Tour groups are the 2nd grade field trips of the adult world. Matching name tags, coach buses and pee-chees packed with carefully printed itineraries are the mark of the modern tour group. Many travelers avoid tour groups because they have a reputation of being restrictive and tame, but you may [...]
There’s something about trains that inspires wanderlust in nearly every traveler. Perhaps it’s the antiquity, the gentle rocking, the slowly unfolding landscapes or the sound of the whistle. Whatever the cause, few things are as memorable as a long rail journey, especially on these trains. The Trans-Siberian The Trans-Siberian represents [...]
One of the biggest reasons many travelers are not also pet owners is the responsibility of having your animals watched after while you are off seeing the world. But, some pet loving travelers can’t resist the loyal companionship or the wanderlust and manage to merge the two together. Accommodation Most [...]
Choosing souvenirs is one of the most challenging parts of traveling. It’s difficult to find simple objects that can capture the mood, emotion and adventure of a trip abroad. Printed art is one of the best ways to remember your trip and it packs well, but it is often expensive. [...]
Having a phone while traveling can be a huge asset. You can call ahead to hostels, make reservations for trains and busses while rushing between stops and keep in touch with people back home. The problem for most travelers is understanding how international calls will affect their own cell phone [...]
Backpacking in Europe has become a rite of passage. Few self-respecting college graduates have gone without some trip to the old-country; to see where history was born and to find out about the world. Unfortunately, few backpackers go with enough foresight to prepare for a world that is wholly different [...]
Keeping friends and family updated about your travels can quickly become a real chore, both for you and those you are trying to stay connected with. Contacting people individually takes time and money. Mass e-mails are a solution, but they color and variety. One of the best ways to stay [...]
For many travelers, it all starts with a road trip. It probably started in high school, piling into whatever beat-up piece of crap you and your friends managed to buy, pooling funds from your various customer service jobs. Those first experiences inspired the traveler in you and now you’re exploring [...]
One of the great joys of traveling is exploring the foods of a foreign place. What does a bowl of pasta taste like in Italy? How much better are tacos in Mexico? But just as important as the food is the drinks that you wash it down with. Experience the [...]
The fact that theft is a concern for travelers and backpackers is an unfortunate reality, but one that deserves your consideration. In some travel situations, carrying a wallet just means that your cash/credit cards/passport are readily accessible. In these situations, carry your most important documents in secret pouches or an [...]