Nomadic Matt's Travel Tuesday

= = {NAME}, ​ Greetings from Thailand! I hope everyone's 2024 is off to a great start! Coming back to Thailand has been an incredible experience. It's been over six years since I was last here. ​ Most of what I love has stayed the same. Sure, Khao San Road is no longer backpacker central (I wrote about that [here](), there's less street food in Bangkok (they changed the rules on this), and, like everywhere else, there are more people. But the food is the same, the vibes are the same, the beaches are still stellar, and the people are still so nice. ​ This trip has been a walk down memory lane and I've found myself empathizing with all those "remember when" travelers I met who were like, "That place was great X years ago." As I walked down Khao San, I was bummed it had changed. It was the best worst place in the world. I made a lot of memories there. ​ But all things change. So many people I've met prefer the new Khao San or Ko Lipe, a Thai island I will never go back to because my memories there are so strong. ​ I wrote years ago [that we must not chase the ghosts of travel past](=). We can live in the memory but we can't relive the memory. ​ Khao San, Ko Lipe, and a million other places are not what they were when I first visited. So, as travelers, when we return to a destination, we should ask ourselves if we are going back to relive a memory or form some new ones. ​ It's definitely a question I need to ask myself more. ​ COMMUNITY UPDATES 1. WANT MORE CHEAP FLIGHTS IN 2024? [Going]() (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) is a site that finds incredible flight deals and sends them directly to your inbox. They're currently offering $24 off both premium and elite subscriptions through January 31st! (You can [read my review of Going here]().) ​ If you want super cheap flights in 2024, [this subscription will pay for itself in no time.]()​ ​ 2. I'M SPEAKING AT THE TRAVEL SUMMIT IN APRIL! This conference in Toronto is dedicated to points and miles. There will be Q&As, workshops, mixers, and tons of presentations! The conference is April 26–28, 2024. [Tickets are $399 CAD](. Use code NOMADICMATT to get $25 off. ​ 3. NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR 2024 travels? From finding cheap flights to saving money to dealing with life abroad, [this massive "start here" page]() has all my travel planning articles in one place so you can easily navigate the travel planning process. Start there for all my top tips! ​ 4. WANT TO TRAVEL FOR FREE IN 2024? I recently updated my list of the [best travel credit cards](). If you're looking for a new card with a good welcome offer to fast-track your point balances, check out my list and get one from there! ​ NEWS & STORIES FROM AROUND THE WEB 1. [How to Be an Ethical Digital Nomad](=) - I wrote a guest post for HostelWorld all about being an ethical and responsible digital nomad. ​ 2. [U.S. Travelers Will Soon Need a Visa to Enter Brazil, Here’s What It Will Cost and How to Get One]() - Starting in April, U.S. citizens will need a visa to visit Brazil. Here’s everything you need to know, ​ 3. [FAA Orders Temporary Grounding of Certain Boeing 737 Maxes]( - After a sudden decompression in-flight, the FAA is temporarily grounding all 737 Max 9 planes so they can be inspected. ​ 4. [How to Visit Iceland in January](=) - I share all my best winter Iceland tips in this guest post for Wander Era! ​ BOOK OF THE WEEK ​[Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain]() by Andrew McCarthy - This is a funny, hopeful, and thought-provoking memoir about a father and son as they walk the Camino together across Spain. I've always wanted to walk the Camino and this book does a great job of bringing the journey to life. I really enjoyed it. ​[Get it on Amazon]() | [Get it on Bookshop]() ​ ​ NEW BLOG POSTS ​[How to Spend 3 Days Traveling Route 66 in Missouri]()​ In this guest post, travel blogger Raimee Iacofano shares her tips and advice for planning a 3-day road trip on Route 66 in Missouri. ​ ​[The Best eSIM on the Market: How to Get Unlimited Data for Your Next Trip](​ �€‹ Want unlimited data for your next trip? Here's everything you need to know about Holafly eSIMs and how they can help you travel better. ​ ​[10 Travel Safety Tips to Help You Stay Safe Abroad]()​ ​ To help you stay safe on your next trip abroad, here are 10 safety tips to ensure you have fun and stay safe. ​ QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” - Anaïs Nin ​ *** ​ As always, if you have any questions, reply to this email. I'll be happy to help. ​ Sincerely, ​ Nomadic Matt ​ P.S. - Booking a trip soon? Here are some resources to use: - Book your flight with [Skyscanner](=). - Book your hostel with [Hostelworld](). - Book your hotel with [Booking.com](). - Book your travel insurance with [SafetyWing](. - Book your day tours with [Get Your Guide](). - Book your car rental with [Discover Cars](=). - Check out the [best travel credit cards](). ​ ​ ​ = = ​ ​ ​[Unsubscribe]( | [Update your profile]( | 2318 Santa Rosa Street, Austin, Texas 78702 | [Opt-out of preference-based advertising](=)​