Nomadic Matt's Travel Tuesday

{NAME}, Does travel really change people? For most people, travel seems to be simply parachuting into places, getting pics, seeing museums, and then leaving. Sure, some travel changes you. You and I know that to be true. Travel changes you when you get out of your comfort zone, volunteer, meet locals, and attempt a deep connection with the world. But a few days at a resort? Or cruise? A whirlwind tour through Europe? I'm not so sure. For the majority of people, travel is just a temporary escape. There's nothing wrong with that. We all need a vacation once in a while. Not all travel needs to be life-changing. But then again not all travel is equal. I've been thinking a lot about this lately and feel too much of travel writing, advertising, and marketing promotes the idea that all travel changes you. In this week's post, explain more and give some examples. [So, check it out and let me know your thoughts as we sit down in the philosopher's chair together](  UPCOMING FREE EVENTS We have a lot of awesome virtual events coming up this month! They're free and you'll learn a lot. Here are some happening soon: - [Travel Nonprofits That Make a Difference]( (TODAY) - [Barcelona: More Than a Party City]( (12/2) - [Discover the Balkans: Everything You Need to Know]( (12/8) - [Reclaiming Travel Writing & Storytelling]( (12/9) - [Advanced Travel Hacking: Reward Stacking]( (1/11) - [Seniors Traveling Independently]( (1/13) Local events: [San Diego]( (12/2), [Seattle]( (12/8), [Midwest virtual]( (1/6), and [London]( (1/20). For a full list of events, [check out TNN's website](. LATEST COMMUNITY UPDATES 1. TOMORROW'S BOOK CLUB EVENT: Last month, we read Conquering Mountains by Kristin Addis. Come join us tomorrow (12/1) as Kristin talks about her book, solo travel, and blogging. [You can sign up for the free talk here](. And, if you haven't already, join our monthly reading list. Every month, I send out a list of 3-5 suggested books. The next email goes out Monday. [You can join for free here](. 2. NEED A NEW REWARDS CARD? Use your holiday shopping to meet some minimum spending requirements and get a bunch of points for free travel! [Check out this page for all my current favorite offers.]( 3. HOLIDAY PARTIES: We're throwing TWO big holiday parties in December: one in NYC and another in Austin. You can sign-up for [NYC here]( and [Austin here](. (You can also just show up but signing up in advance helps us get a proper headcount!) 4. LAST CALL: Today is the LAST day to take part in our annual Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale. All our books, blogging and writing courses, and NM+ memberships are up to 50% off. [Click here to learn more and save today](. GIVING TUESDAY Today is Giving Tuesday and our community charity, [FLYTE]( is raising money to send more students abroad. I created FLYTE back in 2015 so that kids could have access to life-changing travel opportunities. We've since sent over 100 students from across the country on overseas trips. There are two ways to help: [DONATE]( – Funds raised will go directly towards trip costs like flights, accommodations, and local guides. Your donation will make a difference by helping underserved kids put their education to use in the real world. [FLYTE Travel Auction]( – You can bid to win some incredible travel experiences like vacations, flights, day trips, experiences, concerts, and so much more. All the proceeds go to FLYTE and you'll get some good deals to boot! COOL STUFF AROUND THE WEB 1. [Digital Nomad Conference (December 6-8th)]( - Next week, I'll be speaking at Digital Nomad Week, which is a virtual event that celebrates and discusses remote work and digital nomading. Come check it out! 2. [Cops at the Gate, Tantrums in the Sky]( - People are behaving badly when they fly and it's time to stop it. Luckily, more punishments are coming. 3. [NYC on a Budget]( - Looking for tips for NYC? Here's a guest post I did showcasing how to visit on a budget! 4. [From Blogger to Best Seller]( - I did a recent podcast with Chandler Bolt from Self-Publishing School on writing, book marketing, and blogging. NEW POSTS [Does Travel Really Change People?]( Does travel lead to personal growth and change? I reflect on this popular image that the travel industry sells to people. [Travel Hacking 101: A Beginner's Guide to the Process]( In this beginner's guide to travel hacking, I share everything you need to know to start earning free flights and accommodation. QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Mary Ritter Beard *** As always, if you have any questions, reply to this email. I'll be happy to help. Sincerely, Nomadic Matt P.S. - Are you on social media? Come join me there for whacky updates and pictures: - [Instagram]( for real-time pictures and stories! - [Twitter]( for travel news, insights, and bad dad jokes! - [Facebook]( for longer updates, news, and other cool stuff! [Unsubscribe]( Nomadic Matt Inc., 207 E. 9th St. , Georgetown, Texas 78626, United States