Finding your path

Anza Borrego, California - thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com

I had a friend at university who knew she wanted to be a doctor from the time she was little. Only her specialty changed a few times, but by the time medical school came around, that was officially sorted. Today, she’s a successful OBGYN living a happy life in … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Finding your path  | April 27, 2016
Category: Lifestyle Design, Notes from the collective travel mind

Group travel without the organizational nightmare

Canada IslandSome of the potential drawbacks of group travel are often the very perks of a solo trip: no arguments over where or when to go, no mismatched food tastes, unbalanced fitness levels or clashing differences in hygiene habits. When you’re alone, you’re free to make any and every decision without worry of offending one of your travel … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Group travel without the organizational nightmare  | February 10, 2016
Category: Notes from the collective travel mind

Perspective: The road’s gift

“No journey is too great, if you find what you seek” – Anonymous

When I was little, I met counselors from all over the world at sleep-away camp. If you told me the ten year old who acquired a koala singlet from her counselor, would later marry an Australian and live down under; I would have told you, ‘you’re nuts’!

The travel bug bit hard during my first non-family trip. After university, … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Perspective: The road’s gift  | September 2, 2015
Category: Notes from the collective travel mind

A fresh perspective on home

I was reminded recently of an odd quirk in our human nature. When most of us travel, our senses are hyper-attuned to our surroundings. This is partially a conscious decision; the adventure of discovery is exhilarating. But part of it is an unconscious function. When we are in a new and unfamiliar environment, seldom-used neural pathways light … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (4)  | August 26, 2015
Category: North America, Notes from the collective travel mind

The best passport for world travel

Have you ever wished you had another country’s passport? For some nationals, they have the right to get working holiday visas all over the world.  They can pick up and move to a country, and have the right to live there.   Your passport has a big effect on how well received you’ll be in another country, in the eyes of their immigration officials.

The Economist had a chart called Read more »

Posted by | Comments (25)  | July 10, 2015
Category: Notes from the collective travel mind

Giving free travel talks—a great way to share the knowledge and ignite others’ travel dreams

As travelers, we often find ourselves talking to friends and strangers alike at parties, at work, wherever, about travel and how to do it right. We evangelize for travel, extolling its opportunities and benefits. We often go on at length about the magic of our favorite places, the addictive high that comes from filling up a passport book, and the thrill of crossing a new border and making new connections. We also find ourselves giving … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Giving free travel talks—a great way to share the knowledge and ignite others’ travel dreams  | March 8, 2015
Category: Adventure Travel, Expat Life, General, Notes from the collective travel mind, Solo Travel, Vagabonding Advice, Youth Travel

Why Robben Island is well worth the visit!

Capetown, in the Republic of South Africa, is a beautiful city. Filled with natural beauty, a booming waterfront and access to all things penguin, Capetown quickly draws you in. Whether you’re looking to hike Table Mountain, shop at local markets, cavort with Boulder Beach’s penguin colonies or take in a history lesson of Africa’s Apartheid, Capetown is a special city.

Not everything about travel is … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Why Robben Island is well worth the visit!  | February 28, 2015
Category: Notes from the collective travel mind

Easy day trips from Melbourne, Australia

Welcome to Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia has become my second home. Known for its café culture, four seasons in a day and city of all things sport, this special place has a lot to offer. In the city, there’s the hubbub of business, culture, life, eateries, endless laneways and riverfront activities. Just a … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Easy day trips from Melbourne, Australia  | February 14, 2015
Category: General, Notes from the collective travel mind, Travel Quote of the Day

Explode your comfort zone…why the decision to travel is never a bad one

Growing up in Long Island, New York, my comfort zone was very small. I certainly never thought I’d leave that tiny suburban town for other coasts or other shores. After that first trip abroad everything changed. I had no idea then that harnessing fear of the unknown would be the thing that actually facilitated a growth spurt for my ever so tiny comfort zone. Little by little it started to grow and although, … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Explode your comfort zone…why the decision to travel is never a bad one  | January 31, 2015
Category: General, Notes from the collective travel mind, Vagabonding Advice