Or read on to find out how to get a $55 Airbnb Coupon

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Airbnb coupon codes are available for anyone who refers a friend. It’s a program that the platform is currently running to try to inspire people to use their service for the first time. This is an airbnb coupon code USA and worldwide, so it will work wherever you’re accessing it from.

** Updated November 2020: The Air BnB coupon is currently worth $55. $40 towards an accommodation rental and $15 for an Airbnb Experience.

Every Airbnb promotion code is for $55 USD (or the equivalent in your account’s currency) and you can use the Airbnb coupon even if you already have an Airbnb account. To get the full $55 Airbnb coupon, you can book accommodation and an experience.

If you’ve read elsewhere that someone is offering an Airbnb discount code that’s higher than $55 USD, then their information is out of date.

As of 2020, every promo code Airbnb coupon will only offer $55 off your first booking of $80 or more. Some of our favourite Airbnb’s we’ve stayed in have been around $20 / night, so that $40 discount is like two nights free, plus you can get $15 off your first experience / tour with Airbnb promo codes.

Get $55 Airbnb Coupon Now

Getting the $55 Airbnb discount is pretty simple actually. All you have to do is click the button above, start a new account and you’ll get a $55 coupon code for free.

In this article, I’m not only going to tell you about the $55 coupon Airbnb is offering. I’m also going to tell you about some of our best Airbnb experiences, other ways you can save money when booking apartments and how to ensure that the place you booked will not disappoint you.

Using The Airbnb Coupon

Once you’ve clicked the Airbnb coupon code button above and you set up a new Airbnb account with an email that’s not been used to create another account, the $55 USD Airbnb coupon will automatically be added to your account.

Updated November, 2020: The coupon no longer shows up in the top of your screen when you look on the website or on the app. Now you have to start the booking process to see it.

After getting the coupon via email, go on the Airbnb app or website, enter your dates and pick a Stay or Experience. Then, from the listing click “Reserve”. Don’t worry, you won’t be charged yet. In the next screen you will see your coupon subtracted from the total cost as “Credits”. 

If you’re on mobile, then after you create a new account and get your Airbnb coupon, you’ll see it appear by where it lists the nightly rate, but you’ll only see it when you’re looking at a specific property. If you don’t see it at the top, click on the menu (your profile image) and then click the “Invite Your Friends” link.

If you still don’t see your Airbnb promo code after clicking the discount link, please contact Airbnb as there is likely an issue with your device or perhaps you already have an Airbnb account, in which case the Airbnb promo code won’t work.

Other Ways For Airbnb Discounts

While the Airbnb coupon is a great way to instantly save $40 USD on your next booking and $15 off an experience, there are other ways to save money on the platform. The people who run Airbnb have a bunch of relatively hidden features that you may not know about, but can save you a lot of money when booking an apartment online.

Book a Longer Stay

Long-stay rebates are automatically added to Airbnb rentals and the owners of the properties are able to customize the amount of the Airbnb discount. If you book a place for 1 week, there’s often a discount of up to 20% off the nightly rate, while if you book for 1 month or more, you’ll get a monthly discount that often surpasses 35%.

We had a one month stay in Mexico one time and we saved 40%.

Ask The Owner For An Airbnb Discount

This is a little known feature that very few users know about. The platform actually allows hosts to add a special Airbnb discount for anyone who books their property. All you have to do is ask. When looking at a property on the website, You’ll see a button that says “Contact Host”. You can simply message the host and ask them to offer you an Airbnb discount.

Perhaps you’re staying for 4 nights and the weekly discount doesn’t appear, or the place is just a little bit out of your budget. Oftentimes the host would rather have you stay for a little bit less, rather than losing your business altogether. Send them a message and ask for an Airbnb discount! We’ve saved an additional 10% doing this.

Cook For Yourself

One of the best parts about booking on Airbnb instead of a hotel, is that you get your own kitchen while you travel the world. Take advantage of this and save money by cooking for yourself. Even if you just eat breakfast and drink coffee at the apartment and then eat lunch and dinner out, this can save you money on your overall stay.

Become a Host Yourself & Earn Money

Okay, so you’re not actually earning any Airbnb coupon for becoming a host, but you can earn quite a bit of money by renting out your place. If you travel a lot, why not put your place up on Airbnb and earn some extra income?

Becoming a host is easy, simply click here and you can quickly go through the sign-up process.

Airbnb will walk you through the steps of listing your property like picking a “home type”, “room type”, “occupancy” and the city your property is listed in. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to earn an income from Airbnb. They’ll even show you a calculator to guess how much you can list your room / property for and how much you can expect to earn per night, per week, and per month.

Refer an Airbnb Host And Receive $100

This is another great way to get an Airbnb coupon and is one of our best travel tips. If you have some friends who own a property but aren’t on Airbnb yet, you can have them list their place on Airbnb and start earning money from it. If they use your referral link, you’ll get a $100 cash (better than an Airbnb Coupon) after their first guest checks out.

In total you can earn up to $2,500 from referring hosts and $5,000 from referring your friends to Airbnb. That’s $7,500 cash instead of Airbnb Coupons!

Share & Get An Airbnb Coupon

Now that you’ve received your Airbnb coupon code and you saved $40 USD from your first booking on the account, it’s time to get your own Airbnb discount codes. All you have to do is share Airbnb with your friends.

Just like I’m sharing with you, you can also email or message your friends and tell them to use your link to sign-up for a new Airbnb account and get an Airbnb coupon.

When someone signs up using your code, they’ll get $40 and you’ll get a credit as well. How cool is that? It’s kind of like a pay it forward type scenario.

To give your friends an Airbnb coupon and to get an Airbnb coupon yourself, you simply have to login to your account, hover over your profile picture in the top right of the screen and click “Refer a Friend” and then share that link with your friends.

While using our coupon code will give you $25 USD instantly, if you’re sharing your own link, you’ll have to wait until your friend actually books a trip before you’ll get your travel credit.

Once you have received the credit, you’ll see it appear in the top right of the screen and it will automatically be taken off of any bookings you make on Airbnb. So far we’ve made a few hundred dollars in Airbnb travel credits and it’s helped us to pay for our apartments on many different trips. It’s a win-win for everybody.

*New as of August 2020

Join Airbnb Associates

As of mid-2020, anybody can now join the Airbnb associates program and earn money. What does this mean for you? Stay at a place on Airbnb and if you love it, you can share a special link with your friend. If your friend books and stays there, you’ll get a commission!

This is even better than an Airbnb Coupon because unlike an Airbnb discount code, you can get cash and spend it on whatever you want. Airbnb codes are only available for use on Airbnb, but of course, cash can be used everywhere!

How To Pick The Perfect Airbnb

Now that you’ve received your $25 – $55 Airbnb coupon, you can start browsing the platform for the perfect Airbnb property for you.

When it comes to booking the right place, there are a few things that you want to keep in mind. While the platform is generally very good and there are many great places available, there are some Airbnb scams to beware of and there are also some horror stories. By following these simple rules, you’ll definitely avoid these issues.

Rule #1 – Always Book on The Platform

While contacting the hosts (as noted earlier in this post) to ask for an Airbnb discount, you may be tempted to try to ask them to book off the platform in order to save on the hefty Airbnb fees. While this can save you money, you have to be EXTREMELY careful when doing so.

The Airbnb platform is very secure and they offer their users insurance and buyer’s protection, but if you’re booking outside of the platform, you will not be protected.

We once contacted a host off of the platform and he sent us a link via email to book the place. The link even looked exactly like the Airbnb website, but it turned out it wasn’t and it was a complete scam. Luckily we noticed it and didn’t book the apartment, which would’ve cost us over $3,000!

If you use our Airbnb coupon code and you book directly on the platform, you won’t have an issue. Read more about this Airbnb scam here.

Rule #2 – Always Read Reviews

On the Airbnb platform, the reviews are the most important thing to look at. We often search for apartments with the “Superhost” filter on to make sure that any properties we’re seeing are from very well-reviewed hosts. A superhost is a person who have a 4.8+ star overall rating, have a 90%+ response rate, zero cancellations and at least 10 stays per year.

Basically, Superhosts are the best of the best on Airbnb. If you’re booking with a Superhost – particularly one with 100 reviews or more – you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a great stay.

It’s worth noting that while we do recommend contacting hosts to ask for an Airbnb discount, you may find that they’re so busy they don’t feel they need to give you one. Still, if you use our Airbnb coupon, you’ll get your $40 off which will help.

Of course, you don’t only have to book with Superhosts. You can also simply check for hosts who have at least 4+ star reviews. Oftentimes, the property is amazing but they had one really picky guest stay there who gave them a 1-star review, which would mean they lost their Superhost status.

It’s sad, but it’s true. Even if you’re not booking strictly with Superhosts, you should always try to stay in places that have 4+ stars overall on their account. Also, always check for the most recent reviews. If a property has 5 stars overall, but hasn’t had a review in over a year, then the place may not have been maintained. It’s best to rely on recent reviews.

Rule #3 – Location, Location, Location

Some places on Airbnb have great reviews and look amazing in the photos, but it turns out they are way out of town. Make sure you check the map on the listing to get an idea of where the apartment is located.

Some people really want to be away from it all, so they still give a 5-star review even though the place is 45 minutes outside of town. Whenever you’re about to book, make sure you check on the map and also look through the reviews to see if anyone mentions anything about the location.

Places To Spend Your Airbnb Coupon

For a little bit more inspiration on where to spend your Airbnb coupon, I’ll show you a few of our favourite places on Airbnb. Some of them we’ve already stayed at, and some of them are on our Airbnb wish-list. We’ve been using this platform for over 3 years and we love it.

We’ve stayed in some awesome places during that time and apart from one so-so experience, we’ve been really pleased with our stays.

Airbnb’s We’ve Stayed In & Recommend

While I won’t be listing every single Airbnb we’ve ever stayed in, I’ll list a few of our favourites below. If you want to spend that Airbnb coupon, you can do so on one of these amazing properties.

Comfortable Flat With Terrace in Puerto Vallarta: We spent 10 days enjoying all of the fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta. This apartment was in a cool local neighbourhood with taco stands nearby! The place was clean and well stocked, but the best part was the private rooftop terrace with BBQ – a great place to have some dinner and drinks before heading out for the night.

Ginger Villa Koh Samui: It was always a dream of ours when we became travel bloggers and started getting paid to write online, to one day stay in a luxury private pool villa. In July of 2017 we finally realized that dream for the first time at this beautiful 2 bedroom villa in Thailand just a few minutes from the beach.

Valparaiso View Apartment in Chile: Another one of our favourite apartments we’ve ever booked, and a great place to spend your Airbnb coupon if you’re planning to visit Valparaiso, Chile, is this beautiful place in Valparaiso. The apartment was clean and the owner was friendly, but best of all was the spectacular view over the harbour.

Beautiful Flat in Central Brighton: Last year we spent 2 weeks in the seaside city of Brighton at this lovely flat. The location was perfect – close to pubs, the Lanes, the train, shops and groceries. The apartment itself was very clean, well stocked and comfortable. The Superhost Michelle is very accommodating as well. Highly recommended.

On Our Airbnb Wish-List

Seeing as we also have some Airbnb discounts to spend, we have a massive wish-list of some breathtaking properties that we want to stay in one day. There are so many unique accommodations on Airbnb – from sailboats and private islands, to treehouses and villas.

If you use our Airbnb coupon, it will also give us credit towards these amazing places, so we really appreciate your support.

Condos in Downtown Victoria: This Superhost has 4 stunning properties all in excellent locations in downtown Victoria. The condos are modern, stylishly decorated, absolutely spotless and are very affordable! Since our last trip to Victoria was so much fun, we definitely want to return and we’ll for sure be staying in one of these condos.

Baby Sia Villa Koh Phangan: This little place is a great value at just $60 / night, and it just looks so cool. There are so many things to do in Koh Phangan and we’ve always wanted to return to the island for some R&R time and I think this budget villa would be the perfect place.

Luxury Villa Canggu, Bali: We spent 3 months living in Canggu Bali and we absolutely loved it. We had a fantastic villa there (that we didn’t get on Airbnb), but we were there during high season so pretty much everything was booked up. I still like the look of this pool villa and I think it would be a great place to spend your Airbnb coupon code.

Fiji Tree House: We’ve always wanted to stay in a treehouse, and we’ve also always wanted to visit Fiji, so this lovely Taveuni Treehouse is one place we definitely want to stay. At $170 per night, it’s a bit pricey and there’s no Airbnb discount for longer stays, but I think we’d splurge to be able to stay in a place like this.

Enjoy Your Airbnb Coupon Code

We’re so happy that Airbnb offers this cool “refer a friend” Airbnb coupon code system. It really allows everyone to not only share some amazing places to stay on the platform, but to earn some Airbnb credit for sharing the love. How great is that?!

Make sure that you click the button below to get our special $55 Airbnb coupon.

Trying new foods is all part and parcel of the experience of traveling. Exploring new culinary styles, sampling seasonal produce, and visiting local restaurants helps you immerse yourself in the culture of the place you’re visiting.

In this article, I’ll focus on traditional Portuguese foods to give you an idea about the new taste sensations you can expect when travelling to Portugal.

As fun and interesting as trying new foods might be, some travellers understandably become a bit overwhelmed with the possibilities, not to mention those times when you’re not sure what that particular thing on the menu actually is!

More often than not, language barriers make it difficult to ask for clarification on ingredients or preparation.

Whenever I’m travelling to a new destination, I love meeting locals who can take me to their favorite restaurants and help me order; this way, I can try out the food at a non-touristy location and still know what I’m eating.

However, it’s not always possible to have a local guide, in which case, some prior research can help you feel more confident in your culinary choices and excited for the new foods you’ll get to discover.

Portugal is one of the best countries for food, learn why in this article.

Here’s my guide to trying the tasty foods in Portugal.

What Are Portuguese Foods?

Portuguese cuisine has a similar style to Mediterranean fare and uses seafood in many of the signature dishes. Combine the salty flavors of the Atlantic Ocean with olive oil and fragrant spices and herbs, and you’re set for a delicious Portuguese meal.

Traditional Portuguese food is very seafood and meat forward — if you love shellfish, fish, octopus, beef, and pork, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

In addition to seafood and meat, vegetables and legumes are used in the various soups, salads, sandwiches, and famous sausages found in Portugal.

You can wash down your meal with a variety of beverage options, including the most famous — Port wine.

The Portuguese are big into wine varieties, so there are plenty of flavors to try, often with fruity tones. Start off with the zesty, fresh flavours of Vinho Verde (Green Wine), you’ll no doubt thank me later.

To round off your meal (or start your day, no one will judge), Portuguese desserts offer some of the most delectable choices imaginable.

Think flaky, buttery crusts, creamy puddings, and fresh sweet rolls. In short, always save room for dessert when you’re travelling to Portugal!

10 Best Portuguese Foods to Try 

Although this list probably doesn’t even cover half of the great dishes found in Portugal, it does give you the highlights of the “must try” list.

Whether you’re passing through and staying in Lisbon on a short stopover, or as part of a longer road trip adventure through incredible Portugal, these are some of the best Portuguese foods to sample.

What is the best food to try when visiting Portugal? Here’s my list of 10 tasty Portuguese dishes:

1. Traditional Bacalhau

Salted and dried cod is one of the foods you’re bound to come across, no matter where you travel in Portugal. This staple of Portuguese gastronomy can be enjoyed at any time of day and considered by many to be the ‘national dish’ of Portugal.

It has so many different forms of preparation that its nickname in Portuguese means “the faithful friend!”

It’s not unusual to see the whole smoked cod hanging in markets or stacked in sky-high piles in your local supermarket. Whilst many Portuguese prepare this dish in the comfort of their own home, you can also enjoy the delicious, salty flavours at restaurants throughout Portugal.

Fried cod cakes (Bolinhos de Bacalhau) are very popular, but my personal favourite is the Bacalhau à Brás which consists of shredded cod, thin potato fries and onions all bound up by scrambled egg and usually topped off with black olives and a garnish of parsley. Simply divine!

2. Caldo Verde soup (one of the healthier Portuguese foods to try)

Caldo Verde means “green broth”. It gets its name from the thinly sliced pieces of green kale, one of the main ingredients. Mixed in with the kale are mashed potato and garlicky chorizo sausage for a healthy and hearty meal.

Although there is some variation in spices and preparation methods throughout the country, the basics of the soup remain the same.

It’s a great meal choice, especially if you’re visiting Portugal during winter and looking for something to warm you up on a colder, windy day.

3. Sardinhas Assadas

No trip to Portugal would be complete without sampling a grilled sardine! This ultimate Portuguese snack and comfort food can be found throughout the country, particularly along the coast, where the sardines are freshly caught.

Roasted whole over an open fire, the sardines take on a smoky, crisp flavor on the outside and offer succulent white meat on the inside. Locals eat the sardines whole by holding on to the head and tail and biting into the side to avoid the bones.

Every year, the Feast of St. Anthony (the patron saint of Lisbon) celebration takes place in June. This holiday is also called “the Sardine Festival” due to the plethora of roasted sardines available from street vendors on every corner in the city.

Head to the historic Alfama district and you’ll be greeted with festive music, dancing, lots of beer and not to mention the grills lining the streets as festival-goers devour grilled Sardines by the bucket!

4. Peixinhos da Horta

Although many Portuguese foods rely heavily on seafood and meat, this is one vegetarian-friendly option you won’t want to miss.

Peixinhos da horta translates to “little garden fish,” but don’t let the name fool you into thinking these are real fish. Simple but mouth-wateringly delicious, peixinhos da horta are small pieces of garden veggies chopped up, breaded, and fried.

The name only comes from the fact that once cooked, the veggie bits somewhat resemble small fish.

Green beans are the most traditional vegetable to use, but the method is used on a variety of other garden goodies, like peppers, squash, or carrots. It’s a great appetizer to try at a restaurant and is a great Portuguese street food snack. 

5. Francesinha

The Francesinha is a quintessential food icon of Porto and makes for one hearty meal! Two thick, fresh slices of bread are piled high with different varieties of meat, usually some combination of ham, sausage, and steak.

It’s slathered in melted cheese and flavorful spicy tomato sauce. Most often topped off with a fried egg, for a delicious gooey topping.

There’s no doubt that this is one of the best things to try in Porto. Be warned though; you might want to attempt it with a friend, especially since this monster sandwich is usually accompanied by a heaping pile of potato fries and dipping sauce on the side.

6. Bolo Rei

Bolo Rei, when translated, means “King’s Cake” and is the much-loved, traditional Portuguese Christmas food. Although it’s most common around the holidays, it’s possible to find it at other times of the year too.

Bolo Rei is a sweet bread made with eggs and filled with dried and candied fruits, nuts, and raisins, then formed into a donut shape and given a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

The most authentic versions are made with fava beans inside as well, but this isn’t as common in commercial varieties.

7. Pastéis de Nata

These delectable egg yolk custard pastries are a staple Portuguese dessert (or snack, or breakfast….), and likely the most well-known Portuguese sweet delicacy too.

The pastéis (or pastel in the singular) are made with puff pastry shells stuffed with yellow egg yolk custard. The custard is flavored with a bit of lemon and sugary goodness. It’s usually topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon.

One of the top places in Portugal to try the pastéis is in the Pastéis de Belém bakery in Lisbon. This historic venue has been open since 1837 and arguably makes the best pastries in the country. Alternatively, head to the Manteigaria chain of stores whose Pastel de Nata, in my opinion, are equally as good!

8. Port Wine

This quintessential drink of Portugal, Port wine, is sold worldwide, but there’s nothing quite like trying it in the country of its origin.

If you’re a true wine lover, make sure you schedule a wine tasting tour in the Douro Valley, the exclusive growing site for the grapes used in the wine.

Port wine is sweeter, richer, and has a higher alcohol content than other wine varieties. Most people love it, some people hate it, but make sure it’s at least on your list of drinks in Portugal to try!

If you don’t take to the bold flavours immediately, then be sure to try out a white Port Tonic, a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy Port Wine on a hot sunny day in Portugal.

9. Alheira de Mirandela

This is a Portuguese food with a bit of fascinating history. Alheira is a sausage type, but the authentic variety doesn’t contain any pork, which isn’t typical of a sausage.

Alheira were created by the Jewish community who chose to remain in Portugal after the 15th century when their religion was banned. Although they converted to Christianity, they strove to preserve their culture and beliefs in what ways they could, such as by not eating pork.

To create the sausage, bread was mixed with meat, such as cow and wild game, to create a product that appeared and tasted like pork so it could be sold without question in markets.

Today, alheira is still a popular sausage variety around the country. They are often grilled to smoky perfection and served with a large pile of potato fries and gooey fried eggs.

10. Porco Preto

One of the classic meats from Portugal comes from the black Iberian pig (Porco Preto translates to “black pig”). These free-range, domestic pigs are typically fed a diet composed mainly of acorns, and the meat possesses a unique flavor, particularly when traditionally smoked and cured.

Keep your eyes open for delicacies like pata negra ham (also called Jamon Iberico or cerdo Iberico), ultra-thinly sliced smoked ham typically served with wine and cheese.

Another common delicacy made from the black Iberian pigs is plumas de porco preto. These tender pork cutlets are common to find in Portuguese restaurants, often served with a heaping pile of fries or a vegetable dish of some kind.

But, my absolute favourite has to be the tender Bochechas de Porco Preto (Black Pork cheeks), a traditional dish from the Alentejo region and best enjoyed with a great Alentejo red wine.

11. Bonus! Piri Piri Chicken (Frango Assado)

At the mention of Portuguese cuisine, it’s almost inevitable that most will immediately think of flame-grilled Piri Piri Chicken.

Interestingly though, as much as barbequed chicken is a very popular fast-food choice in Portugal, and a quintessential part of the local fare, it’s actually not typically Portuguese. In fact, the Portuguese are generally speaking not big fans of spicy foods.

So, where exactly did Frango Assado (or Frango Churrasco as it’s known in some parts of the country) originate?

You may be surprised to learn that the famous fast-food chain, Nandos, that has largely popularised Piri Piri Chicken around the world was actually founded by a South African based Portuguese back in the ’80s in South Africa.

There’s no doubt that the spicy sauces and spices from countries such as Mozambique and Angola as well as further afield in South America have all influenced the evolution of this tasty dish. It’s believed that through these former Portuguese colonies that Piri Piri Chicken eventually made its way to Portugal too.

Regardless of whether you like it spicy hot or as many Portuguese prefer, a slightly milder version, there’s no doubt that Frango Assado should be one of the first things you taste when landing in Portugal!

Portugal Foodie Experiences

Take your Portugal Food & Drink experience to a whole new level by booking one of these awesome Portuguese food tours:

Learn to make Pastel de Nata

Learn to make these scrumptious delights on this 2 hours Pastel de Nata Baking Class. This immersive class is hosted by a local baker who will share all his insider tips and tricks on how you can replicate these pastries in the comfort of your own home.

Savour the bold flavours of Port Wine

It’s my opinion, when visiting Porto, that you have to explore the Port houses of Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from downtown Porto.

Try this 3-hour walking and Port wine tasting tour where you’ll not only learn about Port wine production but also get to sample 10 different tastings at 3 of the areas most reputable Port Houses.

Have more time on your hands? Enhance your Port Wine experience by taking in the natural beauty of the gorgeous Douro Valley on this 9 hour Douro Valley Cruise & Wine Tasting tour. Perfect as a day trip!

Sample local flavours

Last but not least, indulge in a 3-hour Food and Wine walking tour of Lisbon, and taste some of Portugal’s most traditional delicacies and flavours.

Learn firsthand, insider knowledge from a local guide and enjoy tastings that include famous Portuguese treats such as Bacalhau cakes (codfish), Ginjinha, Vinho Verde (Green Wine) and Petiscos (Portuguese tapas) to round out your foodie exploration of Portugal!

Tips For Eating in Portugal

A couple of handy tips to make the most of enjoying Portuguese cuisine.

Eat When The Locals Eat

When dining out, it’s a lot more enjoyable to have a “buzz” in the restaurant rather than showing up and you’re the only one seated. 

To avoid this, eat when the Portuguese eat! 

For the most part, Portuguese eat lunch between 12 – 2:00pm, and for dinner, 8:00 – 10:00pm although on the weekends, most go out at 10:00pm and later. Snacks are common and are had between breakfast and lunch, and between lunch and dinner.

Eat Where The Locals Eat

When visiting Portugal, don’t be afraid to pop into one of the many local ‘Tascas’ you will stumble past on just about every street corner.

Not only are these local eateries the best places to taste the real traditional flavors of Portugal, but they are also usually very cheap!

Ask for the ‘Prato do Dia’ (Dish of the day) or the ‘Menu do Dia’ (Menu of the day). Here it’s not uncommon to have a soup as a starter, a main meal and a drink for under €10.

Enjoy a Fine Dining Experience

Whilst authentic Portuguese flavors are steeped in traditional ways of cooking and recipes passed down for generations, Portuguese gastronomy has also seen a big transformation in recent years.

This is in large part thanks to top Portuguese chefs who have modernized the tastes of Portugal while still retaining unique Portuguese produce and flavors.

Want to experience a true Portuguese fine dining experience? Try out one of the numerous Michelin starred restaurants across the country like Belcanto, Loco, or Eleven in Lisbon or The Yeatman Hotel restaurant in Porto to name but a few.

Portuguese Foods FAQ’s

Here’s a quick look at some of the commonly asked questions about Portuguese cuisine.

Is Portuguese Food Mediterranean? 

Yes, Portugal follows the Mediterranean diet and is part of the identity of the Portuguese gastronomy. 

At the base of the cuisine, you’ll find vegetables, fruit, high-quality (mostly unprocessed) bread and cereals, legumes (including beans, chickpeas, broad beans), and nuts (almonds, chestnuts, walnuts, raisins, etc.).

Olive oil and fish are the main sources of fat.  

Portuguese eat locally and seasonally, preferring to shop at markets and local stores rather than in larger supermarkets. They consume dairy moderately, use herbs when cooking, are moderate drinkers (enjoying wine with meals), and most importantly, enjoy sharing meals with friends and family around the table. 

Is Portuguese Food Spicy?

No, it’s not. And actually, most Portuguese people do not like spicy foods — opting for the milder option when available.

Is Portuguese Food Healthy?

Yes, and no.

Many of the ingredients used in Portuguese dishes are healthy foods (fish, vegetables, fruits, herbs, grains, etc.), however, many of those healthy ingredients end up being fried rather than roasted or baked — plus, the Portuguese love a healthy dousing of olive oil!

Desserts are a popular choice in Portugal, as is cheese, sausage, and bread. Having said that, you can still find amazing grilled fish and chicken dishes, fantastic olive oil, delicious fruits, and boiled or sauteed vegetables. 

Either way, Portuguese foods are tasty and can be as healthy, or indulgent as you like. 

Now You Know What To Eat in Portugal

There you have it! Whether you’re passing through Portugal for a weekend retreat or spending a whole summer there on vacation, you won’t want to miss out on the best foods of Portugal.

Savor the salty seafood, delight in the sugary desserts, sip on some of Portugal’s incredible wine varieties and enjoy the best of Portuguese cuisine while traveling through this stunning country.

Looking for other European foods? Have a look at the best Albanian food to sample and these top dishes of Copenhagen. Thanks to Shutterstock.com for providing most of the images in this article. 

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Working from home might seem like a lavish lifestyle, but if you don’t focus and use task management, it’s easy for half the day to slip away from you. Time management for freelancers is one of the most crucial aspects of working from home, and, when not figured out early on, can be detrimental to your freelance career.

I’ve been a freelancer for almost a year, and it was definitely a bit of a learning curve in the beginning. I’m here to share my own personal experiences so that you can skip a lot of the mistakes that I had to work through on my freelance journey.

At any given time, I have around 10-13 clients, so you can imagine how difficult it could get if I didn’t stay on top of everything!

This guide to time management will introduce you to all of the best ways to focus and get your tasks done by the deadline that you set with your clients. Some of the time management tips might even surprise you.

Here are the best tips and time management tools for freelancers. 

Why is Time Management Important for Freelancers?

As a freelancer, you’re essentially you’re own boss. If you don’t stay on top of your deadlines and keep open lines of communication with your clients, it can get messy real quick and even be the end of your freelancing company. 

Everything you do is in your company’s name and when someone asks to speak to your manager, you are the manager!

By not getting your tasks done on time, you can lose clients and possibly have trouble finding future clients because you won’t have strong testimonials from people you’ve worked with in the past.

It can be pretty difficult to manage time as a freelancer, especially when you’re working from home so often. Your bed or couch might be calling your name, and it can be hard to fight off the urge to take a nap or go out to your favourite restaurant for a few hours instead of working.

How do I manage my time most effectively as a freelancer?

Over the past 10 months, I’ve gone through lots of different trial and error programs and time-tracking tools until I finally found what works best for me.

I focus on using Asana to keep track of all of my work that’s due every day in conjunction with Google Calendar. I also track all of my time using a super easy web app called Clockify, but more on that in the next section.

I work to keep myself in a routine, similar to if I was working in an office.

I start my workday around 9 a.m. and also take around a 30-minute lunch break about halfway through the day. Some days I even finish my work a lot earlier in the day which is nice because I can sort of do what I’d like for the afternoon — whether that’s doing a local hike in my area or catching up on my Netflix show.

I also always take breaks. When you’re sitting for a long time, it can be detrimental to both your physical and mental health. I try to get outside for a walk at least once a day, even if it’s just around my block for 5 minutes. Getting fresh air helps a lot more than you might think.

5 Best Time Management Tools for Freelancers

Luckily, we are living in the 21st century, so there are tons of time management tools out there that make freelancing even easier. Below are a few of the best and top recommended time management tools for freelancers.

1. Clockify

Like mentioned earlier, Clockify is a time-tracking tool that is truly one of the most important parts of my business that help me stay on track.

You can create different projects through Clockify, such as setting up projects for each of your clients so you can see exactly how much time you’re spending on each item on your to-do list.

What makes Clockify one of the best time management tools for freelancers is that it also offers fun reports and charts that you can look at, so you can easily see how much time you’re spending on Client A versus Client B.

This is the perfect way to see if you’re charging the right amount for your projects as well. If something is taking 80% of your time, then it might be worth upping the price for that type of project in the future.

There is both a paid and free version of Clockify, but as a freelancer, you only need the free version. To clock time even quicker, be sure to download either the Clockify Chrome extension or the app. Be sure to connect it with your project management systems too!

2. Toggl

Toggl, like Clockify, is a time-tracking tool that many people swear by. It doesn’t offer as many reporting features as Clockify, but it does offer integrations including with Todoist, Asana, Basecamp, and Trello so that you can easily clock your time while working and checking things off your to-do list.

Because Toggl doesn’t have as many other features, it’s super easy to use if you’re new to time-tracking tools. You can create projects for different clients as with Clockify, and all you have to do is click the start and stop button to get started. The free version is perfect for freelancers.

3. Asana

I swear by Asana. After trying out tons of different project management systems to help me stay on top of my to-do list, I’ve found it to be the best.

It’s super simple to use, has a spotless interface, and allows you to add in guests in case you want to run certain things by your clients for approval before scheduling (such as social media content calendars).

With Asana, you can create different project types, see all of the items that you have to complete, and even connect with Google Calendar. Asana also has its own calendar view setting which makes it easy to see just how much you have on your plate at any given time.

Within each task that you create on Asana, you can also create a whole bunch of subtasks, add in notes, and even connect to Clockify or Toggl to track your time.

If you’re a graphic designer, Asana also has easy tools for you to store certain resources for your clients — like fonts, mood boards, and hex codes that are pertinent for branding.

There’s a free and paid version, but I’ve found that the free version suits all of my needs. As your freelance business grows and you begin to hire some assistants to help you out, you might want to bump up to the paid business plan.

4. ClickUp

ClickUp is a project management/time management tool that is also excellent like Asana but has a bit more of a learning curve.

ClickUp definitely has more options than Asana does, but it can be hard figuring out the difference between different boards. Once you master it though, it’s truly a powerful tool which is why it’s on this guide to time management.

Create different project boards, content calendars, lists, and more.

There are also 50+ different templates that you can easily use if you don’t want to take the time to set up each board on your own fully. There are boards for SEO management, blog posts, social media calendars, project management, and more.

ClickUp does have a free version, but depending on what features you want to use, you might have to change to the paid version. Unfortunately, unlike Asana, there isn’t a free trial period for you to see if you want to purchase the paid version.

5. Google Calendar

Surprisingly, Google Calendar is one of the best tools for work at home time management. It’s completely free to use and can be critical when it comes to scheduling meetings and blocking out your day using the time-blocking method.

Each morning, consider mapping out your day and blocking out time periods for different tasks. This way, you won’t accidentally spend the entire day on one project. Be sure to integrate Google Calendar with the other tools you use to get the most out of it.

Honourable Mentions

• Notion: This tool is sort of like an all-in-one note-taking and project management system.
• Calendly: Easily let your clients schedule meetings with you without all of the back and forth. Integrate with Google Calendar for it to automatically show up on your calendar once it’s booked.
• Harvest: This time management tool for freelancers is great if you plan on sending invoices. Track your time and then switch to the invoice tab and you’re all set.
• Todoist: Make to-do lists right on your computer and connect them to your phone to stay on top of your tasks.

15 Top Time Management Tips for Freelancers

Work at home time management can be tough to keep on top of, especially if you’re just starting out in the freelancing world. Use these task management tips for freelancers and be productive during the work day. 

1. Track Your Time

Time tracking for freelancers is often something that is overlooked, especially creatives. It can be easy to get sucked into working on a single project all day until it’s done, even if that means staying up until you see the sunrise the very next day.

Use a time tracking tool like one of the ones mentioned above, or even use the stopwatch on your phone if you want to get on top of time management for freelancers.

This is pertinent because then you can see if you are actually spending too much time on a project that you might not be getting a whole lot of money for. Or, if you’re simply taking too long to finish a task.

2. Take Breaks 

If you were working in an office, you’d be taking advantage of your breaks so that you could stop and chat with your coworkers for 15 minutes. So, don’t forget to take breaks while being a freelancer either! This is one of the most overlooked time management tips for freelancers.

Some of the best ways to spend breaks are on a walk around your neighbourhood, calling a friend, or even taking a quick power nap. If you really want to remind yourself to take breaks, consider using the Pomodoro Method, in which you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, then start over!

3. Give Yourself Set Working Hours

New and experienced freelancers alike struggle with this tip, which is surprising. It can be tempting to answer an email or a message from one of your clients on the weekend, even if that’s not when you want to work.

So, give yourself set working hours, whether that’s 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. like an average office worker or even just 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. if that’s when you work best. You’re a freelancer, so you’re in charge of yourself.

As long as you’re productive during the work hours you set and you meet your client deadlines, then there’s nothing wrong with having shortened work hours each day. It’s one of the true benefits of working remotely, so take advantage of it.

Just make sure that you take the time to communicate with your clients about what your work hours are so that they don’t wonder why you aren’t answering their email at 11 p.m. on a Saturday. Communication is key.

4. Use a Strong Project Management System

Applications like ClickUp or Asana can be vital when it comes to staying on top of your projects. They are essentially digital versions of a planner, where you can set subtasks, due dates, and compile all of your notes in one place.

If you have other people that work with you, this is also a great way for you to delegate tasks and store your own brand assets. These project management systems help you manage your time well because you can easily see if you have a busy week coming up, so maybe you can start working on those tasks a bit earlier.

5. Prioritize Your Tasks

If you have a huge task that’s due in two days, then obviously that’s the one you should be spending your time on rather than the one that’s due in a week. Be sure to prioritize based on the due date and the amount of time that you think the task will take so that you don’t fall behind on your deadlines.

Project management systems or even a physical planner can be pertinent to helping you prioritize your tasks so that you stay on top of your dates and impress your clients.

6. Consider Hiring Others to Help You

If you find that you are having trouble keeping up with all of your deadlines, it might be time to hire a few freelancers of your own to help you out. Some places to search for remote workers that would be great for you to share your openings include sites like FlexJobs and Upwork.

When you hire someone else to help you meet due dates and better manage your time, you might have to raise your own personal rates so that you can pay an appropriate amount to the workers under you. You’ll also have to consider the time that you will now have to spend delegating tasks and onboarding new workers.

7. Get Rid of Distractions

Distractions are one of the worst parts of being a remote worker. Whether you’re on a beach and you’d rather go swimming with your friends, or you’re at home, and you’d rather be watching your new TV episode, distractions can be truly tempting.

Getting rid of distractions is one of the most important pieces of work from home time management. Consider using noise-blocking headphones, shutting your door, or working in a different area of your house to be more productive during your work hours.

This is definitely one of my top tips for working remotely. 

8. Eat Meals for 30 to 60 Minutes As You Would in an office

When working as a freelancer, don’t forget to take a snack or lunch break. Try to refrain from eating from your desk to get tasks done on time or else you might mess up your work/life balance without realizing it.

Consider setting up a lunch call with one of your close friends each day to hold yourselves accountable for taking a distraction-free lunch break. This also helps bring back the social life that is often missing from freelance life!

9. Try Time-Blocking

Time-blocking is a great way to try managing your time as a freelancer. Each morning, sit at your desk and open up an app like Google Calendar and block out increments of time for the different tasks that you have to complete each day.

Try to stick to the times that you assign yourself to see how much you can truly get through in each of those time blocks. This is the perfect way to see how much time a project really takes, and also helps to keep the ball rolling on all of the tasks that you have due.

10. Find Your Most Productive Hours and Use Them to Your Advantage

A lot of people find that they are most productive right in the morning, or even late at night, so find out when you’re in your groove and use that to your advantage. 

During your most productive hours, be sure to do all of your hardest or most time-consuming tasks during that time — rather than emails or client meetings. 

11. Make Templates for Communications With Clients

Use a CRM tool (customer relationship management) like Honeybook or Dubsado to minimize the amount of communication that you have to write out to your clients.

With third-party platforms like these, you can set up automatic responses each step of the way as they move through your services so that you don’t have to spend as much time on your emails every day.

If you don’t want to invest in a CRM, consider keeping a Word document or Google Doc with templated responses that you can edit and send off to clients to save yourself at least a little bit of time.

12. Don’t Overbook Yourself (the most important when it comes to time management)

I think every freelancer goes through this at least once. You think you can handle way more clients than you initially thought, which can be hard to keep up with. You’ll lose sleep, your social life, and might even start to hate being a freelancer in general.

Plus, your quality of work can plummet — affecting future contracts.

Only bite off as much as you can chew. If you know that you can only handle about 5 projects at a time, then don’t let yourself take more. Sometimes, you’ll have to say “no” to potential clients, but that’s okay!

If you find that you actually need more work and are wondering where to search for remote jobs, consider checking out Remotive, FlexJobs, and Upwork.

13. Take a Day Off if You Need

Freelancers often forget to take a day off, and sometimes personal health days can be all that you need to suddenly love your work more and be more productive each day. Even if it means giving yourself a long weekend, do it!

When you take a day off, be sure to communicate in advance to your clients so that they know you won’t be available to talk with them that day in case something comes up.

Of course, if you end up being sick, there’s no way to really communicate that ahead of time, but be sure always to have an open line of communication.

Many freelancers will give themselves Monday to get through all of the logistics of their business for the week, whether that means planning out everything, scheduling social media for their own business, sending contracts or invoices, or just catching up on emails.

One thing to keep in mind for admin days is that you shouldn’t be scheduling client meetings or calls on this day; instead, use the whole day to focus on your business.

Make sure that your clients know that every Monday (or whichever day you choose) you aren’t available for calls or meetings, but will answer emails.

15. Change Where You Work

Sometimes being more productive can be as simple as changing up your workplace setting. Consider getting a membership to a local coworking space, heading to a cafe, or working at a friend’s house so that you can have a little bit of social interaction.

If your house or apartment allows for it, move your desk each month to switch up your surroundings. It truly can make a huge difference when it comes to productivity!

Now You Know All About Time Management for Freelancers

Time management is one of the most critical pieces to being a freelancer, and it really comes down to staying on top of your deadlines through many different tools and apps that are completely free to use.

You truly have to find what works best for you, and that can mean a lot of trial and error when you first start! I hope this list helped give you some good ideas for your freelance business.  

Some of the images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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If you want to make a more permanent switch to working remotely, then you’re in luck! There are many remote job sites out there to help you get started on making the change to a location-independent lifestyle.

Since I recently graduated university in the middle of a pandemic, I was sprung right into remote working whether I wanted it or not.

However, after working remotely for the past 10 months, I can truly say that this is the perfect lifestyle for me. I make a living as a freelance graphic designer, social media manager, and writer, and I love that all I need is a strong wifi connection and my laptop to get to work.

When you’re just starting out, it can be confusing trying to find where to search for remote jobs. Luckily, I’ve done all the hard work for you during my own job hunt.

Here are the 15 best remote job sites to help you find your dream job.

What is Remote Work?

Remote work is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a job that allows you to work remotely.

This means that essentially you can work from anywhere, and sometimes that can be anywhere in the world if you find an international employer, or if you’re a freelance worker.

With remote work, you can travel, have freedoms that you wouldn’t have at a desk job, and spend more time doing things you love. You also will have the comfort of working from your own home, which I’ve found is perfect for introverts.

If you’re worried that you won’t be as productive working from your house rather than in the office, there are options for you. You could get a membership to a local coworking place, head to the library, or even your favorite coffee shop.

Essentially, as long as you have a laptop and a strong internet connection that you can get to work if you have a remote job. 

What to Look For in a Remote Job Board

When looking for the best sites for remote jobs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, be sure to do a quick check on the website. Does it seem legit? 

A good way to do a quick check on the legitimacy of a website is to do an internet search on the site itself to see what people are saying about it. Reddit might also be a good resource if you want to hear about real experiences.

The next thing to be aware of is that some remote job boards will take a cut of your salary. This isn’t true of all of them but unfortunately, most freelance job board websites do. This is important to keep in mind when you’re setting your freelance rates.

For example, Upwork (which is one of my personal favorite sites to get work through) will take 20% of your pay for the first $500 you invoice with each client. After you reach the $500 threshold with a particular client, then the percentage switches to 10%.

Finally, if you know that you want to work in a particular sector, such as marketing, then try to find a remote job board that caters to that.

Oftentimes, smaller remote job sites will split up their jobs posted based on the type of job, which can make it a lot easier for you when searching. That way, you don’t have to scroll through all of the engineering jobs when you really want to do social media marketing.

Tips For Being Successful When Searching Remote Job Sites

Just like when applying for in-house jobs, there are a few important tips to consider if you wish to be successful in your job search and application process.

Be Prepared For The Interview

First of all, before you even start applying to jobs, make sure that you have the video conferencing app, Zoom, downloaded to your computer, and make an account.

You won’t always need to do an interview, but if it’s required, 99% of the time your interviewer will want to call you through Zoom. 

It’s best to be prepared and have this downloaded beforehand, or else you could risk potentially being late to your first Zoom call with the company. I’ve had this happen to me before, and trust me; it wasn’t fun!

Have a Look at The Competition

See how many people are applying for the same job.

If you don’t think you’re 100% qualified for a job that has 100+ applicants, then it might be best for you to focus your efforts elsewhere. Remote jobs are quite hard to get in comparison to in-person jobs, but don’t let that stop you. 

Upwork, in particular, will show you exactly how many people you’re applying against, which is a great way to see if your application will even get looked at. I try to always apply to jobs on Upwork that have 10 or fewer applications to be safe and up my chances of being hired, to use my time wisely.

Search For New Job Postings

Another important tip to remember when applying to remote jobs is to be sure to only apply to jobs that have been posted in the past 2 weeks. This is usually about the amount of time that job postings are up before the interviews start.

This is critical to remember because you don’t want to try applying for a job that was posted 3 months ago… the odds are high that job was filled long before you even found it on the remote job site.

Don’t waste your time and put your efforts where you will have the best possible outcome.

Make Sure to Follow-Up

Always follow-up after you apply for a job!

Sometimes, this is what can ultimately get you an interview. Think about it: you’d be more likely to interview someone if they expressed interest in your job twice (by applying and then following up) versus just applying.

This is especially important with remote jobs because of the number of people that apply for them. Make yourself stand out and show that you’re interested by sending off a follow-up email. 

Watch For Scams

Lastly, be sure to always be on the lookout for scams.

Unfortunately, you can get scammed on a remote job board because not every remote job website will look through their listings in-depth. Stick to the legitimate, best remote work sites in this article and you’ll be fine!

There are certain red flags to look out for, such as a client trying to have you send them money, offering to talk outside the given platform, or saying that they will pay you later.

Also, if you find a full-time job offering (rather than freelance work) that says they will include amazing perks like laptops, a brand new home office, etc., do your due diligence to make sure it’s not too good to be true.

15 Best Remote Job Sites

There are tons of websites out there that offer remote jobs, but this list has been handpicked as some of the absolute best.

Of course, be sure to use your judgment when applying for jobs through the sites listed below. But, keep in mind that these are the most trusted by many remote workers — myself included!

What Are The Best Websites That Offer Remote Jobs?

1. FlexJobs

FlexJobs has been consistently voted as one of the best sites for remote jobs since 2007. All of the jobs on this platform are hand-picked and all are siphoned through by real people — there’s no spam here.

What makes it such a great place to search for jobs is that it includes full-time, part-time, employee, and freelance positions, so you can find something on here no matter what type of job you’re looking for. There are more than 30,000 jobs listed with more than 5,000 companies!

FlexJobs also offers a variety of services to help you out if this is your first time trying to find a remote job. For instance, they provide career coaching and resume reviews which could help put you at the top of the application pile!

You do have to pay for a FlexJobs account to look at the job postings, but the prices are very reasonable and there are always huge discounts going on. Oftentimes, you can save up to 85% off the subscription price.

With an account, you’ll be able to have a customized profile with a portfolio, and you can set up daily email job alerts so that you can stay on top of the game and be notified of new positions immediately.

Click here to learn more about FlexJobs and see the current discounts available. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT FLEXJOBS HERE

2. Upwork

Upwork, as you could probably tell since I’ve mentioned it multiple times already, is one of the best remote work sites based on my own personal experience. Learn how to make money on Upwork in my review article. 

It’s the perfect place to find your first clients if you are interested in working as a freelancer and it lets you sort of dip your toes into the water of remote working.

This site is also a great spot to search if you really know what you’re interested in doing. For example, if you know you want to do graphic design, then it’s super easy to use the search bar and whittle down exactly the positions that would be most interesting for you.

This is not the best site if you aren’t really sure which area of work that you’d like to be in, just because there are hundreds of thousands of job postings. It can be hard to search through them all without having at least a few search parameters.

3. Freelancer

Freelancer is a site that is great for those looking to work as a freelancer, just like the name suggests.

Essentially, every job listed on the site is for remote workers who will be needed on a contractual basis, sometimes part-time and other times there will even be postings for full time.

Jobs are split up by type, and almost every type is covered, including internet marketing, data processing, technical writing, and even 3D animation. There are more than 43 million different freelancers who use this site, which is why it’s one of the best remote job websites. It’s trusted by many!

4. Fiverr

Similar to Upwork, Fiverr is another website geared towards freelancers who wish to work remotely. Instead of applying to open job positions though, you instead make your own packaged services that you then offer to potential clients.

For example, maybe you’re good at graphic design for social media purposes. In this case, maybe you would offer packages for YouTube thumbnails so that creators don’t have to worry about that facet of their channel, or Pinterest images.

Normally, freelancers offer 3 different packages, with the first package costing $5. Learn more about making money with Fiverr here.

5. Angel List

If you’re wondering where to search for remote jobs, look no further than Angel List. While this platform also includes lots of in-house positions, you can easily set the location to anywhere, which allows you to work remotely.

Countless jobs on here are for remote workers, but similar to Upwork, it’s a bit easier to navigate if you know exactly what type of job you’re looking for. The site doesn’t just sort everything by type for you, which is its only downfall.

The great thing about Angel List is that it’s a job board site for startups, so you can guarantee that you’ll be working in a smaller company that is still working to build itself.

This is perfect if you’re interested in wearing more than one hat because you’ll most likely be able to help out in a few different areas of the company if you’re interested. This is another site that I’ve seen success through, and I can’t recommend it enough.

6. It’s A Travel OD

It’s A Travel OD is one of the most underrated websites to find remote jobs that I stumbled upon while searching for remote jobs earlier in the year. It’s a website run by Andrea Valeria, a traveller who encourages others to work remotely so that they can also pursue their travel passions. 

There’s a specific travel directory page on her website which is updated weekly with a lot of jobs at both small and large companies. I’ve even landed a job through one of Andrea’s postings which has led to many more client contracts!

Her travel directory features new jobs at the top. It then splits off into different sectors, including Administrative (like human resources and virtual assistants), Customer Service, Sales and Marketing, Writing and Editing, Transcribing, Technology, Design, and Education. There’s truly something for everyone on It’s A Travel OD. 

7. Remote.co

Remote.co is another one of the best remote job websites and also serves as a helpful directory if you’re on the lookout for fully remote companies.

Under their remote companies tab on their website, they feature tons of companies that have people working all over the world. You can easily search for an industry you’re interested in, like sports or tech.

The site also features a remote job board that separates positions based on the type of job, like many other job sites. This makes it easy for you to find what you’re interested in, and it also shows you exactly when the job was posted. Remember to only apply to jobs that were posted recently!

8. We Work Remotely

We Work Remotely is one of the biggest job board sites, which is why it’s one of the best sites for remote work.

Popular companies like Google, Amazon, and Basecamp have posted positions through We Work Remotely in the past, so if you want to work remotely for a larger company, this is a great place to look.

This site is completely free to look at, which is why it’s a great resource if you don’t want to pay while applying for jobs. The positions are separated by type, and each specific job opening includes tags to help you more accurately sort through each position.

9. Jobspresso

Jobspresso is one of the best websites to find remote jobs and is also trusted by large companies, including Forbes and Yahoo! Finance.

The interface is a little more confusing than other job boards, but if you know what type of job you’re looking for, then it can be quite easy to sort through all the listings.

Jobs are separated by type, including sales, development, design, marketing, project management, and more. On average, there are always around at least 1,000 different jobs posted, from both big and small companies. 

Unlike the other job board sites, Jobspresso doesn’t seem to be updated as frequently. However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t be checking this job board every so often because there are quite a few hidden gem positions that can be found on here if you look closely.

10. Remotive

Remotive is a great website for remote jobs that even features a cute little dog avatar that makes you happy while searching throughout the website!

Search by category or type in your specific inquiry in the search bar to see what positions you might be interested in.

There’s also a specific remote company tab if you’re interested in finding completely remote companies. That way, you can then go directly to the company’s website and see what jobs are available for you to apply to.

Be sure to sign up for their daily email alert so that you can be one of the first people to know about new positions once they go live. This resource is what makes Remotive one of the best remote job websites.

11. Remote Woman

Remote Woman is the perfect online job board site if you’re looking for female-friendly remote companies.

Each job is carefully curated, and past job postings have come from companies including Netflix, GitHub, WordPress, HubSpot, The New York Times, and Wikipedia. 

This website is super easy to search, look for the category that most aligns with what you’re interested in and narrows down your search from there.

If you want a bit of a pick-me-up, there are also a whole bunch of success stories of women finding remote jobs through the platform to show you that it’s truly possible to be successful in your remote job search.

Similar to other job board sites, you can also sign up for the email newsletter, which will let you stay up to date with the newest job postings. Remote Woman even has its own podcast, which shares tips and tricks for those looking to work remotely.

12. Remote OK

Remote OK is one of the best remote job sites that feature thousands of jobs and is updated daily. Jobs are easily split into categories so that you don’t have to look too hard to find a job that is perfect for you.

Sign up for either daily, weekly, or monthly emails to see the latest job postings to help you stay on top of the many different job postings. There are not any other resources available on Remote OK, so it’s strictly just a job board site. 

13. Just Remote

Just Remote is a bit of a standout in comparison to other job board sites because they’ve built a specific algorithm that goes out of its way to scrape the internet for the job listings that aren’t necessarily advertised elsewhere.

They work to share with visitors the jobs that you might have a higher chance of getting because of the lack of advertising.

They also have a great resume builder that will help you stand out from your fellow applicants. Just Remote has a helpful blog where they share tips and tricks for those looking to find remote jobs, including remote work habits, remote statistics, and more.

Jobs are easily searchable and are separated by every category imaginable. While the majority of their jobs are fully remote, some of them are partially remote, which is something to keep in mind when doing your job search here.

14. Working Nomads

If you’ve dreamed of becoming a digital nomad, then this is truly one of the best sites for remote work that you should be looking at!

Working Nomads finds all the best remote and telecommuting jobs and lists them on their site for you to go and apply to.

Their website is very straightforward and usually lists only jobs from companies that are a bit smaller in comparison to the other job board sites. From consulting to system administration to health care, Working Nomads has got you covered.

15. Skip the Drive

Last but not least is Skip the Drive, a remote job site that carefully curates its picks, many of which are from Fortune 500 companies.

The website aims to do just what it says: help you skip the drive and work remotely by connecting you to work-from-home job positions.

What makes Skip the Drive so great is that they even have a specific category called entry-level so if you’re just starting in your career, you can still find a remote job by looking in this category. They also have positions in every other industry that you can think of. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Working Remotely?

Just like with an in-house job, there are definitely pros and cons to working remotely that you’re going to want to consider before going down this route.

If you find that the pros outweigh the cons, then remote working might be the perfect option for you!

Pros of Working Remote

1. You get to work from anywhere. This was the main draw for remote working to me, because I love to travel. This means that as long as I have a strong wifi connection while on a beach in Spain, then I can still do my job and get paid.
2. If you choose the freelancing route, you get to choose your own hours. Are you a night owl? That’s fine, you can work at night with freelancing. As a freelancer, you’re your own boss, so you’re essentially in charge of yourself as long as you meet your clients’ deadlines. Sometimes, full-time non-freelance jobs will also allow you to set your own hours as long as you meet your goals.
3. There is so much freedom. If you don’t like having people check in on you and hover over your shoulder throughout the day, then you’re in luck. 
4. Wear your pajamas to work if you want! You can be comfortable and wear your sweats if you want, as long as you look presentable for your meetings (if any).
5. Save money. By working remotely, you don’t have to hop on the bus, train, or even into your car to get to where your job is located because it’s probably in the room next to you. You also won’t be tempted to eat meals out, as you’ll have access to your entire kitchen while working. Plus, you won’t need to purchase a professional wardrobe full of clothes.

Cons of Remote Work

1. There isn’t as much social interaction. Believe it or not, but working from home can get quite lonely and isn’t always a lavish lifestyle like it’s advertised to be. You’ll only really see people through Zoom, and you miss the social interactions and friendships that you’d make by working in an office. To combat this, head to a coworking space!
2. It can be hard to set a routine. You might find that you accidentally sleep half the day away or you find it difficult to be on your own schedule. That’s why it’s so important to use a time management system for freelancers, which will help you manage your time and tasks and stay on top of things. 
3. Work/life balance can be hard to find. It can be quite difficult to work in the same place that you eat your dinner, hang out with your family and friends, and sleep. You’ll need to find a balance between work and life.
4. If you lose internet, you’re in trouble. Without the internet, you can’t do your job. You have to make sure that you always have a strong internet connection or you might miss important deadlines.

7 Best Remote Careers

While searching the best remote job sites, be sure to be on the lookout for some of these high paying online jobs which are arguably the best.

If you choose the freelancing route or you work part-time at a few different remote companies, then you can even do a few of these at once, which can be a great income boost if you manage your time wisely.

1. Teaching English Online

If you’re a native English speaker, then there’s not much else that you have to do or study to get a teaching position.

Connect with people of all ages from all over the world to help them learn English, sometimes even just through casual conversation, and earn up to around $25 per hour (see this GoGoKid review and learn how to make $25/hour teaching online).

Some of the best places to specifically look for English teaching jobs include GoGoKid, PrePly, Cambly, and VIPKID. Of course, you can also often finding teaching English online positions on some of the websites listed earlier in this article as well.

Be sure to do your research because some companies may require you to have a Bachelor’s Degree and a TEFL certificate, while others don’t. Make sure that you’re prepared during your application process. 

No degree? No problem. Have a look at this list of companies that will hire you without a degree.

10 BEST ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHING COMPANIES

2. Blogging

Blogging can be a great source of income, and it’s the perfect way to write about what you love most, whether that’s travelling, teaching, fashion, or even technology. Write about it and use the best SEO practices, and your readers will come.

WordPress is the best place to start your website. Purchase your own domain, pay for hosting, customize a theme, and get writing. Consider investing in an SEO or blogging course to learn from some of the best in the business.

Goats On The Road readers receive 60% off hosting costs with Bluehost. Plus, if you sign up with this link, you’ll receive our free tutorial on how to set up your website the correct way, an ebook, and access to our VIP Facebook group. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT BLUEHOST AND GET 60% OFF

3. Graphic Design

If you studied graphic design or have always loved being creative, then graphic design is the perfect industry for you.

As a graphic designer, you can make anywhere from $10 to $150 per hour, depending on your skillset. For reference, I’m a recent graduate and tend to make around $40 per hour from my own design clients as a freelancer!

What’s great about graphic design is that essentially all you need is a laptop, internet, and Adobe Creative Cloud. You can either work as a freelancer and find your own clients or work for a company and help with their different brochures, flyers, posters, and other needs.

4. Social Media Management

Social media management is a fairly newer area to focus on as a remote worker, but it’s a great way to put some extra cash in your pocket.

So much advertising is done through social media, and oftentimes social media is even the first place that people go when they need customer service.

Social media managers are in high demand for large and small companies, so you can choose to either do freelance for a few smaller businesses or help manage all social media channels for a large company.

With either route that you choose, it’s important to stay on top of current social media trends in addition to current events; the world of social media is constantly changing every day! See Also: how to make money as a freelance social media manager.

5. Freelance Writing

If you’re knowledgeable and passionate about a particular topic, freelance writing is a great field for you to consider — with both larger companies and blogs who are consistently looking for contributors.

As a freelance writer, you can either charge by the word or by article. While Upwork and Fiverr are great places to land freelance writing gigs, be sure to join freelance websites like Solid Gigs which send you just that, solid writing gigs! 

Copywriting is also a great niche to explore, which is essentially encapsulating a brand’s voice to help sell products or even write the text for a website.

This is another skill that’s always in demand in the business world. Click here to try out Solid Gigs for just $2.

TRY SOLID GIGS FOR JUST $2!

6. Virtual Assistant

Believe it or not, but being a virtual assistant can be quite a lucrative remote job, with a wide variety of tasks. You could be helping out with email marketing and social media management one day and then project management and blog writing the next.

I’m a marketing virtual assistant for one of my clients, and it’s great because it’s truly never boring and I get to utilize all the skills that I have learned over the years through various jobs, internships, and experiences.

If there’s a particular niche that you love, then you could try to be a virtual assistant for that area, such as with travel blogs. 

7. Customer Service

Customer service is arguably one of the best and most in-demand remote positions, with companies like Amazon and Apple hiring remotely.

If you love helping people and don’t mind hopping on phone calls and answering emails all day, then customer service can be a great position for you.

If there’s a company that you’ve always wanted to work with, getting one of their customer service positions can also be a great first stepping stone to help you eventually move up the company’s ladder as well.

Now you know the best remote job websites

It takes a certain kind of person with strong task management and organizational skills to be successful with remote work. But, as long as you stay on track and meet your deadlines, remote working can be the perfect way for you to make a living.

I hope this guide to finding the best remote jobs sites, and remote work helped answer your questions. Feel free to share this article with a friend and happy job searching!

For more of our top remote work articles:

Thank you to Shutterstock for providing many of the images in this article. Visit the website for royalty-free videos and images. 

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“Let’s go out for Danish food” isn’t something you often hear, but Denmark is actually a foodie destination. The food in Copenhagen is steeped in tradition and history, but for the last decade, it’s been undergoing a revolution.

Innovative chefs create modern dishes with ancient ingredients and fuse cuisines across cultures while embracing sustainability.

We’ve lived in Denmark since 2017 and although we aren’t Danish, we’ve learned a lot about the food in Copenhagen.

Danes only dine out for special occasions or to meet treasured friends, so the restaurant experience is professional and memorable.

Copenhagen has the most Michelin Stars of any city in Scandinavia but maintains a vibrant street food scene. Even some top restaurateurs have opened food trucks.

In Denmark, you will see how tradition and innovation come together to create an amazing culinary adventure. Enjoy our recommendations on things to eat in Copenhagen!

Denmark Food Culture and History

Geography is destiny, and the food in Copenhagen truly reflects this.

Denmark is a small, flat country in Northern Europe with no point more than 50 km from the sea. The Danish realm, now and historically, stretches north to the Arctic — further shaping its food.

Denmark is a country of fascinating contradictions. It’s a progressive country with deep traditions.

It’s is a collectivist society, but people maintain few, yet deep relationships. It’s a homogeneous culture comprised of people who are natural explorers. 

All of which is reflected in the food.

Traditional Danish Cuisine

Historically, Denmark was a country of small farms and fishing villages. Danes salted and cured food to survive the long winters. Fish was the main protein, especially from the Baltic or North seas.

Dietary staples included root vegetables and hearty grains that can thrive in a short growing season. Today, traditional Danish foods like pickled herring, cured beetroot, and rye bread come from the climate and geography of Denmark.

In the 19th century, three major changes came that had major impacts on the food of Denmark.

First, population growth required more food and additional farms. Farmers reclaimed hilly land that could not support grains and now planted potatoes, which thrived in the rocky soil.

Second, increases in global grain production made small Danish farms unable to compete. Because of this, farmers shifted to raising livestock like dairy cows and pigs.

Third, the industrialization of agriculture forced small farms to develop cooperatives, leading to the construction of dairies and slaughterhouses.

The Danish national dish of stegt flæsk, fried pork belly, represents all three elements of these changes.

Modern brands like Arla Foods, Lurpak butter, and Danish Crown bacon all have their origins in this period. In Copenhagen, many of the former slaughterhouses are now high-end restaurants in the city’s popular Meat Packing neighborhood.

The food in Copenhagen brilliantly reflects Denmark’s geography and its history with an eye on innovation and the future.

Modern Danish Food in Copenhagen

In 2004, Danish chefs led a movement to fuse the historic and traditional foods with modern culinary techniques. They developed the New Nordic Cuisine.

New Nordic focuses on local and seasonal foods from natural and sustainable agriculture. The defining experience of a New Nordic meal is the flavour of core ingredients with a simple, yet beautiful presentation.

The most famous example of this movement is the restaurant Noma, four times named the “best restaurant in the world”. Many consider Noma as the vanguard of the New Nordic movement.

Noma is priced out of reach for most visitors to Copenhagen, but there are dozens of Michelin star and rated New Nordic restaurants in Copenhagen.

Each one offers incredible examples of this modern Danish cuisine.

10 Tasty Foods to Eat in Copenhagen

While there are many amazing meals to try on your trip to Copenhagen, these are the 10 best!

1. Experience an Affordable New Nordic Meal

Out of all the things to eat in Copenhagen, you absolutely need the experience of a New Nordic meal.

The cuisine originated at Noma, but they are booked months in advance and the meal can cost over $1,000 per couple. Luckily, there are budget-friendly alternatives for a New Nordic dinner.

New Nordic restaurants will have a fixed or set menu, and you cannot customize or alter the dishes.

Your only real choice is if you would like an appetizer, usually called chef’s snacks, and what to drink. It’s common for each course to have an accompanying wine selection.

Many of the dishes will contain unfamiliar herbs, vegetables, and seeds. You may have dishes with celeriac juice, dill, smoked cream cheese, ramsons, or lingonberry — just go with it.

These local ingredients create the flavours that define New Nordic cuisine, even if they stretch your pallet.

To sample New Nordic food in Copenhagen, try Restaurant Meille. They have a phenomenal operation headed by former Noma chef, Mads Magnusson.

Restaurant Meille serves affordable luxury — you can have a 5-course meal at $60, and you won’t forget the experience.

2. Julefrokost, The Danish Christmas Meal

Autumn in Europe means changing leaves but also changes in the menu items. Starting in the fall, Restaurant Puk serves Julefrokost, the traditional Danish Christmas meal.

Come hungry!

The Julefrokost consists of a curried herring with egg, onion and capers, or pickled herring with dill sour cream. Next you try smoked salmon with apple and horseradish, shrimp with egg, and deep-fried plaice with remoulade.

Then you’ll dine on a Danish pate, roasted duck with gravy, roasted pork with red cabbage and the Christmas sausage.

Dessert is a Danish rice pudding with cherry sauce and a shot of Akvavit, a traditional Danish liqueur.

A great midrange place to try this meal is Restaurant Puk.

It’s housed in a historic building, the former Royal Brewhouse, which dates back to 1539. Several Danish kings have been regulars at the site and you can be too.

Restaurant Puk has an a la carte menu and a fixed menu for lunch and dinner. Click here to find it on the map.

Copenhagen has a wide selection of restaurants claiming to be traditional Danish cuisine, but many are tourist traps. A red and white checkered table cloth with an antique candle holder does not mean it’s authentic.

3. Danish-Fusion Food in Copenhagen

The Danish food scene is all about freshness and the quality of local ingredients.

This poses a problem if you prepare cuisine using ingredients that originate in other parts of the world. Freshness is paramount, so recipes in Copenhagen are duplicated using local Danish ingredients and New Nordic cooking techniques.

One example of this hybrid or fusion concept is BÆST, an organic Italian inspired pizzeria.

They serve pizza with a Danish-style sourdough crust and locally sourced cheese, tomatoes, herbs, and other ingredients. By using the herb ramson instead of garlic, you get a familiar dish with Scandinavian flavour.

Another place to test this concept is Kiin Kiin, a Michelin star Thai fusion restaurant.

They serve a New Nordic take on Thai cuisine, so Denmark meets Thailand in the kitchen. The result is culinary fusion like a green curry dish with cod and a spicy Asian salad with flounder.

At both BÆST and Kiin Kiin, you’ll taste foreign cuisine with a Danish influence and New Nordic presentation. If you keep an open mind, you will love the result of these food cultures mixing.

4. Try Danish Picnic Food in Copenhagen

You may think a picnic is the same in any city, but Copenhagen takes them to the next level.

Picnics are ingrained in the food culture of Denmark, because people love being outside and need the extra space.

Public spaces are sometimes the only option for gathering a group of friends larger than 3 people. Copenhagen apartments don’t leave much room for entertaining so people picnic most of the year.

You can expect people to dine outside in parks, gardens, and along the waterfronts of the harbour and canal system.

Picnics are such an important part of Danish culture that some Copenhagen food spots only offer takeaway meals.

Even high-end eateries, like Garden Restaurant, offer gourmet picnic baskets for $50-60. They’re located across from The King’s Garden and they pack tapas, charcuterie, and even wine to enjoy your own picnic.

In summer, sunset is well past 9:00pm, so a picnic dinner is the perfect way to enjoy the extra daylight.

5. Visit a Pølsevogn, The Danish Hot Dog Stand

It may surprise you, but the humble hot dog is one of the most traditional Danish street foods in Copenhagen. Crowds around the pølsevogen, or hot dog wagon, are a common sight in the city.

The classic Danish hot dog is called røde pølser or red sausage, but there are several varieties to try.

They originated in the early 1900s as meat vendors discovered they could salvage old sausages with red dye. Today the meat is fresh (don’t worry!) and makes a perfect snack or late-night bite.

The best place to try this perfect street food in Copenhagen is the DØP wagon. They sell organic røde pølser for $5-6 with all the toppings: remoulade, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and fried onions.

You can find their wagon just outside of Copenhagen’s Round Tower every day. Click here for directions. 

6. Flæskesteg: Denmark’s National Dish

Flæskesteg is the national dish of Denmark, and something you must try when you visit Copenhagen. The meal is roasted pork, prepared using traditional Danish culinary methods.

Flæskesteg is a cut of pork broiled with the skin. While preparing the pork, cuts made in the skin are filled with a dry rub of salt, pepper, and sometimes cloves.

The skin cooks along with meat resulting in a tasty crackling crust around each slice of pork. To complete the meal, it’s served with boiled or butter-sauteed potatoes and a white sauce.

Once again, traditional food in Copenhagen is simple and delicious.

Find out for yourself at one of the best authentic Danish kitchens, Frk. Barnes Kælder, in the Vesterbro neighbourhood. Most main dishes, like flæskesteg, will cost $10-12 but it’s difficult to get a table without a reservation. Click here for directions to Frk. Barnes Kælder.

7. Street Food in Copenhagen

Like any food city, the Danish capital has developed a vibrant food truck and street kitchen culture. It just wouldn’t be right to visit the city and not try the street food in Copenhagen.

The best place to try street food in Copenhagen varies based on the seasons.

From April through October, the best place is Reffen. It’s a Copenhagen institution of organic street food vendors located on scenic Copenhagen Harbour. Reffen has seating for 2,500 visitors and hosts over 40 food stalls and bars.

In the winter months, the street food moves indoors to food halls.

One of the best in the city is Torvehallerne, two buildings of food stands and shops with an organic farmers market in between. It’s an excellent stop for a cup of coffee, a pint of Danish beer, or a full meal.

8. Flæskesvær, a Tasty Appetizer

If you see flæskesvær on a menu, order it! It’s served as an appetizer and is a delicious, unique, and truly Danish food.

Flæskesvær originated in the 19th century when Danes were looking for a way to preserve and eat every part of the pork in their diet.

They devised a way for the inedible skin to be cooked down, fried, and consumed as a snack. The flæskesvær recipe hasn’t changed since.

The best place to try flæskesvær is at Nose2Tail, a Danish steakhouse located in the hip and historic Meat Packing District, Kødbyen.

The restaurant derives its name from the method of using every part of the animals it serves. This is just the philosophy that gave the Danes flæskesvær years ago.

At Nose2Tail you can try delicious flæskesvær on both their a la carte and set menus which start around $50. Click here to find the restaurant on the map.

9. Danish Pastries & Bakery Food in Copenhagen

Nothing beats a Danish bakery.

Even simple items, like bread and rolls, are re-imagined and served in a way you have never experienced. Each item has a time and occasion in Danish life and bakeries are a cornerstone of Danish food culture.

For Danes, rye bread or rugbrød is king. Expect dense loaves of rye bread that are sometimes baked with malt syrup, pumpkin seeds, or whole rye berries.

Sourdough breads are also popular and sourdough rolls with cheese are popular for breakfast. Sourdough loaves for dinner are usually prepared with herbs like rosemary, dill, or thyme.

Danish sweet breads and pastries are loved around the world, but did you know they actually come from Austria?

Danes even call them wienerbrød, or Vienna bread.

In 1850, there was a labor strike among the bakery workers of Denmark. This caused the bakery owners to hire foreign labor, including Austrian bakers who had new recipes and techniques.

The new pastries remained and are permanently woven into Danish bakery culture.

Whether you want to try the sweet or the savoury side of Danish baked goods, try Skt. Peders Bageri. For a full sit-down experience, you can try the cakes and pastries of La Glace.

Both establishments have been baking in Copenhagen for generations.

10. Get a Smørrebrød

Denmark has a traditional open-faced sandwich and it’s called smørrebrød.

It’s one slice of buttered rye bread topped with meats, fish, hard-boiled egg, or other toppings. Additional toppings, like lettuce, raw onions, and remoulade sauce are added to taste.

Smørrebrød is served cold and eaten with a knife and fork. A good smørrebrød restaurant will have a full menu of different varieties and knowledgeable staff to help you choose.

Among the best places to try smørrebrød is Restaurant Palægade in the Kongens Nytorv area of Copenhagen. They have a menu of over 40 types of smørrebrød that range from traditional herring to tenderloin and mushroom.

Best Food Tours in Copenhagen

One of the best ways to learn about the cuisine of Denmark is to join a food tour when you’re in the capital.

4-Hour Evening Tour With Wine Tastings and Snacks

Copenhagen in the evening is a wonderful experience. The old buildings and winding streets seem to glow in the twilight, and the harbor is alive as people race to catch the final sunlight of the day.

This 4-hour tour costs about $130 per person and includes several drinks and snacks. You will go through the heart of the city center, including iconic Nyhavn and the waterfront along the harbor.

The highlight is enjoying a drink from the tower above Copenhagen’s oldest harbour bridge. This is something even locals rarely get to do, and it’s an incredible vantage point to soak in the views and vibes of Copenhagen.

Click Here to Learn More About the Evening Tour

Copenhagen Culinary Bike Tour

There is no better way to see Copenhagen than by bike. First, it allows you to mingle with locals on the massive network of bike lanes around the city. Additionally, it maximizes your time, letting you quickly move between neighborhoods.

The 3-hour tour costs about $92 per person. It includes a number of different foods to sample, including smørrebrød, hot dogs, fish meatballs, and sample beer from Mikkeller.

The tour travels from the city center, along the waterfront, and into the trendy Meatpacking area in Vesterbro. It’s a great way to see much of the city and sample many of our recommended foods.

Click Here to Learn More About the Food and Bike Tour

Vesterbro Walking Food Tour

For food and fun, the most interesting neighborhood in Copenhagen is Vesterbro.

This was the old red-light district but has undergone a renaissance in the last 20 years. It still has some dodgy local dives, and is also home to trendy restaurants and cocktail bars.

This 3-hour tour costs $78 per person, and includes stops in several bars around the neighborhood. You will also learn the history of the neighbourhood, as it moved from working-class to red-light to hip in the span of 50 years.

The tour is perfect for people who want a deeper experience in a real neighbourhood. It’s also a chance to learn about other great bars and restaurants to try in Copenhagen.

Click here to learn more about this Walking food tour

Drinks in Copenhagen

You’ll need something to wash down all of the tasty food. Here are some of the drinks to try in Copenhagen you won’t want to miss.

1. The Quintessential Danish Beer: Carlsberg

In general, Denmark is a beer and shot drinking culture. The Danish beer brand Carlsberg is on tap at every bar and restaurant in Copenhagen. The history of Copenhagen is intertwined with the history of the Jacobsen family, the founders of Carlsberg.

The family were patrons of the arts, founded the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum, and funded renovations of Frederiksberg Castle. In Copenhagen, you can tour the former brewery with a tasting.

You’ll also learn how the founder developed brewers yeast and shared it with the world instead of seeking a patent.

Anywhere in Copenhagen you can pay them homage by enjoying a cold Carlsberg Pilsner or Jacobsen Lager.

2. World-Class Craft Beer: Mikkeller

While Carlsberg was a patron of the arts and sciences, Denmark’s (and maybe the world’s) best craft beer came from a high school physics teacher.

Mikkeller is a Danish brewer that actually has no brewery!

Mikkeller brews a wide range of craft beers, from sours to stouts, often partnering with existing breweries all over the world. In just 15 years of operation, they developed over 1000 recipes.

You can find Mikkeller beers all over town, including dedicated bars in Vesterbro and their Baghaven location on the harbour near Reffen. They are also available in bottle shops and grocery stores around town.

The best way to enjoy Mikkeller is at two of their partnerships. Warpigs in Meatpacking offers American-style barbecue, while Ramen to Biiru has four locations around the city serving delicious ramen.

Snaps, Snaps, Snaps!

Knowing that Denmark is a beer and shot culture, you need some liquor as well!

Snaps is a strong liquor distilled from grain or potatoes and flavored with native herbs like dill and anise.

Snaps is served ice-cold and always with food. It is sipped and is always present at major holidays like Easter and Christmas. You can try snaps as part of a traditional Danish lunch, as it pairs very nicely with pickled herring smørrebrød.

Our favorite brand of snaps is from Snaps Bornholm.

It’s a little less traditional, as they mix flavors like chili and honey or fig to make delicious snaps with a little less edge for us foreigners. You can find Snaps Bornholm in liquor stores or nicer restaurants around Copenhagen.

Now You Know What To Eat in Copenhagen

Danish culture truly resonates through its cuisine. The foods retell the story of a people who adapted to thrive in a difficult climate. It’s the result of a nation that depends on innovation and creativity to stand out in the modern world.

Copenhagen is best experienced by tapping into the local culture, like its food. There is no better way to do that than through its restaurants, bars, and grocers.

From a simple hot dog wagon to an exquisite multi-course New Nordic menu, the food in Copenhagen will satisfy your hunger for excitement!

Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com. Check them out for royalty-free videos and images. 

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As with anything, remote work has both pros and cons. In this article, I’ll give you my best tips for working remotely — either from home or while travelling. 

While not everything is perfect, there are some major perks to working outside of an office.

Things like: reduced daycare costs, no commute, wearing pyjamas all day, increased productivity, and the freedom and flexibility to be available for family and friends whenever they need you.

Ultimately, the ability to work remotely allows us to establish and achieve a better work-life balance, which is essential for those who value both a career AND a life.

Whatever your desire is for working remotely, just understand that there is a learning curve to being productive and getting your work done — especially if you are a full-time traveller moving from place to place, or are new to working from home. 

I’ve been a remote worker for 2 years now and in this article, I’ll share my best tips for working remotely, which will help you:

1. Be aware of the challenges of working from home.
2. Increase your productivity, so work gets done.
3.  Know what to expect so you can do #1 and #2.
4. Have the availability to pay attention to your family.
5. Manage your health and wellbeing.

Here we go, these are my top 10 tips for working remotely!

1. Schedule Out Your Day

Having a structure to your workday can go a long way for your productivity as you are working remotely. 

We all have those moments when we start to lose focus and get distracted by things around the house. Who knew that tackling unfolded laundry would sound more appealing than finishing that online project?

Creating a schedule – and sticking to it – can help you jump on the work wagon right out of the gate each morning.

When you have a schedule with deadlines mapped out, you know when specific tasks need to be accomplished so you can meet those deadlines.

If this sounds like a lot — break it up by weeks or by days!

Make a weekly goal to hit, and from there, start mapping out each day, and what it will look like so you can meet those weekly goals.

I recommend making a schedule the night before or even at the end of your previous workday, so everything is fresh in your mind.

If you are new to remote life, don’t worry. Practice makes perfect.

Once you establish how long tasks take, you should be able to allocate them within your schedule accordingly. And you know what? Sometimes your scheduled tasks might overlap. And that’s okay.

Having flexibility can be extremely helpful when you make a schedule. But don’t be so flexible that your schedule goes to waste. Try to stick to it when you can! Just be prepared for those days when things don’t always go as planned, and you need to regroup.

Personally, I’m a paper planner lady.

I write my schedule out every single day.

I have one column that holds my list of tasks I need to accomplish that day and another column that irons out my daily schedule (down to the half-hour).

My husband, Nick, on the other hand, inputs his schedule straight into Google Calendars. Not my thing. Just find what works for you.

2. Create Purposeful Off-Time

It’s one thing to create and follow a strict schedule work; it’s another thing entirely to make sure you also schedule in ‘off-time.’

By ‘off-time’ I mean, going for a run, meeting up with friends or family, setting aside time to cook a nice dinner, pick up a hobby, or just do something that is not related to your work.

Maintaining your mental health with “outside of work activities” is so essential for achieving that work/life balance I mentioned earlier.

One great tip I’ve heard (for those who make their own work schedule) is to plan in your off-time or leisure time and then schedule in your work around those activities.

If you want to meet a friend for lunch, schedule that and accommodate your work tasks around that lunch.

Don’t forgo this particular time with a friend for work when you can do both.

If you need to take your child to the doctor, schedule the appointment first. Then fill in your work around it.

This may not always work for everyone, but it’s worth a try if you do have the flexibility for this.

Working from home comes with the challenge of switching work “off”. This is especially hard when your job is sitting only a couple of feet away.

Just implement a few of these tips, practice and stick to a routine, and observe what works for you and your situation.

3. Create an Environment Conducive to Work

This is one of my top pieces of advice for working remotely. 

Don’t set up your office space right in front of the TV, or in your kid’s playroom, or in some area of your home where your family usually congregates. Find a dedicated space that allows you to zone in and focus on your work.

But, don’t worry about having the perfect work environment.

Unless you have a sweet set up, that Pinterest worthy home office won’t be attainable for a lot of people, including you. Just make sure that the place you designate as your workspace is just that: your place to work.

Having your work located inside your home can sound exciting. And yes, at first, it might be fun, working from the couch, having a pantry full of snacks a short walk away, and a TV readily available to turn ON during your breaks.

So how do you resist these temptations each day?

Tip #1:

My first tip on this subject is to avoid working from your bed, from a couch, or from anything you could potentially lounge on.

I know it’s called a laptop, but I recommend that you try and keep your computer out of your lap as much as you can.

First of all, it’s terrible for your posture. If you can set your screen up at eye level, that would be optimal and take the pressure off your neck. 

Tip #2:

You want to clearly define where your work actually takes place. It can be a coffee table, your kitchen counter, or anywhere that you can set up shop.

Show up to that space with your computer, planner, notebook, coffee, or anything else you need to get to work. Your productivity within that space is what makes it your home office.

Tip #3:

Lastly, it’s essential to have breaks during your workday — but don’t distract yourself with TV, your phone, or other addicting devices that can easily trap you into bingeing the latest Netflix series or losing hours of your day scrolling.

Instead, consider your breaks like you would if you were in a regular office — go outside for a quick walk, make a meal, or call a friend. 

4. Plan a Time To Finish Your Work (and stick to it

Make sure that you set a time each day to finish work. That means signing off and closing your computer for the night.

No more. Zip. Nil. Nada. Everything else will be dealt with tomorrow.

I know too well that having your office so easily accessible can be detrimental to work-life balance.

I can’t tell you how many times I picked up my computer to quickly work on a project instead of turning it off and paying attention to my surroundings or my family in the evenings.

There will be times when a deadline is looming or a launch is on the horizon. At those times, all hands are needed on deck. But outside of these intense periods, it’s imperative to keep a healthy balance between your home time and your work time.

One way you can do this is to plan (or aim for) a specific time of day that you want to finish work or sign off.

Planning a time to finish your work is vital for breaking through the mindset barrier that distinguishes your “workday” from “being at home.”

In a regular 9-5 job, the commute alone might have helped our minds transition from work life to home life. Unfortunately, working from home can easily muddle these two very different concepts.

One way to combat this problem is to set up your office in a location within the house that forces you to pack it up every day — such as the kitchen table.

Everyone needs to eat, so by the time dinner rolls around, you are forced to log-off, stop work, and clear up your office for the night. Packing up your office might help solidify your ability to disconnect from being in the office at home and being at home.

This tip for working remotely is to keep you from overworking yourself — which is surprisingly easy to do, especially now that you don’t have an office closing time or a co-workers’ happy hour to attend.

5. Set Boundaries With Your Family

Not all of us have to worry about boundaries, but you might be sharing your home with partners, kids, parents, or roommates.

That’s why you should make sure there are ground rules for when it’s your “work time” and when it’s “playtime” or “tell me about your day time.”

I can’t stress how important this is for all parties involved.

Now, this may look completely different from household to household, but a common thread that needs establishing is communication. Discuss with your partner or roommate the 3-4 most important tasks you need to accomplish today.

First of all, this establishes accountability. Secondly, if you have children, you and your partner can tag-team watching them and make sure you both accomplish your goals each day.

If you have older kids that can manage themselves, setting boundaries could look more like a sign outside the door that indicates you should not be disturbed during this time.

You could also wear headphones if you don’t have a physical barrier to use as a signal (if you work at the kitchen table, for instance). This is a great way to keep your household in the loop without announcing it on loudspeakers every time.

Just remember that not everyone in the house is going to be on the same schedule as you.

Whether it’s kids, in-laws, partners or roommates, start by explaining that when you work from home, you aren’t always available for a chat or a quick “can you help me with this” task.

You are working. If you treat it like any other day at the office, the household will (eventually) fall in line, too.

6. Take Enough Breaks

Now, I know this post is supposed to give you tips working remotely by staying productive, creating systems, and working from home hassle-free, but that doesn’t mean you are being given the green-light for grinding away 20 hours of the day.

Just because you have non-stop access to your office…You. Have. Got. To. Give. Yourself. Breaks.

Find a break system that works for you. Some people prefer setting aside 2-3 hours to devote to their work and then take an hour off to unwind and reboot.

Others (those with kids, I’m looking at you) might not have that luxury.

Maybe you work 50 minutes on, 10-20 minutes off.

Perhaps you only work during naptime and in the evenings when the kids are in bed. You will find a groove that works for you.

If you have the freedom to set your own schedule and pace, I recommend setting a timer to go off every 50 minutes or every 2 hours (depending on how long you want to work).

When it goes off, take a break. Go for a walk around the block. Stretch. Get up and do something with your body.

Pro tip: our bodies need movement – so make sure you accommodate and take care of yourself physically, too.

Which leads me to my next point.

7. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

You might be surprised to learn that once you get into the groove of working from home, it gets even easier to skimp out on your mental and physical health.

For one, you have the opportunity to set your own hours — which can sometimes be a bad thing.

When we have work resources at our disposal, it becomes harder to shut off or end your workday as you normally would when leaving an office.

Your computer is always around; your emails are still available to check.

Therefore, it can be easier than you think to start forgetting human necessities — things like destressing your mind by going outside for a walk, exercising, and socializing.

This mental break can also come in the form of fresh air. Take any excuse to get outside and breath fresh air — which is said to help improve your concentration and reduce your stress levels.

Being an active person who loves the outdoors, I always make sure I get some outside time every day. Whether it’s the typical morning run, sitting outside for lunch, or going for a walk around the neighbourhood when I need a break.

It’s essential to breathe some fresh air and just be out in nature.

8. Plan Social Time

If you have just transitioned from an office job to remote work, you may be missing the camaraderie of co-workers or the social part of going into the office.

Shifting to working from home can be a tough transition, especially if you are the more extroverted type.

One way to combat this remote life problem is to set up virtual playdates with your co-workers if you have them.

Have lunch “together.” Hopping on Zoom or Google Hangout calls can also help foster or maintain those connections and build mutual support with your colleagues.

Now, if you are a solopreneuer, (i.e., the boss and the team of your company), you might not have co-workers to turn for a virtual lunch date. Totally fine, just call your best friend or your mom instead.

Keeping up connections, checking in, and just saying hi can boost anyone’s day — including yours. Remote work can get lonely, so it’s important to maintain those relationships and communicate with others frequently.

If your partner works from home too, schedule a break to have a chat with them or have lunch together.

If your kids are home, set aside time during the workday to take them for a walk, or play a game. Just remember to take care of yourself and your relationships too, not only your work.

9. Embrace Your “Zone of Genius”

You’ve probably heard your parents, or your grandparents tell you that you are unique and special.

Well, you are. And so is everybody else out there. Since each of us is unique, that means that we each have our own Zone of Genius.

Not all of us are morning people, not all of us love coffee, and maybe not all of us can work in our pyjamas — that is A-Okay.

You do you.

Just make your remote work life work best for you.

Find your productive hours and embrace them. If that means sleeping in and working late, that’s cool. Maybe, like me, you are more creative in the morning and can whip out content before lunchtime, leaving the rest of your day for other business tasks.

Great. Schedule your days to incorporate this.

Do you dread having calls first thing in the morning? Schedule them in the afternoon if you can. Make a schedule that fits your personality and your lifestyle.

Adjust and be flexible so that you can get into the Zone of Genius that is advantageous for you.

10. Eliminate Distractions When You Work Remotely

Eliminating distractions could mean everything from muting notifications and turning off the TV, to physically putting your phone in another room.

I can guarantee you don’t have as much self-control as you think you do.

You probably won’t catch yourself scrolling on Instagram until minute 4. We all fall into this procrastination trap, so don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Embrace this truth and then do something about it.

Bonus! #11. Keep Track Of Your Work Time

Keeping track of the amount of time you spend on projects or tasks can help you streamline and implement systems that work with your schedule and the available productivity hours you are capable of.

Not everyone can crank out intensive 12-hour workdays. It’s probably a little closer to 6 hours, in reality.

Knowing how long it takes you to complete projects or tasks can help you set aside enough time for them.

For instance, if you take 15 minutes to check your email, you can fit that task in between your run and your 3 pm meeting.

If it takes two hours of uninterrupted time to write a report or a blog post, then you might need to tackle that in the morning before the members of your house are up, or during your child’s precious nap time hours.

Try using a time-tracking app like Toggl.

Toggl can be a constructive way to keep count of the hours you’ve spent working on any given day or any given project so you can use this information to delegate your tasks throughout your scheduled day accordingly.

Pro tip: you can use Toggl to track the number of hours you work each day. This will help you avoid overworking and show you days that you might need to pick up the slack.

What do these remote working tips mean for you?

By reading this post, you should have noticed a common theme: find what works for you as you are navigating working remotely.

These are all tips.

Not guidelines, not rules, just advice, and ideas for you to take away and implement. And guess what? Some won’t work for you, while some will be bang on, exactly what you need.

Find your unique style of working from home and embrace it.

Because ultimately, what it comes down to is being able to get enough work done to move along in your business while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance so you can be available for your loved ones — and most importantly, available for yourself.

Working from home can be unpredictable at times. It’s important to set boundaries but also be able to go with the flow when you need to. Just remember to take care of yourself and maintain a healthy balance between work and home.

Images in this article are sourced from Shutterstock – a website filled with gorgeous royalty-free photos and videos.

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Whether you’re interested in cars, art, music, history, sports, or nightlife, there are plenty of awesome things to do in Detroit to satisfy your interests. Here you can spend a morning visiting a world-class art museum, cycle along the riverfront in the afternoon, and rock out to live music while sipping a Michigan craft beer at night. 

Detroit is a city that goes by many different names. You may know it as the Motor City, Detroit Rock City, or Motown, but I call it home. I was born just outside of Detroit and spent the better part of my life there until moving off to college just up the road.

While my hometown made the news for all the wrong reasons for several decades, Detroit has been experiencing a major renaissance in recent years. There’s a saying around Motown that goes “Detroit hustles harder,” and that never-say-quit attitude has brought new life back into the city.

I’m excited to share some of the best Detroit attractions with you along with some local tips to make your visit to the Motor City an unforgettable experience!

If you’re ready to see the best that Motown has to offer, read on for some of the best things to do in Detroit.

1. Take a Walking Tour

The best way to get acquainted with the Motor City (or any city, for that matter) is on your own two feet. As long as you’re not visiting in the dead of winter, downtown Detroit is a perfectly walkable place. 

If you’d like to learn more about Detroit as you stroll, go ahead and sign up for one of the free walking tours with Detroit Experience Factory. But, these tours only run on Saturday, so if you don’t happen to be in Motown over the weekend you can check out this affordable and informative walking tour of Detroit. 

Along the way, you’ll spot some of Detroit’s most famous landmarks, such as the fist of Joe Louis and the Spirit of Detroit. In addition, you’ll get to take in some of the city’s incredible architecture. Be sure to bring your camera along for this one! Going on a walking tour is definitely one of the best things to do in Detroit.

2. Detroit Institute of Arts

While Detroit may be famous for its cars and music, there’s also a fantastic art scene here. Art lovers are in for a real treat when travelling to the D thanks to the city’s numerous museums, galleries, and street art.

To begin your art adventure in the city, head to the Detroit Institute of Arts. This world-class museum is home to one of the largest art collections in the United States and features over 100 galleries in all. It’s definitely one of the top Detroit attractions and a must-visit.

The inner courtyard of the museum features the famous Detroit Industry frescoes by Diego Rivera. These 27 panels depict the automotive industry at Ford Motor Company and Rivera even considered them his most successful work.

There’s so much to see at the Detroit Institute of Arts that you can easily spend an entire day there. The museum is open from 9AM-4PM Tuesday to Thursday, 9AM-10PM on Friday, and 10AM-5PM on the weekend. Tickets are $14 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for college students, and $6 for youth ages 6-17. You can find the museum on the map here. 

3. Rock Out

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Detroit is going out to see some live music. After all, this is Detroit Rock City! No matter what night of the week it is, you’ve got plenty of options for rocking out in Detroit.

Shows here run the gamut from massive international touring bands at the football stadium to tiny dive bars with local bands looking to make a name for themselves. Whatever your musical tastes are, there’s something playing for you in Detroit. Rock, jazz, electronic, hip hop, classical – the list goes on and on.

Some of my personal favourite places to see a concert in Detroit include the Fillmore, the Majestic Theatre/Magic Stick, and the Masonic Temple. To find out what’s playing in Detroit, I recommend checking out the calendar of events from the Metro Times or Jambase. 

☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Fun Things To Do in New Orleans – An Insider’s Guide

4. Hang Out in Campus Martius

One of the best places to visit in Detroit is Campus Martius. For those who aren’t Latin scholars, the name of this downtown Detroit park means “Field of Mars.” The original was the most populous area in Rome, and this one is a great place to kick it in Motown.

Before we get into the fun things to do in Campus Martius, a little history lesson. Back in 1805, the city was devastated by a huge fire. Augustus Woodward, the first Chief Justice of the Michigan Territory, set about rebuilding the city centred around this park.

After some major renovations in 2004, the park is now home to sculptures, gardens, a nice fountain, and a few places to grab a snack or a drink. In the winter months, you’ll find an ice skating rink here, while the warmer months feature a fun little beach in the middle of the city.

If you happen to be visiting Detroit in the fall, you can attend the festive Christmas tree lighting here the Monday before Thanksgiving. Whichever season you visit in, be sure to add a stop in Campus Martius to your list of things to do in Detroit. You can find the park on the map here.

☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Awesome Things To Do in Asheville, NC

5. Visit the Motown Museum

Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Michael Jackson – these are just a few of the legends who recorded music right here in Detroit. As such, one of the top Detroit attractions is the Motown Museum, AKA Hitsville, USA. 

Motown founder Berry Gordy purchased a photography studio in 1959 and transformed it into a recording studio. Over the following decade, countless hit songs were recorded here in Studio A. In short, the Motown sound was born in this very building.

Motown Records moved its operations to Los Angeles in 1972, and many believe the heart of the label was lost in the process. In 1985, the Motown Museum opened up to continue the legacy of this important piece of musical history.

The Motown Museum is open from 10AM-6PM Tuesday-Sunday from May to October. During the fall and winter, it’s also closed on Sundays. Tickets are first-come, first-serve, and often sell out on the weekend. It costs $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children ages 5-17. You can get directions to the museum and find it on the map here.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Things To Do in Austin – A Guide to The Texas Capital

6. Take the RiverWalk

These days, one of the top things to do in Detroit is taking a stroll along the RiverWalk. Part of a greater transformation of the Detroit riverfront as a whole, this 3.5-mile trail is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise in the Motor City.

Along the trail, there are several parks, fishing piers, picnic areas, and even a carousel. While walking here is just fine, there are also plenty of places where you can rent a bike. Whether you walk or ride, it’s a scenic area to spend a few hours in.

Work on the RiverWalk is ongoing as it continues to expand. For now, it starts at Joe Louis Arena downtown and stretches to the Milliken State Park. Make sure you stop here for a great photo op with the lighthouse!

The RiverWalk is hands down one of the coolest places to visit in Detroit, so be sure to add it to your itinerary. You can get directions to the RiverWalk by checking the map here.

• Wandering along the riverfront is one of the top things to do in Chicago as well. If you’re heading to the Windy City, don’t miss it.

7. Explore Belle Isle

I spent most of my life in the Detroit area, and my favourite place to go in the city is definitely Belle Isle. This state park is actually an island in the Detroit River in between Michigan and Ontario, Canada. From one side of the park you can see downtown Detroit, and from the other, you can catch a glimpse of Windsor. Pretty cool, eh?

Belle Isle has actually had quite an interesting history. Once a playground for the well-to-do with a casino, zoo, and bandshell, the park fell into disrepair for many years. It became a state park in 2014 and it has been on the up and up ever since.

There’s plenty to see and do on Belle Isle to warrant spending an entire day there, especially during the warmer months. You can check out the greenhouses at the conservatory, visit the aquarium, hit a bucket of golf balls, or just lounge on the beach. It’s definitely one of the most fun places to visit in Detroit.

It’s free to visit Belle Isle, but you need a Michigan Recreation Passport to drive onto the island. These cost $31 for non-Michigan residents and they get you access to all state parks for the entire year. If you’re just visiting and don’t think it’s worth it to shell out the dough, you can just cycle or walk across the bridge to access the island for free. 

Belle Isle Park is open from 5AM-10PM every day. For directions, check the location on the map here. 

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Top Denver Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss

8. Eat and Drink, Detroit Style

I don’t know about you, but I always love to try local snacks and drinks when I travel. There are plenty of tasty made-in-Detroit options that you should definitely sample when visiting Motown.

If you’ve ever heard someone call soda “pop” and wonder why, that’s because of Faygo. This Detroit company coined the term long ago and still produces unique carbonated beverages such as Rock & Rye and Redpop. Another classic Detroit drink is Vernors ginger ale, which goes especially well in a Motown Mule cocktail.

Moving on to the snacks, we have to start with Better Made potato chips. Founded back in 1930, they still churn out delicious varieties of chips such as red hot BBQ and salt & vinegar. I know I’m a local and may be biased, but I really think these are the best chips around!

To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can pick up a box of chocolates or try some ice cream from Sanders. If you’d like to live out your own version of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, you can even take a guided tour of their factory. You’ll need some wheels, though, as it’s about a 30-minute drive outside of downtown Detroit in Clinton Township. Check the map for directions here.

9. Take the Coney Island Hot Dog Challenge

We can’t talk about eating in Motown without mentioning the classic Detroit Coney Island hot dog. This culinary masterpiece is a beef frankfurter in a natural casing, topped with an all-meat chili, diced white onions, and yellow mustard.

Don’t you dare put ketchup on this hot dog!

If you’re wondering why the Detroit-style hot dog is named after a place in New York, well there’s really no definitive answer there. I can give you a little history lesson, though…

Back in 1917, a Greek immigrant named Gust Keros opened American Coney Island in downtown Detroit. His brother moved to town a few years later and eventually opened Lafayette Coney Island right next door. Both are still in business to this very day, although ownership of Lafayette has since changed hands.

One of the top things to do in Detroit is taking the “Coney Challenge” where you try a hot dog from both establishments to see which one you like best. I have my personal favourite, but you’ll just have to go try them both and decide for yourself! You can find American on the map here, and Lafayette is literally right next door.

10. Catch a Professional Sports Game

As you may have noticed by now, Detroit has a lot of nicknames. In addition to being called the Motor City, Motown, and Detroit Rock City, it’s also commonly known as Hockeytown. That’s because the city is home to the Red Wings, who have won more Stanley Cups (11) than any other American team. 

The Wings recently moved into a new home downtown at Little Caesars Arena, which is now one of the top Detroit attractions. The regular season runs from October to April with home games every few days. They share the arena with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, so there’s a good chance there will be a game on if you’re visiting in fall/winter.

Detroit is actually one of only two cities where teams in all four major sports play downtown (Denver being the other one). In addition to the Red Wings and Pistons, Detroit is home to the Tigers (MLB) and Lions (NFL). The Tigers play at Comerica Park and have games very often from April to October, while the Lions play eight home games at Ford Field during the season starting in September. 

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, catching a game is one of the best activities in Detroit. Depending on the game, you can even score last-minute tickets for super cheap! 

☞ SEE ALSO: Seattle Attractions – 15 Top Things To Do in The Emerald City

11. Check Out the Heidelberg Project

Of all the Detroit attractions, it’s really hard to beat the uniqueness of the Heidelberg Project. This outdoor art project has a very inspirational story and message behind it. 

Artist Tyree Guyton returned to his neighborhood on Heidelberg Street after serving in the army only to find that it “looked like a bomb went off.” After the riots of 1967, poverty and blight made this a place where people were afraid to walk, even in broad daylight.

With the help of his wife and grandpa, he began painting houses with brightly coloured dots and attaching salvaged items to them. They continued to transform abandoned houses and lots into one big art project, eventually developing a non-profit community centre around it.

It’s a fascinating place to visit and a great cause to support, so be sure to add it to your list of things to do in Detroit. 

The Heidelberg Project is just a short drive from downtown Detroit. There’s plenty of street parking so you can get out of the car and walk around, or you could just catch an Uber there. Alternatively, it’s not a bad bike ride if you rent some wheels. You can find it on the map here.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Awesome Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

12. Ride the People Mover

To be honest, public transportation in Detroit isn’t great. What can I say? It is the Motor City after all. That being said, things are slowly improving as mass transit finally comes to Motown. 

While it isn’t exactly the most useful or profitable system, the People Mover is pretty cool as a tourist attraction. This elevated light rail train circles downtown Detroit, stopping at 13 different stations along the way.

A ride on the People Mover only costs $0.75 and provides some nice views of the city. It’s an easy way to get between some of the top Detroit attractions such as the RenCen and Greektown. 

The People Mover operates between 6:30 and midnight from Monday to Thursday. It stays open until 2AM on Friday, runs from 9AM-2AM on Saturday, and from noon to midnight on Sunday. You’ll need to pay in cash or pick up some tokens to use for your rides. 

13. Explore Eastern Market

Eastern Market has been a Detroit institution since way back in 1841. That makes it one of the oldest urban farmers markets in the country! It’s a fun place to explore and definitely earns its spot among the top places to visit in Detroit.

On a visit to Eastern Market, you can shop for fresh produce, clothing, art, jewelry, and so much more. In total, around 225 different vendors set up here. There are also several excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars in the area. You could easily spend all day exploring the Eastern Market.

The market is at its busiest on Saturdays, when upwards of 40,000 people visit. The Saturday market operates year-round from 6AM-4PM. There are also seasonal markets on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Be sure to check their website for all the relevant information about the many different markets. 

While you’re in the area, be sure to grab your camera and search for amazing street art. The annual Murals in the Market festival brings artists from all over the world here to brighten up the neighborhood with eye-catching murals. Get directions and check the location of Eastern Market on the map here.

14. Visit Greektown and Mexicantown

Many cities in the US are home to a Chinatown or Little Italy, but not that many have a Greektown or Mexicantown. Detroit has both! Exploring these neighborhoods should certainly be on your list of things to do in Detroit.

Greektown is located right smack in the heart of the city near the stadiums and theatres. Here you’ll find the popular Greektown Casino as well as a handful of awesome Greek restaurants.

I love eating at Pegasus in Greektown, especially ordering saganaki. This appetizer of fried cheese comes to your table on fire as your waiter yells “Opa!” It’s quite the dining experience. You can find Greektown on the map here, and can get there via a ride on the aforementioned People Mover.

Over in southwest Detroit, you’ll find the area known as Mexicantown. Mexican immigrants began flocking to Detroit in the 1920s due to turmoil in Mexico after the revolution. These days, Mexicantown is a thriving neighborhood full of Mexican-owned shops.

I actually live in Mexico now and can attest to the fact that the Mexican food in this part of Detroit is legit! If you’re craving some tacos, this is where you’ll want to head. You can find Mexicantown on the map here.

15. Go for a Bike Ride

Detroit is definitely still the Motor City, but it’s also a very bike-friendly place. More and more bike lanes are being installed in the city every year as cycling becomes a more popular means of getting around.

As I mentioned above, the RiverWalk is a great place to go for a bike ride in Detroit. There are several places that rent bikes along the trail. You can also find bike rentals all over the city at the various MoGo stations. A day pass costs $8 with unlimited 30-minute trips. If you use the bike longer than that, it costs an additional $4 for each 30 minutes.

If you don’t feel like paying for the car pass to visit Belle Isle, cycling is a solid option. The island is a great place for a leisurely bike ride, especially on a nice sunny day. 

To really experience cycling in Detroit Rock City, you should join the Slow Roll. This weekly bike ride brings out tons of people for a group ride through the streets of Motown. Thousands show up, many with some impressively tricked out bikes.

The group meets on Monday nights and takes winters off for obvious reasons. Keep up with their Facebook page for their 2019 schedule.

16. Explore the RenCen

Dominating Detroit’s skyline, the Renaissance Centre is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers on the riverfront. Commonly known as the RenCen, it’s the world headquarters of General Motors.

The RenCen has been one of the top Detroit attractions for quite some time. Come here to admire Michigan’s tallest building from outside, and then head in to explore a bit. Make sure you check out GM World, which showcases some of the company’s latest vehicles. 

There are also plenty of different shops, cafes, and restaurants inside the complex if you want to stay awhile. While the restaurant on the top floor recently closed, a new one will be moving in on the 71st and 72nd floors soon. 

You can actually take a free tour of the RenCen if you’d like. They run from Monday-Friday at both noon and 2PM. Check their website for more details about the tours and everything else on offer there.

17. Cruise on the Detroit Princess

If you enjoy being out on the water, you might want to add a river cruise to your list of things to do in Detroit. The Detroit Princess Riverboat is a massive 5-story cruise boat that holds up to 1,500 passengers. 

On this dinner cruise of the Detroit River, you’ll get to enjoy some incredible views of the city along with a mouth-watering meal. Chefs carve up prime rib and juicy pork tenderloin, and there’s also a buffet with a wide range of choices.

In addition to the views and dinner, you’re treated to some live Motown classics. Each level also has a full bar set up, making this one amazing floating party! 

Prices and times for the Detroit Princess cruises vary depending on the season. Adult tickets cost between $55-70 and typically last from 7-9:30PM. They also have a lunch cruise which is a bit cheaper. Be sure to check their schedule and book your tickets in advance for this one.

18. Visit the Henry Ford Museum

Without the vision of Henry Ford, there’s no doubt that Detroit would not be what it is today. In fact, his Model T car changed the entire world! Ford founded this museum in an effort to preserve the history of his time, especially the Industrial Revolution that he helped spur. 

There’s a lot to see and do here, as it’s actually the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the entire US. You can visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, which began as a collection of historical objects by Ford himself. Here you can see the limo that JFK was assassinated in, the bus Rosa Parks refused to give up a seat on, and even an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!

In addition, you can explore the fascinating Greenfield Village. It’s a collection of buildings from the 17th century to the present and is meant to show how Americans have lived and worked since the country was founded. There are nearly 100 different buildings here that were all moved from their original locations and arranged in a village. 

If you want to see how cars are made in person, you can sign up for a tour of the Ford Rouge Factory. Here you’ll get an in-depth look at the making of the Ford F-150, America’s most iconic truck. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Detroit when it’s raining, or cold outside, this museum is a good bet. There are several different options for tickets and tours, so be sure to check their website to pick which one is best for you. The museum is located in Dearborn, which is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Detroit. You can find it on the map here.

19. See a Great Lake

We have a saying in Michigan that goes “Great lakes, great times!” Indeed, my home state is surrounded by the five great lakes – Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. 

While Detroit is actually located on the river, you don’t have to travel too far to visit the Great Lakes. Head north from the city for about an hour and you’ll find yourself on Lake Huron. Alternatively, you can go south for about half an hour to reach Lake Erie.

You can visit the Great Lakes in any season, but my preference goes to the summer months. On the weekends, you’ll find lots of people coming out to enjoy a day on the water. Fishing, swimming, wakeboarding, and more are all on offer at the Great Lakes.

Visiting one of the Great Lakes is definitely one of the top things to do in Detroit. The problem is you likely won’t have a boat with you. If you want to get out on the water, you’ll want to find a tour to do so.

20. Catch a Local Festival

Attending a local festival is always fun when travelling. Motown hosts festivals all throughout the year of all shapes and sizes. We’ve got plenty of music and food festivals, as well as several dedicated to cars and boats, which should come as no surprise here.  

Even though the winter months can be unbearably cold, that doesn’t stop Detroit from having festivals! Every January, the North American International Auto Show takes over the Motor City. Other car-related events include the Detroit Grand Prix race and the Woodward Dream Cruise.

As far as music goes, the city that invented techno throws one of the best electronic music festivals in the world. Movement takes over downtown’s Hart Plaza every Memorial Day weekend and features an amazing lineup of international artists.

Country fans may want to check out the Downtown Hoedown, while jazz lovers can come to town in September for the Detroit Jazz Fest. The latter is actually the largest free music event in North America, with over 120 bands!

21. Sample Michigan Beers

There are plenty of states brewing up great beers, but few do it better than Michigan. That’s not just me bragging as a native Michigander, either – 5 of the top 10 beers in the country come from the Mitten! I’m happy to see that my personal favourite – Bell’s Two Hearted Ale – is actually atop the list.

With all these amazing beers, you’ll want to be sure to sample a few on your visit to Detroit Rock City. It’s not hard to find Michigan craft beer in the city, as we’re quite proud of our brews.

One excellent bar where you can try several different Michigan beers is HopCat, where they have quite an impressive selection of beers from all over. This is the perfect place to pre-game before going to a sporting event or concert downtown.

If you want to try some beer that’s made right here in Detroit, you’ve got quite a few options. Local breweries include Batch, Atwater, and Motor City Brewing Works. Just check the map here to find the Detroit brewery that’s right for you. My advice – hit them all!

Now You Know What To Do in Detroit!

Many travellers skip over my hometown of Detroit in favour of visiting places like New York or LA. Don’t get me wrong – I love the Big Apple and Tinsletown, but there’s just something special about the Motor City. 

I hope this article has shown you how much Detroit has to offer as a travel destination. Us Detroiters are very passionate about our city, and I think we have good reason to be at the moment. Detroit Rock City is doing amazing things these days. Come and see for yourself!

*Some images in this article courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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There are countless reasons that teaching English online is a great remote job. Working from home with flexible scheduling and limited prep work is a dream, but at the end of the day, everyone wants to know how much an online teaching salary actually is.

You’re likely interested in teaching English to make money. That, or you just really love singing the ABC song, which I highly doubt!

In this post, you’ll learn all about the teaching English online salary, how many hours you will work, what sort of expertise you should have, and finally, your financial FAQ’s will be answered.

Teach English Online Salary: How Much Money Can I Make? 

The simple answer? Most teaching English online salaries are between $10 and $20 USD per hour. I know that’s a huge range, so below we will talk about some of the factors that play into that amount.

Your Base Pay

When you get hired with an online English company, you’ll be offered a base pay rate. This is the amount you will make per class you teach.

Usually, classes are either 25 minutes or 55 minutes long.  For most companies, the base rate for a 25-minute class is between $6 and $9 USD per class.

Your base pay can be impacted by your credentials, past experiences, and performance on your interview or demo lesson. With most companies, a combination of all three will result in the highest salary.

The following attributes will help you ensure you make the most money as your base rate: 

• Level of education: With some companies, higher levels of education could result in higher base pay amounts.
• Your certifications and teaching experience: If you have more years of experience and certifications like a TEFL certification, you could end up making more money.
• How you perform in your interview or demo lesson: Most online teaching companies require that you submit some kind of teaching sample or demonstration lesson at the beginning of the hiring process. Your performance in this demo lesson could be used to determine your pay rate for the company. Practice the lesson they give you to teach and have your classroom all set up for your interview. This will give you a better chance of getting the highest base rate possible.

Some Companies Have Bonuses and Incentives

Many companies have activities throughout the year that allow teachers to make some extra money.

For example, one company offers an incentive where anyone who opens a certain number of classes during the week of Chinese New Year will earn a small bonus.

You can choose to participate in these activities if you want to but you’re not required to do so.  Companies like VIPKID offer additional bonuses when teachers open classes “short notice.”

Normal classes can be booked by a parent up to 24 hours in advance. A short notice class is a time slot that can be booked up to one hour in advance.

If a teacher opens a class “short notice” and it’s booked in the short notice window of 24 hours to one hour in advance, the teacher will receive a $2 USD bonus.

If the teacher opens two short notice classes in an hour and gets booked for both of them, they would earn a $4 USD bonus on top of their base pay and other incentives.

Some companies also do incentives like an on-time bonus and additional pay if you teach a certain amount of classes per month.

These bonuses can be as high as $1 USD per class, so it’s worth striving for these incentives if you can.

Sample Teaching Schedules and Estimated Income

Let’s look at some examples to see how much money you can make teaching English online with a few different schedules. 

Example 1: Teaching Online 4 Hours Per Week

If you were making a base rate of $8 USD per class and classes were 25 minutes long, you would be making $16 USD per hour.

With most companies, you also get a $1 USD bonus per class if you start and end on time, so we will assume that you earned that bonus as well.

Now your hourly rate is $18 USD per hour.  If you were only teaching online as a side hustle to make some extra cash, you might just open up a few time slots on the weekends.

Let’s assume you taught 2 hours in the morning on Saturday and Sunday.  At 4 hours per week at a rate of $18 USD per hour, you would be earning $72 USD per week or $288 USD dollars per month.

That’s not bad for a little weekend side gig! 

Example 2: Teaching Online 15 Hours Per Week

For this example, we will use the same rate as above: $18 USD per hour.

But, now let’s assume that you wanted this to be a more substantial source of income for you. Maybe you plan to travel or are saving up for a big expense. 

If you taught every weekday from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, you would be working 15 hours per week. At $18 USD per hour, you would earn $270 USD per week.

You would be making $1080 USD a month, just by teaching 3 hours in the mornings.&nbsp

Example 3: Teaching Online 26 Hours Per Week

Now let’s assume that the same company also has a $1 USD bonus if you teach a certain number of classes per month. Many companies do this to encourage teachers to open more spots.

You’ve hit that number so you now earn an extra $1 USD per class, so your hourly rate is now $20 USD per hour. 

In this example, we will assume that you are trying to live off your online teaching job as your main source of income.

You teach classes from 5:00 am – 9:00 am every weekday and on Friday night and Saturday night, you teach from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

These weekend evening spots are popular since they correlate to Saturday and Sunday morning in China.  With that schedule, you would be working 26 hours per week.

At a rate of $20 USD per hour, you would make $520 USD per week. Your monthly earnings would be $2080 USD, and that’s with mostly part-time hours. 

That’s pretty good for a job where you can work from home in your pajamas! 

Example 4: Teaching Online 40 Per Week

Just for fun, let’s calculate how much you could make if you really hit it hard as an online English teacher.

I’m talking about pulling multiple all-nighters and working full-time hours.

We’ll stick to the same base rate as the examples above, including the incentive teachers get for opening a high number of classes each month.

Your base rate is $8 USD per class. You also get a $1 USD incentive for starting on time and ending on time, as well as a $1 USD incentive for opening a high number of classes.

This means that you’re earning $10 USD per class. If you teach two classes per hour, that’s $20 USD per hour. If you teach from 3:00 am until 9:00 am Monday through Friday you will be teaching 30 hours per week.

On Saturday night, you pull an all-nighter and teach from 10:00 pm until 9:00 am with a one-hour break in the middle. Phew!!

You’ve just taught for 40 hours. At a rate of $20 USD per hour, you’ll earn $800 USD per week. That means you’ll earn $3200 USD per month.

A Word Of Caution

Now, before we go any further, I don’t recommend you try to recreate the schedule above often. Teaching online can get very tiring and if you push yourself too hard, especially at first, you could get burned out quickly.

Also, if you were to do this from North America, you would be working through the night most nights which could mean a wacky sleep schedule.

But if one month you needed a boost in income or just wanted to push your teaching stamina a bit, it’s fun to consider what you would make if you taught English online with full-time hours.

Teach English Online Salary: How Do Teachers Get Paid?

With most online English companies, your salary is paid either weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. Some companies pay through direct deposit to your bank account.

If this is the case for you, you will need to provide your company with your banking details when you sign your contract. Other companies pay through third-party apps like PayPal and Payoneer.

Most companies pay in United States Dollars, but some of the companies geared to the Chinese market pay in Chinese currency.

Check the conversion rates before signing up to get a more accurate picture of what your payment will be.

What Are The Expenses As An Online English Teacher?

While you can make a pretty solid income as an online ESL teacher, there are some expenses you’ll need to consider when doing your financial planning.

Classroom Supplies

Teachers usually need classroom supplies and decorations to make their online classrooms fun and inviting for students.

This means you’ll have some upfront expenses like wall decorations, puppets, flashcards, and a dry erase board. Luckily, you’ll probably have to make these purchases only once.

Technology And Home Office Space

Online English teachers spend a lot of time with their technology, so you’ll need to invest some money in the appropriate gear.

Make sure you have the following online teacher technology:

• Laptop or Tablet with webcam
• Headset with microphone
• Ring light or ample room lights
• Ethernet cord to connect the computer to the router if possible

You’ll also need a quiet space to set up a desk and comfortable desk chair if you plan to do lots of teaching. If your internet in your home isn’t very fast, you might need to pay for an upgrade to teach English online.

Additional Certifications and Training

Many online teaching jobs require that teachers have a TEFL certificate. If you aren’t already certified, getting your TEFL could be an additional expense. TEFL courses range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on the program you choose. You can read about a few solid TEFL course options in this post.

Other Financial Considerations

There are a few other financial things you need to keep in mind.

Health Insurance

As an online English teacher, you’ll very likely be classified as an independent contractor or freelancer. This means that you won’t receive any health care benefits from your online teaching company.

You’ll need to sort out your own health insurance and other types of insurance that a traditional teaching job might cover. Keep this in mind as you calculate your estimated online teaching salary. 

You’ll Need To Take Out Your Own Taxes

Since most online ESL teachers are independent contractors or freelancers, you’ll likely need to pay your own taxes.

I don’t know of any online ESL companies that withhold taxes for their teachers, so you’ll have to file and report your income independently. 

Since taxes are highly personal and vary depending on your financial situation, you should talk to a tax professional if you need help with this. I’m sure you know this, but this blog post doesn’t constitute tax advice. 

Save For Retirement 

Freelance and independent contractor online English teachers don’t get any kind of retirement benefits from their online ESL company. If you choose to save for retirement, you’ll need to set that money aside independently.

You Usually Aren’t Guaranteed Bookings

While some online teaching companies will guarantee payment for any spot you open, most companies don’t offer this kind of compensation.

You’ll only be paid for classes that actually get booked, not time spots you opened.  This means that when you’re first starting out, you might not get fully booked at first.

It takes most teachers between two and three months before they can regularly fill their schedules, so keep this in mind when planning your finances.

One tip is to apply to be an online teacher a few months before you’d actually like to start making consistent income.

For example, if you want to become a digital nomad teacher in August, go ahead and sign up for an online teaching job in April.

Applying to teach online early gives you plenty of time to build up loyal students, process all the required paperwork, and get plenty of parent reviews in the system.

All these factors will make it easier for you to get consistent bookings when you need them.

Teach English Online Salary and Hours: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about the financial aspects of teaching English online. Remember that for specific questions about taxes and insurance, it’s best to speak to a professional in those fields.

Why do online English teachers have to work so early in the morning?

Right now, the highest demand for online English lessons is in China.

If you’re teaching from North America, you will be in a time zone almost opposite from China. Luckily, with VIPKID, you can work from anywhere in the world — meaning, you could be in a time zone similar to Asia.

Most parents want their students to take online ESL lessons in the early evening on weekdays and at any time of day on weekends.

For teachers in North America, there is the highest demand for classes in the early mornings on weekdays and overnight on Friday and Saturday.

Can I teach English online full time?

With most companies, there are no minimum or maximum teaching hours. This means that in theory, you could teach online 40 hours a week.

However, if you were to teach online full time from North America, you would very likely be working overnight to fulfill those hours.

This is because there is no demand for classes during the hours that students are sleeping on the other side of the world.

Keep in mind that even though you might be teaching full-time hours, you still won’t receive full-time employee benefits.

I don’t know of any online ESL companies that provide benefits to their contractors, regardless of the number of hours they teach.

How many hours do most online teachers work per week?

Almost all of the online English teachers I know fall into two camps: they either teach as a side hustle in addition to a traditional job, or they’re using online teaching as their main income.

For those who teach as a side hustle, teaching three to five hours a week is normal. Often, these people will do an occasional class before work in the morning or on the weekend if they want a bit of extra income.

For those who teach as their main income, most teach between twenty and twenty-five hours per week.

This workload is enough to still keep a semi-regular sleep cycle and make a decent amount of money.

Do I have to pay taxes as an online English teacher?

Yes, you very likely will have to pay taxes as an online English teacher.

Your online teaching company won’t take them out for you, so you’ll need to set money aside from each paycheck to account for this.

Do I have to work on the same schedule each week?

For most companies, no you don’t need to keep the same schedule every week. You are free to change up your teaching hours from week to week as necessary.

Since most companies don’t have a weekly minimum or maximum teaching hour requirement, you could even take weeks off at a time without penalties.

How many vacation days or sick days do you get as an online English teacher?

Unfortunately, you won’t get any paid vacation or sick leave days as an online ESL teacher.

Since you get to make your own schedule, you simply wouldn’t schedule yourself to teach during a vacation or at a time when you have a doctor’s appointment.

If you get sick, you’ll need to provide a doctor’s note to cancel already booked classes. You won’t be paid for these classes.

Can I get a raise as an online English teacher?

Whether or not you can get a raise as an online English teacher depends on which company you’re with.

Some companies keep teachers at the same base rate as when they started and some offer opportunities for raises.

The raise criteria are set by each individual company and automatically applied to your contract when you qualify.

For example, with VIPKID, teachers are eligible for a raise after a year of teaching on the platform as long as they have a certain percentage of positive parent feedback, a high volume of classes taught, and a limited number of cancelations and no shows.

Are there any websites where I can set my own pay rate?

There are some online English platforms that allow you to set your own pay rate for your teaching/tutoring services. Websites like SkimaTalk, Palfish Freetalk, and iTalki are popular choices.

For these platforms, it’s recommended that you start out by pricing your services lower so that you can attract more clients. After you have several positive client reviews on the platform, you can up your prices accordingly.

Now You Know How Much Online English Teachers Make!

Online English teachers can actually make quite a decent living, even while working part-time hours.

Since online teaching is one of the most flexible remote jobs around, you can work as many hours as you need to generate the income you desire.

Learn more about teaching online in our comprehensive post: Top 10 Companies to Teach English Online

Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This will never cost you extra and in many cases you receive a special discount. We appreciate your support!

Puerto Vallarta is a destination that has been welcoming travellers for many years, and it’s one of our favourite places to visit in Mexico. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a digital nomad looking to spend a month, a couple wanting a week-long vacation, or an expat looking to settle down, you’ll find things to do in Puerto Vallarta to keep you busy. 

The city is split up into neighbourhoods (zones), with the endless things to do in Puerto Vallarta spread out along Banderas Bay and beyond. In reality, it doesn’t really matter which part of the city you stay in, as getting around is easy.

You will, however, want to choose your zone carefully based on the vibe you’re after and the budget you have.

Here’s a quick rundown of the zones in Puerto Vallarta starting at the airport and going south:

• Marina – more upscale than the hotel zone, with the Marriott Hotel, Westin & more.
• Hotel Zone – just a few mins drive from the airport, this area has many hotels, restaurants, malls, a Walmart & Sams Club.
• Centro (Old PV) – smaller homes, residential area, the Malecon (oceanfront promenade) runs along here, many restaurants and bars. This area is on the north side of the River Cuale and offers affordable accommodation.
• Centro (Romantic Zone) – located on the south side of the River Cuale, you’ll find numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and Playa Los Muertos Beach. This is a popular area with a large gay community. The accommodation ranges from budget to top end.
• Conchas Chinas – meaning “Chinese Shells” based on the seashells found here, this is a more affluent/posh area of Puerto Vallarta with gated communities and high-end condos.

Learn more about where to stay in Puerto Vallarta with our accommodation and neighbourhood guide. And, for a complete rundown on travelling to the city of PV, check out our detailed guide here.

Now that you have an idea of what each neighbourhood has to offer, here is my list of 20 cool things to do in Puerto Vallarta!

Note, this post has been updated 2020 to include the latest best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, the current prices and addresses and more. Enjoy your trip.

1. Walk…Everywhere!

I have to put walking as #1 on the list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Exploring on foot is the best way to get a feel for the city, and most areas of PV are reachable by walking.

This is a great way to see what the vendors are selling, to people watch and to get a lay of the land. You never know what you’ll stumble across when discovering the city on foot…just make sure to wear good shoes as the sidewalks and roads are very uneven.

2. Join a Food Tour

Did you know that Mexico’s cuisine has made the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO? This award hasn’t been granted to any other national food group! Mexican food is so much more than tacos and quesadillas and the best way to learn more about the tasty foods is to join a tour.

We’ve done food tours all around the world, and our favourite ones are in Mexico. In Puerto Vallarta, check out Vallarta Food Tours. This company offers a mix of culture, walking and food tours, making it a great way to learn about the city of PV while simultaneously feasting and working off the calories.

There are a few foodie tours on offer with Vallarta Food Tours, but we went on the “Original Downtown Tour”, which took us through the center of PV on both sides of the river. We ate numerous dishes and tried some drinks as well. You can also join their evening taco tour.

We highly recommend this tour if you’re a foodie! Click here to learn more and check out the video we made:

3. See Rhythms Of The Night (one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta!)

If you’re looking for a mini Cirque de Soleil cultural show/dinner/theatre experience, then Rhythms of The Night will be something you want to check out. We saw this performance and although we’re not big fans of large group tours, this show was spectacular and worth every penny. This is one of the top tours in Puerto Vallarta.

The evening starts with a sunset cruise (including open bar) across Banderas Bay to Las Caletas, which is a beautiful private cove. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully lit area with tiki torches and candles.

You’ll then be shown to your seat in the outdoor auditorium, which is surrounded by palm trees. The seats are all staggered, so even though there are people sitting in front of you, you’ll have no issues seeing the show.

The show depicts various stories of the ancient Hispanic civilization and Mexican folklore. During the performance, there’s live music, dancing, contortionists, fire-twirlers and more. Following the show, you’ll enjoy a large buffet dinner before returning to Puerto Vallarta by boat. Don’t miss this show! ☞ Click here to learn more about the tour and to book tickets.

⇒ See Also: Things To Do in Mazatlan – 21 Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss

4. Watch Sunset

There’s just something about the sunsets on the Pacific Coast, and in particular, Puerto Vallarta. Some of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen have been from here. Grab a drink and enjoy the show.

Great viewing places include anywhere along the Malecon, up the hill behind the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or from El Barracuda which is our favourite beach bar. Once the sun goes down, the party starts in PV — there are so many bars and clubs, the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is legendary!

*Note: Puerto Escondido is another epic Pacific Coast destination for sunsets in Mexico. If you have a chance, try to visit there as well!

5. Relax on Playa las Gemelas

Surprisingly, just about 20 minutes drive south of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find beaches that look like they should be Cancun or Playa del Carmen rather than the Pacific.

Playa las Gemelas has turquoise water and whitish sand. When we visited, there were quite a few waves, but no riptides or undertow and the waves were fun to swim in. Other visitors have experienced completely calm water here, so it really just depends on the weather and the time of year.

There are just 2 condominium complexes on the beach and nothing else…not even any toilets. Bring a cooler filled with beer, water and snacks and spend the day. The walk to the beach is fairly steep and down some uneven steps, but it’s worth it when you see the view.

To reach here, you’ll want to park at Condominios Girasol Sur (in front along the road). There is no actual parking for the beach, so you’ll need to find some on the street, or in the few roadside spots in front of Girasol Sur Condos. Alternatively, you can take a local bus and get dropped off here.

This is by far our favourite beach in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t miss it! Click here for directions.

6. Join a Booze Tour (with a side of food)

For those of you who like to drink tequila – it’s Mexico, who doesn’t?! – this tour is for you. During our recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, we joined the Mex-ology tour and enjoyed a late afternoon of Mezcal, Tequila, Raicilla, craft beer, Kahlua coffee and other handcrafted cocktails.

To go along with the booze, you’ll get some tasty food to help soak up the alcohol. The dishes we had were full portions of fish tacos, meat tacos, seafood “enchiladas”, onion rings, crickets (yes, crickets!) and delectable dessert. Not only will you be having fun, and feeling a bit tipsy by the end of it, but you’ll learn a lot about the traditions and creation of these alcoholic beverages.

We had a great day with our guide. So much fun in fact, that she took us out for some late-night shenanigans where the expats and locals like to hangout! Click here to learn more about the Mex-ology Tequila, Tacos & Cocktails Tour.

7. Eat Fresh Oysters

While there’s definitely a Puerto Vallarta restaurant for everyone, sometimes it’s nice to eat street (beach) food. If you’re an oyster lover, you’ll be happy to know that you can get fresh oysters on the beach.

Just under the bridge that crosses the River Cuale, you’ll see many vendors selling these tasty morsels. Plastic tables and chairs are set up so you can sit and enjoy your plate of food by the water, or you can take them to go. Squeeze some lime juice on, sprinkle with some salt and add some hot sauce if you like. Enjoy!

☞ SEE ALSO: Playa del Carmen Mexico: The Ultimate Travel Guide

8. San Pancho

About an hour drive from Puerto Vallarta is the beach town of San Pancho (San Francisco). This small town isn’t as quiet as it once was, but it’s still a nice place to visit. What’s surprising is that even though it’s not a very big place, there are lots of things to do in San Pancho.

You can go golfing for the morning (or late afternoon), eat some really good international food, take Spanish lessons, do yoga, go surfing, watch the baby turtles be released and more. It’s a cool place to spend the afternoon as it’s just an hour away from Puerto Vallarta.

To get from Puerto Vallarta to San Pancho, you can rent a car, take the bus for around 50 pesos, or join a day tour of San Pancho and nearby Sayulita.

Note: the ocean here is quite rough and isn’t a great place for swimming. You could check out Bucerias for swimming.

9. Walk The Malecon

One of the many great things about Puerto Vallarta is the long Malecon (oceanfront promenade) which runs for about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). This is the perfect spot to enjoy a stroll, without having to deal with the crazy traffic that whizzes along the narrow streets.

Along the Malecon you have the beautiful ocean on one side, and many shops, restaurants and bars on the other (selling $1 margaritas and Coronas!). There are also numerous art installations and street performances here.

The Malecon is the hot-spot, especially in the late afternoon and evenings when it’s a cooler temperature. And actually, wandering along the Malecon is one of the most popular things to do in La Paz as well.

10. Join a Chocolate Making Class

The Choco Museum is one of the many free things to do in Puerto Vallarta. If you’re interested in learning the history behind cocoa, plus finding out how chocolate is made (from harvest to production), then the museum is for you.

If you want to get your hands dirty, and EAT some delicious chocolate, then make sure to join one of the (paid) classes at the Choco Museo. Learn how to make traditional mole sauce, hot chocolate truffles or individual chocolates. Click here to learn more about workshops and classes.

☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A List of The Top 21

11. Mountain Biking Trip

Although lounging by the beach and devouring tacos is always a good idea when travelling to Mexico, it might be a good idea to get some exercise every once in a while!

Eco Ride is an eco-conscious company in Puerto Vallarta that offers mountain biking and hiking trips in the surrounding jungle trails of the Occidental Sierra Madre. If you’re into adventure and being active, this is one of the things to do in Puerto Vallarta that you won’t want to miss.

They have biking tours for beginners and advanced riders, plus they offer different length trips as well — from 15 to 48 kilometers (9.3 – 30 miles). The routes pass through villages, waterfalls, rivers, pine trees and more. Click here to learn more about Eco Ride and the biking and hiking trips they offer.

*Note: if you’d rather combine exercise with eating, Vallarta Food Tours has a new tour called Bikes & Bites…check it out!

12. Chill Out on Los Muertos Beach

This is the beach south of the Los Muertos Pier. And, as with the stretch of sand north of the pier, there are a lot of activities going on — from swimming and surfing, to parasailing and boating. Plus, you’ll find numerous beach restaurants and bars here.

There are vendors wandering up and down the beach as well, but they aren’t too pushy. Near the south side of the pier, you’ll find lots of local families spending the day (especially on weekends), while further south from there is considered the gay area, which is always busy and a lot of fun.

When we visited Los Muertos Beach in December, the waves were incredibly big and the surf and undertow were unbelievably strong. The rough water started from the pier and went north to the La Langosta Loca restaurant. However, on the south side of the pier, the water was calm and children were swimming. Be mindful of the ocean and when in doubt, always ask a local if it’s safe to swim.

☞ SEE ALSO: 51 Awesome Things To Do in Mexico

13. Wander The Old Town

Puerto Vallarta has a beautiful old town with cobbled streets and colourful homes climbing up the hill. From near the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, you’ll see rock/cement steps heading up the hill. Take the steps and continue walking along the back roads towards the Romantic Zone. As most people take the Malecon or the main streets, you’ll have the quiet “upper” roads basically to yourself!

You’ll come across homes draped in vines, cats sleeping on steps and pretty wrought-iron balconies. After you’ve finished exploring and enjoying the peace and quiet, you can come out near the Rio River.

For an amazing view, you can hike up to the Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. It takes about 30 minutes and is a bit strenuous, but the view is spectacular. Bring lots of water and wear good shoes.

14. Go Scuba Diving

Getting on the water is always a good idea when travelling, but so is getting under it! Whether you’re scuba certified or not, check out Banderas Scuba Republic. This company is PADI recognized and the team is PADI certified.

At this scuba shop, you can take classes and lessons to get your certification, or if you already have your Open Water, you can go for some dives. Expect to see turtles, rays, eels and more. Banderas Scuba Republic is located in the Romantic Zone, stop by and check them out.

Note: We did not personally dive with Banderas Scuba Republic, they were just highly reviewed on TripAdvisor. Always do your own independent research when choosing a scuba diving company.

15. Join a Free Walking Tour

Walking on your own is great, but if you want to learn a bit more about the city of Puerto Vallarta, including its culture, history and architecture, then it’s best to join a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. This is the best thing to do in Puerto Vallarta on your first day in the city so you can get your bearings.

Every Tuesday (9:00am and noon), Wednesday (9:00am and noon) and Saturday (9:00am), there are free tours put on by the Municipal Tourism Office. The meeting point is at the Municipal Tourism Office, which is in the Old City Hall Building. The tour is about 2 hours long and no reservation is required. Click here for details.

16. Join the Free Art Walk

Puerto Vallarta has the most art galleries of any Mexican coastal city. On Wednesday evenings, many of the art shops open their doors and allow visitors inside to view the pieces. All mediums of art are on display, including paintings, sculptures, pottery and folk art. A visit here is definitely one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta for art lovers.

Entrance is free, there is no guide, but there is usually wine and tequila given to visitors…for free. The “art walk” runs from the end of October to the end of May, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, every Wednesday. This is a yearly event. Click here to learn more about the Art Walk.

17. Visit the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe

You can’t miss the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe when you visit, literally. Towering over the center of Puerto Vallarta is this beautiful piece of architecture. If you’re wondering what to do in Puerto Vallarta when it’s raining, a trip to this church is a good idea.

Whether you’re religious or not, I recommend taking a peek inside, and of course, taking loads of photos of the ornate exterior. This church is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta.

If you find yourself in the city from December 1 – 12, you’ll be able to enjoy the celebrations for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival, which includes candlelight processions, colourful parades, and of course, food.

18. Visit Mismaloya

Located on the southern part of Banderas Bay, you’ll find the fishing village of Mismaloya. This is where tourism in the Puerto Vallarta area all started, back in 1963 with the filming of Night Of The Iguana. This is what kicked off tourism in the area.

These days, Puerto Vallarta has more tourism, while the bay at Mismaloya is still relatively quiet. The pretty bay is backed by thick jungle, there are restaurants lining the beach and you’ll have views of the Los Arcos Marine Park. There is, however, the Barcelo Resort which takes up much of the bay, but it’s still a nice place to visit.

☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in La Paz, Mexico – A List of the Top 21

19. Check Out The Markets

Visiting the markets in Mexico is always a treat. In Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find food, fish, clothing and trinket markets. Don’t miss the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata, which is a great place to purchase fresh produce. This market runs from 6:00am to 3:00pm, 365 days a year. Click here for directions.

Also, if you want produce and fish, check out the Municipal Market in December 5. Go early to get the best selection of seafood. In the strip of vendors, you’ll find meats, vegetables, tortillas and other items. This is a great place to take food away, or to create a delicious lunch! Visiting a local market is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Click here for directions.

20. Do Some Hiking

If you want to do some independent hiking, you won’t really find it in the city itself. But, if you take a bus, or drive your car out to Boca de Tomatlan, you can do a really great day hike to Las Animas. The path winds along the ocean, with the jungle on one side and the beautiful water on the other.

You’ll hike along stone stairs and narrow paths, while arriving at lovely secluded bays along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some whales or dolphins playing in the water.

The entire hike takes about 2 hours to complete, and once you arrive at Las Animas, all that’s left to do is enjoy the beach, and one of the many restaurants on offer. To get back to Boca, you can take a boat from Las Animas, or hike back the way you came. For more information on how to do this hike, click here.

Bonus! 21. Enjoy a Night On The Town

The Puerto Vallarta nightlife is awesome! No matter what sort of a party you’re looking for, you’ll find it in PV. From beach bars and nightclubs to cantinas and breweries, a night out in Puerto Vallarta is sure to be memorable. While most of the happenin’ nightlife is around the Romantic Zone, you’ll find bars across the city.

Dance the night away at Co-De or one of the many popular Malecon nightclubs (Zoo, Mandala or La Vaquita) or watch your favourite sports team on the big screen at places like El Torito Sports Bar & BBQ House, Players and El Soñador. 

For live music, you can’t go wrong with Incanto, Roxy Rock House and La Casa de Hugo. If it’s craft beer you seek, you have a couple of options in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t miss Monzon and Los Muertos. For cocktail lovers, check out El Colibri, Bar La Playa and Twisted Palms.

To learn more about the best places to sip and dance, check out our post: Puerto Vallarta Nightlife – The Best Places to Drink and Dance.

Enjoy The Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta!

I hope this list of 20 things to do in Puerto Vallarta helps you plan your trip. While the city is quite touristy, it’s popular for good reason and we really enjoy our visits here. Make sure to sample the tasty street food whenever you can, explore the local markets and enjoy walking around the city. Let us know what you would add to this list in the comments below! Happy travels ?

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In this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know about obtaining a working holiday visa in Korea. 

From mouth-watering BBQ dishes to jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes, South Korea is an ideal destination for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re soaking in the neon city lights of Seoul or hiking the snow-capped peaks of the Taebaek Mountains, adventure awaits you in the Land of the Morning Calm.

It also happens to be one of the most desirable destinations for a working holiday. Korea attracts young travelers eager to spend more than just a short trip getting to know its rich 5,000-year-old history and culture.

In this guide, I’ll cover who can apply for a working holiday in Korea, what to expect, and how to land the perfect job. If you’re interested in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, then look no further!

What is a Working Holiday in Korea?

On a working holiday visa, you’ll be able to travel, live, and work in South Korea. Although you’ll have the opportunity to make money, the primary purpose of your visit should be to travel. This is an excellent opportunity for young travelers who want to experience firsthand what a different country and culture is like.

Working holiday participants are also allowed to work in order to supplement their travel funds. And if you want to go to school or study during your time abroad, you can do that as well. Many participants are allowed to study Korean for a certain number of months on their visa.

If accepted into the program, you will be issued an H-1 visa. This working holiday visa is valid for 12 months, which means you have one full year to travel and work in South Korea. However, US citizens are able to receive an 18-month visa.

Best of all, you don’t need a formal job offer in order to come to Korea on a working holiday visa. You can look for employment once you arrive, in any city that sparks your interest.

If you’re ready to travel the world and experience a new culture, then a working holiday in Korea might be the perfect option for you!

☞ SEE ALSO: How To Get a Working Holiday Visa Worldwide

Who is Eligible for a Working Holiday in Korea?

To participate in the working holiday program, you must be a citizen from a country with a bilateral working holiday agreement with South Korea.

Korea has this agreement with 25 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A complete list of participating countries can be found on the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

You also need to be between the ages of 18 and 30. However, this age restriction is inclusive, which means you can apply anytime before you turn 31 years old.

To apply for the working holiday program, you must prove you have sufficient funds in your bank account. You need to have funds equivalent to KRW 3,000,000 ($2,500), as well as a return airfare or money to purchase a return flight.

Some countries might require background checks, which means you cannot have any criminal history or significant health issues. Finally, you must have health insurance during your entire working holiday stay.

☞ SEE ALSO: How To Get a Working Holiday Visa in Germany

How Do I get a Working Holiday in Korea?

The application is relatively straightforward. Each country has its own application process and requirements, following the same guidelines below.

It’s important to note that applicants must apply from within their home country. However, Australians are also allowed to apply for the program from Japan (Tokyo), China (Beijing, Shanghai), Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Keep in mind that there is no online application system. Therefore, applications must be sent in the mail or directly to the embassy.

Here are the steps to take for obtaining a working holiday visa in Korea:

See if Your Country has a Visa Quota

Some countries only have a set number of working holiday visas to distribute each year. Once the quota has been filled, you will no longer be able to apply for the visa. You must wait until the following year to re-apply.

Canada has 4,000 visas, New Zealand has 3,000, the UK has 1,000, and the US has 2,000. Australia, on the other hand, has an unlimited number of working holiday visas.

Complete the Visa Application Form

Your next step is to complete the visa application form. Fill out your personal information, education, work experience, and details of your intended visit. You will also need to provide financial information for your stay in Korea, including your expected travel and accommodation costs.

The application form can be found here. Remember to print and fill out the information using Korean, or English block letters.

Write a Travel Plan

All working holiday applicants are required to submit a travel plan along with their application. In this travel plan, you’ll outline your motivation for coming to Korea and your objective with a working holiday.

In the travel plan, include where you plan to stay, what type of work you’re looking for, and any other activities you want to participate in during your time in Korea. The more information you provide, the more convincing your application will be to the local authorities.

Gather All Necessary Documents

To apply for the H-1 visa, you need to make sure you have the following documents and information:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• Travel plan
• Passport with six months validity left
• Proof of health insurance (with KRW 40,000,000 minimum coverage)
• Proof of sufficient funds (like a printed bank statement)
• Health check **only required for some countries**
• Criminal background check **only required for some countries**
• Self-addressed pre-paid postage for return (if applying by mail)
• Visa application fee (between $45-80 depending on nationality)

Please consult with your local embassy to confirm the exact requirements needed to apply for the working holiday visa.

Submit Application

There are two options for submitting your working holiday application. You can either send it through the mail or deliver it in person to the embassy in your home country. Some embassies require that you make an appointment ahead of time, while others accept walk-ins.

Once the docs are submitted, the immigration officer will determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for an H-1 working holiday visa. If you’ve been accepted into the program, you will receive your passport with your one-year (or 18-month) visa for Korea.

Generally speaking, the visa processing time is around one to two weeks. Since processing times vary between embassies, you can check the exact wait time on their websites. Keep in mind that this timeframe may be longer if you send your application in the mail since you need to take delivery time into account.

Once you get your visa, it’s time to celebrate and start making plans for your trip to Korea!

How Do I Start Working on My Working Holiday Visa in Korea?

After you book your flight, pack your bags, and say goodbye to your friends, you’ll be on your way to Korea in no time. Starting a new adventure in Korea is exciting, but don’t forget to complete the following steps before you start working on your working holiday visa.

Register with the Authorities

Once you land in Korea, you have precisely 90 days to register with the nearest immigration office. You will then receive a foreigner’s card, which is necessary to legally work and open a bank account. The foreigner’s card is the single most important document you should have during your working holiday.

Appointments must be booked online and in advance. Bring the following documents on the day of your scheduled appointment:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form (Available at Korea Immigration Center)
• A fee of 30,000 KRW ($25)
• Travel plans
• Housing Contract Document
• 1 Photo, size 3.5×4.5cm with a white background

During your appointment, the immigration officer will take your fingerprints and review your documents. After three or four weeks, you can return to the office to pick up your registration card. Keep this card on you at all times!

Open a Bank Account

A Korean bank account is needed if you want to get paid for your work during your working holiday. The good news is that opening a bank account is very easy in Korea.

First, choose the branch you’d like to bank with. To open an account, you only need your passport and foreign residence card. Best of all, opening a bank account is entirely free.

What Type of Work Can You Do On a Working Holiday in Korea?

On a working holiday visa, you can work in almost any type of job. However, you cannot work in a skilled profession, like a doctor, pilot, athlete, or entertainer. It’s also important to note that you cannot teach English on a working holiday visa. If you would like to teach English, you must apply for an E2 visa.

You are also not allowed to work full-time, as the H-1 states you can only work a maximum of 1,300 hours for the year.

Depending on your nationality, there may be limitations on your length of employment. For example, Australians are only allowed to work six months with the same employer. On the other hand, New Zealand, Canadian, UK, and US citizens can work for the same employer for the duration of their visa.

When it comes to finding work in Korea, the following industries have the biggest opportunities for working holiday participants.

Hospitality

Attracting millions of tourists each year, Korea is one of the most visited countries in Asia. With tourism steadily growing, hostels, hotels, and resorts are always looking for English speaking staff. Being bilingual is helpful as well, since you’ll be able to interact with a variety of guests and tourists.

In the hospitality industry, you can work in front desk or reception, as a concierge helper, a tour guide, or even as a bellhop. If you have interpersonal skills and love working with people, then a job in the hospitality industry could be for you.

Au Pair

As an Au Pair, you’re responsible for childcare and other domestic responsibilities for your host family. That means watching children, preparing meals, and taking care of other duties and chores around the house. Not only is this an excellent option for people who love children, but it’s also an excellent way to live like a local during your stay.

One of the biggest benefits of working as an Au Pair is that your host family provides your accommodation. In many situations, your family will provide room, utilities, and food during your stay. On top of that, you’ll also get a monthly salary and flexible days off during your working holiday.

Retail and Service Industry

If you have a working knowledge of Korean, you might be able to work in the retail or service industry during your time abroad. Whether you’re a barista in the city center of Seoul, a waiter in an international restaurant in Busan, or a bartender in the middle of Incheon, you’ll have no problem finding available opportunities in Korea.

Like any other customer-facing positions, being able to speak Korean will significantly improve your chances of being hired.

Office Jobs

With the right skill set, you can easily land an office job in Korea. Large corporations like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai are located in Korea, and are usually hiring English speakers or foreign nationals.

If you choose to work for a global company, you might also get away without speaking any Korean. Many international companies do business with other countries, making English the default language. But remember, you can’t work fulltime, as your visa only allows a maximum of 1,300 working hours during your stay.

Where Can I find Working Holiday Jobs?

One of the biggest benefits of a working holiday in South Korea is that you don’t need an official job offer to apply to the program. You can secure a job once you arrive. Here are a few ways to help jumpstart your job search in Korea.

Korean Job Sites for Expats

The easiest way to find a job in Korea is by looking online. There are a variety of job sites that cater to foreign or English speakers. A few popular sites in Korea are Seoul Global Center and Contact Korea. You can even check out the Seoul Metropolitan Government for available English speaking jobs.

Other Online Sites

If you can’t find what you’re looking for on a Korean website, then I recommend other popular job sites, like Linkedin, Glassdoor, and Indeed. On these sites, you can filter postings by location, skills, and even full time or part-time work.

Recruitment Centers

Working with a recruitment agency is another excellent option for finding a job in Korea. Companies like HRNetOne Manpower Korea specialize in helping foreign and English speaking nationals find work.

Based on your experience and resume, the recruiter will match you with a suitable job. One of the biggest benefits of working with a recruitment agency is that they are aware of job postings that aren’t available online. Not to mention, they can connect you directly with the specific company!

Disadvantages of the Working Holiday Program in Korea

Between the big cities and the sprawling countryside, Korea is brimming with exciting adventures around every corner. However, the country is not for everyone. Before you make your way to the far east, there are a few downsides of a working holiday in Korea that you should be aware of.

Speaking Korean Might be Necessary

Being able to speak and understand Korean increases your chances of landing a job during your working holiday. Not only will speaking Korean make you more appealing to future employers, but it will also make your daily life a lot easier. Most businesses, restaurants and retail shops operate in Korean, and having a grasp of the language will only make your working holiday more enjoyable.

Housing Market is Competitive

Finding accommodation in Korea, especially in Seoul, can be difficult. Not only is the demand for an apartment high, but it can also be hard to find something within your desired price range. Apartments are even harder to find in February and August when many students return from their summer breaks to start school.

Teaching English is Not an Option

Unlike other working holiday programs, you are not allowed to teach English on an H-1 visa in Korea. This eliminates many job opportunities for non-Korean speakers, as teaching English is one of the most common positions for backpackers and travelers. If your goal is to teach English, you will need to apply for the E2 visa.

Pressure to Work Can be High

Korea ranks third when it comes to long working hours. The line between work and daily life is often blurred, with many people working overtime or late into the night. Although you cannot work full-time on a working holiday visa, it’s a good idea to understand the culture of the workplace. It will likely be more demanding than a job that you hold back in your home country.

What Can I Expect from the Working Holiday Program in Korea?

To many travelers, spending a year on a working holiday in Korea is a fantastic experience. But just like any other country, there are a few unique situations you should be aware of. These are just a few things to expect while traveling and working in Korea.

Foreigners Can Apply for the National Health Insurance

You are required to have health insurance before you apply for the working holiday program. However, you can also apply for Korea’s National Health Insurance or NHIS. Applicants living in Korea for longer than three months can take advantage of this health insurance. As a member of NHIS, you’ll enjoy the same health benefits as every other Korean local.

You Must Pay Income Tax

All employees in Korea, including working holiday participants, must pay income tax. The amount of money you owe will depend on your salary during your time in Korea. You should also file an annual tax return, which can be done before or after you leave Korea.

However, the tax is often low, especially if you’re earning an entry-level salary. Just remember to keep these costs in mind when finding a job and working in Korea.

Be Prepared for Culture Shock

If you come from a western country, you’ll likely encounter several cultural differences between your home country and Korea. For instance, it’s important to recognize that Korea is a hierarchical society, which means you are expected to respect your elders as well as your work superiors. Before you go to Korea, it’s a good idea to review social etiquette rules and customs to help ease your transition to this new country.

Make Friends and Build Relationships

As a foreigner, you might find it difficult to break into already existing social circles with locals. As a result, you might feel lonely or homesick during your time in Korea. Don’t worry; this feeling is a perfectly normal reaction to moving to a new country and should wear off once you get more settled.

One of the best ways to feel more at home in Korea is to make friends. There are thousands of expats, students, and other like-minded travelers that are in your exact situation. Don’t be afraid to join meetups, Facebook groups, or even to strike up a friendly conversation with someone you are sitting next to on the bus or in the cafe!

Final Thoughts

A working holiday in Korea is a fantastic opportunity for young travelers. Not only will you be able to immerse yourself in Korean culture, but you’ll also gain invaluable experience working internationally. And on top of that, you’ll meet new people and form long-lasting relationships for years to come.

Home to dramatic landscapes, ancient culture, and high-tech city life, Korea is one of the most diverse places on the planet. With a working holiday visa, you can experience it all first-hand, while making some extra money on the side.

If you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone and see a new side of the world, then Korea is the ideal destination for your working holiday. But don’t just take our word for it. Apply for a working holiday and see for yourself!

Images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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