AT&T this week rolled out new international data packages with prices cut nearly in half, a change that comes six weeks after Verizon announced a new international data package. Although these options are still more expensive than using an international SIM card, the changes signify progress toward making smartphone internet use more affordable and accessible for travelers.

AT&T’s new international data package tiers, available for these 135 countries, are:

120 MB for $30/month … Read more »

What would you rather have: a million dollars or a million frequent-flyer miles? Airline miles have almost become a new currency. They can be exchanged for hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and merchandise. The movie “Up in the Air” with George Clooney brought mainstream attention to “travel hacking.”  This is how people use their ingenuity to build up as many frequent flyer miles as possible.

The Los Angeles Times had an article titled Read more »

“This is the travel platitude to end all travel platitudes: it’s not about the place, it’s about the people. Agreed. So let’s not forget that even on the tourist trail — especially here, come to think of it — you can meet all kinds of people who are interesting and worldly and not at all the stereotype of the shallow sightseer. Improbable kindred spirits you would not otherwise encounter but who will be more than … Read more »

Cost: $50/day

What is the strangest thing you have seen recently?

The South Kaibab trail winds its way from the south rim of the Grand Canyon to the canyon floor, roughly 5000 feet (1525 metres) below. It is extraordinarily beautiful and offers spectacular vistas at various points over its seven miles. Because of the brilliant views and easy access it receives lots of foot traffic. So much traffic, in fact, that the rock squirrels in this … Read more »

I “discovered” the New York Times Borderlines blog last week, when a piece about Transnistria — a territory east of Moldova — caught my eye. I rarely come across any mention of Transnistria, so it was especially unusual to see it on the New York Times homepage. Turns out that Frank Jacobs, the author of Borderlines, has been writing fascinating posts each … Read more »

The past few posts in the “summer work abroad” series have dealt with teaching ESL and work-stays as avenues to make a buck abroad in the summer months (or any month, really).

This third entry will be a bit different. In the rare case that you don’t need to make cash while spending a month or a … Read more »