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How do I apply?

Shop for your items and add them to your cart like you normally would. When you are ready to check out, simply select Uplift as your payment method. To apply, you'll need to provide some basic information like your mobile number, date of birth, and if you are a US resident, your Social Security number. If you're approved, finish checking out and you're done.

How are my loan offers determined?

We look at a number of factors, including your credit information, purchase details, and more.

How do I make installment payments?

You can make a payment anytime by visiting pay.uplift.com and clicking on the Loans tab. From there, click the Make a Payment button. We recommend that you enable AutoPay at time of purchase so that your payments are automatically deducted each month. If you don't have AutoPay enabled, visit pay.uplift.com , click on the Accounts page, and set the AutoPay toggle to ON. You can also change the form of payment on file with Uplift anytime by visiting pay.uplift.com .

I purchased a trip using Uplift, can I travel before it’s paid off?

Yes! You do need to allow a few days between booking and your departure date for things to process. Other than that, you are free to travel whenever - even before you're all paid off.

What is your Privacy Policy and Terms of Use?

Here is a link to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Down payment may be required. Actual terms are based on your credit score and other factors and may vary. APRs range from 0% to 36%. Minimum $49 purchase required. Not everyone is eligible. Loans made through Uplift are offered by these lending partners:  uplift.com/lenders. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

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The 10 Best Payment Plans for Vacations

Vacations are a time to have fun, sit back, and relax. It’s a great way to let off steam that comes with the monotony of life. The only possible drawback I can think of? The meticulous planning and finances. 

The good thing is, there’s an alternative. The “Book Now Pay Later” vacation payment plans option is increasingly becoming popular and for good reason! 

Imagine this scenario: You need a vacation badly. You’re burnt out from working and the distinction between your work and private life has disappeared, but you don’t have enough in savings to fund your vacay. Should you wave that badly needed vacation goodbye? 

Not quite. This is where payment plans come into play. Payment plan offers range from interest-free policies to low down payments and easy monthly installments. 

Even if you can’t afford a vacation right now, you can still take the leap. Your dream of exploring the City of Light? Vacationing in the Maldives? Payment plans put them all within reach. 

The benefits of using payment plans for vacation packages abound. With so many options in the tour and travel market, it can get a little overwhelming. Don’t fear, this article has you covered. 

Top Vacation Payment Plans

1. expedia .

With their Uplift payment program , you can book a trip today and set easy monthly instalments that fit your budget. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg every month. These monthly payments can be tailored to your budget allowing you to travel before your loan is paid off in its entirety. Southwest are a particularly good choice if you are looking for all-inclusive vacations with hundreds of resorts to choose from.

• They have customizable monthly payments. 
• They offer an easy application process. 
• There are no charges in the monthly payments, no late fees, and no prepayment penalties. 
• Large range of all-inclusive vacations and resorts (including Mexico and Caribbean)
• Canceled flights are refunded as Southwest Airlines air credit which can be limiting. 
• Canceled land travel, tours, and accommodations are refunded in the form of travel credit from Southwest Vacations. 

3. Funjet (Best for All-Inclusive Packages)

Funjet has a great payment plan if you want to travel and save money at the same time. With a simple downpayment, you can secure the best deals at great rates. 

You’ll have to make your vacation reservation six weeks in advance with deposit options available at checkout. You can schedule a final payment or make multiple payments at zero interest. 

• Cancel any time for any reason. There are no pesky rebooking fees. 
• Reserve a vacation for as little as $50. 
• Reservations are subject to change. 
• Deposit options are not available if you’re traveling during a holiday. 

4. Luxury Escapes 

Luxury Escapes’ Latitude Financing Payment plan offers a 12-month interest-free period. You’ll pay monthly installments, but after the 12-month promotional period, you’ll be charged a pretty hefty 24.99% interest rate. 

Luxury Escapes offers flexible booking dates. That means you can book a limited-time deal for a certain property now and rebook it for a different date later. 

• They have a seven-day refund guarantee. 
• There are no hidden costs. 
• If your preferred date is unavailable, you can’t get a refund. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. 

5. Contiki 

A small layaway deposit of $99 will lock in your travel dates. Contiki accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. They can accommodate all types of installment plans : weekly, monthly, two payments of 50% each – you name it, you got it. You just have to make the entire payment 45 days before departure. That’s it. 

• There are no interest charges and no fees. 
• They offer flexible payment plans. 
• The Freedom Guarantee ensures you can reschedule travel dates, swap the tour type, or choose a different region to travel in altogether. You can avoid cancellation fees with this feature. 
• Cancellation fees as high as 50% if cancellation is done within one to seven days before departure and 100% if done on the day of departure. 

6. United Vacations (Best for Layaway Vacation Packages)

With United Vacations, you can finance your trip through Uplift . United have a layaway vacation option which allows you to lay down an initial $250 deposit and pay the rest at least 45 days before the departure date. The best part? You can use multiple credit cards to fund your trip.

• If you get the vacation protection package, you won’t have to deal with cancellation fees. You have the flexibility to change or cancel the plan as needed. 
• You can book your entire trip through United Vacations from hotels, flights, car rentals to resorts, airport transfers, and excursion experiences. 
• Airfare is non-refundable. If your flight was canceled, they’ll give you credit you can use within a year as long as your tickets were booked through American Airlines. If not, policies vary from carrier to carrier. 

7. JetBlue Vacations 

JetBlue’s annual percentage rate ranges from a huge 10.99% to 25.99% for a loan term of 12 to 18 months. Their partnership with MarcusPay enables them to offer top-tier package getaways. 

If you want lower rates and longer terms, you’ll need to have excellent credit scores. Additionally, rates are generally higher for longer-term loans. 

• They don’t require a deposit upfront. 
• If you find the same package for a cheaper price within 24 hours of booking, they’ll match it and refund the difference. 
• JetBlue Vacation charges a $200 cancellation fee per person plus additional penalties charged by the hotels. 

8. G Adventures 

Deposits for layaway vacations start at $250. If you’re unsure about a specific tour but don’t want to let the opportunity pass you by, they have a “holding an option” tool that lets you reserve a spot for 48 hours without paying a pretty penny. 

The best part? If you ever have to cancel a trip, change it, or push it back, you’re not forced to use it within a year or two. It’s good for life. You can pay the full balance close to your departure date. 

• They have small groups per trip. This helps you form a closer connection to the places and people you visit on your travels. 
• They offer lifetime deposits. 
• “Optional” activities cost you an additional fee if you decide to purchase. If you don’t want to factor in any additional costs to your budget, you can pass on these. 
• Depending on the trip, guides can be a hit or miss. 

9. Intrepid Travel 

Intrepid Travel provides exemplary flexibility in changing travel plans. There are no change fees as long as you notify them about the changes at least 21 days in advance. You have the flexibility to choose an entirely new trip or pick new travel dates. 

You only need to secure your trip with a deposit and you can pay the rest in installments whenever you like. Just make sure you’ve paid for the trip in full at least 21 days before you’re scheduled to depart. 

• There are no interest and rebooking fees. 
• You can hold your trip for up to 5 days without paying a deposit. 
• If you’re traveling solo, you’ll have to pay a mandatory single supplement fee for certain trip types. 

10. Priceline 

Priceline.com comes through with terrific ways to save on travel. As long as you know how to look for deals, you’ll hit pay dirt.  

Check out Priceline’s Express Deal which can save you anywhere between 10% to 40% off flights. The catch? You don’t know what time your flights will depart. It can be a red-eye for all you know. 

• Priceline offers significantly lower prices. 
• You can place bids for a lower price. If you get it, it’s a win. If you don’t, you lose nothing. 
• Once the fee is charged, you don’t get a refund if you change your mind. 
• You can’t reserve a room for more than 2 people. 

Most popular destinations for vacation payment plans

If you are looking for inspiration for your next vacation then we’ve chosen 5 of the most popular destinations which are available to finance with installments.

Bonus Trip – Disney World Payment Plan

If you’re looking for family vacation payment plans then one of the best is the Disney World payment plan , we’ve written about it before and it’s a great choice if you have kids. Family vacations can be expensive and instalments are a great way to spread the cost. With Disney you can book your vacation and choose how often you want to pay. The payment plans are extremely flexible allowing you to look forward to your next family vacation without the stress of a huge amount leaving your bank account.

Wrapping It All Up 

Payment plans for vacations are probably the best thing for people who don’t mind taking a chance and are flexible in their travel itineraries. With plans offering 0% interest rates and easy installments, who wouldn’t want to travel the world? 

Before you settle on a payment plan, read the fine print. There are multiple “book now, pay later” options available on the market, but some have better deals than others. Always explore your options and take your time in making a decision. Most, if not all travel plans, are non-refundable. Click wisely. 

Can you use Afterpay for vacations?

Yes. You can currently use Afterypay for hotels and accommodations via the website Agoda.com. Agoda is a reputable travel company and is part of the Priceline group.

Can you use Affirm for travel?

Yes. There are multiple travel companies which accept Affirm at checkout. These companies currently include Expedia, Priceline, Delta Vacations and CheapOair.

Can you finance vacations with Klarna?

Yes. It is possible to book vacations with Klarna using their ‘Pay in 4’ option which allows you to split your vacation payments into 4 payments using the Klarna app.

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Klarna partners with uatp to tap the $1 trillion air travel industry.

The partnership brings together a globally recognized BNPL provider with the most trusted name in travel payments

WASHINGTON , Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --  UATP , the global payment network that enables organizations to simplify payment processes and expand their payment capabilities, has announced a new partnership with Klarna, the AI-powered global payments network. The partnership allows airlines to offer Klarna's flexible payment services, including interest-free Buy Now Pay Later, providing customers with more flexible payment options for travel products and services.

UATP's collaboration with Klarna represents the convergence of two highly successful payment technology companies, with mutual benefits on the horizon. Klarna gains immediate access to UATP's vast base of airlines and travel agencies and is a preferred BNPL partner for EU and APAC.

The $1 trillion air travel sector is a key growth opportunity for Klarna because credit cards account for 70% of retail travel payments. This leads to high costs for airlines, who spend $20bn a year on payment processing, and massive interest payments for consumers. Wherever Klarna is available on a travel site, consumer adoption is very high: the total value of travel booked through Klarna has increased by 50% in the past year.

For UATP, integrating Klarna further strengthens the payment network's support for BNPL options. Offering a variety of BNPL choices helps UATP merchants tap into a global BNPL market estimated at $14.55 billion this year and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.50% to reach $60.47 billion by 2030.

The Convenience and Ease of BNPL from a Trusted Provider

"BNPL is an essential payment option for travel merchants to provide their customers. It offers flexibility and convenience to encourage travelers to complete transactions and boost conversion rates," says Zach Ornelas , SVP of Global Sales for UATP. "But to reap the full benefits of having this payment option, merchants need a BNPL partner that their customers know and trust. Klarna is that partner."

Klarna offers consumers a choice of ways to pay including immediate payments, short-term, interest-free BNPL and longer-term financing. Globally, about 30% of the payments Klarna processes are immediate payment.

Klarna's BNPL is a short-term, interest-free credit service with no fees when paid on time. Klarna underwrites every transaction based on strict eligibility assessments and boasts a 99% repayment rate globally. This model provides consumers with a transparent and predictable repayment structure, making it easier to manage their finances without accumulating interest.

A Speedy and Complementary Expansion into the Travel Vertical

By leveraging UATP's existing connections and expertise in alternative forms of payment, the partnership between UATP and Klarna enables airlines and other travel merchants on the UATP network to introduce BNPL more quickly, eliminating resource-intensive implementation work and lowering the cost per transaction. It also allows Klarna to quickly access the travel merchants connected to the UATP network, expanding their exposure to the travel vertical and enhancing their growth opportunities in this sector.

"Travel is perfect for interest-free buy now, pay later, allowing travelers worldwide to spread the cost of their trips and without getting stuck paying sky-high credit card interest rates," says Erin Jaeger , Head of North America , Klarna, "This agreement with UATP means we can quickly bring these benefits to many more airlines and tap into the huge growth opportunity which the $1 trillion travel industry represents for us.""

The UATP and Klarna partnership is expected to go live in Q3 of 2024. For more information about UATP and its partnership with Klarna, please contact Wendy Ward at [email protected] .

ABOUT UATP UATP is the global payment network simplifying payments in complex industries. We make it easy for businesses to make or accept any type of payment; open new markets, drive growth and reduce costs for Issuers, Merchants, vendors, agents, aggregators and more. UATP is continually innovating to connect companies to new forms of payment (AFPs), and our easy-to-use data tools, DataStream ® and DataMine ® , provide comprehensive account details to Issuers and Corporate Account Holders. Our team has decades of experience with the ever-changing payments landscape, and our reliable and proven technology ensures our global customers get more from every payments experience. Learn more at uatp.com.

Accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel worldwide by airlines, travel agencies and Amtrak ® ; UATP accounts are issued by: Aeromexico; Air Canada (TSE: AC); Air China; Air New Zealand (ANZFF.PK); Air Niugini; American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL); APG Airlines; Austrian Airlines; Avianca Airlines; BCD Travel; China Eastern Airlines (NYSE: CEA); Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL); EL AL Israel Airlines; Etihad Airways; Fareportal; Frontier Airlines; GOL Linhas Aereas inteligentes S.A. (NYSE: GOL and Bovespa: GOLL4); Hahn Air; High Point Travel; Japan Airlines (9201:JP); JetBlue Airways; LATAM Airlines; Link Airways; Qantas Airways (QUBSF.PK); Shandong Airlines; Sichuan Airlines; Southwest Airlines; Sun Country Airlines; TUIfly GmbH; Turkish Airlines (ISE: THYAO); United Airlines (NASDQAQ: UAL) and WestJet. AirPlus International issues the UATP-based Company Account for Lufthansa German Airlines.

About Klarna Since 2005 Klarna has been on a mission to accelerate commerce with consumer needs at the heart of it. With over 150 million global active users and 2 million transactions per day, Klarna's fair, sustainable and AI-powered payment and shopping solutions are revolutionizing the way people shop and pay online, empowering consumers to shop smarter with greater confidence and convenience. More than 500,000 global retailers integrate Klarna's innovative technology and marketing solutions to drive growth and loyalty, including H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macy's, Ikea, Expedia Group, Nike and Airbnb.

Klarna is a founder-led company backed by Sequoia Capital and a broad base of internationally distinguished investors and institutions including Bestseller, Commonwealth Bank of Australia , Mubadala Investment Company, Silver Lake , Dragoneer, GIC, BlackRock, Wellcome Trust, CPP Investments and Atomico. For more information, visit Klarna.com

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/klarna-partners-with-uatp-to-tap-the-1-trillion-air-travel-industry-302242245.html

SOURCE UATP

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You will need to pay both an application fee and an acceptance fee. Pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the acceptance fee to the facility which takes your application.

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• Payment options

Travel credit

Understanding travel credit options.

We offer different types of travel credit: Trip Credit, Flight Credit, and Travel Vouchers. Each type of travel credit has its own terms and conditions, so be sure to read them carefully before redeeming your credit. Keep in mind, travel credits can only be used to book flights, and can’t be used to pay for extras like seats or bags.

Types of travel credit

*Can’t be used for extras like seats or bags.

**For Trip Credit issued on or after April 2, 2024, AAdvantage® members have 12 months to use their Trip Credit when canceling their trip on aa.com or the American app and their AAdvantage® number is included in their reservation. Non-AAdvantage® members have 6 months.

***When booked on aa.com, Flight Credit can only be applied to flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (U.S. currency only)

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How to find and redeem your travel credit

If you received a travel credit, you can use it to book your next trip. Here's how to find and redeem your Trip Credit and Flight Credit.

Trip Credit

If you're an AAdvantage ® member, most Trip Credits will appear in your AAdvantage ® account.

For Trip Credit issued on or after April 2, 2024, AAdvantage ® members have 12 months to use their Trip Credit when canceling their trip on aa.com or the American app and their AAdvantage ® number is included in their reservation. Non-AAdvantage ® members have 6 months.

Log in to your account

Step 1: Find your Trip Credit email

• Look for an email from American Airlines with the subject line ‘Your Trip Credit.’
• Your Trip Credit number is a 13-digit number that begins with ‘00115.’

Keep in mind there are separate ticket numbers for add-ons like seats, upgrades, and bags.

Step 2: Book and add your Trip Credit

• Go to aa.com and book your new flight.
• On the payment screen, select ‘Trip Credit.’
• Follow the prompts to pay using your Trip Credit.
• You may use a credit card to pay any remaining balance.

General rules

• Trip Credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, non-returnable, may not be redeemed for cash, check or credit (except where required by law) and has no implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness.
• Trip Credit is void if bought, sold or bartered, advertised for sale or used for commercial or promotional purposes.
• We won’t replace Trip Credit if lost or stolen. This may include inadvertent deletion, forwarding or access of the email containing your Trip Credit number. Please guard the Trip Credit number as you would cash.
• Except where prohibited by law, we reserve the right to refuse, void, cancel, reject or hold for review any Trip Credit mistakenly issued in an incorrect denomination or issued or obtained, directly or indirectly, in connection with fraudulent actions, fraudulent claims, compensation abuse or in connection with any violation of these terms and conditions.

Expiration and validity

• Valid until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on the date listed on the Trip Credit, and we won't reissue it past the expiration date.
• We won't accept invalid or expired Trip Credit.
• We won’t accept Trip Credit with an invalid number or if we are unable to locate it within the American Airlines systems.
• To receive Trip Credit, your original ticket must be canceled before the departure of the first flight (or the ticket loses any remaining value and cannot be used for future travel).

Redemption and usage

• You may redeem Trip Credit on aa.com or by contacting Reservations. Trip Credit is not redeemable through any other channels, including airport ticket counters or travel agencies.
• When contacting Reservations, tell the agent you have Trip Credit and you want to use it to book your travel.
• Trip Credit is redeemable toward air travel on flights operated by American, American Eagle ® or flights marketed by American (designated with an AA*). You can’t use Trip Credit for payment of air travel on any other airline on aa.com.
• Contact Reservations to use Trip Credit for qualifying one world ® or other airline partner itineraries.
• Trip Credit is redeemable toward the base air fare and directly associated taxes, fees and charges collected as part of the fare calculation.
• You may not use Trip Credit for products and / or services sold separate from the fare price or for taxes, fees or charges in connection with AAdvantage ® award travel, American Airlines Vacations℠ or any other non-flight products and / or services sold by American.
• You may only use non-taxable Trip Credit for single-passenger reservations on aa.com.
• Contact Reservations to use Trip Credit for more than 9 passengers.
• The recipient of Trip Credit can use it to pay for travel for themselves or others.
• You may redeem up to 8 Trip Credits in a single transaction on aa.com or through Reservations.
• If the ticket price is greater than the value of the Trip Credit, you may pay the difference only with a credit card accepted by American.
• If the ticket price is less than the value of the Trip Credit, we’ll issue any remaining value on a new Trip Credit, delivered via email to the passenger ticketed on the Trip Credit redemption. You may choose to have the new Trip Credit email sent to your email address and then use the remaining value on a new reservation for yourself or someone else.
• You may not combine Trip Credit with the value of an existing ticket to pay for a new ticket.

Flight Credit

If you're an AAdvantage ® member and had your account number listed in your reservation before cancellation, you can log in to your account and view available Flight Credit in your AAdvantage ® account.

Step 1: Find your canceled trip or confirmation email

• You'll need your 6-character confirmation code and 13-digit ticket number.
• American tickets have a 13-digit number that begins with '001'.

Step 2: View your canceled trip

• Go to aa.com and choose ‘Manage trips / Check-in’
• Choose ‘View canceled trips’ and enter your trip details.
• You’ll find your Flight Credit details on the ‘Your trip’ page.

Step 3: Rebook and add Flight Credit

• Go to aa.com and find your new flight.
• On the payment screen, choose ‘Add Flight Credit.’
• Enter the ticket number from your canceled trip and apply the credit.

Book a trip with your Flight Credit

• Flight Credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, non-returnable, may not be redeemed for cash, check or credit (except where required by law) and has no implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness.
• Flight Credit is void if bought, sold or bartered, advertised for sale or used for commercial or promotional purposes.
• We won’t replace Flight Credit if lost or stolen. This may include inadvertent deletion, forwarding or access of the email containing your Flight Credit number. Please guard the Flight Credit number as you would cash.
• Except where prohibited by law, we reserve the right to refuse, void, cancel, reject or hold for review any Flight Credit mistakenly issued in an incorrect denomination or issued or obtained, directly or indirectly, in connection with fraudulent actions, fraudulent claims, compensation abuse or in connection with any violation of these terms and conditions.
• Flight Credit is valid for 1 year from the date the ticket was issued. We will not extend or reissue once it expires.
• If you don't show for your flight, your ticket will no longer be valid or eligible for any credit.
• We won't accept invalid or expired Flight Credit.
• You may redeem Flight Credit on aa.com, in person at the airport or by contacting Reservations.
• When contacting Reservations, tell the agent you have Flight Credit and you want to use it to book your travel.
• The recipient of Flight Credit can use it to pay for travel for themselves only.
• Flight Credit is redeemable toward air travel on flights marketed and operated by American, by American Eagle ® carriers or on flights marketed and sold by American but operated by one of American’s codeshare or one world ® partners (i.e. flights designated with an AA*).
• Flight Credit is redeemable toward initial booking, the base air fare and directly associated taxes, fees and charges collected as part of the fare calculation.
• You may only redeem 1 Flight Credit for single-passenger trips on aa.com or through Reservations. In order to redeem up to 2 Flight Credits in a single transaction, you must contact Reservations.
• If the ticket price is greater than the value of the Flight Credit, you may pay the difference only with a credit card accepted by American.
• If the ticket price is less than the value of the Flight Credit, you can only use the value of Flight Credit needed for the current booking while remaining value will be issued as travel credit for future reservations.
• You may not use Flight Credit for products and / or services sold separately from the fare price or for taxes, fees or charges in connection with AAdvantage ® award travel, American Airlines Vacations℠ products or services or any other non-flight products and / or services sold by American.

Electronic Travel Voucher

• eVouchers are provided for U.S. customers only.
• eVouchers are non-refundable, non-transferable, non-returnable, may not be redeemed for cash, check or credit (except where required by law) and have no implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness.
• eVouchers are void if bought, sold or bartered, advertised for sale, or used for commercial or promotional purposes.
• We won’t replace eVouchers if lost or stolen. This may include inadvertent deletion, forwarding or access of the email containing your eVoucher number. Please guard the eVoucher number and PIN as you would cash.
• Except where prohibited by law, we reserve the right to refuse, void, cancel, reject or hold for review any eVouchers mistakenly issued in an incorrect denomination, or issued or obtained, directly or indirectly, in connection with fraudulent actions, fraudulent claims, compensation abuse or in connection with any violation of these terms and conditions.
• eVouchers are valid for 1 year from the date of issue, and we won’t reissue them past the expiration date.
• We’re not responsible for honoring invalid or expired eVouchers.
• We won’t accept an eVoucher with an invalid number or if we are unable to locate it within the American Airlines systems.
• You may redeem eVouchers only on aa.com or by contacting Reservations. eVouchers are not redeemable through any other channels, including airport ticket counters or travel agencies.
• eVouchers are redeemable toward air travel on flights operated by American, American Eagle ® , one world ® partners or on flights marketed by American (designated with an AA*). You can’t use eVouchers for payment of air travel on any other airline.
• Flights sold or originating outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands or operated by other carriers are not eligible.
• eVouchers are redeemable toward the base air fare and directly associated taxes, fees and charges collected as part of the fare calculation.
• You may not use eVouchers for products and / or services sold separate from the fare price or for taxes, fees or charges in connection with AAdvantage ® award travel, American Airlines Vacations℠ or any other non-flight products and / or services sold by American.
• The eVoucher recipient can use it to pay for travel for themselves or others.
• You may redeem up to 8 eVouchers in a single transaction.
• If the ticket price is greater than the value of the eVoucher(s), you may only pay the difference with a credit, debit or charge card with a billing address in the U.S., Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands.
• If the ticket price is less than the value of the eVoucher(s), the unused amount will remain on the eVoucher until it reaches zero, at which time the eVoucher will be deactivated.
• You may not combine eVouchers with the value of an existing ticket to pay for a new ticket.

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Best eSIMs for Asia in 2024

Sub-regional plans included

Best eSIM overall

• Best for unlimited data
• Best for Asian network coverage
• Best for pay-as-you-go
• Best for Southeast Asia
• eSIMs for Asia FAQs

eSIMs have become more popular with travelers because of their ubiquitousness and convenience. Gone are the days of paying expensive roaming fees or getting new physical SIM cards whenever you visit another country. Instead, you can activate an eSIM and access cellular networks in multiple countries.

Asia is the second-most visited continent, with hundreds of millions of tourists visiting everywhere from China to Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, India, and many others. As a visitor, you’ll likely need an eSIM, and we’ve created this guide to help you pick the best one. We tested many eSIM providers and chose the few that provide the best service across Asia.

The best eSIMs for Asia in 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Airalo is an eSIM provider with excellent network coverage. Its widespread coverage, exceptional customer service, and reasonably priced data plans have helped Airalo amass 10 million+ users worldwide. 

This eSIM provider offers an Asialink package that works in 18 Asian countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. You can travel to these countries with your Asialink eSIM and enjoy a superfast internet connection. 

Airalo offers different pricing plans, including $5 for 1 GB for 7 days, $13 for 3 GB for 30 days, $20 for 5 GB for 30 days, $37 for 10 GB for 30 days, $100 for 50 GB for 90 days; and $185 for 100 GB for 180 days. The main drawback is that none of these plans include a phone number to make calls and receive SMS. However, you can still call via VoIP apps like WhatsApp and Line.

Read our full Airalo review.

• ^ Back to the top

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Holafly is an eSIM provider that offers excellent network coverage in supported countries, which include South Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Laos. You can observe that Holafly offers coverage in 12 Asian countries, compared to Airalo’s 18 countries. However, Holafly shines above Airalo by offering unlimited data to its customers.

Flexible pricing is a major advantage of choosing Holafly. There are no standard data fees– it depends on how many days you select. For example, unlimited data for 7 days costs 34 euros ($37), and 30 days costs 83 euros ($90). Holafly is undoubtedly expensive, but the tradeoff is enjoying unlimited data, unlike most other eSIM packages with capped data plans.

Holafly offers data-only plans without phone numbers for calling. Most eSIM providers don’t offer phone numbers because of the complicated regulations and infrastructure required to do so. The exception is when your eSIM is from a telecoms firm that has already laid the groundwork for issuing phone numbers.

Purchasing a Holafly plan is easy. After payment, you'll receive a QR code in your email. Scan this code to activate your plan and enjoy unlimited data. Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.  

Read our full Holafly review.

Best eSIM for Asian network coverage

Yesim offers affordable plans and robust network coverage. It offers sub-regional plans for Southeast Asia (Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam); Asia Pacific (Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam); and Central Asia (Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan).

This eSIM provider offers different data plans, ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB, valid for 30 days. We like that all its plans are valid for 30 days, unlike some rivals, which have plans valid for as low as 7 days. 

Like the other eSIM providers mentioned so far, Yesim requires no documentation. You can purchase a package online and activate your eSIM immediately after payment. All it takes is scanning the QR code sent to your email address.

Best eSIM for pay-as-you-go

4. BNE eSIM

The BNE eSIM is an excellent option for Asian travelers. It notably offers pay-as-you-go plans, i.e., data plans that don’t have a fixed expiring date. This pay-as-you-go option makes BNE eSIM suitable for people who expect to spend a long time in Asia. You can also buy 30-day plans if you plan to stay in Asia for a short time.

BNE offers data plans between 1 GB and 20 GB. The pay-as-you-go option costs slightly more than the fixed 30-day option. For instance, the 10 GB plan costs $26 for 30 days but $40 for the pay-as-you-go option. 

You don't need documentation to buy an eSIM from BNE; you can activate your eSIM immediately after payment. BNE's data plans cover 17 Asian countries: Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Best eSIM for Southeast Asia

5. Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile is a U.S.-based eSIM provider that offers global network coverage. You can buy a Maya eSIM and enjoy superfast internet access across Asia. Maya has network-sharing agreements with at least 2 domestic networks in most Southeast Asian nations.

You can buy a Maya eSIM without documentation. After payment, you'll scan the QR code sent to your email address to activate the eSIM. Alternatively, you can reserve a data plan for a future date, which will be activated automatically.

Maya offers unlimited data plans but with a catch. There's a daily limit to how much data you can use with 4G or 5G (up to 5 GB). Once you reach that limit, you can only browse at LTE speeds. Another drawback is that Maya’s most affordable plan doesn’t support Wi-Fi hotspot sharing.

This eSIM provider works in the following Asian countries: China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Best eSIMs for Asia FAQs

What is an esim  .

eSIM is an abbreviation for embedded SIM. It is a digital version of a SIM card embedded directly into your smartphone, rather than the physical SIM cards you can remove or replace anytime. An eSIM allows you to activate a cellular connection from a carrier without swapping any physical SIM. All the configurations take place on your phone, so you can connect to new networks without hassles.

eSIMs offer many advantages, including storing multiple network profiles on a single device and seamlessly switching between cellular networks when you travel. An eSIM is also more secure than traditional SIM cards; the eSIM remains embedded in the phone if it gets missing, making tracking the location more feasible. In contrast, someone can remove a physical SIM from a stolen or missing phone, making it almost impossible to track.

Why do I need an eSIM when visiting Asia?

Asia has 48 countries with over 4.8 billion people between them. Each country has its mobile carriers, and a standard SIM card that works in one country won’t work in another except you’re a roaming package. The issue is that roaming packages have steep costs, which leaves eSIMs as the cost-effective solution.

You can buy and activate an eSIM outside of the country you want to visit. Once you reach your desired country, you can use the activated eSIM to surf the web. 

eSIM providers don’t usually own telecom networks. Instead, they tap into the infrastructure of existing mobile carriers across different countries. They’ve negotiated network-sharing agreements that allow eSIM owners to tap into domestic networks when they visit new countries. 

For instance, you live in Denmark and want to visit Thailand. You can buy an eSIM and activate it while in Denmark. When you get to Thailand, you can use the eSIM to surf the web or make calls (if your eSIM provider offers this option). An eSIM is much more convenient than going to a physical outlet in Thailand to get a new SIM card to access a cellular connection.

Is my phone eSIM-compatible? 

eSIMs became popular in 2018 after Apple released the first eSIM-only iPhone to U.S. customers. Since then, many other smartphone makers have joined the train, and virtually all new high-end smartphones now have eSIMs. All iPhones XR and above are eSIM-compatible, and the same applies to Samsung Galaxy Note 20 or Galaxy S20 and above.

Follow these steps to check if your smartphone has an eSIM slot:

For iPhones

• Open Settings > Cellular.
• Look for the Add eSIM button. This button’s presence means your iPhone is eSIM-compatible. If you can’t find this button, the iPhone is incompatible with eSIMs.

For Android phones

• Launch the Settings app.
• Select About Phone.
• Look for SIM Status or something similar (it varies depending on your smartphone).
• Look for any mention of eSIM or Embedded SIM. If you find it, your Android device is compatible. Otherwise, it is not compatible.

If you're unsure about compatibility, check your smartphone manufacturer’s website. eSIM compatibility will likely be mentioned in your smartphone’s technical specifications.

Considerations for choosing an eSIM

1. Location

eSIM providers offer different plans for different countries. The provider you’ll choose depends on the countries in Asia you want to visit. For example, if you plan to visit China, India, Thailand, and Singapore, look for an eSIM provider that offers network coverage in these four countries. The good news is that you can find an eSIM plan covering Asia.

2. Validity

How long will your data subscription last? eSIM providers offer plans lasting 7 days, 13 days, 20 days, 30 days, etc. Some even provide annual or non-expiring data plans. The plan to choose depends on the duration of your trip. If you expect to stay in Asia for a long time, it’s advisable to select a plan that’s valid for as long as possible.

3. Data usage

You must consider browsing habits when choosing an eSIM plan. If you’re a heavy internet user who streams movies or plays games online, you should be eyeing the largest data plans from your eSIM provider. But if you just need data for mundane tasks like texting and audio calling, you can pick a smaller data plan. 

If the large data plans seem too costly, you can pick a smaller one and restrict heavy internet tasks to Wi-Fi when you reach your destination.

4. Customer service

Can you contact customer support if you have any eSIM issues? Ideally, the eSIM provider should have a support team you can contact via email, phone, or live chat to lodge complaints. Excellent customer service gives you peace of mind, knowing you can always get help when required.

Of course, it’s essential to choose a plan you can afford. Compare similar data or phone plans from different eSIM providers for a fair price. The idea is to purchase a plan that gives a good bang for your buck.

6. Coverage

Research what networks your eSIM provider uses in each country you plan to visit. It’s better to choose an eSIM provider compatible with multiple networks instead of one. This way, you’re assured of getting coverage even in less populated areas. 

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Stefan has always been a lover of tech. He graduated with an MSc in geological engineering but soon discovered he had a knack for writing instead. So he decided to combine his newfound and life-long passions to become a technology writer. As a freelance content writer, Stefan can break down complex technological topics, making them easily digestible for the lay audience.

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Watch: joe biden's senior moment of the week (vol. 25), multimillionaire obamas haven't donated to joe biden's campaign, dialing it in, obamas make offer for multimillion-dollar martha's vineyard estate, tim walz's china travel business was dissolved for failing to pay $26 operating tax, records show, as governor of minnesota, walz oversaw some of the most aggressive corporate tax hikes in the country.

Corporate tax hike advocate Tim Walz had his China travel company shut down by the Nebraska government for failing to pay a minor business operating tax in 1998, according to corporate records.

Educational Travel Adventures, Inc., which Walz founded with his wife in 1995 to run group trips to China, was dissolved by Nebraska’s secretary of state for "non-payment of occupational taxes"—just $26 annually—in April 1998. The company was left defunct for years, even as Walz continued to organize group tours to China.

In 2008, after Walz was elected to Congress, he repaid 10 years of back taxes and interest, amounting to $235, to get the company reinstated, records show.

The tax slip-up is at odds with Walz's policies as governor of Minnesota, where he oversaw some of the most aggressive hikes on businesses in the country. House Republicans are investigating his former company, Educational Travel Adventures, as a potential target of Chinese government influence operations.

Walz continued to lead student exchange trips to China for four years after the company was shut down, before founding another corporation with the same name in Minnesota in 2002. News reports indicate that he stopped running the trips one year later.

Nebraska corporate attorney J.L. Spray said Nebraska businesses are required to pay the occupational tax to remain in good standing. He said business owners sometimes fail to pay the fees due to "negligence, and the fact that they’d just as soon have the company dissolved."

The registered agent for Walz's company, Nebraska attorney Terry Curtiss, did not respond to a request for comment.

Walz’s company, Educational Travel Adventures, Inc., has drawn scrutiny from House Republicans. Oversight Committee chairman James Comer said he was concerned about reports that the student exchange trips were subsidized by the Chinese government and that Walz may have been "targeted by or recruited for CCP influence operations."

Allen Shepherd, a former history professor at Chadron State College who traveled to China with Walz in 1998, told the Washington Free Beacon that it was "quite an eye-opening tour for all of us to be over there and see how much of the rest of the world lives."

Shepherd said Walz organized the trip because he "had the contacts over there" in academia and government.

"It was my impression that our guides were somehow connected with the government," said Shepherd.

"To a certain extent I think you have to have touch with the government over there, because the government didn’t just let you walk around the country."

Shepherd said the tour was largely educational, and he and Walz met with Chinese academics who were seeking advice on how to build their country’s university system.

After Educational Travel Adventures was shut down, Walz continued to organize student trips to China, including at least two tours in 1998 and 2001. In 2002, he incorporated another company under the same name in Minnesota but stopped the trips a year later.

When Walz ran for Congress in 2006, he highlighted his record as a local businessman who "established a small business called Educational Travel Adventures, Inc. through which he conducts annual educational trips to China for high school students," according to an archived version of his campaign website.

One year after he was elected to Congress, Walz cleaned up the tax error by paying 10 years of back-taxes and interest to get Educational Travel Adventures reinstated in Nebraska. He then immediately filed an application to dissolve the company, according to corporate records.

Walz has a long record of pushing for aggressive tax hikes on businesses. In a speech to labor unions this month, Walz said the government needs to force "corporations [to] pay their fair share."

As governor, he "doubled down on [Minnesota’s] status as a high-tax state even as most states have moved in a different direction," according to the Tax Foundation, becoming the only governor to institute a surtax on capital gains income, and raising taxes on corporate foreign income, wages, and transportation.

Walz’s tax policy led the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy to name Minnesota’s tax system as the most "progressive" in the United States.

Published under: China , Minnesota , Nebraska , Tax Hikes , Tim Walz

US airlines will owe you cash for flight delays under new proposal—here’s how it works

If you’ve flown domestic in the US in the last four years, you’ve likely faced at least one or two flight delays or cancellations—or worse,  complete system outages —and found yourself footing the bill, without recourse from the airlines. 

But there’s potential relief on the horizon: The Biden Administration is working full steam ahead on a proposed rule that would require US airlines to provide compensation to passengers for controllable cancellations or delays of three hours or more. It may be issued as early as January 2025 and is expected to be a game changer for US passengers and the US aviation industry. 

“This is not radical—we are late to the game on this as a country,” says Michael Negron, special assistant to the President for economic policy at the White House, speaking at an invitation-only meeting in Washington on Sept. 10.  

This proposed compensation scheme would mean US airlines would have to pay a set cash payment amount to each passenger on a disrupted flight, in addition to compensation for meals and lodging. The exact details and amounts are still being worked out.

A similar scheme has been in existence in the European Union for the past 20 years, which is applicable to US airlines when they operate internationally. EU rules require airlines to compensate travelers between $275 to $660 for controllable cancellations and extended delays, depending on the flight distance.

“When an airline cancels a flight because of mechanical or staffing issues, the passengers should receive compensation for their troubles,” says Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.), who serves on the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Delay compensation rules are already in place in other countries such as Canada, India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Brazil and China, and Australia is set to pass one this year, says Tomasz Pawliszyn, Chief Executive Officer at European consumer rights group  AirHelp , who has been advising the US government. If airlines were to choose to pass on the cost of these potential passenger refunds to the ticket price, it would amount to less than €1 or $1 per ticket, he adds. 

Passenger complaints against US airlines have quadrupled in the last four years, reaching a record in 2023 with just more than 61,000 filed. “The complaints in 2023 increased by 29% even though passenger volume increased by only 11%—that reflects how ticked off people are when they feel like things don’t go well,” says Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director at  US Public Interest Research Group .

Of those complaints, 35% were for flight issues, 20% related to refunds, and 16% related to baggage. Although, she adds, overall cancellations have improved so far this year as have on-time rates. 

Major US airlines have disparate rules when it comes how they handle delays. All 10 of them will rebook you on the same airline when your flight is disrupted or canceled and provide meals. Nine out of 10 will provide hotels and ground transportation, while just six will rebook you on another airline, and just three in 10 will provide a voucher. Currently none pay cash for any kind of cancellation or delay. 

The Biden Administration’s ultimate goal is to incentivize the airlines to provide better service. In Europe, flights have a higher on-time rate, which Negron says indicates there may be a strong correlation with the fact that the European airlines are required to compensate travelers. Last year just 1% to 2% of all travelers were compensated due to disruptions, AirHelp data confirms. 

“Where there’s a clear standard, that is good for the industry and that is good for consumers because everybody understands what’s required,” Negron says. “That information can lead to improved services.”

This latest discussion on air travel delay compensation comes on the heels of a slew of regulations under the Biden Administration that have aimed to protect travelers and hold US airlines more accountable. There’s the clarification of travelers’ rights on  FlightRights.gov , a proposed rule to  improve air access for passengers with disabilities , the recent rule requiring airlines to provide automatic and prompt refund to passengers in the original form of payment, affirmed in the FAA Reauthorization Act, and the proposed rulemaking to impose a ban on family seating fees. 

“This is all part of trying to provide passengers with more assurances that, you will be OK,” says Negron, who adds they’re working as quickly as they can to iron out specifics. “We can’t make up for the fact that you had to spend nine hours away from your family stuck in an airport or hotel—but we can make sure the airlines are held accountable when it’s something they could have prevented.”

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The problems with using buy now, pay later to book travel

When buy now, pay later services make sense, the bottom line.

Buy now, pay later services are an increasingly popular way to purchase products online. These services often target young shoppers through social networks and promote the ability to purchase products like clothing or makeup via a small down payment followed by installment payments to cover the difference.

But it’s not just physical stuff that you can click to buy and pay in full later. Travel providers have jumped on the trend by partnering with these services, which include Affirm and Uplift, to let you fund your vacation in small payments — sometimes even after you’ve finished the trip.

Affirm began partnering with Vacasa vacation rentals in February 2021 and then American Airlines in October 2021. Afterpay lets you use its service when you book through online travel agencies Klook and Agoda, and you can even order tickets to the Broadway musical "Hamilton." United Airlines flights can be paid for later through Uplift.

Payment plans to cover vacations aren’t new. Charging your vacation to credit cards was an option before these services began, and many travel agencies have long offered payment plans. Buy now, pay later payment options are the shiny, technology-based version of payment programs like layaway or deferred interest.

“ Buy now, pay later ” services can be handy in some circumstances, but there are drawbacks to taking on this kind of debt.

They make travel seem cheaper than it really is: Breaking down one big payment into multiple, smaller payments can make a purchase seem more affordable than it is and perhaps is psychologically satisfying. But adding up all the payments can end up the same, or sometimes even more due to interest, than the full quoted cost.

For example, a two-bedroom Vacasa vacation rental for a three-night stay cost $1,399. But Affirm markets it as six monthly payments of $233.

You might scoff at lodging expenses for a three-day weekend that may be more than a month’s rent. But don’t be fooled when you see the $233 offer — you’re still paying the $1,399, just not all in one go.

It’s usually not a good way to build credit: Sezzle proudly proclaims that it has “zero impact on your credit.” Afterpay advertises that it doesn’t conduct credit checks.

“We don’t believe in preventing people from accessing Afterpay because they may have had an old debt from a long time ago. And we don’t believe that missing a payment with Afterpay should result in a bad credit history,” according to a company statement.

While that notion has its merits, it does mean that people who might already have a history of debt are getting access to loans that they might be unable to pay off — in turn digging them into deeper debt.

In fact, Afterpay doesn’t affect your credit scores, period, so even a pristine, on-time reputation won’t help your scores. Had you paid on time through a traditional credit card, that information would be reported to the three credit bureaus and likely help your credit .

You could end up owing more than you thought in interest: Some services charge fees. Affirm typically charges interest on longer loans, but won’t charge fees on shorter loans. In the previous Vacasa example, you won’t owe interest if the loan is paid off within six months. But if you opt to pay in 12 monthly installments of $116.67 over the course of a year, you’ll also owe Affirm nearly $120 in interest fees. That turns what could have been a nearly $1,400 cabin into a $1,520 cabin.

Most other types of loans charge interest too. In fact, the average interest rate for a co-branded credit card in 2020 was 25.7%, according to data in a 2021 consumer credit card market report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

There are other fees besides interest: Especially if you already struggle to pay your regular bills or track your expenses, some of these services can make it easy to fall behind on payments and incur high late fees.

Zip, which partners with Airbnb and encourages bookers to split any purchase into four installments over six weeks, charges a $1 convenience fee per installment (so you’d owe $4 to Zip on top of the money you owe Airbnb). If you miss a payment, Zip charges late fees ranging from $5 to $10.

Sezzle doesn’t charge outright late fees but will deactivate your account if you’re two days late. To get your account reactivated, you’ll pay a fee of up to $10. And, if you preemptively delay your payment due date, Sezzle charges a $5 rescheduling fee.

Like many other services, Sezzle makes these fees tough to know about ahead of time. Case-in-point: Sezzle's fees aren't clearly stated on its site, but rather buried within the fine print of its 12,000-word user agreement.

Credit cards can also entail fees, and credit card issuers charged consumers a combined $12 billion in late fees in 2020, according to the CFPB. But the Credit Card Act of 2009, intended to protect cardholders, heavily regulates such fees by limiting how high those fees can go. And in most cases, buy now, pay later loans aren’t subject to the same consumer protections that apply to credit cards.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

You might pay less in interest or fees versus other forms of debt: Many of these services allow you to pay off purchases down the road without paying compounding interest, which you’ll typically owe with other forms of debt you take on. Unless you’re taking advantage of a 0% APR offer on a credit card , that includes most credit card debt, too.

You have poor credit or are credit invisible, and it’s a necessary expense: Maybe you have poor credit. Perhaps you’re great with money but are credit invisible , meaning your credit history isn’t long enough to have generated a credit file. (This situation is common among young people and recent immigrants.) While most of these services won’t help build your credit, they can help if you need to make a purchase that you can’t pay in full now.

It’s a necessary expense: Maybe you have a sick relative and you need to jump on a plane to care for them. Perhaps your house needs emergency repairs and you’ll need to stay in a hotel, but your homeowners or renters insurance won’t cover the upfront cost. If your travel expense is necessary, then buy now, pay later services can serve people with few to no other options.

Buy now, pay later services can be a lifesaver when you’re in an emergency situation and you’ve exhausted other options. They can also serve to cushion your savings account if you’re booking a trip that you know you can afford, but want to hold cash as long as possible.

But in general, there are far too many gotchas in these services to make them worth recommending for most travel purchases.

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

This Company Will Pay You $10,000 To Travel The World

An internet browsing company is looking for a Chief Nomad Officer to work remotely for one month this Fall to curate the ultimate Digital Nomad guide.

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Start a new career as a Digital nomad to locations like this in Florence, Italy

If you have ever dreamt of traveling the world and getting paid for it, this is your opportunity to embark on a life-changing experience. All courtesy of Shift , the power browser created to organize all of your web apps into one easy-to-access window.

Shift is now hiring a Chief Nomad Officer who will get paid $10,000 to travel the world for a month. In this enviable role, the CNO will use the browser to power their new nomadic lifestyle for 30 days beginning October 7, 2024. The new recruit will be required to share their unique content on Shift’s social media and blog and create a digital nomad guide to help others who want to travel and work remotely.

Travel to remote destinations and live a true Digital nomad lifestyle.

With millions of people working from home despite a post-pandemic return to the office workspace, remote work is continuing to grow, and countries around the world are opening their borders to welcome digital nomads.

According to a FlexJobs survey, 85 percent of millennials say they want to work remotely 100 percent of the time. In another study by Upwork, an online freelancing platform, an estimated 36.2 million US professionals will work remotely by 2025.

In what is becoming a unique marketing trend, numerous companies have previously jumped on board with contests like this , offering travel dream jobs. The New York Times once ran a popular 52 Places Traveler contest, where 13,000 people applied to spend a year traveling to all 52 selected destinations. This builds online publicity for the company and offers a lucky individual the opportunity to experience personal growth and possibly launch a new career as a digital nomad.

Modern technologies make it easier to be connected in the most exotic far away locations.

If the winning applicant needs inspiration for the new assignment, the Global Digital Nomad Report by Global Citizen Solutions is a valuable resource. The report, which ranks the best countries for digital nomads in 2024, can help you make an informed decision. According to the report, Spain tops the list, followed by the Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Romania, Malta, Portugal, Canada, Hungary, and France.

The Chief Nomad Officer will receive compensation of up to $10,000 for travel expenses like plane tickets and hotels. In exchange, they'll create unique content for people around the world. The goal is to inspire other nomads with your best tips on managing work and personal life from another country and in the most unique situations.

It is essential for the new Chief Nomad Officer (CNO) to connect with other digital nomads and share knowledge and expertise. They will be expected to regularly post stories, videos, and a vlog of their adventures to the company's platform to build a sense of community among online and offline audiences.

The requirements to be considered for the new Shift job are simple, but make sure you bring out your best creative side, as competition will be fierce. Candidates can apply from Sept 10-20 by publishing a 60-second video on their TikTok or Instagram describing why they want to be Shift's CNO and tagging the company’s account and adding hashtag #ShiftCNO.

Leave the city behind an explore the planets most unusual locations while sharing with the world.

According to Shift's VP of Marketing, Sabrina Banadyga, this new opportunity is the chance to explore the world with a built-in expense account. "At Shift, we've always believed that the future of work is flexible, and the rise of remote work has only amplified this. The digital nomad lifestyle continues to grow as more people seek the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. And why not take the chance to check off your bucket list destinations, visit family and friends in other countries, meet new people, and explore new cultures — these are some of the best reasons to live a nomadic life, even for a short period."

"What we're hoping the Chief Nomad Officer will share is an inspiration to others who have always dreamed of living and working somewhere else but perhaps have been scared to take the leap of faith," she adds. "There's no better time than now to grab your passport and computer and embrace the freedom a remote job can offer."

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Traveler forced to pay airline fuel costs after flight diverted due to his unruly behavior

An Australian man was compelled to pay an airline's fuel costs and fined thousands of dollars more after his unruly onboard behavior prompted the captain to turn that flight around and ultimately cancel the journey.

According to the Australian Federal Police, the incident took place on a flight from Perth to Sydney on Sept. 25, 2023. A 33-year-old man from Western Australia was misbehaving onboard, and the pilot was forced to dump fuel before returning to Perth and landing.

The man pleaded guilty last week to one count of disorderly behavior on an aircraft and one count of failure to comply with safety instructions.

He was forced to pay $8,630 Australian (about USD $5,741) in fuel costs to the airline and fined an additional $9,000 Australian (about USD $5,987).

“This incident should serve as a warning that criminal behavior on board can come at a heavy cost to the offender,” acting Australian Federal Police superintendent Shona Davis said in a statement . “It’s far simpler to obey the directions of airline staff than cause unnecessary issues, which can end up hitting you in the hip pocket.

Cruising Altitude: Why air rage on airplanes is every traveler's problem

Unruly passenger behavior has been a major issue at U.S. airlines in recent years as well, and the Federal Aviation Administration referred 43 such incidents to the Department of Justice in the last year.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].