https://carltravels.com/ Travel guides, filmmaking and life abroad by Carl Tomich en Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://carltravels.com/Berlin.html https://carltravels.com/Berlin.html Discover Berlin with Carl Travels' ultimate 7-day guide. Explore history, art, nightlife, and hidden gems in Germany’s vibrant capital, with insider tips from a decade of living here. https://carltravels.com/DJI-Flip-review.html https://carltravels.com/DJI-Flip-review.html Honest hands-on review of the DJI Flip drone. See how it stacks up against the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro in 2025. https://carltravels.com/Hagiangloop.html https://carltravels.com/Hagiangloop.html Plan the iconic Hà Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam with Carl Travels. Learn how to book with Bông Hostel, what’s included in the Easy Rider package, a day-by-day breakdown, packing list, FAQs, and video recap. https://carltravels.com/Hifuinhanoi.html https://carltravels.com/Hifuinhanoi.html A personal recap of trying HIFU in Hanoi, how I chose a clinic, and what to expect from Vietnam’s beauty tourism scene. https://carltravels.com/aiarty-image-enhancer-review.html https://carltravels.com/aiarty-image-enhancer-review.html Aiarty AI Image Enhancer review covering features, pricing, 16K/32K upscaling, batch processing, and why it stands out for creators. https://carltravels.com/aiarty-video-enhancer-review.html https://carltravels.com/aiarty-video-enhancer-review.html Hands-on AIARTY Video Enhancer review with real footage tests, export speed notes, and a Topaz Video AI comparison for creators in 2026. https://carltravels.com/aiarty-vs-topaz-video-ai.html https://carltravels.com/aiarty-vs-topaz-video-ai.html First-person comparison of AIARTY Video Enhancer vs Topaz Video AI in 2026 with real footage tests, speed notes, pricing, and a clear verdict. https://carltravels.com/balitravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/balitravelguide.html An opinionated 2025 Bali guide covering where to stay, getting around, costs, and what still feels worth it. https://carltravels.com/becomingadigitalnomad.html https://carltravels.com/becomingadigitalnomad.html A practical, firsthand guide to affordable digital nomad bases in Vietnam, Bali, Albania and Montenegro, with costs, transport, work setup and visa-planning cautions. https://carltravels.com/beginners-guide-davinci-resolve-2025.html https://carltravels.com/beginners-guide-davinci-resolve-2025.html Learn DaVinci Resolve 2025 from scratch with Carl Tomich. Follow the complete beginner workflow covering setup, editing, color, audio, exporting, and pro tips. https://carltravels.com/best-cafes-in-tay-ho-for-digital-nomads.html https://carltravels.com/best-cafes-in-tay-ho-for-digital-nomads.html A local remote worker's guide to the best cafes in Tay Ho for digital nomads near West Lake, covering wifi reliability, power outlets, noise levels, and the best times to grab a laptop seat. https://carltravels.com/blog/horse-riding-near-hanoi-countryside-experience.html https://carltravels.com/blog/horse-riding-near-hanoi-countryside-experience.html A reflective look at horse riding near Hanoi, where calm countryside paths and thoughtful instruction create a grounded, unhurried experience. https://carltravels.com/blog/where-to-train-karate-in-okinawa.html https://carltravels.com/blog/where-to-train-karate-in-okinawa.html A beginner's story of training Shorin-ryu karate in Okinawa, including dojo details in Naha, transport costs, and why Ageshio Japan made it accessible. https://carltravels.com/bose-s1pro-plus-vs-everse8-the-best-portable-speaker.html https://carltravels.com/bose-s1pro-plus-vs-everse8-the-best-portable-speaker.html Hands-on Bose S1 Pro Plus vs Everse 8 comparison for busking, gigs, and travel use with sound, battery, and portability notes. https://carltravels.com/budvatravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/budvatravelguide.html Explore Budva, Montenegro with Carl Travels’ 2025 guide. Discover budget stays, historic Old Town, clear Adriatic beaches, and vibrant nightlife. https://carltravels.com/buskingguide.html https://carltravels.com/buskingguide.html A practical guide to busking based on years on the street, covering rules, gear, earnings, and survival tips. https://carltravels.com/cairnstravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/cairnstravelguide.html Discover Cairns with Carl Travels' ultimate 7-day guide. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, waterfalls, and tropical vibes from a local’s perspective. https://carltravels.com/cheap-accommodation-while-traveling.html https://carltravels.com/cheap-accommodation-while-traveling.html A practical rundown of seven ways to keep accommodation costs down, from hostels and work exchanges to house sitting, points, and rural stays. https://carltravels.com/coral-cosmo-lounge-bangkok-review.html https://carltravels.com/coral-cosmo-lounge-bangkok-review.html My Coral Cosmo Lounge visit at Bangkok BKK: food, drinks, shower access and massage, plus how I booked for A$29 through Wise Travel Hub. https://carltravels.com/da-nang-to-hanoi-bus-guide/ https://carltravels.com/da-nang-to-hanoi-bus-guide/ Taking the bus from Da Nang to Hanoi? Here's what to expect on a long-distance sleeper bus in Vietnam, how to book with Vexere, what type of bus to choose, what to bring, and common mistakes to avoid. https://carltravels.com/daily-essential-travel-gear.html https://carltravels.com/daily-essential-travel-gear.html My Daily Essential Travel Gear (Filmmaking Kit): a practical, lightweight camera kit for solo travel videography, documentary travel kit work, and run-and-gun filming. https://carltravels.com/danangtravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/danangtravelguide.html Explore Da Nang, Vietnam with Carl Travels’ 2025 guide. Discover Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, budget stays, and beach vibes. https://carltravels.com/dating-in-vietnam.html https://carltravels.com/dating-in-vietnam.html A deep dive into the dating scene in Vietnam. From apps like Tinder to cultural nuances in Hanoi and HCMC, learn what it's really like to date in Vietnam. https://carltravels.com/dental-tourism-vietnam-hanoi-crowns.html https://carltravels.com/dental-tourism-vietnam-hanoi-crowns.html Thinking about dental tourism in Vietnam? Read my honest experience getting dental crowns in Hanoi, including consultation, scans, treatment process, technology, costs, final results and practical advice for travellers. https://carltravels.com/dji-mini-3-pro-review.html https://carltravels.com/dji-mini-3-pro-review.html Hands-on review of the DJI Mini 3 Pro, a versatile drone that doubles as a handheld gimbal camera. Perfect for travel creators. https://carltravels.com/electro-voice-everse-8-review.html https://carltravels.com/electro-voice-everse-8-review.html Hands-on review of the Electro-Voice Everse 8 portable PA speaker in 2026 with real busking tests, sound notes, battery life, and a clear verdict. https://carltravels.com/farnorthqueenslandtravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/farnorthqueenslandtravelguide.html Explore Far North Queensland with Carl Travels. Discover Port Douglas, Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Double Island, Crystal Cascades, Cape Tribulation, and Paronella Park in Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest. https://carltravels.com/finedininginhanoi.html https://carltravels.com/finedininginhanoi.html Step inside Khuê Restaurant in Hanoi for a fine dining experience where every dish tells a story of emotion, memory, and modern Vietnamese creativity. https://carltravels.com/getyourwisecard.html https://carltravels.com/getyourwisecard.html A practical breakdown of how Wise works for travel spending, the fees it avoids, and how I use it on the road. https://carltravels.com/grand-world-hanoi-guide.html https://carltravels.com/grand-world-hanoi-guide.html Everything you need to know about visiting Grand World Hanoi. How to get there, what to see, and whether this Venetian-style mega-complex is worth your time. https://carltravels.com/ha-long-bay-travel-guide/ https://carltravels.com/ha-long-bay-travel-guide/ Compare Ha Long Bay cruise routes, cabin quotes, transfers and cancellation terms, with practical advice for families, photographers and first-time visitors. https://carltravels.com/hanoi-by-night.html https://carltravels.com/hanoi-by-night.html Experience Hanoi after dark through Carl Tomich's cinematic short film featuring the Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and Beer Street. https://carltravels.com/hanoi-heatwave-best-pools-tay-ho-quang-an/ https://carltravels.com/hanoi-heatwave-best-pools-tay-ho-quang-an/ Hanoi is roasting through a brutal heatwave. Here are two affordable pools in Tay Ho and Quang An, Casablanca Pool and Sala Pool & Garden, plus other Hanoi swimming options to escape the summer heat. https://carltravels.com/hanoitravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/hanoitravelguide.html Plan a realistic Hanoi trip: where to stay, a flexible itinerary, food, local transport, accessibility and day trips, with Carl’s original travel films. https://carltravels.com/harbour-city-hong-kong-guide.html https://carltravels.com/harbour-city-hong-kong-guide.html A practical guide to Harbour City Hong Kong and the surrounding Tsim Sha Tsui area, including transport, food, shopping, Star Ferry, Avenue of Stars, and filming tips. https://carltravels.com/hiroshima-travel-guide.html https://carltravels.com/hiroshima-travel-guide.html Ride the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Museum, honor hibakusha stories, and plan side trips to Miyajima with Carl Travels. https://carltravels.com/hon-chong-rocks-nha-trang.html https://carltravels.com/hon-chong-rocks-nha-trang.html Explore Hon Chong Rocks in Nha Trang with Carl Travels. Discover the legend of Husband Rock, sweeping bay views, cultural performances, and travel tips for Vietnam's iconic coastline. https://carltravels.com/how-to-get-croatian-citizenship-by-descent.html https://carltravels.com/how-to-get-croatian-citizenship-by-descent.html A step-by-step look at Croatian citizenship by descent, including eligibility, documents, costs, and what the process felt like. https://carltravels.com/how-to-get-to-sarande-from-athens-by-bus.html https://carltravels.com/how-to-get-to-sarande-from-athens-by-bus.html A practical guide to taking the Ahmeti Travel direct bus from Athens to Sarandë, including cost, duration, border process, and route maps. https://carltravels.com/how-to-make-your-videos-look-cinematic.html https://carltravels.com/how-to-make-your-videos-look-cinematic.html A personal walkthrough of how I use Dehancer to get a filmic look, including my setup and practical grading tips. https://carltravels.com/howtofoldapopuptent.html https://carltravels.com/howtofoldapopuptent.html A straightforward guide to folding a pop-up tent with the Circle-Fold method, plus troubleshooting and storage tips. https://carltravels.com/howtomakemoneyonlinesellingstockfootage.html https://carltravels.com/howtomakemoneyonlinesellingstockfootage.html A step-by-step look at how I earn from stock footage on Adobe Stock and Shutterstock, including workflow, keywords, and real earnings. https://carltravels.com/hua-hin-to-bangkok-airport-bus.html https://carltravels.com/hua-hin-to-bangkok-airport-bus.html How to take the direct Hua Hin to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport bus with RRC: station, booking, luggage, travel time, cost, comfort, and train comparison. https://carltravels.com/hua-hin-travel-guide.html https://carltravels.com/hua-hin-travel-guide.html A practical Hua Hin travel guide for beaches, malls, markets, transport from Bangkok, where to stay, and what to expect before visiting Thailand's royal seaside city. https://carltravels.com/japanonabudget.html https://carltravels.com/japanonabudget.html Discover how to travel Japan on a budget in 2025 with Carl Travels’ guide. Learn money-saving tips on accommodation, food, transport, and attractions from firsthand experience. https://carltravels.com/korcula.html https://carltravels.com/korcula.html Explore Korčula, Croatia, with Carl Travels' ultimate guide. Watch a video tour, see stunning images, and discover ferries, accommodation, beaches, Old Town, and wineries. https://carltravels.com/kyototravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/kyototravelguide.html Explore Kyoto, Japan with Carl Travels’ 2025 guide. Discover budget stays, ancient temples, serene gardens, and vibrant cultural experiences. https://carltravels.com/learning-vietnamese-after-living-in-vietnam.html https://carltravels.com/learning-vietnamese-after-living-in-vietnam.html After almost a year living in Vietnam, I finally sat down to learn basic Vietnamese phrases every tourist, expat, and digital nomad should know. https://carltravels.com/living-in-bangkok.html https://carltravels.com/living-in-bangkok.html An honest, first-person reality check on the Bangkok cost of living, including bangkok rent prices, food, transport, and why the $1,000 myth doesn’t match living in Bangkok today. https://carltravels.com/lotte-world-aquarium-hanoi.html https://carltravels.com/lotte-world-aquarium-hanoi.html Dive into the Lotte World Aquarium inside Hanoi's Lotte Mall Westlake. Explore immersive tunnels, 30,000 sea creatures, and plan your visit with Carl Travels. https://carltravels.com/macbook-pro-m4-max-review.html https://carltravels.com/macbook-pro-m4-max-review.html In-depth MacBook Pro M4 Max review for video editors and filmmakers. Tests with DaVinci Resolve, 8K BRAW, 4K rendering speeds, and why this is the best laptop for creators in 2025. https://carltravels.com/make-money-online-while-traveling.html https://carltravels.com/make-money-online-while-traveling.html A 2025 breakdown of the income streams I use to fund travel, including what works, what flopped, and how I approach growth. https://carltravels.com/melbournetravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/melbournetravelguide.html Discover Melbourne with Carl Travels' ultimate 7-day guide. Explore laneways, Fitzroy’s creative soul, live music, and day trips to Sorrento’s beaches. https://carltravels.com/muay-thai-thailand-koh-samui-guide.html https://carltravels.com/muay-thai-thailand-koh-samui-guide.html An honest guide to training Muay Thai in Thailand at 39, based on six weeks in Koh Samui. What beginner training is really like, what to expect, and how long to stay. https://carltravels.com/mytop10travelhacks.html https://carltravels.com/mytop10travelhacks.html Ten practical budget travel tactics for flights, accommodation, food, and transport based on what I use. https://carltravels.com/ninhbinhtravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/ninhbinhtravelguide.html Plan a cinematic day trip to Ninh Bình: Tràng An caves, Tam Cốc rice fields, Múa Cave viewpoint, cycling paths, and how to get there from Hanoi by limousine bus. https://carltravels.com/nusa-lembongan-travel-guide/ https://carltravels.com/nusa-lembongan-travel-guide/ Plan Nusa Lembongan with practical boat-transfer advice, island base comparisons, snorkelling questions and a flexible three-night itinerary. https://carltravels.com/old-quarter-scams-hanoi.html https://carltravels.com/old-quarter-scams-hanoi.html Recognise unclear prices and unwanted services in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, check transport bookings and handle disputes calmly without treating everyone with suspicion. https://carltravels.com/one-day-in-hcmc-guide.html https://carltravels.com/one-day-in-hcmc-guide.html A realistic one-day guide to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Ben Thanh Market, Bitexco Skydeck, District 1 cafes, and Bui Vien's neon chaos. https://carltravels.com/one-day-in-istanbul-istiklal-street-guide.html https://carltravels.com/one-day-in-istanbul-istiklal-street-guide.html A practical one day Istanbul walking guide from Taksim Square down Istiklal Street to Galata Tower and Galata Bridge, with day-to-night timing, tram tips, sunset notes, and travel tools. https://carltravels.com/osakatravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/osakatravelguide.html Discover Osaka with Carl Travels' ultimate 7-day guide. Dive into street food, neon-lit Dotonbori, day trips to Kyoto and Kobe, and the raw pulse of Japan’s wildcard city. https://carltravels.com/phuketravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/phuketravelguide.html Plan your perfect Phuket trip with Carl Travels’ 7-day itinerary. Explore Kata & Karon beaches, visit the Big Buddha, party on Bangla Road, and island-hop to Phi Phi or James Bond Island. https://carltravels.com/phuquoctravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/phuquoctravelguide.html Phu Quoc travel guide: best areas to stay, when to visit, Sunset Town, Hon Thom cable car, Sun World tips, and two honest video walkthroughs. https://carltravels.com/port-douglas-travel-guide/ https://carltravels.com/port-douglas-travel-guide/ Plan Port Douglas with current reef and Mossman Gorge fare examples, transport choices, water-safety advice and a flexible four-night itinerary. https://carltravels.com/pros-and-cons-and-cost-of-living-in-hanoi.html https://carltravels.com/pros-and-cons-and-cost-of-living-in-hanoi.html A lived-in look at Hanoi life that covers real costs, visas, routines, and the trade-offs that make it work or not. https://carltravels.com/saily-e-simguide.html https://carltravels.com/saily-e-simguide.html Check Saily compatibility, activation, data costs and roaming settings. A practical guide with referral disclosure and clear limits on testing claims. https://carltravels.com/sapa-travel-guide.html https://carltravels.com/sapa-travel-guide.html Plan a realistic trip to Sapa, Vietnam: Fansipan cable car, mountain weather, rice terraces, and travel tips from Hanoi. https://carltravels.com/sarande-ksamil-butrint-travel-guide/ https://carltravels.com/sarande-ksamil-butrint-travel-guide/ A practical guide to visiting Sarandë, Ksamil and Butrint in southern Albania, including how to get there, best time to visit, things to do, and local travel tips. Sarandë, Ksamil and Butrint sit in the far south of Albania along the Ionian Sea. Together they form one of the most popular areas of the Albanian Riviera. Within a short distance you can experience a lively coastal town, some of the clearest beaches in the country, and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Balkans. If you are planning a trip to southern Albania, this region is usually the best place to start. https://carltravels.com/scoot-plus-review.html https://carltravels.com/scoot-plus-review.html A real-world Scoot Plus review from Perth to Athens via Singapore. See seat comfort, baggage perks, limitations, and whether the upgrade is worth the cost. https://carltravels.com/somnipods-3-review.html https://carltravels.com/somnipods-3-review.html My honest review of the SomniPods 3 after a week of testing for sleep, gym, and boxing. See why these sleep earbuds exceeded my expectations. https://carltravels.com/sony-a7cii-review.html https://carltravels.com/sony-a7cii-review.html Full review of the Sony A7CII and the custom rig that turns it into a cinematic powerhouse. https://carltravels.com/sony-a7iii-review-2025.html https://carltravels.com/sony-a7iii-review-2025.html Hands-on Sony A7III review in 2026 with travel shooting notes, autofocus performance, video quality, and whether it still makes sense today. https://carltravels.com/sony-fx30-setup-guide.html https://carltravels.com/sony-fx30-setup-guide.html Master your Sony FX30 with this comprehensive setup guide. Learn the best settings for S-Log3, Cine EI, autofocus, and custom buttons to get cinematic results. https://carltravels.com/soundmarket.html https://carltravels.com/soundmarket.html Hands-on SoundMarket review for YouTube creators: pricing, licensing, catalog quality, and whether it is a strong alternative to Artlist and Epidemic Sound. https://carltravels.com/starting-over-at-40.html https://carltravels.com/starting-over-at-40.html A raw, personal reflection on starting over at 40. Carl shares his journey of leaving behind a conventional life to pursue filmmaking and nomadic living. https://carltravels.com/tech-review-dji-mavic3.html https://carltravels.com/tech-review-dji-mavic3.html Carl's in-depth review of the DJI Mavic 3 drone for cinematic travel footage. Explore its features, pros, cons, and why it’s a top pick for creators. https://carltravels.com/tech-review-sony-a7siii.html https://carltravels.com/tech-review-sony-a7siii.html Still worth buying in 2025? Explore why the Sony A7III remains the dependable full-frame workhorse for travel creators, weddings, and hybrid shooters. https://carltravels.com/tech-review-zhiyun-weebill2.html https://carltravels.com/tech-review-zhiyun-weebill2.html A quick review of the Zhiyun Weebill 2 gimbal for smooth travel footage. Learn why Carl packs it on the road. https://carltravels.com/the-reality-of-digital-nomading-before-you-buy-into-it.html https://carltravels.com/the-reality-of-digital-nomading-before-you-buy-into-it.html An honest long-form breakdown of digital nomad life: what is real, what is marketing, and what to watch for before you buy into the dream. https://carltravels.com/the-reality-of-living-overseas.html https://carltravels.com/the-reality-of-living-overseas.html An honest look at what it really feels like to live overseas, from community and costs to loneliness, adaptation, and slow-building income. https://carltravels.com/thebesttemplesinhanoi.html https://carltravels.com/thebesttemplesinhanoi.html Step inside Trấn Quốc Pagoda with Carl Travels host Nhi. Discover the 6th-century roots, symbolism, and tranquil moments of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple. https://carltravels.com/things-to-know-before-moving-to-vietnam.html https://carltravels.com/things-to-know-before-moving-to-vietnam.html A lived-in guide to moving to Vietnam, covering weather, visas, SIM cards, city choices, costs, culture, and daily life. https://carltravels.com/tokyotravelguide.html https://carltravels.com/tokyotravelguide.html Explore Tokyo, Japan with Carl Travels’ 2025 guide. Discover Shibuya Crossing, Akihabara’s neon nights, budget stays, and vibrant nightlife. https://carltravels.com/tolifo-100w-rgb-light-review.html https://carltravels.com/tolifo-100w-rgb-light-review.html A 5-month real-world review of the Tolifo 100W RGB COB portable light with built-in battery, plus brightness tests, travel notes, and who it’s best for. https://carltravels.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-hanoi.html https://carltravels.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-hanoi.html Explore the 10 best things to do in Hanoi with Carl Travels. From Train Street to hidden temples, plan a practical trip with local tips, route ideas, and eSIM savings. https://carltravels.com/travel-gear-2025.html https://carltravels.com/travel-gear-2025.html A breakdown of the travel filmmaking kit I carry in 2025 and how each piece earns its spot in the bag. https://carltravels.com/vietnam-e-visa-2026-guide.html https://carltravels.com/vietnam-e-visa-2026-guide.html Apply for a Vietnam e-visa through the official portal: fees, documents, processing buffers, validity and corrected advice on leaving and returning. https://carltravels.com/vinwonders-nha-trang.html https://carltravels.com/vinwonders-nha-trang.html Ride the Vinpearl cable car, explore fairy-tale castles, splash through the water park, and chase sunsets at VinWonders Nha Trang with Carl Travels. https://carltravels.com/what-i-learned-after-returning-to-australia-and-why-i-LEFT-again.html https://carltravels.com/what-i-learned-after-returning-to-australia-and-why-i-LEFT-again.html A personal reflection on returning to Australia, the cultural shifts that stood out after living abroad, and why I chose to leave again. https://carltravels.com/whyileftaustralia.html https://carltravels.com/whyileftaustralia.html A personal reflection on why I left Australia, the costs and creative pressure that built up, and what I was looking for abroad. https://carltravels.com/yesim-guide.html https://carltravels.com/yesim-guide.html An overview of how I use Yesim eSIM on the road, what it does well, and how I set it up before a trip. https://carltravels.com/your-guide-to-moving-to-da-nang-2026.html https://carltravels.com/your-guide-to-moving-to-da-nang-2026.html Thinking about moving to Da Nang in 2026? Here's the no-fluff reality on rent, costs, best areas, visas, and what life is actually like on the ground.