Traditional Christmas in Europe

Of the many things Europe does well, it’s the continent’s magnificent Christmas festivities that can charm this cynical traveler every time. From Scotland to Switzerland an extraordinary spirit of festivity, connecting this generations to others long since passed, can be felt in the wintertime air. The traditions of the season are still strong in this thoroughly modern part of the world, where bustling Christmas markets fill the main square of big cities and bucolic, half-timbered … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Traditional Christmas in Europe  | December 14, 2014
Category: Europe, Notes from the collective travel mind, Travel Writing, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: sharing a simple meal with a humble family

IMG_4556

Cost/day: $0

What’s the best thing that’s happened lately?

The most memorable and life-altering experiences of travel don’t usually happen on tour groups or fancy hotels. They take place in the quiet, humble homes of the people, or in the simple, candid interactions between human beings, especially if they have differing culture and … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: sharing a simple meal with a humble family  | December 10, 2014
Category: General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: The great people and of Robe SA

Towards the sea

Cost per day?

For us it could have been cheap, very cheap but we decided to splash out. We hadn’t found a campsite to park on but decided to park on the sea front. Granted this wasn’t a designated spot but in such a small town no-one battered an eye lid at us. If … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: The great people and of Robe SA  | November 26, 2014
Category: General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Children’s Museum — San Jose, Costa Rica

IMG_4060

Cost/day: $2 for adults, $1 for children

What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened lately?

We recently had our sixth child, at home, here in Costa Rica.

Today was our first outing since she’s been born. We went with grandma and grandpa to the Children’s Museum (Museo de los Ninos) in … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Children’s Museum — San Jose, Costa Rica  | November 5, 2014
Category: Family Travel, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Magnetic Island and Barbie cars

Cost/day

There are 2 significant expenses with Magnetic Island. The first is the ferry that takes you to the island which is $32 for an adult. The second is just as much a necessity as it is a luxury and that is the Mokes. For around $80 you can hire one of these miniature petrol cars to take you around the must see island. Food can be pricy also, but a picnic could see you … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Magnetic Island and Barbie cars  | October 22, 2014
Category: General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Slowing down in Ubud, Bali

Cost/day:

$28 per day per person

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

There are many interesting and strange things to see on Bali, but if I had to pick just one it would be the statues you come across in seemingly random places.

DSC03577

Describe a typical day:

Our morning routine stays the same wherever we … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Slowing down in Ubud, Bali  | October 1, 2014
Category: Asia, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: blue mountains and a full English

20140923-213955.jpg Cost/day: We chose to do the blue mountains as a holiday getaway, so we invested a little more in accommodation and opting to eat out each night.

We found an affordable accommodation about 6 kilometres from central katoomba, The Skyrider Motel. It cost $100 a night a little over our usual expenditure but worth it for the luxury of one of the comfiest beds I think I may … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: blue mountains and a full English  | September 24, 2014
Category: General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Escaping to the real Hawaii

Catnip to adventure travellers in search of an authentic Hawaiian escape, Molokai is often referred to as ‘The most Hawaiian island’. With little other than true Aloha on offer, those who board a tiny turboprop plane in Honolulu should expect to step back in time when they land in Ho’olehua.

Unlike its neighbours Molokai does not cater for the package holiday goer. There are no major chain hotels or supermarkets, no luxury resorts and very … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | September 16, 2014
Category: North America, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Having a baby at home in Costa Rica

Greg Rachel Pregnant Costa Rica

Cost/day: $1500

What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened lately?

I’m finally having a baby!! (Our sixth.)

Describe a typical day:

We’re staying in the mountains of the Central Valley, with a gorgeous view of the ocean waaaay off in the distance. Grandma and grandpa have come to visit, in anticipation of the birth … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (2)  | September 10, 2014
Category: General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Relaxing on Cambodia’s coast in Kampot

Cost/day:

$25 per person

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

It was strange watching fisherman on the river covered from head to toe, including a sort of ski mask, in scorching heat.

Sept4

Describe a typical day:

Work and homeschool in the early morning, as always. Breakfast would be at our guesthouse.

We spent a lot of … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Relaxing on Cambodia’s coast in Kampot  | September 3, 2014
Category: Asia, Vagabonding Field Reports