The Ten Commandments of Travel

Once upon a time in NYC, I met an Australian couple who took almost a year off to travel the world. Currently this couple is backpacking through Spain. I'm green with envy because this couple is living the life I want...and perhaps you too. 

From left to right: James, Vanessa, Hill, me, and B
(Australians: James and Vanessa)

So, how to you plan a trip like that? 

According to Wanderlust Magazine, The Ten Commandments of Travel are:

1.             Thou shalt time your trip well: Go off-peak, or in the ‘shoulder season’ just before the masses arrive. For example, African safaris in the rainy season cost up to 40% less, and offer the chance to see more new-born animals; the Galápagos Islands in May are 20-30% cheaper than December / January or high summer – and offer warmer, calmer conditions

2.             Thou shalt not book the first trip you see:  Work out your itinerary and then compare prices from different tour operators. Use comparison websites like www.skyscanner.net to check flight prices, and an up-to-date guidebook to assess the going rate for activities on the ground

3.             Thou shalt go where the pound is strongest:  If possible, avoid the Eurozone, where the pound is weak. Instead, head for economies linked to the dollar (the US, central America) or other weakening currencies (Iceland, South Africa, Bulgaria)

4.             Thou shalt be flexible:  Be willing to fly a day earlier or two days later, or with a stopover you hadn't thought of, to save money. For example, flying to Australia on 10 December – the beginning of peak season – can cost up to £300 more than flying on the 9th

5.             Thou shalt consult other travelers: Talk to people who have already travelled to your planned destination – log on to a travel forum like our own myWanderlust or www.tripadvisor.com for recommendations and advice from real travelers

6.             Thou shalt seek out local knowledge: Many destinations offer free ‘greeter’ tours run by volunteers – a great way to save money, meet the locals, and pick up insider tips. Destinations include Paris, New York and even Thanet in Kent.

7.             Thou shalt ask – if thou dost not ask, thou dost not get: “Is that your best price?” “Are you able to offer a discount for cash?” “Could you include breakfast / an airport pickup / an activity for that price?” It’s not that hard, is it…

8.             Thou shalt book early (and late): Book budget airline tickets as early as possible, but keep an eye out for late deals on packages and tours. Sites likewww.yapta.com and www.farecast.com help you monitor fluctuations in airline fares to get the best price.

9.             Thou shalt travel to former troublespots:  Don’t put yourself in danger, but countries rebounding from political turmoil or natural disasters need you – and will lower their prices to entice you. Current bargains include Bali and Sri Lanka

10.             Thou shalt know when not to save: Some things you shouldn’t scrimp on – travel insurance, for one. And is it worth saving £50 on a flight if you end up flying from a remote airport at stupid o’clock with no meals?

       ***Yes, this list of ten commandments is from the UK, so please don't think too much about the euro! Take the advice and start planning! 

Good luck, fellow backpackers!

In the Bahamas with my 1st backpack.

Wanderlust

Hello, fellow bloggers! 


As you may know, I am infected with wanderlust. I constantly dream of far away lands and adventures that may be awaiting me. Unfortunately, I can only get treated for my wanderlust a few times a year due to school, family, and money. 


I feel that some of you may be suffering from this infection that consumes your mind, body, and soul. So, I recently stumbled upon an antidote. Are you curious to know what could possibly help cure your wanderlust that does not involve leaving your hometown? 


Okay, I will tell you the secret antidote. I stumbled upon this wonderful book that takes you to far away lands. The book is called Wanderlust: A Love Affair With Five Continents by Elisabeth Eaves. Now, now don't lose interest just yet! The antidote can be found under Travel/Memoir for $16.95 new or $7.83 used on Amazon. I suggest you hurry up and get your hands on this book because once you do, you will never want to put it down. Okay, I understand you need more information.


Book Description:


"Spanning 15 years of travel, beginning when she is a sophomore in college, Wanderlust documents Elisabeth Eaves’s insatiable hunger for the rush of the unfamiliar and the experience of encountering new people and cultures. Young and independent, she crisscrosses five continents and chases the exotic, both in culture and in romance. In the jungles of Papua New Guinea, she loses herself—literally—to an Australian tour guide; in Cairo, she reconnects with her high school sweetheart, only to discover the beginning of a pattern that will characterize her life over the long-term: while long-distance relationships work well for her, traditional relationships do not.


Wanderlust, however, is more than a chronological conquest of men and countries: at its core, it’s a journey of self-discovery. In the course of her travels, Eaves finds herself and the sense of home she’s been lacking since childhood—and she sheds light on a growing culture of young women who have the freedom and inclination to define their own, increasingly global, lifestyles, unfettered by traditional roles and conventions of past generations of women."

Critics:

"Wanderlust delivers the goods up front-motorcycles and sex and stories of places that smell nothing like your cafeteria- and then pulls off something trickier. Elisabeth Eaves shoes here that our attempts to find a different better self through travel can be immensely entertaining, but we are always already moving. Wanderlust brilliantly, carefully maps how active the heart is, even at a standstill."  -Sasha Frere-Jones, The New Yorker

Amazing Quote:

"Travel is like adultery: one is always tempted to be unfaithful to one's own country. To have imagination is inevitably to be dissatisfied with where you live...in our wanderlust, we are lovers looking for consummation."

Did you read it? If so, what did you think of Wanderlust? 

Backpacking Basics

Hello, fellow adventurers!

Have you always wanted to backpack across Europe or the world in general? I bet you wonder what it takes to be a true backpacker, right? Well, I have already given you some tips in a few earlier posts, but I have great news...

"Cheesing it" in Peru with my first
hand-me-down backpack!

The other day, I went to REI with B because he was preparing for a trip to Nicaragua and needed supplies. While I was looking around the store, I found a newsletter and decided to take it with me. I'm glad I did because now I can help you guys out. REI is hosting a class on Backpacking Basics! Yes, a class that will get rid of the uncertainty you may have about backpacking!

Description of the class:
"REI will take the mystery out of Backpacking as we share our knowledge in this show and tell session. We will cover backpacking essentials: choosing a pack; selecting proper clothing; and the right footwear; and understanding the basic gear you need to reach your destination."

Price:
FREE

In-store Locations and Dates:
1) April 4th at Bailey's Crossroads, College Park: 7 p.m.
2) April 11th at Columbia: 7 p.m.
3) April 25th at Rockville: 6:30 p.m.
4) April 27th at Timonium: 7 p.m.

Have fun becoming a true backpacker, fellow adventurers!