Most people will never understand the thrill of being on a stage because, actually, they have never been. That complex array of mixed emotions, gut feeling and embarrassment which sometimes spawns some of the World’s greatest awesomeness may be related to travel in many ways. As I previously wrote , by bringing an instrument on...

Last week, Lindsey Rue’s post on Vagabonding inspired me to reconsider slowing down to enjoy the music from another perspective: the musician’s. I have been a punk rock guitarist for the best part of my twenties, and I have started to love travelling because of the long, inspiring van drives linking venue A to venue...

Today is my last post on Vagablogging. After nearly two years of being a freelance writer, I’ve gotten to a place where my plate is overfull—and I have to make room. Thanks to you all for your comments and feedback over the past 22 months. Thanks also go to Rolf, Scott and the Vagablogging contributors...

While packing for my next trip, I came across the ticket stubs from my last trip. It’s not an uncommon occurrence, but this small discovery caused all the memories from that trip to come flooding back as if it had been just yesterday—and not five weeks ago. I don’t know if the gray sky today...

A few nights ago, I sat in the audience at the Book Passage Travel and Food Writing & Photography Conference , listening to Andrew McCarthy talk about his transition from actor to travel writer. One of his comments about travel stood out in particular: “I love that feeling of going, it makes me feel a...

Many travelers have a lengthy list of places they want to go. Alternatively, the list of places they’d prefer to stay away from can seem small in comparison. There are a variety of reasons to want to skip a place: war, security issues, disease outbreaks, a recent disaster, or even lack of interest in the...

In 1946, Aloha Week was created by a group of Jaycees as a cultural celebration of Hawaii’s history, music and dance. Since then, it’s morphed into a variety of festivals including more than 300 events across six Hawaiian islands that are attended by a million people annually. Even if you’re not already scheduled to be...

When traveling, I usually consider the actual form of transportation just a means to get where I’m going. Certainly, there have been experiences that stand out, but for airplanes, buses and cars—it’s usually snooze city. Hours spent on planes or most wheeled vehicles are like pressing the pause button on my trip. I’m not here,...

Years ago, I used to be the major planner on my trips. I’d do extensive research of the area I planned to visit, complete with restaurant reviews, entertainment schedules and seasonal activities. When my feet touched the ground in my destination, I intended to know exactly what I was going to do. Skip forward to...

When I’m choosing what book to take along on a trip, the destination always dictates what I’m inspired to read. The Moviegoer went with me on my first trip to New Orleans. Eduardo Galeano’s Memory of Fire trilogy has accompanied me throughout a handful of trips in Latin America. The Popul Vuh was in my...

Until I visited Colombia, I thought that my favorite hot chocolate was from Mexico. The dose of cinnamon (and sometimes, chile) has caused me to squirrel away a box of Ibarra or Abuelita for those moments when I crave it. But then, in Bogotá, I found something that was even better. Chocolate Santafereño is, at...

Vagabonders can be masters of packing methods, as well as knowing which items are absolutely necessary and which can be left behind. Recently, a Lifehacker article ( Unusual Items Worth Packing on your Next Vacation ) suggests some additional things to consider stashing in your bag before your next big trip. Some of the items...

Often while traveling, it seems that there’s no place immune from a wireless connection. Hotels, cafés—even buses allow you to connect with the world using your cell phone, laptop, or notebook. It’s been many years since I’ve heard someone make a call from an airplane using those seat-back phones: “Hey, you’ll never guess where I’m...

Seeing a place for the first time—whether Paris or Machu Picchu—has magical moments that stay in our memories long after the trip is over. And for travelers who want those new experiences, it’s tempting to discourage or eliminate return travel. While I’m drawn to places I haven’t yet visited, there are destinations that I return...

I often find myself staring at Travel Channel programming, even when the show isn’t very compelling to me. Sure, I’ll tune in for Tony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” any time, but sometimes I’ll hang in for the clip shows of best beaches, just to get a look at turquoise water. It doesn’t have to be the...

Over-organizing travel plans—where you’re in a different place each day due to a long checklist of things to see—can actually result in seeing less. Sure, you may get to all the monuments or museums you want, but while the checklist blinders are on, you could be missing out on a lot of local culture. Recently,...

Getting out of your comfort zone on your travels not only opens you up to new experiences, but also teaches you a lot about yourself. It’s advocated by a wide variety of travelers—from Rick Steves to Nicholas Kristof . And when you’ve done it once, it can change the way you travel for the rest...

Three years ago, I changed my travel plans in order to visit friends living in Croatia. The country was definitely on my list, however it didn’t happen to be in the top five “must go now” destinations at the time. What changed my mind? My friends were nearing retirement age, and would soon leave Croatia...

It’s easy to get caught up in current events and how they impact us, especially when those events have something to do with the money we have, or more likely, don’t have. But what happens when those events take a toll on your travel dreams? We’ve all had to put off traveling, cancel an already-planned...

It’s sometimes hard to believe there are relatively quiet places in Mexico’s Riviera Maya —the long stretch south of Cancun toward Tulum. I was there only nine years ago, and on a recent trip, I noticed many more hotels dotting the road. But more development doesn’t mean you can’t find a sweet spot in the...