Open relationships and long term travel

“But you’re just going to leave!”

Although I hated to admit it, who said that was right. At the time I’d been seasonally migrating as a guide for four years. And had no intention to confine my adventurous spirit in domestic American life, then—if ever. The catch though was he was not American; Swedish born to immigrated Polish parents. And unless we got married, physically being together was a matter of juggling countless visas. I … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Open relationships and long term travel  | November 29, 2012
Category: Female Travelers, General, Languages and Culture, Notes from the collective travel mind, On The Road, Sex and Travel, Simplicity, Travel Health, Vagabonding Advice, Vagabonding Life

Authentic Asia: find it at the shopping mall

Recently I have been intrigued by something travel writer Tom Coote said on his website about the quest for authenticity in travel: “The concept of authenticity has largely been appropriated as yet another way to persuade gullible tourists to part with their hard earned cash. If you really want to get to know a country, you would be better off doing what the locals would like to do, rather than visiting … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (3)  | November 28, 2012
Category: Asia, Vagabonding Life

On fear

Fear. It’s a powerful thing.

cycling pakistan shandur passIn some ways, fear is a good thing – it keeps us safe and prevents us from doing things that might harm us. It’s fear that keeps us from venturing into dangerous places and from doing things that we’re not prepared for. A … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on On fear  | November 27, 2012
Category: General

“Secret” spots the hot new travel trend?

You’ve got a favorite restaurant that few people know about. Or it’s a cool location with a view that’s only meant for the locals. It’s fun to have secrets. CNN had this article: The rise of ‘secret tourism.’

The story talks about event organizers who build anticipation and unique experiences by keeping visitors in the dark until the last possible moment. In a way, it … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on “Secret” spots the hot new travel trend?  | November 26, 2012
Category: Food and Drink, Notes from the collective travel mind

To travel is to make oneself a figure of potential ridicule

“There is an unavoidable truth about traveling: To travel is to make oneself a figure of potential ridicule. Travel makes us vulnerable. Most experienced travelers know their basic needs can be met wherever they may be. You just have to ask for what you want and accept what you get.” –Stefany Anne Golberg, “You Can Take It with You,” The Smart Set, May 23, 2012

Posted by | Comments Off on To travel is to make oneself a figure of potential ridicule  | November 26, 2012
Category: Travel Quote of the Day

Getting Vagabonding or Marco Polo as stocking-stuffers

vagabonding

It’s once again winter holiday season, which means it’s time to tout my books as stocking stuffers for the travel lovers on your Christmas list.

Vagabonding makes a great holiday gift for:

College or high school students nearing graduation. Twenty- and thirtysomethings who don’t like their jobs, are currently between jobs, or are considering a sabbatical from work. Friends and family members who don’t … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | November 25, 2012
Category: Book Release and Tour Diary

Vagabonding Field Report: Yugoslavia may be gone, but the Yugo remains in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cost/day: $45/day

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen lately?

People still drive the Yugo here – commonly known as the worst car in history. I learned a few Yugo jokes while here: How do you instantly double the value of a Yugo? Fill up the fuel tank. Why are there rear-window heaters in the Yugo? To warm your … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Yugoslavia may be gone, but the Yugo remains in Bosnia and Herzegovina  | November 24, 2012
Category: Europe, General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Thanksgiving overseas: Belgian beer in Bruges

Growing up in the Midwest, my Thanksgiving was the traditional spread of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, devoured at a relative’s home in suburban Chicago. But I grew up to be an inveterate traveler and spent the holiday in many places—one of the best was the historic, colorful Belgian city of Bruges.

Several years ago I was … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (2)  | November 22, 2012
Category: Backpacking, Europe, Food and Drink, On The Road, Vagabonding Life

Edgy travel with Tony Wheeler

Lonely Planet guidebooks have inevitably become the kind of extra weight I rarely want to put in my backpack anymore. Why? Because they lead a traveler to the same ol’ tired paths everybody else is going to: a kind of one way ticket for jaded travel entertainment made up of bars, guesthouses and a bunch … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | November 22, 2012
Category: Adventure Travel, Notes from the collective travel mind, Vagabonding Advice, Vagabonding Life