What's wrong with the Peace Corps, and what can be done to improve it?
A former volunteer, recruiter, and country director for the Peace Corps, Robert Strauss knows the organization inside and out. More than anything, he knows the problems inherent in sending thousands of people-- many inexperienced, many recent college grads-- all over the world to try to "make a difference." Writing for Foreign Policy, Strauss recently dispelled some myths about the organization, and offered suggestions for improving the Peace Corps' reputation and its effectiveness.
Although some of Strauss' column is spent shooting down straw man arguments in favor of the organization, as in "The Peace Corps is a Potent Diplomatic Weapon" and "The Peace Corps Recruits Only the Best and the Brightest," he makes a number of serious and important points.
For starters, volunteers aren't sent where their help is needed most.
Like many bureaucracies, the Peace Corps operates predominantly on inertia. The agency sends most volunteers to the same places where volunteers have been sent before, often to do the same thing volunteers were doing 20 and 30 years ago—regardless of whether their mission still makes sense.
Why, Strauss wonders, are we still sending volunteers to Romania and Bulgaria when they're already part of the European Union? Why not concentrate on the poorest of the poor?
Strauss also questions whether the Peace Corps is a true development organization:
The reason the Peace Corps is overlooked as a development organization has a lot to do with the youth and inexperience of the majority of its volunteers. Equally important is its unwillingness to decide if it is a development organization or an organization with a mission “to promote world peace and friendship,” as stipulated by Congress in the Peace Corps Act. It would like to be both, but finds itself falling short on both objectives because it cannot decide which is the more important.
So how to improve the Peace Corps? Recruit less, but recruit better. Less emphasis on we-are-the-world hand-holding, more on economic development in the places that really need it-- and want it. To live up to its founding ideals, Strauss suggests, the Peace Corps
must go out and recruit the best of the best. It must avoid goodwill-generating window dressing and concentrate its resources in a limited number of countries that are truly interested in the development of their people. And it must give up on the risible excuse that in the absence of quantifiable results, good intentions are enough. Only then will it be able to achieve its original objective of significantly altering the lives of millions for the better.
Reactions to Strauss' piece from returned Peace Corps volunteers, both pro and con, can be found here and here.
That the Peace Corps is often inefficient-- sending fluent Spanish speakers to Africa, maintaining small presences in dozens of countries rather than focusing on a select five or ten-- is sort of the nature of the beast. It's a government-funded (that is, taxpayer-funded) organization with little accountability for its failures.
It goes without saying that many volunteers are passionate about their work and do making positive contributions to their host communities, even if they don't always recognize it. A few friends of mine are currently working their tails off in the Philippines, and I admire and applaud them for it. I've always thought, and still do think, that the Peace Corps is a fantastic opportunity to live and work in a less privileged part of the world. But in all too many situations, as Strauss so forcefully argues, the opportunities created for the volunteers, at a total cost of $41,000 per year for each volunteer, are probably greater than the opportunities created by them.
Vagablogging on "development tourism" here.
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (0)
Should you book long term accommodation before you arrive?
If you're planning to stay in one place for longer than a month and want slightly more salubrious surroundings than a hostel, it is often cost effective to stay in self-catering accommodation - especially if there's several of you.
This is even more important if you're a working vagabond who runs a business at the same time, like my husband and I do. One of the most difficult challenges we've found is deciding whether to book and pay for accommodation in advance or wait until we get there to do it.
The advantage with the first option is that you can (sort of) rest easy, knowing you won't have to go gallivanting around in your first few days trying to find somewhere to stay plus you can often negotiate a hefty discount for booking longer term, in advance; the disadvantages are obvious...can you really get an accurate impression of a place and an area from pictures on the internet?
After several less-than-ideal experiences booking in advance last year, we've now found a solution which seems to work well and covers all bases...
Firstly, draw up a short list of areas and ideally apartments to visit when you arrive - the ideal number is between 3-5; enough choice to get a good idea of what's on offer but not too much that you exhaust yourself looking.
Secondly, book short term accommodation (a hotel or hostel), as close as possible to the areas you plan to visit - or at least centrally-located if they're spread out - for the first 5 days, minimising the cost of short term accommodation but giving yourself enough time to get acclimatised and review your short list upon arrival.
In a worst case scenario, if the options on your short list don't measure up, then you should still have enough time to ask around on the ground and find somewhere that suits you.
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (1)
Matador Travel launches the Matador Network
I've posted before about my ongoing love affair with travel networking sites, and specifically with Matador Travel. Now I'm thrilled to announce the launch of the Matador Network, a series...Continue reading "Matador Travel launches the Matador Network"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (0)
Getting insider advice from a local
Maybe this has happened to you: you realize that you’re learning more about the home countries of your fellow backpackers than the place you're traveling. Or your only interaction with...Continue reading "Getting insider advice from a local"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Special May fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll
With the economies of many major countries suffering from what I'm euphemistically calling the doldrums, it's more important than ever to make sure you make the most of every bit...Continue reading "Special May fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (0)
Asian music isn't all bad, is it?
"Asia is the continent rhythm forgot. At best Asian music is off-brand American pop, like Sonny Bono in a karaoke bar. At worst Asian music sounds as if a truck...Continue reading "Asian music isn't all bad, is it?"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (16)
How to find clients for your vagabonding business
A key question that you might face if you're setting up a business which allows you to travel the world permanently, is how and where to get clients. As with...Continue reading "How to find clients for your vagabonding business"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (1)
New online reality series “Gap Year”
Coming soon to online is yet another round-the-world adventure that I wish I would’ve had the foresight to apply for. "Gap Year" is not only hosted by the social networking...Continue reading "New online reality series “Gap Year”"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
What do you do when it's raining?
I just got back from Prague and I may have jinxed the weather when in my last post I said I'd be sitting in the sun while you read it....Continue reading "What do you do when it's raining?"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (5)
If you run a business whilst you travel, should you tell prospects that you're a vagabond?
One of the questions people ask when they find out that I run my business whilst travelling the world permanently is this: "Doesn't it put people off that you don't...Continue reading "If you run a business whilst you travel, should you tell prospects that you're a vagabond?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (2)
Blogger Noelle Tankard on the South East Asia Backpacking Trail
I've never (yet, anyway) properly done the South East Asia backpacking thing. But I've heard so much about it from British gap-year veterans, American hippies and Canadian ESL teachers that...Continue reading "Blogger Noelle Tankard on the South East Asia Backpacking Trail"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (4)
Deliberate travel, deliberate living at Cittaslow
You’d think it’d be easier to slow down—to take the time to connect and enjoy the things that matter the most. This is true whether you're a traveler or in...Continue reading "Deliberate travel, deliberate living at Cittaslow"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Would you take your car on your RTW trip?
The issue of packing for a RTW trip is one that comes up time and again, and can be one of the most difficult parts of taking a long-term journey...Continue reading "Would you take your car on your RTW trip?"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (2)
Do you need a laptop if you run a business whilst vagabonding?
As somebody who runs a business whilst travelling permanently (and blogs about it), I keep tabs on other bloggers who do or want to do the same thing. One thing...Continue reading "Do you need a laptop if you run a business whilst vagabonding?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (4)
The best way to use a guidebook
What can I say—I like guidebooks. You get a little history, a little culture, and when it comes down to making things happen, you get hotel and restaurant recommendations from...Continue reading "The best way to use a guidebook"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (2)
Dealing with being homesick on the road
Homesickness is bound to hit you on the road, mostly in two distinct time periods: a few days into your vagabonding expedition, and another bout 6-months to a year into...Continue reading "Dealing with being homesick on the road"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (1)
Travel diseases you don't want
I found this article today on Vagabondish about nasty travel diseases and I just had to share it. Why? Because when I left India and moved to Dubai, the first...Continue reading "Travel diseases you don't want"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (1)
How to cope with flying when you hate flying
For the kind of lifestyle I lead, hating flying is not one of the most desirable traits to have. Fortunately as a vagabond who spends 2-3 months in each destination,...Continue reading "How to cope with flying when you hate flying"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (4)
The Pros and Cons of Writing Classes
A couple months back Alison gave us a heads-up about the various travel writing conferences and classes available in 2008 - including, of course, Rolf's annual classes at the Paris...Continue reading "The Pros and Cons of Writing Classes"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (0)
Following the lead of ambitious travelers
A recent entry in the GAP Adventures forum tips us off to a few adventurous souls who have taken up some unusual travel itineraries. One is a group of Kiwis...Continue reading "Following the lead of ambitious travelers"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Special April fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll
I'm currently hacking my way through a Springtime head-cold, which I blame partly on the long trip I just completed - but while the idea of packing up and hopping...Continue reading "Special April fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (1)
Rolf chats with the Times Online about vagabonding
Over at the Times Online, Rolf takes part in an interview where he discusses how to keep busy on the road, how to finance your travels, and how to find...Continue reading "Rolf chats with the Times Online about vagabonding"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (0)
What's really going on in Kenya? Is it now safe for tourists?
If you've been following the news, you'll no doubt be aware of the recent political unrest and violence in Kenya. But what's it like really? And is it now safe...Continue reading "What's really going on in Kenya? Is it now safe for tourists?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (5)
Notes on Road Trips
I just completed a one-month four-wheeled trek around the south eastern United States, and thought I'd share a few of the things I did right (and wrong) for the benefit...Continue reading "Notes on Road Trips"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (2)
Photo contests: Glimpse and National Geographic Adventure
Travelers with an eye for composition and a knack with the camera have a chance to share their pics, and pick up a few perks. Two chances actually—contests are currently...Continue reading "Photo contests: Glimpse and National Geographic Adventure"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Job options that allow you to travel
One thing is leaving everything and vagabonding, another is choosing a career that allows you to travel frequently, a valid option for people who love to work and travel. A...Continue reading "Job options that allow you to travel"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (2)
The sound of silence: 5 reasons to leave the iPod at home
When I suggest to people that they don't bring their iPod on a long trip, they often react as if I've told them not to bring any underwear. But it's...Continue reading "The sound of silence: 5 reasons to leave the iPod at home"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (7)
Top 5 skills to learn if you want to earn an income whilst you travel
Following on from my post last week about things you might like to consider if you're planning to set up a business that allows you to travel permanently, I had...Continue reading "Top 5 skills to learn if you want to earn an income whilst you travel"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (0)
"Seven wonders of the architecture world" announced
Architecture fans take note—Conde Nast Traveler selects the “new seven wonders of the architecture world" in its April issue. The magazine introduces its picks with: “This year's class of wondrous...Continue reading ""Seven wonders of the architecture world" announced"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Camping as an alternative to hostels
Before you give up on European travel because of the weak dollar, consider camping. Arthur Frommer's recent blog reminds us about the cheaper—and oft overlooked—cousin to hotels and hostels. Some...Continue reading "Camping as an alternative to hostels"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (2)
Is packing the hardest part about taking a RTW trip?
After you've gotten up the courage to leave your job, sell your house and other worldly belongings and say goodbye to friends and family, it might seem like packing a...Continue reading "Is packing the hardest part about taking a RTW trip?"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (1)
Some tips for running a business that allows you to travel permanently
It's been 14 months since my husband and I set out to travel the world permanently and run our business on the move. In that time we've picked up an...Continue reading "Some tips for running a business that allows you to travel permanently"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (3)
Inspiration from the Pattersons: long-term bike travel
Talk about giving it all up for travel. Six years ago Pat and Cat Patterson sold off their real estate business and cars, and rented out their house. In return?...Continue reading "Inspiration from the Pattersons: long-term bike travel"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (2)
Estimating money, time with a budget calculator
The length of a trip usually depends on how much money you have to spend. And that usually depends on how far it can be stretched. But how do you...Continue reading "Estimating money, time with a budget calculator"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Some thoughts on "development tourism"
If you're looking to spend some money to volunteer abroad, there are no shortage of websites to help get you started. These programs often cost the so-called "development tourist" thousands...Continue reading "Some thoughts on "development tourism""
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (5)
How much money do you need to vagabond?
For anyone considering a year or more of travel, one of the key considerations is of course money and how to finance the trip. Or if you're location independent and...Continue reading "How much money do you need to vagabond?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (4)
What's your earliest travel inspiration?
I often hear famous travelers (and travel writers) describing the childhood trips that got them hooked on the open road, and those descriptions never fail to get me thinking about...Continue reading "What's your earliest travel inspiration?"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (4)
Indie travel movie "Last Stop for Paul"
One movie that has circled the world during filming, but can’t seem to arrive at a theater near me: “Last Stop for Paul." I have yet to see it, but...Continue reading "Indie travel movie "Last Stop for Paul""
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Making the world your gym
It's a given that anyone who travels gets his share of walking. You're seeing the sights, checking out a neighborhood, and walking will likely take you through the most interesting...Continue reading "Making the world your gym"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (2)
One person, 21 accents, uncountable perceptions
The fact that people around the world speak the same language differently is fascinating. The difference may be small but its consequence may be countries apart. A twang here or...Continue reading "One person, 21 accents, uncountable perceptions"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (1)
The 50 greatest travel quotes
Over at Brave New Traveler, road-weary Tim Patterson finds some inspiration in a list of his 50 favorite travel quotes. Quite a few of them I've heard before, but there...Continue reading "The 50 greatest travel quotes"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (2)
Special March fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll
I'm writing to you this month from Italy, where Spring is just beginning to wake up and stretch herself out a bit. Whether you, too, are coming out from your...Continue reading "Special March fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (0)
Two useful websites for Vagabonds traveling to Europe this Summer
If you're planning to head to Switzerland or Austria this year for Euro 2008 but you're worried about the weak dollar and the hassle of finding affordable accomodation, you might...Continue reading "Two useful websites for Vagabonds traveling to Europe this Summer"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (1)
The lesser of two evils: carry-on or checked luggage?
It’s a fine line that the air traveler treads. Which is better—to stow your valuables in your carry-on for safe-keeping, or in your suitcase so they aren't confiscated while going...Continue reading "The lesser of two evils: carry-on or checked luggage?"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
New flight aggregator helps you customize your search
Ever cram into a packed flight or lose your luggage and wonder whether the next flight out—the one that you didn't take—would've served the same fate? I'm no psychic, but...Continue reading "New flight aggregator helps you customize your search"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
A Map for Saturday to be shown on MTV
Back in November, I recommended Brook Silva-Braga's travel documentary, A Map for Saturday, as the perfect holiday gift for the independent traveler. I wrote: Brook was an Emmy-winning producer with...Continue reading "A Map for Saturday to be shown on MTV"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (6)
Putting together a travel survival kit for the modern vagabond.
The experience of living in the middle of a national power crisis in South Africa has prompted me to think about what one needs in a travel survival kit for...Continue reading "Putting together a travel survival kit for the modern vagabond."
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (3)
Robert Reid blogs the life of a guidebook writer
In December I came across a blog called Reid On Travel, documenting Lonely Planet author Robert Reid’s guidebook-writing travels. I started following it because I was interested in learning more...Continue reading "Robert Reid blogs the life of a guidebook writer"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (2)
Mapping the popularity of social networks
Yet more proof that our tastes are all a bit different (or fundamentally the same?)—there's now a social networking map. Gadling introduces us to the map that was first...Continue reading "Mapping the popularity of social networks"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Returning home to a new chapter
A recent entry on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree struck me. The post ("The return home after 13 months of travel...") begged the age-old question "but what do I do at...Continue reading "Returning home to a new chapter"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Walking and the art of really slow travel
Over at Vagabondish, Amanda Kendle has an interesting article about the advantages of walking around one's travel destination, rather than taking a bus or taxi or metro. Not only does...Continue reading "Walking and the art of really slow travel"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (2)
How 'local' should you go?
It's one of the things most travelers strive for - that feeling of being "local". And yet most of us realise that we're unlikely to ever be true 'locals' and...Continue reading "How 'local' should you go?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (0)
New security protocol at Amtrak
Amtrak just announced that it's upping its security, starting with the Northeast Corridor between Washington and Boston. With words like "deploy" and "Mobile Security Team" in the official ">news release,...Continue reading "New security protocol at Amtrak"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Pico Iyer on solo travel
It took a recent trip with a friend for me to realize how accustomed I am to solo travel. Don't get me wrong—traveling with her was a refreshing change with...Continue reading "Pico Iyer on solo travel"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (3)
Surviving natural disasters when you travel
When I would read about natural disasters I would always think, that's terrible but it's never going to happen to me -- the same thought when you hear about a...Continue reading "Surviving natural disasters when you travel"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (3)
The difficulty of taking your own picture while traveling solo
I encourage people to travel solo for the freedom it allows and the openness to others it promotes. But there's one thing I don't like about traveling alone: when I...Continue reading "The difficulty of taking your own picture while traveling solo"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (1)
A conversation with Lonely Planet founder, Tony Wheeler
Most travelers are familiar with the Lonely Planet brand, with its library of guidebooks covering destinations around the globe, and most of us have at least an LP book or...Continue reading "A conversation with Lonely Planet founder, Tony Wheeler"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (0)
Overcoming the fears you have about vagabonding
Leaving everything you know and setting sail for the unknown can be a daunting experience - usually counter-balanced by the thrill, anticipation and excitement you feel about your big adventure....Continue reading "Overcoming the fears you have about vagabonding"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (1)
Why I love travel networking sites
Everybody knows about sites like Facebook and MySpace, where you can build a profile and keep in touch with your friends online, or make new friends in the vastness of...Continue reading "Why I love travel networking sites"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (5)
Funding gives UK hostels a chance to spruce up their welcome mats
Living on-the-cheap may soon feel a little less so—at least in the UK, where the Youth Hostel Association has grand plans for the next year: to invest in the renovation...Continue reading "Funding gives UK hostels a chance to spruce up their welcome mats"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
Everywhere magazine: submit your travel stories and photos
Ready to see your travel story or photo in print? There's a new travel magazine that exists solely to help that happen. The cover of Everywhere magazine's premiere Jan/Feb issue...Continue reading "Everywhere magazine: submit your travel stories and photos"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (2)
Minimizing theft during your travels
Several years ago, I studied abroad in Morocco and brought with me a laptop and a Dell Jukebox mp3 player, which is basically an imitation iPod. One weekend, after returning...Continue reading "Minimizing theft during your travels"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (1)
How "uncommon" is the art of long term travel these days?
With the second edition of Vagabonding being created as we speak, it got me thinking about the changes in the world of travel that have occurred since Rolf wrote the...Continue reading "How "uncommon" is the art of long term travel these days?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (0)
Inspiration: "The True and the Questions" and "A Year in Japan"
These cold, rainy days are perfect for one of two things: not leaving bed all day; or escaping to an independent bookstore, with all the time in the world to...Continue reading "Inspiration: "The True and the Questions" and "A Year in Japan""
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Travel technology: speed, security, and sci-fi
Technology—if it doesn't make travel easier, at least it's more fun. First, I learned that cell phones are being used for keyless room entry at a few French hotels. Then,...Continue reading "Travel technology: speed, security, and sci-fi"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
Special February fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll
I didn't realize until yesterday that this is a Leap Year. That means we get one extra day added to the ordinarily too-short month of February. That's one more day...Continue reading "Special February fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (0)
The power that music can have on your travel experiences
As I write this, I'm listening to some of the cheesiest pop you could imagine! Although I'm currently on the road with my husband, I've done the solo travel thing...Continue reading "The power that music can have on your travel experiences"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (3)
How do you prepare for a trip?
I don’t mean in terms of packing, or reading and re-reading a guidebook, or even booking your flights. I mean preparing for the place itself – the landscapes, the music,...Continue reading "How do you prepare for a trip?"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (5)
Stuff: options for getting rid of it while on the road
A hairdryer with the wrong type of plug. Books you've already read. Clothes that are off-season. Once priceless, now practically worthless. What to do? Even when you simplify your belongings...Continue reading "Stuff: options for getting rid of it while on the road"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Happy birthday "ecotourism"
The term "ecotourism" is turning 25-years-old this year. It's growing up, isn't it? I've never been good at determining ages, but somehow I would've thought that it was younger than...Continue reading "Happy birthday "ecotourism""
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
How not to lose your luggage
Travel trouble-shooter Chris Elliot has just released the first of what will be a series of video-casts. It is only a minute long and gives you tips on how to...Continue reading "How not to lose your luggage"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (0)
What is the Japanese art of Chindōgu?
It's difficult, not to mention unwise, to make sweeping generalizations about entire cultures and societies. But in the case of modern Japan, it's hard not to. I've always found there...Continue reading "What is the Japanese art of Chindōgu?"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (1)
What makes a city "great"?
I've lived in or around 5 very different cities this past year - Panama, Buenos Aires, Toronto, Dubai and now Cape Town. Not being a "city" person anymore, I have...Continue reading "What makes a city "great"?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (3)
As easy as fly now, pay later?
JetBlue is banking on the idea that we've overspent over the holidays. In addition to its current winter sales, it's offering a $20 credit to those who book their flights...Continue reading "As easy as fly now, pay later?"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (3)
Travel lessons from The Amazing Race
I'd like to think that I'm always cool, calm, and collected on the road. Sure, my selective memory might only remember Ko Tao, where the zipper on my luggage busted....Continue reading "Travel lessons from The Amazing Race"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Dealing with the guilt of not having a career path when you vagabond
There is probably no better education than traveling. It opens your mind, makes you stronger, stirs your curiosity, builds confidence and gives you knowledge about the world you live in....Continue reading "Dealing with the guilt of not having a career path when you vagabond"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (8)
5 tips for writing better travel journals
Looking back at that old dog-eared journal that I kept during my first trip, I can tell that it's not as good a memento of my travels as it should...Continue reading "5 tips for writing better travel journals"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (2)
How important is parental approval for your RTW trip?
Most of us know what it's like to tell family and friends about an upcoming trip and have someone among them say, "What do you want to do that for?"...Continue reading "How important is parental approval for your RTW trip?"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (1)
How to overcome the unsettling feeling of permanent travel
My husband and I have just arrived in Cape Town for the next 3 months after a nightmare journey leaving Dubai - I agree with Abha who despairs at Dubai's...Continue reading "How to overcome the unsettling feeling of permanent travel"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (0)
Don George’s new books column, Trip Lit
National Geographic Traveler has just unveiled a new web-exclusive book review column: Don George’s Trip Lit. Don George is a giant on the travel writing scene: he’s edited literary travel...Continue reading "Don George’s new books column, Trip Lit"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (1)
Biofuel is Virgin territory
It's not just that I work in eco-friendly Berkeley that this bit of news interests me so much. I might have high expectations for alternative fuel sources, but even I'm...Continue reading "Biofuel is Virgin territory"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Surf report
On Friday, I got the email out of the blue: Mavericks. I'd almost forgotten that I'd signed up on the surf competition's website a few years back—the big waves (and...Continue reading "Surf report"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Dealing with love on the road
Falling in love on your vagabonding trip is something you don't plan. Flings and hook-ups are commonplace, but when you find someone you love, your whole further plan can go...Continue reading "Dealing with love on the road"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (0)
How do I bring "vagabonding" back home?
Vagabonding is largely about exploring the world on your own terms, but few of us can be on the road forever. The time comes when we are forced to settle...Continue reading "How do I bring "vagabonding" back home?"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (1)
How it feels to be traveling without a permanent home to go back to
It is 11 months since my husband and I left the UK to travel the world permanently with no planned end to our wanderings and no idea about where we'll...Continue reading "How it feels to be traveling without a permanent home to go back to"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (6)
Circle (most of) the globe using only budget airlines
Budget Long Haul has an innovative concept, and not one of the "I'll only walk east today, only north tomorrow, only east the next day" variety. The site shows how...Continue reading "Circle (most of) the globe using only budget airlines"
Posted by Kristen Pope | Permalink | Comments (1)
Summer internship from STA Travel
For undergrad or grad students out there, check out STA Travel's "World Traveler Internship." It sounds like a summer whirlwind of just the right proportions. The winner travels through 14...Continue reading "Summer internship from STA Travel"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Cost-comparing your destinations
A friend once told me her secret for gauging the cost of living of a place: pricing a burrito and a beer. Frommer's monthly price index follows my friend's tactic,...Continue reading "Cost-comparing your destinations"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Going to Papua New Guinea? Consider bringing a big phrasebook.
In the above map, each country's area is approximately proportional to the number of indigenous languages it has produced. The map, which appears in Limits of Language by Swedish...Continue reading "Going to Papua New Guinea? Consider bringing a big phrasebook."
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (0)
Special January fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll
How many of you have already broken those new years resolutions you committed yourself to a few short days ago? Well, if you had resolved to take a round-the-world trip...Continue reading "Special January fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (0)
Smiling Through Travel Delays and Not-Quite-Disasters
It’s strange, after I return from a trip it’s always the stories about mishaps and near-misses that I find myself re-telling again and again. Maybe it’s because everyone likes a...Continue reading "Smiling Through Travel Delays and Not-Quite-Disasters"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (2)
A taster of what it's like to write for the Lonely Planet
I'm in the middle of a very important assignment...I'm trying to complete my sample brief to see if I have what it takes to become a Lonely Planet author. How...Continue reading "A taster of what it's like to write for the Lonely Planet"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (4)
More reasons to travel: special events in 2008
The 100th anniversary of New York City's ball drop a few days ago seems an apropos way to start the year. 2008 is stacking up as a year of anniversaries...Continue reading "More reasons to travel: special events in 2008"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (4)
Winners of the 2007 NATJA Awards
Here's some travel writing inspiration as we head into 2008—whether it compels you to travel or to write. The North American Travel Journalists Association has announced the winners of its...Continue reading "Winners of the 2007 NATJA Awards"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
2008 Vagabonding Resolutions
Yes, I make resolutions; yes, it's a cliché post I had no intentions of avoiding :) When you are on the road, or living abroad, with the intention of staying...Continue reading "2008 Vagabonding Resolutions"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (1)
Plans for New Year's Eve? I'm eating grapes
I'm sure each country has its own bizarre (or not) traditions come midnight when the clock strikes. Having said that, and having lived in 5 countries, I can't seem to...Continue reading "Plans for New Year's Eve? I'm eating grapes"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (0)
Vagablogging makes list of "20 most inspiring"
Over at his always-interesting travel blog, writer Chris Elliott recently came out with his list of "The 20 most inspiring travel blogs of 2007." And guess what? Vagablogging is on...Continue reading "Vagablogging makes list of "20 most inspiring""
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (0)
What the f#$% is with all the foul language?
When language translation software was first being developed, it seemed as if people who spoke different languages might finally be able to communicate easily with one another-- in writing...Continue reading "What the f#$% is with all the foul language?"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (0)
The hot destinations for trend followers in 2008
Trendhunter points us to this list of hot new destinations for 2008: Buenos Aires - a favorite amongst "creative young vagabonds looking to get away from the US hustle and...Continue reading "The hot destinations for trend followers in 2008"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (1)
Kayak buys out Sidestep
I was surprised to see that Kayak.com paid $200 million a few days ago to buy out Sidestep.com. That makes the company the 5th largest travel site (behind Expedia at...Continue reading "Kayak buys out Sidestep"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
Packing food for the flight home
People will try to bring anything on a plane (and the TSA will most likely try to ban it). With the number of people traveling over the holidays it's inevitable...Continue reading "Packing food for the flight home"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Christmas away from home
This is my first year away from close family and friends during this festive season. Although I do not celebrate Christmas, I'm feeling a little lost because everyone I know...Continue reading "Christmas away from home"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (1)
Is there such a thing as too little time for planning a RTW trip?
Travelers tend to fall into two very general camps when it comes to planning - either they want to plan everything down to the last minute detail, making sure every...Continue reading "Is there such a thing as too little time for planning a RTW trip?"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (0)
Travel contest: where in the world did Santa find your new socks?
This holiday season, Where Am I Wearing? is holding the First Annual Where are YOU Wearing Christmas Inventory Contest of Destiny – to enter, all you have to do is...Continue reading "Travel contest: where in the world did Santa find your new socks?"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (0)
Do you blog about your travel experiences?
According to statistics posted on Wikipedia, as of September 2007 the blog search engine, Technorati, was tracking more than 106 million blogs. That's an awful lot of blogs to be...Continue reading "Do you blog about your travel experiences?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (7)
Planning ahead: 2008 travel writing conferences
It only makes sense. If you devote the time to your travel writing craft, it'll improve. If you surround yourself with successful travel writers, you'll feel encouraged and inspired. Travel...Continue reading "Planning ahead: 2008 travel writing conferences"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
Gift ideas for the traveler
If you're like me, you tend to think that if you have your luggage, passport, and wallet, you're set for the road. As for the rest, you could practically go...Continue reading "Gift ideas for the traveler"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (2)
Pilot week at the Travel Channel
This week, the Travel Channel is debuting a host of new programs, and its asking viewers which ones to keep and which ones to dump. Sneak a peek at the...Continue reading "Pilot week at the Travel Channel"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (3)
A new story by David Sedaris in The New Yorker
Humorist David Sedaris has a brand spankin' new story in The New Yorker, "Journey Into Night," in which he documents one red-eye flight from New York to London. He ruminates...Continue reading "A new story by David Sedaris in The New Yorker"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (1)
How do you stay healthy on the road?
In 10 months of being away from the UK this year, the most painful thing I've had so far is a slightly infected thumbnail caused by some coconut shell jabbing...Continue reading "How do you stay healthy on the road?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (1)
The power of quotes
“There is the risk you cannot afford to take, (and) there is the risk you cannot afford not to take.” – Peter Drucker That quote got me. I found it...Continue reading "The power of quotes"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Airline email takes flight
Of all the flights in the world today, I’d most want to fly between New York City and San Francisco. Why? Email. JetBlue tested its free wi-fi on this morning’s...Continue reading "Airline email takes flight"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (2)
Saying goodbye and moving on
My plan to vagabond around Europe was initially a 6-month one, beginning in Valencia. It's been almost a year-and-a-half now. Then, my plan was to wrap-up here in Spain end...Continue reading "Saying goodbye and moving on"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (1)
Some tips on taking better travel photos
Photographs are often the only tangible reminders that we have of our travels, which makes it all the more remarkable how little thought some people-- myself included-- give to taking...Continue reading "Some tips on taking better travel photos"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (0)
The wisdom of Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau has been a favorite writer of mine ever since I first came across him in high school. (He had a locker next to mine.) His starry-eyed idealism spoke to...Continue reading "The wisdom of Henry David Thoreau"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (4)
Special December fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll
Will you get everything you want this holiday season, or will you get stuck with a pair of argyle socks or another box of scented candles? Make sure your holidays...Continue reading "Special December fares for multi-stop tickets on BootsnAll"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (1)
Long-term travel meets historical re-enactment?
And now for something completely different: vagabonding in period costume. This past summer a local news item caught my eye, about a group of men who caused a media stir...Continue reading "Long-term travel meets historical re-enactment?"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (0)
A brief guide on how to use social networks to stay in touch while vagabonding
Do any of you have well meaning but ever-so-slightly annoying parents or relatives who beg you to call, text or email as soon as you arrive at your exotic new...Continue reading "A brief guide on how to use social networks to stay in touch while vagabonding"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (2)
Trip Takes: short film competition
If film is your medium and travel is your muse, you're in luck—Condé Nast and CineVegas are waiting for video footage from your recent trip. Their new short film competition,...Continue reading "Trip Takes: short film competition"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Compensation for delayed flights is better in Europe
This caught my attention: money back from airlines. Airfarewatchdog.com's recent post sheds light on the hidden gem. Did you know that anyone on delayed/cancelled flights within or leaving Europe could...Continue reading "Compensation for delayed flights is better in Europe"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sometimes it's better to be a tourist. Really.
My last rant here was an anti-tourist-pro-traveler shpeal. And, as much as I think there is so much more value in being a so-called 'contrarian traveler', there are some times...Continue reading "Sometimes it's better to be a tourist. Really."
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (1)
A look inside the hermit kingdom of North Korea
"The main feeling the visitor has in Pyongyang is one of pity at the pathos of the place—its hopeless, helpless overestimate of its own power and importance, the deluded...Continue reading "A look inside the hermit kingdom of North Korea"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (2)
Telling others about your travels
In one of his stories, humorist David Sedaris describes how, as a child, he looks forward to a trip to Greece because it is his chance to prove to his...Continue reading "Telling others about your travels"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (1)
Is vagabonding the antidote to a boring life?
Speaking from my own personal experience, traveling has always been a way to escape the monotony and routine of my day-to-day life. Whether it has been a 2 week holiday,...Continue reading "Is vagabonding the antidote to a boring life?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (0)
Andrew Skurka on hiking the Great Western Loop
Andrew Skurka has logged his share of time on the road—most recently seven months worth, across 6,875 miles of the western US, consistently hiking an amazing 35 miles per day....Continue reading "Andrew Skurka on hiking the Great Western Loop"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
Around the World for Free: A post-Amazing Race blog
If you watch “Amazing Race” you know the drill: on certain segments the last team can still continue the race, but without the benefit of money. Apparently one of the...Continue reading "Around the World for Free: A post-Amazing Race blog"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (1)
Movie: Into the Wild
Unfortunately this is not a review. I live in Madrid and it's not showing here yet, I doubt it ever will! But it has been a long time since a...Continue reading "Movie: Into the Wild"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (8)
Around the world in 90 minutes with Brook Silva-Braga
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and that means only one thing: it's time to express our love for others by giving them stuff. If you're searching for the...Continue reading "Around the world in 90 minutes with Brook Silva-Braga"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (3)
What influences where in the world you should travel?
If you've always had a yearning to visit a particular country and you haven't yet been, then this is probably a moot question...as soon as you can, you'll be winging...Continue reading "What influences where in the world you should travel?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (4)
Book review: The Rough Guide to First-Time Africa
The inside cover of this recent Rough Guides release includes a brief disclaimer: “First-Time Africa is not a guidebook: it’s a book to read before you go, a planning handbook.”...Continue reading "Book review: The Rough Guide to First-Time Africa"
Posted by Eva Holland | Permalink | Comments (1)
What is the purpose of your trip?
Have you ever set off on a trip without a specific purpose? Simply packed your backpack, bought some tickets to a major hub and just wandered wherever the mood took...Continue reading "What is the purpose of your trip?"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (2)
Zagat reports best airlines for 2007
I already trust Zagat Guides for their restaurant reviews—what difference does it make if the food is served in an airplane? Just released on Tuesday, Zagat’s 2007 Global Airline Survey...Continue reading "Zagat reports best airlines for 2007"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (0)
Can you ever be too old to backpack?
The Sydney Morning Herald’s recent blog made me cringe—“When you’re too old to be a backpacker.” Maybe it’s just the reminder of the growing number of years that've passed since...Continue reading "Can you ever be too old to backpack?"
Posted by Alison Brick | Permalink | Comments (4)
Dealing with the idea of "home" when you travel long-term
Being on the road for an extended period of time, be it traveling/living/working abroad, can often leave you not knowing where to call home. When I was 3, we moved...Continue reading "Dealing with the idea of "home" when you travel long-term"
Posted by Abha Malpani | Permalink | Comments (0)
Catching up with Krakow
Haven't you heard? Sixty is the new forty. Big is the new small. Poverty is the new black. (huh?) And Krakow is the new Prague. Before I lived in Prague,...Continue reading "Catching up with Krakow"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (4)
Planning your trip around the Olympics and the World Cup
I've been a big fan of the Olympics since they started way back in 776 B.C. (Well, not quite since then. I was born a year later.) I particularly enjoy...Continue reading "Planning your trip around the Olympics and the World Cup"
Posted by Aaron Hotfelder | Permalink | Comments (0)
Money management during a RTW trip
It's great - and necessary - to think about how you're going to save for a long-term trip, but what about planning for how you're going to manage your money...Continue reading "Money management during a RTW trip"
Posted by Jessica Spiegel | Permalink | Comments (0)
10 businesses you can run while traveling full-time
The fact that my husband and I have no home to go back to, nor do we currently consider any particular country our home (although we are originally from the...Continue reading "10 businesses you can run while traveling full-time"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (8)
Opportunities to cut your travel-writing teeth
If you are reading this blog, then you might be an aspiring travel writer and fancy yourself as the "next Rolf Potts." Oh we can all dream! Yet many aspiring...Continue reading "Opportunities to cut your travel-writing teeth"
Posted by Lea Woodward | Permalink | Comments (1)