A Traveler's Guide to Money

Hello fellow travelers!

I was recently asked how a seasoned traveler like me deals with money 

abroad—fantastic question, right? Now, before I get started, you are probably wondering how this Virginian could be considered a seasoned traveler. Well, as of today, I have been to 15 countries and stepped foot on 4 continents. By March, I will be adding Russia to my list, which will put me at 16 countries and 5 continents. I am not saying that I am any kind of expert, but I have gained quite a bit of knowledge while traveling that may be useful. Are you still reading? Good, let’s get started! 

First thing first, a seasoned traveler should always ask themselves two very important questions before they embark on their journey: 1) where am I going? And 2) how much time do I have to plan and save? Duh, right? The reason you should consider these two questions is because each country is different (e.g. Europe is more expensive than Central America).  The answers you provide to those two questions will affect your budget. ***Tip: Planning is a great thing, but do not be scared to be spontaneous and show up at the airport for a last minute trip! 

Next, how does your bank work with traveling abroad? For instance, I have one account with a military bank thanks to my Dad. Military banks do not charge much for international transactions, which is vital to my existence! I don’t want a bank charging me excessive fees for doing something I love. My suggestion is either plan for transaction fees or look for another bank specifically for travel. ***Tip: Check with your bank about international travel! 

What is your budget after you book the airline ticket(s)? Now, take out at least two hundred dollars in cash. After the $200 is removed, what do you have left for travel expenses like food, lodging, and fun? I would suggest considering a hostel, which is full of travelers from all over the world! Not for you? Okay, well then I suggest trying to CALL Expedia or Travelocity because they offer a much better deal via the phone then booking online--this was recently discovered by B and I when we booked our tickets/hotel to Russia. Keep reading to understand what you should do with that $200 in cash.***Tip: Look around for a week or two at different sites before you book--flight prices change constantly. 

When you travel to other countries, please, I beg you not to get sucked into any of those money exchanges they have in the US, other countries, at the airports, and even outside the airports. Why? Well, let me tell you my first real experience with a money exchange place…it was my first time to Europe and I had only been to countries that took US currency (like Nicaragua) beforehand. Now, I arrive in Italy with my $200 in cash and wanted to exchange it. I found a place in one of the many crowded streets of Venice and walked up to the exchange counter. I will be honest; I did no research about the euro and went to Italy, which was the worst thing I could possibly have done! So, like I was saying, I walked up to the counter and gave the man running the exchange $200 USD and he gave me less than 110 in euros. I was like okay and signed the paper. Hello, where was that lightbulb that should have been going off? I got ripped off and they got a nice chunk of change for that exchange. Lesson learned!  Wait, what do you do with the $200 in cash if not exchange it? Keep reading!***Tip: Read about your travel destination beforehand and understand the exchange rates. Take advantage of drops in currency from other countries—makes for more affordable travel! Hence why B and I are heading to Russia. 

This brings me to my next suggestion; please take at least 1 debit card and 1 emergency credit card—American Express does not charge for international transactions (Something I recently heard from my Mom)! ATMs in other countries offer the best exchange rate because it is current at the time of the transaction! Voila! You will never need to worry about the exchange rate again! That $200 in cash is your emergency money so tuck it away in a shoe or safe. Also, now you don’t need to carry around your passport because you don’t need a passport to go to an ATM. ***Tip: Alert your banks that you will be abroad. Do not let them cut off your lifeline because you neglected to tell them it isn’t fraud.

Better yet, if you are quite interested in where technology is taking us, then I dare you to take a gander at Bitcoins while traveling to Paris or Tokyo. Bitcoins are a digital currency that is not regulated by any government. Sounds scary, huh? Well, Xapo is a company that will offer you a secure, convenient place to maintain and spend your Bitcoins. One of the many benefits of becoming a member of Xapo is that you will never have to worry about exchange fees while paying for something abroad. Xapo offers a vault and a wallet for the upmost security of your account. The vault is insured for any fraud and/or bankruptcy that Xapo may experience. Now, the wallet is like your checking account that you access from your phone. So who actually takes Bitcoins? This is a growing trend amongst small businesses due to no fees, but you can also order a debit card and use it at MasterCard or Visa accepted locations (Xapo has not officially released which card they will go with). Bitcoins could be the future for traveling! Always remember that like any bank, Bitcoins can be hacked, too. ***Tip: Check your finances while traveling abroad. Being proactive will ensure that you have the best trip and stay on top of any possible fraud!

B and I at Machu Picchu

Lastly, these are opinions that I have gained from experiencing the good, the bad, and the ugly side of traveling. I want you to find what works for you. If you like the fact that you can exchange money in our US airports and then come back to get the same exchange rate with no fee, then great—do it! (Keep the exchange receipt to do so!) Please just be smart about how much money you take with you while exploring the city you chose. Lock the rest of your money up in a safe or get creative and hide it. Don’t take all your lifelines with you to explore either—lock up that $200 emergency cash and at least one credit card. Keep your cash and credit cards safe and always check after you get back from exploring to ensure that your lifelines are still locked up. Being cautious is a necessary survival tool while traveling abroad. Consider embracing technology while traveling and try Bitcoins. Like I said, find what works for you because my advice is simply derived from my own experiences abroad.

Be smart, be safe, and be adventurous.

Me walking in the streets of Peru

Happy travels!

-Katie

Bienvenidos a Nicaragua!

Hello, fellow wanderlusters!

As of today, I landed back in the US from Nicaragua and got three hours of sleep, just in time to walk across the stage to graduate! However, that is a story for another time, another blog post.

So, lets travel into my recent adventure through Nicaragua to a small fishing village, San Juan del Sur, which is located near Rivas. San Juan del Sur is a charming little town made for young travelers and retirees alike.

B and I at the beach

Power in Central America:

On occasion, the power in Central America tends to go out, especially during rainy season. When this happens in a hostel, most travelers come out of their rooms and join together at a table with whatever they have. On my last trip, when the power went out due to lightning, the whole hostel came together with headlamps, Flor de Cana, Coca-Cola, music, and snacks. We became quite acquainted with one another and had a grand ‘ol time. Don’t be scared to make new friends! 

Tip: pack a flashlight or headlamp

Video of the Rainy Season that left us without power for 3 days! 

Exchange rate:

$1.00 US= roughly 23 cordobas 

Safety:

As I always say, travel with common sense! Always be aware of your surroundings. Never wear flashy jewelry. Do not be alarmed by the armed guards...they are there to protect. And, the people in the town are quite charming. In SJDS, I never felt alarmed or in danger.

Tip: either lock your passport up or hide it. Get creative!

Security guard at the rental car place

Where did I stay?

Hostel Esperanza

Review of the hostel:

The hostel sits in one of the best locations in San Juan del Sur. One may watch the sun set over the boat filled bay every night. As for the hostel, it is one-story and filled with charming rooms. A few rooms are private and a few are dorm rooms, which sleep about 8 people. Do not rely on air conditioning in this tiny hostel, but you may rely on the window and fans in each room.  

Sunset in front of the hostel!

The pros of the hostel:

• Free breakfast
• Free Internet
• Beach located directly across the street
• A tiny, charming courtyard
• Restaurants within walking distance
• Access to the kitchen
• Fascinating fellow travelers
• Reasonable prices (Private: $20, Dorm: ~$8-$10)
• Towels in room

The cons of the hostel:

• No air conditioning
• No television

What did I do in San Juan del Sur?

The drink of Nicaragua!

• Visited multiple beaches: Playa Maderas, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Remanso
• Ate lobster almost every night for about 200 cordobas
• Visited multiple beaches and soaked up the sun
• Watched surfers
• Danced
• Drank Nica Especial
• RELAXED

Some of my favorite places worthy of checking out:

• Playa Hermosa: $3 entry fee, but worth it for the privacy and security

• El Timon: beach restaurant with excellent lobster

• Barrio café: perfect for breakfast and coffee

• El Gato Negro: the best coffee in town

• Black Whale: a happening bar filled with great nightlife

• Tip Top: fast food chicken (I suggest eating the kids meal for 89 cordoba)

 Did you visit Nicaragua? If so, how was your experience?

Tall, and Tan, and Young, and Lovely, The Girl From Ipanema Goes Walking

Hello, fellow bloggers!  

B and I 

I am officially back in Virginia and kind of sad. However, I have stories to share and reviews to give.

Where did I stay?

I stayed in the Brothers Hostel located in Botafogo, Brazil.

Review of the hostel:

Brothers Hostel

The hostel was not very big, but it is charming in its own way. The design is similar to a townhouse and consists of three levels with a fabulous spiral staircase. A few rooms do have air conditioning and others depend on the window and cool breeze of the Rio nights. Did I mention that there are no private rooms available? The rooms are strictly dorm style, which means they consist of bunk beds. Unfortunately, the dorm style rooms do not have their own bathroom. The bathroom is a bit small and is on the first floor. The bathroom is cramped, but the water in the showers is hot! 

What I loved most about the hostel was how wonderful the employees were. Each employee knew our names and was very friendly. The owner was very charismatic and friendly. If you don't speak Portuguese, don't worry because the employees speak English too. 

The pros of the hostel are: 

• walking distance to the metro
• drugstores and supermarkets are located around the corner (about a 5 minute walk)
• lots of little restaurants within walking distance
• two bars located directly across the street from the hostel (they get busy at night, but you can stand and drink)
• common area in the hostel with a computer and free Internet
• bar in the hostel
• free breakfast until 10 a.m.

The cons of the hostel are:

Rainforest of Brazil

• cramped spaces (bathroom and common area)
• bathrooms are on the bottom floor
• no kitchen for guests to make their own meals
• no private rooms

What did I do in Rio?

• Visited the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon
• Visited the Rainforests
• Checked out the famous statue of Cristo Redentor
• Shopped in all the little boutiques around the beaches
• Visited street vendors (who sell amazing artwork)
• Indulged in desserts!
• Celebrated New Years on the beach with an amazing firework display

Cristo Redentor

Was safety ever an issue?

If you have been following me, then you know that I suggest blending-in when traveling. Only bring the money you need for the day and never wear flashy jewelry. I always suggest that you stay aware of your surroundings. Pretend like you belong there and know what you are doing (even if you don't). Use common sense when walking around during the day or at night. Follow my simple guidelines and you will survive Brazil. 

A bum that B and I bought lunch for.

As for the bums and children that wonder the streets...Well, they just want food. On occasion, it is okay to be generous and give the bums some "street meat," but if you do it too much then you will run out of money...fast. Unlike major U.S. cities like D.C. and Georgetown, homeless people in Brazil want food not money. 

Traveling to countries like this will make you appreciate what you have in life.

For more information on Rio visit Lonely Planet.

Check out how the beach of Ipanema became famous:

The Pros and Cons of Hostels

Due to the fact that I woke up early today and ate breakfast alone in my hostel, I decided to tell the story of last night.

Remember how I told you that hostels are great places to stay in? Well, they are, but like with everything else there are pros and cons. Last night seemed like another typical night in Rio, but to my surprise B and I decided to head back to our hostel (I´ll give you the run down on it later) instead of dancing. When we arrived, we went to the bar attached to get a beer before truly calling it a night and going to bed. I got up to head to the bathroom, which is attached to the common area. In this common area is a computer, a television, and couches for people to relax and be social. Or so I thought. I walked in and an older guy was on the computer and I thought nothing of it. Yet, when I walked out of the bathroom, the older guy was actually on some kind of pornographic chatsite. It took a lot for me to contain my laughter...until I got to the bar where I told B to go peak in the window. We both laughed for a while and finished our beers. Oh, no this story is not over yet. We went to watch the things remembered for 2011 on the t.v. and to my surprise the older guy was still looking at a pornographic site. We pretended like this was not happening and the room was filled with youngsters hanging out. All of us looked at each other with an awkward smile and assured each other it was really happening. Finally, an employee came in and gave the most priceless expression that I will never forget. He turned around to look at us...puzzled. He quickly walked out and got Maria, who I suppose was a type of manager. Maria came in and called the guy out into the hallway. Everyone started laughing and the older guy walked back in, but continued to look at the site. Maria came back in about 5 minutes later and yelled at him again. She eventually called him into the hallway and after he came back he logged out. In the end, Maria apologized to all of us and said, "when this happens, we try to stop it immediately." I suppose that means it happens quite often.

So, what does this teach us?
Everything has its pros and cons.

Do you have any funny stories about your adventures abroad?

Happy New Years, fellow bloggers!

Bucket List

Wanderlust: the desire to travel

I use to be like many kids…a dreamer. I always wanted to travel, but it did not become reality until about 3 years ago.

The story is, my dad passed away almost 4 years ago and that is when it hit me, life is truly short. We all have a bucket list and I chose to start crossing mine off. I decided to start with the basics, which are school and travel. I want to finish school, so I attend a University and it is my last year. On holiday breaks I travel. Yes, traveling is expensive but that is why I accepted the “backpacker’s lifestyle.” I live on the cheap and stay in hostels. Where have I traveled you ask? Well, I have been to almost all of Central America, Peru, a few Caribbean Islands, and Italy. My adventures abroad are not even close to being over. The next thing on my bucket list that slightly involves traveling is surfing. I was born in Hawaii and I don’t know how to surf. One day I will learn and cross it off my list.

What is on your bucket list?