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In Today’s Email:

Up Front: New Visas and Travel Rules

On the Channel: Top LGBTQ+ Safe Havens

Nomad Life: The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Your Luggage

UP FRONT:

What’s New with Digital Nomad Visas and Travel Rules in 2025?

Here’s the Scoop

It’s 2025, and the digital nomad landscape is shifting again. New visas are opening doors (literally), while travel rules are adding a few extra steps to your journey. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it all down so you can keep exploring the world without missing a beat.

Fresh Digital Nomad Visas You Should Know About

• Taiwan:

Taiwan just launched a digital nomad visa, giving you six months to soak in mountain views, ocean breezes, and one of Asia’s most vibrant cultures. You can extend it for another six months too. This is the perfect chance to combine work with a slower pace of life.

• Spain:

Spain has officially rolled out its digital nomad visa. If you’re earning over €2,400 per month, you can live and work there while enjoying all the tapas, beaches, and centuries-old architecture your heart desires.

• Thailand:

Thailand has stepped up with a five-year digital nomad visa, allowing stays of up to 180 days at a time. Think sunsets in Chiang Mai or island hopping in the Andaman Sea, all while running your business remotely.

New Travel Rules You Need to Know

With every door that opens, there’s always a catch, right? Here are the new rules for 2025 that might slow your roll if you’re not prepared:

• UK ETA:

Starting January 8, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the UK. It’s £10, valid for two years, and not a big deal—unless you forget to apply before you go.

• ETIAS for Europe:

Heading to the EU? From May 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the U.S.) will need ETIAS approval. It’s €7 and lasts three years. Not a deal-breaker, but one more thing to add to your pre-trip checklist.

• Real ID for U.S. Flights:

On May 7, the U.S. will enforce the Real ID requirement for domestic flights. If your driver’s license isn’t Real ID-compliant, you’ll need a passport or another approved form of ID. Don’t leave it until the last minute—TSA won’t be amused.

What This Means for PrideNomads

The good news? These new visas are opening up incredible opportunities for remote workers. The challenge? Travel planning is getting more structured.

If you’re the type who loves spontaneous adventures, it’s time to adjust. Applications like ETIAS and ETA aren’t huge barriers, but they do require a little extra effort.

For nomads in the U.S., the Real ID rule is a wake-up call. Whether you’re flying cross-country or just home for the holidays, make sure your ID is ready to go.

How to Stay Ahead

1. Get Organized: Apply for visas and travel authorizations early. The last thing you want is to be stuck because of a bureaucratic delay.

2. Keep Your Docs Updated: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.

3. Stay Flexible: Changes like these are part of the lifestyle. Plan around them, and you’ll keep moving forward.

Final Thoughts

2025 is shaping up to be a year of opportunities and adjustments for digital nomads. The new visas are a win, offering more options to live and work in amazing places. The travel rules? Well, they’re just part of the deal when you’re living this life of freedom.

Now’s the time to plan ahead, stay informed, and keep chasing those adventures. The world is still yours—just with a little extra paperwork along the way

Got a tip or a question about these changes? Let us know—we’d love to hear how you’re making it work.

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NOMAD LIFE:

The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Your Luggage as a PrideNomad

Picture this: my ski gear bag, living its best life in Sydney, needs to make its way to Miami so I can head to Whistler Gay Ski Week in Canada. Sounds simple, right? Just pack it up and send it on its merry way.

But here’s the reality: shipping luggage across continents is a logistical puzzle with options, limitations, and prices that can make your head spin faster than a slalom skier.

So, how do you navigate this? Let’s break it down and help you ship smarter, not harder.

1. Know Your Options: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

When shipping luggage internationally, you’ve got several routes to consider:

• Dedicated Luggage Shipping Services

Companies like Luggage Forward or MyBaggage.com specialize in moving bags from A to B. They’ll pick it up from your door and deliver it to your destination, but convenience comes at a price.

• Courier Services (DHL, FedEx, UPS)

These giants are reliable and offer excellent tracking. But if your bag is oversized or heavy—like a ski gear bag—be ready for a hefty bill. And the prices? Forget about it.

• Airline Excess Baggage

Some airlines let you prepay for extra luggage at a flat fee, which can be cheaper than shipping. However, this requires you to fly the same route as your gear.

• Sea Freight

If you have time to spare, shipping by sea is a budget-friendly option. Just don’t expect your bag to arrive quickly. Seriously—who plans ahead that far??

Let’s include that detail to provide a practical takeaway for readers. Here’s the revised section with your specific options:

2. Pricing: It’s All Over the Map (Pun Intended)

For my ski bag, the most affordable options I found were LuggageFree.com and MyBaggage.com, with quotes starting at around $300 USD. These services specialize in shipping luggage and make the process relatively painless, but even with them, the costs can rise quickly based on weight, size, and speed of delivery.

Here’s what determines the cost:

• Size and Weight: Larger and heavier items cost more.

• Distance: The farther your bag travels, the higher the price.

• Speed: Express services can double or triple the cost.

• Customs Fees: For international shipments, some countries charge extra for sports equipment or oversized luggage.

Pro Tip: Start with a comparison tool or aggregator like Parcel Monkey or Shiply (I received a quote of over $2,400 from Shiply!!) to explore options from multiple vendors, but that’s certainly not always your best option.

A simple Google search found the two finalists for my bag: LuggageFree.com and MyBaggage.com. Sometimes, paying slightly more for reliability is worth it.

3. What You Can—and Can’t—Ship

Before you start packing, check the fine print. Most shipping companies have restrictions:

• Allowed: Clothing, personal effects, sports equipment.

• Restricted/Prohibited: Batteries, liquids, food items, and sometimes high-value goods. Medicine is prohibited. Surprisingly, so it tea!

For ski gear specifically, ensure your equipment is securely packed in a padded bag or box to prevent damage in transit.

4. Timing: Plan Ahead

Shipping isn’t instantaneous.

• Express Shipping: 2–5 days, but it’s the most expensive.

• Standard Shipping: 7–14 days on average.

• Budget Options: 3–6 weeks (great for planners, not procrastinators).

If you need your gear for a specific event (hello, Whistler!), leave wiggle room for unexpected delays.

5. Tips for Success

• Weigh Your Bag: Get an accurate weight before requesting quotes. Guessing can lead to surprise charges.

• Insure Your Shipment: Protect your gear from loss or damage, especially for high-value items.

• Track It: Use services with real-time tracking so you know exactly where your bag is. If you have Apple AirTags, use them!

The Bottom Line

Shipping luggage as a digital nomad or frequent traveler can be a lifesaver—if you plan wisely. Whether it’s ski gear for Whistler or your favorite winter wardrobe, the right strategy can save you time, money, and headaches.

For me, the $300 shipping option works for now, but next time, I’ll start the process even earlier to explore more budget-friendly choices.

What’s your go-to strategy for shipping luggage? I’d love to hear your tips and stories—especially if they involve skiing adventures, travel fails, or unexpected wins!

Stay fabulous and travel smart!

P.S. If you’re headed to Whistler Gay Ski Week, drop me a line—let’s connect on the slopes! ⛷️

We want YOUR input! Share your adventures and your expertise! Just reply to this email and we’ll go from there!

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