of the globes most visited sites. The entrance fee alone is $47, but it’s worth it to see it in person rather than just google images. Ditch the group tours to save on any additional fees.

• Budget Hostels: $6-$12
• Food: $3-$4
• Alcohol: $2-$3
• Bus: 50 cents

Other affordable activities in Peru are multiple free museums, the Lake Titicaca floating island tour (~$10), hiking Rainbow Mountain ($3 entry + transport or hitchhiking), and options for free walking tours around Lima. What better way to learn about the culture than through a local?

Also, make sure to make it to Cusco where you will be living amongst the clouds at over 11,000 feet in elevation!

Peru is often seen as one of the more expensive South American countries, but it very much depends on how you travel in Peru.

4. Portugal

One of those surprising countries you can visit on a budget, Portugal has the European-esque life without the high costs. Mixed with beaches, great weather, markets, and food, you are sure to fall in love.

A must see is the town of Porto. You can visit the Leça Da Palmeira beachside pools, get lost in the Lello and Irmão bookstore, and see the abundance of amazing architecture throughout the city.

• Budget Hostels: $15
• Food: $9
• Alcohol: $2
• Bus, tram, metro: $1.25 or walk!

Other affordable activities in Portugal are stuffing your face with Portuguese barbecue, going to various free museums, and sipping $1 cappuccinos while listening to the traditional Fado music at a local café.

Although parts of Europe may come off intimidating or expensive, Portugal is a charmer and really is one of those surprising countries you can visit on a budget! Despite being pricier, the city of Lisbon is also a good place to explore.

5. South Africa

Heading to South Africa during the offseason for a braai and lower costs makes this a surprising candidate for the cheapest country in the world to travel on a budget. Things don’t cost much, and also the South African Rand has tumbled in value in recent years, meaning you’ll be winning on the exchange rates. 

With the controversial politics, you will have loads of history at your fingertips. A ferry ride to Robben Island is about $20. The island houses the prison where Nelson Mandela, the iconic political figure, was held for 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment.

Not keen on going to prison? There are many other cheap activities in South Africa.

• Budget Hostels: $12-$20
• Cheap meals: $8
• Alcohol: $2.50
• Transportation: $1 by bus or it is common to use uber

Other affordable activities in South Africa are hiking Table Mountain, taking Instagram pics all over the Bo Kaap neighborhood, and exploring the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

If you aren’t up for a pricey safari, you can flock to the beach to whale watch (June – November) or watch penguins play at Boulders Beach. South Africa is big—pick a city and get to know it. Whether it’s the mountains and beaches of Cape Town, the coastal city of Durban, or the city life of Jozi, you will be filling up on delish bobotie.

6. Nepal

Visit the home of the Himalayas. It doesn’t have to be pricey to trek the highest mountain range in the world. While guided tours to Everest Base Camp range from $1,200 – $5,000, you can ditch the tour and obtain your own permits. Depending on the route you take, permits will only cost $20-$30.

Understandably, it is nice to have a tour when trekking EBC, but the cost of going solo is minuscule in comparison. You will find upon arrival that there are friendly locals to help you and stay with along the way.

• Budget Hostels in the Kathmandu: $4-$5
• Tea houses on a trek: $1-$2
• Food: $2
• Beer: $1.50-3.50
• Motorbike or taxi: 20 cents – $1

If you aren’t up for an Everest Base Camp trek, there is still much more to explore. Other affordable activities in Nepal are within reach of Kathmandu, the capital city. You will see massive reconstruction projects all over due to the devastating earthquake of 2015. Must-sees are Bhaktapur and Patan, the ancient cities outside of Kathmandu.

Nepal will give you a taste of a kind, humble, and generous country that is still overcoming the impacts of the horrific earthquake. Visiting this country will give you a new perspective on poverty in the world and how contributing as a tourist—even on a budget—can be a huge economic boost.

Whether you love nature, beaches, or busy cities, traveling on a budget can be done! If you keep your eye out for affordable activities and don’t stay in the fancy schmancy hotels, it’ll be a breeze.

Relax on the booze, eat local food, and travel by public transportation as much as possible. Catching the museums and any free tours will give you a first-hand look at the culture that can’t be found in an all-inclusive resort.

So check your passport and start planning for all these countries you can visit on a budget!

Suggested next reading: 5 Easy Ways You Can Travel Solo On A Tight Budget

The post 6 Incredible Countries You Can Actually Visit On A Budget appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Answer: Well, it should be super obvious but “Airbnb” is shorthand for its old official name, “AirBed&Breakfast”. This old name was a combination of “airbed” and “bed and breakfast”. Co-founder and now CEO, Brian Chesky, explains the story behind this somewhat strange combination of words in the following short video:

Suggested next reading: How Staying In Airbnbs Renews My Faith In Humanity

The post The Interesting Story Of How Airbnb Got Its Name appeared first on Modern Trekker.