Flying domestically (usa) with a service dog

Flying with your Service Dog takes a bit of pre-planning. Most airlines require 48 hours advance notice about your canine partner. Initially tickets can be booked online through a collective search website like CheapOair. Before purchasing tickets, check out the Airlines direct website for Service Animal rules. Under Federal Law airlines are required to allow Service Animals but a few are friendlier about it than others.

Read more »

Posted by | Comments (3)  | November 1, 2012
Category: Air Travel, Female Travelers, General, North America, On The Road, Solo Travel, Vagabonding Styles

Have you encountered ghosts?

A week from now is All Hallows Eve “vigil of All saints” or commonly known in North America as Halloween. The holiday’s roots are of pagan Celtic origin; but it seems to be spreading around the world in modern fashion. When I was young, it meant dressing up in a costume and walking around my small town neighborhood, knocking on doors and gathering more candy than I’d ever eat. On October 31st my three … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | October 25, 2012
Category: Europe, General, Languages and Culture, North America

Long-distance footpaths

Recently I’ve been reading, “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. When the author was in her mid-twenties she solo hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. Her book unfolds as she treks north, nursing her blistered feet and cumbersome heavy pack along a majority of the 2,663mi (4,286km) trail. It initially begins at the Mexican border, passes through California, Oregon, and Washington in the USA and over the border into Canada. Several years ago I’d … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Long-distance footpaths  | September 6, 2012
Category: Adventure Travel, Africa, Asia, Central America, Destinations, Europe, Female Travelers, Images from the road, North America, Oceania, On The Road, Simplicity, Solo Travel, South America

Vagabonding Field Reports: 10 Airports in 28 Days

Cost/day: FREE (airfare not included – ha!)

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

As I write this, it is now 3:40am and I’m bunking in the San Francisco Airport after 16 hours of flight changes, delays and one emergency turn-around. Some of the things I’ve seen tonight include:

Watching the pilots pack their bags and walk out of … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (7)  | August 11, 2012
Category: Air Travel, Asia, General, Images from the road, North America, Oceania, Vagabonding Field Reports

Write a book about your travel adventures, but don’t (literally) shoot yourself to promote it

The thought of writing a book seems esoteric. Many people I’ve encountered tell me they’re going to write a book someday. (Which I think is a fabulous idea!) The actual process, however, is often unglamorous and tedious. Writing, editing, rewriting, and did I mention rewriting. But writing is only the first step. If you’re following the traditional route; then comes finding an agent, selling the manuscript to a publisher, and marketing it. Your book could … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (2)  | June 20, 2012
Category: General, North America, Travel Writing

A new mecca for historic auto buffs in–of all places–Tacoma, Washington

A bit of travel news closer to home (for me, anyway). In Tacoma, Washington, thirty miles south of Seattle in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, is a brand-new museum which has become a pilgrimage site for historic auto enthusiasts. The one-month-old facility, called America’s Car Museum (ACM), showcases what was once the world’s largest private collection of rare cars.

The collection was amassed by wealthy Tacoma businessman Harold LeMay over many decades. By 1997, LeMay’s … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on A new mecca for historic auto buffs in–of all places–Tacoma, Washington  | June 14, 2012
Category: North America, Notes from the collective travel mind

Vagabonding Field Reports: roughing it in the Southwest USA

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 »

Posted by | Comments (4)  | June 2, 2012
Category: Adventure Travel, North America, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Reports: Moving to South Dakota. Wait.. Where?

 

“Wait – you’re moving where?”

CP: “South Dakota”

“Why would you ever move there?”

CP: “Well…”

Cost/day: ~$30/day (food / gas / fun)

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

When I turned off the Interstate and into Rapid City, I saw (and promptly ignored) a speed limit sign stating 25 mph. Seconds later, I was braking to avoid rear-ending a Chevy truck. Just as I was about to move into the other lane, I … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Reports: Moving to South Dakota. Wait.. Where?  | May 12, 2012
Category: Images from the road, North America, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Reports: A Massive Pillow Fight in New York City

Cost/day: $55/day

Admittedly – I’m cheating a bit. I’m off the road for 2-3 months, so this was a day trip from Philly. If you stay longer, careful planning (couch-surfing, travel deals) will keep your lodging costs reasonable. As for fun – well, you just need to look around for it.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (7)  | April 14, 2012
Category: Images from the road, North America, Vagabonding Field Reports