Travel Saftey – Using Intuition
“We’ve been robbed,” I told Ana. “All of it.” I grabbed the thief, who was no longer acting drunk at all. It was a lesson in travel safety.
It started when both my wife and I had a strong feeling we shouldn’t get on that bus in Cuenca. Neither of us said anything, because a taxi was two dollars, and the bus cost only twenty-five cents. It seems a bit TOO frugal now.
Ana found a seat, but there was no seat for me. I was packed in with the other commuters standing up. I noticed the drunk pushing his way through the crowd, randomly going this way and that, and I knew somethimg was up. I instinctively reached into my pockets to check on my money. I had just visited the ATM. The $170 in my pocket was the most cash we had carried during the entire trip. Still there. The old guy pushed against me like he was trying to find a place to stand comfortably. I checked my again.
Five minutes later some space opened up near Ana, and I moved over to her. When I reached into my pocket again, it was empty, and the other pocket was empty too. I never felt a thing. I told Ana, and saw that the old drunk was still on the bus.
We got off at the next stop, dragging the thief with us. An officer appeared, and a crowd formed. The thief was sober now, pulling his pockets out and insisting again that he was inocent. Search him, he said, and I did, but I understood now that his associate was long gone with the money, probably off the bus at a previous stop. His role had just been to distract me and push me into the right place on the bus.
He begged to be let go, and we knew we couldn’t get the money back. Nonetheless, we had the officer take him to the police station on his motorcycle while we followed in a taxi, paying with a twenty from under the sole of my shoe. Filing a complaint at least meant he would spend the night in jail, and though he would be released in the morning for a lack of evidence, his finger prints are on file now.
Travel Safety Lessons
Most likely, a money belt probably would have prevented the robbery. Closing pockets help too, although I had a wallet stolen from a zipered pocket once, and I didn’t notice until forty minutes later. Fortunately it was a decoy-wallet, put there for just such an occasion – another little travel safety trick.
Other travel safety tricks? Put your money in at least three different places, like under the sole of your shoe, in a pocket you pin inside your clothes, and in your shaving kit. Carry two credit or debit cards in separate and secure places. Carry a list of “lost or stolen” phone numbers in another place. In areas with much crime, leave expensive watches and jewelry behind.
Learn a few tricks and you can travel more safely. Our experience also shows the importance of learning to trust your intuition. That was our lesson in travel safety.
About the author:
Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For more on travel safety, plus travel stories, tips and a free e-book, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com
Tags: atm, commuters, crowd, cuenca, filing a complaint, finger prints, five cents, five minutes, intuition, lack of evidence, money, motorcycle, pockets, police station, safety lessons, strong feeling, taxi, thief, travel safety, two dollars
Travel Insurance – Do I Really Need To Buy Cover For A Holiday In Britain?
Last week my wife and I booked a seven day holiday in Tobermory on the wonderful Isle of Mull. All that grand scenery with brightly painted houses clustered around the harbour. Hands up who knows Tobermory as Balamory!
You could have knocked me down with a feather when the travel agent assumed that I wanted travel insurance for an additional £27.50. Not on your Nellie the Lock Ness monster, I thought. I can spot a rip off when I see one! Who needs insurance for a trip to another destination in Britain? The NHS is free and in an emergency, my daughter could drive up and take us home.
Later in the comfortable setting of my lounge I got to thinking …….
Holiday disasters don’t only happen abroad. So I made a list of the risks:
One of us could be taken ill before we depart and we’d be forced to cancel. As the ferries and the hotel were non-cancellable, we’d lose everything we’d paid.
My parents are getting on. God forbid, but I’d have to cancel the holiday if something happened to them just before we’re due to go.
My wife or I might be called up for jury service.
There may be a major delay at the ferry. Besides the inconvenience, we have to arrange an overnight stay in Oban.
Someone might steal our luggage
I’ve just bought an all singing and dancing camera especially for the trip. I might lose it.
If either of us were hospitalised we wouldn’t want to be stuck on Mull. We’d want to be transferred to our local hospital in Cheshire.
Then it struck me that my Home & Contents insurance would probably cover me for loss of luggage or my camera if I was travelling in the UK. I dug out the policy. Lucky I checked. I was only insured for “personal possessions” if the items were listed and as I’d only bought my camera last week I hadn’t got round to getting it documented on my policy as a valuable item.
Another point struck me. If I made a holiday related claim on my Home & Contents policy I’d lose my no claims discount. That didn’t appeal one little bit. I’ve a ten years claim free record on my H&C policy and it still cost me £305 a year. I jotted down a note to self – when that policy comes up for renewal, check out the Internet to see if I could get it any cheaper.
By now £27.50 for a travel policy was beginning to look worthwhile.
But you’ll realise I’m a bit of an old skin flint – at least my wife says so! I know, get online and check out whether the travel agents’ policy at £27.50 was competitive.
Not all the sites I visited could offer me single holiday insurance within the UK but within ten minutes I’d found what I wanted – a travel policy and a saving of over £10!
Time to read the small print to make sure I truly had the cover I needed. Great, all the risks I had jotted down were covered. They’d even pay me £30 if my ferry was delayed for up to 12 hours and then give me the option to cancel my trip and get a refund.
Now check out the exclusions – what wouldn’t they pay for? I wasn’t covered if my holiday was for less than two nights or if my holiday destination was less than 25 miles from home. I also had to pay the first £30 of any claim. All seemed fair to me.
The decision was made. Key in my credit card details and CLICK I was insured. Peace of mind restored!
About the author:
Michael writes for Brokers Online who offer most UK financial services including t ravel insurance Travel Insurance Topics
Tags: cheshire, contents insurance, ferries, god, grand scenery, holiday disasters, home amp, inconvenience, insurance, jury service, local hospital, lock ness monster, luggage, nellie, nhs, parents, personal possessions, tobermory, travel agent, travel insurance
Best Travel Accessories
Checking accessories that you need in traveling
So, finally you have found the time for your deserving break. You have already planned what to do on the big trip. Everything seems to be prepared. But what happens when you forget your favorite digicam and you only discovered it when you’re already nearing the point of your destination?
Why does it happen that every time you go out of town, you always forget an item or accessory that you only remember after you left the house? If you are lucky, you usually forget small things like a toothbrush, where you can buy one in the nearest store.
But what happens if you forget, for example, your digicam? Or how about your raincoat in a rainy season? How about the travel supplies you usually forget? If you’re lucky, it’s a simple accessory like a toothbrush, which any hotel will have in their gift shop. But what if you forgot a more important product, for example, a rain coat? Or a backpack you’ll be using for a hiking trip?
What are all the travel accessories you need?
When going on trips, whether it is big or small, check out if you have a complete set of your travel accessories. What accessories should I bring? Among the most obvious are:
- Suitcases
- Travel clothing
- Toiletries
-Travel appliances (electric razor, travel alarm, hairdryer)
These, however, are just the basic accessories. You will see that the more you travel, the more you need things other than suitcases, toiletries, and travel clothing and appliances. For example, did you think that you should have brought a small nice neck pillow in a long train ride or flight? Or, what if you get bruised from a hiking trip, do you have a first-aid kit close at hand?
Here are some accessories that you might want to bring when you take your next trip:
- Binoculars
- Music player
- Mini-flashlight
- Camera
- Clothing steamer
- Mini-umbrella
- Luggage rack
- Door alarm
- First-aid kit
It would not be surprising that you might have additional options to this list, or you might have a list entirely different from the list above. And when you check out stores and Internet sites that sell travel accessories, you would learn that there are many products out there that you thought you never needed but turned out to be the contrary!
About the author:
Jay is the web owner of http://www.airline-tickets.biz Airline Tickets, a website that provides information and resources on vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel. You can visit his website at: http://www.hotels-in.net Discount Hotels
Tags: best travel, close at hand, clothing steamer, digicam, electric razor, first aid kit, long train ride, luggage rack, mini flashlight, music player, nearest store, neck pillow, rain coat, raincoat, rainy season, suitcases, toiletries, toothbrush, travel accessories, travel alarm
Save Up To 50% When Traveling On Vacation
Did you know you can go on a 7-day cruise for half the price?
Or visit Europe for 15 days for only $2,000 per person including airfare, hotels, car rental and meals?
If you follow these steps, you can save more up to 50% in travel expenses.
1. Travel during low season. Choosing to go on vacation during low season, will save you a great deal of money on airfare, hotels, cruises, car rental and more.mThe best dates to travel are between: February – May September- the week before Thanksgiving
December 1 – 15. For example, a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean can cost around $1,000 during summer and winter but it can cost $495 during low season. A ticket to Europe can cost between $800-$1,200 during high season but you can buy it at $395 roundtrip during low season.
2. Hotels
The same applies to hotel rates.
When it comes to hotels, you should look for 3-star hotels that will offer most amenities you need at a lower price than 4 or more star hotels. You should keep in mind, that 3-star hotels are smaller, but you can find very good hotels for a great price. Keep in mind that hotels that are very near local attractions will be more expensive than hotels located 2 or 3 blocks away.
3. Attractions and Places to Visit.
Make a list of the places and attractions you want to visit and do some research. Find out about the schedules, locations, special events,etc. You’ll find out that there are certain dates during the year that they will have discounts and even free admission.
4. Restaurants
Don’t visit tourist-oriented restaurants. Instead, ask locals to recommend
family-owned or small restaurants. Not only will you pay less but the food, quality and service will be much better. Two years ago, I visited Monaco, France and we went to a small restaurant on a side street and we only paid $100 (for 4 people) for appetizers, great pasta, drinks and dessert (including tip). Not a bad price considering that Monaco is very expensive.
5. Metro vs. Taxi
In most places, there is a metro or train system which will be a lot cheaper than traveling by taxi. All you need to do is get a map and trace the route you’re going to visit and find out the train or metro you need to get on to.
By planning your vacation in advance,
choosing the best dates to travel (low
season), doing research about places and attractions to visit, going to local restaurant versus tourist-oriented ones, and using the metro or train system instead of taxis, will
save you a great deal of money and allow you to go on vacation at least twice a year.
About the Author
Maria Estarellas is the webmaster for
http://www.1mykids.com
“The Complete Website For The Whole
Family”. Her website includes parenting tips, crafts, games, school
projects and essays, music downloads, clothing, candles, hobbies for Mom
and Dad, information on how to start your own online business, beauty tips and more.
Tags: airfare, amenities, car rental, caribbean, cruise, cruises, dessert, drinks, food quality, free admission, hotel rates, hotels, locals, monaco france, pasta, restaurants, roundtrip, summer and winter, thanksgiving, travel expenses
8-Tips for Packing and Traveling Lite
How-to Pack and Travel Lite
In this day and age of traveling cephalalgia, there are a few packing tactics to employ. To cut out an extra thirty to forty minutes at the arriving airport, start with packing small luggage. Since carry-ons can not exceed a linear dimension of 45 inches, you can escape the fiasco of the baggage terminal by simply packing and traveling light. To learn how to pack all your needs into one suitcase, read more.
Use the following pithy packing tips to make your travel light:
Make a list. Compose a pack list. Be sure to coordinate shirts and blouses with bottoms. To maximize your traveling wardrobe fashion savoir faire, stick with solids and versatile basics. Rule-out any clothes that do not match other items.
Roll ‘em up please. The best way to fit all your clothes is by rolling pants and shirts. First fold each item in half. Then simply roll. To try to maintain any creases, start on the bulkiest end of the article of clothing.
Gear up. How to make an awe-inspiring impression out of a basic or mundane outfit? For the most glam appeal, accessorize with a vibrant tie (for him) or a florid scarf (for her). Multihued accessories can liven up just about any attire.
Minimize bulk. After you check for space, edit outfits – ruthlessly. Try to pack microfibers with wrinkle and stain free comfort. With most of your attire, stay in the same color scheme – in case you have to layer up for warmth.
Employ shoe smarts. For men, any leather rubber-soled shoes can make the day and night transition, easy. For woman, a pair of flip-flops, strappy sandals and comfy wedges can serve all casual – chic dressing needs.
Put under garments on the top. To reduce the embarrassment of under garments becoming the side show attraction of the open luggage scan, place all panties in a plastic bag free of any clippers, lighters or other questionable paraphernalia. For expedient security review, place the transparent bag on top of your other items so security can access the bag without ruining your efficient packing method.
Lose Extra Baggage. Leave the heavy travel guide at home. Duplicate important resources to keep your luggage free of extra pounds. Since most hotels and resorts provide irons and blow-dryers –leave yours at home for light travel.
Leave restricted items at home. If you want to make it through security extra fast, avoid any firearms, weapons, box-cutters, scissors, razors, lighters and any other item that may be used in a terrorist situation.
About the Author
Freelance writer, Holly Bentz is the owner of a media boutique, www.fruitionMedia.net. From subliminal e-sales letters, informative articles to powerfully persuasive web content, Bentz takes pride in providing awe-inspiring copy.
Tags: accessorize, blouses, cephalalgia, clothing gear, color scheme, creases, fiasco, forty minutes, garments, leather rubber, lighters, linear dimension, microfibers, packing tips, paraphernalia, security review, soled shoes, strappy sandals, travel light, traveling light
Travel Tips – Packing the Perfect Suitcase
The thrill of planning a trip will often light you up and consume all of your time. You look through guidebooks, talk to friends about their experiences, and research your itinerary on the internet. Still all this planning and research will not make the task of packing any less daunting.
Who hasn’t stood at the foot of their bed with empty suitcases spread on top, the night before a big trip, filled with anxiety because you still haven’t packed?!?! You try and try to think about exactly what you should be packed, throwing things in and then taking them out. And you wonder, why didn’t any of the guidebooks mention packing? Where are the travel tips for packing?
Well, hopefully this guide will help you, so that you can confidently pack and enjoy the moments leading up to your trip, rather than being stressed over the contents of your bag.
Luggage – I recommend taking one carry-on and one checked suitcase. Shorter trips may allow for a carry-on only, but I would never take more than one checked bag no matter how long you are traveling. Remember, when you get to your destination, you will need to carry your luggage and you don’t know how far you’ll be lugging it. While we’re talking about lugging your luggage… I would recommend selecting a suitcase or pack that had wheels, but that you can also hand carry. There are many varieties of large backpacks with wheels. The reasoning is that if your wheels break off (a common occurrence along cobblestone streets), you will still be able to carry your pack.
Shoes – Bring a pair of sneakers (or boots) for outdoor activities such as hiking, and a dressier pair of closed-toe shoes for museums, dinner’s out, or other city activities. If you are traveling to a hot locale, then also bring a pair of sandals that can go from beach to dinner. Resist the urge to bring 10 pairs of shoes!!! As someone who loves shoes, I always want to pack a wide variety… but we must avoid packing too many shoes! They take up space, are heavy, and are an unnecessary addition.
Shorts – When traveling to a hot climate, shorts are often considered a requirement. Still, remember that in many cultures shorts are not considered acceptable. For example, many museums and churches such as the Vatican will not allow you to enter if you are wearing shorts (or have exposed shoulders for that matter). Bring only a pair or two of shorts, and make sure that you have other light weight options for hot weather.
Basics – Bring enough socks and underwear to last for every day of the trip (up to two weeks) so that you will not need to do laundry. For longer trips, understand that you will likely need to do laundry on the road if you do not want to bring ridiculous amounts of luggage. As far as shirts, pants, skirts, and the rest… Bring clothes that could be worn during the day or at night, and as a general rule bring half as many items as you have days. Wearing items twice should be no problem, and you will significantly lighten your load.
Rolling – To avoid wrinkles and use your precious packing area to the max, fold your clothes in half (in the long direction), then roll as smoothly and tightly as possible. When you arrive at your destination, your clothes will unroll wrinkle-free. Stuff socks and underwear into your shoes and carefully place the shoes on top of the rows or rolled clothes.
Toiletries – Bring all of your toiletries in travel size containers. Full size shampoo bottles add unneeded weight to your pack. After selecting your toiletries, place all items into zip-lock bags. If a bottle bursts during travel, you will be much relieved to have the protection. If you are bringing make-up, keep it to the bare necessities, avoid bringing extras like eyelash curlers. Any prescription medication should be accompanied by the actual prescription and if possible, a note from your physician. Keep the medication, as well as your toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on, just in case your luggage is lost.
If you follow these basic packing rules, you will find that the process of packing and carrying your luggage will be much easier. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy your travels much easier knowing that you have brought what you need, but can still carry the load.
Enjoy your trip (and your packing!)!
About the Author
Michelle is a travel, art, and architecture buff who has recently moved to Seattle after living in Honolulu, Chicago, Gloucester Massachusetts, and Delft Netherlands. In between studying and working in design, she dreams travel and works to help others compare and select vacation options via the <A HREF=”http://www.yourlifepassion.com/”>Your Life Passion Website!
Tags: anxiety, backpacks, boots, closed toe shoes, cobblestone streets, empty suitcases, hasn, itinerary, luggage, museums, occurrence, pack shoes, pairs, planning a trip, sandals, sneakers, suitcase, travel tips, urge, wheels
Discover The Biggest Travel Secret In The World Today – And Book A Free Flight!
It sounds like a dream doesn’t it? Hopping onto a plane and taking a flight to the
destination of your choice. Imagine collecting your flight tickets to New York, London,
Goa – or wherever takes your fancy – and not having to pay a cent for them.
For a few people, this dream is actually a reality. How? Simply put they have
discovered a little travel secret – namely that a lot of companies will actually pay the
travel expenses for you to oversee their package or document from one country to
another. Now this may bring to mind images of having to smuggle a microfilm past
some dodgy russian customs ala James Bond, but the reality is nowhere near as
exciting or dangerous – which is great news for the budget traveller. The even better
news is that with a little know how, any adult can act as a courier and score free and
deeply discounted flight tickets to the destination of their choice.
It’s completely legal and can save you thousands in saved airfare every year. Courier
companies are continually on the lookout for willing travellers to carry their items
overseas. There is nothing sinister about it and nothing is hidden from the authorities -
the traveller is paid with a deeply discounted (and sometimes free) air ticket.
According to a survey by the Air Courier Association the standard saving that
travellers get when they act as a courier is 85% on the normal flight price. There isn’t
a travel agent in the world that will match such a discount.
So what are your responsibilities as a courier? Well it’s as simple as turning up to the
airport on time and meeting the courier companys representative at the destination
airport. As soon as you walk through the customs area at your destination, your job is
over.
What are the drawbacks of this deeply discounted travel? Well for a start you’re
probably only going to be allowed one carry on bag as your luggage – so learning how
to travel light & pack efficiently is essential. It’s also important to have some degree of
flexibility in terms of when you’re able to fly, though usually you can get many flights
comfortably in advance. You also need to be at least 18 and obviously have a valid
passport.
Assuming you’re ok with these drawbacks, you can really fly to just about any
destination at incredibly low costs. You can learn more about how to be a courier at
http://www.global-ebooks.com/TravelFree.htm or if you are looking for more budget
travel tips check out http://www.my-online-powerpack.com raveldiscount.htm
Ready to go? The whole world awaits you!
About the Author
Discover how to travel at great discounts & even for free at:
http://www.global-ebooks.com/TravelFree.htm
For the best travel newsletter in the world today including destination reviews & regular deep discounts send me a mail to tukshad@global-ebooks.com
Tips For Traveling With Kids
TIPS ON HOW TO ENJOY TRAVELING WITH KIDS
Thinking twice on bringing your kids along when you travel? Traveling with children need not be stressful. Here are few tips on how you can enjoy your trip with less trouble and more fun.
*Plan with your kids Get the opinion of your kids, this way they can get involved and get excited about it. Children have limited attention span and can easily get tired. Choose simple but fun activities.
*Things to bring Bring along disposable stuff like diapers instead of cloth. You can rent out strollers or pram which is more convenient than bringing along bulky equipments. Remember to pack any medication your children need and a first- aid kit. If with an infant, bring sterilizing equipment for bottle- feeding.
*Keep them busy Make the trip enjoyable for the kids by bringing along their favorite toys. Do not allow them to read on the road, this may add to motion sickness and constrain the eyes.
*Be safe on the road When in a car, be sure that seatbelts are securely in place. Remove unnecessary things on top of the car ledge, they might fall over and hit your kids when you suddenly step on the break. If traveling in a public vehicle, keep your children on your lap or beside you. Crawling or walking around might cause them to fall.
*Avoid motion sickness Most children complain of being dizzy and sick while traveling, usually on a ship or a boat. If on the road, you can prevent this by planning several stopovers. Open you car windows to let in some fresh air. Before the trip, be sure that your children took a snack. You can also check with your doctor for appropriate anti-nausea medicines.
*Prevent travelers’ diarrhea You can avoid child dehydration by bringing plenty of distilled water. Stay away from street foods. Also avoid raw fruits and vegetables, sea foods and rare-cooked meats.
*Pack your kids’ favorite food Children can be choosy when it comes to food. Adults may want to try out the local delicacies but kids prefer to eat something they are familiar with. Most specialty restaurants might add a kid’s meal to their menu; you can check it out before dining in. Overall, the most important tip is: be patient. Sure, you will have some bad moments, but traveling with kids can be a lot of fun if you’ll take the time to understand them. It’s always nice to see your kids happy and smiling brightly, of course, you should too!
About the author:
Jay is the web owner of http://www.airline-tickets.biz Discount Airline Tickets, a website that provides information and resources on vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel. You can visit his website at: http://www.hotels-in.net Cheap Hotels
Tags: attention span, bottle feeding, car windows, cooked meats, dehydration, distilled water, favorite food, favorite toys, first aid kit, fruits and vegetables, fun activities, local delicacies, motion sickness, pram, raw fruits, sea foods, tips for traveling with kids, traveling with children, traveling with kids, traveling with kids tips
One of the best ways to truly see the United States is from the saddle of a motorcycle. I have ridden through many states with trips over six thousand miles in length including two solo trips from New Jersey to the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota, and to Pike’s Peak in Colorado. I have found some tips and techniques that have worked well for me and I’d like to share them with you.
There are basically two ways to travel by motorcycle, probably one of the more popular but less spiritual is what some call “credit card camping” which is basically rolling from hotel to motel for your sleeping accommodations and buying all your meals on the road. I look forward to trying this method someday when my writing starts raking in the big bucks. About the only supplies you’d need for a trip like this (if your definition of comfort is not too demanding)would be:
- Rain Gear
- Camera/Film/Batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Change of Clothes
- Sun block (for those of us not clad in our riding jump suits)
- Sunglasses
- Map
Personally I look forward to trying a trip in this fashion with only my jeans, T-shirt, and boots. I’ve been wet before and most motels and hotels have some kind of laundry area and plenty of towels to wrap up in. I might bring an extra pair of sock in a zip lock bag though, dry feet are happy feet.
The other way to travel and personally my favorite is to camp out between destinations, this is the cheapest and most immersing way to travel. Like they say it’s the journey not the destination. All the equipment you would need can be found at your local or online backpacking equipment supplier. In addition to the above listed equipment, here is a list of what I usually bring for a typical solo long distance, or overnight trip:
- One person backpacking tent
- Ground pad for sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag
- Single burner multi-fuel backpacking stove
- Fuel bottle with extra fuel (can also be used for bike)
- Cooking kit (stove usually fits inside pot with lid)
- Cup for tea or coffee
- One meal for each days dinner and one energy or protein meal replacement bar for breakfast (grab lunch on the road)
- Two water bottles one with measuring increments on it for cooking.
- Candle lantern with one candle for each day of the trip
- Small LED headlamp for walking around the site and digging through saddle bags
I chose backpacking/mountaineering equipment for two reasons, A: I already owned a bunch of it since that’s my other favorite way to find inner peace, and B: backpacking/mountaineering equipment packs down small withstands tremendous abuse and is usually multi-use equipment ex: pot is used for bowl etc. Using a multi-fuel stove has several advantages, you will never be unable to prepare a hot meal because these stoves will burn just about any liquid fuel like gas, kersosene, jet fuel, and even dry cleaning fluid (if you can find that I don’t think your far from fast food:) If you run your stove on regular gas or stove fuel you are in luck because your extra fuel bottle can also be used to feed your bike in case your in a jam. E don’t mean enough my fellow travelers.
This may seem like roughing it to some people but it’s luxury travel for others. Starting out with a light breakfast like an energy bar with some coffee or tea gives you a quick start on the day and speaking for myself I generally don’t like to have a big breakfast before heading out for a days worth of riding, I’d rather be looking for fun side destinations than a bathroom. Stopping for lunch on the road allows you the luxury of not having to unpack your stove, food etc. just to make one meal (trust me if you do it, you’ll only do it once) it’s worth parting with a few bucks just to not have to repack your bike.
Sleeping under the stars is not only relaxing but it can save you a bunch of cash as well. The average motel or hotel near an interstate, at least in the middle of the US averages about sixty-five dollars a night whereas the average campground is about ten dollars a night, on a week long trip that adds up to quite a bit of souvenir money. If you are traveling in the northeast US those same rooms can run your a hundred plus per night the closer you get to New York City. Since I mentioned it, in case you are wondering how to deal with souvenirs on the road, just stop by your local post office or UPS store and ship them to your home or to a friends house, so they can hold them for you till you return. This is also a good way to deal with exposed film from your camera and the not so rare event when you find out you over packed again. The post office or other shippers usually have everything you need to package your stuff boxes, padding, tape etc. keeping those saddle bags light make for a happy rider and better gas mileage too.
It does not matter what style or make of bike you ride as long as you watch your weight distribution, the only major difference you will experience between bikes will be in the way that you pack for the trip. I have gone on trips on dual sport (on and off road bikes) which are the equivalent of a giant dirt bike, sport bikes, and full dress touring bikes. I have no trouble packing all that gear into my Harley Electra Glide Classic these days, but I also have some great memories of strapping firewood to my Kawasaki KLR 650 and having kids and their parents chuckling watching me try to get back on the bike with my backpack on, so never let the style of bike you enjoy mess up your travel plans. Planning the trip is sometimes just as much fun as the trip itself, and it always make your travels go smoother.
About the Author
Fred Ost is a writer, web designer and aspiring indie movie maker. He is a founder of, and staff writer at the free independent artits community at http://www.scptv.net
Tags: backpacking equipment, camera film, dry feet, first aid kit, ground pad, gt one, happy feet, jump suits, laundry area, lt, overnight trip, rain gear, sleeping bag, solo trips, sturgis rally, sun block, t shirt, thousand miles, two ways, zip lock
I’m making an assumption that at want point in your life you’ve been a tourist. You’ve carried a map, a camera, maybe even had a tour guide. You’ve traveled to different destinations, relaxed on remote beaches, climbed stairs in buildings you see on television. You’ve done all of these things but some how when you get arrive home, all your left with is a short memory, and a few photographs.
Vacations are nice every once in a while, but it doesn’t make sense to me why we will travel thousands of miles to sit in hotel rooms and watch movies, or lie on a pool deck and catch some rays. These are all things that we can do where we are from, I want you to think about being a traveler not a tourist. You want to soak in as much of the new country and culture that you can rather than bring as much of your culture to them. It’s really quite simple. In one step you need to forget about your way of live, and adopt theirs.
It’s simple things like the mindset that we have when we go abroad, and what we bring. Don’t bring all of the things that we depend on in America. Bring what it is that you are going to need to survive and stay healthy during your visit. The more comforts you have, the more you will depend on them, and the less you will step out to become the traveler you ought to be!
Put yourself out there. Locals are always interested to interact with foreigners, and it’s best to take advantage of this. Meet people that you can share life with while you are in their country. Immerse into their culture and be open to new idea’s. A lot of times we are closed to new idea’s and we miss out on opportunities for better things to come along. Be open, willing and accepting.
If you want to be changed, and to experience you need to leave the tourist at home. Bring out the inner traveler in you and see the world in the way that it was meant to be seen.
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About the Author
Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Travel Area. Which is a great web directory and information center for Traveling, Trips and lots of other related topics.
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