I seldom pack waterproof pants since they’re often bulkier than regular travel/hiking pants, but I took the Kiwi Pro Expedition Pants to Patagonia late last year and was really glad I had them. We got caught in multiple drizzles on land and at sea and even ran into some snow at altitude while trekking, but these didn’t make my legs sweat and they didn’t take up extra room in the suitcase. Head to CraghoppersUSA to get them (there’s a women’s version too) and use code TL15 to get a 15% discount.

The Cheapest Places to Live in 2026

Each year I do an updated in-depth article on the cheapest places to live in the world where you’ll find at least a smattering of other foreigners and a good quality of life. This year there’s a divergence since U.S. fiscal policy has tanked the dollar against nearly all other currencies while the euro has risen as a result. Very few countries cost as little as a year ago if you’re earning greenbacks, but there are still plenty of places to live a better life for half the price. Don’t forget that some nations use U.S. dollars as their own currency or have a strict peg in place, so your meal of the day is still roughly the same price in Panama or Ecuador, for instance. See the full rundown here.

Earn Hilton Points for Apartment Stays

Coming soon: 3,000 furnished apartments for rent by Hilton. The hotel brand is apparently tired of losing remote worker business and inked a deal with a company called Placemakr that will put thousands of rental apartments into its reservation system, branded as Apartment Collection by Hilton. From studio to 4-bedroom places, in the beginning these will all be located in the USA. You’ll be able to earn points if you’re part of their loyalty program and double-dip on earnings if you also have their credit card. Unlike that Airbnb where the owner won’t respond to your WhatsApp messages about the door code not working, Hilton says they will have “dedicated team members available on-site 24/7 to provide support and ensure guests feel cared for.”

All the European Digital Nomad Visas in One Place

I’ve read more articles about digital nomad visas than I’d like to count, but this one by Substack newsletter Nomag does the best job I’ve seen for running down all the options in Europe. In a model of concise writing, it gives a few short sentences on each while still managing to touch on all the key points: income requirement, length of stay, tax implications, and where to apply. Start here, then dive in deeper elsewhere for places from Albania to Iceland to Cyprus.

A weekly newsletter with four quick bites, edited by Tim Leffel, author of A Better Life for Half the Price and The World’s Cheapest Destinations. See past editions here, where your like-minded friends can subscribe and join you.