Using Your Phone Abroad: Tips on Texting, Calls, Data, & More

Smartphones are equipped with more international features than ever before.

That being said, travelers aren’t solely worried about whether their iPhone or Samsung Galaxy gets a connection abroad. When people travel—especially internationally—smartphones become an important lifeline.

They connect us to our life back home, help us manage our trip while on the road, and keep us close to our favorite social media and news channels.

Those with an international phone plan can get even more out of their device while traveling. They can load maps while out and about, make calls without Wi-Fi, and research new opportunities as they come up.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using phones abroad.

If you want to get more out of your smartphone in terms of texts, calls, and data, then start with the basics here. My advice is based on my experience traveling with a US-based international plan, along with tips from my international friends.

Let’s talk about what you actually need to know about your smartphone’s capabilities while abroad.

Check your carrier for international coverage—the basics are usually covered

Let’s break down the fact that I still use a bare-bones US international plan as a Spanish resident.

I’m on a T-Mobile family plan that includes basic international coverage. Yes, it’s really solid enough that I’ve avoided switching over to a Spanish provider and cellphone number. (I’ve had the same cell number my whole life, and I’m stubborn as hell about keeping it.)

T-Mobile, like other major carriers, makes it easy for travelers to add an international feature to their standard plan. That might be a permanent international plan like in my case—or a temporary one.

What I like about international plans is that they don’t involve changing SIMs. They’re add-ons.

Travel is more commonplace than ever before, and service providers know that. My very basic coverage from T-Mobile includes global roaming, texts, and calls. I don’t often have a 5G connection, which means I can’t use social media, stream videos, and similar activities without Wi-Fi.

That being said, I’m okay with that. Google Maps always loads and I can make calls without Wi-Fi—which is what matters most to me.

What about Google Fi?

If you’re up-to-date on your tech, you might have heard of Google Fi. Google rolled out its suite of wireless plans, which includes an international offer.

My partner used Google Fi for a few years. Though it was a bit pricey, he found it functional and easy to use.

However, he dropped Google Fi because users must be primarily based in the US. We’re fully located in Spain, so the deal no longer applies to him. However, I think Google Fi is a great option for smartphone users who like to stay at the forefront of techy projects.

Their unlimited plan includes data in over 200 destinations around the world, along more unique offers like six months of YouTube Premium for free.

Look into international eSIMs for longer trips

Now—let’s shift back to focus on the old guard of international phones.

Back when I first started traveling around the world, the standard course of action was to arrive in a country, buy a burner phone, get a local SIM card, and start texting with a T9 setup.

This is still a viable option… though it now applies to smartphones.

If you have a smartphone with a physical SIM card, you can easily set up an account abroad and purchase a physical SIM. However, most smartphones use eSIMs, which can be difficult to transfer and otherwise update.

That being said, there are many companies that have simplified this service.

As mentioned up top, my partner no longer uses Google Fi. Now, he uses Airalo to change his eSIM when we travel from country to country. It’s a straightforward app that lets you seamlessly upload a local sim from wherever you wander.

Keep your data safe using the Cloud

This tip isn’t necessarily related to making calls or texts. It’s about maintaining access to important information in case your smartphone is stolen.

I recommend opting to store your data on the Cloud when you travel abroad.

The Cloud simply refers to any type of server that stores data rather than your device. Most smartphones allow users to pay a small fee to have their data (from contact information to photo libraries) saved in a remote, digital place.

Download WhatsApp & WeChat

Most Americans use the chat feature built into their phone to send text messages—which is based on unlimited texting features. Internationally, it’s more popular for people to text and call using apps.

WhatsApp is a famous example, which I highly suggest you download. I’ve used WhatsApp to chat with friends in Europe, Asia, and Central America. WeChat is another popular option, especially for those in East Asia.

Portable Wi-Fi devices & battery packs: Do you really need them?

Recently, there’s more attention on using portable Wi-Fi devices and carrying battery packs as a solution for international coverage.

The idea is that travelers can use their portable Wi-Fi to connect to a network and avoid roaming charges. The battery pack is there to charge up the Wi-Fi device and smartphones as needed.

To be blunt, it sounds heavy, hot, and might even put a target on your back in areas where pickpockets are active. Will the Wi-Fi actually work? I’m not sure. And how long will those battery packs last? Depends on the brand.

But carrying all that tech sounds like it might distract you from feeling a sense of wonder and joy while traveling—and isn’t that the point?

Becoming a Digital Nomad: The Basics

Digital nomadism is one of the standout developments of my generation.

It might also be remembered as one of the fastest-growing career trends post-COVID.

But what are digital nomads? That’s easy. They’re professionals who work entirely remotely—usually on a laptop or via other types of portable technology.

And where do they roam? Wherever their hearts desire—and wherever their passports allow them to go. Around the world, dozens of countries are launching digital nomad visas.

Europe, in particular, has dozens of offers for American workers.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

In reality, digital nomadism involves quite a few lifestyle decisions—ones that might not be as romantic after you’ve spent a month or two on the road. If you really want to start exploring the pros, cons, and other topics related to becoming a digital nomad, then start here.

I’ve rounded up five of the most pressing questions for potential nomads. These should give you a good idea of what types of challenges and rewards this lifestyle brings.

How do they find new work? Are their clients only from their base country?

Most digital nomads are freelancers.

That means that they’re responsible for finding new work constantly. There isn’t a distinction here between digital nomads and freelancers—both rely on the same platforms and tricks to land new clients.

That being said, not all are freelancers.

An increasing number of digital nomads are employed full-time as remote workers. However, this tends to require digital nomads to respect the normal working hours of their primary office—which might mean waking up for midnight calls or even working through the night.

How do they pay taxes and use banks?

The digital nomad visas mentioned above are an important part of digital nomad culture.

When professionals live and work in a country, they’re responsible for paying taxes there. (Who would have thought?!) Digital nomad visas are designed to make it easier for the host country to regulate and tax remote workers.

That being said, most digital nomads work with a bookkeeper or tax agency in the US that has experience with professionals who work in other countries.

I highly recommend Brass Taxes—they’ve helped me navigate paying taxes in Spain as an American citizen. (I’m not a digital nomad, but my situation overlaps in many ways with their lifestyle.)

That being said, it can be pricey to pay for consultations on when and how to pay taxes. It can also be complicated when you live in a country where you don’t speak the language. (Plus, there’s the perennial joy of bureaucracy.)

The plus side? Banking, by contrast, is usually much easier.

Most digital nomads bank with larger brands like Bank of America and US Bank. These banks have a global reach and many international partners, making it relatively easy for you to use mobile banking apps and take out money. (Depositing is nearly impossible… but given digital nomads don’t usually handle cash, that’s not usually a problem.)

Is it hard to adapt to new places?

Most digital nomads follow a trail to a new place.

In other words, they aren’t just randomly picking out a spot on the map and saying there! The digital nomads who I know tend to make friends and meet up with them later on.

(Or lovers. Seriously—I have a few digital nomad friends who are like modern sailors. A lover in every port.)

When digital nomads don’t know anyone, they’re likely to use a service like Meetup, Hinge, or even find a ‘landing pad’.

A landing pad is like a coworking space blended with the features of a hostel. They’re specifically designed for digital nomads and professional travelers. Not only can you meet other digital nomads, but you can also network with fellow freelancers.

That brings me to my next point. These professionals tend to be extroverted and interested in getting out there. It takes time and effort to get accustomed to a new place—and it takes even more energy to truly immerse yourself in local culture.

While many digital nomads stay inside their ‘bubble’ of English-speaking freelancers, that’s not the end-all of this lifestyle.

Where do they live and how do they find housing?

As mentioned in the previous section, co-living landing pads are taking off across Europe.

My partner stayed in one here in Barcelona while we were apartment hunting (literally called the Landing Pad). As a remote worker, he knew it would have solid Wi-Fi—which is important for trans-Atlantic video calls.

Aside from co-living spaces, digital nomads might also leverage the friends they make. They tend to ask around to see if anyone is renting out a room in their apartment. If not, rental platforms are usually a solid go-to.

However, all the digital nomads that I know wait to receive an invitation or to find a good setup before they move cities.

Additionally, there’s a growing number of resources that take into account digital nomad lifestyles.

For example, Nomad List (from the mind that brought you LuggageLosers) constantly updates its cities and countries based on live data. That live data takes into consideration things like average Wi-Fi power, climate, healthcare, happiness, and more.

How much do they usually make?

There’s no straightforward answer.

However, the minimum that a wandering worker could make and still move around comfortably is estimated to be around $50,000. That being said, digital nomadism is a lifestyle choice.

You could make less money and make it work, especially if you’re planning to stay in the US or head to a very cheap host country. Or you could make upwards of $250,000, bouncing around as you please and renting castles along the way.

Airbnb Help: What Should You Do If Your Rental Is Awful?

Airbnb is constantly expanding its repertoire of features and services.

When the platform first hit the market, it revolutionized the way people travel. Not only did it make lodging more affordable, but it also evolved the traveler experience.

The average tourist could stay with a local to gain a deeper perspective of the city… or opt for the swaggiest lux rental available.

The choices available today are truly diverse. Whether looking to land a great spot in a big city like New York or uncover a truly zany gem elsewhere, Airbnb connects us to next-level rentals.

That being said, Airbnb guests show up to their rentals sight unseen.

And while the platform is one of the most trusted in the world, avid travelers like me have found themselves rolling up to some… not-quite-up-to-par stays.

I’m thinking of the Oslo apartment I rented that had a dirty sheet as a curtain. (I would have been fine with the sheet if it had been clean.) And the remote A-Frame in the Rockies that curiously didn’t have its doors locked upon my arrival… and all of its lights on. (Horror film stuff.)

So what do you do if your Airbnb stay isn’t up to snuff?

Thankfully, the platform has almost two decades of experience under its belt—which means it’s got a pretty solid range of backup plans for travelers facing dud rentals.

Here’s what you need to know if things go awry.

For basic problems: contact the host

This is going to seem obvious, but always contact the host when something feels off.

If you see a dirty sheet being used as a curtain, kindly reach out via the app or website to let the host know that the cleaning crew might have missed a few spots.

Or if you find your rental unlocked and lit in the depths of a vast forest, feel free to reach out to check that everything is in order.

A great host is one that responds quickly and efficiently. It’s also worth pointing out that hosts usually know when guests are arriving—and the best ones are specifically available during the first few hours of check-in.

So contact your host immediately when you notice something off. The most common problems that guests face are trouble entering the apartment, finding subpar cleaning jobs, difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi, or confusion about how to use appliances.

For ‘major disruptive events’: cancel the reservation & apply for a refund

Airbnb has a specific policy that covers ‘major disruptive events’. If your Airbnb rental is affected by a major disruption, you’ll be able to apply for a refund immediately.

Want to know more about major disruptive events? Here’s what they’re listed as via the Airbnb website:

Public health emergencies—like a global pandemic, for example
Government travel restrictions—like evacuation orders, not simply travel advisories
Military action or other hostilities—like riots and insurrections
Large-scale outages—like a lack of electricity or water
Natural disasters—those that are unforeseen rather than hurricanes in hurricane season

The major disruptive events policy does not cover:

Injury or illness
Government obligations—like jury duty, for example
Travel advisories
Cancellation or rescheduling the reason for travel—like a concert
Transportation disruptions—like an airline strike

If the rental is illegal: report it to the authorities & apply for a refund

Hosts can start using Airbnb as soon as their identity and account are confirmed—but that doesn’t mean they have the correct licensing to host an Airbnb.

For example, one of my friends recently stayed at an Airbnb while visiting me in Barcelona. Upon arrival, her hosts asked her to tell neighbors that she was a friend staying at their place. We checked Airbnb after and realized it didn’t have the correct licensing to run in Barcelona.

If you receive one of these requests or otherwise catch flack from neighbors, report your Airbnb to the local authorities and to the platform’s help center. You should never be expected to break the law when staying at an Airbnb.

*Airbnb doesn’t have a specific policy to report these illegal rentals, but I think it’s important to alert the platform all the same.

If the rental isn’t as advertised (‘baiting’): report it to Airbnb with pictures & apply for a refund

Airbnb has a specific policy for accommodations that don’t appear as advertised. If you arrive to your lodging and feel that you’ve been catfished, then make sure to document the situation and report it to Airbnb immediately.

Here are a few common forms of baiting:

Wrong space listing—like an entire place advertised vs a shared room
Wrong number of rooms listed
Wrong location of accommodation
False disclosure on other guests or pets being present
Special amenities don’t work or aren’t there—hot tub, name-brand appliances, etc.

If you feel unsafe: contact the authorities & Airbnb via phone (…then apply for a refund)

There’s no reason you should ever feel unsafe at an Airbnb.

The company takes a pretty strong stance on its emergency situations. Here’s what you should do:

First, contact the local authorities and get yourself to safety. Remember that you can also use the Airbnb App on your phone to dial emergency services—it’ll go directly to the closest police force. No need to waste time googling emergency numbers in your area.

From there, you can contact Airbnb directly over phone, email, or web chat. The company has a team of specially trained agents who can help you navigate any safety-related challenges.

Key Differences Between Thailand & Bali

Thailand and Bali are two of the most popular Southeast Asian destinations for Americans.

From the outside looking in, they probably seem very similar.

They’ve got tropical jungles and stunning, world-class beaches. They’re also home to cultures that are distinct from the Western world, inciting a sense of wonder and intrigue.

And given their geographic proximity, it’s no surprise that it’s a tough choice between the two.

A trip to either Thailand or Bali won’t be forgotten any time soon.

That being said, I’ve spent time in both of these countries—and I can tell you that they’re incredibly distinct.

I spent time in Bali studying tourism and sustainability. In Thailand, I took on more interesting studies, including the spirituality of Sak Yant tattooing, foreign investment in the tourism industry, and Burmese refugees. (I also enjoyed sunny holidays in both places, but that’s slightly less intriguing.)

If you’re heading to Southeast Asia and want more information on what makes these destinations different from a tourist’s perspective, then let me give you an outline. (I’m desperate to use this Global Studies degree.)

Thailand has (way) more than tropical beaches

Let’s get this out of the way first. Thailand is a country that spans almost 200,000 square miles and it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Its kingdom was never overtaken by a colonial power—not the British, not the French, and not the Dutch. And not from a lack of trying, either.

(Uniquely, Bali is also a kingdom. I had the great pleasure of dining with one of its princes when I stayed on the island back in 2013. The last active royal of Bali, Tjokorda Istri Muter, passed away in the early 2000s—but her descendants still uphold and exemplify her cultural legacy.)

Bali, by contrast, is a small island that spans just over 2,000 square miles. It’s but one of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands.

Though you can find pristine beaches and tropical jungles in Bali, its scale is nothing compared to Thailand.

Thailand is home to Chiang Mai, a jungle outpost near the border with Myanmar. It’s home to one of the world’s wildest cities in Bangkok. And it’s home to dozens of iconic landmarks, from the Grand Palace to Wat Arun to floating markets like Damnoen Saduak.

Religion: Hinduism vs Buddhism

As a student of spiritually-adjacent topics, I’d also like to point out that Thailand and Bali practice different religions.

Bali is a largely Hindu island that traces its religious origins back to the Hindu conquests of the Middle Ages.

Thailand, by contrast, is a distinctly Buddhist state. While there’s plenty of animism still present (that’s nature-based beliefs), there’s also a strong emphasis on Buddhist values. You’ll find temples dotting the country, which are open to anyone. Just make sure to dress appropriately.

Bali is much more mellow

Bali has taken off as a tropical destination—but it’s got an association with wellness retreats and yoga programs.

You can find nature-based and New Age-centric retreats across the island. The goal is for visitors to get in touch with themselves to attain a new and more well-rounded lifestyle.

Thailand is notorious for the opposite.

I had the grave misfortune of attending a Full Moon party in Koh Phangan back in 2012. Yes, you can buy drinks by the bucket at these types of beach parties. Yes, you can act like a feral idiot and no one will step in. Yes, you can pay for company of just about any type.

These types of tourists aren’t the only ones in Thailand—but they’re certainly the loudest. For this reason, I’d advise travelers to stick to Bali. Rowdy and rude tourists in Thailand have been chipping away at local traditions and tolerance for decades.

They’re also going to interrupt your relaxing vacation if you head to hotspots like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Phangan. Guaranteed.

Thailand has more visible traditions

I’m transparently suspicious of disrespectful tourists in Thailand—and Bali, but its impact hasn’t yet been felt in full force.

That being said, I’d hate to paint an unfair picture of Thailand as a hellscape of debauchery. It’s far from that.

Let’s take a look at what the country should be known for, in my opinion.

Aside from withstanding the grip of European colonialism, it’s also renowned for its many cultural traditions.

There’s sak yant tattooing, Muay Thai fighting, local lantern and water festivals, films like Ong-Bak and Pee Mak, and the world’s most famous energy drink: Red Bull.

The former was originally known as Krating Daeng when it was formulated and marketed back in 1975. Today, Thai owners still maintain influence over the company—and it’s extended projects, including the Formula One Red Bull Team. (F1 fans probably know about Alexander Albon, too.)

My point: Thailand is a lot more than a tropical destination for tourists craving bucket-sized cocktails.

And when you visit, you might be surprised to realize that you know more about the country and its traditions than you thought.

How to Run with Wild Horses in Maryland (and Virginia)

Wild horses and ponies can be found across the United States.

You might know these wild populations mustangs—a term used to describe feral horses that were once domesticated.

Bands of mustangs roam dozens of states. From Georgia to Arizona to Oregon, these mustangs have traded in their saddles and bridles for freedom.

All bands have descended from the horses brought over during European settlement… and some wild mustangs can even trace their ancestry back to a single event.

Enter Assateague Island (also known as Chincoteague, but we’ll get to that later).

The mustangs on Assateague Island can trace their ancestry back to a Spanish galleon that sank in the early 1500s. Centuries later, these feral bands still roam a magical, 37-acre stretch of island in the Atlantic.

Enter the wild ponies of Chincoteague… also known as the feral horses of Assateague.

Don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as it sounds.

The island with two names

This island sits off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. It’s divided between the states of Virginia and Maryland, which is why it’s known by two names.

Maryland is responsible for two-thirds of the island, while its southern portion belongs to Virginia.

In Maryland, it’s called Assateague—and its home to feral horses.

In Virginia, its known as Chincoteague—and it’s home to wild ponies.

Can’t figure out the difference between horses and ponies? It’s about height. Ponies are short. That’s it.

Now onto the good stuff, like how you can get your eyes on these Spanish-American mustangs and what other experiences are worth your time on this island.

I’m breaking down my recommendations based on location, as this little island is run by three distinct authorities.

Assateague State Park (Maryland)

The northernmost part of the island is Assateague State Park.

The most popular entrance to Assateague is via the bridge from Berlin, Maryland. Keep in mind that there’s no road that runs down the island, which means you’ll need to exit if you want to explore the southern Virginian portion.

When you enter Assateague State Park, you’ll find a two-mile stretch of beautiful Atlantic coast. It’s a hot spot for locals during the summer months, but it’s open year-round.

During the warmer months, parasailing is a popular activity—assuming the winds allow it. There’s also a well-equipped camping ground that’s open to the public from April until October. Pets are selectively allowed, as this island has an extensive wildlife refuge area.

But you’ll have the benefit of some pretty solid camping amenities, including RV and camper hook-ups and warm water in the shower rooms.

Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland)

This portion of the island is regulated by the National Park Service.

Here is where you’ll find the island’s wild ponies—assuming you can get close enough. Cars are only allowed in certain parts of the NPS-regulated park.

Ponies aside, you’ll be able to enjoy the beach and swim, go fishing, explore the hiking trails on foot or via bicycle, and rent kayaks.

Renting kayaks is hugely popular when it comes to spotting wild ponies; they’re less prone to flee kayaks than people on foot.

You can also camp here, including hookups for campers and RVs. But the sites are lot more rustic than the other two. So, if you’re on the hunt for hot water for your showers, it’s best to stay elsewhere.

Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge (Virginia)

Remember what I said up top: it’s Chincoteague in Virginia and Assateague in Maryland.

While the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge has a different name, it’s in the same place. But, once more, you’ll need to enter from the Virginia entrance, as there’s no road that leads from the Assateague Island National Seashore to the Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge.

And like the title suggests, there’s no camping and the roads are limited. Visitors are allowed to enjoy the beach, explore the marshlands, and take to the water in kayaks.

It’s a hotspot for birdwatchers, too. Chincoteague plays an important role as a migratory stop for many birds, along with high-profile raptors like the Bald Eagle.

What’s with the horses and ponies?

Assateague Island is one of the best places to stalk wild horses.

The best option of the three listed above is the Assateague Island National Seashore area. Wildlife tours are common, including options for spotting birds and even seaflie.

But this spot is also where the horses hang out most often. They’re known to wander through campsites, nurse their foals on the roadsides, and wade into the water on warm days.

Guests are encouraged to stay at least 40 feet from the horses—and could be fined up to $100 for ignoring the rules.

Additionally, feeding the horses carrots, apples, and other treats is also a no-go—it could hurt their grass-eating tummies and give them colic.

But if you want to get closer to the pony action, you can head to the area during the July pony penning carnival. Chincoteague’s volunteer fire bridge regularly rounds up the ponies to drive them north. Just for fun, I think.

Seafood Boils: The Best Options in the Carolinas

The United States doesn’t necessarily have a reputation for seafood—which isn’t entirely fair.

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Coast, the US has plenty of seafood traditions to pull on. But barbecue usually takes the cake in terms of making international headlines, standing out as one of our most iconic food traditions.

But let’s not forget about the humble seafood boil.

This staple is one of my favorites to explain to my European friends because it’s got that hyper-casual American flair. What’s a seafood boil, you might be asking?

It’s a boil that includes seafood and vegetables, usually brewed in a massive cauldron (community-sized, usually). Once the boil is ready, it’s contents are strained and dumped onto a plastic-lined table.

Toss on a bib and start ugly-eating to your heart’s desire. With your bare hands.

That’s about as complicated as a seafood boil needs to get.

An American tradition

I’ve had seafood boils in Louisiana and Maryland. In Louisiana, seafood boils reflect the jambalaya-esque mélange of culinary traditions. These stem from Caribbean, African, French, Spanish, and indigenous traditions.

In Maryland, by contrast, seafood boils are more reflective of a Chesapeake Bay palette. The bay is a vast estuary river system, which is rich in crabs, oysters, and clams. Further south, by contrast, most boils include shrimp… and sausage.

Then there’s Georgia and the Carolinas—which include influences from both Louisiana and the Chesapeake Bay.

You’ve got unique variations, from the Beaufort Stew (aka the Frogmore Stew) to the oyster roast. They’re differentiated by their milder flavor, as these low-country boils include fewer spices than in Louisiana.

Differentiations aside, you can’t go wrong with a seafood boil in South Carolina or North Carolina. Not only is it an important tradition, but it’s one that has spawned seafood festivals and drive-by boil drop-offs.

Want to tack on a seafood boil to your South Carolina or North Carolina trip? Here’s where to eat a seafood boil, including restaurants, deliveries, and festivals.

Best restaurants & seafood boil delivery companies

Cape Fear Boil Company

Location: Oak Island, North Carolina
Offers delivery for seafood boils and DIY boil buckets

Outer Banks Boil Company

Multiple locations in North Carolina: Corolla, Hatteras, Kitty Hawk, Emerald Isle, and Oak Island
Offers delivery for seafood boils

Firehouse Boil Delivery

Location: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Offers a restaurant and home delivery options for seafood boils

Lowcountry Boil Company

Location: West Ashley, South Carolina (near Charleston)
Offers delivery and DIY seafood boils

Charleston Crab House

Location: Three locations in and near Charleston, South Carolina
Offers seafood boils at its restaurants

Best festivals with seafood boils

Beaufort Water Festival

Beaufort, South Carolina – Late July

This even includes a low-country supper show with live music and one of the state’s largest seafood boils. Don’t be thrown off by the crowd—this festival has been serving thousands of attendees for decades. They know what they’re doing.

Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival

Hilton Head, South Carolina – mid-February

Be sure to check the itinerary for next year’s schedule—it shifts each year. But there’s almost always a seafood boil included.

Uniquely, this festival brings on some big-name chefs, giving you the chance to sample an elevated seafood boil.

Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Charleston, South Carolina – Early February

This annual event is a big deal in Charleston. If you’re a foodie, then this is one of the best ways to experience and indulge in Southern cuisine.

Along with seafood boils (of all stripes, I might add), you’ll also have the chance to sample treats like specialty cocktails and brave new dishes from local restauranteurs.

North Carolina Seafood Festival

Morehead City, North Carolina – Early October

It’s homegrown and it’s delicious. This festival is approaching its 30^th year and now includes a dozen unique areas and events, many of which are sponsored by the state’s most highly-rated seafood restaurants.

I’d recommend heading to the Fisherman’s Village for the tastiest bites and boils.