Digital Nomads Archives - Pale Ale Travel

My Second Month of Earnings on Mediavine Journey [October 2024]

I’ll aim to keep this one brief. My second month of earnings on Mediavine Journey just came in and increased by 40%…but still leaves quite a bit to be desired.

You can find my first (and previous) month’s write-up about getting started on Mediavine Journey and its earnings in this past article: ‘How Much My Travel Blog Made Its First Month on Mediavine Journey’. In that article, I explain some common terms that are important for understanding earnings and a little bit about the Mediavine Journey analytics dashboard.

In the interest of not repeating myself, I recommend checking that post out if anything below doesn’t make sense and/or you’re unsure what they mean.

Without further ado, here’s exactly how much my travel blog made my second month on Mediavine Journey.

Here’s How Much My Travel Blog Made Its First Month on Mediavine Journey

September was a big month for Pale Ale Travel. Symbolically at least. I’ve held off monetizing the blog via a traditional ad network over the years as it wasn’t worth the pennies I’d be making.

However, in early 2024, Pale Ale Travel finally crossed a threshold traffic-wise (or at least we did) where it made sense to begin monetizing it. So I applied to Mediavine’s ‘Journey’ – an ad management solution for growing websites that didn’t quite qualify for their primary ad network solution (50,000 sessions).

Well..the first month’s earnings are in. Here’s a little bit about Mediavine Journey and its requirements and what my travel blog (Pale Ale Travel) earned in its first month.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: While waiting for approval from Mediavine Journey, I launched a newsletter that sends weekly travel destinations straight to your inbox. I also built out a secondary blog that tackles European destinations and blogging tips. You can find it here.

3 of the Best VPNs For Hong Kong to Enjoy Uncensored, Uninterrupted Internet Use

May 10, 2024May 15, 2024Asia, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Hong Kong is changing. For better or worse, there’s a palpable shift in Hong Kong’s political, social, and economic landscape that stands to carry significant repercussions (or benefits) for its residents – both local and foreign. One of the most pressing questions that seems to be echoed amongst both travelers and citizens of Hong Kong is, “At what point do I need to worry about internet censorship?”.

Well, I’d argue now – and that answer isn’t even fully driven by the changing political landscape. Virtual proxy networks, aka VPNs, aren’t just an invaluable tool for protecting yourself against unfettered government surveillance and censorship. They are also practical tools that can make everyday life much easier (and electronically safer).

Whether it’s accessing geo-blocked television shows on your favorite streaming service (the American Netflix catalog in Hong Kong), preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive financial data on poorly secured public networks (ex. cafe), using dedicated work servers while on business trips, or otherwise obfuscating your internet browsing activity, VPNs aren’t just an added value tool in today’s digital world, they are a necessity. I’m currently using one while I write this from a Starbucks in Wan Chai as I just wired some “dollhairs” to another account for my upcoming Europe trip.

Here are 3 of the best VPNs for Hong Kong so that you can enjoy uncensored, uninterrupted internet use (or watch whatever trash bag television show you live for) – all three of which I’ve personally used during my six-year-plus tenure in Hong Kong.

Do I Need a VPN in Hong Kong? Advice From an Average Guy “on the Ground” & on the Web

January 9, 2024May 16, 2024Asia, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Having undergone extreme political turmoil and censorship in the past decade, a common question I receive from travelers and expats moving to Hong Kong is, “Do I need a VPN in Hong Kong to access Google and other specific websites?”

While VPNs may seem like “overkill” and a tool “only for those engaged in seditious or unlawful activities,” that’s far from their complete purpose or reality. There are countless reasons why you might consider using a VPN not only in Hong Kong but anywhere in the world.

Hint hint: you may want to access your favorite streaming service that isn’t available or a specific catalog of shows or movies that is only available in your home country. And that television show may or may not be ‘Love Island’.

13 Essential Travel Tools For Digital Nomads to Stay Connected, Productive, & Classy

December 29, 2023May 16, 2024Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Everyone has experienced that moment after a long, arduous journey to whatever corner of the world they decided on when they reach into their suitcase to grab the one item needed to start their move and/or trip out without a hitch, only to find that it’s nowhere in sight. Been there, done that, and got the t-shirt multiple times over.

For digital nomads or freelancers who frequently change locations and battle an array of geographical, work-related, and visa issues, forgetting a crucial item for one’s trip is just part and parcel. And don’t even get me started on things breaking mid-trip.

If you haven’t experienced it, you probably will at some point. Consider it a right of passage. Or, you can learn from my mistakes and follow this list of must-have digital nomad travel items and cover your bases. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or just starting out on your journey, here are 13 digital nomad must-haves for your next (or first) move or trip abroad – all of which are used by yours truly.

How to Access ChatGPT in Hong Kong

October 4, 2023May 16, 2024Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody 2 Comments

This is a bit of a different article but it seems apropos given that OpenAI just announced the rollout of voice and image support for ChatGPT-4V, an iteration of the AI-powered large language model (LLM.) that has taken the tech world by storm in the last year. From deploying ChatGPT in personal and professional textual applications such as content creation, translation, and even conversational use, to programmatic tasks, data collection and analysis, and other core business operations, such as coding (albeit limited) and customer service support/chatbots, there’s not much that’s off-the-table when it comes to finding a use-case to meet your specific needs.

But for those in Hong Kong (and more than a handful of other countries which some may argue are under totalitarian control – other peoples’ words, not mine), even accessing this free AND paid service can be prohibitive and is not particularly intuitive. That’s why I’m here to break it down into easy-to-understand steps on how to access ChatGPT in Hong Kong (with visuals).

5 Laptop-Friendly Cafes & Workspaces in Osaka

September 1, 2023September 1, 2023Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Japan BigBody 2 Comments

In Japan, people typically go into a cafe or restaurant, accomplish what they came there to do, and then leave. Unlike other countries I’ve lived in, including the U.S., where political campaign telemarketers, Mary Kay salespeople, and Bluetooth guy (everyone knows Bluetooth guy) post up at cafes for hours on end (it’s accepted practice though), Japanese (for the most part) just aren’t simply sitting there nursing a single 99-cent iced coffee over 6 hours while furiously typing away at their groundbreaking (failed) avant-garde screenplays like the coffee shop “revolutionaries” of the West.

This meant that during my time in Osaka, I only found a handful of cafes or workspaces where it was accepted (or felt like it was accepted) to post up with a laptop, book, or Elizabeth Warren-constituent email list to cold call. However, the cafes (and workspace) that I did find and work from were absolute gems and important refuges for me on days when I mentally needed to get out of my apartment (and hotel room) and wanted to be surrounded by others on the same page.

Here are five of my favorite laptop-friendly cafes and workspaces in Osaka.

Coworking at The Hive Sheung Wan: What I Liked, Loved, & Didn’t Care For

December 14, 2022December 14, 2022Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

As emphasized in my guide to laptop-friendly cafes in Hong Kong, I truly believe anyone who wants to buckle down with work and do so in the most economical way (in Hong Kong) should explore a coworking space. There are more coworking spaces in Hong Kong than you can shake a stick at, they are reasonably priced, great ways to meet others working non-traditionally in a finance-driven city, and (most) offer flexible contracts and working arrangements (ex. Hot desks, dedicated desks, offices, and more).

11 Laptop-Friendly Cafes to Work From in Hong Kong

December 12, 2022July 17, 2024Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Hong Kong BigBody Leave a Comment

I wouldn’t call Hong Kong the most laptop-friendly or “digital nomad” friendly city that I’ve ever lived in – mainly due to coffee and food prices which can add up quickly over an extended stay. However, I would say that there is no shortage of options when it comes to posting up at a sound workspace, with strong coffee, and other like-minded individuals.

I would preface that if you are truly looking for a dedicated workspace that is the most economical of all options (and usually comes with free coffee), I would recommend exploring one of Hong Kong’s many coworking spaces. I’ve found that these are typically the best bang-for-your-buck laptop-friendly cafes and coffee shops to truly buckle down with work.

3 Must-Try Cafes & Coffee Shops in Split, Croatia

April 13, 2020October 10, 2020Coffee & Cafés, Croatia, Europe BigBody Leave a Comment

I originally moved to Croatia as it was one of the closest places I could enter for 3 months after my time in the Schengen Area had expired (90 days). I didn’t have any preconceptions before I first moved, and originally planned to spend my slotted three months in Zagreb. However, after taking a trip down to Split in the first week of December, 2019, I felt at home and shifted plans.

I ended up staying the next three months (just about), in Split, Croatia, and really made myself at home. The below three cafes were all a big part of my life and daily routine while there and absolutely worth checking out.

6 Best Cafes to Work From in Vienna

April 13, 2020December 1, 2022Austria, Coffee & Cafés, Europe BigBody Leave a Comment

Vienna won me over. I’m not sure if it was because of its rowdy gasthauses, old friends who I was able to reconnect with, or the palpable energy that is hard to ignore after stepping out your door. Vienna is an absolutely wonderful city that I recommend everyone check out.

I do know for sure that Vienna’s abundance of great cafes to work from is a major factor in why I am seriously considering settling there permanently. From busy college hangout cafes, to traditional Viennese coffee houses, all the way to chic, hipster hangout spots that double as an upcoming DJ’s stomping grounds – Vienna has a cafe (or two) perfect for whatever mood you are in.

Let’s get started! Below is a list of my personal favorite cafes to work from in Vienna, Austria.

Best Budapest Cafes For Digital Nomads & Freelancers

January 11, 2020October 10, 2020Coffee & Cafés, Europe, Hungary BigBody Leave a Comment

When I first arrived in Budapest, Hungary, I had some trouble locating good cafes to work out of. A good portion were coffee-bar cafes that really aren’t spots to sit down, open up your laptop, and get a full day’s worth of work in. But, as I began to explore the city more, I found that Budapest’s work-friendly cafe scene was actually more bustling than I thought. In fact, Budapest was filled with trendy, hip, and even cozy cafes to get your hours in at.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Budapest cafes for digital nomads and freelancers that I found during my month-plus stint in the Pearl of the Danube.