The healing power of nature

Yesterday I left my guidebook behind and went walking with no destination in mind. Climbing a path up a mountain I left the shops catering to tourists, along with the other tourists (and locals) behind.
 
A beautiful orange and black butterfly landed nearby and I found myself in a game of hide-and-seek, ending with my new friend landing twice on my hand and fluttering away, dancing in the air, and … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (4)  | November 28, 2008
Category: General

Website for weekend trips

You’re living in a city abroad, and you have a free weekend coming up.  Where to go?  Trazzler, a website by the people behind Twitter and Blogger, sets out to answer that question.

A combination of social network and travelogue, it contains user recommendations of where to go and what to do. Trazzler is a cross between Facebook and Lonely Planet. In fact, they already have a Facebook application. They create a traveler … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Website for weekend trips  | November 28, 2008
Category: General

Looking for the adventures that travel agencies don’t know about

On a recent trip to Bohol, an island in the Philippines, I found myself riding at the back of a motorcycle in the mountains of Sevilla and Sikatuna. The roads were steep, stony, and unpaved. But the view held lush shades of green and the mountain breeze felt cool running against my legs. Knowing that an accidental move of a few inches would cause me to plummet to my death, I thought “This should be … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (5)  | November 27, 2008
Category: General

Online marketing solutions for vagabonding businesses

Many vagabonders have at least dreamed of running a business that can be managed from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Whether in the jungles of Borneo, the vast Gobi desert, or the ancient city of Petra, it’s business as usual. However, these road warrior venturists have one unique struggle: how to drum up new business while on the road?

In September, Alison conducted a fascinating interview with Ingo Fast, discussing how he takes … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (5)  | November 27, 2008
Category: Notes from the collective travel mind

Are some cultural practices ‘wrong’?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the United States, a time when families gather together to argue drunkenly about politics, morals and all the other fine points of life over plates of bland turkey, over-cooked vegetables and tasteless mashed potatoes.

Okay, maybe it isn’t that bad at your house, but my family seems to span an alarmingly large portion of the political spectrum which makes holiday gatherings, uh, colorful.

Normally I try to lessen the political … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (3)  | November 26, 2008
Category: General

Keeping a skinny budget in a skinny country: Chile

If you find yourself in Chile, on the South American circuit between Machu Picchu and Buenos Aires, you’ve already gotten past the major hurdle—the airfare to Chile. Need some ideas for getting more bang for your peso while you’re there?

Stay a while: Rent an apartment, and get the best of both worlds—get a better feel for … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | November 26, 2008
Category: Notes from the collective travel mind

Missed flights, lost passports and other traveler woes

Most of us probably have a healthy fear of common traveler nightmares — missing your flight, losing your passport and other such mishaps. I’m that guy that has to double check every ten minutes on the way to airport just to make sure I still have my ticket, my passport and the rest.

Strangely this paranoia doesn’t seem to affect other forms of transport. I’ve missed … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Missed flights, lost passports and other traveler woes  | November 25, 2008
Category: General

Handling the transition: Staying busy is key

As you read this post, I’ll be somewhere over the Mediterranean Sea on my way to India.

About two months ago (when I planned those last two months in Spain), I foresaw myself being super busy. Teaching, doing 5 hours of intensive Spanish as a build-up to an exam (scheduled 2 days before I fly!), and blogging. Between that, I wanted to make sure I spend time with people close to me here. The thought … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Handling the transition: Staying busy is key  | November 25, 2008
Category: General

Directionless

Sometimes you feel like you’re at the mercy of train or bus timetables or, if you’re driving, scarily numbered streets or terrifying directions.  Even with a GPS to help pinpoint your location, you may not know where you are or where you want to go.

So enjoy it!

Here is a short reading list (beyond Vagabonding, of course, which I still consider the very best reference for nomadism, and I’m not just saying that … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Directionless  | November 24, 2008
Category: Notes from the collective travel mind

Rolf’s Travel Channel hosting gig to premiere tonight

Just a quick heads-up to let everyone know that “American Pilgrim,” my TV hosting debut for the Travel Channel, will debut tonight at 11pm EST, 8pm PST. This traditional, Thanksgiving-themed show, which I briefly described for my Marco Polo Didn’t Go There book tour diary at Gadling, is listed on the Travel Channel schedule with the caption, “Host Rolf Potts explores the journey and the legacy of the Mayflower and the Pilgrim … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (4)  | November 24, 2008
Category: Rolf's News and Updates