Wanderlustingk

Expat Life

How to make money on the side: 15 crazy and creative ways to make money

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If you’re trying to make travel (or any other financial goal) a priority this year, you’re probably thinking, “I need to make more money.”   With a wedding party and travel coming up, I hope that my entrepreneurial spirit will teach you how to make extra money on the side starting this month!

Saving money each month is one part of the equation, however a clever side job that makes you extra money might be enough to treat yourself to a vacation, a shopping trip, a new apartment, or even a spa visit.

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30+ Things To Know Before You Move To The Netherlands

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We just moved back to the Netherlands.  After living in Amsterdam, moving from the United States, we moved to Paris.  It didn’t work out and we’re back living in the Netherlands hoping to stay permanently, now in Zuid Holland. 

Moving to the Netherlands for the second time has gotten me thinking in terms of stuff we didn’t know when we moved here or that I wish knew how it worked, so I hope you enjoy this remotely useful guide to things to know before you move to the Netherlands. 

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The Cost of Living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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After living in Amsterdam for over two and a half years, I was surprised how many questions that I’d get about the cost of living in Amsterdam as an expat.  I’ve broken down our monthly expenses in Amsterdam from rent to phone bills in the Netherlands, so hopefully this will help you decide if living in Amsterdam is for you. 

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Paris sucks: The truth about being a Paris expat & living in Paris

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“Paris is always a good idea,” declared Audrey Hepburn.  I thought that moving to Paris was a great idea until we were living in Paris.

If you’re coming here because you love Paris, you will probably love Paris (most of the time).  If you’re not a Francophile or you love to judge strangers, you will want to read this 3,000 word long article on why we don’t like living in Paris as expats and why we’re leaving France.

This is my opinion about being an expat in Paris and based on MY experiences living in Paris, so please read it before judging me.  I’ve included lots of pretty photos of Paris to compensate for being such a negative Nancy.

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Tips for traveling overseas with a cat & moving abroad with a cat

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If you’re considering moving abroad with your cat, you have a lot of work cut out for you. Moving from the United States to Europe (Netherlands to Belgium to Romania to France) with my cat has been interesting to say the least.  If you want to bring your cat with you when you move abroad, there are some important things to consider.  That said, if you’re not moving abroad, but only traveling abroad with your cat, there will be some helpful cat travel tips here.

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Should I elope? Reasons for eloping and 15 best places to elope

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Weddings can be overwhelming, expensive, and exhausting, so eloping with your fiance is a great way to take the pressure off from intensive wedding planning and family stress. (Surprise, I got married!)

Read why eloping was right for us, reasons to elope (or not elope), and about the best places to elope! This is not going to be your typical guide to on how to elope.

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13 Interesting Dutch Spirits & Liquors You Must Try In the Netherlands

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Wondering what people drink in the Netherlands? This post is an in depth introduction to alcohol in the Netherlands.  Today, my husband and  bring you an article that is over two years in the making: 13 different liqueurs and spirit drinks that you should try in the Netherlands.

When I’m visiting a new place, I love to try to try the local food and drink specialities…. and beyond Heineken and jenever, most people don’t know what to drink in the Netherlands.

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Releasing Seals into the Wadden Sea & Travel Tips for Friesland

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Our weekend trip to Friesland was magical as it included releasing seals back into the wild (technically starting in Groningen, but we sailed into Frisian water), taking a boat tour to the UNESCO world heritage site of the Wadden Sea, enjoying the sandbanks/views of the Frisian islands, and exploring the traditional polder landscape of Friesland as well as the cute cities of Friesland.

For those seeking an ethical animal experience to add to their travel bucket list, releasing wild seals back in the wild is a must.  If you’re looking for the best activities to do in the Netherlands, I definitely rank this responsible tourism do as one of my favorite memories.

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How to work abroad: Professional jobs to help you move abroad

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Wondering how to become an expat? You need to find a job abroad! Here is a list of careers and advice to help you find international jobs! ​ Finding jobs abroad is much easier if you’re a professional with significant job experience and/or have a Masters/Ph.D. Depending on your career, living and working abroad with the right work experience is possible if you’re trying to figure out how to move abroad. Keep reading for tips from real expats!

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The Ultimate Guide to Apartment Renting in Amsterdam

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I LOVE Amsterdam and I’m so glad that I moved to the Netherlands.  Finding expat housing in Amsterdam is hard. When I moved here, I didn’t know how to find an apartment although I’m now on apartment #3 already.

Hopefully this helps others find a room or expat apartment to rent in Amsterdam!  I include rental housing information that you need to know, a free download to keep track of applications, the best neighborhoods to look in, and strategies for finding housing. 

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