George Pollard | WBD-Travel

Bali Solo & Safe: A Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Island of the Gods in 2026

For decades, Bali has been a rite of passage for the solo female traveler. It is a place where you can find a world-class yoga community in the morning and a rugged clifftop sunset by afternoon. But as we step into 2026, the island is evolving. New travel regulations, a refined digital nomad scene, and a heightened focus on “Quality Tourism” mean that the Bali of today requires a slightly different playbook than the one your friends used five years ago.

Is Bali safe for a woman traveling alone? Yes, absolutely. In fact, it remains one of the most welcoming destinations in Southeast Asia. However, navigating it with confidence in 2026 requires a mix of cultural intuition, digital savvy, and “street smarts.” Here is your 1,000-word guide to doing Bali solo, safe, and soulful.

1. The 2026 Logistics: What’s New?

Before you even pack your linen sets, there are a …

From Cubicle to Coast: Your Step-by-Step Guide to the 2025 Bali Digital Nomad Visa

December 17, 2025December 29, 2025 - by George Pollard

The fluorescent hum of the office, the lukewarm coffee, and the soul-crushing commute: for years, this was the mandatory tax on a professional career. But the world has shifted. In 2025, the “office” is no longer a physical destination—it is wherever your laptop can find a stable Wi-Fi signal.

Indonesia has officially leaned into this revolution with the full rollout of the E33G Remote Worker Visa. No longer do you need to perform the “visa run” dance every 60 days or hide your laptop from immigration officers. Bali is officially open for business, and it wants you to stay. This is your comprehensive, step-by-step blueprint for trading your cubicle for the coast.

1. Understanding the 2025 Landscape: What is the E33G?

Gone are the days of the ambiguous “B211A” business visa. In 2025, the Indonesian government has streamlined the process with the E33G Remote Worker Visa.

The Duration:

Travel Destinations

The Bamboo Dream: 5 Stunning Ubud Resorts for the Ultimate Sustainable Escape

December 11, 2025December 29, 2025 - by George Pollard

Ubud has always been the spiritual heart of Bali—a place where the scent of incense mingles with the mist of the Petanu River and the vibrant green of terraced rice paddies. But as global travel shifts toward a more conscious future, Ubud is undergoing a beautiful transformation. The concrete villas of the past are being replaced by architectural marvels made of a singular, humble material: bamboo.

In 2025, bamboo architecture has reached a pinnacle of luxury. These structures are not just “eco-friendly”; they are living, breathing works of art that prove sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. If you are looking for an escape that balances high-end design with a deep respect for the Earth, these five Ubud resorts offer the ultimate “Bamboo Dream.”

1. Green Village: The Pioneers of Bamboo Luxury

Technically a community of private villas just south of Ubud’s center, Green Village is the gold standard for sustainable …

No Money, No Problem: A Beginner’s Guide to Global Travel with Empty Pockets

December 5, 2025December 29, 2025 - by George Pollard

The modern travel industry is a master of illusion. It paints a picture where “global travel” is synonymous with boutique hotels, expensive cocktails on a rooftop in Paris, and pristine suitcases that cost more than a month’s rent. This glossy imagery creates a mental barrier, convincing the average person that they need to wait for a promotion, a lottery win, or retirement to see the world.

But here is the reality: Money is the most expensive way to travel. When you have a thick wallet, you pay for convenience, which often means you are insulated from the very culture you came to see. When you travel with “empty pockets,” you are forced to engage with the world’s true currency: human connection, resourcefulness, and time.

If you have $0 in savings today but a burning desire to cross borders, this is your blueprint.

1. The Survivalist Mindset: Trading Time for Experience

Travel Destinations

The Best Southeast Asia Beach Vacations With Kids’ Clubs That Actually Rock

November 28, 2025December 29, 2025 - by George Pollard

For most parents, the phrase “family beach vacation” can feel like a bit of an oxymoron. While the imagery suggests peaceful sunsets and building sandcastles, the reality often involves managing sunscreen meltdowns, picky eaters, and the constant demand for entertainment. In Southeast Asia, however, a new breed of luxury resorts has cracked the code. They’ve moved beyond the “token playroom” and created kids’ clubs that are so engaging, educational, and adventurous that your children might actually forget you exist for a few hours.

If you’re planning a trip in 2025, here are the resorts where the kids’ clubs don’t just “sit” your children—they inspire them.

1. Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood, Thailand: The Bamboo Manta Ray

Soneva Kiri is famous for its “No News, No Shoes” philosophy, but for children, the highlight is The Den. This isn’t a room; it’s a massive, fantastical bamboo structure shaped like a manta ray, …