Sign in

Tim Leffel

@timleffel.bsky.social
238 followers 137 following 222 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 TimLeffel.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
How much do you know about Almaty, the biggest city in Kazakhstan? If you’re like me before I went there, probably not much, which means you need to do a little research and app downloading before arriving. www.rfr.bz/bf810177d
rfr.bz
Almaty Travel Guide for Getting Around the City
Learn the basics in this Almaty travel guide for communication, getting around, and money issues for Kazakhstan's biggest city.
011
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I have fond memories of my time in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The getting there and back part, not so much. www.rfr.bz/b280f2d66
rfr.bz
Driving From Marrakech to Merzouga in a Rental Car
Plan a Morocco road trip driving from Marrakech to Merzouga, with stops, road tips, and what to know before renting a car.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I am writing this from the other side of the world from where I usually live, my second trip to Central Asia. I kicked things off in Almaty, a surprisingly nice city that went way beyond my expectations. www.rfr.bz/b42c567b2
rfr.bz
Exploring the Almaty Metro in Kazakhstan
The Almaty metro system in Kazakhstan may not be very comprehensive, but it has a lot of interesting themed subway stations to explore.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
If you’re at all concerned about the state of your planet and how much garbage is floating around in our oceans and rivers, do your part and carry one of the best water purifiers for travelers when you hit the road. www.rfr.bz/b15c24fa0
rfr.bz
Ultimate Guide to the Best Water Purifiers for Travelers
A veteran travel writer and gear reviewer who has circled the globe four times runs down the best water purifiers, filters, and bottles for world travelers.
011
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The city of Almaty was surprisingly pleasant, a place I could live if it wasn't so hard to get to. Here's the scoop on communication, transportation, money, and more for the big city in Kazakhstan: www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2026/09/16/a...
cheapestdestinationsblog.com
Almaty Travel Guide for Getting Around the City
Learn the basics in this Almaty travel guide for communication, getting around, and money issues for Kazakhstan's biggest city.
010
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
If you’re at all concerned about the state of your planet and how much garbage is floating around in our oceans and rivers, do your part and carry one of the best water purifiers for travelers when you hit the road. www.rfr.bz/b227e45a2
rfr.bz
Ultimate Guide to the Best Water Purifiers for Travelers
A veteran travel writer and gear reviewer who has circled the globe four times runs down the best water purifiers, filters, and bottles for world travelers.
020
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
If you’re at all concerned about the state of your planet and how much garbage is floating around in our oceans and rivers, do your part and carry one of the best water purifiers for travelers when you hit the road. www.rfr.bz/b3ba95c82
rfr.bz
Ultimate Guide to the Best Water Purifiers for Travelers
A veteran travel writer and gear reviewer who has circled the globe four times runs down the best water purifiers, filters, and bottles for world travelers.
010
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
I am writing this from the other side of the world from where I usually live, my second trip to Central Asia. I kicked things off in Almaty, a surprisingly nice city that went way beyond my expectations. www.rfr.bz/be19e5c1a
rfr.bz
Exploring the Almaty Metro in Kazakhstan
The Almaty metro system in Kazakhstan may not be very comprehensive, but it has a lot of interesting themed subway stations to explore.
010
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
If you’re at all concerned about the state of your planet and how much garbage is floating around in our oceans and rivers, do your part and carry one of the best water purifiers for travelers when you hit the road. www.rfr.bz/b0ec4b902
rfr.bz
Ultimate Guide to the Best Water Purifiers for Travelers
A veteran travel writer and gear reviewer who has circled the globe four times runs down the best water purifiers, filters, and bottles for world travelers.
010
Reposted by Tim Leffel
Perceptive Travel @perceptivetravel.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Travel gets a lot more complicated with a dog along, but it can be done if you're prepared: www.explorewithlora.com/how-to-get-f...
explorewithlora.com
How to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai With a Dog
There are several ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and while the fastest is flying, it isn't always the right option. Maybe you're traveling with a dog, maybe you're on a budget, or
011
Reposted by Tim Leffel
Perceptive Travel @perceptivetravel.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Train travel in Vietnam - a complete guide from our editor's Cheapest Destinations Blog: www.rfr.bz/b394c7890
rfr.bz
Train Travel in Vietnam: Now and the Future
Train travel in Vietnam is not fast, but it's an inexpensive and interesting way to move between the cities from the far north down to Saigon.
022
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
A deep dive into train travel options in Vietnam, from the local expert James Clark of Nomadic Notes and various train-related newsletters: www.rfr.bz/bdf779259
rfr.bz
Train Travel in Vietnam: Now and the Future
Train travel in Vietnam is not fast, but it's an inexpensive and interesting way to move between the cities from the far north down to Saigon.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Budget travel tips on the cheapest places to land, with lots of quotes from yours truly: www.rfr.bz/b92a49e0d
rfr.bz
Budget Travel Tips Showdown: Southeast Asia vs. Central America vs. Eastern Europe
Budget Travel Tips Showdown: Southeast Asia vs. Central America vs. Eastern Europe—Myth-Busting Real Costs, Hidden Fees & Money-Saving Hacks from Experts
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Where are the cheapest places to travel in South America? This can be a moving target because of economic conditions and exchange rates. www.rfr.bz/bc4b4c7c8
rfr.bz
Changes in the Cheapest Places to Travel in South America
Budget travel author Tim Leffel runs down the cheapest places to travel in South America in current conditions for budget travelers and backpackers.
010
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
You won’t have any trouble ordering a craft beer made on site when you’re on the Fred Marquis Pinellas Bike Trail in Tampa Bay, Florida. You’ll have around 24 brewpubs to pick from! www.rfr.bz/b43fdd72e
rfr.bz
Pinellas Trail Breweries and Brewpubs in Tampa Bay
Like to stop for a craft beer while biking? Ride the Pinellas Trail and you'll find more than two dozen brewpubs between Tarpon Springs and St. Pete
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Don't blow through Hanoi: plenty of reasons to stick around before heading to Ha Long Bay or up north toward Sapa. www.cantravelwilltravel.com/3-day-hanoi-...
cantravelwilltravel.com
3-Day Hanoi Itinerary for First-Timers - Vietnam
Visiting Hanoi for the first time? Plan your perfect visit with this practical 3-day itinerary covering many of the main sights and attractions.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
How to get around on and between the many, many islands of the Philippines in Southeast Asia: www.tammileetips.com/philippines-...
tammileetips.com
Ways to get around the Philippines (Transportation options) - Tammilee Tips
Getting around the Philippines? From jeepneys and ferries to Grab and buses, here's everything you need to know to travel like a local
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Which are the best cheap hotel chains in the USA? www.rfr.bz/b94f65489
rfr.bz
The Best Cheap Hotel Chains in the USA: 2026
Recent USA surveys highlight the cheap hotel chains with the best guest satisfaction, as well as the best hotel brands and loyalty programs.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Take a hike in Indonesia! Here are some to consider when one day up and down isn't enough: www.rfr.bz/b1bff03dc
rfr.bz
5 best long-distance treks in Indonesia | Atlas & Boots
From volcanic ridges to remote rainforest, discover the best long-distance treks in Indonesia, and how to reach each far-flung trailhead
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Snag a base in the digital nomad hotspot of Da Nang, then check out these places when it's time for a getaway: www.rfr.bz/bc479ec1c
rfr.bz
5 Incredible Day Trips from Da Nang (Most Are Less Than 2 Hours Away) - Love and Road
Discover the best day trips from Da Nang, Vietnam. Including Hoi An, Hue, Ba Na Hills, and more. Plus practical travel tips.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The hotspots for digital nomads and remote workers aren’t as numerous in Latin America as they are in Europe and Asia, but Medellin, Colombia has been one of the top contenders for more than two decades now. www.rfr.bz/bfcc8b107
rfr.bz
The Pros and Cons of Living in Medellin, Colombia
As one of the top digital nomad spots and remote work destinations, many foreigners are living in Medellin, Colombia and enjoying steady weather.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The best travel clothes for men, including some recommendations from my 30 years of packing: www.rfr.bz/b76c3b30c
rfr.bz
Best Travel Clothes For Men (No Matter Where You're Traveling)
The Best travel clothes for men need to hit that sweet spot between performance and design for traveling light. Western Rise does just that.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Hey, it's #NationalTequilaDay, so head to our blog to find lots of reviews like this one: www.rfr.bz/bf2a0c84d
rfr.bz
Don Julio Tequila Review - Reposado and Anejo
One of the most delicious and respected tequila brands, Don Julio tequilas, reposado and anejo, are both solid home bar or gift choices.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The best travel clothes for men, including some recommendations from my 30 years of packing: www.rfr.bz/b0c35b726
rfr.bz
Best Travel Clothes For Men (No Matter Where You're Traveling)
The Best travel clothes for men need to hit that sweet spot between performance and design for traveling light. Western Rise does just that.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
How to get around by train in Thailand, including overnight sleepers to and from the biggest city: www.rfr.bz/ba96ffa86
rfr.bz
Train Travel in Thailand: Scenic Routes to and From Bangkok
The first time I experienced train travel in Thailand is when I was a young backpacker on a budget. Still, even though funds were limited, train travel was
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The best travel clothes for men, including some recommendations from my 30 years of packing: www.rfr.bz/b1069feb6
rfr.bz
Best Travel Clothes For Men (No Matter Where You're Traveling)
The Best travel clothes for men need to hit that sweet spot between performance and design for traveling light. Western Rise does just that.
001
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I’ve learned to gravitate to quality over the years, trusting the brands that won’t crap out on me at a bad time. Like a buddy you can depend on to always be there for you, well-made clothing and luggage won’t let you down just because the going got tough. www.rfr.bz/b531898f0
rfr.bz
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.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
This year I’m going to spend about six weeks in Malaysia after being away from the country since I was a young backpacker. www.rfr.bz/b10d3d90b
rfr.bz
Traveling to Malaysia Overland and Getting Around
Traveling to Malaysia overland makes a lot of sense because it borders Singapore, Thailand, and Sumatra in Indonesia. Bus, train, and ferry options.
020
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
If you're looking to move abroad, the wallet, head, and heart factors are all important. www.rfr.bz/bc4e84ac9
rfr.bz
The 3 Factors to Scope Out When Deciding Where to Live
When choosing where to live abroad, you have to listen to your head, your wallet, and your heart in order to find your perfect international living spot.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
I'm getting psyched about returning to Malaysia in the fall, with more than 2 weeks in #Penang. Here are some of the getaways I'll be checking out: www.rfr.bz/b11486d21
rfr.bz
Best 3 Weekend Getaways from Penang • Sand In My Curls
Looking for the best weekend getaways from Penang? After living there for 8 years, these are the 3 trips I took again and again.
011
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
I talk a lot on this Cheapest Destinations Blog about how to save money on travel on a consistent basis and how to see the world for less. www.rfr.bz/b4e9b00ab
rfr.bz
Travel Subscriptions That Keep Working in the Background
Some travel subscriptions that work in the background can be worth paying for, such as eSIMs, travel insurance, streaming, and storage for photos.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The new issue of Nomadico goes out to 21,500 working travelers and nomads tomorrow. Are you on the list? www.rfr.bz/b6b55901d
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
This week on Travel Writing 2.0 - It's Josie and Dom from @redwhiteadventures travel blog talking about the nomad life, splitting work responsibilities, and striving for balance: www.rfr.bz/bcd35a5fe
rfr.bz
Red White Adventures Bloggers Josefine and Dominik - Travel Writing 2.0 Blog
The author of Travel Writing 2.0 interviews Josefine Kraemer and Dominik Kropacek, the nomadic couple behind Red White Adventures travel blog.
010
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Go beyond the obvious in the Philippines: check out these 16 islands to find a more private place in the sun by the sea: www.rfr.bz/b1b816e18
rfr.bz
16 Gorgeous Hidden Islands In The Philippines You Must Visit
Go a little further, and you'll find hidden islands in the Philippines dotted with unspoiled beaches, unspoiled waterfalls, colorful coral reefs, and welcoming communities that are still under the radar.
001
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
It’s Independence Day weekend in the USA, following Canada Day up north. So the question on my mind is, are you using your freedom to travel? Or move abroad? Go nomadic? www.rfr.bz/bf8500dfa
rfr.bz
Are You Using Your Freedom to Travel?
You could go somewhere different tomorrow or the week after that. So why stay stuck in a routine each year instead of using your freedom to travel?
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
The original post and one update laid out the cost of living in Bulgaria at those points, but the country has gone through a lot of changes since. www.rfr.bz/b2e31f94f
rfr.bz
The Cost of Living in Bulgaria (After the Euro Changeover)
Bulgarian resident and editor of Sofia Expats appears on the Cheapest Destinations Blog to detail the cost of living in Bulgaria after the euro intro
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
One of the seven wonders of the world and by most accounts the most popular tourist destination in South America for foreigners, Machu Picchu is on the list of almost every first-time visitor to Peru. www.rfr.bz/b392678b5
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
If you're worried about the quality of healthcare in Mexico, here's where we scheduled an MRI scan the same day after paying $72 total for 45 minutes with a neurologist.
Mexican hospital
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
“I’m a ____ from _____ who makes $_____ and I want to move abroad. Where should I live?” www.rfr.bz/b38ea206f
rfr.bz
You Want to Move Abroad? Do Some Soul-searching
Finding the perfect place to move abroad is like finding the perfect spouse. Figure out your priorities & do some destination dating before moving overseas.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
If you look beyond Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, you can live almost anywhere in interior Mexico for half or less what you spend on bills in the USA or Canada. www.rfr.bz/be91e80e2
rfr.bz
Central Mexico Living Costs in 2026
The author of A Better Life for Half the Price runs down some of the Mexico living costs in interior Mexico, like Guanajuato.
011
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
I haven’t covered Portugal much lately on this Cheapest Destinations Blog because it’s just not as cheap as it used to be compared to Spain next door or the current bargain destinations like Albania and Bulgaria. www.rfr.bz/b8eb05d3d
rfr.bz
Living in Portugal: Visas and Living Costs
Living in Portugal has gotten more and more popular in the 2020s but it's still possible to get residency visas and live a less expensive life there.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Are you preparing to make a journey through the Sacred Valley of Peru to arrive at one of the most famous archaeological sites in the Americas? www.rfr.bz/bc5f65bc3
rfr.bz
Getting to Machu Picchu by Rail or Trail
Getting to Machu Picchu isn’t as simple as visiting many of the other great wonders of the world. You’ll need to trek for days or take a train.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
One of the seven wonders of the world and by most accounts the most popular tourist destination in South America for foreigners, Machu Picchu is on the list of almost every first-time visitor to Peru. www.rfr.bz/b8c5207e2
rfr.bz
How Much Does a Machu Picchu Trip Cost? - Peru Travel Prices
A breakdown of prices for international tourists for a Machu Picchu trip cost in Peru: tickets, bus, train, and lodging for one of the 7 wonders of the world.
010
Reposted by Tim Leffel
Boing Boing @boingboing.net · 17/06/2026
Elon Musk hates taxes, government, and regulation — right up until the check clears. CNN tallied his government contracts and subsidies.
boingboing.net
Man who hates paying taxes loves government handouts
Elon Musk hates taxes, government, regulation, and the public sector right up until the check clears. CNN's Chris Isidore lays out the part of the Musk myth that gets buried…
415647
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Join the Cheap Living Abroad list and get monthly advice from Tim Leffel, author of the best-selling book on living abroad: A Better Life for Half the Price. www.rfr.bz/b55deaebb
rfr.bz
Cheap Living Abroad - Cheapest Destinations Blog
Join the Cheap Living Abroad list and get monthly advice from Tim Leffel, author of the best-selling book on living abroad: A Better Life for Half the
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
If you’ve been feeling uneasy about how Google the corporation has been tracking you and have already switched your browser to one with more privacy like Duck Duck Go, the next step might be finding a Gmail alternative. www.rfr.bz/b05db61
rfr.bz
Break up with Google: Gmail Alternatives With No Ads
If you're tired of being the product and paying with your attention to see ads when viewing e-mail, here are some good Gmail alternatives.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Are you feeling more stuck than usual because of economic headwinds beyond your control? Are you gasping when looking at flight prices and gas pump prices, thinking you can’t go very far? www.rfr.bz/bf1e756
rfr.bz
Traveling Local Can Still Be an Adventure
High flight prices and fuel costs are making international travel more expensive, but traveling local can still be adventurous, even close to home.
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Let’s go through the actual cost of living in Bulgaria in 2026 and if see if it is still one of the bargain places to move to in the world. www.rfr.bz/bf3f2a5
rfr.bz
The Cost of Living in Bulgaria (After the Euro Changeover)
Bulgarian resident and editor of Sofia Expats appears on the Cheapest Destinations Blog to detail the cost of living in Bulgaria after the euro intro
010
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
What if you could visit any major tourist site in the Yucatan Peninsula without relying on long bus rides or a rental car? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could hop on a train near the Cancun airport and head south to Playa del Carmen? www.rfr.bz/b20d68b
rfr.bz
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
000
Tim Leffel @timleffel.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
If I had to guess, I’d estimate that two-thirds of the people that take off for long-term travels around the world end up spending the majority of their time in Asia www.rfr.bz/b67b680
rfr.bz
Overland Travels in Asia: Connected Countries in Clusters
Many budget travelers devote a lot of time to travels in Asia since there are clusters you can easily move between overland and prices are good.
000