Tim Leffel
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Tim Leffel
@timleffel.bsky.social
210 followers 130 following 130 posts
Travel blogger since 2003 of the Cheapest Destinations Blog, editor since 2006 of Perceptive Travel. Author of multiple books like A Better Life for Half the Price and Travel Writing 2.0. see more at https://TimLeffel.com
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timleffel.bsky.social
Have you ever met anyone who moved to a colder place when they retired? On purpose?
https://www.rfr.bz/b6b1949
There are Better Options Than Moving to Canada
If a recent election result has you in the mood to escape the USA, there are plenty of easier and less expensive options than moving to Canada.
www.rfr.bz
November 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
“I was surprised about how cheap [insert product or service] was in [insert destination]” is a surprisingly common observation from people just returning from vacation, no matter where they went.
https://www.rfr.bz/bdadf0f
Every Travel Destination Has Local Bargains
If you can figure out what's a great deal locally, you can lower your travel budget. Just look for the local bargains in each destination.
www.rfr.bz
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
The thing is, even companies that aren’t selling physical goods feel a need to get in on this game, so every year you’ll see Black Friday travel specials from companies selling experiences rather than something you wrap up and put under a tree with lights on it.
https://www.rfr.bz/b8cf141
You Can Get Travel Deals on Black Friday Too
Black Friday is usually associated with malls and big box retailers, but you can find plenty of travel deals at this time too, like on hotels and tours.
www.rfr.bz
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Reposted by Tim Leffel
theseafarer.bsky.social
The Austin airport is so full of distinctive local restaurants and shops, you'll hope for a long layover there. I recommend a Jo's Iced Turbo coffee for travel energy. My latest for @perceptivetravel.bsky.social

perceptivetravel.com/blog/2025/11...

#TravelSky #EatLocal #ShopSmall
Austin Rocks: Even the Airport is Cool
The Austin airport is so full of distinctive local restaurants and shops, you'll hope for a long layover there. I recommend Jo's Iced Turbo for travel energy.
perceptivetravel.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:52 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Over the years as I’ve written about moving abroad and published the best-selling book on the subject, readers have often told me they worry about buying into global real estate markets.
https://www.rfr.bz/b3698d3
International Real Estate: More Affordable and Less Risky
With prices in the USA and Canada being in the stratosphere now, international real estate looks like a much better investment and far less risky.
www.rfr.bz
November 12, 2025 at 4:09 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
What if you could visit any major tourist site in the Yucatan Peninsula without relying on long bus rides or a rental car?
https://www.rfr.bz/b853c9f
A True Guide to the Maya Train From 4 Rides, 5 States
Tim Leffel rides the Maya Train (Tren Maya) through five states in Mexico, in the Yucatan Peninsula. Pros and cons from the experience
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November 11, 2025 at 5:04 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
There’s a common but outdated assumption by a whole lot of travelers that the best way to earn frequent flier miles is to be a frequent flier.
https://www.rfr.bz/bc36879
How to Earn Free Airline Tickets Through Smart Spending
The best way to earn free airline tickets and fly for close to nothing is to rack up mileage points with strategic credit card spending.
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November 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Do you want to pay tourist prices or regular prices? Do you want to pay the maximum or the minimum when you travel?
https://www.rfr.bz/bf959ba
Tourist Prices vs. Local Prices for Travelers
There are two sets of traveler prices you can pay and the decisions you make will impact how often you pay tourist prices or get a better travel deal.
www.rfr.bz
November 9, 2025 at 5:03 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Travel decisions have a way of sticking with you and haunting you with regrets long after the other bad memories have faded
https://www.rfr.bz/bea599f
Travel Experiences, Regrets, and Splurges
I skipped Angkor Wat and it took me 15 years to make it back. Prioritize the bucket list travel experiences instead of harboring regrets.
www.rfr.bz
October 27, 2025 at 9:01 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
This shift away from disposible clothing is nice to see in a general sense, but it’s got double value in the travel and outdoor spaces
https://www.rfr.bz/b9e37de
Buy Quality Travel Clothes From Companies That Care
Buy quality travel clothes and hold onto them for years. It's not only cheaper in the end than buying crap, but better for the environment too.
www.rfr.bz
October 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Reposted by Tim Leffel
theseafarer.bsky.social
Inside Terminal B of the San Antonio TX airport, you'll find the Suitcase Wheel, a circular piece of public art made from 75 vintage Samsonite suitcases:

perceptivetravel.com/blog/2025/10...

#travel #TravelSky #ArtSky #PublicArt
Icons at the Airport: Suitcase Wheel in San Antonio
Inside Terminal B of the San Antonio TX airport, you'll find the Suitcase Wheel, a circular piece of public art made from 75 vintage Samsonite suitcases.
perceptivetravel.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:38 AM
timleffel.bsky.social
This week on Travel Writing 2.0, an interview with
Michael Turtle, Australian freelance writer and founder of Time Travel Turtle. Launching a regional blog, surviving HCU, and affiliate success: travelwriting2.com/michael-turt...
Michael Turtle: Australian Blogger and Freelance Writer - Travel Writing 2.0 Blog
Michael Turtle is a freelance travel writer from Sydney, Australia who also runs two blogs: Time Travel Turtle, which he has been running since 2011, and Travel Australia Today, which launched in 2020...
travelwriting2.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:42 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
When you plan your travels, you think about flights, hotels, tours, and maybe even travel insurance. But what happens if you get seriously sick or injured far from home? #Medjet #Medjet="/hashtag/MedjetMemberships" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#MedjetMemberships #safertravel #sponsorship
https://www.rfr.bz/bdda292

Who’s Got Your Back in Travel Emergencies? Meet Medjet - Coleman Concierge
Travel smart: Medjet goes beyond insurance to bring you home if you’re hospitalized far away—affordable peace of mind for every adventure. Read on to learn more!
www.rfr.bz
October 17, 2025 at 6:10 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Why are some flights from where you live always expensive, while others seem to always be on sale? And what should you do about it so you’re getting the best deals? Understanding why and where cheap flight routes exist can save you a small fortune if you’re flexible.
https://www.rfr.bz/be3a684
4 Reasons Behind Cheap Flight Routes
Airlines have gotten much better at maximizing plane seats and filling flights, but there are still cheap flight routes available at deep discounts.
www.rfr.bz
October 17, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Reposted by Tim Leffel
perceptivetravel.bsky.social
Here are a few e-bike tours I’ve been on the past two years, with what I discovered about riding a charged-up electric bike instead of a regular human-powered one
https://www.rfr.bz/b665f09
E-bike Tours for Giving Electric Bicycles a Tryout
If you're thinking about buying an electric bike, take a few e-bike tours that last a few hours to figure out whether it's a good investment.
www.rfr.bz
October 6, 2025 at 1:01 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Do you ask yourself, “Is Medjet worth it?” Discover why this travel protection membership is my must-have for safe, stress-free journeys around the world #Medjet #Medjet="/hashtag/MedjetMemberships" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#MedjetMemberships #safertravel #sponsorship
https://www.rfr.bz/b3c99af
Is Medjet Worth It? Why I Never Travel Without Medjet | Wander With Wonder
Do you ask yourself, "Is Medjet worth it?" Discover why this travel protection membership is my must-have for safe, stress-free journeys around the world.
www.rfr.bz
October 9, 2025 at 7:04 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Why are some flights from where you live always expensive, while others seem to always be on sale? And what should you do about it so you’re getting the best deals? Understanding why and where cheap flight routes exist can save you a small fortune if you’re flexible
https://www.rfr.bz/b2383ef
4 Reasons Behind Cheap Flight Routes
Airlines have gotten much better at maximizing plane seats and filling flights, but there are still cheap flight routes available at deep discounts.
www.rfr.bz
October 9, 2025 at 7:03 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Medjet isn’t an insurance policy; it’s a membership that picks up where your travel insurance medevac benefits leave off. #Medjet #Medjet="/hashtag/MedjetMemberships" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#MedjetMemberships #safertravel #sponsorship
https://www.rfr.bz/b0334fe
Take Trips, Not Chances: Why I’m Looking Closely at MedJet Medical Flight Transport Protection
Explore why medical flight transport protection matters. Stacey shares real mishaps abroad and how Medjet could get you safely home.
www.rfr.bz
October 7, 2025 at 12:41 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
So over time the journeys got chopped up into smaller pieces or disappeared altogether. One of those pieces is worth experiencing just for the ride: the Devil’s Nose train (Nariz del Diablo) down a very steep mountain to the bottom
https://www.rfr.bz/b1897d5
You Can Ride the Devil's Nose Train in Ecuador Again
Train ride options come and go frequently in Ecuador, but the famed Devil's Nose Train (Nariz del Diablo) opened back up in August, 2025.
www.rfr.bz
October 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
If you’ve ever wondered why you see so many articles that are a version of “Is it safe to travel in ______?” it’s because a lot of people are putting that into a search bar every month, especially if they’re American.
https://www.rfr.bz/bb13002
Dangerous Countries and a Healthy Travel Perspective
If you're worried about which are the most dangerous countries to travel to, be sure to check where you live for comparison and put it in perspective
www.rfr.bz
October 5, 2025 at 4:06 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Do you know the best times to buy travel gear? The calendar date can make a huge difference.
https://www.rfr.bz/bbe59e8
Know the Best Times to Buy Travel Gear
You don't have to spend a fortune to get quality camping gear, outdoor clothing, and luggage. You just have to know the best times to buy travel gear.
www.rfr.bz
October 2, 2025 at 4:35 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
In general, if a company has a policy that what they produce is guaranteed for life, you can assume that they make quality products that will last
https://www.rfr.bz/b8ffa4b
Travel Gear Brands With a Lifetime Warranty: 14 to Trust
Which travel gear and outdoor clothing companies really stand behind their design and workmanship? These brands have a lifetime warranty.
www.rfr.bz
October 1, 2025 at 1:05 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Before you take off on that epic adventure trip, do a little planning ahead:
www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2025/09/24/a...
#safertravel #partnership @medjetassist.bsky.social
Adventure Travel Planning: Stay Safe Wherever You Go
Staying safe on the road requires some common sense, but also preparation. Adventure travel planning now will make your trip smoother later.
www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:42 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Ready to leave before the whole building comes tumbling down? boingboing.net/2025/09/17/e...
Escape routes: top options for leaving the U.S. in 2025
Expert advice from veteran expat and travel writer Tim Leffel
boingboing.net
September 21, 2025 at 5:58 PM
timleffel.bsky.social
Travel insurance will only move you if they (not you, but they) deem it “medically necessary”. Medjet will move you home just because you want to move #Medjet #Medjet="/hashtag/MedjetMemberships" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#MedjetMemberships #safertravel #sponsorship
https://www.rfr.bz/b6af036
The Safety Net Midlife Travelers Need on Their Bucket List Trips
Medjet is a medical transport membership that provides transportation to the hospital of your choice when the unexpected happens on trips.
www.rfr.bz
September 18, 2025 at 10:32 PM