Rolf Potts's Blog, page 2
June 7, 2016
Vagabonding Field Report: Chiang Mai 2016
Chiang Mai radiates the essence of Thailand. Located in the northern province, the atmosphere is laidback and relaxing. It’s a lovely place to stop and spend a month living, as we are currently doing. Within the city, there is an abundance of gorgeous temples and lively markets. In the Chiang Mai region, food reigns supreme. Most Thais consider the food of this area to be the best in the country. There are countless activities to fill your days, including visits with elephants, hiking excursions, rafting, Muay Thai boxing matches, cabaret shows and cooking classes, just to name a few.
Cost/day:
I’ve actually been keeping a pretty serious running tab of all our expenses during our month here! It’s amazing how inexpensive we are able to live. For your reference, we are a couple, we are living in an Airbnb 15km outside of town. It’s a small bungalow (just gorgeous, and equipped with A/C!) on a property with 2 swimming pools, lush gardens, and 12 other bungalows. We pay $15/night for our accommodation. We are renting a scooter for $2/day, this is our main transport for getting into Chiang Mai city center, which we do 2-3 times a week. Delicious Thai food from the street vendors down the road costs $1 per meal. Tickets to a Muay Thai boxing match or a ladyboy cabaret show cost about $8 – $9 per ticket. Dinner at an organic western restaurant will set you back about $6 – $8 per person. A can of beer from 7-Eleven is $1, a large bottle of Chang beer at a bar is $2 – $4. A 60-minute Thai massage is $4 – $5. Overall, our average daily expenditure has been $50/day for 2 people (this is including accommodation), so $25/day on average per person. Our cheapest day was $25 total for both of us (incl. accommodation, we hung out at the pool all day & ate locally), our most expensive was $90 (we went shopping at the market, drank a lot, ate everything we wanted, went to a cabaret show).
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen lately?
Cockfighting! It’s crazy to experience, and will make you feel all kinds of weird, but the local Thai men love it. We first arrived to our accommodation on a Thursday, which apparently is cockfighting night at the venue just next door. I’m a photographer, so I have developed this ability to remain objective, restraining all emotional bias, and just get in there and take the shot. But the energy at the cockfighting tournament was intoxicating. Imagine 400-500 guys (no women at all, except for the few serving drinks, apparently it’s a sport only guys can get into) yelling, drinking, laughing, and matching their prized roosters against others. These men take pride in their roosters, cleaning them between matches, bandaging their wounds, almost like a Nascar pit crew performing maintenance. Now this isn’t the illegal cockfighting you might find in Mexico or Indonesia, where I’ve been told people will strap razor blades to talons and roosters will fight to the death. This is a legal operation, where birds fight for a designated amount of time and both walk away at the end. Some birds live for years and years. That said, it can be difficult to stomach, fights usually result in bloody wounds.
The cockfighting match was complete cultural immersion. In a bizarre way, it represented something we all crave when travelling… being completely immersed in a local cultural event that is so unlike anything we could ever experience back at home. No other foreigners were there, and no one spoke English. It was also challenging because it really forced me hold back any prejudices or prior formed opinions and just observe what’s happening, appreciating the experience for its intensity and the cultural insight on display.
Describe a typical day:
I wake up around 8am, I like the mornings here because they are cooler. We are in the hottest time of year right now for much of Southeast Asia, before the monsoons begin in earnest at the beginning of June. Breakfast consists of coffee and fruits. I’ll spend some time running through emails and Instagram (I’m kind of addicted to Instagram right now haha!). I am living outside of the city center, so I may ride to town on my scooter for sightseeing, there are so many beautiful temples in the old town. There are also incredible Thai massage places there too. If I remain at home, I may spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool, or just inside my bungalow in the A/C working on photography projects. Lunch and dinner usually come from the local village street vendors. They specialize in a dish called Khao Soi, which is an egg noodle dish with curry & coconut sauce. The evenings are cooler again, so I may go to a night market for shopping, or some other kind of entertainment like Muay Thai or cabaret shows.
Describe an interesting conversation you had with a local:
The Thai owner of our bungalow has a great sense of humor and speaks enough fragmented English to communicate most things. He has a funny way about him that I think is a bit different from other Thais… he’s very much a man in control and can be a bit abrasive for Thai standards. But I like this, and have enjoyed observing his demeanor. He takes great pride in his customers and would do anything for us, from organizing the best seats at the boxing match, to communicating in Thai over the phone to a taxi driver how to drive us back home at 2am, to bandaging up wounds from a dog bite. One of the funniest things about him is that he owns a pet iguana. The iguana lives in a cage by the swimming pool. Each night, he is taken out of his cage, and the owner plays with him, feeds him vegetables with a spoon (apparently he used to feed by hand but the iguana would bite), and even drops the iguana in the pool to swim around. It’s really hilarious and kind of weird to watch.
What do you like about where you are? Dislike?
The heat has been a challenge. Like I said, April-May in Southeast Asia is HOT. The forecast right now says 106F (41C) each day for the next week. I’ve had to just adjust my schedule, avoiding the mid-day heat when possible.
Something else I’d like to point out… we are staying outside of the Chiang Mai city center, which we like. Although we enjoy our occasional visits to the old town, we have found it to be very dense with tourists. I’m not sure if it’s a popular time of year, or if Chiang Mai is just on everyone’s travel itinerary, but we’ve found it to be slightly off-putting. If you are planning on spending extended time in the area, I would recommend finding accommodations in one of the many small villages outside of town (perhaps with a swimming pool and some gardens.) The city center will be an easy scooter ride away. You’ll just have a more local experience this way.
Other than that, daily life in Chiang Mai can be very laid-back and thoroughly enjoyable. And it can also be very cheap, so I’d absolutely recommend it for a longer-term stay, especially for digital nomads or those seeking a potential retirement destination.
What new lesson did you learn?
A little language goes a long way. Learn how to say hello and thank you in Thai. Learn how to order your iced coffee with no milk and sugar, or however you prefer. Learn how to say “This is delicious!”… that last one has gotten me so much mileage. Thai people are very friendly and love to laugh. And they especially love foreigners. Show them you have taken the time to learn about their culture and language, it will be very much appreciated and reciprocated.
Also, a practical tip… if you plan on staying here for more than 30 days, check on your visa options before leaving home. It will be easier and you might save a bit of money.
Where next?
Next, we are heading to the islands and beaches in the south of Thailand. After that, we aren’t sure. In effort to avoid some of the heat, we may head to the mountainous areas of China.
Kevin Short is a photographer based in San Francisco, photography allows him to view the world through the eyes of a traveler. His work captures the lightness, vibrancy, and humor associated with the journey. Follow him on instagram: totally_kev web: totallykev.com blog: postcardsfromyonder.com
Original article can be found here: Vagabonding Field Report: Chiang Mai 2016
June 2, 2016
Case Study: Kevin Short & Katie Heller
Names: Kevin Short & Katie Heller
Website: www.postcardsfromyonder.com
Ages: 30 & 29
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Quote:
Kevin: “All your life / You were only waiting for this moment to arise” -Paul McCartney
Katie: “If it’s not fun why do it?” – Ben & Jerry
How did you find out about Vagabonding, and how did you find it useful before and during the trip?
Kevin: I read Rolf’s book years ago, and have actually re-read all or portions periodically since. I used to read the blog in moments of distraction during the workday at my office job. The Vagabonding case studies in particular were useful for me when dreaming about my own journey. They helped to kind of just built up my confidence to leave home and travel for an extended period of time. Sometimes you just need someone who’s done long-term travel to tell you it’s ok to pick up and go. (This is me telling you it’s ok to pick up and go 
May 31, 2016
5 baby-friendly destinations for baby’s first trip
The road is beckoning.
Your wanderlust has woken from its brief nap during pregnancy. Now you want to smell the planes’ exhaust permanently lingering in the airport, wake in an unfamiliar bed in an unknown city and venture to find breakfast. You need to travel.
Only this time a new partner in crime will accompany you: your under-one-year-old baby.
Introducing your child to the grand world is a great privilege. While I believe that nearly any destination is suitable for a baby — given the right attitude from you as the parent — setting off on your first trip with baby can be daunting.
Similar to your first trip, there are some nerves involved. It’s hard to know what to expect with baby + travel. You can stack the odds in your favor by picking a baby-friendly destination for your first trip.
Aim for one that fulfills these four criteria:
Short flight of less than 2 hours
Flexibility in activities at destination to change plans if baby needs a longer nap
On a road trip, break up driving time into 2 hour chunks to give baby a break from car seat
Privacy in accommodations for naps, noise from other guests or crying baby, or crawling room
Here are five baby-friendly destinations for a baby under 1 year old:
1. Boston, Massachusetts
Leave the stroller at home for this city. Thanks to its extensive public transportation system and walkable neighborhoods, you can visit every tourist attraction, cute local pub, or wander at will through the historic cobblestone streets. And you won’t have trouble finding restaurants open at odd hours if your schedule gets thrown off and you’re hunting for dinner at 11pm.
Opt for a baby carrier for easy sightseeing, letting baby snooze comfortably close to mom or dad. Plus, Boston doesn’t get super hot so no concern about baby getting overheated.
Enjoy utter freedom to set your own agenda or skip the sites that baby will scream through (like an art museum). With this trip, book an Airbnb apartment for more privacy and create a familiar setting for a home away from home.
Check out:
Fort Warren in Boston Harbor: reachable by nap-inducing ferry, this 28 acre historic fort on Georges Island is prime opportunity for exploration. Or letting your just-learned-to-walk child run off some steam on yards of open green grass.
Boston Aquarium: let your child watch the wildlife at the aquarium where the water will mesmerize little eyes and penguins will delight
Boston’s Children Museum: this highly rated museum will indulge your child’s imagination and play — even for a baby as young as three months old
2. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
After a scenic two-hour drive from Denver, you’ll find majestic Rocky Mountain National Park.
With its snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys, I dare you to keep your rental car on the road. If baby is happiest in the car, pick this destination. You’ll spend pleasant hours in the car spotting elk and longhorn sheep herds. Or pack a picnic lunch, pinpoint a hiking trail, and hit the dirt to enjoy some mile-high hiking with snoozing baby strapped to your chest.
Book a cabin or an Airbnb rental in nearby Estes Park.
Check out:
Stanley Hotel: where Stephen King wrote The Shining during a winter snowstorm that shut down Estes Park for a few days
Peak to Peak scenic byway: aka a gorgeous way to get from Denver to Estes Park; if you have the time and want vistas, pick this option
3. Franklyn D. Resort – Jamaica
Imagine a fully-inclusive beach resort with a vacation nanny who is trained in CPR and assigned to only you from 9am until 4:40pm.
While I’m not a traveler that’s inclined towards resorts (not enough choose-your-own-adventure), this option is attractive. Your food, drink and room are included in the final price. But with this family resort, you can sneak away for Mom and Dad only time while leaving baby in your vacation nanny’s capable hands.
This baby-friendly destination is a great introduction to traveling with baby. You can marry your pre-baby traveling habits with new post-baby experiments, so you can figure out what works and what doesn’t in traveling with your baby.
Check out:
Dunn’s River Falls and Park: the gently cascading waterfall that you climb (made famous by James Bond movie, Dr. No)
Seven Mile Beach: spend a day relaxing on the pristine white sand of this beach and introduce your baby to the ocean
4. Oregon Coast
Rocky cliffs plunge dramatically into pounding surf. Trees crowd the strip of sand. Sea lions march ponderously into caves.
Welcome to the Oregon Coast: a place where you can get to know your little one’s travel spirit amidst the crashing surf and freedom to drive miles along a curving coastline. Here you can set your own schedule. The usually cooler weather is perfect for long walks with baby snuggled against your chest. Or forgo outside activities and relax inside with baby, catching up on sleep.
That’s the beauty of the Oregon Coast with an infant younger than 1 year old: explore as much as you desire or enjoy the views from your rented house.
Check out:
Newport: 2.5 hours from Portland, fishing village turned tourist stop with cute stores lining the main street. Sea lion caves are a short drive away. or hang out and grab a beer at Rogue Brewery’s outside picnic tables.
Portland, Oregon: catch a flight into this beer and bridge-loving city where the weirdness reigns and population is still young enough that bringing a baby to a brewery will fit right in
Hecta Head Lighthouse: build in 1894, this white-washed lighthouse overlooks a half-moon bay; it is 1 hour south on Highway 101 from Newport, Oregon
5. That destination you can’t get out of your mind
Think this option is rather broad? That’s the beauty of it. Sometimes there’s a destination that’s been calling to you. A place or city that you can’t get out of your head or you keep hearing about. I bet it just popped into your mind.
Take your baby there. If you take your baby someplace that you’re excited about, that feeling will rub off. You’ll have a spectacular time exploring a city you’ve been dreaming of. And if your baby gets fussy, your attitude will be “can do.”
What baby-friendly destinations have you taken your baby to?
Laura Lopuch is a copywriter and incurable traveler. She blogs at Waiting To Be Read where she helps you find your next great book to read because life’s too short to read crummy books.
Original article can be found here: 5 baby-friendly destinations for baby’s first trip
May 25, 2016
Vagablogging Field Report: Life in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is my second home. After marrying an Aussie who grew up in the suburbs of this special city, we’ve spent under a year living in the CBD and have had countless visits since. The city of sport, cafes and coffee culture thrives in the southeastern portion of Australia. Home to the Australian Open and the Formula One Grand Prix, this city, known for four seasons in a day is a haven for travelers. Between the beautiful beaches and mountains, valleys of chocolate – wine – cheese and its setting along the Yarra River, Melbourne attracts visitors from around the world. Try your hand at lawn bowls, take in a cricket match at the MCG, shop to your heart’s content at the Queen Victoria Market, expand your taste buds in Chinatown, hang with marsupials at Healesville Sanctuary, place your bets at Crown Casino or meander along the banks of the Yarra – no matter where you spend your time in Melbourne – you’re bound to want to return.
Cost/day: $40-$250
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen lately? One of my visits to watch the street artists at Southbank was met with a group of people jumping on and off of things that I wouldn’t often consider jumpable. It turned out to be a parkour group consisting of young kids, teenagers and adults practicing their talents and skills on the cement pillars beside the Yarra. Up, down, right, left – while keeping all bones in tact, they zigged and zagged till their hearts content.
What are two great day trips?
For a beach day I like to head to St. Kilda. The #96 tram runs all the way from the CBD to the beach. Grab a MYKI card and jump aboard. On Sundays you’ll find the craft market along the esplanade. Wile away the hours reading, people watching or shell collecting as your feet run through the sand or get your scare on at the seaside Luna Park. Then head up to Acland Street for fun food and eye-catching desserts at the famed cake shops.
For a full day of outdoor fun, take public transport or hop a ferry to Williamstown. Wander the water to enjoy the picturesque scenery amidst the grandeur of water crafts, shop at the boutiques, enjoy an ice cream or other sweets, chat with locals and take in the sights and sounds of this seaport village. There are walks and seaplanes, cannons and towers, markets to shop and sand castles to build. A day spent at this seaside spot is a memorable one.
Describe a typical day: A typical day in Melbourne for me involves a lot of walking. For many, it begins with a coffee from one of the many baristas in the city. My husband’s favourite hot drink is a long black from Pie Face while I prefer a hot chocolate from Hudson’s or Gloria Jeans. As the city awakes, people flock to the CBD heading towards cafes, offices, parks, yoga classes, gyms, sight-seeing, rowing clubs and shops. Some mornings I head up to the Queen Victoria Market for some fruits, vegetables and possibly a borek from one of the busiest stalls in the deli section. Amidst hours of writing at either my favourite spot on the banks of the Yarra, the city’s central library or in a local coffee shop, I’ve been known to grab a yoga class, walk ‘the tan’ (a walking track at one end of the city) or people watch in Southbank. Lunch may consist of a couple of sushi rolls or some semblance of a salad or wrap while dinner could be a veggie burger, a stop at the 24-hour Greek diner, Stalactites, or one of the many delicious Asian restaurants all over the city. If I’m feeling a craving for dessert, there could be a stop at the Lindt Cafe or Max Brenner’s Chocolate Shop.
Describe an interesting conversation you had with a local: While living there, we were lucky to have friends from various places. Rachel helped me find yummy treats in the hidden laneways, learn my way around the CBD and explained the best spots to shop for discounts (DFOs) while Emma taught me baking measurements, took me to all the best chocolate spots and shared information about the Australian education system.
What do you like about where you are? Dislike?
I love Melbourne. Each time we visit, we see something new. The variety of food options never ceases to amaze me, while the ease in life is apparent in everything. The cafe and coffee culture is evident everywhere. If it’s warm, there are people eating outside and when the weather changes (which it’s more or less guaranteed to do), there are still people sitting outside (under activated heaters). Everything in the city center is in walking distance including access to trams and two major train stations (Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station). There’s theater and sport, food of all kinds, water and beach access and people enjoying life in their own way. Also, unlike prices on clothing and other things in the US, taxes are built into the total price of a product. If a pair of jeans says $50, that’s the total price of the item.
There’s not much about Melbourne that I dislike except prices. Food and clothing are often far more expensive than in other parts of the world.
What are your four favourite quick food stops?
Grill’d: Burgers and chips (My favourite is the Garden Goodness and a regular chips with herbed mayo)
Pie Face: pies and rolls (My favourite is the spinach roll, while the husband’s favourite is a chunky steak pie)
Sushi rolls (anywhere where it looks fresh) … check out Sushi Hub on Swanston Street
Spud Bar: (in the food court at the Emporium) Baked Potatoes plus toppings
Describe a challenge you faced: Having grown up in the United States, switching over to systems of Metric and Celcius was a bit of a learning experience. The first time I wanted to roast vegetables at home, I called a chef friend of my husband’s for assistance, since I knew that 400 degrees was not an acceptable option.
What new lesson did you learn? I learned that I loved living in a small city. Melbourne was the first city in which I ever lived. Although I spent much of life about an hour outside of Manhattan, I never lived in the center of a city. Only blocks away from major train stations and steps away from the trams, within minutes, I could be on my way to a grand adventure. The water creature in me was satisfied with a wander by the Yarra and the knowledge that within a ten minute tram ride on either the #96 or #109, I could plop myself on the sand beside the sea. Nightlife is available, markets are aplenty, everywhere is walkable if you have the time and life was constantly happening all around me. Living in Melbourne taught me that not only COULD I live in a city and in a place other than New York, but that I WANTED to live in a city and that life abroad made me happier than I expected.
Where next? After leaving Melbourne on this trip, we headed to the Red Centre for a five day outback excursion then a few days in Toronto, Canada and a week with family in New York. Next up: a one month road trip across the US back to San Diego.
To learn more about our continuing adventures, check out my blog.
Original article can be found here: Vagablogging Field Report: Life in Melbourne, Australia
May 17, 2016
Things you can’t miss in NZ
New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud, is full of epic mountain vistas, rolling green hillside, and azure colored lakes.
New Zealand respects their land, and rare ecosystem more than any other country I’ve visited.
Overall, New Zealand is hands down one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world.
Here are some of my favorite New Zealand points of interest, and experiences you simply can’t miss on your visit to these stunning Islands.
Auckland
The biggest city in the country has a population of only 1.5 million people. Auckland is known as the city of sails because, and it is said that one in four residents in Auckland own a boat. Of course, this means it has an incredible harbor to explore, great seafood, and some quaint little shops. Auckland is a big city but certain parts still retains a small town feel.
The Shire
For Lord of the Rings fans, like myself, this is one place you simply cannot miss. Wandering the green hills of Hobbiton, and the shire is a fantastic way to spend a few hours in New Zealand.
The only way to visit Hobbiton is by purchasing a 2-hour tour. It isn’t the cheapest thing to do in New Zealand so I would only recommend visiting if you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece.
Queenstown
Queenstown is my favorite city in New Zealand. The city is in the shadow of the Remarkables, a towering mountain range that is world renowned for it’s snowboarding and skiing. The downtown area of Queenstown has a small ski town feel about it and has a friendly atmosphere.
Queenstown is home to Fergburger, and Devil Burger which travels guides have called the best Hamburgers in the world.
Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world. There are hundreds of adventures to do in and around the city. Want a death-defying boat ride? Queenstown has it. Want to do one of the biggest bungees jumps in the world? Easy, just head to the Nevis right outside the city. You’ll never get bored in Queenstown. And it is a city I fall more and more in love with every time I visit.
Wanaka
Wanaka has a lot of the same adventures that Queenstown offers. You can skydive, fly stunt planes, or just relax under the trees by the lake. Wanaka doesn’t have the ski town feel like Queenstown. Instead, the city has a small town and homey feel to it. Whether you are looking to escape the crowds, skiing, and snowboarding, adrenaline filled adventures or place to recharge your travel batteries Wanaka is an excellent choice.
New Zealand is a country that offers epic adventures, unforgettable landscapes, and memorable experiences. A few of my favorite experiences that I highly recommend to anyone visiting New Zealand are swimming with wild Dolphins in Kaikoura, the Tongariro Crossing in Tongariro National Park, and Kayaking to private beaches in the Bay of Islands.
New Zealand is a land of beauty and adventure. It is a country that always has you guessing what is on the other side of the horizon.These are some of my favorites places and experiences when visiting New Zealand. However, these are only a fraction of the cool places to see and visit. Some more places to check out are Frans Joseph, Wellington, Christchurch, Tekapo, and Taupo.
Stephen Schreck is a long term traveler completely in love with the beauty of New Zealand. He is traveling around the country for a year. You can check out his New Zealand photos on his travel Instagram, or Facebook page.
Original article can be found here: Things you can’t miss in NZ
May 10, 2016
7 Best baby products for travel
Let’s dispel one myth right away: that you can’t travel with your baby.
When I announced my pregnancy, the second thing people said after “congratulations” was, “better get all your traveling out of the way now. Once your baby comes, you won’t be able to go on so many trips.”
That’s a viewpoint based entirely on your mindset and attitude.
Sure, traveling with a baby will be a challenge. But traveling already presents a challenge in the form of the unexpected. On the road, you never know what will happen.
With a baby — or toddler — you still never know what will happen. That element of unknown and thinking on your feet only serves to make you a better human, parent, and traveler.
That being said, having the right gear with you can make or break your trip with your baby.
Here are the seven best baby products for travel:
This baby carrier is a favorite among parents!
You can carry your baby in three different ergonomic-friendly ways: front-inward, hip and back. And use it for three solid years: it fits newborns to three year olds. Thanks to it being 100% cotton, it’s machine washable and packs up into a small pouch.
2. Brica Roll ‘n Go Car Seat Transporter
Forget hauling your baby’s car seat through the airport while juggling your squirming kid. Instead, attach your baby’s car seat to this collapsible two-wheeled contraption and wheel them through the airport.
The wheels fold flat with a telescopic handle. It fits most major brands of car seats. And I’ve been jealous of every kid I’ve seen relaxing in one while wheeled through the airport.
3. My Little Seat Travel Highchair or Inglesina Fast Table Chair
Make any table or chair into a highchair for your baby. My Little Seat Travel Highchair is made from fabric, so you can fold it up into a small packet. Plus, it’s machine-washable.
While Inglesina Fast Table Chair folds flat, it does take up more space. But you can attach it directly to the table so Jr. has a ready-made tray-area to eat his food. Both chairs are for kids up to 35 lbs.
4. Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard
15-second set-up, backpack portability, fits as a carry-on (for 0-3 years old). How about that for powerful stats?
And the mattress lies flat on the floor. And there’s a nifty “secret” side door so your toddler can easily put himself to sleep in a perfect world.
Every savvy parent says a white noise machine is their #1 can’t-leave-home-without item. It drowns out ambient noises, prevents you from constantly hushing everyone like a paranoid librarian, and helps baby sleep.
This one comes with detachable plug-ins for every type of outlet. Having this white noise machine has changed how I sleep.
6. Urbini Humming Bird Stroller
A stroller that weighs less than seven pounds and has tall-people-friendly handles. This stroller claims to be the world’s “lightest full-featured baby stroller” and, based on reviews I’ve read, it lives up to the hype.
Plus, you only need one hand to fold it up. You can’t even argue with the price: $80.
7. Plastic zip lock bags
It’s hard to guess what the road will throw your way, and even harder to anticipate the liquid-based messes that a baby can create. Keep your dry and wet stuff separate with plastic zip lock bags.
The uses for these bags are endless! I’ve used these to wrangle my quart liquids, keep my socks organized, and pack snacks for the road. Let them be your lifesaver while traveling with a baby.
Laura Lopuch is a copywriter and incurable traveler. She blogs at Waiting To Be Read where she helps you find your next great book to read because life’s too short to read crummy books.
Original article can be found here: 7 Best baby products for travel
April 26, 2016
Finding your path
I had a friend at university who knew she wanted to be a doctor from the time she was little. Only her specialty changed a few times, but by the time medical school came around, that was officially sorted. Today, she’s a successful OBGYN living a happy life in the Pacific Northwest. I was always in awe of that focus. Another friend decided by the age of fifteen that she wanted to be a teacher and a mom. She met both of her goals and seems fully content in her life.
“Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility.” – Oprah Winfrey
My path took more of a zigzag, and I’m still finding new ways to ramble along the trail. I often wondered how my friends knew that was the path for them? Staunch in their convictions and secure in their choices, these women followed their hearts. I did the same, and for years I thought my path was set, but apparently there was change afoot. My path, set for well over a decade shifted physically, professionally, mentally and geographically. What about you? Have you found your path? Are you still on your journey? Has your path had twists and turns? Were you in control of those bends in the road or did they have a mind of their own?
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
I believe that everything is on our path for a reason, even if we don’t know it yet. People we meet, directions we choose and decisions we make form that path. For some of us, it is a set one –with limited ebb and flow and minimal stressors – often unchanging. For others the path is tumultuous and when it calms we find ourselves not wanting to anger the powers that be. And still, for others of us the stationary doesn’t work. What is the same, considered sometimes stagnant, lasts for a while until we’re yearning for a change. Perhaps it’s a theoretical one, a relationship one, a professional one, geographic one or otherwise, but that hunger has strong pull. Perhaps there were shifts beyond our control and the results force us to look for new paths and new ways – trying to remember there’s no such thing as only one perfect plan. Whatever the situation, the path continues.
“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road does not mean they are lost.” – Dalai Lama
There are times my husband and I have been hiking and it seems as if the path ends. We could go back the same way we came, head back to see if there’s a meandering direction or see if there’s some way we can push ahead to blaze a path of our own. The first is safe, but we know exactly what’s in front of us. The second has minimal risk since if we don’t like the off shoots, we could head back on the original trail. The third catapults risk to new heights since we have no idea what lays on the other side of the trees, brush or field in front of us. Perhaps it will be more of the same. Perhaps it will be better than the one we were on yet there’s always the chance that there’s danger ahead. Which would you choose?
“It is never too late to be who you might have been.” – George Elliot
I’ve often found conversations with those who’ve chosen similar winding pathways easier than those who’ve chosen the opposite. All are worthwhile, have merit, and in essence, often choosing pieces of each might truly formulate the best option for you. There’s ease in knowing you’re on whatever the ‘right’ one is for you at the time, yet angst in thinking the route you’ve wandered down isn’t the right one forever. Maybe your path is more a class 5 river rapid rather than that of a lazy river. It isn’t always easy and often the difficulty seems inescapable.
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu
A significant thing to remember is that most of us have the power to change our own path and without question, change our own attitude. It may start out as purely thoughts but might one day flourish to fruition – the possibilities are endless. Generations ago paths were more set. Many worked in one career or job for years later retiring to spend time with the ones they love, travel or take part in any of those other interests that fell outside of the time and space of work. Today, things are different. Today, many people have more than one career and more than a few various jobs in a lifetime. Many are swapping larger salaries for a more beneficial quality of life and making time for the things they love in order to find some semblance of a balance or focus that works for them – choosing to begin that second, third or fourth phase now in lieu of waiting till retirement. Whatever path you choose, be sure it’s right for you at the time – it might mean managing your own risk comfort level or heading full steam ahead to he unknown. More likely than not, you won’t ever be one-hundred percent certain, but, if you’re lucky enough to have a say in any of the direction that path wanders, it’s yours to control, yours to decide, yours to guide. Change the route, research, try, wiggle, test, stumble, scream, enjoy, stay the course – whichever you decide – find your own path.
For more of Stacey’s musings – follow her blog.
Ready plan a Round The World adventure?
Sign up for the free e-course >
Original article can be found here: Finding your path
April 19, 2016
10 Reasons 2016 is the year you should travel
If you’ve been hearing the call of the road or feeling in the back of your brain the itch to take your dream trip, now is the time to pack your bags and travel. The U.S. dollar is picking up strength, fuel prices are insanely low, and airline routes are getting cheaper. These are just a few reasons 2016 is quickly turning into the perfect year to travel.
Here are ten reasons why 2016 is an awesome year to take that long needed vacation.
Fantastic exchange rates
With the rebound of the United States economy, the USD has been gaining ground on currencies that have been beating it for years. For travel addicts, this is great news.
For US travelers, 2016 promises better rates than have been seen in years, and makes touring places like Europe, Australia, and the UK a lot more affordable to visit. Only a few years ago, the exchange rate was close to .73 Euro Cents to the dollar.
As of March of 2016, $1 USD equals .91 Euro cents. An 18 cent difference might not seem like a lot, but trust me that money adds up extremely fast. It’s extremely refreshing to know that you are getting more bang for your buck.
For places that have always been cheap like Asia, your money goes even farther meaning you can use those saving for epic adventures like scuba diving.
We now have international budget airlines
Budget Airlines are a fantastic way to travel around for a fraction of the price. Until recently, budget flights have been confined to whichever continent you are on. Yes, these airlines make getting around Europe cheap, but what about getting to Europe in the first place?
In the past, travelers had no choice but to pony up, break open the piggy banks, and purchase expensive tickets to foreign destinations.
I remember my first solo trip to Europe cost over $1,200 for a round trip ticket.
For a long time, there were no budget options available to fly across continents.
This all changed in 2012 with Wow Airlines, which started budget flights from Europe to America.
Over the years, their prices have kept dropping. Recently, they have advertised round trip tickets to Europe for as little as $300. Many other airlines have followed suit making international travel affordable and desirable.
However, traveling on budget airlines can have some limitations. Many of the flights only fly out of select cities like Boston, New York, and Washington D.C.
In 2016, WOW is expanding and opening new $99 routes to and from Europe in from the west coast of America and some parts of Canada.
They will also be opening a $99 route from London to America. Getting to and from Europe has never been cheaper.
Travel is on the rise
If you are a solo traveler, a big part of your trip will be meeting like-minded from all over the world. Luckily traveling has been growing in popularity. Even popular countries like Thailand are expecting record high tourist numbers in 2016. For solo travelers looking to make friends, this is fantastic news. The more people on the road, the better odds you have of making friends.
New airline routes
Many airlines have announced opening new routes all over the world in 2016. What does this mean for travelers?
Well, new routes mean more competition, which means more sales, and thus, lower prices.
Plus, there are some great tools out there for finding excellent deals. I often use Kayak Explore, which tracks the lowest prices throughout the world. Also never underestimate exploring the airlines personal Internet sites.
Technology is making it easier
Technology is making travel easier than its ever been before. In recent years, with the introduction of smartphones, tablets, apps, and travel companies becoming more innovative, it has never been easier to navigate your way around the globe.
Some map apps show directions even if you don’t have access to the internet. There are even apps that will pair like-minded adrenaline junkies together.
Phone companies, like T-Mobile, have an international plan that provides unlimited data and free texting in over 100 countries making it incredibly easy to stay in touch with your loved ones.
Tech is certainly changing the way we travel. People that were once very nervous about crossing over the pond, now feel the gentle nudge they needed to hit the road.
Borders are opening up
New countries are opening up, and visa laws are changing making traveling the world more accessible. The United States now has a ten-year unlimited entry visa to China, which is funny enough, the same price as a single entry visa to China. Also, travel restrictions have been lifted on Cuba, and other countries like Burma are working to make traveling a lot easier.
Traveling helps countries recover for crisis
Tourism is an important part of the overall economy for many countries including Egypt and Nepal. In the last few years, both of these countries have seen hard times; Nepal with it’s massive earthquakes and Egypt with its political situations.
When such these things happen, tourists quickly stop visiting, causing many locals to lose their livelihood overnight.
These are just a couple of examples however, many countries have seen a major decrease in tourism due to world events. When you visit countries that have hard times, you are not only exploring the world but helping the local people and the economy recover. That’s a win-win if I have ever heard of one.
Low fuel prices
Due to the recent drop in oil prices from countries like Canada and Saudi Arabia, the price of gas has plummeted many places around the world. When gas prices go down, travel cost go down, making it the perfect time to embark on that epic road trip you have always dreamed of taking.
The price drop has also made domestic flights extremely affordable in the United States and many other places across the globe.
If not now, then when?
One of the main reasons to travel in 2016 is because it’s the moment we are living! Almost every day I receive emails filled with comments such as “I want to go BUT…..”
When it comes to life, there is no BUT and no time to put your dreams on hold. You plan, save, and go. You have to make it happen because no one is going to make you go.
Perhaps the main reason you should travel in 2016 is because now you can make it happen! 2016 is the year that you should demand the most out of your life!
Travel because it is worth it
Travel opens up minds to new insights, revelation, and points of view. It teaches us valuable lessons about ourselves and completely changes our life. It has dawned on me; I’ve never heard anyone regret the trip they took however I’ve heard many people regret not making that dream trip a reality.
Travel is worth it, and you won’t regret it
All of these reasons make 2016 an excellent year to travel. When living in a world where the cycle of 9 to 5 never ends, I highly recommend taking a break away from the endless grind in 2016. Start living your dream and make this an awesome year for travel.
Stephen Schreck runs the travel blog A Backpackers Tale. He is a long-term traveler taking advantage of all the perks of traveling in 2016. Follow his journey on one of the best travel instagrams.
Original article can be found here: 10 Reasons 2016 is the year you should travel
April 12, 2016
10 Reasons to work on the road instead of behind a desk
Working online delivers privileges and freedoms that seem almost too good to believe. In fact, many days I pinch myself at how lucky I am to be able to make a living sharing my stories and advice from the road to fellow travelers and backpackers on my travel blog. Here are ten reasons why I would never trade working online to working in an office.
I can go where I want
Without a doubt, my favorite perk of working online is the absolute freedom. Working online makes the world open up wide in unimaginable ways. Not many people can say that they roam around the world going from one country to another whenever I want. While this freedom comes with certain sacrifices, it is well worth it and for that reason alone, I hope to never return to an office.
I work when I want
Another attractive perk is that I have a great deal of flexibility in my schedule. Except for the occasional Skype meeting, I have no set hours. I have the choice of waking up at whatever time I want and working, however many hours I feel like that day.
Personally, I enjoy waking up early and jumping right in because it is when I am most productive. I often put in extra hours because I am passionate about my job.
I can help people
One of my favorite things to do is to help people with their travel needs. Often people email or post a question on my site. Often it turns into a Skype call to help them on their journey. I loving inspiring and answering their questions. It is an incredible feeling to realize that I can share my passion with people all over the world.
When I was working in an office, I never felt like I was really helping people. My heart was not in it; I was there for the paycheck. For that reason, I could never return to the life of working office hours solely for money.
Because I can chase my passion
I always have hundreds of ideas and projects in the works. One of the beautiful things about working online is that many of us have the freedom to work on whatever we want. If I get bored with something, I just hop to another task. I never get burnt out because I am always focused on what is capturing my attention at the moment.
I don’t deal with office politics
One advantage about working online is that I never experience the crazy game of office politics to climb the ladder of success. Most days I am interacting with my peers, and it is always in supportive ways that help us all grow and improve.
Let’s me build my dream
One reason I am passionate about my work as a travel influencer is because it is something I built from out of my imagination. I started it, laid the foundation, and turned it into a business. At one time, A Backpackers Tale was simply a dream, however, today that dream is a reality. I love that I can help others fulfill their travel dreams while I fulfill mine. I have fought to achieve this dream, and I take enormous pride in the fact that I built it myself. After tasting the joy of building my own online business, I would struggle going back into an office, doing work for someone else, and helping to build their business. It is simply not an option.
It makes me challenge myself
Working online has come with its share of challenges. I never felt like I was growing or bettering myself working in an office. Now every day I have to learn new things, develop new ideas, and push myself to the limits. It has been hard work and continues to be; there is no time to just coast. Everyday brings a new challenge, a new adventure, and a new deadline but I love it.
Because it makes me creative
I never thought of myself as a creative person in an office, but now everything I do, from writing articles and posts to taking pictures and videos, push my creativity to new heights. To make a website and blog stand out against the noise, you have to learn to adapt to the most popular form of media while being creative and innovative with your content. My mind is constantly reeling with new ideas.
Because I need space
Working in a cubicle, I felt like a robot that got weaker and weaker as I waited for a water break every few hours. During that break, I would talk to the other robots about their robot work and waited for the day to come to an end. I didn’t feel alive. I need freedom and space. The space and freedom of working online have changed my entire life.
It gives me more time
I have always had a sense of urgency; that this life is short. I often felt time and energy were being drained from my life as I sat in a cubicle. I might just be built differently, but I want more out of life than a 5 x 5 space surrounded by three walls. I want to explore, see, and experience this wild world we live in.
We all have different passions as we travel through this life. Some are called to work in hospitals, schools, airports, and more but my office is the world, and each day promises a different view.
Stephen Schreck is a travel addict working on backpacking his way through the world one country at a time. You can follow his adventures at http://www.abackpackerstale.com/ or follow his travels on Facebook and Instagram.
Original article can be found here: 10 Reasons to work on the road instead of behind a desk
April 5, 2016
Biking Tasmania with 6 kids: Meet the Rickards
“It was time for something different,” says Jacqui Rickard. “Our kids are getting older so it was a good time.”
Thus began their adventure. Jacqui and her husband, James Rickard, hit the road with their six children (ranging in age from two to 12 years old) to spend four weeks biking Tasmania and Australia.
That was in September 2015.
They haven’t stopped yet. They spent a week in New Zealand, two weeks in Vancouver, and drove across Canada to spend five months on Wolfe Island, Ontario, before dipping south into the USA.
Traveling with one kid can bring worried frowns. But traveling around the world with six kids — the youngest being at a notoriously difficult age — is enough to make some parents sweat like a pack of wolves were chasing them.
I had the privilege of asking Jacqui and James how they make travel as a family work. They even graciously answered my burning questions about how to travel with a new baby!
James works as a remote web developer, while Jacqui heads up their kids’ home education. Tell me a bit about how you balance travel and work and school for your kids.
We brought some of our school supplies with us. Our kids love books, so library access is probably our best resource. Usually, we do our book time in the morning then get outside in the afternoon.
When you meet people and they find out you are home educating, they will lend you interesting books — or even offer their time to show you interesting things. Maple tree tapping, anyone?
You travel with your 6 kids under 12 years old. What are some of your “money and travel” tips for keeping costs low so you can continue traveling?
We cook our own food and rarely eat out. Instead, we’ll go to the supermarket and buy food that we can cook. We carry a basic kitchen set with us: bowls, plates, cutlery, some utensils and a camping cook stove.
At home, we tended to live quite frugally: older cars, opt for cheap or free activities, our kids wear pre-loved or homemade clothing, and shared a house with Jacqui’s parents.
We have two hiking-sized 4-man tents we bought for our cycle tour with sleeping bags and mats. They have probably paid for themselves in the amount we have saved by camping rather than staying at hotels or even hostels. For example in Banff, we spent $25/night for a campsite compared to $300/night for a big enough room.
We do free or cheap activities more often, with the occasional expensive one. When we go somewhere more expensive, we’ll take a picnic lunch. When we recently went skiing in Canada, taking our lunch saved about $50.
Tell me why you decided to make traveling as a family a priority.
Thinking back on my own childhood, what my family talked about most often were the trips and adventures we had. Our kids are around for a relatively short time. Let’s make it memorable!
What’s your #1 tip for parents traveling with their kids?
Get them to bed at a decent time most nights: well-rested kids are more fun than tired, grumpy ones. Travel slow, and have plenty of downtime to explore.
What was the biggest surprise you learned when traveling with kids? Or in what ways have you seen travel impact your kids?
We are complimented on their behaviour, and think that speaks to their character. It is encouraging to hear those good things. While travelling, we are so often confronted with each other’s flaws. They still complain and whine, but when the going gets tough we have seen them step up and do what is needed.
You biked around Tasmania with a 2-year old: an age that generally strikes fear into parents’ hearts. What were some of your secrets for keeping your littlest traveler happy?
Take plenty of snacks. We’d ride for 1-2 hours then have a decent break. She was toilet-training at the same time which worked surprisingly well.
Remember: the littlest legs haven’t been peddling so they’ll probably want some run around and play time. Little kids love simple things more often than fancier things. A play at the beach or park might be more beneficial than a walk through a museum.
Let’s talk gear and what makes/breaks your trip or what’s made traveling as a family much smoother. Anything you absolutely can’t forget?
Necessity is what we look for. We invest in what we think we need and ditch what we don’t. Our philosophy is less is better — with so many little children, we still need to carry it somehow.
If you are traveling with someone under three, a travel-sized Ergo baby carrier can be helpful.
If you are getting a tent, make sure it is easy to put up. There will be times when you need to set it up in the dark while it is raining when everyone is tired.
A couple just had a new baby and they want to travel with it. What would you tell them?
Babies are great to travel with! All they want is your undivided attention and you’ll be able to give them lots of that.
Plus, people are often more friendly towards you when you have babies and small children in tow. Make the most of not needing to buy them a plane ticket while they are under two years old!
Get good at breastfeeding. It is the perfect drink/food/comfort for your baby anywhere and anytime. Traveling with a baby is more simple and enjoyable when you don’t worry about bottles and formula.
Get a baby carrier like Ergo. You can use it for for a newborn up to a three year old.
Help your baby sleep anywhere by not always being at home during nap time. If your baby can sleep wherever you are, you’re good to go.
Go easy on the baby equipment: you may be surprised at how much you don’t need.
What are your hard-earned tips on making travel work as a family?
Take your time where you can as kids don’t like to be rushed. Be patient. Find good playgrounds.
Enjoy the process as much as possible. Going to a destination is nice, but enjoying the journey will make it all worth it.
Read more about Jacqui and James’ adventures on their blog, There and Somewhere.
Laura Lopuch is a copywriter and incurable traveler. She blogs at Waiting To Be Read where she helps you find your next great book to read because life’s too short to read crummy books.
All photos courtesy of James and Jacqui Rickard.
Original article can be found here: Biking Tasmania with 6 kids: Meet the Rickards
Rolf Potts's Blog
- Rolf Potts's profile
- 321 followers
