The most difficult part of wandering is being far from your loved ones.  This can be trying (even when you remember what a pain it is to argue with them over a big dinner), but is grueling when something happens or tragedy strikes.  Of all my scattered friends and family, only one has suffered a really difficult time since I hit the road, but the idea of accidental death, dismemberment, crucial medical diagnoses, or the … Read more »

“The main mistake made by pro-tourist planners is that they see tourism only in traditional economic terms as a new kind of industry (it is called the tourist industry) and they try to build tourist factories, called ‘resorts’ and ‘amusement parks’, through which people are run assembly-line fashion and stripped of their money. Some Caribbean resorts come close to imprisoning their visitors by making a trip to town almost impossible to arrange or even more … Read more »

We all know that it’s good to know what’s going on in the world, but sometimes when you’re paying attention it doesn’t feel like a good thing. Right now, for instance, even a cursory glance at the news is enough to turn just about anyone’s stomach. But if you can manage it, this is the perfect time to be taking a long-term trip.

For one thing, there are incredible travel deals to be had right … Read more »

This Reuters article about Asian couchsurfers raises the issues of culture clashes between Westerners and Asians.

I could relate to this article, since my parents are Asian immigrants to the United States. Expectations of hospitality can be higher for Asians than Westerners. My parents would identify with the Japanese mother in the article. You almost have to be an unpaid concierge, tour guide and butler to your guests.

In contrast, when I sleep over … Read more »

The Worst-Case Scenario guides have been around for a while now. Where else could you get advice on everything from how to wrestle free from an alligator, determine if your date is an “axe murderer”, start a fire without matches, or escape from a bad date? (hint: make sure your escape excuse is plausible, such as: “My boss just called- she’s in Seattle for a major presentation, and has lost all her files. … Read more »

This week, Brave New Traveler interviewed Lara Lockwood and Tom Fewins, two vagabonds that are traveling the world without the use of commercial airplanes.  They keep a blog about their trip called World in Slow Motion, which includes a … Read more »

Thanks to couchsurfing.com, budget travelers and vagabonds of all stripes have an easy way to get in touch with like-minded individuals willing to offer free lodging.

Not only does couchsurfing offer a way to save on hostel costs, it also gives you a chance to meet people and interact with locals in ways that would otherwise be largely impossible.

But couchsurfing has a … Read more »

Whether you’re new to travel and you want to get a sense of your…well…sensabilities, or you’re up for a fun quiz, try out “What type of traveler are you?” Posted on BootsnAll, it takes stock of your travel preferences (accommodations, adventure, comfort) with eight questions.

Then you find out your ‘type.’ Are you a ‘Rolf?’ Yep, he’s listed as one of the traveler types, along with Tony Wheeler and Anthony Bourdain, among others. … Read more »

Travel blogs are a dime a dozen, possibly even cheaper, but given the nature of the web, niche sites like travel blogs are spread out and can be difficult to find. If you’re looking for something specific, say a blogger’s take on what to do (or not do) in Venice, then Google can help.

But what if you just want an interesting new site to follow? … Read more »

As vagabonders, financial rejiggering might always be on the horizon — or maybe you’ve done it already.  As economic depression looms for many, the prospects of being footloose and not exactly fancy free are intimidating.  As vagabonders by choice, we tend to be a little more conservative with spending than most, but what if you need some guidelines for how to scale back your lifestyle before you take it on the road?  Or if you … Read more »