Meet Eric of Average Joe Arbitrage

Eric J. Wynn is a professional traveler; he spends an average of 350 days per year traveling and has developed and learned a number of techniques for travel hacking, credit hacking, and earning extra money. He created a website called Average Joe Arbitrage to share his travel arbitrage tips and other ideas for readers who want to save and make money.

To get an idea of his writing and the tips he shares, check out these recent articles on the benefits of brand loyalty and how to make the most of store specials to make money rather than spending it.

1. How did you choose the name of your site, Average Joe Arbitrage? Also, for readers unfamiliar with the word, what does "arbitrage" mean?

I consider myself just an average person, who lives a rather unusual life. And I wanted to share what I have learned at making extra money and living a better life with average people. Arbitrage is the knack or art of finding something valued at X dollars but knowing you can sell it for Y dollars. And, then capitalizing on that trade.

2. As someone who travels for much of the year, where do you most like to spend your time?

I normally spend about 90 days in one spot; then I pack and move up to another spot. It is a very nomadic lifestyle. But, I am fascinated with seeing America. Every location has its uniqueness; Boston has its museums; Nebraska has its prairies. Every location in America is unique and has something fascinating about it. But, my heart is with the beach, and I truly relish my time along the beaches, listening to the sound of the waves, the cry of the gulls, and the smell of salt air.

3. What are some of your favorite ways to make (and save) money, and how do you keep your business operations easily portable to accommodate your traveling?

I make money in numerous ways. I do a lot of secret shopping; I seek out arbitrage opportunities with retailers, and I take advantage of pricing anomalies that they have. For saving money, I always buy with coupons. I never want to pay retail. My favorite way method of couponing right now is using the shopping app Ibotta which is available in the Apple App store. It is the easiest fastest way I have found to get rebates. On a side note, if you download the Ibotta app, and use my referral code, qffkbsh, you will get a $10.00 welcome bonus. My gift to you...

4. Why is it important for people to utilize multiple ways of making/saving money, rather than just focusing on one specific hack or project?

We live in an economy in which is going to get harder and harder for people to make ends meet. By developing multiple income streams, people can better absorb these difficulties and in turn live a better life for their themselves and their families.

5. Can you share some of your all-time favorite deals you've found--and what are your tips for readers who want to find great deals, too?

Last Christmas, a retailer offered a $10 discount, for every hundred dollars in gift cards purchased. That is a 10% savings right there. Better than any savings account and I purchased 15 of these gift cards. But, the week before Christmas, the retailer adjusted the sale, and I was able to purchase $500.00 gift cards for $450.00. I purchased 20 of these gifts cards. I grossed $1,150.00 for my Christmas shopping! I think people should know how to find these deals, and I am just interested in sharing my techniques. The secret to this is reading my blog and keeping an eye open for these unique deals. If you scroll through my blog, I post a copy of the ad the retailer posted. It was no secret; millions of people saw it. But, how many took advantage of it?

Thanks, Eric!

Meet Igor Koshutin, Founder of HipStar

Have you ever been carrying a backpack and wished that you had an easier or more versatile way to carry things? HipStar is a hands-free, lightweight travel cart that you can use to carry 80 pounds of gear with you. The cart is also collapsible and designed to be able to roll easily across uneven surfaces. It can be used as a cart, backpack, or bike trailer. Learn more about this innovative product by visiting http://www.artmatrix.us.

Our interview is with Igor Koshutin, founder of HipStar.

1. When you came up with HipStar, who did you imagine would use it?

HipStar is perfect for a wide range of travelers, from those who want to go on a short stroll, to professional mountain climbers. It works well for anyone who needs to comfortably transport heavy items, including tourists, hikers, mountaineers, backpackers, fishermen, foragers, hunters, and golfers.

It can even be used in professional or military contexts to carry important equipment and supplies over unpredictable terrain. For serious mountain hikers and military use, the HipStar comes in a more durable option featuring additional hardware that reinforces the structure and allows for heavier gear to be carried with the same ease and comfort.

2. How is HipStar different from existing backpacks or rolling luggage?

The rolling bags and backpacks currently on the market were designed for use mainly in areas with smooth flooring like airports and railway stations. Meanwhile, many tourists and hikers prefer to use conventional bags and backpacks instead of wheeled bags because the internal frame and wheels take up valuable storage space and add excess weight.

Our product is collapsible and can be easily converted into a backpack to maximize storage space and for those times when you are using stairs or negotiating some sort of terrain where you don't want to use the wheels. It also adjusts for height and angle between frame and handles, depending on the weight of the equipment (reducing the pressure on the body in the place of mounting), allowing you to comfortably pull the cart behind you without feeling strained.

3. How did you get this idea?

The idea came to me while traveling in Europe with my family. Between the three of us, we had one backpack with all of our things. After half a day of walking around, my shoulders were already sore. There was so much to see, but I was only thinking about my heavy bag. I only wished I had a companion who would carry all of our stuff for us and never get tired. No matter where and how you travel, even a light backpack begins to weigh as much as a few bricks. You get tired. You get impatient. You waste half your day dealing with back pain. All because there's no other way to carry your stuff other than on your back. What about seniors or people with back problems? They are even more affected by carrying weight around. Doesn't matter if it's light or heavy. This is why I invented the HipStar.

4. How much does it weigh? You show a strong muscular man using the HipStar, but how about someone smaller, or a senior citizen? ​

It is not heavy at all! Even a "heavy-duty" prototype's frame weighs approx. 10 lbs. We cannot count the weight of the wheels because we used the regular 2.5 lbs. wheels to prove a concept. Furthermore, the product design stage will result in approx. 50% decrease in weight by utilizing new materials and wheels. The total weight of the heavy-duty model with wheels will be no more than 7-8 lbs.

With the HipStar in a CART MODE a cargo weight is close to zero due to CG balancing. With the HipStar in BACKPACK MODE, users will not notice a 7-8% weight difference in a short run, when traveling over more difficult obstacles (rivers, ravines, steps, etc.) or when moving on rough terrain that the cart cannot traverse. Users would need to make their choice--to carry their load on the spine all day long or a bit heavier load just for a few moments to go over some obstacles.

5. What is your estimated retail price?

Our product designers are working on finalizing the design (mechanical development and integration) and pricing for the components. In the first year of operation, production cost will be higher until volumes are up. The light version's estimated retail price will be around $100. The mid and heavy versions should cost $150 and $250 respectively.

Note: The Kickstarter campaign for Hipstar is scheduled to begin in April. If you'd like to learn more and to be notified when the campaign launches, visit hipstar.us/pre-launch.

Thanks, Igor!

Meet Ian Filippini, Travel Writer

Ian Filippini is a travel writer based out of Santa Barbara where he is also an active member of the business community. Filippini is highly lauded for being one of the city's biggest advocates and is known as a local expert. Filippini has recently launched a series of digital travel magazines with Santa Barbara recommendations as well as extensively documenting his travels around the world.

1. What first attracted you to Santa Barbara?

I was interested in Santa Barbara from my first visit. It is a sleepy beach community unlike any other, and they have a large city just off the coast that invites me. They have a lovely food scene, and I love the way to city looks when I am staring at the ocean. I feel at peace in Santa Barbara, and I believe other travelers will feel the same.

2. Why did you decide to create a web resource with information about Santa Barbara destinations?

I wanted all travelers to feel a sense of connection with the city. They may read the site I created to learn about the city, and I believe they will feel something about the city as they browse. They will learn how the city will serve them, and they may begin making an itinerary that will take them across the city. I want everyone visiting to have the same adventure I did.

3. When you only have time for a short travel getaway (say, three nights maximum), what do you like to do?

I prefer coming to the city to see the beach, and I plan my trips around the beach. I enjoy sitting on the beach, and I will make my way from the beach to other parts of the city during my trip. I will find my favorite lunch spot, and I plan a lovely place for dinner. I will shop downtown, and I quite enjoy coming down to the pier for an evening of fun.

4. From your own travel experience, do you have any favorite tips you'd like to share?

I ask all my travel readers to bring plenty of cash on their trips. Santa Barbara is a lovely beach community with many street vendors who take cash, and you will find a number of attractions that require cash. You may tip your valet or jump on the shuttle with a bit of cash in your pocket. You must ensure you are using your cash wisely, but you must have it in your pocket.

I ask everyone to try local food. There are many beautiful restaurants in the city that you will prefer, and you will find places that are run by up-and-coming chefs. They are making news in the food world, and you may find yourself in a place that has been featured on TV in the past. You may find it interesting to visit food carts, and you will enjoy local joints that serve specialty drinks.

The final step in any trip is choosing a local hotel that plants you in the heart of the city. Traveling to chain hotels is not as much fun as being among the locals, and you will have a nice time in a place that serves breakfast, puts out dessert wine at night, and does not allow you out the door without a friendly goodbye.

5. What, in your opinion, takes a restaurant or hotel or other spot out of the ordinary and makes it a place you want to return to again and again?

The service is the most important thing in any establishment. The personal service I receive on trips will lead me to return. I want to meet the nice people I saw the first time, and I want to send more people to visit. I am in love with certain places where I know the staff, and they call me by name. They got me with their service, and it is the same on every return trip to Santa Barbara.

Thanks, Ian!

Introducing Marietas Islands Tour Adventure

I have a lot of friends who love to travel to Mexico, and after learning about the Marietas Islands Tour Adventure in Puerto Vallarta, I want to tell them about this unique travel opportunity. It's especially attractive for people who like eco touring and who love spending their vacation time enjoying and appreciating nature.

Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, the Marietas Islands are a small group of beautiful volcanic islands known for their population of sea life. No people live on the islands, and they are protected as a national park by the Mexican government such that no fishing or hunting is allowed there. Because the islands are protected, tourists don't actually set foot on the islands except for sunbathing, but you can enjoy them thoroughly by participating in activities like sightseeing, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Participating in a guided tour is a great way to experience the islands as everything is planned and taken care of for you, and you benefit from the knowledge of a guide who knows the area very well. There are specialty tours that focus on specific areas of interest, including nature encounters, ocean expeditions, and underwater expeditions. You also gain access to the incredible Hidden Beach (Playa Del Amor) which can only be accessed by swimming or kayaking.

The tours are affordable and include food, transportation, and recreational equipment like kayaks and snorkeling fins. Learn more by checking out Marietas-Islands.net/.

A Site for Rentals in Split Croatia

Have you ever thought about traveling to Split, Croatia? It's the second-largest city in Croatia, and it's in a beautiful location on the Adriatic Sea. It's a picturesque location with a coastal mountain range, and it's a convenient place to stay if you're going to visit nearby islands, too. The city has a combination of old, historic locations and newer and renovated buildings.

If you're wanting to browse places to stay in Split, check out Split-rentals.co.uk. You can find a variety of houses (villas), hotels, and apartments that are available to rent. The listing for each property gives you a lot of relevant information about amenities, location, and more.

Split is a popular vacation destination because of its well-preserved natural setting and mild, sunny climate. Who wouldn't want to enjoy a clean, turquoise sea? Plus, if you are interested in history, you'll find a lot of attractions to visit, such as Roman ruins and archaeological areas.

In addition to providing information on rentals, Split-rentals.co.uk also gives lots of useful details about Split such as what parts of the city are best to stay in, what times of year are best to visit, what events occur in the city during different months, what restaurants are best, and what the must-see sights are. The site also gives a list of the city's best beaches.

I always like to check out several different websites before I visit a new city, and Split-rentals.co.uk is a good starting point to get ideas about the different types of accommodations in Split as well as the different things to do if you decide to visit.

Meet Kimberly Fisher, Writer and Entrepreneur

Kimberly Fisher is former model and actress. She is the founder of Jetsetera.net and LuxeSoul.com, and she is a busy lifestyle writer, media personality, and internet entrepreneur.

1. How did you first become interested in blogging?

I have always had a love for reading and writing, and I was offered a column when I was modeling entitled "Ask the Model." From there I read everything I could on freelance writing, and just starting pitching different publications. In 2008 I started Jetsetera as a way for friends and family to keep track of me while I was traveling the world, and it eventually turned into what it is today: a curated luxury travel blog with a focus on lifestyle.

2. What are some of your favorite topics to write about?

Travel is always a favorite topic, but I tend to also cover beauty, fashion, and eco-friendly living.

3. In building your websites, what are your personal guidelines for creating content that catches the interest of readers?

With so many different blogs out there, it is hard to get noticed. You have be uniquely you. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and speak your voice. Also, write about something you are passionate about--it won't be work if it is something you enjoy doing every day.

4. What are some things we can do to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle while also being mindful of the environment and sustainability?

There are so many ways to give back. You can mix entertaining with giving back by attending charity event, or buy luxury clothes and goods that give back and support a community or a cause in some way. Even choosing hair, makeup, or skin products that are not only good for the environment, but are better for you. I have also seen a huge jump in sustainable and eco-friendly travel over the past few years.

5. What projects do you hope to pursue in the next year or so?

I am looking at branching back into hosting with the development of video and online shows for both Jetsetera and LuxeSoul, as well as some other projects and collaborations.

Thanks, Kimberly!

Excerpt from How to Say

How to Say is a website with information geared toward people who are interested in learning different languages. It features vocabulary sets for over 10,000 words and phrases in ten different languages. It also includes posts about languages, travel, and related topics.

The following is a guest post reprinted with permission from How to Say.

Improve Your English Pronunciation

Let us be honest with ourselves. Reading about pronunciation is not going to take you anywhere. You have to speak English to master the pronunciations, and it doesn't matter if you go wrong. You fall down; you learn to get up.

Every English speaking country has its own form of English. There is the American English, British English, Australian English, etc. And then we have our own Indian English. Pronunciations are different in each country's English. Learning them all would be inane. Start with clarifying and neutralizing your own regional English accent and then move on to learning the accents and slang of other countries.

Learn the phonetics

There are phonetic symbols which indicate whether a word should be pronounced as "cat" or as "cut." These symbols are often found in dictionary. It is advisable to have a dictionary by your side all the time for quick meaning and pronunciation references.

Watch movies, and listen to songs and radio

The best way to improve pronunciation is not through reading grammar books, but by watching native English programs and movies with subtitles, and listening to English songs with the lyrics in front of you. Listening to the radio is another excellent way. You have less distraction visually and your entire concentration is on what is being said.

Understanding stress

Words that can be split into two or more syllables will have distinct stress. The shift in stress changes the pronunciations and in some cases their meaning. Stress markings can be referred to in a good dictionary.

Miscellaneous tips

If you have to communicate in English with another person and you are not sure about your pronunciation, it doesn't matter. Just give them a background of what you are going to talk about so that they can tune in.

For example, it will be a good idea to ask, "Can you help me? I need directions to this address," rather than jumping directly to the address.

Write down the words that trouble you often. There are plenty of websites where you can listen to pronunciations.

Just a word to conclude: "Practice makes perfect." Speak good English taking cues from the above-mentioned tips, and make your way up the ladder of mastering English.

Introducing Track Kit, an App and Website to Share Travel Routes

Track Kit is a website and app with a clever idea behind it. Like many good ideas, it takes something familiar (online maps) and combines it with something unique: the ability to create your own "tracks" on the maps and include original photos at points of interest along the route that your track follows. It lets you record, upload, edit, and share GPS tracks.

It also has a built-in tool that lets you share your tracks to Facebook, which I think is great because really Track It gives you a nice-looking, visual way to share your experiences with other people.

You can track all sorts of trips. Maybe you want to track a long road trip. Maybe you want to track a walking or running path you've come up with by exploring the different streets in your neighborhood. I really like how you can add photos to your track to show people what you've seen along the way. Maybe there's something really cool but hidden--you can point it out on your track so that others can find it, too.

When you use the "upload track" feature to share your route, you can select from different options, including driving, walking, hiking, swimming, ATV, and geocaching. You can also explore tracks that others have uploaded by searching for specific places or just browsing--there's an editor's choice feature, too, that lets you look at a selection of cool tracks.

There are other cool tools to explore, too, like adding videos to your tracks and utilizing Google street view. Say you wanted to keep a blog where you recorded your travel experiences or your hikes or your bike adventures--you could embed your tracks from Track It in your blog.

To learn more, check out the Track Kit website: Track-Kit.net. Or learn more about the Track It apps for iOS and Android here: http://www.lifewaresolutions.com/trackkit_screen.html.

Meet Shane Lambert, Author

Shane Lambert is a freelance writer based in western Canada. He writes about tennis at movietvtechgeeks.com, and he has published his fiction with Amazon. Check out Shane's book, A Preference for Transience, part one of his travel/adventure ebook series "Back to Alberta, Back to Edmonton," on Amazon, Amazon.ca, and Amazon.uk.

1. How did you first become interested in writing?

I first became interested in writing as a student. I enjoyed English class more than all others in school, and that interest helped me put a lot of work into the subject. That in turn led to good marks and positive feedback from my teachers. Then in university I naturally gravitated toward the arts and humanities instead of the physical sciences. Accordingly, my writing skills developed, and when it came time to earn a living, writing ability was something I could offer employers.

2. I'm interested in the genre of a travel novel. Why did you decide to write about traveling in the format of a novel rather than a memoir?

I thought that a fictionalized account of my travel experiences was the way to go both to appeal to an audience and to allow me the artistic license to embellish or omit. Memoirs, in my understanding, are more of a serious attempt to reflect on one's life with historical accuracy. A fictionalized novel puts no such pressure on the writer from that point of view, as long as it's communicated to be a work of fiction. I didn't want to have to worry about being accurate as I wrote, and I wanted to keep other people out of my writing so fiction was the way to go.

3. What inspires the protagonist of A Preference for Transience to leave the town where he grew up?

He's unsatisfied with pursuing what he thinks is a boring career. Also, there's a pure wanderlust factor that kicks in. He needs a change of scenery.

4. In your experience, what are some things we can learn or experience through travel that we don't experience at home?

Travel is a form of education that's superior to textbook studies or studying film and literature. So you can learn all you want about a country from home, but there's nothing that replaces actual experience in the country. Plenty of things surprised me when I traveled, from how much poverty there is in the USA to how many people didn't like me for prejudicial reasons.

Also budget travel isn't about first class seats in a plane and five star hotels. There are plenty of challenges to be faced, and so there's natural growth from that.

5. What are some other projects you're currently working on?

I receive a lot of orders for my tennis writing on Fiverr. I also hold down a regular job as a hotel manager which is very absorbing. Other than that, I have no projects on the go except writing the "Back to Alberta, Back to Edmonton" series. I hope to be able to devote more time to it in the future.

Thanks, Shane!

Introducing Proficient Limousine

A Seattle-based limousine service company, Proficient Limousine offers limo service extending from Seattle, Washington to nearby destinations including Portland, Oregon.

One of their most popular services is their transportation to and from Sea-Tac Airport. Limo service is a favorite transportation service for many people who fly. Makes sense to me--you can relax in comfort and avoid the hassles of driving and parking and so on. If you're on a honeymoon or other special trip, why not treat yourself from the moment you leave your door to the moment you arrive back home?

Proficient Limousine has luxury town cars which seat one to four passengers, and luxury SUVs which seat one to seven passengers. For listed rates to specific destinations, check out their website, and you can also use the website to get a price quote. Also, if you make an online reservation for limo service, you can get 5% off the price of your trip.

The company also maintains a blog with a lot of travel related information on topics like transportation, hotels, things to do, and so on. There are many posts specific to the Seattle area, so if you're coming to Seattle for the first time, you'll find some info to get you started on planning your trip.

Meet Leigha Pittard, CEO of Fierce Simplicity, a Designer Swimwear Company

Fierce Simplicity is a luxury women's designer swimwear company that specializes in well-fitting swimsuits, sexy bikinis, and cut out monokinis. Based in Florida, Fierce Simplicity capitalizes on the year-round beach weather and has perfected its craft of unique bathing suits for jet-setting travelers, sun bathers, and pool party attendees.

Our interview below is with Leigha Pittard, CEO of Fierce Simplicity.

1. Would you tell us how Fierce Simplicity Swimwear got its start?

I moved to Miami after graduating, and in February of 2013 I launched my online swimwear boutique, Fierce Simplicity, specializing in women's designer swimwear. Growing up in Massachusetts, I always had a love for the beach but could only truly enjoy it during the three months of summer. Moving to sunny South Florida, I enjoy the beach year round, and this is where I decided to focus my business on luxe swimwear. There is nothing like sunbathing on the beach in a super-cute Brazilian bikini with a cold margarita in hand.

As a fairly new company, Fierce Simplicity has seen much success. We are an internationally recognized swimwear brand with sales in over 35 countries. With the encouragement of my customers and supporters via social media, I realized I had a knack for curating retro swimsuits, sexy bikinis, and unique cut out monokinis from luxury designers around the world such as Pily Q and Maaji and discovering small lesser-known brands with one of a kind designs.

2. How do you choose the designs to feature in your shop?

I have always used social media as a conversational tool to gain honest feedback from our customers and supporters. With the use of Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram I found that the swimwear market lacks swimsuits for women with large DD cups and bigger chests along with flattering plus-size swimsuits. I also have noted many companies still do not offer bikini sets in mix and match sizes.

When choosing designs to feature on Fiercesimplicity.com, I look for versatile pieces that are figure flattering for all body types. I make sure our collection is unique, sexy, and classy, and addresses all types of swimwear preferences from micro bikinis and sheer thong swimsuits, to sexy yet modest one piece bathing suits. I also place polls on our Instagram account @fiercesimplicity to gauge our customers' opinions on potential items to add to our store. Most importantly, I look for design and quality in the swimsuits I add. I believe swimwear should be timeless in design, so I select pieces that can be worn for every type of event whether it's a pool party, a honeymoon, or a vacation to an exotic location like Tahiti. I believe all women should feel confident and sexy when they put on a swimsuit whether they prefer a vintage 1950s style high waist bikini or a video vixen cut out monokini.

3. When it comes to choosing swimwear and finding something "just right" for them, many women find the experience a bit challenging. Do you have any advice to share?

Often we see a cute bikini on a friend, and it becomes an instant must-have. This is the wrong approach to finding the right bathing suit, unless you and your friend have a similar body build. Choosing the right swimsuit for your body type is essential to look sexy and feel great in your swimwear. The art of finding the ideal swimsuit is all about enhancing your body's best assets.

1. The first step is to know your body type (body shape). The four most common are the pear shape (hips wider then your waist and chest); the apple shape (your waist is wider then your hips and equal to your bust); the hour glass (your bust and hips are proportional with a smaller waist); or the straight figure (thin all around with relatively no curves).

2. The next step is to choose swimwear cuts and styles that accentuate the type of figure you have.

   a. One-piece swimsuits will hide your waist, especially ones win a dark, solid color with shirred paneling. High-waisted bikinis are also a nice alternative. Tankinis are also a classic option.

   b. High-cut bikini bottoms and one-piece swimsuits can make your legs look longer and your torso more fit.

   c. Bandeau tops are great for pear-shaped women as this style makes the bust appear wider and will balance out a figure with wide hips.

   d. Underwire bikinis are a girl's best friend with a large bust size. Thicker strapped bikini tops also offer more support and comfort.

3. The third step is to also choose colors and fabrics that accentuate your appearance and downplay the areas you are less fond of.

   a. To accentuate a feature you love, choose swimsuits with bright colors or patterns. To hide a feature you do not like, use a solid color.

   b. If you have pale skin, choose black or deep jewel tones such as maroon, navy, and dark purple. For dark skin, bright colors are very flattering.

   c. To make an area look bigger--say, for example, you want to accentuate your bust or hips--add ruffled swimwear pieces. To make an area look smaller, choose a swimsuit with shirred or ruched fabric.

   d. Buying separates will be your best friend.

4. It is also important to select a swimsuit that matches what you want to use it for. For example, if you are playing volleyball, a crop top bikini or rash guard swimsuit may be the best options as this type of bikini has optimal support without the worry of boob slippage.

Check out the Fierce Simplicity Swimwear Fit Guide to learn exactly how to accentuate your best features and minimize the less flattering ones while in a swimsuit: http://fiercesimplicity.com/swimwear-fit-guide.

4. Along with swimwear, what are some other items you sell?

In addition to luxe bikinis and unique one-piece swimsuits, Fierce Simplicity offers a wide variety of resort wear and beach accessories. You can find Bohemian lace cover-ups, crochet maxi dresses, barefoot sandals perfect for beach weddings, and body and belly chains. I am also working on a nail polish collection to expand the business into cosmetics. Nail polish and bikinis do go hand in hand, after all.

5. What swimwear fashions do you think will be most popular this summer?

For the Summer 2015 swimwear trend, you can expect to see:

• Strappy bottoms and caged bikini tops
• Animal print swimwear (the classic leopard print re-imagined)
• Crop top and sporty bikinis
• The classic sexy black swimsuit
• Bralette bikini tops
• High-waist pin-up bikinis with cut outs.

For more style tips, advice, and vacation travel guides, follow us and check out our blog:

fiercesimplicity.com/blog

Facebook.com/fiercesimplicity

Instagram.com/fiercesimplicity

Thanks, Leigha!

Meet Jesse Barrett of WDW Through Jesse's Eyes

Jesse Barrett owns and operates WDW Through Jesse's Eyes, a Disney tip blog and podcast. The content is all about Walt Disney World, and Jesse and his fellow contributors post fun and informative material. There are three people (including Jesse) who work on the site and podcast.

1. When did you first go to Walt Disney World?

I've been going to Walt Disney World since I was two years old. As a Florida resident, going to the parks with an annual pass was cheaper for my family of five than going to the movies.

2. How many times have you gone to Walt Disney World, and what keeps you going back?

I've spent over 250 days in the parks in my lifetime. I go at least once if not twice a month, and I spend about three to six days in the parks each month. By the end of this year, I will have spent 48 days in the parks in 2014. I continue to return to the parks because there's just something magical about that place. I tell my friends, "Disney is cheaper than therapy, and better than a drug addiction." Going through the turnstiles at the parks makes you forget all of your problems outside of the park. You're instantly immersed into a new world, and you're in Walt's World now...

3. How do you come up with topics/tips to cover on your site?

WDW Through Jesse's Eyes isn't just Jesse. We have Heath who also writes and cohosts the podcast and Donna who is a phenomenal writer and photographer. Heath and myself will come up with the show topics (usually we'll be in the middle of a conversation and say, "That'd make a great topic!"), or we take suggestions from our fans on Facebook. Donna's blog topics are one of two things: they’re either stories pertaining to an upcoming show topic or something new that she's recently experienced.

4. What's your best advice to someone visiting Walt Disney World for the first time?

Our first podcast episode was on this topic. I'll include the list we came up with, but I encourage everyone to download our podcast and listen for more in-depth information. (Our Podcasts are available on iTunes, Podcast Addict, and Sticher Radio.)

Here's the list:

Heath's Top 5:

• Don't Try to do Everything
• Give Yourself a Chance to Relax. Pace Yourself
• Don't Miss the End of the Night Shows
• Don't Argue, You're on Vacation
• Allow yourself to become immersed in your environment.

Jesse's Top 5:

• Learn the My Disney Experience App
• Make your Dining Reservations
• Don't Cram too much into one day
• Don't miss the end of the night shows
• Get Familiar with the Park before you go

Our Top 5:

• Don't Cram
• Relax. You're on Vacation!
• Don't Miss the End of the Night Shows! (Fantasmic is AMAZING!)
• Immerse yourself into the Fantasy of Walt Disney World
• Make your Dining Reservations before you go!

5. During the holiday season, are there special things to look out for at Walt Disney World?

There are so many fantastic things to do at Walt Disney World for the holidays! The castle is decorated with beautiful lights, and every night at dusk, Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Christoph of Frozen fame light the castle. There's Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is a hard-ticket event in the parks that has a special parade and its own fireworks. There's also Holidays around the World at Epcot where you can experience how Christmas is celebrated in other countries; there's the Candlelight Processional which features a full orchestra, choir, and a celebrity narrator to tell the Christmas Story; and there's "Joyful," a Gospel Christmas Celebration. All of those are available at Epcot. There's also the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios where over 100,000 lights are synchronized to music and cover two streets of buildings. My favorite thing is the Gingerbread displays at some of the resorts. You can see picture of all of these things on our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/WDWThroughJessesEyes.

Thanks, Jesse!

London Drivers for Sightseeing and Private Transfers

Followers of this blog might remember when I posted before about custom tours of Italy where you travel in a minivan. So here's another post about an inconspicuous way to travel abroad. Did you know that there are licensed private car services in and around London that can cost you 40% less than a taxi? If you need to get to an airport or a cruise ship port, or if you just want to do some sightseeing, you can hire a car for less.

For example, for a cab Manchester to London (or London to Manchester, of course), you can find an affordable transfer fare, especially if you book ahead of time. You can also choose from different types of cars, from an executive car that carries three passengers, up to a minibus which carries up to eight passengers.

The drivers are licensed professionals, and they can pick you up at all sorts of popular points in and around London. They have fixed prices for common journeys, so you know what to expect, and nobody will be playing any games with the meter! Submit the info about your journey using the "request quote" feature on the London Drivers site, and plan your travel budget accordingly.

Learn more about London Drivers on YouTube.

Meet Mark Wolk of A La Carte Italy Tours

Mark Wolk is a business owner, tour leader, and head chauffeur. His business, A La Carte Italy Tours, offers a personalized luxury tour service in Italy.

1. How and when did A La Carte Italy Tours get started as a business?

A La Carte Italy Tours started fourteen years ago in the hope of bringing Italy closer to travelers. We all know that there are many tourists wanting to see Italy and its beautiful spots. The tours we provide are custom-made to suit their every need and interest. We cater exclusively to smaller groups, mainly coming from the USA and Canada, to give them a personalized luxury tour service. We try to give our clients the best service; that is why we have lasted all these years. Most of our clients remember us and even recommend us to those wanting to travel here in Italy. Not to mention our returning clients--some coming back for a second or third tour!

2. What are some of the benefits for travelers who work with you to arrange an individualized tour, rather than participating in a tour with a large group?

When you work with a large group, a lot of time and energy are wasted on organization, waiting, and large vehicle logistics. If you come in a small group--say a couple, a small family, or probably a group of friends up to six individuals--we can provide a tailor-made tour to Italy that is one of a kind. We chose to specialize exclusively in private tours, so our clients can be comfortable with each other and enjoy the trip all throughout.

The real aim here is to provide our clients, mostly Americans and Canadians, a personalized luxury tour to see the different beautiful places of Italy. As this is a private tour, everything is set to fit the clients' requirements. We prepare our proposition for the places to visit day-by-day and decide the places to go and see first. Our clients also have a free hand to drop by preferred places on the way, stop for an unscheduled photograph, etc.

Generally, we allow two weeks or more for the tour to maximize time and the benefits it provides. So it is going to be an enjoyable trip that will make memories.

3. How do you customize the tour for each traveler or family?

Italy is beautiful place to see, be it in huge cities like Milan, Rome, or Venice, or the coastlines like the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. As a private tour company, we have studied and plotted these magnificent tourist destinations for many years to allow our clients to choose the places they prefer to see.

Let us say in the Amalfi Coast tour, we allow our dearest customers to see the West Coast of Italy. We provide them a private local driver who has great knowledge of these places, and we also have local specialist guides explain the rich history and culture of the area.

We suggest ten days to see the Amalfi Coast, Central Italy, Northeastern Italy, Northwestern Italy, a Rome to Amalfi tour, Sicily, and Tuscany. As for most tastes, there are more attractions to see in Milan-Tuscany and Rome, and the private tour should take around twelve days. The Rome-Florence-Venice tour should take fourteen days. To see the best of the Northern part of Italy, the tour should take around fifteen days. To see the best of Italy should take seventeen days.

Our clients are provided with great and comfortable accommodations. They are also privileged as we organize Italian cuisine and wine tasting in the best possible conditions.

The price is variable to suit the number of participants in each tour. We are usually booked ahead well in advance, and we suggest that our customers make their bookings at least three months before the trip. A La Carte Italy Tours is a personalized quality tour service that gives customers the utmost satisfaction.

4. Why did you choose minivans as the chauffeured vehicles for your tours?

A minivan is a great choice for the tour as it is comfortable when it comes to having more people riding the vehicle. Passengers can easily talk to each other, and there is more room for the luggage. It is easier to travel and to see the beautiful places of Italy along the way. Using this vehicle will allow the passengers to see better as it is large enough inside, but small enough for all Italian roads and streets. The minivan is provided with great air conditioning and heat to suit the warm weather or the cold season.

5. What has been some of the feedback you've received from clients who have enjoyed your custom-made tours?

Absolutely all our clients are happy with our personalized luxury service. They are provided with a tour guide and chauffeur that take them to the many beautiful places in Italy. They see truly magnificent tourist attractions at a price worth the effort. As this is a tailor-made tour suited to their requirements, we as the provider make it a point to never miss what is included in the itinerary. The service is great; hence our clients are always satisfied with it.

The most rewarding feedback we received from our clients is their wish to return to Italy. Our clients enjoy our personalized luxury service, and most of them write to us after the tour to keep in touch.

We love to share our love for Italy. One of our clients enjoyed visiting Maranello so much with us that he wrote to us from the cruise ship that took him back home to the USA. He admitted he had just purchased a Ferrari on eBay, while at sea! It was a remarkable gesture how this client remembered us and considered us his new-found friends.

Thanks, Mark!

Meet Emma, Blogger, Lawyer, and Traveler

Roots and Wings is a blog written by Emma, a lawyer and world traveler who lives in Melbourne, Australia. She describes her blog as sharing her journey to try and have roots (career, family, relationships, etc) at the same time as wings (travel!).

1. How did you decide on the title "Roots and Wings" (R.A.W.) for your blog?

I was on the plane coming home from eight months in Europe, and I was feeling very frustrated and torn about coming back to Australia to pick up my career. It took a few more years, several holidays, and a job change for me to realize that my frustration was a result of my struggle to "have it all." I was trying to lay down roots and a foundation, while still having the freedom to explore and spread my wings. At first, I didn't really know what to do with this realization. I briefly contemplated an ankle tattoo of "Roots & Wings" before the light bulb idea to start a blog. I think I made the right choice!

2. What helps you to balance your career as a lawyer with finding time for travel and other pursuits?

A strong work ethic and a good relationship with my boss. Although travel is a non-negotiable part of my life, I still view it as a privilege rather than an automatic right. I work hard, establish trust, and encourage my boss to value "performance over presence." If the work gets done well and on time, there's no reason to decline my holiday request. I very rarely have enough annual leave but am more than happy to take unpaid leave--you always seem to have the money or the time for a holiday, but rarely both. So, instead of trying to earn more money (although, that's always nice), I'm focusing on scheduling the time to actually spend it--preferably in the Mediterranean!

3. When you travel, do you prefer to do a lot of planning ahead of time about what you'll do when you visit a certain place, or do you prefer to let things happen more spontaneously?

I’m much more of a planner! I actually just wrote a post about this because I think that people (wrongly) assume all travelers are aimless wanderers. The perfect holiday needs to balance both, so that there is some pre-planned structure and space for spontaneity. Read more and get a copy of my template holiday planner here.

4. What would your advice be for people who want to travel internationally but feel hesitant somehow, maybe because of the expense of maybe because of the unfamiliarity of going abroad, etc?

Just do it. It will be challenging but it will be amazing. You can overcome a lot of those issues by researching and planning--work out a budget, research the cities, look at discussion boards, and find the best hostels/hotels. If you're not keen on solo travel, join a tour group, teach English, volunteer, or find work through companies like WWOOF or WorkAway. This is a great way to meet like-minded people, save money, have support, and get a really authentic experience.

5. As you imagine your future self, what do you picture yourself doing?

I'm not exactly sure, but I'm excited! I'd love to be in a role where I'm doing something strategic and innovative but able to work with my own hours and location--my career path is looking more like a scatter diagram than a line graph but it's not going to be a "cookie cutter" life and that's the main thing (http://www.therawlife.co/the-modern-career-staircase/). I'm currently exploring opportunities for another extended working holiday in 2015--six months split between NYC and Italy is the dream. I'm loving being a blogger, too, so hopefully Roots & Wings will take me somewhere amazing.

Check out Emma's posts here.

Thanks, Emma!

Meet Ella Eranthis, Adventurer and YouTuber

Ella Eranthis is the creator and host of a travel vlog which is located on YouTube at http://youtube.com/ella4tv. Her videos are unique and fun, and she takes viewers to a variety of interesting places, from Area 51 to Louisiana swamplands. Ella is interested in nature, art, and (of course) adventures. Visit her channel to watch as she takes road trips, visits cool hotels, and sees all sorts of urban and rural places. And learn more about Ella on Facebook.

In the video below, Ella meets a crocodile.

1. Where did you grow up, and did you travel a lot with your family when you were a child?

I traveled all the time, and it made for a very unstable childhood but also interesting. I got to know different cultures and customs, and these change with every place, and for me they changed every few years or months. I grew up mostly in Nigeria, Libya, England, and Spain with shorter stays in between in Greece, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and a few others... Love them all, but the hard thing was to leave all my friends behind with each move... and sometimes to never see them again.

2. What are some of the criteria you consider when choosing a travel destination?

Money and weather. I wait for the right time to get all the discounts. Some places are cheaper when off season. Las Vegas has the same hotel rooms go for 700% more for new year's, but the rooms are very cheap during the week many other months. As for weather, some places have rainy seasons. It would be difficult to film then, even if I do have waterproof equipment. Or if visited during the darker months in Alaska, how would I show its beauty then? Weather is very important.

3. What inspired you to start your YouTube travel channel?

Other than the fact that any time I see something awesome I want others to see it, too, and making videos is a great way to share, well, there is something else... I want to show what I learned in childhood: how different we all are. Different cultures, races, cuisines, fashions, customs, plants, animals, languages, religions--all this makes this planet interesting. I look at the picture of Earth as covered with flags, and it makes me happy. There is no one way for everybody, and what is normal in one country becomes strange in another. I love that because what would be the point of travel if we were all the same? (Yet all the time someone out there comes up with new recipe of "one way for everybody." Or there is this problem with tolerance...) We are all different, and places are different, and travel is fun because of it--this is basically the message of my channel. I film in the USA at the moment--an interesting and large country--but eventually I would love to show more.

4. How do you decide what places to feature in your videos?

If I feel excitement at the thought of going there, I know it will make a good video, so only that: the excitement factor.

5. Finally here's a two part question. What are some of the favorite places you've traveled so far, and where haven't you traveled yet but are hoping to visit?

Favorite places in videos so far: Extraterrestrial Highway and the Big Sur. Favorite place from childhood is a place I hope to visit again someday: Tenerife. And would also love to film: Greenland, Alaska, Ecuador (the rainforest there is so amazing!), Hawaii, Egypt, anywhere to film safari animals having fun in freedomland, any part of the Sahara desert, Monte Carlo, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai, Cayman Islands... Actually, to be honest I want to film almost the entire planet but would love to start with these places!

Thanks, Ella!

Introducing Staycations in Singapore

Who doesn't like a staycation? Here's a clever website built around the idea of taking a short holiday: find Singapore staycation ideas, with reviews of hotels for all budgets posted by locals.

The purpose of the site is twofold as it provides Singaporeans with ideas for quick trips to nearby destinations, and it gives tourists to Singapore useful information on hotels in the area.

I always look at websites for reviews when I'm going to book lodging somewhere, and the nice bonus with this particular site is the advantage of information from locals. If someone is willing to pay for a staycation in one of the hotels on the site rather than just have a staycation at home, that's great information to have. The site also includes lots of pictures and videos to give you a clearer impression of each hotel.

Keep up with the latest updates from the site by following Singapore Staycations on Facebook.

Meet Mario Fazekas, Wildlife Photographer and Author

Mario Fazekas is a wildlife photographer and the owner of Kruger-2-Kalahari.com. He has spent over 700 days on photo safaris in African National Parks such as the Kruger Park, Kgalagadi, and Pilanesberg in South Africa; Etosha in Namibia; plus Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Mario is the author of the Photographer's Guide series of how-to photo e-books: The Photographer's Guide to Etosha National Park and The Photographer's Guide to the Pilanesberg National Park, both of which have been rated A+ by Apogee Photo Magazine.

1. When did you first become interested in wildlife photography, and how have your interests evolved over time?

My wife dragged me kicking and screaming to the Kruger National Park back in 1995 and from that initial trip as a day visitor, we have visited the various southern African parks and game reserves every year for our annual vacations and free weekends!

I started out with a Kodak point and shoot camera, realized that was insufficient and then progressed to a Minolta SLR and finally a Nikon DSLR system.

Initially I was interested in photographing mammals, such as the "big-five" as they are large and therefore easier to shoot, but I have now developed an interest in macro photography, photographing birds in flight and also landscapes.

2. What are some of the unique challenges in taking safari photographs?

In order to return home from an African safari with impressive images four things have to happen:

• You need to find the subjects! If you cannot locate animals there will be nothing to photograph.
• Be prepared to get up early! If you want to capture landscape and animal photographs with impact, you need to make the most of the blue hours (the hour before sunrise and the hour after sunset) and the golden hours (the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset). You can sleep in at home, but while on safari you must be up and ready when the animals are most active and the light has the most impact and mood.
• You should know a bit about your subjects. You don't have to be an expert in African animals, but know a little about their habitats and behaviors.
• You need to be aware of your position in relation to the subject and the light source. Photography is known as "painting with light," so you must use your light source wisely.

3. What inspired you to share your knowledge in e-book format, and what has the response been to your books?

In 18 years we have captured over 300,000 images on film and digital. We started going through them a few years back and realized that our nature photographs had improved consistently year after year and that we had learned many, many lessons that would also help other photographers improve their skills.

We were going to publish traditional books but the publishers were so dictatorial that we decided to self-publish.

In our e-books, or site guides as they are also known, we share our proven strategies for finding elusive and/or exciting animals such as leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, etc. We also provide advice on how best to use your photo gear, animal hot spots, advice on lighting at the waterholes and camps as well as photographing at night--basically, solutions to the challenges that most wildlife photographers will face while on safari.

We realised that there was a gap in the book market as there are many coffee-table books with lovely wildlife images and there are also many books on general photography, but not much providing detailed advice for visitors to specific national parks. A lion in Botswana's Chobe National Park may have different behaviors to an Etosha lion that in turn may have different habits to a Kruger Park lion in South Africa and so forth.

Our e-books are for all levels of photographers, from amateur to professional and for self-drive or guided safaris. The plan is that when you arrive at an area covered in these e-books, you'll know where to go when and what to expect and you will know what equipment and techniques will be most effective. Even field guides tell us that they learn a lot from these books!

What usually happens is that visitors waste valuable time getting to know the parks and animals and by the time they start getting "acclimatized" to the animals' current locations and habits, it's time for the visitors to go home! These e-books will prepare the visitor so that from the first day you arrive at the parks, you can be photographing the key animal species like a veteran.

The response to our e-books has been great! We have converted the Etosha e-book to Amazon's Kindle format and are in the process of doing the same for the Pilanesberg site guide, so people have a choice of buying either the PDF or Kindle version. We are finalising our Kgalagadi and Kruger e-books that will be available at the beginning of 2014 and we already have a list of people wanting to purchase them!

4. What do you suggest that photographers do to brush up their photography skills at home before going on safari?

Many amateur and even advanced photographers think that new photo gear is the answer to improving their photographs. We agree that photo gear is important but it is only one half of the solution--the other half is photographic vision or creativity. Many photographers become obsessed with "how" they capture the image (photo gear) and exclude the "why" (the photographic vision) and that is to the detriment of the "what" or end result.

Therefore my advice to photographers is that they should firstly read the key parts of their camera manuals and then actually go and use their cameras at the zoo, at home, or at an air show. We are amazed at how many people buy a new camera and then come on safari without having read even the quick-start guide and without having used the gear. Wildlife action can happen very fast, and photographers must know their cameras and lenses if they want to respond in time and capture good images.

Secondly they should read books and interviews by professional photographers, especially books written by Freeman Patterson and David DuChemin who are both masters of photographic vision. In addition, they should try and buy site guides to the specific national parks that they will be visiting as these books will provide explicit advice and not just general photographic advice. We are not the first photographers to publish e-books specific to certain parks. For example, Arthur Morris, the world's premier bird photographer, has published some excellent site guides for the various American parks and reserves.

5. If you could give photographers just a couple of pieces of advice before booking a safari trip, what would that advice be?

To focus on what we term the "five-P's." In addition to the first two P's of Preparation and Practice, which must be done at home before coming on safari and that we discussed in the previous question, you need to have these three additional traits, making up the 5-P's:

• You must have a Purpose in mind before booking your destination. If you want to shoot as many mammals as possible, filling up your memory cards every day, then you should be going to Namibia's Etosha Park in winter. If you want to photograph birds and wildflowers, then you should be going to the Kruger Park or Kgalagadi in summer and so on. You should also try to be more of a "situation-driven" photographer as opposed to a "subject-driven" photographer--if you want to photograph a cheetah, but you come across a black-backed jackal hunting doves and the light is good, stop and photograph the jackal as you may not find the cheetahs that day.
• Nature has its own time and you will see and photograph much more if you have Patience and spend time at bird-hides or waterholes instead of looking for just a few seconds and then driving on. Take some coffee and rusks with you in the mornings or some sun-downers in the afternoons--let the action come to you, which will make sitting and waiting much more enjoyable!
• Finally, Passion will keep you motivated and disciplined in terms of the other four P's. If you are not enthusiastic about nature photography, you will tend to sleep in, miss the good light and go home with few, if any, "wow" photographs.

Thanks, Mario!

Meet Ben Stout, Teacher, Author, and World Traveler

Having lived overseas since the 1990s, Ben Stout has found the secrets to making a six-figure, tax-free income with a fantastic lifestyle overseas teaching English. He has flown to work in helicopters, been paid to travel throughout Africa, trained foreign military personnel, and learned two languages fluently. His passion is showing others how they can get out from under student loans and other crippling debts using only a bachelor's degree in any discipline.

For more information about teaching English abroad, visit Ben's site at getrichteachingenglish.com as well as his YouTube page.

1. How did you first get started teaching English abroad?

Like many people in the world today, I was fed up with life back home and needed a change. I was sick of the 9-5 and being tied to a cubicle. I was making a half-way decent salary, but after taxes and the expenses of owning a car and renting an apartment I had very little left. My savings were in slow motion and I felt like a loser. I worked in a building with no windows and was tied to a desk. I had traveled a bit and thought that I'd love to live overseas, but I had no idea to how to start.

I read a bit about teaching English on the internet, but it seemed that no one was making very much money in ESL and I didn't want to go back to a regular job that might have me living paycheck to paycheck again (the exact situation I wanted to escape). I read a lot of horror stories online and was also very afraid of making a big mistake. I didn't act initially because I was scared I'd make a wrong decision and lock myself into a miserable situation.

After dealing with a few dubious recruiters, I decided I would just pack a carry-on bag and buy a ticket to Asia myself. I bought a one-way ticket from Chicago to Hong Kong and attempted to figure things out on my own. I realized quickly when I first started out that I knew nothing. Hard lessons ended up teaching me everything. It was a lot more difficult doing it this way, but I can now teach anyone with a bachelor's degree and a passport how to make a $100,000+ tax free salary in ESL using my blueprint.

It's rewarding to me to be able to give back. Instead of watching someone flounder and take a $2,000/month contract with awful terms, I'm able to teach people how to make a very high income. My students use the technique and apply what they learn in Get Rich Teaching English instead of just applying to and accepting the first job abroad that drops in their lap. Being able to plot a course and reach a goal using actionable information is paramount. Learning from someone with over a decade of experience making a very high salary in multiple countries is the difference between a smart move and flying blind. Anyone first starting out is bound to make costly mistakes that will ultimately result in pain and tens of thousands of dollars in lost income if they don't have solid information from a reliable and successful mentor. Many fantastic people taught me about teaching ESL along the way, but no one could ever tell me how to get rich doing it.

2. Does making a good living teaching English require long-term relocation to a specific country, or can teachers also do well with seasonal and/or shorter-term teaching engagements?

Mandy, you may have heard about travel nurses/traveling doctors and how much more they can make than regular nurses/doctors. It's like this in ESL/EFL, but even better because we work all over the world. Short-term contracts (3-6 months) in ESL generally do not pay well and you're not taken seriously if you show up with an expiration date. With that said, if you keep your ear to the street and know where to seek out the best jobs, you can make a lot of money by being mobile. The ones who stick to one location year after year and don't move around much generally end up settling for less. These are generally the same people who tell you there's no money to be made. It's just like recent college graduates who refuse to move out of their small town--they're not going to make the same money they could if they're ready to travel and go to places where the demand is high but the supply is low. Markets and political situations change daily. Knowing where the best jobs are at any given time is imperative to knowing where the money is.

Being nimble and decisive in your actions can mean huge payouts in ESL. In my book Get Rich Teaching English I show a real contract that I was able to jump on that ended up paying me $149,400.00 plus benefits over 1 year. I was hired about halfway through the year so I ended up legally paying no income tax either. The tax advantages and ability to compound savings while overseas teaching ESL are subjects I also discuss at length.

One thing that's important for everyone to realize is that if you are living and working back home, your boss has far more leverage over you than you may realize. Not only does he know you have a house or apartment and bills to pay, he knows there's a 75% chance (statistically speaking) that you are someone living paycheck to paycheck and someone with less than six months of wages in savings. This makes you vulnerable and you may feel you really have no room to argue with what he says. After all, you should be thankful to have a job at all, right? This is the mentality that pervades the thinking of so many.

Overseas we are inherently transient. Our jobs have us moving around, seeking out bigger and better opportunities, and we don't tend to stay in one place very long. Bosses know this and they know that it's possible to lose you. This is supply in demand and it's at its finest overseas teaching English. Even if your boss wants to hire someone else, do you know how long it will take him to get someone dependable on the ground and ready to teach? The hiring process for English teachers can be long and drawn out. Every employer knows this is a major headache and it's much easier to just keep the proven, tested teachers already on staff as opposed to the nightmare that is swapping out good employees for unknown ones. Making yourself irreplaceable is another topic that we discuss in the book, and it's key in increasing your salary as an English teacher abroad in a major way.

3. What do you suggest that a prospective teacher do in order to gain experience and confidence in teaching if he/she has yet to do any teaching work?

This is a great question and one that I get a lot. It is a misconception that one needs a major qualification to teach English abroad. You do not need to be a certified teacher in your home state or country and there is a job for anyone holding a passport from the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand that has a bachelor's degree in any discipline. If you hold a degree in Archaeology, it's not a problem. There are many easy ways to create English/ESL resumes that really look great and get you jobs. They all are free or cost very little money.

On my Youtube channel GetRICHTeaching, there is a video testimonial from one of my students who got a job making a $80,000/year tax free base salary plus benefits without any formal training in teaching ESL or English. He simply applied what he learned in the book and made it happen. He was able to parlay experience he had from his past job with what he learned and he created a show-stopping resume. I provide all students lifetime e-mail consultations and guidance.

4. There are lots of ads on craigslist and other sites regarding "teach English abroad" jobs--how can a prospective job-seeker know which opportunities are legitimate (and possibly lucrative)?

I'm really glad you asked me about Craigslist, because I have noticed the same thing. You will recognize that the vast majority of the jobs listed are recruiters in China trying to get teachers to come over and teach for pitiful wages. These are what we would call the "bottom of the barrel" jobs. Many teachers get their start at jobs like these and that is why unfortunately 99% of English teachers abroad never figure out how to become rich teaching. They mistakenly assume that jobs like the one they have are the best that there are. They give up and head back home the following year with their tails between their legs after maybe saving a paltry five or ten thousand dollars.

There is often an appeal to sympathy and an appeal to the greater good in these ads. They want you to come over and “help the children” or “be a volunteer.” I give to charity and am a proponent of volunteering, but if you’ve been to these countries and seen what goes on behind the scenes, you’ll figure out that while YOU may be volunteering or giving from your heart, there is someone making a lot of money off your teaching. Someone is taking your time/effort donation and turning into cash for themselves. If you want to work for charity, I would advise someone to look into UNICEF. They have an English teaching program that is much worthier of your donation.

I would not advise anyone to take a job off Craigslist and would tell a prospective teacher not to work for any less than he/she feels he/she deserves. If you feel you deserve only a couple thousand dollars a month and think that's the best you can do as an English teacher overseas, I'd highly encourage you to read my book. It will open your eyes to a new world of EFL. I don't show readers just a one-off $100,000+ contract; I have worked many. I show three real examples and also clue readers into the top two industries for six-figure ESL jobs, where to find them, and how to land them.

5. With classes being offered using online technologies, are you also seeing opportunities for instructors to teach students in other countries without leaving home?

As we discussed, being inherently mobile and transient nets the most money. There are always great opportunities for businessmen in this industry, (many millionaires have been made with ESL dollars) but I do not see teaching on Skype as a way to get rich. Generally speaking, you will be selling your time hour by hour. There is no way to leverage your time or add value. If your goal is to make a couple hundred bucks a day teaching on Skype, you can do that, but it won't be anything large or of scale. You would be very hard pressed to make $100,000.00 without being in a real classroom.

Mandy, thank you so much for taking the time to interview me. If anyone reading this is in a lot of student loan debt, has been foreclosed on, has a dead-end job, has had a divorce and needs a fresh start, or is someone who just wants to make a lot of cash overseas, I'd encourage them to think seriously about teaching English abroad as a viable means of gaining financial freedom.

Thanks, Ben!

Meet Clabbe, Founder of the 200 Days in Africa Project

Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Clabbe moved to Prague, Czech Republic, in July 2006. After relocating, he started traveling on a more serious basis as he came to realize that travel is what he loves the most in life; he also started a travel blog to share his experiences. In reflecting on the ways he has managed to change his own life by working through the bad and creating something good, he came to see and understood that life is not about the things you own but about the things you do and experience. This realization led Clabbe, in late 2012, to begin a project called 200 Days in Africa. In his own words, "Travel is the only thing you can pay for that makes you richer."

1. What gave you the idea for 200 Days in Africa, and when will your trip begin?

I will leave my manager job to start this life-changing journey in November, and this will be my fourth visit to the African continent but the longest to date. The 200 Days in Africa project is actually a product combining several thoughts I have had over the years. The biggest part of the project will be the volunteer work I will be doing in Sierra Leone for almost three months where I will be working with street children and their situation.

Growing up in Sweden, you cannot see the difference between rich and poor due to the social security system we have. This became more noticeable to me when I moved to Czech Republic in 2006 and more and more during my travels to different parts of the world. I have learned to appreciate that I grew up with everything I wanted around me in terms of comfort. Coming from a divorced family I did however miss some of the family life in terms of security and love which made me rebel in school with frequent trips to the school counselor. I felt disadvantaged only growing up with one parent when I was a kid, but when I look back today, I have managed quite well in my life. However, there are those in the world who grow up without any parents and this is hard for me having had the feeling of being "let down" by my parents when they divorced.

My uncle was a missionary and also worked for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency which took him to Africa on several occasions, not to mention being evacuated from Rwanda when the civil war started in 1994. His sons, my cousins, followed in his footsteps and also volunteered in today's Congo. So in a way you can say that it lies in my bloodline to do this.

One part is the pure adventure of traveling in Africa as I love the African continent and how life passes you by in a slow phase. Patience is a skill you will develop when traveling in Africa. The third part of the project will be the creative and inspirational part where I will be interviewing people I meet on my journey about their dreams. Do we all share the same dreams? The events, impressions and interviews will later end up in a book that I have decided to call 200 Days of Dreams.

By saying life-changing I mean it will change my life, and if I manage to have some impact on those I work with, I will be happy.

2. How did you first connect with the organization Street Child, and what kind of work will you be doing with them?

I had decided that I wanted to start in the western part of the continent, so I searched the internet for information about any organizations operating in the west. There are a few, but not so many as in the "safer" African countries like Ghana, South Africa, or Tanzania where it seems like most organizations deploy themselves.

Unfortunately the volunteer business has grown and there are agencies that have no more interest than for you to pay them a lot of money. They take your money and ship you off for a few weeks or even just ten days to a remote village to do something not specified. I don't fully agree with the payment-to-work policy, but I can understand it in some cases as nothing in life is for free. With this in mind I started to weed out the organizations that I had found operating in the western part by checking their requested fees and what it would get you. Some investigating by using Google would also pull up information if there were any warning flags posted about the organization in question.

In the end Street Child was the last standing organization, and I started to investigate even more deeply to find if this was a legit organization or not. Fortunately I have a lot of friends in United Kingdom where they are based, and it turned out that even a friend of a friend had previously worked for them and gave the thumbs up.

I will be joining their street work team and will be working alongside their social workers assisting them with their daily activities with the children, follow up home visits and writing reports. I will also help the business team with setting up businesses for the families to keep them self-sufficient. And I have also personally requested to help out with school building as I have a pair of hands that I want to put to best use.

3. How can people around the world participate in your project?

A project like this of course involve some economical investment from my side, and I am currently saving money and also have raised some through advertizing and articles on my other travel blogs. I am also organizing different events and am currently looking into organizing an African movie night later this year.

The biggest cost will be my stay in Sierra Leone and the volunteer work. On this project I ask everyone who can to help me out. If you see it like this, a lot of people donate money to some organization to get that "I help out" feeling, but do they really know how much of their donated money actually reach its destination rather than disappears in "administrative" costs? By helping me out you will actually get visual proof that the money goes to what the money is intended for. I will be posting pictures and also blog about the volunteer work I am doing on the project page and my blog.

People can help me help others and see that in person through the material I will provide. I understand that people can be reluctant to just donate money to me as they have no idea who I am. As a response, I have created a few small tokens such as silicone wristbands and T-shirts that you can buy cheaply to support the project. So instead of just giving me money, you are actually buying a product that will support this project. The persons who help me out in some form will also be recognized as supporters on the site.

My oldest supporter is the grandmother of the woman who helped me with the translation of the site into Polish. She is turning 85 this year and lives in Wolsztyn. She heard about my project and wanted to help out as "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something" and bought one of the wristbands.

4. When did you first discover your love of traveling?

It wasn't until I moved to Czech Republic in 2006 that I realized that it is easy to travel. I joined a hospitality network which helped in reducing the costs as well as started hunting different websites for cheap flights here and there.

Before I moved to Prague, I had done some travels in the Nordic countries, some visits to UK, a week trip to Cyprus and a road trip through Western Europe with some friends. And that was collected over a total of 28 years. Since I really started traveling in 2007, I have managed to visit some 30 countries including three trips to Africa and one trip to Asia, and I also lived in Bulgaria for almost two months.

I am very keen on history and to discover the world and its history makes me understand more why the world and its people looks and behave as they do today.

5. What advice might you give to other people who are looking to translate their personal interests/strengths/etc into a means to help others?

Do it.

Don't think too long about it.

Don't doubt yourself.

Now is better then never.

And make sure that you enlist in something that is really helping out in some way if you are going for a longer trip. In my opinion, a ten day trip to an animal sanctuary in Africa is not the best way to help out unless you are a veterinarian. If you still want to do that, then you can volunteer at your local zoo instead. And don't believe that you will be saving the world. Most likely it is the world that will change you to a better person while you might have some impact on the people you want to help. Accept that other people live in different ways and adapt your own standards.

Most of all, don't feel pity and sadness for people just because they don't have tile floors or a TV or anything similar to the western world's desires. They might even feel pity for you having all these worthless possessions.

Thanks, Clabbe!