Need not fret (frugal) adrenaline expats and travelers abroad, because we’ve done the work and here are nine epic activities you can experience around the globe that will have you leave saying, “whoa”. Whether traveling for fun or living overseas, these will get your heart beating.

Australia
Extreme Airplane Aerobatics
Airlie Beach, Queensland
http://tigermothadventures.com.au

Flip, twist, swirl and whirl all over the ocean in an open-cockpit two-seater airplane. The aerobatic flights range from Mild, Wild to Extreme.
(100USD / 145AUD)
photo

Austria
L2 Double Loop Waterslide
Worgl, Austria
http://www.woerglerwasserwelt.at/en/l2-double-looping/the-l2/

Whether you go head or feet first, you’ll be whipping through the first, most extreme, and certainly the most intense double loop waterslide in the world. This ride is not for the faint at heart.
(30USD / 26EUR)
photo
Read more…

Cash. Credit. Debit. Cheques. There have been lots of discussions on different expat forums about foreign currency exchange and the right way to go about exchanging your hard earned money.

Here’s what some people are saying:
Jeff, a business traveler says: “I use the bank to order my foreign currency.”

Dave, a frequent leisure traveler says:  “I mostly use my debit card at an ATM to take out foreign cash.”

Micheline, my mother says: “Use travelers cheques Kate, in case your wallet gets stolen.”

Everyone has his or her own exchange style, and in the end it’s best to go with the method you feel most comfortable with. When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, we’ve put together the best options to help you decide where to exchange your money.

Photo Cred

#1. Foreign Exchange Services (Forex)

Advantage: Better rates than a bank transfer; often with no fees
Disadvantage: Not available on weekends

Similar to transferring money from your home bank to a foreign one, Forex makes it easy to wire money abroad for use in a different currency. Typically available 24 hours a day Monday-Friday, forex providers offer the most competitive exchange rate with little to no barriers for entry and no minimum transaction size. For example, in a quick sampling of transferring $1,000 USD to AUD, with a major bank you would probably get $1,315 AUD but with a forex provider you get $1,358. There are plenty of companies offering this service so a little research needs to be done to get the best rates. Azimo is one company to be considered. Check out their reviews on Trustpilot.  Read more…

Expats typically travel a lot. There is, of course, the “Big Move” when you relocate to your destination country. Unless you’re driving, chances are your next trip or move will include flying. After all the planning is done, it’s nice to know that once you step foot on the airplane an adventure shortly waits.

We want you to make the most of your airplane experience. Take it from me, a flight attendant who knows the inside scoop of having a First Class travel experience, regardless of where you’re seated.

1. APP up the Airline

Before heading to the airport, check to see if the airline you’re traveling with has an app for your smartphone device. Often times you can use the app to book flights, check-in for your flight, watch arrival/departure times, find out information on the aircraft you’re taking, and see how full the plane is. Some airlines have even gone as far as putting FREE in-flight entertainment on their app, so you’ll be well amused on board.

Photo Cred: Bowerlabs.com

2. Pick Your Seat Wisely

The seat you sit in for those two, five or ten-hour flight could be your best friend…or worst enemy. There are, of course, things you can’t control (i.e. the inevitable crying baby on board, Mr. Recliner in front of you), but there are seats that will definitely benefit your flight experience and you’ll want to snatch them up fast. This is when sites such as SeatGuru and SeatExpert come in handy. You’ll be able to scout out seats with flaws (the window-less window seats, the seats with limited recline, the lavatory neighbor seats), as well as the seats with bonus points (some rows have more legroom than others).

TIP: If you’re a nervous or nauseous flyer, choose a seat closest to the wings or as close to the front of the plane as you can. Turbulence is felt most at the back of the airplane. Read more…

Making the decision to move overseas can be a tough one at times. However, we don’t think that was the case for Laura and Peter of Laura and Peter Down Under. Their opportunity to leave Minnesota in the U.S to live and discover the fabulous city of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia was an easy one. With so much to see, do and eat there are endless opportunities for newness and exploration.

Lets hear more from Laura…

What initiated your move to Australia?
We moved to Melbourne in July 2014 because my husband took a job working with a local University. We had always planned to travel, so once the opportunity became available with my husband’s company we knew right away it was something we wanted to do! Read more…