Travel Europe For Free: Red Bull’s Annual “Can You Make It?” Challenge

Every year, the Red Bull drink company attracts hundreds of young travelers to participate in a race across Europe, using only social skills and Red Bull cans to fuel their adventures. 

Red Bull Cans. Sanket Sawale, CC0.

On May 21, 2024, teams of three from around the world began Red Bull’s "Can You Make It?" challenge across Europe. Every year, at the end of May, the drink company hosts a competition to challenge adventurous young adults. In order to compete, contestants must assemble a team of three eighteen-plus-year-olds and create a video explaining why they should be chosen as one of the representatives for their country. After being selected to represent their nations, contestants fly to one of five locations to begin their journey. This year, the cities were Copenhagen, Milan, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Budapest. From there, Red Bull states that, “Each team will hand over their cash, credit cards, and personal phones, and they’ll have just one week to make it to Berlin.” Their only form of currency: a case of Red Bull cans.

Teams are given the Red Bull, and it is up to them how they will pitch themselves to the European public in order to gain food, transportation, housing, etc. The can trades may also lead to once-in-a-lifetime experiences for competitors. One team’s contestants had never seen snow before, so they traded some of their cans for a ride up to the Swiss Alps. Other teams have traded cans for things like tattoos, private jet rides, tickets to the Champions League quarterfinal, fine dining at a three Michelin Star restaurant, and many more unique adventures.

While in the modern day it seems difficult to make thousand mile journeys with just cans and teamwork at one's disposal, the Red Bull teams make it work. The Salt Lake City based team “Connoisseurs'' shared their experiences with The Daily Utah Chronicle: “We are just armed with people’s kindness. That’s all we had to get from one point to another.” The group, which started in Copenhagen, had come up with different strategies for how they would convince people to help them. Team captain Zuni Olivares shares, “We had plans for different routes out of Copenhagen, we had plans for the pitch we were going to use, and plans for how we were going to get to Berlin.” Eight minutes into the competition, however, the team met a man from Italy that offered them tickets to Milan after hearing about the competition that they were participating in. Throughout their journey, the Connoisseurs noted that “Europeans were very receptive.” People would offer to bring them places and buy them good after hearing about the competition they were participating in, “intrigued by just helping us out rather than getting anything in return. People loved the adventurous nature of it all.”

In 2020, a Czech team known as “Airborne” also competed in the RedBull competition. Team member Ondrej Vašíček notes that, after their team was accepted, they attempted to strategize but realized that it would be difficult; “We basically had no idea what we signed up for. You can’t prepare for something like that.” The team struggled with finding accommodations for the night, spending upwards of four hours wandering city streets to find a hotel with an open room. At one point, the team exchanged four cans for a whole package of beer. Contestant Vašíček said that this exchange worked out well for the team because, “we could then give the beer as a present to others to make them happy because until this point people were constantly helping us.” As expected, the team did encounter their own set of issues when traversing across Europe. They noted that people would usually refuse at first, but then became more helpful once they heard Airborne’s story and more about the competition. Overall, the team was pleasantly surprised by the kindness and helpfulness of the local people.

In addition to the staple Red Bull can trades, contestants are also encouraged to participate in two categories of challenges; Adventure Challenges and Checkpoint Challenges. Adventure Challenges can be completed at any point during the day at any location. Most of these challenges are created to promote fun amongst teammates and focus on their creativity. Red Bull notes that, this year, “Adventure Challenges included the straightforward (trading cans for ice cream) as well as the more complex (gathering 30 people to scream their team name in public).” The second type is Checkpoint Challenges. These challenges have specific locations in several cities across Europe. Red Bull tries to make these more specific to the location, immersing contestants into the local culture or activities. Some Checkpoint Challenges contestants took part in were abseiling, surfing, recording music tracks, skydiving, and learning a traditional alpine Schuhplattler dance.”

This year, a United States team composed of Texas A&M University students won the seven day competition. Their team, called “Gladiators,” was composed of college students Weston Cadena, Jacob Mathiasmeier, and David Greek. Over the week, the team traveled 3,000 miles, created 80 vlogs, competed in 53 adventure and 14 checkpoint challenges, and traded approximately 150 Red Bull cans for a grand total of 18,784 points. The team recounts that, “We visited eight countries in seven days and interacted with people who spoke many different languages. But simply smiling, and our body language, allowed us to communicate and make strong relationships.”

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Aanya Panyadahundi

Aanya is a student at the University of Michigan studying sociology and journalism on a pre-law path. She loves to travel the world whenever she can, always eager to learn more about the different cultures and societies around her. In her free time, she likes to play the violin, ski, and listen to podcasts

7 Digital Safety Tips for Travelers

With about 25% of travelers experiencing data compromise while traveling and using public Wi-Fi, understanding digital security is a necessary aspect of preparing for a trip. 

Internet security padlock. www.vpnsrus.com. CC BY 2.0

Along with physical safety, digital security is another essential part of traveling. There are many digital security risks to be mindful of. The most common risks include public, unsecured wifi networks, public computers and devices, and the physical theft of devices. Despite these risks, there are many measures travelers can take to enhance their digital security.

1. Update Software

Software concept (gear on digital background). Craig Taylor. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Updated apps and operating system software can improve your device’s defense against malware. It is important to update everything before traveling, on a trusted network. This is because malware can be disguised as updates or patches when they’re prompted through an unsecured network.

2. Backup Information

Backup loading. Brian J. Matis. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Backing up things like photos, contacts and documents to a cloud service or other devices is another step to enhance your digital security, because that content is no longer easily accessible through your device. Common cloud services include DropBox, Google Docs and iCloud.

3. Disable Bluetooth

Bluetooth. Brad Wilmot. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Bluetooth can be handy for connecting to other devices such as sound systems, but these connections can put your devices at risk. Some devices automatically connect to Bluetooth and wireless networks, so disabling this function helps you control your connections.

Because connecting with a device via Bluetooth often stores your personal information on the device, it is recommended to avoid allowing Bluetooth connections with a device that is not your own, including rental car sound systems. If you do choose to connect to a device that is not yours, make sure to remove your device from the paired device lists and delete any data that was stored.

4. Be Conscious of your Connections, Clicks and Downloads

Free Wi-Fi sign. Mike Gifford. CC BY-NC 2.0

Connections, clicks and downloads can allow malware and other digital security risks to access your devices. Public wifi networks are often unsecured, and can be easily hacked because they’re accessible to everyone, don’t require authentication, and may have weak encryption protocols. 

While connecting to public wifi networks can be necessary when traveling, it is important to confirm the network and login procedures with staff before connecting. Confirming the network and login procedures can protect you from cybercrime because fake wifi networks can appear legitimate. While connected, avoid activities that involve personal information such as logging into accounts, shopping or online banking. 

If you receive unknown links, delete them and avoid clicking. Prompts to download anything like apps or documents should also be declined unless you were expecting the prompt and trust the source.

5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication demonstration. Sergejf. CC BY 2.0

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) can help keep your data secure even if a password has been compromised. MFA consists of using multiple means of verifying a login, such as a password combined with a verification text, email or call. If you have a device or accounts that do not automatically have MFA, you can download apps such as Duo Multi-Factor Authentication to further secure your data.

6. Use a VPN

VPN key. www.comparitech.com/. CC BY 2.0

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can enhance data security by encrypting internet traffic and data. This means that you can connect to public networks and cybercriminals will not be able to access your activity. Another perk of using VPNs while traveling is that you can trick your devices into thinking that you’re still home, accessing your home versions of platforms such as Netflix.

7. Bring a Portable Charger

Portable chargers. Dennis van Zuijlekom. CC BY-SA 2.0

Ensuring you have charged devices while traveling is important for physical safety, however there are ways that charging your device can be risky. Charging your device through other devices that you do not control, including computers or hotel docking stations can put your device at risk of malware transfer through that connection. 

Even public outlets can be a risk. While there have not been any reported cases, cybersecurity experts have warned that cybercriminals are able to put malware into USB ports, including USB charging stations that are common at airports and hotels. This process is called ‘juice-jacking’. Because of the risks associated with public outlets and charging stations, it is recommended to bring portable chargers. If you must connect to another charging source and are prompted to select whether you trust the device, always say no.

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Madison Paulus

Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.

How to Authentically Experience Culture While Supporting Locals

Getting in touch with locals is the perfect way to engage meaningfully with all a destination has to offer.

A meal shared in the Philippines. Avel Chuklanov. CC0 1.0

Whether you are growing distrustful of hyped social media recommendations when traveling somewhere new or are merely trying to find a way to support locals on your journey, there are many ways to create an enjoyable trip while experiencing the beauty of a city from the perspective of one of its inhabitants. From sharing meals to discovering the delights of a city beyond mere tourist attractions, engaging with locals is an excellent way to enjoy the unadulterated beauty of a destination.

For many, part of immersing themselves in a culture revolves around the dinner table. Although both dives and upscale restaurants offer a plethora of meal-sharing experiences, there is nothing like enjoying a home-cooked meal. Spanning 6 continents, Traveling Spoon connects travelers with locals hoping to welcome tourists to their culture through the power of food. Whether it be a traditional cooking class using family recipes in Ecuador or gaining new insight into French cuisine through a vinegar tour in Cognac, the website provides a variety of options for travelers to experience a full range of culinary experiences. From market tours to cooking classes, Traveling Spoon cultivates connections and allows those coming from near or far to feel at home when abroad.

Similar to Traveling Spoon, Eat With is a popular sight for travelers looking to get an authentic food experience. While Traveling Spoon offers more destinations, eatwith.com is a good source for those visiting major cities such as New York, Rome and Paris. Both sites offer experiences as low as $15, but some vendors can charge into the hundreds of dollars depending on the city and precise details of the experience.

With 151 destinations spanning 40 countries, the International Greeter Association is a non-profit offering free walking tours around various cities. Started in 1992 in New York City, this free-of-charge service is now expanding again after the Covid-19 pandemic. The greeter network is composed of passionate locals looking to show off what their city has to offer and to provide a friendly face to those visiting.

The not-for-profit nature of the organization makes utilizing the International Greeter Association an excellent way for tourists to engage with a city and its culture from an insider's perspective; learning about local gems, using public transport and discussing the greeter’s personal relationship with their city can be a great way to engage on with a destination on a whole new level, and maybe make a friend along the way.

Although social media is riddled with hyped restaurants and attractions that can make searching for cultural authenticity difficult, following creators that unveil local secrets is an excellent way to leverage new technology. For example, Elizabeth and Sophie Michilli are a mother-daughter duo from Italy who showcase their experiences in Puglia and Rome, highlighting local favorite restaurants and boutiques. Though it can be difficult to navigate through sponsored and algorithmically recommended content, using social media as a tool to engage with local creators can be an effective way to meaningfully tailor your trip to support local establishments.

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Nicola DeGregorio

Nicola is studying English Literature at George Washington University, where she also reports for the student newspaper, The Hatchet. Nicola's passion for literature and writing has sparked an interest in exploring the broader context surrounding written texts. Researching and writing for Catalyst Planet allows her to investigate nuanced issues that intersect with her interests in art history, culinary practices, and cultural traditions.

5 Easiest Digital Nomad Visas To Qualify For

For a lifestyle of working while traveling the world, you will need to qualify for a visa and here are the best countries to do so.

Tropical drink and laptop. Samer Daboul. CC BY 2.0.

Picture this: you’re hustling hard in front of your laptop, but are surrounded by the serene music of waves crashing against the shore, the laughter of strangers and the quiet squawking of birds from a distance. Now wouldn’t that be the kind of life anyone would aspire to achieve?

Thanks to technology and the increasingly connected world, this ideal life is possible! If this is the kind of working situation that you’re envisioning, then becoming a digital nomad may be the perfect solution for you. 

Of course, to achieve this lifestyle, you’ll need to first have the right visas in place to legally work in the countries you visit. In this article, we’ll share the five easiest digital nomad visas to qualify for, so you can start planning your next adventure. 

Before we get into that, though, let’s first take a deeper dive into the intricacies of digital nomad visas. 

What is a digital nomad visa? 

A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows you to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period of time. These visas are specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs who want to work from anywhere. 

What’s the difference between a visa and a resident permit? 

A visa is a temporary permission to enter and stay in a country, whereas a resident permit is a long-term permission to reside in a country. Visas for digital nomads usually fall under the former category, as they are designed for relatively short-term stays.

Who can be a digital nomad? 

Anyone who has a job that can be done remotely can become a digital nomad! Some of the most popular digital nomad jobs include software development, writing, graphic design and online teaching. If location doesn’t matter in your line of work and you’re hungry for adventure, it may be time to look into the digital nomad lifestyle! 

How can you stay covered on the road?

Of course, traveling full-time comes with its own set of challenges—like making sure you’re covered when the unexpected happens. That’s where SafetyWing comes in. Their flexible, borderless insurance is designed for digital nomads, covering everything from emergency medical care to travel mishaps. Whether you're navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets or kicking back on a beach in Bali, you can focus on the experience, knowing you’re covered.

What are the easiest digital nomad visas to qualify for? 

If you’re itching to work while experiencing a brand new culture or discovering places that will etch themselves into your heart, here are five countries where you can easily be a digital nomad:

The Bahamas 

Beachside in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. iSAW Company. CC BY 2.0. 

The Bahamas offers a one-year digital nomad visa that is easy to qualify for. To be eligible, you need to prove that you have a job that can be done remotely and that you earn at least $50,000 per year. The application process is straightforward and you can expect to receive your visa within a few weeks.

The average cost of living in the Bahamas can vary depending on your location, but in general, you can expect monthly expenses to range from $2,000 to $3,000. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area typically costs around $1,500 to $2,500 per month. 

Groceries and dining out can be slightly higher compared to other countries, with a monthly food budget averaging around $400 to $600. However, the stunning natural beauty, warm climate and vibrant culture make the Bahamas an enchanting place to call home while pursuing your digital nomad lifestyle.

For applications, visit Bahamas BEATS.

Malta 

Docking port in Marsaxlokk, Malta. Calin Stan. CC BY 2.0. 

Malta’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and is available to remote workers who can earn a minimum monthly income of 2,700 euros (about $3,000) or more. Malta is a popular destination for digital nomads because of its warm climate, beautiful beaches and high standard of living.

The cost of living in Malta can vary depending on your lifestyle and location, but on average, monthly expenses range from $1,350 to $2,000. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area typically costs around $900 to $1,350 per month. Groceries and dining out are reasonably priced, with a monthly food budget averaging around $225 to $450.

Visit the Malta Immigration website for more information.

Colombia

Colorful buildings in Cartagena, Colombia. Leandro Loureiro. CC BY 2.0. 

Colombia’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to two years and is available to remote U.S. workers for $177. Applicants must earn at least a minimum of $684 per month in order to qualify. The good news is that the application process is relatively simple, and you can expect to receive your visa within a few weeks.

Colombia is relatively affordable, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Monthly expenses can range from $700 to $1,200, depending on your location and lifestyle. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in popular cities like Bogota or Medellin typically costs around $400 to $700 per month. Groceries and dining out are reasonably priced, with a monthly food budget averaging around $150 to $300.

If you want to apply for a Colombian digital nomad visa, visit the country’s Cancilleria.

Is Colombia dangerous for digital nomads? 

While Colombia has a reputation for being dangerous, the country’s situation has significantly improved in recent years. As long as you take the necessary precautions, such as staying in safe neighborhoods and avoiding certain areas at night, you should be able to enjoy your time in Colombia as a digital nomad.

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sadie Teper. CC BY 2.0. 

Malaysia’s digital nomad visa is valid for three to 12 months and is renewable for another 12 months. This visa is available to remote workers who can earn at least 10,000 ringgit (roughly $2,400) per month. Malaysia is a popular destination for digital nomads because of its low cost of living, excellent infrastructure and diverse culture.

Monthly expenses can range from $600 to $1,200, depending on your location and lifestyle choices. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in major cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang typically costs around $360 to $600 per month.

For applications, visit MDEC.

Hungary 

Budapest, Hungary. Henrique Ferreira. CC BY 2.0. 

Hungary’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and is available to remote workers who can earn at least $2,000 per month. What draws digital nomads to this country is its beautiful architecture, rich history and low cost of living.

The average cost of living in Hungary can vary depending on the location but generally falls between $800 and $1,500 per month. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in cities like the capital Budapest typically costs around $500 to $900 per month. Groceries and dining out are affordable, with a monthly food budget averaging around $200 to $400.

To apply, you’ll need to get your White Card.

What are the best jobs for a digital nomad to have? 

The key to being a digital nomad is having a job that you can do remotely from anywhere in the world, and all you’ll need is a stable internet connection. Some of the most popular and well-paying jobs for digital nomads are freelance writer, content creator, web developer, online teacher or tutor, digital marketer and virtual assistant. 

While these are popular, there are many other jobs well-suited for aspiring digital nomads like you. Just remember to find a job that matches your skills and interests and build a strong network and reputation in your field to ensure a steady stream of work. 

U.S. Taxes and Digital Nomads 

It’s important to note that, as a United States citizen, you’re still liable for U.S. taxes even if you’re living and working abroad. This means that you must file a tax return every year and report your foreign income. Failure to do so can result in some hefty fines and penalties. 

It’s also worth noting that there are certain tax benefits available to U.S. citizens who live and work abroad, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Foreign Tax Credit. To ensure that you file your taxes correctly and take advantage of any available tax benefits, it is recommended that you work with an expat tax professional. 

If you’re worried about accessing your funds while abroad, there are several options available to you! A popular one is to use digital currency like USD Coin, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar, which can be easily transferred and converted into local currencies. To get started, simply send USD Coin from your U.S. account to your digital wallet, and you’ll be ready to make transactions in no time! 

Becoming a digital nomad sounds exciting and fulfilling, but finding the right digital nomad visa for you takes research, planning and effort. But if you equip yourself with the right mindset and resources, you can make your dreams of traveling to different places and experiencing various cultures while working a reality. 

Just remember that it is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with the tax laws and responsibilities of your home country. By being well-informed and prepared, you can embark on your new adventures with peace of mind, knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to handle any tax-related matters that may arise.

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Myrtle Bautista

Myrtle is a journalism major, a social media marketer and is now exploring freelance writing. She's fond of anything related to health and wellness, and when she's not writing, you'll find her doing long-distance cycling, ultramarathons, hiking, or in a local cafe enjoying a good cold brew.