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Meet the Closer Lives members: a community of digital nomads, travelers, and creators sharing stories, experiences, and alternative living inspiration. Closer Lives Community Members Discover our Closer Lives members — a global mix of digital nomads, remote workers, and travel bloggers. Explore their stories and learn how they connect through travel and alternative living. Not a Member Yet? Join Our Community Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Learn how Closer Lives collects, uses, and protects your personal data. Understand your privacy rights under GDPR & CCPA/CPRA. Your data security is our priority. Privacy Policy Closer Lives | Travel & Lifestyle Emporium UPDATED: 12/11/2025 This Privacy Policy describes how and when we, Jennifer David & Leon Gregori, operating as Closer Lives Inc and Closer Lives Emporium ("we," "us," or "our"), collect, use, and share information when you purchase an item from us, contact us, or otherwise use our services through www.closerlives.com or its related sites and services. We are based in Canada and sell mainly to buyers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, but also offer our items for sale worldwide. This Privacy Policy does not apply to the practices of third parties that we do not own or control, including Etsy, Facebook, Instagram, or any third-party services you may otherwise access. For information on their privacy practices, please refer to their respective privacy policies. For information regarding our terms of service, please visit: For information regarding our use of cookies, please visit our Cookie Policy For information regarding our use of affiliate links, please visit our Affiliate Disclosure 1. Personal Information We Collect To fulfil your order, you must provide us with certain information (which you will have authorized to provide to us), such as your name, email address, postal address, payment information, and the details of the product that you’re ordering. The provision of this information is necessary for us to process and complete your purchase. If you choose not to provide this essential information, we may not be able to fulfill your order. You may also choose to provide us with additional personal information (for a custom order, for example), if you contact us directly. This additional information is provided voluntarily. 2. The Legal Bases We Rely On to Collect, Use, and Share Personal Information We rely on several legal bases to collect, use, and share your personal information, as needed: To provide our services: Such as when we use your information to fulfil your order, to settle disputes, or to provide customer support. This processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with you. With your affirmative consent: Which you may revoke at any time, such as by signing up for our mailing list. To comply with a legal obligation or court order: Or in connection with a legal claim, such as retaining information about your purchases if required by tax law. For the purpose of our legitimate interests: If those legitimate interests are not overridden by your rights or interests, such as providing and improving our services, preventing fraud, or ensuring the security of our systems. We use your information to provide the services you requested and in our legitimate interest to improve our services. 3. The Third Parties With Whom We Share Personal Information Information about our customers is important to our business. We share your personal information for very limited reasons and in limited circumstances, as follows: Service Providers: We engage certain trusted third parties to perform functions and provide services to our shop, such as delivery companies, payment processors, and analytics providers. We will share your personal information with these third parties, but only to the extent necessary to perform these services and in accordance with contractual agreements that require them to protect your data. Business Transfers: If we sell or merge our business, we may disclose your information as part of that transaction, only to the extent permitted by law. Compliance with Laws: We may collect, use, retain, and share your information if we have a good faith belief that it is reasonably necessary to: (a) respond to legal process or to government requests; (b) enforce our agreements, terms and policies; (c) prevent, investigate, and address fraud and other illegal activity, security, or technical issues; or (d) protect the rights, property, and safety of our customers, or others. Affiliate Marketing Partners: In the context of our use of affiliate links, we may share certain information with our affiliate partners or networks (e.g., the merchant whose product we are promoting) to track referrals and attribute commissions. This may involve the use of cookies or other tracking technologies. We only share the minimum necessary data for these purposes. Please see our "Cookies and Tracking Technologies" section for more details. 4. The Length of Time We Keep Personal Information (Data Retention) We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to provide you with our services and as described in this Privacy Policy. However, we may also be required to retain this information to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations, to resolve disputes, and to enforce our agreements. We will generally keep your data for 4 years. 5. International Data Transfers We may store and process your information through third-party hosting services in the US and other jurisdictions. As a result, we may transfer your personal information to a jurisdiction with different data protection and government surveillance laws than your jurisdiction. If we transfer information about you outside of the EU/UK, we rely on legally recognized safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (if applicable and certified) as the legal basis for the transfer. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. 6. Your Rights Regarding Our Use of Your Personal Information If you reside in certain territories, including the EU/UK and California, you have a number of rights in relation to your personal information. While some of these rights apply generally, certain rights apply only in certain limited cases. We will describe these rights below: ⪢ For EU/UK Residents (GDPR): Access: You may have the right to access and receive a copy of the personal information we hold about you by contacting us using the contact information below. Change, restrict, delete: You may also have rights to change, restrict our use of, or delete your personal information. Absent exceptional circumstances (like where we are required to store data for legal reasons) we will generally delete your personal information upon request. Data Portability: You have the right to receive a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, and to transmit that data to another controller where technically feasible. Complain: If you reside in the EU/UK and wish to raise a concern about our use of your information (and without prejudice to any other rights you may have), you have the right to do so with your local data protection authority. ⪢ For California Residents (CCPA/CPRA): If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA): Right to Know: You have the right to request that we disclose to you the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, the categories of sources from which that information is collected, the business or commercial purpose for collecting, selling, or sharing personal information, the categories of third parties to whom we disclose personal information, and the categories of personal information that we have sold or shared or disclosed for a business purpose. Right to Delete: You have the right to request the deletion of personal information that we have collected from you, subject to certain exceptions. Right to Correct: You have the right to request the correction of inaccurate personal information we maintain about you. Right to Opt-Out of Sale or Sharing: You have the right to direct us not to sell or share your personal information to third parties. "Sharing" includes disclosing personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information: To exercise this right, please visit our dedicated page: Right to Limit Use and Disclosure of Sensitive Personal Information: You have the right to limit our use and disclosure of your sensitive personal information to only that which is necessary to perform the services or provide the goods reasonably expected by an average consumer. Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your CCPA/CPRA rights. ⪢ Exercising Your Rights: To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided below. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law. For CCPA/CPRA opt-out requests, we will provide at least two methods for submission, including an interactive web form accessible via the "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link, and we will not require proof of identity for these requests. We will honor opt-out requests for at least 12 months. ⪢ Do Not Track (DNT) and Global Privacy Control (GPC) Signals: We strive to respect your privacy preferences. We respond to Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals as a valid request to opt-out of the sale or sharing of your personal information for California residents. We do not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals. 7. Data Security We are committed to protecting your personal information. We implement and maintain reasonable and appropriate technical and organizational measures designed to protect the personal information we collect and store. These measures include, but are not limited to: Encryption: Using encryption for data in transit and at rest, where appropriate. Access Controls: Implementing strict access controls and multi-factor authentication to limit access to personal data to authorized personnel only. Secure Servers: Storing data on secure servers with robust firewall protection. Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitoring our systems for potential vulnerabilities and attacks. Breach Notification: Maintaining protocols for promptly identifying, addressing, and notifying affected individuals and authorities in the event of a data breach, as required by law. While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. 8. Our Hosting Platform and Data Security" or "Data Protection Measures. CloserLives.com is built on the Wix.com platform. Wix.com is 100% committed to data protection. They are aware of privacy regulations being developed worldwide, including the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) and LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law), which are similar to the European GDPR. Additionally, they stay informed on new guidelines about the use of cookies and similar technologies published by European data protection authorities. These privacy regulations are designed to provide everyone with more transparency about how their data is being used and stored, giving Wix users and visitors greater control over their personal information. Wix.com provides the technology to protect your personal data and any data related to your site visitors and members. While Wix provides the tools and infrastructure for data protection, we, as the site owners, remain responsible for ensuring your specific data collection and processing practices comply with all applicable laws. 9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies (such as web beacons and pixel tags) to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and for marketing purposes, including affiliate tracking. What are Cookies? Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites that you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. Types and Purposes of Cookies: We use various types of cookies for different purposes, including: Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Performance Cookies: Allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Functional Cookies: Enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. Targeting/Advertising Cookies: Used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. These may be set by us or by third-party advertising partners. Affiliate Tracking Cookies: Used to track referrals from our affiliate partners to attribute commissions correctly. Your Consent and Control: Under GDPR, we obtain your explicit consent for non-essential cookies through a cookie banner or similar mechanism when you first visit our site. You have the right to accept or reject different types of cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through our cookie consent tool or by adjusting your browser settings. For more detailed information about the cookies we use and how to manage them, please refer to our dedicated Cookie Policy . 10. Ezoic Services This website uses the services of Ezoic Inc. (“Ezoic”), including to manage third-party interest-based advertising. Ezoic may employ a variety of technologies on this website, including tools to serve content, display advertisements and enable advertising to visitors of this website, which may utilize first and third-party cookies. A cookie is a small text file sent to your device by a web server that enables the website to remember information about your browsing activity. First-party cookies are created by the site you are visiting, while third-party cookies are set by domains other than the one you're visiting. Ezoic and our partners may place third-party cookies, tags, beacons, pixels, and similar technologies to monitor interactions with advertisements and optimize ad targeting. Please note that disabling cookies may limit access to certain content and features on the website, and rejecting cookies does not eliminate advertisements but will result in non-personalized advertising. You can find more information about cookies and how to manage them here . The following information may be collected, used, and stored in a cookie when serving personalized ads: IP address Operating system type and version Device type Language preferences Web browser type Email (in a hashed or encrypted form) Ezoic and its partners may use this data in combination with information that has been independently collected to deliver targeted advertisements across various platforms and websites. Ezoic’s partners may also gather additional data, such as unique IDs, advertising IDs, geolocation data, usage data, device information, traffic data, referral sources, and interactions between users and websites or advertisements, to create audience segments for targeted advertising across different devices, browsers, and apps. You can find more information about interest-based advertising and how to manage them here . You can view Ezoic’s privacy policy here , or for additional information about Ezoic’s advertising and other partners, you can view Ezoic’s advertising partners here . 11. How to Contact Us For purposes of EU data protection law, we, Jennifer David & Leon Gregori, as owners of Closer Lives Inc and Closer Lives Emporium, are the data controllers of your personal information. If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, you can get in touch at: Email: [email protected] Physical Address: Canada Alternatively, you can fill out our online form here . We will always aim to reply back to you within 24 hours. 12. Policy Updates We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. We commit to reviewing and updating this policy at least once every 12 months, or whenever there are significant changes in our data collection or processing activities. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by: Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Back to Policy Hub How to Contact Us If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed here, you can get in touch by email at: [email protected] Alternatively tap the button below to fill out our online form. Get in touch

Our Cookie Policy explains how Closer Lives uses cookies and tracking technologies. Learn about cookie types, purposes, and how to manage your preferences. Cookie Policy Closer Lives | Travel & Lifestyle Emporium UPDATED: 12/11/2025 This Cookie Policy explains how Closer Lives ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website, closerlives.com (the "Website"). This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, which provides more details on how we handle your personal information. 1. What are Cookies? Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information and to remember your preferences. Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies. Persistent cookies remain on your device when you go offline, while session cookies are deleted as soon as you close your web browser. 2. How We Use Cookies We use cookies for several purposes, including: Website Functionality: To ensure our website operates correctly and provides you with the services you request. Performance and Analytics: To understand how you use our website, measure its performance, and identify areas for improvement. This helps us enhance your browsing experience. Personalization: To remember your preferences and provide you with a more personalized experience. Advertising: To deliver relevant advertisements to you and measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns. 3. Types of Cookies We Use We use both first-party cookies (set by us) and third-party cookies (set by third-party services that appear on our Website). The cookies on our Website fall into the following categories: ⪢ Necessary Cookies (Essential Cookies) These cookies are essential for the basic functionality of our Website and enable you to navigate and use its features. Without these cookies, certain services (like adding items to a shopping cart or logging into secure areas) cannot be provided. We do not require your consent for these cookies, but we must inform you of their use. Purpose: Enable core site functionality, security, and accessibility. Examples: Session cookies for login, shopping cart functionality. Providers: Closer Lives. Duration: Session-based or short-term persistent. ⪢ Analytics/Performance Cookies These cookies collect information about how visitors use our Website, such as which pages are visited most often, how long users spend on pages, and if they encounter error messages. This helps us improve the performance and design of our Website. Purpose: Website analytics, performance monitoring. Examples: Google Analytics cookies. Providers: Wix, Stay22 & Google Analytics. Duration: 24 hours to 24 months. ⪢ Functionality Cookies These cookies allow our Website to remember choices you make (such as your username, language, or region) and provide enhanced, more personal features. They can also be used to remember changes you have made to text size, fonts, and other parts of web pages that you can customize. Purpose: Remember user preferences, provide enhanced features. Examples: Language preferences, remembering items in a shopping cart across sessions. Providers: Closer Lives Duration: Persistent. ⪢ Advertising/Targeting Cookies These cookies are used to deliver advertisements more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. They are usually placed by advertising networks with our permission. Purpose: Deliver personalized ads, track ad campaign performance. Examples: Facebook Pixel, Google Ads cookies. Providers: Facebook, Google AdSense, Stay22, Monetag Duration: Persistent (can vary, e.g., 30 days to 1 year). 4. Your Cookie Choices and How to Manage Them You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner, which appears upon your first visit, or by accessing our "Customize Preferences" link via the Cookie Settings widget at the bottom left of every page on our Website. Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically: View what cookies are stored on your device. Delete cookies. Block all cookies. Block third-party cookies. Clear all cookies when you close your browser. Please note that if you choose to disable or reject certain cookies, some parts of our Website may not function properly or may not be accessible. For more information on how to manage cookies in your specific browser, you can visit: 🔗 Google Chrome 🔗 Mozilla Firefox 🔗 Apple Safari 🔗 Microsoft Edge 🔗 Opera 5. Changes to This Cookie Policy We may update our Cookie Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Cookie Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically for any changes. Back to Policy Hub How to Contact Us If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed here, you can get in touch by email at: [email protected] Alternatively tap the button below to fill out our online form. Get in touch

Access our Link Hub with quick links to travel guides, resources, tools, videos, and helpful pages across the Closer Lives site. Closer Lives Link Hub Travel. Create. Connect. Come Closer! Hi, we're Jenn & Leon – full-time travelers, bloggers, content creators & founders of Closerlives.com. Explore Closer Lives with quick access to our blog, travel resources, lifestyle emporium, country guides, newsletter, and social channels. EXPLORE OUR WORLD Visit Our Blog FREE Country Guides Travel Hub Poetry Watch Us on YouTube Lifestyle Hub TRAVEL SMARTER Travel & Lifestyle Emporium Essential Travel Resources Save up to 10% on eSIMs Travel Insurance Hotel Deals NordVPN for Safer Travel Daily Drop Credit Cards CONNECT WITH US Follow Us on Pinterest Follow Jenn & Leon on Instagram Subscribe for Latest News COME ON CLOSER Our Story Meet Leon Jenn's Grey Hair Journey Meet Jennifer Work With Us Write for Us Contact Us

Get to know who we are, our story, values, and what drives Closer Lives, from travel and creativity to community and shared experiences. Welcome to Closer Lives: Your Guide to Travel, Alternative Living, and Honest Storytelling At Closer Lives, We Explore More Than Maps. We Journey Through Mindsets Closer Lives is where thoughtful travel, intentional living, and real stories come together. We’re Jenn & Leon, full-time travelers sharing practical travel resources, destination guides, and personal experiences to help you explore the world with confidence and curiosity. After leaving the traditional 9-to-5 behind, we built a life shaped by freedom, creativity, and a desire to live differently. Our journey includes everything from long-term travel and digital nomad life to embracing personal transformation—like Jenn’s empowering grey-hair journey, which has become one of the most unexpected parts of our story to inspire others. What We Do We turn real travel experience into useful guides, smart resources, and everyday inspiration. We create detailed travel guides, honest reviews, itinerary ideas, and helpful tips for traveling smarter, saving money, and embracing a more flexible, alternative lifestyle. Through our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium, we curate products and resources we personally use—from travel gear to digital tools—to help you plan your next adventure with ease. Everything we publish has one goal: to make travel more accessible, meaningful, and doable for anyone who wants to step outside the conventional path. Read More Our Engagement Story Discover Aphrodite’s Rock, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love, and our engagement spot! Find out more about our story, how it all happened, and all you need to know about visiting this incredible location (and also Leon's ancestral homeland). Who We Are Two curious minds, one shared path, shaped by travel, creativity, and lived experience. Together we bring backgrounds in coaching, teaching, writing, retail leadership, and creative entrepreneurship. These experiences shape the way we share our journey: practical advice when you need guidance, reflective storytelling when you need connection, and plenty of real-life insight from years spent living on the road. Jenn’s experience going grey has become a core part of our lifestyle storytelling—proof that growth and self-belief can come from the most personal places. Leon’s passion for creativity and exploration fuels our content, from travel hubs to social media guides. What We Believe That travel, curiosity, and self-belief can reshape how you live your life. Our guiding principals: Travel is a catalyst for growth Freedom comes in many forms Learning never truly ends Stories connect us in powerful ways Alternative living is possible for anyone, with the right tools, resources, and encouragement Meet Jenn & Leon More from Jenn Jennifer David Jenn is a former blogger in her 40s, has spent much of her life raising children (both her own and others), and is the founder of many projects. She is a former funeral director and a certified death, life, confidence, and mindfulness coach. Jenn could be a perpetual student of the humanities and is a big fan of culture and astrology (she's a Scorpio). She abides by the rule of living life to the fullest and finding one's true calling and purpose in life through manifestation and the power of belief. Oh, and she is a big fan of cuisine (who isn't!) She is also the intense but laid-back one. More from Leon Leon Gregori Leon is in his 30s (he's a cancer), has never married, and has no children (before meeting Jenn and her famjam). He formerly worked in retail and antiques/reclamation in the UK before leaving it all behind to join Jenn in Canada. Leon is a published author, a fan of Brandy, KFC, Subway, and loves history, architecture, football (Arsenal), pool (billiards), technology, and politics. He is the polite but particular one! Leon also runs our website in the background, constantly learning and evolving to help deliver the best user experience. What We Offer At Closer Lives, we blend creativity, exploration, and connection into everything we do. Here's how we bring you closer to the world and yourself. Closer Lives Emporium Our online store features travel-inspired designs and positivity-packed products. From fun apparel to vibrant suitcases, each item is thoughtfully designed by us, with love from the road. Explore the Emporium Explore Our Socials Catch our latest travel vlogs, lifestyle reflections, and poetic snapshots. Join us visually as we share what it means to live freely and curiously. Go to Social Media Hub Guides & Destinations Explore our Travel Hub for in-depth country guides, top destinations, and insider tips to plan smarter and travel deeper. Find inspiration, resources, and everything you need for your next journey. Go to Travel Hub Travel & Lifestyle Blog Dive into our slow travel guides, real-world tips, and behind-the-scenes stories. We share raw experiences, itineraries, advice, and more. Our blog is your go-to hub for inspiration, destination ideas, and life on the move. Visit the Blog Closer Lives Community A space to connect with fellow travelers, digital nomads, and alternative lifestyle enthusiasts. Groups are a place for advice, real talk, and shared stories from people living life on their terms. Go to Groups Essential Resources Find trusted tools, services, and money-saving tips to make travel simpler, safer, and more affordable. From eSIMs to insurance and beyond — everything you need to stay connected and prepared on the road. Go to Resource Hub Coming Soon: Digital Nomad Training Courses Ready to work from anywhere? We're building a practical course packed with honest guidance and real experience to help you take the leap into location-independent living. Coming Soon Stay Connected Sign up to get our fortnightly newsletters with the latest blog posts, product drops, exclusive sales, travel tips, and even a behind-the-scenes look at our adventures as full-time travelers. Subscribe to the Newsletter Interested in Ways to Work Together? Check out our collaboration resources to learn more, or reach out to us via email. Work With Us Write for Us Media & Partnerships Email Us

Work with us on collaborations, partnerships, sponsored content, reviews, and creative projects built on real travel and lifestyle experience. Work With Us at Closer Lives At Closer Lives, we explore more than maps - we journey through mindsets At Closer Lives, we’ve built a platform around full-time travel, alternative living, and authentic storytelling. Through our blogs, videos, and lifestyle products, we connect with an engaged global community of readers and viewers who value mindful exploration and creative freedom. If you’re looking to reach a thoughtful, travel-minded audience through story-driven content that feels genuine, you’re in the right place. Mini Media Kit & Audience Snapshot A quick look at who we reach, what we create, and how your brand can connect through authentic, story-driven content. 94k Site monthly views 26k Blog monthly views 15 Domain Rating (DR) 15k + YouTube Subs 25k + Instagram followers Collaboration Types 🎬Dedicated YouTube Video: 500 USD minimum for a full 5- to 8-minute feature 🎞️ Integrated YouTube Segment: 300 USD for a 45- to 90-second brand inclusion ⭐ Sponsored Reviews: 250 USD for a permanent SEO article inc. images ✍️ Guest Post (You Provide): 100 USD with editorial review 📝 Guest Post (We Write): 200 USD, including SEO research and drafting 🔗 Link Insertion: 70 USD for a contextual 12-month do-follow placement 📣 Social Add-On: 50 USD per platform for Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest Write for Us Media & Partnerships Email Us For full policies and placement details, visit our Media & Partnerships page. Ways to Collaborate with Us We offer flexible, transparent partnerships — from guest posts and reviews to creative campaigns — crafted to align with your goals and our audience. Guest Post: Client Provided Price: $100 USD Includes: Editorial review, publication on the blog, and promotion. Content Scope: Unlimited word count, up to 10 high-resolution images provided by the client. Outbound Links: Maximum of 2 relevant, non-promotional links per article. Mandatory: Must be submitted and paid for via our official submission form. Guest Post: We Write Price: $200 USD Includes: Full-service content creation. Content Scope: Includes topic ideation, dedicated SEO research, professional drafting, and editorial review. Outbound Links: A maximum of 2 relevant, non-promotional links embedded by our team. Benefit: Guarantees alignment with our quality standards and maximizes publication speed. Link Insertion: (Existing Post) Price: $70 USD Service: We will contextually insert your link into an already published article that is relevant to your niche. Duration: The link insertion fee covers the administrative and editorial costs of adding and maintaining the link for a fixed 12-month period. Renewal fees apply after this duration. Policy Note: To maintain compliance with Google's guidelines, all inserted links are strictly reviewed for relevance and are designated as rel="sponsored" (policy-compliant). Requirement: Insertion is only possible if the link is contextually relevant to the existing article and the anchor text is approved by our editorial team. Sponsored Review Content: Honest, story-driven review of your product, service, or destination. Optimization: Search-optimized article, including high-quality images and screenshots (where applicable). Placement: Permanent blog placement with a policy-compliant, sponsored link (tagged with rel="sponsored"). Bonus: Includes promotion on one social platform of your choice. Prices are in United States Dollars, paid upfront via BACS, PayPal, Debit/Credit Card or Wise. Write for Closer Lives Share your voice, stories, and insights with our global community of travelers and creators. We welcome authentic, experience-led guest contributions. Are you passionate about travel writing and storytelling? Learn more about our guest blogging process, guidelines, and how to submit your proposal. We look forward to collaborating with talented writers like you! Write for Us Writer Guidelines Submission Form Our Reach at a Glance From 94K+ monthly site visits to over 15K YouTube subscribers and 2M+ views, our community continues to grow across platforms and continents. 94k Monthly site visits 15 Domain Rating (DR) 26k Blog monthly views 1k Email subscribers 15k + YouTube Subs - 2M views 250 + Blog posts 25k + Instagram followers 250 + Vlogs Trusted Partnerships & Collaborations We’ve worked with leading travel brands, ethical companies, and hospitality partners who share our commitment to meaningful storytelling. View Mini Media Kit The Story Behind Closer Lives From teaching online to exploring 40+ countries, our journey has evolved into a creative platform blending travel, storytelling, and connection. When we set off to travel full-time, teaching English funded our early adventures — but storytelling became the compass. From that spark, Closer Lives was born: a travel blog, YouTube channel, and creative hub built from our shared experiences across 40+ countries. We’ve since grown to 300K+ article views and 2M+ video views, collaborating with inspiring partners while staying true to authenticity and usefulness for our audience. Today, we continue to explore, write, film, and create — always with a focus on meaningful connections and mindful travel. Before We Collaborate A few practical notes to keep our collaborations transparent, aligned, and rewarding for both sides. Content must align with our values: travel, lifestyle, digital nomadism, ethical brands. We retain editorial control and may decline non-relevant submissions. Payments: upfront via BACS, Credit / Debit Card, PayPal or Wise. Prices in USD and subject to change. For full placement details, see our Media & Partnerships page. Common Questions About Collaborations A few quick answers to help you plan and get the most from your partnership with Closer Lives. How quickly do you respond to collaboration requests? We usually respond within 48 hours (business days). For time-sensitive campaigns, please mention “Urgent” in your subject line. Can you create custom packages or ongoing collaborations? Yes! We often tailor packages for repeat partners or multi-post campaigns. Just mention your goals when reaching out. Do you accept product exchanges or gifted stays? Occasionally — if the brand, destination, or product aligns perfectly with our travel niche and storytelling goals. All gifted collaborations must still follow disclosure guidelines. Will my collaboration include social media promotion? Social posts are optional add-ons for +$50 USD per platform. We’ll happily advise which platforms best fit your campaign. How long do published collaborations stay live? Posts and reviews remain live permanently unless they become outdated or the brand discontinues operations. We guarantee active links for at least 12 months. Can I request an update to a past collaboration post? Yes. Minor updates (like links or logos) can be made within the first 12 months at no extra cost. Have more questions? See our Collaboration FAQs → Ready to partner up? Send us your brief — we’ll confirm fit, outline deliverables, and share next steps. Media & Partnerships For sponsored content, link insertions, brand campaigns, and paid partnerships with Closer Lives. Share the essentials below, and we’ll reply by email within 48 hours. First name(Required) Last name(Required) Company/Agency (Required) Email(Required) We’ll respond by email. Continue to Partnership Details → We do not accept link swaps, PBN requests, or domain-list outreach. Automated mass emails may be silently discarded. Interested in other ways to work together? Check out our other resources to learn more, or reach out to us via email. Work With Us Write for Us Writer Guidelines Email Us

How we recovered disabled Instagram accounts. Real steps, timelines, mistakes to avoid, and honest outcomes. Instagram Account Disabled Recovery – How to Fix & Appeal in 2026 Hi, it's Leon here 👋 I know how crushing it feels to suddenly find your Instagram account disabled. When it happened to me, I felt a mix of shock, anger, and helplessness. For many of us, Instagram isn’t just an app — it’s our creative outlet, our community, even our livelihood. Losing access can feel like losing a part of your identity. If you’re here, you’re probably staring at a login screen telling you your account has been disabled. I’ve been there, and I want to help you through it. While Instagram has removed some of the older recovery options, there are still paths back in. In this guide, I’ll share the updated recovery process for 2025, practical steps you can try right now, and tips to prevent this nightmare from happening again. FAQs Follower / Unfollower Tracking Back to Social Media Hub ADVERTISEMENT Why Instagram Accounts Get Disabled Back up your account details to protect against restrictions, hacks, or sudden loss. A simple habit can save your content and connections. 💡 Many accounts are disabled by mistake. If you know you haven’t violated rules, stay firm in your belief when trying recovery routes. ● Policy Violations: Content flagged for hate speech, nudity, harassment, or misinformation. ● System Mistakes: Automated AI systems wrongly flag harmless content. ● Suspicious Login Activity: Logging in from new countries, devices, or using public Wi-Fi without protection. ● Copyright Reports: Using media without rights can trigger an immediate ban. ● Fake or Impersonation Claims: Sometimes triggered by malicious reports. First Steps After Your Account Is Disabled When it happened to me, I wasted valuable time panicking. Looking back, here’s what I recommend doing first: Take Screenshots Always save the exact error messages you see. Check for Appeal Button Some users still see “Disagree with Decision” on their login screen. Use it immediately if it’s there. Log In From Different Devices Sometimes a desktop or another phone gives different recovery prompts. Stay Calm Don’t rush to create multiple appeals or accounts right away. 💡 Document everything; it helps if you need to reference timelines when contacting Meta support. The 2025 Recovery Options Since Instagram has suspended most old appeal forms, recovery now depends on three main paths: The Hacked Account Recovery Flow If you suspect foul play, such as your password being compromised, this is the best option for recovering your account. Go to Instagram Hacked Help Follow prompts to confirm your account type and username. If available, you may be asked for selfie verification or to confirm your email. 💡 This option works best if your account was disabled due to suspicious login attempts. Appeal Through the Login Screen Use different devices if not seen on the login page. Note that this opportunity usually only appears once, and decisions are final. When trying to log in, look for “Disagree with Decision” or “Request Review”. If it appears, use it right away. Explain that your account was wrongly disabled and that you follow the guidelines. 💡 This option isn’t always shown, so don’t panic if you don’t see it. Ensure the Instagram app is updated. All else fails: take the Meta Verified Route Create a new Instagram account. Alternatively, verify your Facebook account (linked to Instagram). Purchase Meta Verified — this gives you direct support channels with real humans at Meta. Use this to raise a ticket about your disabled account. 💡 While Meta Verified costs money, many users have found it’s the only way to get an actual response. 💡 While we are not affiliated with Meta in any way, we do offer free support, and the Meta Verified option has been the most successful in recovering accounts this year—if the disablement was a genuine error. My Experience With Recovery When my account was disabled, I tried everything: forms, appeals, waiting. Nothing worked until I leaned into the routes that actually connect you with support. That’s why I’m writing this guide — to save you the wasted time and stress I went through. If you want the full details of my personal journey, I’ve documented it in these posts: My Instagram Account Was Disabled: Here is How I Got it Back and How You Can Too! Instagram disabled your account? I’ve been there. This step-by-step guide shares how I fought back - and won. Real results, tips, and everything I wish I’d known from the start. Recover Your Account How to Recover a Deactivated or Disabled Instagram Account: Step-by-Step Guide Lost access to your Instagram account? This guide covers everything from appeal links to live chat with Meta. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid a repeat. Your Steps to Recovery Preventing Future Lockouts Even if you get back in, prevention is key. Here’s what I wish I had done earlier: ● Enable Two-Factor Authentication: The best layer of protection. ● Avoid “Follower Tracker” Apps: These often trigger auto-bans. ● Use a VPN: Protects your logins, especially on public Wi-Fi. ● Keep Details Updated: Email and phone number linked to your account. ● Know the Guidelines: Don’t risk copyright or content flags. 💡 If Instagram is important to your work or business, consider Meta Verified as an insurance policy. Access to support is worth it. Get 73% off NordVPN's 2-year plan + 3 extra months If you manage Instagram from hotels, cafés, or airports, use a VPN to encrypt your connection and reduce risk on public Wi-Fi. Get NordVPN FAQs – Disabled Instagram Accounts Quick answers to the top questions about disabled Instagram accounts, and recovery. How can I protect my Instagram account from being disabled or hacked? Use a strong, unique password, enable two-factor authentication, regularly monitor your account activity, and avoid using third-party apps that violate Instagram's guidelines. Find out more (https://www.closerlives.com/blog/post/my-instagram-account-was-disabled-here-is-how-i-got-it-back-in-2022)on our blog. See our Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.closerlives.com/frequently-asked-questions)for other queries. How can Meta Verified help me get my Instagram account back? Meta Verified provides additional support and verification features. If your account is disabled and you are verified, you may receive priority in resolving the issue. What should I do if my Instagram account was hacked and I did not violate any guidelines? If you believe your account was hacked, use Instagram’s account recovery tools and report the issue through the Help Center.(https://www.instagram.com/hacked) Instagram will guide you through securing your account. What should I do after receiving the first Instagram account disabled message? Read the message carefully. Instagram typically provides a reason for disabling your account (i.e violating community guidelines). If you believe it was a mistake, proceed with appealing through the provided link on the app. See our Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.closerlives.com/frequently-asked-questions)for other queries. Will I be able to recover my disabled Instagram account? In most cases, if you didn’t violate any guidelines, there’s a good chance you can recover your account by appealing. However, if Instagram determines a severe violation, recovery may not be possible. If your appeal has been unsuccessful, Instagram will begin the deletion process. The deletion process is irreversible, and will take 30 days to complete from the date of Instagram's final decision. Why did Instagram disable my account? Instagram may disable accounts for various reasons, such as violating community guidelines, using automation tools, or unusual activity. Sometimes, accounts are mistakenly flagged or compromised. Generally, you will have 28 days to recover your account before the deletion process begins. Instagram only allows one appeal, and typically its decision is final. How long does it take to recover? Anywhere from a day to weeks. Meta Verified often speeds this up. Can every account be recovered? No, permanent bans for severe violations are rarely overturned. Do I need ID? Yes, often Instagram requires ID that matches your account info. What information does Instagram typically want to know during the appeal process? Instagram may ask for identification verification, details about why your account was disabled, or proof of identity if your account was hacked. They may also ask: 1. Which 3rd party apps, tools, or services have you connected with your IG account? 2. Has your account been compromised/hacked in the past few months? 3. What is the primary use of the account? 4. How many people have access to the account? How many actively use it day-to-day? 5. What are the most commonly used features of Instagram that you / your team uses on this account (search, messaging, commenting, etc.)? The important thing here is to be honest; Instagram will be able to see all of these things behind-the-scenes, so denying them could significantly harm your chances of regaining your account. What should I do if my Instagram ad account is disabled or has issues? Visit the Facebook Business Help Center to appeal or resolve issues related to your ad account. Ensure your account complies with all advertising policies. You can find out more information on how to do this here.(https://www.closerlives.com/blog/post/my-instagram-account-was-disabled-here-is-how-i-got-it-back-in-2022) How can I get help from Facebook Live Support for Instagram issues? Facebook Live Support can assist with Instagram-related issues. You can access this feature through your Facebook Business account or through the help section in your Instagram app. What should I do if I haven’t received a response from Instagram after 7 days? If you’ve waited more than a week without a response, you can try to reach out via Facebook Live Support (https://www.closerlives.com/blog/post/how-to-recover-a-de-activated-or-disabled-instagram-account)for further assistance. At this stage it would be worth considering opening a new account, where you can apply for Meta Verified (https://www.closerlives.com/blog/post/how-to-recover-a-de-activated-or-disabled-instagram-account)and access Instagram Live Chat. Note that there is no guarantee either of these options will either work or be available to you. What should I avoid doing while waiting for a response from Instagram? Do not create a new account or continue to engage with your current account during the appeal process. This may further complicate your case. What should I do after submitting an Instagram account appeal? After submitting an appeal, wait for Instagram’s response, which can take up to 14 days. As of 2025, Instagram has changed its policy to only allow one appeal. Decisions made after this are final and cannot be reversed. What are Instagram Disabled Account Appeal Forms, and how do I use them? Appeal forms were previously used to submit a request for Instagram to review your account’s suspension. In 2024, it appears that Meta / Instagram has removed the functionality of these forms. How can I contact Instagram regarding a disabled account? You can also contact Instagram on the app via Live Chat, however this is only available to Meta Verified users. It is also possible to contact Meta if you have a Business Account. You can appeal through Instagram directly on their website at: What if I don’t see an appeal option? Use the hacked flow or Meta Verified route. What if I never get a response? Sadly, some accounts aren’t restored. In that case, creating a new account may be the only option. 💡 Tip: If you can’t get your old account back, focus on securing your new one right from the start. Closing Thoughts I won’t sugarcoat it — recovering a disabled Instagram account is stressful and sometimes feels hopeless. I know because I went through it myself. But with persistence, patience, and the right approach, recovery is possible. My Instagram Account Was Disabled: Here is How I Got it Back and How You Can Too! Instagram disabled your account? I’ve been there. This step-by-step guide shares how I fought back - and won. Real results, tips, and everything I wish I’d known from the start. Recover Your Account How to Recover a Deactivated or Disabled Instagram Account: Step-by-Step Guide Lost access to your Instagram account? This guide covers everything from appeal links to live chat with Meta. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid a repeat. Your Steps to Recovery Share Your Experience: Join Our Free Group We created this group because Instagram account recovery is confusing, stressful, and often exploited by scammers. This is a space for real support, real experiences, and honest guidance. View Group Additional Resources Whether you regain your old account or have to start fresh, remember: your creativity and voice matter more than the platform. If this guide helped you, I’d love for you to check out our Social Media Hub, where we share more resources to protect and grow your digital presence. Back to Social Media Hub Find Leon on instagram Get in Touch Subscribe for updates Subscribe to stay connected with our recovery support group, helpful updates, and shared experiences from people going through the same process. Email* SUBSCRIBE Please add me to the mailing list.

Watch our travel videos on YouTube, sharing real journeys, destinations, cruise life, culture, and behind-the-scenes moments from the road. Jenn & Leon on YouTube: Real Travel, Real Stories Inspiring Travel, Culture & Lifestyle Through Honest Vlogs from Global Adventures We explore more than maps; we journey through mindsets. Follow our full-time adventure across 44+ countries through honest, heart-driven vlogs. Subscribe on YouTube Visit our Store Meet Jenn & Leon – The Duo Behind Closer Lives 40+ countries ▪ FT travel since '21 ▪ 2.5m+ views ▪ 260+ videos We’re Jenn and Leon, a Canadian–British couple who left the 9–5 behind in 2021 to travel the world full-time. From meeting on a cruise ship in Australia to now filming our journey across 5 continents, our content brings together the raw and the remarkable. Our YouTube channel has grown to over 15,000 subscribers, 2.5 million views, and more than 260 videos, capturing stories that range from local food finds to luxury escapes, cultural insights to real-world travel advice. Whether you're a slow traveler, holidaymaker, digital nomad, or simply wanderlusting from home, you're welcome here. Watch Our Latest Videos ADVERTISEMENT Press Play: Top Pick Vlogs Our most popular vlogs, from trains to burgers and basketball to China! New here? These are some of the videos that helped grow our community. From first-time cultural experiences to epic food hunts and eventful train rides, they offer a taste of what we’re all about. Explore by Destination, Theme, or Mood Watch by destination, theme, or mood, travel your way. We’ve organized our 260+ videos into themed playlists so you can binge by vibe. Whether you’re planning a trip, dreaming of one, or just need a break, get started here. TURKEY THAILAND INDIA ENGLAND MEXICO GEORGIA EGYPT JAPAN View All Playlists YouTube FAQ Answers to the questions we’re asked most about travel and life on the road. What kind of videos do you share on YouTube? Our channel focuses on real-world travel experiences, blending budget vs. bougie travel, slow travel, and food and street eats with honest, story-led travel vlogs. More recently, we’ve also shared personal lifestyle content, including Jenn’s grey hair journey, which explores identity, confidence, and aging on the road. Whether we’re exploring a destination slowly, comparing costs and comfort levels, or documenting everyday travel moments, our goal is always to show what travel actually feels like, not just what it looks like. How often do you upload new videos? We typically upload biweekly, although our schedule can become more frequent depending on where we are and how busy our travel schedule is at the time. Because we travel full-time, our upload rhythm reflects real life on the road. Some weeks are quieter and reflective; others are packed with movement, filming, and spontaneous stories worth sharing. Where have you filmed your travel videos? So far, we’ve filmed across 40+ countries worldwide, with more than 75 combined trips across those destinations. Our videos span multiple continents and a wide range of travel styles, from long stays and repeat visits to short-term explorations. We often return to places we love, which allows us to share deeper insights beyond first impressions, especially when it comes to food culture, daily life, and how destinations feel over time. Do you work with brands, tourism boards, or destinations? Yes, we’re open to collaborations and have experience working with tourism boards, hotels, experiences, and travel-related products. We’ve partnered with brands such as GigSky (https://gigsky.pxf.io/6eJ7YN)on multiple occasions and have collaborated with companies like Timekettle, a translation device brand, alongside other travel-focused partners. All collaborations are approached with honesty and transparency. We focus on experiences and products that genuinely fit our travel style and audience, and we aim to create content that feels informative and authentic rather than scripted or overly promotional. How can viewers support your channel and work? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel,(https://www.youtube.com/@JennandLeon) watching our videos, and engaging through comments and shares. You can also: • Join our wider Closer Lives community(https://www.closerlives.com/community-groups) • Subscribe to our newsletter for thoughtful updates • Support our work through the Travel & Lifestyle Emporium,(https://www.closerlives.com/travel-and-lifestyle-emporium) where we share products designed by us Every bit of support helps us continue creating honest, experience-led travel content. Collaborate with Jenn & Leon Authentic storytelling for brands, places, and experiences worth sharing. We’ve worked with brands, tourism boards, hotels, and promoters across the globe. From sponsored stays to restaurant features and cultural experiences, we create honest, story-driven content that resonates with curious, conscious travelers. With over 2.5 million views, a growing subscriber base, and a track record of delivering high-quality visuals and narratives, we offer more than just visibility. We offer connection. Opportunities Include: Destination Campaigns Immersive storytelling that brings places to life through real experiences, culture, and local moments. Long-Form Travel Vlogs In-depth YouTube videos capturing destinations, journeys, and experiences in full narrative form. Brand & Product Reviews Honest, experience-led reviews of products and services we genuinely use while traveling. Travel Diary Series Multi-video stories that document a place, theme, or journey, ideal for deeper audience connection. Short-Form Features High-impact YouTube Shorts, Instagram Stories, and Reels designed for fast reach and engagement. Launches & Event Coverage Creative coverage for openings, experiences, tours, or campaigns that deserve lasting visibility. Over 2.5 million views, 15,000+ subscribers, and over five years of full-time travel storytelling. Looking to work with us? View our media kit for audience insights, past collaborations, and content formats. Media Kit Media & Partnerships Email Us It’s About More Than Just Places Less polish, more meaning, and travel as it really happens. We share the beauty and the chaos: visa mishaps, language stumbles, hidden cafés, and magical moments you’ll never find on a travel brochure. We create vlogs that feel like conversations. With thoughtful insights, a dose of humor, and a focus on how travel shapes our lives, our videos reflect both the external journey and the internal one. Watch Our Latest Videos See More Behind the Scenes Behind the curtain, real moments, and life between uploads. Follow us on Instagram for travel snapshots, Reels, and candid stories in real-time. Get inspired by the places we’re currently exploring, and see what didn’t make it into the vlog! Instagram Follow YouTube Subscribe Facebook Follow Pinterest Join Join Our Journey Travel together, stay connected, and be part of Closer Lives. Become part of the Closer Lives community. When you sign up, you’ll get access to member-only updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and a 20% welcome discount to our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium. Whether you're dreaming, planning, or living a nomadic life, you’ll find resources, encouragement, and shared experiences right here. Stories, updates, and travel insights, sent only when there’s something worth sharing. No spam. Just the good stuff. Email* SUBSCRIBE Please add me to the mailing list. Join Our Community Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves. If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium , featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.

Explore our Travel Hub featuring country guides, destination overviews, travel resources, and practical planning tools shaped by real travel experience. Closer Lives Travel Hub Destinations, Tips & Essentials Welcome to your all-in-one Travel Hub—a gateway to seamless exploration. Whether you're looking for expert travel blogs, detailed country guides, or essential resources like transport booking, nomad insurance, and eSIMs, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated travel content and start planning your next adventure with confidence. Wherever you’re headed, let this page be your shortcut to hassle-free travel! ADVERTISEMENT Advice Get practical travel advice on budgeting, safety, packing, visas, and more. Learn from our experiences to travel smarter, stress-free, and with confidence. Get Travel Advice Blog Discover firsthand travel experiences, expert tips, and in-depth guides from our adventures across the globe. Plan your next trip with confidence. Read Travel Blogs Destinations Explore our destination guides covering cities, countries, and hidden gems worldwide. Find top attractions, must-know travel tips, and local insights. Explore Destinations eSIMs Stay connected on the go with the best eSIM options for travelers. Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees and enjoy seamless mobile data worldwide. Get an eSIM Guides Detailed guides for travelers exploring new countries. Learn about culture, transportation, local etiquette, and top attractions in every destination. See Country Guides Hotels Find the perfect place to stay with our hotel recommendations. Compare options, from budget stays to luxury retreats, in top destinations. Find a Place to Stay Cruise Experiences Cruises Explore our new Cruises page, where we share our personal cruise adventures—starting from when we first met on a ship—along with helpful tips, accessibility advice, food reviews, and honest comparisons like eSIM vs ship Wi-Fi. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or planning your next voyage, find inspiration and resources here. Instagram On Jenn and Leon Travel, we share captivating photos and insights from our adventures in destinations like the Philippines, Egypt, Turkey, and beyond. Jenn & Leon Travel Join Our Journey Sign up and get our latest blog posts, product drops, exclusive sales, travel tips, and even a behind-the-scenes look at our adventures as full-time travelers. Subscribe Nomad Insurance Stay covered wherever you roam with the best travel and nomad insurance options. Protect yourself from unexpected costs and travel with peace of mind. Get Travel Insurance Resources We built this hub to share what really works. These aren’t random affiliate links. They’re resources we use, rely on, and recommend for full-time travelers. Browse Travel Tools Transport Seamlessly book flights, trains, buses, and more to get where you need to go. Compare prices and find the best travel options to fit your journey. Search Transport YouTube Watch our latest travel videos for visual inspiration, destination walkthroughs, and practical travel tips to enhance your journey. Watch Travel Videos Join Our Community Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves. If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium , featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.

Explore cruises through real experiences, including ship life, routes, ports of call, planning tips, and what cruising is really like. Cruises: Stories, Tips & Adventures From meeting at sea to crossing oceans together, cruising might just become our lifestyle! Cruising didn’t just take us from place to place. To tell you the truth, it became part of our journey. From our first meeting (in person) at sea to crossing the Atlantic years later, we’ve learned what works, what matters, and what enhances life on board. This page brings together our insights, preferences, and recommendations, shaped by real moments at sea and shared to help you cruise with confidence and clarity. Life at Sea A glimpse into our cruise experiences, ship life, and time at sea. LOAD MORE HIGHLIGHTS ADVERTISEMENT Our Cruise Story The moment we met, the voyage that shaped us, and the crossings that followed. We met for the first time in person aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise sailing from Sydney, Australia. That voyage didn’t just take us across the ocean—it set our future in motion. Several years later, we celebrated our 6th anniversary (and our 4th year of full-time travel) on a Princess Cruise crossing the Atlantic from Florida to Southampton. Cruising has been there for our beginnings and our milestones. For us, it's not just a way to travel—it's a special part of our love story (find out more here ). Why We Love Cruising Cruising blends adventure, comfort, and community in a way nothing else can. Effortless Exploration Unpack once, see the world. Cruises let us experience multiple destinations without the constant rush of flights and hotel changes. Accessibility Matters Many cruise lines, especially Princess, offer excellent wheelchair accessibility—smooth decks, accessible cabins, and attentive service. Entertainment & Connection From theater shows and poolside movies to trivia and dance classes, there's something for every energy level,and an onboard community to match. Foodies at Sea Dining on a cruise is a highlight! Buffets, specialty restaurants, and desserts that rival five-star resorts. A Surprisingly Smart Budget Choice! With lodging, transport, meals, and entertainment bundled together, cruising often costs less than independent travel. Why We Choose Princess Cruises What makes Princess our top choice? Our transatlantic cruise with Princess Cruises gave us a new appreciation for life at sea. The ship was stunningly accessible, the entertainment was top-notch, and the atmosphere was calm, romantic, and warm. Whether lounging on a sun deck, enjoying world-class cuisine, or watching live performances, Princess struck the perfect balance of luxury and comfort. From embarkation to disembarkation, we felt truly looked after. If you're considering your first cruise, we can't recommend Princess enough. Book Your Princess Cruise Cruise Tips & First-Time Guides We’re building a hub of honest, useful cruise content. Here’s what’s coming up: Choosing the Right Cruise Line Inside, Oceanview, or Balcony? Picking Your Cabin Transatlantic Cruising: What to Expect What to Pack for a Cruise (Checklist Download) Food & Dining Highlights Onboard Activities and Entertainment Wheelchair-Friendly Cruising: Real-Life Tips GigSky vs Ship Wi-Fi: Our Connectivity Guide ⪢ Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter Stay in the loop: Join our growing community and get the latest updates with new stories, guides, reflections, resources, and more. Email* SUBSCRIBE Please add me to the mailing list. eSIM vs Ship Wi-Fi: Real Comparison Why we skipped the ship Wi-Fi package and put GigSky to the test on our transatlantic cruise. When we boarded our Princess transatlantic cruise, we decided to skip the pricey ship Wi-Fi package and rely completely on GigSky to see how well an eSIM would perform at sea and in ports. We wanted to test real signal availability, upload speeds, and overall reliability while saving money in the process. This comparison table breaks down exactly how GigSky compared to standard cruise Wi-Fi—what worked beautifully, what didn’t, and why we’d make the same choice again. Feature GigSky eSIM Ship Wi-Fi Package Coverage at Ports ✅ Full 4G/LTE ❌ Only on ship Price 💰 Affordable 💸 Often expensive Reliability ✅ Great in port areas ⚠️ Slower and varies by ship Setup ⚡ Quick via app 🔒 Requires onboard login Work from Ship? ✅ Supported at ports/coastal areas ⚠️ Limited or unstable Page 1 of 1 See All eSIM Options Cruise Blogs Stories, insights, and tips from our life at sea — all in one place. Miami Beach & South Pointe – Road Trip Stop Before Our Fort Lauderdale Cruise We explore South Pointe’s dreamy sands, stroll iconic Ocean Drive, and soak up Miami Beach's energy, on our final and most iconic stop before cruising from Fort Lauderdale. UNITED STATES See All Cruise Blogs Cruise Vlogs See our cruise adventures come to life through our vlogs and walkthroughs. Popular Videos Sign in Popular Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... All Categories All Categories Travel & Events Now Playing What Really Happens When You Visit China for the First Time? 12:54 Play Video Now Playing Our INCREDIBLE FIBA World Cup Experience! Philippines vs China 2023 GILAS PILIPINAS for the WIN 🏆 4k 13:15 Play Video Now Playing FIRST CLASS Vande Bharat Express Indian Train Travel 🇮🇳 New Delhi to Agra 24:24 Play Video Now Playing FIRST TIME trying RAMLY BURGER in KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA 🇲🇾 Is it really the BEST in THE WORLD!? 14:42 Play Video If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe ! Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world! Cruise Resources Hand-picked tools and services we use at sea—curated for your next cruise. Book Cruises Book Princess or compare cruise lines, get top deals & best prices. Expedia Cruises Essentials Browse luggage, bags, accessories and more from our online store. Shop Now Connectivity Use an eSIM like we did on port days and even onboard, yes, onboard! Compare eSIMS Insurance Essential for cruise cancellations, emergencies, and peace of mind. Insurance Options Go to Resource Hub FAQ: Common Cruise Questions Answered Cruising comes with plenty of excitement but also plenty of questions, especially if it’s your first time. We’ve put together a more complete, experience-based FAQ to help you plan with confidence. Cruises eSIMs Travel Insurance Is a cruise really worth it? Absolutely. Cruises bundle accommodation, food, entertainment, and transport into one package, making them excellent value. You can wake up in a new destination without ever repacking your bags. What’s the best cruise line for first‑timers? Princess Cruises (https://expedia.stay22.com/closerlives/FUKckLNxYA?aid=closerlives&campaign=closerlives&product=allez&habl=false&isinc=false&sid22=aaccb17f-cf17-4a27-bac6-cf1284fa9dd8&plng=en&source=direct)is our top pick for beginners. They balance comfort, accessibility, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere without overwhelming first‑time guests. Are cruises good for younger couples? Yes. We met in person for the first time on a cruise (we initially met on Instagram—see our story (https://www.closerlives.com/about-us/our-story)for more) and still love them years later. Modern cruises offer nightlife, bars, enrichment classes, gyms, shows, and quiet spaces—something for every mood. How accessible are cruise ships for wheelchair users or guests with mobility needs? Most major cruise lines, especially Princess, offer accessible cabins, wide corridors, smooth deck transitions, elevators, reserved seating in theaters, and helpful crew support. Always request an accessible cabin early, as they are limited. Can I use an eSIM like GigSky on a cruise? Yes, during port days and while sailing close to shore. We used GigSky instead of buying the cruise Wi‑Fi package to test performance, and it worked perfectly in ports. At sea, expect no signal until you’re near land. Get our full range of eSIM recommendations here.(https://www.closerlives.com/travel-hub/best-esims-for-travel) Do cruise ships have good Wi‑Fi? It varies. Some ships (especially newer ones) offer faster speeds, but connection can still drop during sea days or in rough weather. It works fine for messaging and browsing, but uploads can be slow. Can I work remotely from a cruise ship? If your work is flexible and you plan around port days, yes. For heavy uploads, meetings, or time‑sensitive tasks, cruise Wi‑Fi may be challenging. Many digital nomads use a mix of ship Wi‑Fi and eSIM data at ports. What cabin type should I choose? Balconies are worth it for long voyages and sea‑heavy itineraries, although they are more expensive and can be windy (outside). Inside cabins are great for budget travelers who don’t mind artificial light. Oceanview is a nice middle ground without the balcony price. How strict are boarding times and embarkation procedures? Arrive early. Boarding usually starts several hours before departure, and earlier passengers enjoy lunch on board with fewer crowds. Keep documents and health forms handy for a smooth check‑in. Is food included, and what should I expect? Yes, buffets, main dining rooms, and select casual venues are included. Specialty restaurants cost extra but offer unique experiences. Most ships cater to dietary needs with advance notice. What about seasickness? Modern ships have stabilizers, but sensitive travellers may still feel movement. Bring medication, ginger tablets, or acupressure bands. Booking midship cabins on lower decks can reduce motion. Are gratuities mandatory? Most cruise lines add automatic gratuities to your bill. You can adjust them at guest services if needed, but they support the hardworking crew. We recommend removing them and paying individuals in cash directly, at your own discretion. What should I pack for a cruise? Pack comfortable shoes, smart‑casual evening wear, swimwear, light layers, and a daypack. Most cruises usually host a formal night, so be sure to prepare for this (although it is not mandatory to participate). Don’t forget a cruise‑approved power strip, sunscreen, and your eSIM (https://www.closerlives.com/travel-hub/best-esims-for-travel)ready for port days. Can you bring alcohol onboard? Policies vary. Many cruise lines allow one bottle of wine per adult at embarkation. Spirits are usually restricted. Do I need travel insurance for a cruise? Yes. Cruise travel involves medical protocols, port changes, weather disruptions, and long distances from hospitals. Insurance gives peace of mind. Get our travel insurance recommendations here.(https://www.closerlives.com/travel-hub/best-insurance-for-digital-nomads-2026) Have a question we haven’t covered? Get in touch with us here . Sign up Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves. If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium , featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.

Discover real ways to earn online while exploring the world. From Cambly and Printify to Stay22, Monetag, and more, these are the tools we use to make travel sustainable. Earn Online While Traveling Turn your laptop into your passport to freedom. Work anywhere, grow everywhere When we first started traveling full time, one of our biggest questions was simple: how do we keep earning while on the road? Over the years, we’ve tested platforms, side hustles, and creative tools. Some didn’t last, but others became part of our daily routine or long-term strategy. This page brings them together; the services we’ve personally used to build income streams, from teaching online and blogging to creating products and monetizing content. Our Approach to Earning Online Different paths, one goal: sustainable travel There’s no single way to earn as a digital nomad. Some travelers teach, others create, and many combine multiple income streams. For us, it’s been about experimenting and finding platforms that actually deliver. Below you’ll find the ones we continue to trust, along with links to our blogs that go deeper into how they work. Cambly Teach English online with flexible hours and no obligation No teaching degree required Work from anywhere with just Wi-Fi Paid weekly through PayPal Great entry point for first-time digital nomads Explore Cambly Teach 10 hrs and get a $30 CASH bonus! Stay22 Monetize by turning your blog or website into a booking tool Free to join, no upfront costs Earn commissions from top platforms Interactive maps keep readers engaged Easy set up with excellent customer service Join Stay22 Turn Travel Content into Earnings with Stay22 SafetyWing Ambassador Program Turn recommendations into a regular passive income Refer SafetyWing insurance to fellow nomads. Earn ongoing commissions for each sign-up. No need to be an insurance pro — just share. Great for creators, bloggers, and communities. Join SafetyWing Get a $100 bonus for signing up and making your first qualifying referral | Get a $500 bonus for completing five qualifying referrals Epidemic Sound Royalty-free music library for creators and vloggers 40,000+ tracks and sound effects Simple license that covers YouTube and socials New music added weekly We use it to soundtrack our YouTube videos Try Epidemic Sound Get a SEVEN Day Free Trial Printify Create and sell products online with no stock or shipping hassles Print-on-demand for t-shirts, mugs, and more Integrates with Etsy, Shopify, and other stores No upfront costs — pay as you sell We’ve used Printify to fuel our own store Start With Printify Join Printify today and get started on your drop-shipping journey. AltText.ai Make your site accessible in seconds with optimized image tags Saves users hours of manual tagging Helps sites meet accessibility standards Improves SEO and image search rankings Seamless CMS & Shopify integrations Try AltText.ai Free Stop wasting time on repetitive image work. InstantAlt handles bulk alt text in one click so you can focus on scaling. Monetag An ad platform to monetize blogs and websites with ease Display ads with competitive rates Easy integration for new bloggers Multiple ad formats (native, push, banners) A revenue stream we use with affiliates Sign Up for Monetag Monetize Your Website with Monetag Ads Pi Network A way to earn by mining cryptocurrency from your phone Free to join, simple mobile mining app Growing global community Doesn’t drain your battery or data Long-term project with potential future value Join Pi Network To claim your Pi, use invitation code: leongregori213 ADVERTISEMENT Helpful Reads From Our Blog See how we’ve built our online income Curious how these tools work in practice? We’ve shared our experiences openly on the blog. These posts give a behind-the-scenes look at the steps, mistakes, and wins that shaped our journey. Full-Time Travel With Print on Demand See how we use Printify to create and sell products while traveling — an accessible way to earn online without holding stock or handling logistics. Find Out More How to Monetize a Travel Blog Discover step-by-step ways we turned Closer Lives into income, from affiliate links to partnerships that support our full-time travel lifestyle. Find Out More 15 Top Apps & Websites for Full-Time Travel From money-saving apps to booking tools, here’s our curated list of resources we’ve tested and loved across 42 countries. Find Out More Explore More Travel Resources Four categories, all built from tools we trust Travel Essentials From eSIMs to insurance, our must-have tools for life on the road. Explore Travel Essentials Banking & Money-Saving Tools Cut fees, stay secure, and manage money abroad with confidence. Discover Banking Tools Shopping Curated gear, lifestyle products, and our own Travel & Lifestyle Emporium. Shop Now Resource Hub Your starting point for everything: top picks, categories & helpful reads. Get Your Essentials Stay Connected Tips, tools, and inspiration straight to your inbox Our fortnightly newsletter is where we share new blogs, resources, and offers — plus a peek into our life on the road. No spam, just genuine inspiration and practical advice. Email* SUBSCRIBE Please add me to the mailing list. Work With Us Partner with Closer Lives and reach a global audience We collaborate with platforms, tools, and services that help travelers live better. From affiliates to sponsored features, let’s create something meaningful together. Get in Touch Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources we’ve personally used or genuinely believe will add value to your travels. These partnerships help us keep Closer Lives running, so thank you for supporting our journey. ℹ️ Read our Affiliate Disclosure Join Our Community Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves. If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium , featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.