Due to COVID-19, the Fifth Pillar of Islam will be limited to a very small group of followers this year. The Hajj is a week-long pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar — beginning on July 28th, in […] Continue reading… from Hajj during COVID-19
In what feel like new and overwhelming times, it can be helpful to look at the familiar. Here are five articles from the Living Abroad blog that are as useful now as they were on their dates of publication, before the pandemic: What You Should Know: Emergency Readiness offers a checklist of things you can […] Continue reading… from Looking at the familiar
Since much of the world’s interaction has moved online for practical purposes, it’s not surprising that business communication application use has surged. Among others, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and especially Zoom have all seen an exponential rise in downloads and usage over the last few weeks. The growth in teleconferencing and other types of […] Continue reading… from Don’t be late!
More than half of the world’s population is currently under directives to stay at home. Now, more than ever, traveling virtually can be an interesting, entertaining, and stress alleviating experience. Here’s a selection of virtual getaways, all in destinations covered by Living Abroad: Open Air Museum in La Pincoya (Chile) Live webcams at the Panama […] Continue reading… from Interested in a virtual trip?
Mobile devices now account for almost half of the globe’s Internet traffic, and their use for contactless payment is also on a dramatic rise. While a number of mass transportation systems around the world have had their own mobile apps for fare payment for a while, there are now systems that accept payment directly from […] Continue reading… from Tap and Ride
Repatriation is commonly cited as one of the most challenging phases in a globally mobile lifestyle. While there is a great deal of support available for assignees in unfamiliar destinations, preparation for a return home can be much more elusive. Many assignees and their families are surprised at how their experiences have changed them, and […] Continue reading… from You’re coming home
While bushfires are a regular springtime occurrence in Australia, record-breaking hot and dry meteorological patterns are among the factors contributing to their current unprecedented scale and intensity. To date, at least 27 people and an estimated 1.25 billion animals have died due to this season’s bushfires, and over 72300 sq km/18 million acres of land have been […] Continue reading… from The Australian bushfires: Five facts, and ten ways to help
While medical issues are stressful in any location, they can be especially daunting in a new and unfamiliar environment. Here are some ways you and your family can reduce the risk of health issues while abroad, even before you depart for assignment: Research and schedule Are there any regional outbreaks, diseases, or health hazards […] Continue reading… from Plan ahead for health
Planning to step off your next flight and into a van or a sedan? You might want to plan ahead. The end of 2019 will also bring the end of a business long familiar to many air travelers. Last week, the airport shuttle service SuperShuttle announced that it will close worldwide after December 31. (Customers […] Continue reading… from Don’t get stuck this holiday season!
