Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Question Number 3...
Aren't you scared?
3. Short answer: NO.
If you google this issue (dangers while travelling), it is generally found to be equally as likely to die or get into some sort of trouble at home as it is while you are traveling. Big stories such as plane crashes or terrorist attacks hyper-saturate the news. This makes them seem much more prevalent then they actually are. However, just like at home, there are common sense precautions you can take to prevent injury, accident or illness. Here are some tips to stay safe and avoid (the infinitely more possible) petty crime/ theft.
3. Short answer: NO.
If you google this issue (dangers while travelling), it is generally found to be equally as likely to die or get into some sort of trouble at home as it is while you are traveling. Big stories such as plane crashes or terrorist attacks hyper-saturate the news. This makes them seem much more prevalent then they actually are. However, just like at home, there are common sense precautions you can take to prevent injury, accident or illness. Here are some tips to stay safe and avoid (the infinitely more possible) petty crime/ theft.
- Read up on local hygiene problems. Check to see if tap water is safe to drink and if raw foods, such as fruits and vegetables, should be avoided.
- Get all recommended vaccines/ preparatory medications.
- Use locks on your luggage and don't leave valuables in your room without a safe.
- Use a moneybelt to keep your valuables out of sight and out of easily accessible pockets.
- Have a dummy wallet with some low denomination currency in it (ideally US dollars). If you are robbed or pickpocketed you can easily part with this wallet.
- Keep your money in different spots on your person: some extra emergency cash in your sock will help you get home if you are the victim of theft.
- Keep copies of your passport and go to your local embassy if your passport is stolen.
- If something makes you uncomfortable, don't do it! Seems simple but if the taxi driver makes you feel nervous or the safety recommendations for the zipline don't make sense to you, better safe than sorry. While everyone may not follow this advice, just use common sense. And just because the locals are doing it, doesn't mean you necessarily should.
- Get travel insurance!
Question Number 2...
How do you manage all the planning?
2. First of all, I am lucky because I LOVE planning. Seriously, like almost as much as going on the actual trip. I love reading guidebooks and forums and writing lists and itineraries. My husband...not so much. Because of this I end up doing most of the planning. If there is someone in your travel group who is a natural planner, like me, you will have an easier job of having at least one person familiar with your destination before you get there. But if this is not the case, just remember to start early. Planning a vacation should be fun, not stressful. If you start early enough you can do it when you get the urge or inspiration to do so and not feel a time crunch to get your planning done.
The first time we went to Costa Rica we made hotel reservations for the entire trip. This was because a) it was our honeymoon and we didn't want any added stress of not being able to find a place to stay after we got off the plane and b) it was Semana Santa which is the biggest travel week for a lot of Central America and every website and book told us to make reservations. However, once we got there we realized that it was extremely easy to get around, even during Semana Santa. The hostel staff and locals we met were all happy to help us make plans. Because of this we ended up cancelling the second half of our lodging reservation and going to an entirely new town and hostel. We were still glad that we had a reservation, just in case, but after this first trip to the country we are confident that we can play it by ear on our next one.
For Costa Rica- Nicaragua 2012 we have a hostel reserved for the first night. After that we are going to use a general itinerary as a guideline and find places to stay as we go. This will allow us the flexibility to change our plans and add/skip towns as we go along.
We have pretty much done this for every new country we visit. We go once with reservations to get a feel for how flexible we can be on subsequent trips.
Additionally, as previous posts have mentioned, I love Lonely Planet guidebooks. Nothing sparks my imagination more than seeing shelves of new destinations waiting to be explored. Now you don't necessarily have to go with LP but definitely feel free to find a guidebook that fits your style of travel. Just remember to use these as guidelines, not strict must dos. There are plenty of wonderful things to see, people to meet and activities to try that are outside of the guidebooks.
Here are a couple general tips to remember:
2. First of all, I am lucky because I LOVE planning. Seriously, like almost as much as going on the actual trip. I love reading guidebooks and forums and writing lists and itineraries. My husband...not so much. Because of this I end up doing most of the planning. If there is someone in your travel group who is a natural planner, like me, you will have an easier job of having at least one person familiar with your destination before you get there. But if this is not the case, just remember to start early. Planning a vacation should be fun, not stressful. If you start early enough you can do it when you get the urge or inspiration to do so and not feel a time crunch to get your planning done.
The first time we went to Costa Rica we made hotel reservations for the entire trip. This was because a) it was our honeymoon and we didn't want any added stress of not being able to find a place to stay after we got off the plane and b) it was Semana Santa which is the biggest travel week for a lot of Central America and every website and book told us to make reservations. However, once we got there we realized that it was extremely easy to get around, even during Semana Santa. The hostel staff and locals we met were all happy to help us make plans. Because of this we ended up cancelling the second half of our lodging reservation and going to an entirely new town and hostel. We were still glad that we had a reservation, just in case, but after this first trip to the country we are confident that we can play it by ear on our next one.
For Costa Rica- Nicaragua 2012 we have a hostel reserved for the first night. After that we are going to use a general itinerary as a guideline and find places to stay as we go. This will allow us the flexibility to change our plans and add/skip towns as we go along.
We have pretty much done this for every new country we visit. We go once with reservations to get a feel for how flexible we can be on subsequent trips.
Additionally, as previous posts have mentioned, I love Lonely Planet guidebooks. Nothing sparks my imagination more than seeing shelves of new destinations waiting to be explored. Now you don't necessarily have to go with LP but definitely feel free to find a guidebook that fits your style of travel. Just remember to use these as guidelines, not strict must dos. There are plenty of wonderful things to see, people to meet and activities to try that are outside of the guidebooks.
Here are a couple general tips to remember:
- Call your credit card company to inform them of your travel plans so your cards don't get stopped as soon as you make a foreign transaction. Also ask them of any fees they charge for currency exchange.
- Call your insurance company to see how long you are covered overseas. If your coverage runs out, get travel health insurance!
- Keep all your travel plans (itineraries, reservations, etc.) in one place like a designated folder or drawer.
- Print out a copy of any hotel or flight reservations for each person travelling.
- Make copies of important documents such as passports and other forms of identification and keep them somewhere separate from the originals. If your originals get stolen, it will be easier to replace and in some cases you can use the photocopies instead of the originals (like to give your passport number to a hotel or traffic cop).
Question Number 1...
How do we afford to take these trips?
1. We make a very strict budget and stick to it. Also, travel isn't all that expensive if you are willing to put up with a few inconveniences and are prepared to deviate from a perfectly structured vacation. We are shoestring travelers which means we are prepared to lug our 25lb packs around for an extra half hour to find somewhere $3 cheaper a night to stay. It means we bargain down an item that costs $2.50 until we hit that $2 mark. It means we opt for the jeep-boat-jeep option instead of taking in country flights. Some of these things are probably ridiculous (the haggling) but there are also ways to get cheaper (if you can put up with mice on the ground or have the patience to take local buses that are likely to break down for 4 hours en route you can save even more). Our last trip to Costa Rica was actually quite full of splurges: comfortable shared shuttles, tour guides, and private double rooms. Even so, staying cheap is easy when you travel to "cheap" countries. You can easily spend more in Europe in a week than you would spend in Central America for a month. We pick destinations that maximize our dollar.
Our strict budget also means that we do not buy many souvenirs. What we do buy are from local markets, vs. gift shops, and are things we would actually use once we get back home. In addition, we have spent whole days shopping around for that one item we decided we had to have. Our guidebooks become our main souvenirs.
Our next money saving tip: do use budget/ shoestring guidebooks as a starting point. I want to emphasize that these are to be a starting point because most travelers will jump down my throat for insisting on using guidebooks. However, having an idea of what things should cost, what the most efficient way to get around, how a town is laid out, hostel price ranges, etc. will save you a lot of money in the long run. While we do enjoy just showing up and figuring it out as we go, having guidelines and some knowledge of what you are getting in to will help enormously. This also means knowing the exchange rate for the country you are visiting ahead of time, knowing whether you will be charged more if you pay in American dollars or local currency, knowing if taxis use meters or rely on a price decided up front, etc. This research should be enjoyable, so start enough ahead of time that you do not feel stressed or rushed and you peruse guidebooks, the internet, and talk with fellow travelers about your upcoming plans.
(See later budget post for trip-specific budget information)
1. We make a very strict budget and stick to it. Also, travel isn't all that expensive if you are willing to put up with a few inconveniences and are prepared to deviate from a perfectly structured vacation. We are shoestring travelers which means we are prepared to lug our 25lb packs around for an extra half hour to find somewhere $3 cheaper a night to stay. It means we bargain down an item that costs $2.50 until we hit that $2 mark. It means we opt for the jeep-boat-jeep option instead of taking in country flights. Some of these things are probably ridiculous (the haggling) but there are also ways to get cheaper (if you can put up with mice on the ground or have the patience to take local buses that are likely to break down for 4 hours en route you can save even more). Our last trip to Costa Rica was actually quite full of splurges: comfortable shared shuttles, tour guides, and private double rooms. Even so, staying cheap is easy when you travel to "cheap" countries. You can easily spend more in Europe in a week than you would spend in Central America for a month. We pick destinations that maximize our dollar.
Our strict budget also means that we do not buy many souvenirs. What we do buy are from local markets, vs. gift shops, and are things we would actually use once we get back home. In addition, we have spent whole days shopping around for that one item we decided we had to have. Our guidebooks become our main souvenirs.
Our next money saving tip: do use budget/ shoestring guidebooks as a starting point. I want to emphasize that these are to be a starting point because most travelers will jump down my throat for insisting on using guidebooks. However, having an idea of what things should cost, what the most efficient way to get around, how a town is laid out, hostel price ranges, etc. will save you a lot of money in the long run. While we do enjoy just showing up and figuring it out as we go, having guidelines and some knowledge of what you are getting in to will help enormously. This also means knowing the exchange rate for the country you are visiting ahead of time, knowing whether you will be charged more if you pay in American dollars or local currency, knowing if taxis use meters or rely on a price decided up front, etc. This research should be enjoyable, so start enough ahead of time that you do not feel stressed or rushed and you peruse guidebooks, the internet, and talk with fellow travelers about your upcoming plans.
(See later budget post for trip-specific budget information)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Trip Planning (Budgets, Reservations, Itineraries and More)
In our travels so far I have been asked a few common questions:
1. How can you afford to take trips like this? (subtext: you just graduated college and barely employed--how the f*** do you not just spend all your money on booze and rent??)This is usually followed by "I wish I could travel" (Well, you can!)
2. How do you plan for trips like this? (subtext: I get overwhelmed when I even look at Travelocity's hotel lists, where do you start?)Usually followed by "Wow, you're so good at this, you should do this as a job" (Ha, I wish)
3. Aren't you scared? (subtext: Don't you worry about being kidnapped and held by terrorists in the jungle?)
I will now try to tackle these questions in the next couple posts and outline our travel strategy, giving details with our upcoming trip to Costa Rica- Nicaragua.
1. How can you afford to take trips like this? (subtext: you just graduated college and barely employed--how the f*** do you not just spend all your money on booze and rent??)This is usually followed by "I wish I could travel" (Well, you can!)
2. How do you plan for trips like this? (subtext: I get overwhelmed when I even look at Travelocity's hotel lists, where do you start?)Usually followed by "Wow, you're so good at this, you should do this as a job" (Ha, I wish)
3. Aren't you scared? (subtext: Don't you worry about being kidnapped and held by terrorists in the jungle?)
I will now try to tackle these questions in the next couple posts and outline our travel strategy, giving details with our upcoming trip to Costa Rica- Nicaragua.
"The Peace Corpse" by Andy Christofferson
I just wanted to give a quick recommendation of this book. This unfiltered look at life in the Peace Corps (in Tanzania) is quite literally laugh out loud funny. The usual optimism found in accounts of volunteer trips is replaced with cynicism and a harsh, opinionated narration. The unforgiving descriptions of misunderstandings between cultures, sarcastic commentary, and self professed lack of tact all make Andy's writing not only hilarious but unabashedly honest. Reading this I felt that I got a realistic look into what it would be like to give up all your daily comforts to live in the middle of nowhere in Tanzania. There was no sugar coating in this book---Andy wasted no time telling you how much it sucked. I loved it, made me wanna join the Peace Corps even more. Digital edition is available for $3- read it!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Bismarck for Christmas
Charlie's Café in Freeport, MN
Biscuits and gravy, caramel rolls, milkshakes, pie, all day breakfast. A, wonderful respite to make a long, scenery-less drive a bit more exciting. Also the only time I really like exploring small town middle America- road trips!
Since its almost Christmas there is a large nativity scene in the center of town and Christmas music blaring from speakers attached to every street light (next to the light up snow flakes). Almost makes me wanna hang out for awhile and get to know these people with so much Christmas spirit...but its time to get back in the car.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Lonely Planet vs. Rough Guides
I am definitely in the Lonely Planet camp. Every place we go (and some we don't) I make sure to get the Lonely Planet guide for. Sometimes not just for the country but for the region too. Not to mention those awesome coffee table and travel writing books. The forum isn't bad either. Since we don't buy many souvenirs, guidebooks act as a sort of memento from a trip. As they get marked up and worn out they remind us of where we've been, the mishaps we've had and how far we deviated from "the plan."
Starting at hotels in the Lonely Planet books has led us to some great places to stay and some amusing situations. Usually the one's in the book are full but there is a place next door, or a place owned by a cousin of a friend of a friend that has space available. Where would we be without LP in these cases? We almost never actually end up at the places in the book, but would never have met the hash smoking police officers in Chefchaouen or Franklin, the comedian/ tour guide, in Costa Rica had we not started with LP.
That being said, Rough Guides makes for a much better read. As an owner of Rough Guides "First Time Around the World", I can say that I am much more likely to read RG cover to cover than LP. Their snarky writing style and anecdotal stories make for great armchair travel and inspiration finding. If I had the money (and shelf space), I'd buy both!
My biggest complaint about Rough Guides is they don't give costs of hotels, food, etc. I know these things change quickly, but even LP's estimates give me a much better idea of what I am going to spend than $$ rankings or systems used by most other guides.
Check out our past trips!
Starting at hotels in the Lonely Planet books has led us to some great places to stay and some amusing situations. Usually the one's in the book are full but there is a place next door, or a place owned by a cousin of a friend of a friend that has space available. Where would we be without LP in these cases? We almost never actually end up at the places in the book, but would never have met the hash smoking police officers in Chefchaouen or Franklin, the comedian/ tour guide, in Costa Rica had we not started with LP.
That being said, Rough Guides makes for a much better read. As an owner of Rough Guides "First Time Around the World", I can say that I am much more likely to read RG cover to cover than LP. Their snarky writing style and anecdotal stories make for great armchair travel and inspiration finding. If I had the money (and shelf space), I'd buy both!
My biggest complaint about Rough Guides is they don't give costs of hotels, food, etc. I know these things change quickly, but even LP's estimates give me a much better idea of what I am going to spend than $$ rankings or systems used by most other guides.
Check out our past trips!
Daily Travel Inspiration: December 22, 2011
Things that made me want to travel today:
Lonely Planet's "A House Somewhere: Tales of Life Abroad"
Turning that vacation destination into your new home takes a lot of guts but here are some stories about why it can be worth it.
This picture hanging in my office:
Researching human rights violations has taught me how important collective historical memory can be. Accurately remembering the past, and the horrors that human beings are capable of inflicting upon one another,can help create a better future. Travelling to and understanding the history of a country can help contribute to that collective memory, making sure the past is never forgotten but never repeated. Monuments, museums, and art pieces can be just as important as accountability and making reparations. I urge travelers to understand the historical context they are stepping into in visiting any foreign country. Understand what effect this may have on the people around you who are welcoming you to their home. Understand how you or your own country may be involved in this history. Take the time to support the museums and monuments that preserve this.
http://www.odhag.org.gt/html/Default.htm
Lonely Planet's "A House Somewhere: Tales of Life Abroad"
Turning that vacation destination into your new home takes a lot of guts but here are some stories about why it can be worth it.
This picture hanging in my office:
Researching human rights violations has taught me how important collective historical memory can be. Accurately remembering the past, and the horrors that human beings are capable of inflicting upon one another,can help create a better future. Travelling to and understanding the history of a country can help contribute to that collective memory, making sure the past is never forgotten but never repeated. Monuments, museums, and art pieces can be just as important as accountability and making reparations. I urge travelers to understand the historical context they are stepping into in visiting any foreign country. Understand what effect this may have on the people around you who are welcoming you to their home. Understand how you or your own country may be involved in this history. Take the time to support the museums and monuments that preserve this.
http://www.odhag.org.gt/html/Default.htm
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Top 10 (well, 7) Travel Movies
My favorite travel inspiration movies (that I have seen so far):
1. City of God: Beautifully made movie that will make you feel like you've been given a glimpse of the authentic side of life in Brazil.
2. The Art of Travel: Somewhat cheesy in parts but definitely inspires leaving behind expectations and obligations to seek adventure and fulfillment.
3. Motorcycle Diaries: What could be better than young Che on a motorcycle travelling through South America?
4. Into the Wild: Although not the ideal ending, I feel that many travelers share this sentiment of wanting to shed ties and restraints and venture off "into the wild."
5. The Beach: Classic backpacker film about discovering something completely hidden.
6. The Machine Gun Preacher: Not exactly about travel but about a man who gives up his life to go halfway around the world to help people.
7. Y Tu Mamá También: Travel, sexual frustrations, and friendship.
8. ???
9. ???
10. ???
1. City of God: Beautifully made movie that will make you feel like you've been given a glimpse of the authentic side of life in Brazil.
2. The Art of Travel: Somewhat cheesy in parts but definitely inspires leaving behind expectations and obligations to seek adventure and fulfillment.
3. Motorcycle Diaries: What could be better than young Che on a motorcycle travelling through South America?
4. Into the Wild: Although not the ideal ending, I feel that many travelers share this sentiment of wanting to shed ties and restraints and venture off "into the wild."
5. The Beach: Classic backpacker film about discovering something completely hidden.
6. The Machine Gun Preacher: Not exactly about travel but about a man who gives up his life to go halfway around the world to help people.
7. Y Tu Mamá También: Travel, sexual frustrations, and friendship.
8. ???
9. ???
10. ???
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