Friday, May 24, 2024

Revolut - A online bank made for explorers


Benefits of Using Revolut - Especially for Frequent Travelers

If you frequently travel abroad, having Revolut as a second bank can offer numerous advantages. Not only is it ideal for travelers, but Revolut also offers higher interest rates than most other banks, allowing you full access to your money without tying it to a locked account for years or limiting the number of withdrawals. This flexibility means that you can grow your money faster and use it whenever you wish!

Key Benefits of using Revolut:

1. Multi-Currency Accounts:

Revolut allows you to hold and exchange money in multiple currencies without high conversion fees. This is perfect for travelers who need to manage different currencies efficiently. You can convert your currency to the local currency instantly through the app without conversion fees and avoid additional exchange fees. The accounts with different currencies are all linked to your Revolut card, which will automatically withdraw from the account with the local currency of where you are. Super easy!

 

2. Easy deposits:

Deposit though bank transfers or by cards. For faster transfers, use the card and have the money on your revoult account within minutes! 

 

3. Real-Time Exchange Rates:

Revolut provides real-time exchange rates for currency conversions, helping you save money compared to traditional banks.


4. Free Global ATM Withdrawals:

With a Revolut account, you can withdraw cash for free at ATMs worldwide up to a certain limit, making it convenient to access local currency.


5. Security Features:

Revolut includes advanced security features like instant card freezing, spending limits, and real-time notifications to keep your account secure. For example, I made a purchase online with my Revolut card while abroad. Revolut sensed unusual activity and froze the card. I received an instant notification through the app and could check the activity on my card to ensure it was a legitimate purchase. I could then unlock my card instantly without any difficulties. In contrast, with my regular bank, I would typically have to wait to receive a new card by mail, which could be a significant inconvenience, especially abroad.


6. No Hidden Fees:

Revolut is transparent with its fees, ensuring you don’t encounter unexpected charges for transactions, conversions, or account management. For example, whenever you convert to another currency or purchase stocks, you will see if there are any additional fees.


7. Global Accessibility:

As a digital bank, Revolut is accessible from anywhere in the world via its app, making it easy to manage your finances wherever you are.


8. Easy Budgeting and Spending Insights:

Revolut offers tools for budgeting and tracking your spending, helping you manage your finances effectively while on the go. Personally, I don't use this feature a lot, but it's good to know about if you are traveling with a budget.


In addition to these features, you can also invest in stocks, crypto, precious metals, and more with Revolut.


Using Revolut as a second bank is highly beneficial for travelers. Consider Revolut to enhance your travel experience and simplify your financial management abroad.


If you're ready to simplify your travels by signing up for a free Revolut account, click HERE.




Winter Trip of 2023 - Part 3

The Ice Hotel: A Memorable Finale


For our last night, we wanted to end with a bang—something truly memorable: The Ice Hotel. We stayed in one of their cozy cabins and purchased tickets to tour the stunning ice rooms. The ice sculptures were so detailed, and we could only imagine the countless hours that went into creating them. We also made sure to visit the ice bar, where drinks were served in glasses made of ice. Delicious!

The temperature in the ice facilities typically stays around -7 degrees Celsius. This keeps the environment comfortable and maintains the clarity of the ice.


The Ice Hotel is best visited during winter to fully appreciate its stunning ice architecture and unique rooms. You can tour the hotel during open hours, and if you wish, you can even spend the night in one of their ice rooms! (For those who prefer a warmer experience, they also offer cabins.)




If you want to read more about the different stay options, click below:

The Ice Hotel


P.S. Dog lovers, you'll be happy to know that pets are allowed in some cabins, so you can bring your furry companion along! Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the ice rooms.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Winter Trip of 2023 - Part 2

Camp Ripan: Our Next Stop


After leaving STF Abisko Tourist Station, we headed to our next destination, Camp Ripan. We arrived quite late because we stopped to pick up some dog food and snacks on the way. We booked a 2-hour visit to their spa, which was very much appreciated after all the cold! The spa had saunas, ice baths, hot baths, and even a bar.


On our second day, we decided to go skiing. Although we lacked experience, it was super fun! We rented skis at the hotel, which had many well-maintained trails nearby. The colors in the clouds at sunset were breathtaking, almost like an oil painting.



For our last day before heading back home, we saw it fitting to end with something special - The Ice Hotel. Stay tuned.


Find out more about Camp Ripan by clicking the link below:

Camp Ripan 


P.S. Dog lovers, you'll be happy to know that pets are allowed in specific rooms and areas at Camp Ripan!


Monday, May 20, 2024

Winter trip of 2023 - Part 1

Exploring Abisko: Our Winter Adventure at STF Abisko Tourist Station


Last winter, we decided to explore Abisko in northern Sweden. With temperatures dropping to -30°C and below, we left our van at home and chose to stay in hostels and hotels instead, due to the low degrees.


Our first stop was the STF Abisko Tourist Station, where we spent three cozy nights. The station had a communal kitchen where we could cook our own meals. We also had access to a common fridge for all our food.


We hiked around Abisko National Park, even getting caught in a thrilling (and a bit scary) snowstorm one day! The weather was clear sky and sun when we started out, but ended with a snow storm. The trail almost completely blew away! 


There are not a lot of sun hours during winter in Abisko, and when the sun starts to set, it sets fast, so make sure you bring a head lamp when going out! 



A short walk from where we stayed was a small village where we could buy groceries. One of our favorite spots was "Lapp-portarna" (Lapporten), a beautiful natural landmark you can see in the picture below.


The best part of our trip was on our last night when we saw the northern lights. Watching the sky light up with colors was magical and a highlight of our journey.



We can’t wait to go back to Abisko this summer, this time in our van. The summer scenery promises to be just as amazing!


Find out more about SFT Abisko Tourist Station by clicking the link below:

STF Abisko Tourist Station 


P.S. Dog lovers, you'll be happy to know that pets are allowed in specific rooms and areas at the station!




Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Work efficient on the road!

 


I spend a lot of time working on the road.

I have found that a good set up for my computer, with an extra computer screen, is a must for me to work efficient.


Being able to have this set up in my van, the computer and the screen on my (small) desk, lets me work in an undisturbed way. I don't know how I got any work done before it. This gear is my best work companion!



Saturday, May 11, 2024

Summer is coming and the poo has to go!

When spring finally rolls around and you're ready to mow the lawn, but first you've got to pick up all the dog poo that have been marinating since winter...