Latest news with #NicoleBrewer
CNBC
01-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
43-year-old American lives abroad and never plans to return to the U.S.—how she travels the world on $44,000 a year
Growing up in Detroit, Nicole Brewer didn't know that she wanted to live abroad, but she had a pretty good idea that she wanted to travel. Her first inspiration: Catherine C. Blackwell, a pioneer in African and African-American studies and the namesake of Brewer's middle school. "She would come and tell us stories about her travels," Brewer, 43, tells CNBC Make It. "I was like, Mozambique — that sounds like a beautiful country … so that curiosity about travel was sparked at a young age." Mozambique is still on Brewer's list — and given her track record, there's a pretty good chance she'll get there eventually. Brewer first moved abroad in 2008 and has resided in Nizwa, Oman, since 2012. She says the Middle East has served as a perfect home base for the two big trips she takes every year, which have included vacations in Europe, Namibia, Seychelles and, most recently, Bali. But Brewer is hardly a member of the jet set, earning about $44,000 a year between her job teaching English as a second language at a local university and her side hustles. Here's how she makes her travel-heavy lifestyle work. Brewer's January spending is, in some ways, a perfect encapsulation of her lifestyle in Oman. Of the $4,128 dollars she spent that month, $2,630 went toward her trip to Bali. The remainder -- $1,498 – is closer to what Brewer spends in a typical month and is well below what she brings in, tax-free, from her teaching job. How does she keep the budget so tight? A very low cost of living certainly helps. Brewer pays about $650 a month for a furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment that's just a short walk from her workplace. Utilities, such as power, water and Wi-Fi, are included. "The only thing I pay for outside of that would be my cell phone bill," Brewer says. That comes to $10 a month. She only spends about $70 or $80 a week on groceries, and goes out for occasional dinners with friends, who have a rotation when it comes to picking up the bill. Insurance, a major line item in many American budgets, is covered by her employer. At $277, cab fare came in as the fourth-largest spending category in her January budget. That may seem like a lot — until you realize it's her primary mode of transportation. The 90-minute trip to Muscat, Oman's capital, typically runs Brewer about $40. "I don't think I'd be able to do that back in the States," she says. By keeping her expenses low, Brewer is able to save up to fund her wanderlust. Her primary job makes life easy on that front, too. While Brewer is paid year round, school isn't in session for two months out of the year. "I have two months of paid holiday," she says. "When I travel, like in the summer or winter break, I'm still paid my monthly income." Brewer also has enough time for a few side hustles, working as a travel advisor, blogger and freelance writer. All told, her side gigs brought in about $3,400 in 2024, enough to help fund Brewer's favorite hobby. "Some of the income that I made on planning trips for others was income that I used for my travel," she says. Plus, working part-time in the travel industry has its benefits. "I definitely manage to get some travel perks for some of my trips," Brewer says. "For example, this past summer before returning back to the States, I actually ended up going to the Maldives and I had a free hotel stay there because I was going to blog about them." Even given her low cost of living and travel-friendly work environment, globetrotting on a teacher's salary means Brewer has had to put some financial goals, such as paying down student debt, on the back burner. She also hopes to ramp up her savings and investments in the coming years. But don't expect her to stop traveling — or side hustling — any time soon. "I realized just how much of a passion it is, and being able to be a writer and a travel influencer, I've been able to turn this passion into an income-earning opportunity," she says. "So it's like the best of both worlds. I get to travel and make money from it on the side."
Observer
04-04-2025
- Observer
Nizwa: A timeless gem among world's best
The Wilayat of Nizwa, nestled in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, has earned a distinguished spot among the world's 43 most stunning towns. Recognised by freelance journalist Natalie Marchant in a feature for MSN, Nizwa stands proudly in 19th place, joining a diverse array of picturesque locations — from the vibrant Caribbean coast to medieval fortresses in Central Europe and remote hilltop settlements that touch the sky. Once Oman's capital, Nizwa is renowned for its breathtaking mountain backdrop and rich historical legacy. The town's most iconic landmark, the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, stands as a towering testament to Oman's past. With its imposing 131-foot-high structure, the fort offers panoramic views of the Al Hajar Mountains and a glimpse into the country's ancient defence mechanisms. Another highlight is Nizwa Souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in Oman, where the lively trade of handicrafts, silverware and spices immerses visitors in authentic Omani culture. Al Razha folk dance at Nizwa Fort Scene from Nizwa market Despite its growing global recognition, Nizwa retains its conservative charm, with local traditions playing an integral role in daily life. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respect local customs, ensuring a harmonious cultural exchange. Beyond its historical significance, Nizwa is a centre for Islamic scholarship. The town's two 7th-century mosques rank among the oldest in the world, further enriching its cultural fabric. While modernisation has brought new infrastructure and amenities, Nizwa has skillfully preserved its authenticity, balancing tradition with contemporary development. In the rankings, Nizwa shares the spotlight with globally celebrated destinations such as Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia (first place), Göreme in Türkiye (second place) and Castle Combe in the UK (third place). Other notable mentions include Ait Benhaddou, Morocco; Praiano, Italy; Hallstatt, Austria; Gordes, France; and Banff, Canada. Scene from Nizwa market Scene from Nizwa market Offering a personal perspective on Nizwa's charm is Nicole Brewer, an expatriate who has called the town home for over a decade. A travel blogger, author and English lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Brewer describes Nizwa as a cultural hub with unparalleled beauty. 'From its famed souq and fort to the peaceful Falaj Daris Park, Nizwa exudes a unique charm,' she shares. She also highlights some of the town's most inviting cafés, such as Atheer, which overlooks the fort and Niz Cafe, nestled within the souq. 'A visit to Nizwa is incomplete without exploring the Birkat Al Mouz ruins,' she adds. Muhammad Adnan, a Pakistani resident since 2020, echoes these sentiments. 'Nizwa blends cultural heritage with natural beauty. The Nizwa Fort is a must-see and the souq offers a fascinating glimpse into Omani commerce.' He also praises Birkat Al Mouz for its serenity and nearby Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, known for its cool climate and rose gardens — a paradise for nature lovers. Nizwa Fort Nicole Brewer, lecturer from Nizwa Recent infrastructural developments have further enhanced Nizwa's appeal. The Nizwa Entrance Development and the Al Dakhiliyah Boulevard Project are shaping the town's future, catering to modern tourism while preserving its heritage. Initiatives such as the renovation of Nizwa Souq and the creation of Nizwa Public Park continue to elevate its status as a premier global destination. With its perfect blend of history, culture and natural splendor, Nizwa rightfully takes its place among the world's most captivating towns. As it continues to evolve while honouring its deep-rooted traditions, Nizwa remains a jewel of Oman — an enchanting destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Pictures by Nasser bin Hamed al Harthy
