The Japanese culture is rich and benevolent. We can make use of some of the concepts listed below to gain perspective in life and appreciate the holistic beauty and humanity imbibed in the surprising country.

Japan: Learning About A Holistic Life

<ul><li>Omoiyari: embed compassion in your life, work, and product design.</li><li>Ikigai: live with purpose and passion.</li><li>Wabi-sabi: be grateful, see beauty in imperfection.</li><li>Mottainai: embrace essentialism, and live sustainably.</li><li>Shin-Gi-Tai: keep a healthy body and a sound mind. They are the path to mastery.</li><li>Shu-Ha-Ri: learn the basics. Imitate, then innovate.</li><li>Kaizen: embrace change and strive for small and continuous improvements.</li><li>Mono no aware: detach from material things, outcomes, and old beliefs.</li><li>Omotenashi: give without expecting a reward. The world gives to the givers.</li><li>Ho-Ren-So: over-communicate.  </li></ul>

Key Takeaways

Omoiyari means caring and showing sincere consideration for others.Japanese fans made the headlines in 2018 when they tidied up a football stadium after the game.Omoiyari is also manifested in the designs of products. For example, Japanese hi-tech toilets have a warm seat, washer, and a sound to cover those ‘unpleasant’ noises.Practicing omoiyari is said to help build compassion and empathy toward others.

Omoiyari

Ikigai is the Japanese term for the state of well-being induced by devotion to enjoyable activities, which leads to a sense of fulfillment, according to Japanese psychologist Michiko Kumano.It is said that in Japan, people who have a purpose in life live longer.Your ikigai is what gets you up every morning and keeps you going.

Ikigai

Wabi-sabi is a concept that encourages us to embrace our imperfections and accept the natural cycle of life.
Everything in life, including us, is in a state of flux. Change is the only constant, everything is transient, and nothing is ever complete.
By practicing wabi-sabi, we are taught to be grateful and accepting and strive for excellence rather than perfection.

Wabi-sabi

Mottainai means respecting the resources we have, not wasting them, and using them with a sense of gratitude.Uniqlo uses “Mottainai: Old Clothes, New Life” to achieve zero waste.The concept invites us to be grateful and intentional about our actions and think of ways to help make this world more sustainable.

Mottainai

Shin-Gi-Tai translates as “mind, technique, and body.”Mind, technique, and body are the three elements for maximum performance used in martial arts.The framework can also be applied to building habits. The framework can be mapped to the Fogg Behavior Model, which is expressed as a short formula: Behavior = Motivation (Mind), Ability (Technique), and Prompt (Body).A healthy body and a sound mind are the foundation for developing and refining any skills.

Shin-Gi-Tai

Shu-Ha-Ri translates as “follow, breakaway, and transcend.”It is a way of thinking about how to learn and master a technique. There are 3 stages to acquiring knowledge:<ul><li>Shu: learn the basics by following the teaching of one master. Imitating the work of great masters also falls in this stage.</li><li>Ha: start experimenting, learn from masters, and integrate the learning into the practice.</li><li>Ri: This stage focuses on innovation and adapting the learning to different situations.</li></ul>Imitate, then innovate. You may want to check Clark Terry’s formulation of this model: Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate.

Shu-Ha-Ri 

Kaizen is a method of continuous improvement based on the theory that small, ongoing positive changes can be significant.Kaizen reminds us to let go of assumptions and perfectionism. It teaches us to take an iterative, progressive approach to change.This concept is vital to instill good habits and achieve excellence.

Kaizen

This concept describes having empathy towards things and their inevitable passing.This concept reminds us that nothing in life is permanent. We should willingly and gracefully let go of our attachments to transient things.

Mono no aware

Christel Takigawa, the ambassador for the Tokyo 2020 bid, popularized this concept in her speech to the International Olympic Committee.The concept is all about offering the best service without expecting a reward. It’s an important part of Japanese culture and deeply rooted in how Japanese society functions.

Omotenashi

Ho-Ren-So translates as “report, inform, and consult.”The concept forms the basis of all communication, collaboration, and healthy information sharing in a Japanese organization. It focuses on the roots of the communication line, streamlining the flow of information, and preventing issues from happening again.The Japanese argument is that the Ho-Ren-So, through collaboration and communication, strengthens subordinate employee relationships and provides a platform for the subordinate to learn from their superior.

Ho-Ren-So

It was a Friday evening, and I was preparing to leave for the airport after work. I stopped by my usual pharmacy to buy an allergy spray. I carry the spray every time I travel. This time, I was…

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10 Japanese Concepts For Self-Improvement and a Balanced Life

The digital nomad trend of being location independent has become increasingly popular over the last few years, which is why it’s no surprise that many people are seeking remote working opportunities. Besides having endless possibilities for travel, digital nomads can also live a more affordable and flexible lifestyle compared to the typical in-office employee.

Digital Nomads Trend

<ul><li>There are over 10.9 million digital nomads. 33% of digital nomads own their own business. </li><li>Digital nomads who spend at least six months abroad can save between $2,500 and $4,000 a year due to reduced lifestyle costs for food, child or pet care, and transportation. </li><li>Only 7% of employees worked at home before the pandemic. But in July 2020, this number rose to 42%. </li><li>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and inability to travel internationally, 76% of American digital nomads prefer to work from the U.S.  </li><li>81% of digital nomads report being highly satisfied with their work and lifestyle arrangements.</li></ul>

U.S. Report ON Digital Nomads: The Stats

<ul><li>4% of digital nomads can fully support themselves by working less than 10 hours a week. </li><li>The majority (70%) still work an average of 40 hours a week. </li><li>Digital nomadism has increased employee productivity by 35% for companies and businesses. </li><li>Many workers are relatively new to the digital nomad lifestyle. </li><li>The majority (53%) of digital nomads plan to work remotely for two years. </li><li>69% of people between the age of 25 and 40 would choose the ability to work remotely over any other company benefit.</li></ul>

The New Lifestyle Of Choice

<ul><li>The gender split between digital nomads is almost even (50.19% are female, and 49.81% are male). </li><li>The majority of digital nomads in the U.S. are white (70%). </li><li>83% of digital nomads are generally college-educated, while 2% don’t have a high school degree. </li><li>Digital nomadism is a very popular lifestyle for Millennials. </li><li>42% of all digital nomads are between the ages of 25 and 40. </li><li>Gen X fills 22% of the remote workforce, while Gen Z and Baby Boomers are closely tied at 19% and 17%, respectively.</li></ul>

The Demographics

<ul><li>The average salary of a digital nomad is $51,116 per year. </li><li>The average digital nomad hourly rate is between $10 and $30. </li><li>Men make slightly more compared to women ($55,744 compared to $46,488 annually). </li><li>Only 18% of remote workers make more than they would if they held an in-office position. </li><li>Most digital nomads (46%) report that they make less.</li></ul>

Income Statistics for Digital Nomads

<ul><li>9% of independent professionals find it difficult to stay motivated and free of distractions. </li><li>The biggest challenge of having location independence is finding fast and reliable internet speed. </li><li>Other difficulties include loneliness (33%), being overworked (33%), career progressions (25%), and communicating with coworkers in different time zones (20%). </li><li>However, loneliness is the #1 reason why most remote workers living abroad return home.</li></ul>

The Problems

54% of digital nomads only visit 1 or 2 countries a year. In 2021, Taiwan was reported to be the best country for digital nomads based on personal satisfaction. This is followed by Mexico, Costa Rica, Malaysia, and Portugal. Italy, Kuwait, and South Africa have the lowest approval rating in terms of providing a positive nomadic lifestyle. Digital nomads are also flocking to exotic locations to work. Southeast Asia (especially Bali and Thailand), Costa Rica, and the Caribbean are just some of the most popular destinations.

The Communities

People are becoming increasingly more interested in digital nomad life. The term “digital nomad” saw a 247% increase on Google Search from January 2019 to April 2021. Sixty-four million Americans would like to join the digital nomad community, while 19 million plan to actually do so in the next three years. By 2035, it is expected that the number of people living the digital nomad lifestyle will reach over 1 billion.

The Future

Although costs will depend on your accommodation and lifestyle, Goa, India, and Pokhara, Nepal is considered to be two of the cheapest destinations for digital nomads. The average cost of living in both places is around $650 a month.

The Cheapest Country To Go And Work

Many countries require that you obtain a digital nomad visa if you plan on working or staying for extended periods of time. For example, American digital nomads should apply for a working tourist visa if they plan on staying in Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Bahamas, etc despite having visa-free entry as a non-working tourist.

The Digital Nomad Visa

First and foremost, digital nomads need a laptop or computer and a reliable internet connection. To be a successful digital nomad, it’s also important to have an area where you can be productive. For some, that could be a separate room in their house, a coworking space, or even a quiet coffee shop. Digital nomadism is an enticing lifestyle for many freelancers, business owners, and employees. With more and more people joining the digital nomad movement, we can anticipate this major lifestyle shift to become a more mainstream way of working

The Bottom Line

Dreaming of working from anywhere? Here are the key things you need to know about starting your digital nomad journey

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How To Become A Digital Nomad

Learn why remote work is becoming more and more common for companies and freelancers with these digital nomad stats.

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Amazing Digital Nomad Stats, Trends and Facts 2022

Traveling the world while working online from your laptop has been a dream for millions of self-proclaimed digital nomads.However working from foreign countries while traveling on a tourist visa is technically illegal in most places.Tourist visas also usually expire after 30-90 days, and it’s not always easy to renew them. What if you want to stay longer?That doesn’t stop digital nomads from working while traveling, but it can make things complicated, and with travel restrictions due to COVID-19, it’s much more difficult to work & travel internationally.

The Premise

Some countries have recognized the need for so-called “digital nomad visas”, “remote work visas”, or “freelancer visas” specifically to entice foreigners to come work & contribute to their economies.Many of these destinations are hoping the remote work visas will generate income to help make-up for lost tourism revenue due to the pandemic.

Countries Creating Visas For Remote Work Tourists

Digital nomads are basically remote workers who travel to different locations on a regular basis. They use modern technology to work from coffee shops, hotels, co-working spaces, or libraries with a WiFi connected laptop or smartphone from anywhere in the world.Freelancers are self-employed, working for themselves or other companies as independent contractors. Freelancers can travel while they work, or just work from home while living in one place on a long-term basis.

Digital Nomads vs Freelancers

The Caribbean island nation of Antigua & Barbuda has announced a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR). It’s for remote workers who can show the means to support themselves and any family members joining them.This visa is good for 2-years, and visitors will be required to maintain their own health insurance plan while staying within the country and enjoying its 365 different beaches.

Antigua & Barbuda

The beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia has long been a popular location for remote workers to base themselves. And while there are no formal details just yet, Bali has just announced they are looking to implement a brand new digital nomad visa sometime later this year.The Bali remote work visa would be good for up to 5-years, and holders of the visa would NOT have to pay taxes on any income earned outside Bali.

Bali

Barbados has also opened its borders to digital nomads and remote workers who are looking to escape the pandemic while basing themselves in a beautiful island destination.The “Barbados Welcome Stamp” is a special 12-month visa for remote workers, which can also be renewed for even longer. Why not live next to the beach and work from home in Barbados!

Barbados

Bermuda joined the remote work visa club! Their recently released “Work From Bermuda” digital nomad visa is just an expansion of an older residency program, which allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year.Aimed at professionals who normally work from home, they hope the new visa will attract long-term travelers who want to base themselves from an island destination.

Bermuda

The Cayman Islands launched a special visa for digital nomads called the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC). It allows travelers to stay in the islands for up to 2 years.The income requirements are much steeper than other countries in this list though: individuals must provide proof of an annual salary of at least $100,000, or $150,000 for couples.

Cayman Islands

There are many digital nomads who choose to base themselves in Costa Rica due to the relaxed lifestyle, great surfing, nice beaches, and diverse landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, and jungle.Costa Rica has a freelancer visa called the Rentista, allowing foreigners to stay for up to 2-years, with the ability to extend it. Often used by retirees with a fixed income and some entrepreneurs — because you can’t be an employee for another company on the Rentista.

Costa Rica

As of January 2021, Croatia has started issuing <a href="https://www.expatincroatia.com/digital-nomad-visa-croatia/">digital nomad visas</a>. The visa is available for different lengths of time, with a maximum of 12-months. You need to physically be in Croatia to apply for this long-term residence permit, you can’t apply from overseas.

Croatia

Spend your weekends exploring the historical towns and mountains of this Central European country, and work remotely during the week using their fast internet connection! The Czech Republic offers a freelancer visa called the Zivno. It’s valid for one year, and can be extended too. It’s <a href="https://www.wandertooth.com/zivnostensky-list-work-in-prague-not-eu/">a bit more complicated</a> than other visas in this list, but it’s doable.

Czech Republic

The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has just launched their own one-year virtual working program in October allowing digital nomads and remote workers to live and work by the beach from their famous desert oasis mega-city. The new remote work visa gives you the freedom to come to Dubai, bring your family, work remotely all while remaining employed in your home country. Dubai does not levy income tax on individuals. You also get access to all required services, including telecoms, utilities, and schooling options.

Dubai (UAE)

Estonia became the first country to create an e-residency program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to license an EU-based online business. Then, in June 2020, they also opened up a one-year <a href="https://e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/">digital nomad and freelancer visa</a> that allows foreigners to live in the country while working remotely.

Estonia

Partly due to the dramatic drop in tourism because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the country of <a href="https://annaeverywhere.com/tbilisi-georgia/">Georgia</a> is one of the latest to offer a digital nomad visa called “<a href="https://georgia.travel/en_US/article/remotely-from-georgia">Remotely from Georgia</a>” to help stimulate their economy. If you’re a remote worker, why not wait out the pandemic and work from a country known for its low-cost of living, colorful cities, and epic mountain landscapes?

Georgia

Germany has its own special freelance visa called the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (good luck saying that!). It’s a residence permit that allows foreign freelancers and self-employed people live in Germany for 6-months up to 3-years. One downside is that it can take <a href="https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-get-german-freelance-visa/">3-4 months to get approved</a> for this visa. Plus speaking German, or knowing someone who does, will help a lot.

Germany

The nation of Hungary has long been a favorite stop for digital nomads, especially the capital city of Budapest. Well now they’ve made it even easier to stay long-term, with their new “White Card” – a special 1-year long digital nomad residency program.

Hungary

Iceland has its own <a href="https://utl.is/index.php/en/long-term-visa-for-remote-workers-and-their-family-members">long-term visa</a> for remote workers and digital nomads! There is lots of cool stuff to see in Iceland. Landscapes that look like they were crafted from your wildest dreams.Iceland’s long-term visa is good for only 6-months though, so it’s one of the shortest digital nomad visas available. If you apply while you’re already in the European <a href="https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/">Schengen Area</a>, then it’s only good for 90-days.

Iceland

Malta has created its own <a href="https://residencymalta.gov.mt/overview/">Digital Nomad Residence Permit</a> specifically targeting remote workers from outside the EU. The Mediterranean island of Malta has been attractive to digital nomads for years now, due to its sunny island lifestyle, widely spoken English, and strong internet infrastructure (including nationwide 5G service).It’s also located close to mainland Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East — which means there are many opportunities for travel addicts to get out and explore nearby.

Malta 

Mauritius is another island nation that has just launched their own special visa for remote workers. It’s a stunningly beautiful country, with crystal clear water, thick jungle, and epic mountain peaks to climb.To qualify for their one year long (and completely FREE) Premium Visa, you need to produce proof of your long stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance during your stay.

Mauritius 

Mexico is a favorite hot-spot for digital nomads, partly due to their long 6-month tourist visa, however they also offer a Temporary Resident Visa that’s good for one year with the ability to renew for another 3 years.You will need to provide documents proving that you had a monthly income of at least $1,620 USD over the last 6-months or a bank account balance of $27,000. Mexico is open to offering temporary residency to remote workers that are financially self-sufficient.

Mexico

Norway has been in the news a lot lately, touted as a Scandinavian paradise with its strong social democratic system, wealth, natural beauty, and progressive population.Lots of foreign digital nomads and remote workers would jump at the chance to move to Norway. And they can, for up to 2-years, with Norway’s Independent Contractor visa.

Norway

Portugal offers both a temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) and residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs for one year, with the ability to renew for up to 5 years. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency.As a foreign visa holder and resident, you will be given a residence card, the Título de Residência. This is your official ID in Portugal. The beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira in particular has become a remote worker hub, especially with the launch of their Digital Nomads Village.

Portugal 

Spain has a Non-Lucrative Visa which allows <a href="https://www.wanderingearl.com/non-lucrative-visa-spain-apply-one-week/">foreigners to stay in Spain</a> for at least a year, with the ability to renew. With it’s low-cost of living and mix of beaches, mountains, and relaxed lifestyle, it’s a favorite with many location independent people. However technically you are not allowed to “work” on this visa — they’re looking for people who are “retired” and self-sufficient.

Spain

Finally, the British territory of Anguilla has just launched their own special visa for digital nomads who would like to “work from home” on a beautiful Caribbean island destination. There is an additional fee to pay, $2000 per individual or $3000 per family which covers two (2) tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, the cost of extended immigration time/entry and a digital work permit.

Anguilla 

This relatively new phenomenon of countries launching digital nomad visas to attract remote workers was predicted over 20-years ago by Japanese technologist Tsugio Makimoto who wrote that remote working would force nations “to compete for citizens”, and that digital nomad-ism would prompt “declines in materialism and nationalism”.His prophecy is coming true, and hopefully there will be many more nations opening up their borders to these “citizens of the world” who are able to work remotely from their laptops in the years to come.

Living A Nomadic Life Overseas

Remote work is on the rise. Here are the best countries offering long-term visas for digital nomads & freelancers in 2022.

Best Countries With Digital Nomad & Remote Work Visas

While some people understandably got tired of working from home during the pandemic, my time as a digital nomad has given me the opposite experience. There’s nothing like time spent trying to be productive from hotels and cafés to make you appreciate the benefits of a home office.If you’re thinking about taking off for far-flung locations so you can keep your job while seeing the world, think of this as a checklist of things to prepare for—and a warning that it won’t be as glamorous as you may imagine.

Work From Home Is Way Better Than A Digital Nomad

When you hit the road, you’re not bringing an ergonomic chair or standing desk with you. The chances that you’ll be able to set up a workstation that’s comfortable are slim, so prepare for <a href="https://ehs.unc.edu/workplace-safety/ergonomics/office/">back and neck pain</a> and carpal tunnel syndrome. That’s just for starters. You can’t do much to control the lighting, so you’re likely to experience eye strain as well. And temperature control can be evasive—during my months in Mexico and South America, I was almost never able to get a room to a comfortable temperature. This damages sleep as well.

Physical Discomforts And Time Spent Adjusting For Working

There’s a good chance that you need faster internet and more bandwidth than you realize. And an even better chance that you’ll have difficulty finding it when you travel. Most coffee shops and hotels that offer Wi-Fi often can’t match what you’re used to in an office or at home. This is especially true if you’re like the millions of people who keep <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/570709/yes-you-have-too-many-tabs-open-your-computer-and-your-brain-probably-blame">lots of tabs</a> open at once.

Wi-Fi Strength And Reliability

There’s also the crucial matter of security. Using public Wi-Fi can expose your information, and that of your employer, to hackers. It’s important to use technology like a VPN to protect your data. But there’s also the matter of “<a href="https://www.aura.com/learn/how-to-protect-your-personal-information-on-social-media">shoulder surfing</a>,” in which people nearby see what you’re typing. Hackers prey on digital nomads, and some have gotten very good at disguising what they’re up to.

Unsecure And Unsafe

In most American offices and restaurants, workers can count on a basic level of sanitation to be kept up—partly due to health codes. But in some other places, it’s just not the same. Unclean restrooms, unavailability of certain diet choices and food poisoning from water are quite possible. Be careful, and beware.

The Adventurous Outdoors: Sanitation Issues

Mosquitoes and spiders are a big nuisance while travelling and working across the world.The clamour of traffic, crowds, construction, nearby airports, and more can make it especially difficult to take calls or do Zoom meetings. Sound can also dramatically <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4844473/">decrease productivity</a> when you’re trying to concentrate, and noise-cancelling headphones can’t get rid of everything. Continuous <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/noise-pollution-health-effects#mental-health">noise pollution</a> can also make you more irritable and stressed.

Bugs And Noise

Some other digital nomads we encountered on our travels are the definition of lonely. Many people working remotely, even from home, have <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90544975/4-major-long-term-psychological-effects-of-continued-remote-work">wrestled with</a> loneliness in recent years. But in tourist sites, such as coastal cities and towns, where people are working remotely, they run into a tricky situation. Vacationers show up looking for a quick fling, but the digital nomads are looking for deeper connections and real conversation. It can lead to frustration.

Loneliness and Hookup Culture

Most people are likely to be most productive and have the best work experience when they’re stationary and within the comforts of a home office.A digital nomad sounds cool, and has the perks of going to new places and meeting new people. But when work is supposed to be done, nothing beats home!

The Verdict

Sometimes, there’s no place like home for the best remote work experience, says a tech professional after working abroad in Mexico and South America.


The digital nomad life is not all it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why

Danish design is famous for its straight lines, natural materials, light tones, and uncomplicated patterns. Their living rooms are bright and de-cluttered.Because clutter equals stress.The same goes for brain clutter which we have so much of in the U.S.That’s why Danish minimalism goes beyond furniture. Both simplicity of life and simplicity of mind is important to Danes. Less of everything means more time, space, and energy to actually enjoy life.

The Danish: Minimalists By Nature

<ul><li>Denmark has some of the world’s highest taxes and prices for consumer goods and services. That’s why Danes eat home whenever possible.</li><li>This means less processed foods and a more relaxing atmosphere when consuming your meals.</li><li>A dinner with family or friends will always be more important to a Dane than a fancy meal out.</li><li>They have big dining tables at home that seat eight or even ten people.</li></ul>

More Cooking

<ul><li>Nearly 60% of people in Copenhagen commute by bicycle every day.</li><li>Danes are obsessed with bikes and often come first in the world’s most bike-friendly cities and nations lists, followed by Netherlands.</li><li>World’s-leading biking infrastructure means that in Denmark, bikes have their own roads, not just lanes, stretching along the main roads, with dedicated traffic signals and rules enforced by police.</li><li>Biking is a serious business in Denmark. And Danes are surely happier and healthier for it.</li></ul>

More Biking

Even office lunches in Denmark are often eaten with other people, strangers or not. Sharing a warm meal with proper cutlery and a proper conversation is how the Danes dine.Eating a cold sandwich alone at your desk would be considered weird and unhealthy.Because it is.Food is joy, not an afterthought.

Eating With Others

<ul><li>The city streets are filled with smokers: mothers pushing strollers, old ladies, teenagers, you name it.</li><li>No one seemed to care or notice.</li><li>Same with drinking. No one cared if you drank at home, in the street, or in the office on a Friday night.</li><li>People lived and let others live. And what a happy way to be it is.</li></ul>

Drink and Smoke if You Want To

<ul><li>Scandinavians are obsessed with fresh air.</li><li>In Denmark, it starts with birth, when babies are left to sleep outside in their prams even in colder months (and they have so many of those!).</li><li>Danish kindergartens make sure the kids spent a lot (if not most) of their day outside, rain or shine.</li><li>Children have all of their classes outside in nature.</li><li>Rain or snow, they bike to work, even if covered in special head-to-toe gear. They walk and bathe in temperatures most Americans would find unacceptable, too.</li><li>Because healthy body equals healthy mind.</li><li>And fresh air stimulates both.</li></ul>

Get Out In Fresh Air

A Dane will never cross the road at a red light, even if there are no cars in sight. Life is just more predictable that way. The key to this system though is that everyone in the country is under a silent obligation to do the same.Following the written and unwritten rules of society has a greater effect on our well-being than we ever consider.

Follow The Rules

<ul><li>Danes are obsessed with mood lighting.</li><li>It’s like the whole country agreed to wage a war on bright hospital lighting so favored in the U.S.</li><li>It all starts with hygge — a Danish word that roughly translates as coziness and is a way of life in Denmark.</li><li>There’s nothing a Dane likes more than having a “cozy” home, corner, dinner, or a “cozy time.” There’s little that can’t be described as “cozy” or “un-cozy” in Denmark. And bright lights are definitely that.</li></ul>

Dimming The Lights

<ul><li>Denmark has very little bureaucracy and almost no paperwork. Every transaction is electronic and streamlined to a minimum. The country is as efficient as it gets.</li><li>You can call it electronic minimalism and, as with regular minimalism, it declutters your life and saves your time, both things that can contribute to your happiness levels.</li><li>While cancelling bureaucracy in the U.S. seems impossible, there are ways to utilise technologies and make your life that much simpler and happier for it.</li></ul>

No Red Tape Or Slow Government Work

We can't all move to Denmark but we can learn from the Danes how to live happier. 
I did. And I returned to the U.S. with a new perspective on  life (and a Danish husband in tow).

Life Tips From the (Almost) Happiest People in the World: The Danish

Catching the northern lights, or aurora borealis, used to be a chance occasion, a rare fluke for those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. But nowadays, scientists have figured out more accurate ways to predict when and where the northern lights will appear. You can also check out the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/">Space Weather Prediction Center</a>, where scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration monitor and track the likelihood of the aurora happening. <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-aurora-forecast-alerts/id1073082439">My Aurora Forecast</a> app shows a map of the best locations in the world for viewing the lights now or weeks from now.

The Northern Lights

Generally speaking, the best time of year to see the northern lights is from late August to mid-April, because those are the darkest months of the year, but you can certainly catch the aurora in midsummer if you time it right. The best sightings will occur during the darkest hours of the night, between 10 P.M. and 2 A.M.Picking a geographic location close to the North Pole will help boost your chances of seeing the northern lights—northern-latitude places like Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are often sure bets

Go See The Lights

This 218,000-acre national park is one of the most remote northern spots in the lower 48. The <a href="https://www.darksky.org/">International Dark-Sky Association</a> designated it an official dark sky park in 2020, meaning there’s minimal light pollution way out here. Pitch a tent at one of the park’s more isolated campgrounds—there are 15 hike-in or boat-in backcountry campsites—for the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/learn/nature/northern-lights.htm">best viewing spots in the park</a>.

Where to Go to Watch the Northern Lights: Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Backcountry skiers visit Norway’s Lyngen Alps in winter for the legendary ski touring. While there, they might be treated to a brilliant showing of the northern lights. Stay at the eight-room boutique <a href="https://www.lyngenlodge.com/en/">Lyngen Lodge</a> (from $234) and you’ll have guided backcountry skiing by day and northern lights photography classes by night. To get here, you’ll fly into Tromsø, a popular northern lights destination, then drive 2.5 hours into the Lyngen Alps, where the lodge sits on the edge of a fjord.

Djupvik, Norway

From August to April, you can see the northern lights in Fairbanks on most clear nights. The city even has its own <a href="https://www.explorefairbanks.com/explore-the-area/aurora-season/aurora-tracker/">aurora tracker</a> for the latest status from six prime viewing locations around the area. Sign up for an aurora tour if you want a guided perspective: <a href="https://www.northernalaska.com/">Northern Alaska Tour Company</a> offers tours by ground or air. Sleep in a geodesic igloo with a clear roof or a tiny cube with floor-to-ceiling windows at <a href="https://www.borealisbasecamp.net/homepage">Borealis Basecamp</a>, 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, where two-night packages (from $980) include dogsledding and snowmobiling.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Twenty minutes outside the Yukon city of Whitehorse, <a href="https://northernlightsyukon.com/">Northern Lights Resort</a> recently added three new glass chalets, with prime nighttime viewing of the northern lights and three-night packages (from $1,190). Or catch the lights from a hot tub: the new <a href="https://eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/">Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs</a> in Whitehorse is slated to open this year with four outdoor soaking pools. Want even more of an adventure? Fly into Old Crow, the northernmost community in the Yukon, and take a tour with <a href="https://www.josiesoldcrowadventures.com/">Josie’s Old Crow Adventures</a>, an Indigenous-led guided operation that leads night tours and dogsled excursions.

Whitehorse, Canada

If Santa Claus lives anywhere, it might be Levi, a charming village fit for elves 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the heart of Finnish Lapland. In winter, Levi is home to one of the biggest ski resorts in Finland, but many people also come here for the northern lights. Sleep in one of 24 glass-roofed igloos at <a href="https://leviniglut.net/">Levin Iglut</a> (from $274), where even the on-site restaurant has entirely glass walls and ceiling.

Levi, Finland

Here’s a hotel amenity we can get behind: at the 51-room <a href="https://hotelranga.is/">Hotel Rangá</a> (from $428) in southern Iceland, if you select the aurora wake-up service, the hotel will buzz your in-room phone whenever the lights appear at night, ensuring you won’t miss the spectacle. Once you’re awake, you can watch the night sky from three geothermally heated hot tubs or the hotel’s own rooftop observatory. This hotel is located between the towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, about an hour’s drive into the countryside from Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavík.

Hella, Iceland

The best way to catch aurora borealis in all its lit-up beauty: go to the darkest places on earth, at just the right time, and hope for the best

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

The 6 Best Places in the World to See the Northern Lights

If you're a tourist in a new place, it's easy to make some common errors. However, with some research and understanding of the local customs, you can avoid these rookie tourist mistakes.

Committing travel faux pas

It's impossible to make a day trip from Brisbane to Cairns. It's really a two-day drive. Driving from Brisban to Sydney will take 12 hours.

Underestimating the size of Australia

There isn't much decent food on Las Ramblas besides La Boqueria, the city's most famous covered marketplace. Most places will lure you in and charge you a premium for a bad meal. Instead, walk to the Gothic Quarter or El Born neighbourhood for great restaurants.

Eating anywhere on Las Ramblas in Barcelona

Unless you're prepared to pay thousands of dollars on very coordinated flights, you can't expect to see too much in one visit. The US is big, so pick a few states and stick with that.

People come to the US expecting to see too much in one go

Locals will tell you it is a mistake only to visit the capital or go down the west coast. The magic is in the east.
Yilan has all the allures of Taipei plus beautiful waterfalls and mountains at a much lower cost. Taiwan's public transportation makes it easy to see unique destinations.

When travelling to Taiwan, only visiting the capital, Taipei

Besides the iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, ensure to spend some time in parts of the city where local Parisians hang out. These places are real gems. Avoid restaurants around main attractions. Instead, go find a cute bistro in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 19th, or 20th arrondissements, where locals actually go to eat.

Sticking to the touristy neighbourhoods in Paris

When you eat in a restaurant in Portugal, the waiter will often bring seemingly "free" bread, olives, or other snacks. If you eat it, expect to pay for it. If you don't touch it, your waiter will take it away and pretend it never existed.

Eating 'free' snacks in a restaurant in Portugal

You should really stay in a riad - a traditional Moroccan house built around a garden. Riads are unique, and the hospitality is excellent. The staff or owners can often show you around the bustling medina.

Most Marrakesh tourists book a hotel room

Tourists often speak loudly to others or on the phone in public places. In Japan, people are well-mannered and try not to bother anyone with loud talking, music, or games on their phones. If you have to talk, do so in a way that doesn't draw attention.

Speaking loudly in Japan

Mexico City is excellent, and there are many restaurants to try, but don't forget Mexico City's incredible street food scene. Street food stands are everywhere, serving the best blue corn quesadillas, al pastor tacos, and tortas.

Eating only at upscale restaurants in Mexico City

Common Tourist Mistakes Around The World

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist who works primarily in sculpture and installation, but is also active in painting, performance, video art, fashion, poetry, fiction, and other arts.

Who is Yayoi Kusama?

Yayoi Kusama is a brilliant artist who pushed the boundaries of all artistic fields she pursued.

I am deeply terrified by the obsessions crawling over my body, whether they come from within me or from outside. I fluctuate between feelings of reality and unreality. I, myself, delight in my obsessions.'Yayoi Kusama is one of the most significant contemporary artists at work today. This engaging autobiography tells the story of her life and extraordinary career in her own words, revealing her as a fascinating figure and maverick artist who channels her obsessive neuroses into an art that transcends cultural barriers. Kusama describes the decade she spent in New York, first as a poverty stricken artist and later as the doyenne of an alternative counter-cultural scene. She provides a frank and touching account of her relationships with key art-world figures, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Donald Judd and the reclusive Joseph Cornell, with whom Kusama forged a close bond. In candid terms she describes her childhood and the first appearance of the obsessive visions that have haunted her throughout her life. Returning to Japan in the early 1970s, Kusama checked herself into a psychiatric hospital in Tokyo where she resides to the present day, emerging to dedicate herself with seemingly endless vigour to her art and her writing. This remarkable autobiography provides a powerful insight into a unique artistic mind, haunted by fears and phobias yet determined to maintain her position at the forefront of the artistic avant-garde. In addition to her artwork, Yayoi Kusama is the author of numerous volumes of poetry and fiction, including The Hustler's Grotto of Christopher Street, Manhattan Suicide Addict and Violet Obsession.

Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama

Find 100+ Facts about Traveling - Curated from popular Videos, Podcasts, Books, Guides & Articles - Genuine Insights from like-minded Users like You!

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Wabi Sabi

Kaizen

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

10 Japanese Concepts For Self-Improvement and a Balanced Life

Amazing Digital Nomad Stats, Trends and Facts 2022

Best Countries With Digital Nomad & Remote Work Visas

The digital nomad life is not all it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why

Life Tips From the (Almost) Happiest People in the World: The Danish

The 6 Best Places in the World to See the Northern Lights

Common Tourist Mistakes Around The World

Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama

Wabi Sabi

Kaizen

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.