What is Ebola?

Ebola is a severe and usually fatal illness caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses.

What are the Symptoms of Ebola?

How is Ebola Diagnosed?

What is the Treatment for Ebola?

How do you Catch Ebola?

What does the Ebola outbreak mean for travellers to Africa?

For those travelling to East or Central Africa, particularly to countries bordering the affected area, it is essential to be prepared and stay informed on the latest advisories.

Virginia Messina, Group CEO of ATTA, said: “Established protocols are in place within countries bordering the DRC and, as a result, tourism operations and business trips across the wider African continent continue normally.

You don’t need to cancel any plans to visit Africa at this stage. If you are travelling to Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania, you should monitor the situation. Protocols have been put in place to help curb and monitor the latest Ebola outbreak.

Protocols include:

• enhanced screening at borders and points of entry, 
• strict contact tracing, 
• upgraded isolation and treatment centres,
• a clear opposition to blanket travel restrictions.

You can track the ongoing situation, latest travel protocols and travel advice through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA).

Here’s some Africa inspiration:

Best African Safaris
9 Things to Do in Africa besides a Safari
Digital Nomad Visas to Live and Work in Africa

The post Ebola outbreak 2026: your need to know about travelling to Africa appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

The Eiffel Tower is probably one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. It was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, and stands watching over the city.

Even if you’ve never been to Paris, you’ve almost certainly seen photos of it. And when you finally do visit Paris, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask yourself is: do I actually need to pay to experience the Eiffel Tower? The short answer is no, but, if it’s your first time in Paris and you want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower – you will.

When I started planning my first visit to Paris, I quickly realised that you don’t actually need to spend money to visit the Eiffel Tower. At the same time, paying to go up the tower offers a completely different experience and gives you some of the best views of Paris.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can admire the Eiffel Tower for free from some fantastic viewpoints around the city. And then decide if climbing or taking the lift to the upper levels is worth adding to your itinerary.

 

Already know you want to go up the Eiffel Tower? Here’s your options:

Climb the stairs up to the 1st or 2nd floor.
Catch the lift to the 2nd floor with optional access to the 3rd floor (the summit – the top).
Stay in accommodation that has a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Here’s everything you need to know about seeing and exploring the Eiffel Tower for free and paid options.

 

How to See the Eiffel Tower for Free

 

You don’t need to buy a ticket to appreciate just how impressive the Eiffel Tower really is. In fact, some of my favourite views of the tower are completely free! You can see the Eiffel Tower from many places around Paris. I even had a great view from my hotel room.

 

Eiffel Tower from my hotel room

 

Free Places to See the Eiffel Tower around Paris

 

Trocadéro

 

The first place I suggest you see the Eiffel Tower for free is in the Trocadéro. If you’ve ever seen those iconic photographs of the Eiffel Tower stretching across a large plaza, chances are they were taken from Trocadéro.

Located directly opposite the Eiffel Tower across the Seine River, Trocadéro offers what many people consider to be the best view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The large terraces, impressive fountains and wide open spaces create the perfect setting for photos, picnics or simply sitting and taking in the view.

Trocadéro is also one of the busiest spots in Paris, particularly during the day, as tourists, photographers and influencers all gather here for that classic Eiffel Tower shot. If you can, try to visit early in the morning when the crowds are smaller and the light is beautiful for photography.

Another great time to visit is just before sunset. Stay until dark and you’ll see the Eiffel Tower illuminated, If you’re there on the hour, you’ll catch the famous five-minute sparkling light show. 

 

Champ de Mars

 

The large grassy park stretching out beneath the Eiffel Tower is called Champ de Mars, and it is one of the best places to experience the tower up close without paying for entry.

Many visitors bring a picnic, sit on the grass and spend an hour or two simply admiring the views. If you’re travelling on a budget, pick up a baguette, cheese and a drink from a nearby supermarket and enjoy your own Eiffel Tower picnic for a fraction of the cost of eating in a tourist restaurant.

I found this to be one of the best places to simply slow down and appreciate the Eiffel Tower without feeling rushed. It is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon and evening when the tower begins to light up.

 

Pont de Bir-Hakeim

 

If you enjoy photography, make time to visit Pont de Bir-Hakeim. This bridge has become famous for its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and has appeared in numerous films and photographs over the years. The elevated metro line and steel structure create some fantastic photo opportunities.

For the best experience, try visiting early in the morning or around sunset when the light is softer and there are fewer people around. Even if you’re not a photographer, it’s worth stopping here for a few minutes to take in the view and appreciate one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks from a different angle.

 

Rue de l’Université

 

If you’re looking for that classic Paris photograph with the Eiffel Tower perfectly framed by beautiful Parisian buildings, Rue de l’Université is the place to go.

The view of the Eiffel Tower at the end of the street creates a picture-perfect Paris moment and is particularly popular with photographers, influencers and visitors wanting that iconic shot. Because of its popularity, the street can become quite crowded during the day.

My tip is to visit early in the morning when there are fewer people around and you’ll have a much better chance of taking photos without crowds in the background. 

 

Seine River Walkways

 

One of my favourite ways to experience Paris is simply by walking. Some of the best views appear when you’re not looking for them. Don’t be afraid to simply wander along the river and stop whenever you see a view you like.

The walkways along the River Seine provide constantly changing views of the Eiffel Tower and cost absolutely nothing. Walking also allows you to appreciate how the tower dominates the Paris skyline from different angles.

If you have time, consider walking both during the day and after dark when the tower is illuminated.

 

Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night – for Free

 

One of the best free experiences in Paris happens every evening.

After sunset, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of every hour until late at night. The first time I saw it, I understood why so many people stop what they are doing just to watch. There is something quite magical about seeing the whole tower light up against the night sky.

You can watch the light show from all over Paris, but Trocadéro and Champ de Mars are probably the best places to experience it. My tip is to arrive a little early, grab a spot to sit and simply enjoy the atmosphere. It can get very busy, especially during peak season, but I think it is one of those Paris experiences that is absolutely worth the crowds.

 

How to See the Eiffel Tower – Paid Options

 

While seeing the Eiffel Tower from the outside is impressive, going inside offers an entirely different experience. When I say inside, I mean inside the structure. As it is made of metal with no solid walls you can see straight through it.

There are several ticket options available depending on how much you want to spend and how high you want to go. If you’re visiting during peak season, it’s best to book tickets in advance.

To decide on paid option you want to explore the Eiffel Tower, you should know it has three floors or levels. You can visit one of them or all of them. Each has something different to offer.

 

To decide the paid option to visit and explore the Eiffel Tower, you will want to know what paid options are available. They include walking up one leg of the Eiffel Tower to Level 1 or Level 2. Knowing what services are on each level and what the view is like.

Already know how you want to visit the Eiffel Tower, I suggest you buy your ticket in advance to avoid a long wait in a long queue. Like many places since covid, a certain amount of people are allowed on the Eiffel Tower at one time.

 

Powered by GetYourGuide

 

Paid Options to Visit the Eiffel Tower

 

Climb the Eiffel Tower Stairs 

 

If you’re reasonably fit and don’t mind a workout, climbing the stairs is one of the more affordable ways to experience the Eiffel Tower.

One advantage of climbing the stairs is that queues are often shorter than for the lifts, particularly during peak season. You also get a much closer look at the iron framework that makes the Eiffel Tower such an incredible feat of engineering.

The stair option usually provides access to:

●      The first floor

●      The second floor

●      Viewing platforms

●      Restaurants and shops

●      Historical exhibits

 

Purchase your ticket to climb the stairs here.

 

Eiffel Tower’s First Floor

 

I think many visitors underestimate the first floor because they’re so focused on reaching the top. However, if you don’t enjoy heights, this level offers fantastic views without feeling quite as intimidating.

Located around 57 metres above ground, the first floor provides impressive views across Paris while still allowing you to appreciate the scale of the tower itself.

Some of the highlights include:

●      A glass floor where you can look directly down beneath your feet

●      Interactive exhibits explaining the history and construction of the Eiffel Tower

●      Historical displays and information panels

●      Restaurants and cafés

●      Outdoor viewing areas

For travellers who don’t enjoy heights, the first floor can provide a good balance between experience and comfort.

 

Eiffel Tower’s Second Floor

 

For many visitors, the second floor offers the best views in the entire tower.

At around 115 metres above ground, you are high enough to enjoy spectacular views across Paris while still being close enough to identify famous landmarks.

From here, you can often see:

●      The River Seine

●      The Louvre

●      Notre-Dame Cathedral

●      Sacré-Cœur Basilica

●      The Arc de Triomphe

●      Montparnasse Tower

The second floor also has some dining options and viewing platforms that allow you to photograph Paris from multiple directions.

If someone asked me which ticket offers the best value, I’d probably choose the second floor. The views are spectacular, you can still recognise many of Paris’s landmarks, and it is usually less expensive than going all the way to the summit.

 

Purchase your ticket to catch the lift to the 2nd Floor.

 

Eiffel Tower’s Third Floor (The Summit)

 

 

View from the top

 

If you’ve travelled all the way to Paris and want the full Eiffel Tower experience, visiting the summit is hard to beat.

Located approximately 276 metres above ground, the summit provides breathtaking panoramic views across the entire city and beyond.

Depending on weather conditions, visibility can extend for many kilometres.

Highlights of the summit include:

●      The highest public observation deck in Paris

●      Panoramic views across the city

●      Gustave Eiffel’s restored office

●      Historical displays

●      Champagne bar

●      Unique photo opportunities

If this is your first trip to Paris and you’re unlikely to return soon, I would seriously consider paying the extra money for the summit. Standing at the highest point open to visitors in Paris is one of those experiences you tend to remember for years afterwards. I’ve been up the Eiffel tower 4 times, and I remember the view clearly.

If heights aren’t your favourite thing, however, be prepared that the summit can feel significantly higher and more enclosed than the lower levels. And as you can see through the lift as you ascend, it can be a little scary!

 

Purchase your ticket to Eiffel Tower’s summit here.

 

Which Eiffel Tower Experience Should You Choose?

 

If you’re travelling on a strict budget, you can have an incredible Eiffel Tower experience without spending any money at all. Visiting Trocadéro, enjoying a picnic at Champ de Mars and watching the tower sparkle at night can easily become some of your favourite memories of Paris.

If you decide to pay for entry, the second floor offers what many travellers consider the best balance of price and views.

And if this is your first trip to Paris and you don’t know when you’ll return, you may decide that going all the way to the summit is worth the extra cost. I think it is!

 

The post How to See and Explore the Eiffel Tower: Free and Paid Options appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

So hot is the heatwave in Europe, people have drowned after swimming in unsafe areas trying to cool off from the heat. Kids have been found dead in their family cars. Schools have closed. Tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower in Paris have reduced visiting hours. Infrastructure such as train rails are expanding and buckling – causing a nightmare travelling around Europe. And there is plenty of heat still to come in Europe.

Many Australian’s and people from other hot countries are probably rolling their eyes hearing about the UK heatwave and the Europe heatwave, but what needs to be understood is, the heat in Europe and the UK is different. And the cooling infrastructure is well, non-existent in the UK and Europe.

If you’re traveling in Europe during a heat wave, it’s worth planning differently than you might in cooler seasons. Many buildings—especially older ones—don’t have air conditioning, and temperatures can stay high well into the evening.

What is a Heatwave?

A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather, usually lasting two or more days. It can be accompanied by high humidity. Many countries and regions are use to having heatwaves during the summer months. With climate change, heatwaves are becoming more prevalent and the UK, and Europe are two such regions that are increasingly having extreme hot weather during their summer months.

How to Cope with Heat when Travelling

Here are some practical ways to stay more comfortable:

Stay cool during the hottest part of the day

• Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning (before about 11 a.m.) or later in the evening.
• Use the hottest hours (roughly noon to 4 or 5 p.m.) for museums, churches, shopping, or a long lunch indoors. Hopefully, these places will have cooling.

Stay hydrated

• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently. Many European cities have public drinking fountains with potable water.
• Drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• If you’re sweating heavily, consider drinks or foods that replace electrolytes.

Dress for the weather

• Pack appropriately for a summer holiday in Europe.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made from breathable fabrics like linen or cotton.
• Use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) and reapply every couple of hours if you’re outdoors.

Choose accommodation carefully

• Before booking any accommodation, check specifically whether it has air conditioning—don’t assume it does. Or at least having a fan to circulate the air.
• Check what else the accommodation offers – rooms with shutters or blackout blinds tend to stay cooler. Upper-floor rooms can be significantly warmer than lower floors.
• I always use Booking dot com to book accommodation – I ensure I read reviews and the details about the property to ensure it has everything I need for my stay.

Keep your room cool

If your accommodation doesn’t have air conditioning, help your room to stay cool”

• Close shutters, curtains, and windows during the day to block sunlight and keep heat out.
• Open windows at night if it’s cooler outside.
• Create cross-ventilation if there are windows on opposite sides.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics that generate heat.

Cool your body efficiently

• Wet your wrists, neck, or a small towel with cool water.
• Take cool (not icy) showers.
• Use a handheld fan or battery-powered portable fan.
• If your hotel has AC, spend some time cooling down before going back outside.
• Take a dip in a body of water, even dipping your toes in can help cool you down. Ensure to be safe around any body of water and watch children carefully,

Eat lighter meals

• Opt for salads, fruit, yogurt, and lighter dishes during the hottest parts of the day. Check out Travellers-Fare for fast, fabulous and easy meals for travellers, backpackers and campers for inspiration.
• Heavy meals can make you feel warmer.
• Be mindful of alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration. Throw in heat with alcohol and you can have impaired judgement, reduced physical coordination, prone to accidents, become abusive or become disoriented in public. And there are plenty of pick-pockets in Europe just waiting for such a tourist.

Make use of cool public spaces

Libraries, museums, shopping centres, cinemas, and some cafés can provide relief from the heat, even if they’re only moderately air-conditioned.

Travel on public transport wisely

Walking in direct sun can be exhausting, wear a hat and use an umbrella but also:

• Consider buses, metros, or trams during the hottest hours to get around – hopefully they have cooling.
• Keep water with you while waiting at stations, and basically everywhere during the heat.

Know the signs of heat illness/stress

Excessive heat and lack of water can lead to heat stress or a heat illness. Watch for:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Excessive fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Confusion or fainting (this can indicate a medical emergency)

If you, or someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, or has a very high body temperature, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Check local heat advisories

Many European countries issue heat alerts with recommendations and may adjust opening hours or public services during extreme heat. Visit their websites or apps for the latest details. Also watch TV and listen to the radio for weather and heat reports.

Be Mindful of Your Things

The heat and being hot can make you forgetful and oblivious to our surroundings. This leads us to being careless with out things. Instead of carrying a hot bag next to our body, we are keen to take it off and leave it over a chair while we eat. An easy target for a robber. Be mindful of your things.

Are You Ready to Stay Cool This European Summer?

I hope these tips help you stay cool and hydrated during your summer European travels and summer UK travels.

Europe Travel Inspiration – 1 Month Central Europe Itinerary
UK Travel Inspiration – 1 Month Britain Itinerary, 1 Month UK and Ireland Itinerary

The post Europe Heatwave – How to Cope with Heat when Travelling appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

New Taxes and Fees

‘Sayonara tax’

Since 2019, anyone leaving Japan, including citizens, has been required to pay a small exit fee. Similar to Australia’s Passenger Movement Charge (PMC), it was automatically added to the price of your plane or ferry ticket. From July 1, the Japanese Government will raise this tax for the very first time from ¥1,000 (AUD $8.80 as of June 2026) to ¥3,000 (depending on the exchange rate that is around AUD $26.50).

Litter fine

‘Litter fine’ I hear you say! Yep, ‘if you throw trash, you will loose cash’. That’s the slogan of Shibuya’s latest campaign to stop visitors from littering. As of June 1, anyone caught leaving rubbish around the busy Tokyo hub will face an on-the-spot fine of ¥2,000 (around AUD $17.50). This comes in response to an increasing number of foreign tourists openly drinking and littering in the area.

Tax-free shopping

Currently, tourists in Japan can shop tax-free at designated stores on purchases of more than ¥5,000 (~AUD $44), simply by showing their passports. But from November 1, 2026, Japan is switching to a ‘pay first, refund later’ model. You’ll have to pay the full tax-inclusive price at checkout, then claim the ten per cent tax refund at the airport before flying home.

Lodging tax

From April 2026, 20 local governments – including Hokkaido, Sapporo and Hiroshima – introduced or increased local lodging taxes. Designed to fund over-tourism, crowd management and upgrade visitor infrastructure, these accommodation levies are typically charged per person, per night. The flat rate ranges from around ¥100 to ¥500 per night (AUD $0.88 to $4.50).

What Do These New Taxes Mean?

So what do all these new taxes mean for us Aussies heading to Japan on holiday. Well, it means you will be paying a little more to enjoy this wonderful country. But I think it will be worth it!

Source: Time Out Australia

READ MORE:

1 Month Japan itinerary
How to Spend 3 Days in Tokyo
Day Trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji

The post New Rules and Fees Australians Travelling to Japan Need to Know appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

The oak stands in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire and is renowned for its association with the legendary outlaw Robin Hood.According to folklore Robin Hood used it as a shelter

Experts believe the historic tree is dead after it failed to produce any leaves this spring. Some are saying ‘excessive tourism’ for the Sherwood Forest icon’s demise is partly to blame. Climate change is also said to have played a role, with heatwaves and droughts adding further stress to the Major Oak. But it has been declining for some time, according to the RSPB, which manages the woodland.

Millions of visitors over the years compacted the soil around the tree so severely that recent tests found it was as hard as concrete in places. This made it difficult for rainwater to reach the roots and for the tree to absorb essential nutrients.

The RSPB says it will remain standing as a monument for visitors and wildlife. So, at least people will still be able to visit it, even though it is dead!

Source: GBN

READ MORE:

Include a visit to the Major Oak in your UK holiday, possibly during a 1 month UK Itinerary

The post Heartbreak as Robin Hood’s English Oak Tree Dies appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

Meaning, the unexpected turbulence is still a mystery.

The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) found the on-board weather radar on the Boeing 777-300ER may have failed to detect the storm clouds that triggered the May 2024 incident, but stopped short of confirming it. While the radar manufacturer’s own testing found no fault, TSIB noted the possibility of failure “cannot be ruled out” – particularly given maintenance records showing the same aircraft’s radar had failed to display weather conditions as recently as six days before the incident.

What makes the finding more troubling is that three other aircraft flying over the same region at the time spotted widespread clouds and deviated accordingly, using their own weather radars – which differed from the model fitted to SQ321.

The pilots, meanwhile, saw nothing. Both the radar display and their own visual checks of the flight path indicated clear skies. Investigators said they were “unable to understand” why the crew did not see the widespread clouds other flight crews could clearly identify.

The turbulence itself was severe. The aircraft experienced a vertical acceleration drop from +1.35G to -1.5G – then back up to +1.5G – within 4.6 seconds, likely caused by a rapidly growing cloud and an updraft estimated at 8,000 to 9,000 feet per minute.

TSIB’s recommendations focus on closing the gaps the investigation exposed: mandating weather radar recording functions on older aircraft, improving troubleshooting guidance for crews and maintenance teams, and developing ways to log what pilots actually see on their navigation displays. The SQ321 aircraft entered service in 2008, predating requirements for that recording capability.

SIA said it has since improved its turbulence monitoring tools, updated crew guidance on suspected radar malfunctions, and begun reporting such issues directly to Boeing and the radar manufacturer.

For the travel industry, the report is a reminder that severe turbulence on planes remain difficult to fully predict or prevent. So when flying it is wise to stay in your seat with your seat belt firmly on. And only move around the cabin when necessary, such as when going to the toilet.

READ MORE:

Tips for Getting Sleep on a Plane
What to Wear on a Plane – Tips to be Stylish yet Comfortable

The post Singapore Airlines flight SQ321: Unexpected Turbulence Still a Mystery appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

Digital nomads seeking entry to Canada under a common work-permit exemption will be subject to increased scrutiny under new rules. The rules come in the form of updated instructions to officers. Instructions titled ‘Temporary residents: Digital nomads,’. These were published on Canada’s immigration department’s website on May 26, 2026.

Does Canada have a Digital Nomad Visa?

No, Canada does not have a dedicated, standalone digital nomad visa. However, instead, foreign remote workers can live and work in Canada for up to six months at a time under standard visitor status. Similar to New Zealand’s Digital Nomad Visa. To stay legally as a digital nomad, you must prove that your work does not enter the Canadian labor market. Meaning, you work remotely for a company outside of Canada or work for yourself and your clients are outside of Canada.

What Has Changed?

Prior to this change, immigration officers were told that ‘additional documentation is not required’ from digital nomads versus run-of-the-mill visitors to Canada.

The updated instructions to officers specify that digital nomads now ‘must provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate that their income is earned entirely outside Canada. And, they will be working remotely for a foreign employer. Or, if self‑employed, that they will be providing services exclusively to clients outside Canada.’

Are You Wanting to Spend 6 months as a Digital Nomad in Canada?

If you want to spend up to 6 months in Canada working remotely or as a digital nomad, then ensure you have the paperwork to back up your application. 

Digital nomads must meet Canada’s general entry requirements applicable to all temporary residents. These include demonstrating the ability to support themselves financially while in Canada. And satisfying the officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorised period of stay.

Source CICNews.com

Read More for some Canada Holiday Inspiration

1 Month Canada Itinerary
2 Day Vancouver itinerary
Canada Working Holiday Visa
Work and Ski Canada
More on the Canada Digital Nomad Visa at Immigration Canada website.

The post Canada imposes stricter requirements on digital nomads appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 2 has opened. Great news for those looking for a Middle East bypass.

The T2 opening ceremony held on 22 May 2026 drew around 1,500 guests. Showcasing was more than 40 airport partners including airlines, cargo operators and ground handlers.

The relaunch comes as airlines and travellers continue adjusting schedules and routings amid ongoing instability in the Middle East. Many carriers are reducing their reliance on Gulf stopovers. Instead, they are funnelling passengers through major Asian gateways like Hong Kong.

Fifteen airlines will progressively relocate check-in operations to the new T2 through to mid-June, ahead of the busy northern summer season. The carriers moving across largely operate regional and short-haul services. This is a big reflection showing growing demand for intra-Asia connectivity.

Hong Kong Airlines will be the first airline to move, followed by Greater Bay Airlines and HK Express. Selected Cathay Pacific services will also transition to the terminal.

Passengers checking in at T2 will still board flights from Terminal 1 using the airport’s Automated People Mover system. A future T2 concourse due to open in 2027 will add 27 boarding gates.

The upgraded departure hall includes 160 check-in counters across eight aisles. There are also self bag-drop facilities, biometric e-security gates and redesigned screening lanes. Airport Authority Hong Kong expects the terminal to handle around eight million passenger journeys in its first year.

As airlines continue searching for operational resilience and alternative transit points outside traditional Middle East corridors, Hong Kong’s revamped T2 may prove to be arriving at exactly the right moment.

READ MORE:

Travel, Live and Work Asia Posts

The post Hong Kong Airport T2 reboot signals Asia’s re-emergence after Middle East bypass appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

According to Quotezone Italy logs some 478 pickpocketing mentions per million visitors at its top attractions. Followed by France at 251 pickpocketing mentions. Two of the most popular places that are probably on your Europe bucket list.

Be Aware but DON’T be Scared

These numbers can be scary statistics but as long as you are aware you should be one of the majority of visitors that comes home with their wallet, passport and love for Europe intact. 

Know When You Are Most at Risk

The data from Quotezone points to the same cities, year after year. And at the same places. Most reports of being pickpocketed seem to occur at:

In Italy, Rome’s Trevi Fountain – so watch out when throwing that coin over your shoulder. Also the Colosseum and Termini Station.

In France, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Metro lines.

In general, it is wherever crowds compress. Such as a turnstile, a bus or train door, a bottleneck near an ATM, watching street performers – all times to be aware of your surroundings.

Smart Hacks for Hassle-free Travel

These tips will help you enjoy the sites without worrying about whose behind you.

• Know about the scams. Be aware of current scams like being gifted a friendship bracelet on your wrist. Before you can object to having such gift, it is on your wrist and payment demanded. Also watch out for fake ‘tourist police’ who flash a badge and ask to inspect your wallet for counterfeit currency. Real police don’t do this. And don’t hold anyone’s baby cause their free hands can then be in your bag! These are just a few – I’m sure there are many more
• The back pocket in your jeans is a gift. So don’t keep your wallet or phone there. Best to keep your valuables in a cross shoulder messenger bag that you keep on you at all times. And swing the bag to carry it at the front of you, not your back.
• Use a money belt or neck wallet for your passport and backup cash.
• Protect your devices before you leave home. Phones can be stolen however, keep it password protected to stop pickpockets accessing your important apps – like your banking app. Enable FindMy on iPhone or Find My Device on Android before departure. 
• Use ATMs strategically. ATM skimming is petty crime’s financial cousin. Use machines inside bank branches during business hours. Avoid those stand alone ATMs where people can reach over your shoulder and take your cash or card or skim you.
• Stay Alert, Not Paranoid. Enjoy yourself but be aware of your surroundings.
• Register your trip with your country’s state/foreign department.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers theft including emergency document replacement.

Lastly, don’t let pickpocket statistics deter you from going to Europe and doing what is on your bucket list. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Throw that coin in the Trevi Fountain. Line up to see the Mona Lisa. Stay alert and be aware!

READ MORE: 

How Not to Look Like a Tourist
1 Month Central Europe Itinerary for First Timers
How to Spend 3 Days in Paris
Best Messenger Bags for Travel
Read up on Travel Insurance

The post Stay Pickpocket-Proof When Travelling Europe in Summer appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.

For quite a few years now, Bali has been the playground of the digital nomad and influencer set. Think swings suspended over jungle canopies, carefully curated cafe layouts and babes in bikini beach shots! But the Indonesian island is now putting its foot down on content creators who generate income while travelling on a tourist visa.

You can stay in Bali on a tourist visa for anywhere from 30 days to 6 months, depending on the specific visa you choose before your trip. Now if you are making money online and plan to make money online while on holiday in Bali, be aware. Indonesian immigration authorities have escalated enforcement action, with the Dharma Dewata Task Force. This is a dedicated unit of hundreds of officers actively monitoring social media. The aim is to identify violations across the island, with particular focus on Canggu and Uluwatu – both big content creator areas.

Authorities have clarified that any activity capable of generating economic benefit to the tourist, regardless of whether payment is directly received, may constitute a breach. Indonesia’s Immigration Directorate has specifically flagged:

• content creation involving promotions or brand partnerships
• professional services such as photography
• unpaid arrangements that yield goods or services in lieu of cash

If caught, penalties are significant with fines, immediate deportation, and a travel ban of at least ten years. 

Indonesia’s Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, has confirmed enforcement will continue. The crackdown, he says, is central to maintaining Bali’s standing as a premier tourism destination.

So before you set up that tripod on one of Bali’s beaches, check Indonesia’s eVisa portal. Best to have the right visa for your Bali holiday intentions, otherwise you could be watching videos about Bali on your couch for the next 10 years!

And yes, Bali (as part of Indonesia) has an official digital nomad visa known as the Remote Worker Visa (Index E33G). Issued as a temporary residency permit (KITAS), it allows you to legally live and work in Bali for up to one year, and is renewable. 

Is Bali on your Bucket List?

7 Day Bali Itinerary for your First-time Visit
Bali Digital Nomad Guide

The post Bali Declares War on Content Creators appeared first on Live Work Play Travel.