travel

The Travel Card I Never Leave Home Without: Why I Love My Wise Card

The Travel Card I Never Leave Home Without: Why I Love My Wise Card

One of the most common questions I get about travel is: “What card should I use overseas?”
After years of hopping from country to country and testing different options, I finally found the perfect solution for stress-free money management while traveling — the Wise card.

I use it on every trip, and honestly, I don’t know how I ever managed without it. Here’s why I recommend it to anyone who travels overseas.

👉 Sign up for Wise here to receive a free card and start saving on fees before your next trip.

Sign up here for a free card

Why the Wise Card Is a Game-Changer for Travelers

Accepted Everywhere I Go

From coffee shops in Paris to street food stalls in Bali, Wise card works seamlessly. It’s linked to Apple Pay on my phone and watch, so I rarely even pull the physical card out of my wallet. Basically it acts like a Visa or a local debit card, so as long as they take card - they will accept Wise.

Super Low Fees

Traditional banks love to sneak in hidden charges when you use your card overseas. With Wise, the fees are transparent and minimal, which means I keep more of my hard-earned travel money. Using a New Zealand debit or credit card overseas typically incurs fees of 1.3% to 4.5% of the transaction value, depending on the bank and card type, which includes a currency conversion fee and potential foreign exchange margin.

Multi-Currency Wallets

Have multiple trips lined up? No problem. Wise lets me create different wallets for different currencies. I can hold, spend, and receive money in over 40 currencies without juggling multiple cards or accounts. I like being able to transfer money between the accounts really easily too.

Full Transparency

I love being able to open the app and instantly see all my wallet balances and recent transactions. It will show you the original amount you spent in local currency and the conversion. Super handy!Exchange When It Makes Sense

Wise gives me the option to convert money when the exchange rate looks favoUrable. But if I don’t want to think about it, Wise automatically converts at the real-time rate. Either way, I know I’m getting the best deal.

Splitting Costs With Friends

Traveling with friends who also have Wise? Splitting dinner bills or reimbursing each other for tickets takes seconds. No more awkward “who owes what” conversations. When my friend Laurie and I were together in Scotland we used it countless times - use the ‘split bill’ feature, enter in the amount and who you are with and it will send the request off to them there and then to pay.

My Personal Hot Tip 💡

I actually use Wise like a travel savings account. Each month, I set up an automatic transfer from my main bank into my Wise account. By the time my next trip rolls around, my spending money is already set aside. It’s a simple hack that makes budgeting for travel so much easier.

Final Thoughts

Managing money overseas doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. The Wise card has made my travels smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable. If you want to save on fees, easily manage multiple currencies, and simplify your travel budgeting - this is the card I’d recommend every time.

👉 Get your Wise card here and see how much easier your next trip can be. This is an affiliate link.

Campuhan Ridge Walk: Ubud’s Hidden Gem for First-Time Visitors

Ubud is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and plenty of wellness retreats, but for those looking to escape the tourist crowds and immerse themselves in nature, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a must-visit destination. Within minutes of leaving the town’s busy center, you’ll find yourself on a peaceful path that offers breathtaking views of the lush Balinese countryside. For first-time visitors to Ubud, this serene trail is a perfect way to experience a little peace and quiet if you’re feeling the Ubud overwhelm!

Why You Should Visit Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk stands out because of its tranquility. Despite being located just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Ubud, the ridge feels worlds apart. As you walk along the path, you’ll be surrounded by rolling green hills, palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and a wide, open sky.

It’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset when the golden light bathes the ridge. The morning brings a refreshing coolness, while the sunset highlights the stunning vistas over the valleys and rice fields below. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a moment of mindfulness, or a way to kickstart your day with light exercise, Campuhan is the perfect place to do it.

How to Find the Campuhan Ridge Walk

One of the reasons this spot remains relatively uncrowded is because it can be a bit tricky to find. But don’t worry, here’s a simple guide to get you there!

1. Start at the Warwick Ibah Villas: The easiest landmark to use is Warwick Ibah Villas. You’ll see a small, inconspicuous sign for the Campuhan Ridge Walk at the entrance of this luxurious hotel, but you don’t need to go inside. Instead, follow the signs left leading toward the Gunung Lebah Temple.

2. Head Down to the Temple: From the Warwick Ibah entrance, walk down the hill and to down tte small stairs on the right and cross a small bridge. As you cross, look out over the river below and enjoy the first glimpses of Bali’s natural beauty. After the bridge, you’ll see the peaceful Gunung Lebah Temple to your left.

3. Turn Right and Begin Your Journey: Continue walking past the temple and take the small path that veers to the right. This is the beginning of the Campuhan Ridge Walk. As soon as you leave the temple behind, you’ll notice the town’s sounds fade, replaced by the gentle hum of nature.

4. Enjoy the Scenic Views: After just a few minutes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by greenery with sweeping views of the valley. The paved path stretches for about 2 kilometers, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for people of all fitness levels. You’ll pass through grass-covered ridges, and if you’re lucky, you may catch local farmers tending to the rice fields below. Just be careful on the path as it is uneven so you need to watch your footing.

A Few Tips for Your Campuhan Ridge Walk:

Best Time to Visit: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the ridge at its quietest and most picturesque.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and apply sunscreen—there isn’t much shade along the path.

Extend Your Walk: At the end of the ridge, you’ll find small cafes and local warungs where you can rest and enjoy a fresh coconut or a smoothie. I carried on for quite a ways as I loved this little village first thing in the morning.

Why Campuhan Ridge Should Be on Your Ubud Itinerary

For first-time visitors, Ubud can feel overwhelming with its bustling streets, vibrant markets, and constant activity. The Campuhan Ridge Walk provides a perfect balance, offering a quick yet meaningful escape into nature. Its close proximity to the town center makes it easy to fit into any itinerary, while the peaceful surroundings make it a place of restoration.

Planning to explore more of Bali’s hidden gems? As part of my Women’s Wellness Adventures, I lead small groups on enriching journeys to destinations like Bali, combining wellness, adventure, and connection. Join my private Facebook group, Justine’s Journeys, or follow me on Instagram to see upcoming trips and travel tips!

the stairs leading down to the walk