Last week I joined my friend Viola for an evening of learning about Japanese food hosted by Cucimondo, an association that supports volunteer efforts to contact and integration between individuals and peoples. It was delicious, disorganized, and hilarious.

The presenters were a a woman from Osaka and her Roman-born daughter, who might be the coolest chick in Rome. There were several other people from Cucimondo to assist and supervise, including a dead ringer for Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Viola, 20 Roman housewives, three gay men, a black cat and I were seated in chairs around the presentation table. We had to bring our own plates and cutlery.

Mother and daughter recounted their story, explained a bit about Japanese food culture and presentation, and then showed us how to make some Japanese dishes. They invited several of the participants to help make them make rice balls – rinsing the hands in water, cupping the hands just so, wrapping them in seaweed paper.

Viola, who has a phobia about food hygiene, was apoplectic. The Roman housewives had to be told repeatedly to stop chatting. The gay men were clearly expecting sushi. The black cat just wanted salmon.

I was the only foodie in attendance, desperate to talk about umami and its implications for the future of flavored ketchup, a topic I’ve been obsessed with ever since I’d read an article about it in The New Yorker several years ago, but it wasn’t a hot topic with this crowd.

Then cold sake was served, and it was a party.

And now for your listening pleasure, a song! “Giapponese a Roma,” by Il Genio!

I realize that in my vapors, I was not totally clear about the map above. Here is some context:

Rome/Milan: 2 hrs 45 mins, 389 miles
Rome/Genoa: 5 hrs 22 mins, 326 miles

Genoa/France-Italy border: 3 hrs 40 mins, 100 miles, compare to:
Rome/Venice: 3 hrs 30 mins, 352 miles

Via Genoa, takes me 9 hours to get from Rome to the border. This does not include the mandatory 2-hour stopover in Genoa due to the fact that the earliest train I can take from Rome gets me into Genoa 3 minutes after the previous train leaves for the border.

http://www.ustream.tv/maverickssurf

Hollywood actor Steve Carrell summarised the weather on GMTV as we head into the Easter Weekend ... it's going to be wet!

Steve, who played a weather man in the film Anchorman, gave the spoof weather forecast yesterday morning ... and talked of umbrellas, rain and more rain.

But things DO get better by Sunday.

Today, Scotland will be clear with some sunshine but will stay chilly. Across the rest of Britain and Ireland there'll be showers and longer pulses of rain. The South West will be prone to thunder and hail in the heaviest downpours.

Tomorrow, there's little improvement with hefty showers. The showers will be wintry over the high ground and once more, could well be intense enough to produce thunder and hail.

It's not all bad though - Easter Sunday will be drier and brighter with more sunshine. Hurray!

Come Bank Holiday Monday, it'll be bright in the South where it'll feel mild out of the breeze. The North and West will become increasingly windy with rain into Scotland, and later, Ireland.

Currently its cloudy but dry at the F1 Sepang circuit, located just south of  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Malay peninsula's position near the equator means that its often comfortably hot and humid - its nearly 5pm and its still 35C. The humidity is making it feel nearer 40C.

Such conditions make it prone to afternoon downpours and today is no exception.

The heavy thunderstorms tend to be hit and miss, but where they do develop, they are massive..

Intense, torrential rain, amazing lightning displays across the sky and immense cracks of thunder loud enough to make you jump out of your skin.

Such conditions are bound to affect the track, the drivers and the outcome of todays race.
 

Are you a handyman by trade? If so, it is likely that you have grown accustomed to carrying your tools around with you, wherever you go. In fact, there is also a chance that you may need to travel with them. Whether you are traveling for business purposes or not, it is important to know that the airline industry as a specific set of air travel rules concerning tools. If you are planning on brining your tools along with you, you will want to take the time to famialrize yourself with these rules. Doing so may prove helpful, in more ways than one.

Before examining the tools that are not allowed aboard an airline and those that are, it is important to know one thing, there are different types of rules. Most airlines do not strictly prohibit you from carry tools with you, but they do restrict you from carry them at certain times. For instance, you will find that a large number of tools can be stored in your checked baggage, but they are prohibited from being stored in your carryon luggage. If, at anytime, you are confused about these bans, you are advised to contact your airline for additional information.

One group of tools that are banned from carryon luggage includes sharp objects. With the recent focus on airport security, you should already be well aware of this type of ban. Saws, saw blades, drills, and box cutters are banned from all airplane cabins. Essentially, this means that you cannot store these items in your carryon luggage; however, they can be packed in your checked baggage. Since all baggage, including the bags that you do not plan on keeping with you at all times, needs to be searched, you are advised to properly secure these tools. Not doing so may result in an air airline employee receiving an injury that could have been prevented.

In addition to tools with sharp edges, there is also a carryon luggage ban on tools that could be used as a deadly weapon. These tools include axes, hatchets, cattle prods, hammers, and crowbars. This ban is mostly imposed due to the size and weight of these items. As with most other tools, the airline industry will allow you to store these heavy tools in your checked baggage.

Although it may seem as if all tools are banned from your carryon luggage, that is not the case. There are a number of tools can be stored in your carryon luggage. These tools commonly include screwdrivers and pliers. Additional tools may also be allowed, but they must not have been mentioned above. It is also required that these tools be no more than seven inches long. In the event that they are longer than seven inches, you will have to make additional accommodations.

Despite the fact that certain tools can be stored in your carryon luggage, it may be a good idea to put these items in your checked baggage or leave them at home. Even though these items are allowed, you may raise suspicion from having them with you aboard a plane. That suspicion may not necessity come from airport security officials, but it may come from other passengers. With the way that the world works today, it may be best if you refrain from including these tools in your carryon luggage, unless you absolutely need them.

Related posts:

1. Flying Banned Items That You Might Not Have Thought Of
2. Air Travel Rules Traveling With Electronics
3. Air Travel Rules Traveling With Sports Equipment

Are your kids like mine - often with some sort of headphone or earbud plugged into their aural sockets?  Take advantage of that tendency by looking for available iPod/audio guides and tours when you travel.  Kids can keep looking plugged-in and “cool” but may actually learn something on your trip.

As a parent, of course, your job is to never seem too “Squeeee!” happy when they occasionally admit that something is informative or educational.

Where do you find these tours?

First, if you use iPods, do a search in the iTunes store; Apple recognizes the value of their audio tour podcasts although the iTunes Search function is not particularly good.

There are many well-established general travel podcasts (think of them as little radio shows) from Indie Travel Podcast (latest topics as of this writing include Christchurch, New Zealand and Tasmania) the Amateur Traveler (latest episodes are about the Republic of Georgia, London and Easter Island) Frommers.com and Rick Steves who covers Europe.  An iTunes search for Disney informational podcasts returns a bunch of options too; just make sure they’re fairly recent since things can change quickly at the parks.

You can also find location-specific offerings on iTunes like LAWithKids for Los Angeles and audio/video podcast offerings from VisitLondon.com.

Some companies focus specifically on audio offerings - AudioSnacks, for example, has a big section for audio tours, and the company SoundWalk has some very unique walking tours that place special emphasis on New York City, although they do have a few other cities as well. The media company ARTineraries has professionally-produced tours of mostly Italian historic sites.  LearnOutLoud has a kid’s audio section, too.

The UK’s Guardian, always a good source of worldwide travel information, has a small selection of free audio tours called Sounds of the City (Athens, Rome, Nice, Marseille, Valencia and Granada) plus an eclectic collection of very personalized audio travel guides, featuring people like musician Franz Ferdinand taking you on a tour of his hometown of Glasgow.

Some travel guide companies also produce audio - I like the DK (Dorling-Kindersley) Eyewitness guides for their clean layout and liberal use of photos and graphics, so I was pleased to find that they also have a few DK Travel podcasts.

Finding these things is a classic Google search problem, but I’ve had best results when I query search engines about tours for a specific location.  As I always advise, start with the tourism board/Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) for the place you’re going to visit.  For example, the Chicago Office of Tourism has free downloadable guides including Chicago for Kids and a blues tour narrated by Buddy Guy.  Even smaller towns may have them; Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon have audio tours guided by locals and sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Don’t forget that most museums have had audio tours for a long time, including big places like Chicago’s Field Museum and New York’s Museum of Modern Art, plus smaller ones like the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, which has tours in English and Spanish.

Let us know in the comments if you have any favorites!

How could this be? The New York Times explains:

Last year, 13 out of every 10,000 passengers were bumped on domestic flights -- or 762,422 out of a total of 582 million. That was down from over 20 per 10,000 passengers in 1999, according to the Department of Transportation. In over 90 percent of cases, airlines found volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for some compensation.

But at the same time:

While fewer people are getting bumped over all, the share of passengers being denied boarding involuntarily is going up. Last year, 1.19 of every 10,000 passengers had their seats taken away outright, the highest rate since 1996.

Basically, the reason involuntary bumps are up is that the airlines have reduced the number of flights, thereby increasingly the likelihood that planes will depart at full capacity. When flights are oversold, the airlines are having more trouble finding volunteers willing to be bumped because the next departure is also probably sold out (or even overbooked). Anyone volunteering to be bumped might not leave until the day after his or her originally scheduled flight.

For many travelers, departing a few hours later is no big deal, especially when the tradeoff for volunteering to be bumped is a couple hundred bucks in airline vouchers. But if you have to spend the night? Fewer travelers are willing to volunteer for such an inconvenience, no matter what the compensation.

And what kind of flyer is most likely to get bumped without having a say in the matter? Somebody who got a deal on the flight, as the Times reports:

Not every passenger is equal when it comes to being bumped: business-class travelers and frequent fliers holding elite status are much less likely to get bumped. The last in line are leisure travelers holding discounted fares.

And why is that? Like so many things, it all comes down to money. For one thing, the airlines don't want to make their best customers (presumably, the frequent flyers and the folks in business-class) angry by bumping them. But also, it's more cost-effective for an airline to bump somebody who bought a cheap ticket. Here are the rules for compensation in the case of involuntary bumping, as spelled out by the Department of Transportation:

* If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to your one-way fare to your final destination that day, with a $400 maximum.

* If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (200% of your one-way fare, $800 maximum).

So, if you were delayed more than two hours and your ticket only cost $75, the airline would only have to pay you $150 if you got bumped. Bumping a passenger in business class on that same flight could cost the airline $800. So it's pretty obvious which passenger the airline is going to bump.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Food and Drink, Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Budget Travel

Gallery: Tigray and Axum

Continue reading Ethiopia's northern borderlands: Tigray and its ancient civilization

Ethiopia's northern borderlands: Tigray and its ancient civilization originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Filed under: Travel Health

Continue reading Five reasons to unplug your vacation

Five reasons to unplug your vacation originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/adam_hofstetter/02/15/scorecard.daily/index.html

Axe Detailer Cleans Your Balls – Watch the top videos of the week here

Aspen Colorado. When someone mentions this, the first thing that probably comes to mind is quiet scenery and exciting adventure. Though founded as a mining camp during the Silver Boom in Colorado, Aspen Colorado has since outgrown that title to become one of the most popular ski resorts and tourist hotspot in North America.

But Aspen isn't just for tourists and powder day crowds who come to seek adventure and solitude and whatever else the Rocky Mountains can offer. Aspen is for real people who like to enjoy the simple pleasures in life without having to live like a hermit in some godforsaken mountain. No. Because Aspen Colorado is a big city with an even bigger heart.

You've been dreaming about purchasing a home for sale Aspen Colorado for a while now. You've been saving up for this day to come. And with the interest rates going down, what's stopping you? Home for sale Aspen Colorado is something you do not want to miss. Scroll down below for a list of sites that offer home for sale Aspen Colorado. Note that the list featured in this article isn't by any chance complete, but it does offer you a very good glimpse of what's out there for you.

AspenSkiHomes.com

Aspen Ski Homes is run by Morris & Fyrwald Real Estate, a relatively new company that has steadily grown since its founding in October of 2001. Aspen Ski Homes features several home for sale Aspen Colorado found in several choice locations in the Rocky Mountain Region. Whether you want a home for sale Aspen Colorado with a long history behind like the Historic Sardy House, which is a landmark of Aspen's Main Street, or a home for sale Aspen Colorado with a sophisticated ambiance like the 11 security gated house sprawled across acres of aspen and spruce-covered property.

AspenExperts.com

They're experts when it comes to mountain living and finding you a home for sale Aspen Colorado. Their site features a list of home for sale Aspen Colorado and properties for sale, including even those found in other cities, such as Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Basalt, and Redstone. They also have pictures of the properties for sale, along with price quotes and other pertinent information.

Realtor.com

Realtor.com is another site that offers home for sale Aspen Colorado. If you're looking for mountain properties in Aspen Central, East Aspen, Red Mountain, Smuggler, Starwood, West Aspen, West End Aspen, and Redstone/Marble, then Realtor.com is the site for you.

Related posts:

1. Aspen Home In Windsor Colorado
2. See Photographs Of Aspen Colorado
3. Hotel In Aspen Colorado

Each year thousands of couples go on a romantic getaway in Southern California. The reason could be the wonderful weather and year around warm temperatures. Or it could be the leisurely attitude of the tanned sun glass wearing locals sipping bottled water at the beach cafes. Most likely it is the phenomenal amount of entertainment venues from The Queen Mary in Long beach to Disneyland in Anaheim to Universal Studios in Studio city or San Diego Wild animal park.

Yes there is always something to do which makes Southern California a perfect romantic getaway spot. Take your spouse or partner to one of the sea side communities. Enjoy the beaches and ocean breeze. You have your pick of a wide variety of hotel experiences. There are spas, five star hotels and resorts and little out of the way Bread and Breakfasts. Wherever you stay on your romantic getaway in Southern California you can find some nearby entertainment. Yes California's love to shop and you can guarantee that where ever you are staying shopping is nearby.

It would not be a romantic getaway in Southern California without the food. This melting pot of a hub features just about any specialty you would want to try. From Los Angeles to San Diego you are sure to find something that you are craving from Peruvian to Thai.

The Hotel of Romance

The famed Hotel del Coronado located in San Diego is one major stop for a romantic getaway in Southern California. It is a historic landmark famed as one of the premier romantic destinations of the west coast. It also is a beautiful example today of Victorian architecture. The service is fantastic and San Diego adds the adventure with its arts, Gas lamp district and variety of things to do.

The Hotel del Coronado is surrounded by beautiful tropical landscaping. Many weddings famous and not so famous have been held on its grounds. There is a nearby golf course for you and your mate as well as tennis court and full amenities. Afterward head out to the zoo, take a boat cruise or dine in some of the best restaurants in the world.

In the Los Angeles area there are many locations to fit what are looking for to small out of the way hotels to lavish resorts right in the middle of it all. It's no secret that Southern California's romantic getaways are exciting and fun.

Related posts:

1. Have A Fun Filled Romantic Getaway In San Diego
2. Take A Romantic Getaway To Beautiful California
3. How To Choose The Right Romantic Getaway Hotel

Things will be a bit quiet around the ol’ blog for a few days while I’m getting ready for/participating in/recovering from the tech conference madness that is “Geek Spring Break” at Austin’s South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi) - here’s my report from last year’s travel blogging panel.

It’s a fabulous gathering but not exactly a hotbed of family travel information (unless you want to count my son going to the associated ScreenBurn video gaming event.)

If I was a more organized blogger I’d have things pre-posted and/or guest posts lined up for you….and that’ll happen right after those last Christmas decorations get put away at my house, right?

Right!

Every week or so until we run out of states, I’ll be posting about family-friendly vacation ideas, attractions and events in each one of the US states, taking input mostly from Twitter and Facebook.

Yes, I know how to search for travel ideas on a destination or attraction Web site, but a tweet or a Facebook Wall recommendation is a much more engaging and public way to spread the word.

Please don’t email suggestions to me; that’s nice but it is one-to-one communication. Tweet me and/or Facebook me, so that all of our networks can see what’s cool about your state.

We’re going in alphabetical order but started with the end, so our first state for the series was Wyoming, then we investigated Wisconsin, West Virginia,  Washington,  Virginia,  Vermont,  Utah, Texas,  Tennessee,  South Dakota,  South Carolina,  Rhode Island,  Pennsylvania,  Oregon, Oklahoma,  Ohio, North Dakota,  North Carolina, New York, New Mexico, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Nevada and now we’re moving on to….Nebraska!

They are doing a solid job with social media:  @NebraskaTourism represents that state on Twitter, they have a Facebook Fan Page, they share videos on their YouTube channel and they’re perfect for road trips with tons of scenic drive podcasts.

When I asked for Nebraska ideas, here’s what came in….

Twitter Travel Tips for Nebraska

***  From Theresa via @SixSuitcaseTrav on Twitter - Have always loved hiking in Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, NE. The Omaha Children’s Museum is great place for kids. Good times for all and membership worthy. Check out the Arbor Day farm in Nebraska City, NE home of the Arbor Day Foundation, tour includes a free tree seedling. A must visit is the Henry Doorly Zoo and a stop by Zestos for the best malts in the world!

***  From Anne Szustek via @the59thStBridge on Twitter - Omaha has some great vintage clothing shops [appeals to tweens, teens.]

***  From Kayt Sukel via @TravelSavvyKayt on Twitter - Lincoln NE has a really cute Children’s Museum: http://bit.ly/AIekL.  And I’ve heard good things about the zoo: http://bit.ly/tSl2K

***  From Sarah V. via @Wandering_Off on Twitter - Omaha:  Strategic Air & Space Museum is fun! Joslyn Art Museum also good.

Facebook Travel Tips for Nebraska

***  From Linda Wolfgram Kramer on Facebook - Something I came across that looks interesting: at Fort Robinson State Park, you can sleep in a “cabin” crafted from the fort’s old enlisted or officers’ quarters.

A friend who lives in Nebraska highly recommends Railroad Days, which take place in Omaha and across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She liked it enough to write five blog posts for me about it: http://minnemom.com/2008/08/03/railroad-days-5-great-stops-2-days-10/

***  From Bill Genereux on Facebook - Right now is the best time to see the sandhill cranes along the Platte. Amazing to see! http://www.nebraskatravels.com/sandhill-crane-migration.html

Homestead National Monument, near Beatrice. http://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm

Fort Robinson is where Crazy Horse was when he was killed. Must see Cabelas in Sidney or Kearney. Speaking of Kearney, the Platte River Monument is worth a visit.

Pioneer Village in Minden used to be a cool place but I dunno how well it’s been maintained. It’s been years. I want to take my kids sometime though.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo http://bit.ly/taYGU and the Strategic Air & Space Museum, Ashland http://bit.ly/cOA2GP

According to a friend, Omaha also has a children’s museum, railroad museum, Kansas City Royals minor league team, downtown slides, riverwalk, carriage rides. I’ve been wanting to take my family to Omaha for a while, but we haven’t gotten it done.

***  From Jeanne Cole on Facebook - Minden NE has a really awesome museum with so many things to see you can’t do it in a single day! I called Pioneer Village, here is the link http://www.pioneervillage.org/ and, yes I have personally been there for two days! Our classic car group took a road trip to Minden in late 2005. Probably time to go back!

***  From Kay Bell on Facebook - Minor league baseball! Rosenblatt Stadium is home of the College World Series (http://www.cwsomaha.com/);  I got to attend some of the CWS games the summer I spent in Omaha. The rest of the summer Rosenblatt Stadium is home to the Omaha Royals, the Triple-A affiliate (top level of minor league ball) of the Kansas City Royals since the Royals joined the American League in 1969. http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t541

Thanks so much for the contributions, everyone!

The BootsnAll Travel Network has an Omaha, Nebraska Travel Guide as well.

The next state in the series is Montana.

Send your Montana highlights to @SheilaS on Twitter or write them on my Facebook Wall (please tell me you’re a 50 state-er if you want to friend me.)

My purpose for this series is not only to highlight worthy kid-friendly vacation destinations in all 50 states, but by using Twitter and Facebook I want to also encourage tourism organizations to learn more about connecting with their visitors using social media and online networks.

Please add your own Nebraska suggestions in the comments below, if we’ve missed anything. Thanks!

The 2010 edition of National Parks Week begins on April 17 and lasts until April 25 at the nation's 392 national parks. All entrance fees (up to $25 for a big park like Yellowstone) are waived during the week.

The National Park Service tried this program last year. 2009 was a big year for the parks, with the Ken Burns documentary treatment and an attendance increase of 10 million visitors.

April might seem a little early for the chillier parks out there (Glacier National Park in Montana—which is celebrating a birthday this year—comes to mind). But as we advise in our Beat the Crowds feature, April is a great time to visit California's Death Valley and Joshua Tree parks and Arizona's Saguaro.

Two other days will be fee-free this year: Public Lands Day (Sept. 25) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

A USA Today blog was nice enough to feature some of the great tips in Budget Travel's new book The Smart Family's Passport, which in turn has led to an exchange of even more travel tips.

After the USA Today post, readers chimed in with comments such as:

I always order to go from the hotel restaurant vs. room service. They will often ask we can bring it to your room, but I say my wife is asleep. Like many I am on a set $ amount for dinner and this is a good way to avoid +20% and $3 added to the bill. I can order more or better food that way.

And:

I always pack my suitcase the night before my checkout when I have a clear head, more or less, to avoid the "morning of" panic packing. As for valuables, I put all in a pile either on a table where I know I'll see them or by the sink so I see them when I pack up my shaving kit stuff. That way, I don't leave anything behind, but I can see how it can be done.

And:

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to buy a fake diamond wedding set to wear on holidays. Besides that we almost never travel with valuables.

Today, we have an interview with Craig Martin, author of the new ebook Travelling Europe.  Craig gave me an advance copy his book–which is full of advice of how to research better, travel smarter and spend less.  I loved it.  It gives practical, real world advice on how to travel Europe on a budget, and who would know better than Craig and his wife Linda, who have been traveling full time for almost 3 years.  Craig and Linda also host the Indie Travel Podcast, covering everything you need to know on independent travel.  This week they featured a podcast on Vienna, Austria.

Did you want a free copy?  Well Craig has graciously offered a free copy to one of the readers of EuropeString.com.  Just post a comment below, give us a shout out and next week we’ll pick a winner to receive a free copy of Travelling Europe.

Craig, I’ve been following your podcast for a long time now, but for those readers who don’t know you, can you tell us about yourself?

Sure. My name’s Craig Martin and I’ve been travelling around the world since February 2006. My wife, Linda, and I are addicted to it now: travel’s become a way of life rather than something to do when you’re not working.

In November 2006 we realised we were learning all sorts of things we had never read about or heard about. Travelling independently isn’t well documented! We decided to start a website on it and, being a geek, I wanted to give podcasting a try. The Indie Travel Podcast started off rough and ready but we have learned a lot since then. We’ve also added articles by guest writers and video podcasts by ourselves and also people who are sending in video from around the world.

I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand and, probably typically, I like to hike and muck around in boats or in the sea. New Zealand’s far away from everything though, so we knew we didn’t want to just go somewhere for a month. We had a stop-over in Hong Kong then hit Europe. We ended up spending two and a half years there and visited almost every country you don’t need a visa for. We spent two months or more in the UK, Spain, Austria, Italy, Turkey and Malta. We’re trying to warm up again now, so we’re spending this December in Perth, Western Australia. It’s time to save for our travels in the Pacific and then South and Central America in the coming years.

What gave you the idea to set off on this long term adventure?

There’s this Kiwi and Aussie thing called the OE – short for Overseas Experience. Basically it’s normal for us to travel and work overseas for six months to two years. Most people plant themselves in London and never make it out again.

We didn’t want to get stuck in the London trap. We really wanted to do something different and also to really travel, not just set up home in a new city. I guess it’s that culture of travel and the passion for unconventionality which has lead us to travel like this. Now that we’re hooked I’m eyeing up visiting every country in the world. Or perhaps attempting to circumnavigate the world on foot (I’ve even got a route pencilled in). We’re crazy enough, so who knows?!

When it comes to money, it’s a concern for everyone. I know there are lots of ways to finance a trip… how do you make it work?

Finding the funding for travel is no small task, even though travelling is often a cheaper lifestyle than living in most American or European cities. Taking off on this trip wasn’t an easy thing: we spent almost four years killing off our debt then saving to get us started and as an emergency fund.

We tried to do it smartly though. After finishing University we decided to do a TESOL qualification — allowing us to teach English to speakers of other languages in private schools around the world. We worked at home gaining experience and paying off our overdrafts and student loans. We lived simply, but lived well and indulged when we wanted. We travelled through New Zealand and visited Australia and some Pacific islands during that time. And all the time we were dreaming of heading off.

Now that we’re on the road, TESOL is still our major earner. At other times we have worked in call centres and retail shops and started to dip our toes into the travel writing market. It certainly doesn’t pay well though! Most people will make a lot more spending an hour in a classroom than an hour pounding the keyboard.

For someone who is just starting out, what are some of the things they can do to plan a low cost trip?

It’s a difficult topic and one I tried to condense and address in this article. If you’re looking to travel mid- or long-term then simplifying your life now is probably the best thing you can do. If your trip is less than a year away begin to sell off things you don’t use. You really won’t want it when you get home. Trust me. That money’s better off destroying your debt.

Begin getting involved in online traveller’s networks. There are lots around so find one that suits you — I like Matador and Couchsurfing, for example. Start subscribing to travel blogs and posting comments; that way you’ll be able to ask questions when you’re after some advice. Start reading as much as you can: use free resources like the internet and the library rather than spending money on new books. If you know someone who’s travelled invest in taking them out for a drink…and take notes!

If I can be cheeky, I’ll pimp my own sites: the Indie Travel Podcast is focused on independent travel and, since we’ve spent so long in Europe, it’s got lots of great advice. Eurail Stories is all about the Eurail train pass and travelling through Europe by train. I also wrote an ebook on travelling in Europe. I called it…Travelling Europe! It’s a great resource for beginner travellers and it covers things like budget airlines, train passes and accommodation options amongst other things. OK, pimping over.

Now that you’ve traveled through Europe, what are some unexpected things that you loved and what are some areas you’d avoid if you could do it again?

The things I loved are too numerous to count. Almost every day I woke up loving life and looking forward to the day. If I had to pick, two highlights would be visiting Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic and walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

We had just finished a short teaching contract and were looking for a small town to relax in for a week. Cesky Krumlov was recommended so off we went. I just remember sitting outside the Two Marys: sky stained red, a cup of hot mead warding off the night’s chill, the Vlatava River bubbling past us and thinking “life is very good”. Linda and I both started laughing with pure joy. OK, maybe the mead had something to do with it.

The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is a mediaeval pilgrimage concluding in Santiago de Compostela near Spain’s north-west coast. We took a month to walk from Pamplona to Santiago, then onwards to Finisterre and finally Muxia. Life was so simple and so good. Get up and put twenty kilometers behind you then eat, wash and relax in the afternoon heat. The trail community really makes it special though: people are walking for all sorts of reasons but there’s a wonderful cammeraderie and spirit on the trail.

What’s your advice for someone thinking about traveling?

I’d definitely recommend doing it. Go on!

Preparation will save you headaches on the road, so do that well. When it comes to planning an itinerary, however, make sure you have some rest days in there and also plan as loosely as possible. Don’t book 12 months of accommodation before you set foot out the door! At most book the first week or two weeks if you’re really nervous. You’ll need time to find your rythym and get on-the-ground recommendations from travelers. You don’t want to find yourself walled in by your itinerary.

Any final thoughts?

Plenty more, but I think people will soon start getting bored! Europe is a fantastic place to travel through: enjoy it.

Want to order a copy? Travelling Europe is available online.

Post from: Europe String

The question of whether or not to use hostels when traveling is a highly debated one.  I know before I used them regularly in Europe, I couldn’t imagine being comfortable sharing my personal space like that.  While hostels are definitely not for everyone (having a laid back personality is a good starting point), here are some things you might not know about the hosteling world.

Hostels are not just for kids. There are people of all ages at hostels and while the demographics definitely lean towards the younger set (18-24) this can vary from property to property. And if you were wondering if you were too old to go, you can put those fears aside.

You get what you research. The best hostels are often booked months in advance. Using a site like HostelWorld.com not only lets you search for hostels that have the amenities you want, you can also read reviews from other travelers. While I would caution against just picking the highest rated (might also have the least reviews) you’ll find that it’s easy to spot negative trends in the comments. If 5 of the last 10 reviewers mention a bug problem, then you might want to stay away.

It’s not all party all the time. In this case it depends, but for many hostels, there are “quiet hours”. If you’re looking for a quieter place to lay your head, then you might want to avoid hostels with built in bars.

Sleeping on a bunk bed isn’t your only option. Most hostels offer several versions of the same thing: bunk beds (6 to a room, 8 to a room, 10 to a room or female only rooms). But a good percentage (maybe half) also offers privates. If you’re traveling alone, these can be a little pricey (if the bunks are $10, then the private will be about $25-30). Well worth the cost, if you want privacy. If you’re traveling with others, the cost of a private might be only a few dollars more than individual bunks.

A good hostel experience can add to your trip. There are lots of clean hostels, located in great spots in Europe. And the people there can be interesting too. Some of the highlights from trips I’ve taken have been coming home to the hostel, only to discover that someone cooked pasta for everyone. We spent the early evening eating together, sharing stories (everyone was from a different country) and laughing.

The entire hostel experience is hinged together by the travelers who use it. If it was full of abusive drunks who kept you up all night and trashed the room, then no one would use it. And while there are people who don’t get it, what you’re more likely to find is an international group of folks—some straight out college, others at retirement age—who all try to be respectful and share in the joy that is travel.

Have you used a hostel? What was your experience?

Creative Commons Pics:

RussellJSmith, Supa Pedro,  & Chorcel

Post from: Europe String

It’s been a while since I went on a Slackerology rant, but car-free living has been on my mind again recently and instead of just speaking in confident, but speculative terms, I decided to crunch a bunch of numbers to support my argument.

When you ask someone why they don’t consider a car-free lifestyle, the primary reply is that the convenience and time-saving of traveling by car, versus public transport, is simply too valuable to give up. Well, to those people clinging to that belief, I’m about to blow your tutti-frutti little minds.

Let’s assume, as someone dependent on public transport, you ride the bus/train an average of four times a day, namely to and from work and then round-trip on one other outing (or two round-trip outings on Saturdays/Sundays). Let’s say that each time you take public transport, you spend an average of five minutes waiting at the stop. (Yes, I know that at 11pm on a Sunday you may occasionally wait 25 minutes, but all those times you wait zero to three minutes at 5pm on a Wednesday will even things out).

So:

4 trips a day X five minutes of waiting X 365 days = 121.66 hours per year that you ‘waste’ standing around, waiting for public transport.

Now, as for the extra time spent in transit on buses/trains versus your car, depending on the route, time of day, traffic and whatever walking you need to do to-from the stop/station, yes the journey on public transport will probably take more time than if you just hopped into your car. But exactly how much more time?

The walking time to/from public transport versus your car is basically a wash, because you would likely also have a long walk from the office/shop/movie theater/etc to wherever your car is parked, not to mention all the time you burn driving around trying to find a parking spot.

While some bus routes are sadistically slower than driving a car, others, privy to priority lanes for example, are just the same or faster. And, it’s safe to assume, trains will always be faster as they happily zoom under, over or through inching traffic. Being that this interval is kind of impossible to quantify, I’m just going to pull what I feel is a fairly generous number out of the air and say a (average!) journey on public transport will take seven minutes longer than if you were in a car.

4 trips a day X seven additional in-transit minutes X 365 days = 170.33 additional hours per year that you might spend in transit while on public transport than if you were in a car.

Combining the waiting-for-public-transport hours and additional in-transit hours, you could potentially lose 292 hours of your life per year if you relied solely on public transport.

There’s no denying that’s a lot of toe-tapping, non-thrilling time. That said, you car drivers will want to put down any delicate or spillable items you may be holding before I continue.

Now, let’s look at how many hours per year you work in order to raise the money necessary to keep your car on the road. First, let’s break down an annual car expense sheet (I’m doing both low and high end expense breakdowns, since everyone has different circumstances and expenses depending on city, daily driving distances, age, lifestyle, etc):

• Car loan payments = $4,200-6,000 per year ($350-500 X 12 months)
• Gas = $780-1,560 ($15-30 per week X 52 weeks per year)
• Insurance = $900-1,600 per year
• License tabs = $50-120 per year
• Maintenance = $300-500 per year (an estimated lump sum for oil changes, car washes, windshield wipers, one or two minor part(s) failures, etc)
• Parking = $200-2,400 per year (the startling high end is for people who pay to park in garages/lots both at home and at work, plus supplementary night/weekend parking at meters, lots, etc)

Low and high end totals come to $6,430 and $12,180 per year. Since very few people live at either of those extremes, I’m going to use the midpoint of $9,305 from here forward.

In order to bring home the $9,305 per year you need to keep your car on the road, you actually need to earn $11,631.25 pre-tax (which is 25% for those earning $33,950-82,250 per year) income. So, at a pay rate of $22 (average US hourly wage for 2009), it will take you 528.69 hours (13.22 weeks!) of work to earn enough money to keep your car physically and legally running.

And if you don’t have a car loan, or don’t spend that much money on parking or whatever, keep in mind that I haven’t factored in all the money you could potentially cough up paying for collision repairs, moving violations or parking tickets and, in some places, toll roads.

So, 528.69 hours of work minus the 292 hours you’d potentially spend whiling away on public transport, equals 236.69 surplus hours of free time you’d enjoy each year by not owning a car. That’s 5.92 theoretical 40-hour weeks of work that you wouldn’t have to perform.

Now think about your drastically reduced carbon footprint.

Now think about how many books you could be reading or TV shows you could be watching on your iPod while sitting on public transport.

Now think about what you could accomplish if you worked 5.92 fewer weeks per year.

Or think about the lavish vacation in Thailand you could take and/or how many bottles of really good wine you could buy with $8,305 (I knocked off the roughly the $1,000 you’d pay per year for a transit pass, which, I haven’t forgotten, will require 45.5 hours of work to pay for, so you only end up with 191 spare hours, or 4.78 fewer work weeks per year).

Don’t try to tell me that you’re not tempted.

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This is already old news to my Romania pals, but I’d like to take this blogging downtime opportunity to generally announce the recent re-launch of my online Romania and Moldova Travel Guide.

The site originally debuted in late 2006, soon after my first thorough Lonely Planet research trip in Romania and Moldova, with a design and color scheme suggesting that it had been the morning project for the kindergarten class at St Catherine’s School for the Legally Blind. Though it was, by far, the most comprehensive and regularly updated online travel guide for these two countries, its appearance was difficult to disregard.

Flash forward to late 2009. After completing the write-up for the upcoming Lonely Planet Romania 5 (in stores May 2010), and after listening to years of static by trash-talking bystanders, my web expert pal Bertine and I spent weeks redesigning and updating the entire site. Notable changes include:

•    Not old and busted looking
•    Totally updated information, accurate as of summer 2009
•    Far more pictures, including the super cool, rotating title images
•    Requisite ‘Best of’ lists
•    New hotness

Old and busted

New hotness

Unfortunately, being the most complete, constantly updated, on-the-ground research-driven Romania and Moldova travel site in the history of the universe doesn’t result in an instantaneous top Google ranking like it should. So, if any of you Romania enthusiasts would be so kind as to link up (I’d be happy to link back), blog about or disseminate glowing word-of-mouth chatter amongst your Romania-bound travel friends, I’d deeply appreciate it.

And if you are at all curious, I can confidently inform you that Romania is among the greatest destinations in Eastern Europe and boasts, on a whole, more bang for your buck than just about any other country on the continent. Budget airlines have arrived, so why haven’t you?

See you there!

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When choosing hotels in Paris, it may be a little difficult, since there are many to choose. Paris has a wide selection of hotels, which most are in walking distance of historical places. In Paris, there are over 500 nice hotels to choose. The best way to find a hotel in Paris is to decide first what you want. If you are not sure, go to your local travel agencies and pick up a few pamphlets. However, if you would like you could go on the Internet and check out the suites. This way you can view images of the many hotels in Paris. Keep in mind; some information may not be updated. If you want to spend the extra cash, search for Paris's fancy hotels.

What are some of the hotels?

Well this hotel is called the hotel Lotti this is a jolly hotel it is one of the most charming in the area of Paris between the Tuleuls Gardens and the place Vendome which in known for there jeweler shops. Another good hotel is called the Lemeridren Etoile this is located on the right bank of Paris facing the palais des congres only a few steps away from champs-elysees. Paris has a wide selection of Best Western Hotels. The hotels for the most part are in walking distance of Champ Elysees. In addition, in about three minutes you could make it to Louve palasis des congres. The Louve Museum is also in walking distance from some of Paris's Best Western hotels.

How do I travel around Paris?

Remember Paris has a taxi service and a tour bus so if you do not want to drive or walk you can let the service do it for you. This way you will not have to battle trivets of getting lost in the large crowds around Paris. Paris is a large city.

How do I choose areas to site see?

Paris offers you a wide array of areas to site see. Throughout Paris, you have a selection of shopping malls. The shopping malls are fit to match your family needs, or personal tastes. Paris also has thirteen railroads, which are underground. Paris has another three huge airports, and a selection of Antiquaries Galleries. Paris is a beautiful environment, which most hotels you visit are in walking distance. If you choose tour guides, you have an advantage, since the guides will take you to the most well liked areas. Many of Paris's grand stores and diners are open around the clock.

How do I choose romantic areas to visit?

For a romantic night out on the town, you may want to check out the cruise Paris businesses offer to their tourists. On the cruise you will enjoy fine dining, relaxation, site seeing and more. Paris has a wide selection of onboard and off board restaurants to select from a list. For instance, you may want to enjoy feasting at the fabulous Dechezeux. The restaurant has a French twist of outstanding cuisines. Ultimately, you can walk the main streets of Paris to find fabulous restaurants that fit your tastes. Do not forget to check out your options at the local travel agents, or on the Internet.

Paris is a well-liked country, therefore if you plan to travel to Paris France it is wise to check out the package deals online. Often you will find coupons, package deals, discount packages and more. Often when you choose packages the travel agents will provide you with necessary items, such as hotel stay, tra

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Cancun, Mexico has become one of the most popular travel destinations for college students looking for an outlet to burn off some steam during their spring break. College life can be extremely stressful and most colleges give their students one week a year off in the spring and this time has become synonymous with hedonism and excessive partying. The week chosen for spring break varies from school to school making the spring break season typically an approximately two month long event. Spring breaks can begin as early as late February or as late as early May depending on the university. Although this may be a dream come true for many young people, older travelers may be very disappointed to learn that they have stumbled into Cancun during the annual spring break season.

Those who are looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation are advised to avoid Cancun during the typical spring break season. Although the beaches are beautiful, the weather is gorgeous and the surroundings are still picturesque the crowds that spring break attracts may make even the most beautiful setting seem not so attractive to some people. Many resorts cater to the spring break crowd making it difficult for those who do not want to be a part of the spring break scene to enjoy their vacation. The beaches and pools are usually overcrowded with young adults enjoying a break from school combined with easy access to alcohol. This combination usually results in a loud and boisterous atmosphere that does not appeal to those who are looking for the tranquility that they have come to expect from a beach location.

However, those who are looking to participate in the spring break atmosphere at its finest simply cannot pass up the opportunity to spend their spring break in Cancun. Here they are likely to find a large group of other college students with the same ideas of fun on their mind. Many resorts take advantage of the crowds and try to accommodate the spring break revelers with special deals on lodging, drink specials and organized games geared at attracting the attention of the spring break crowd. The theory behind this is that spring breakers who have a great time on their first spring break trip to Cancun are going to be more likely to return to Cancun for their subsequent spring breaks.

Although most of the people on spring break are just there to have a good time, it is wise to follow a few safety precautions when you travel to Cancun for spring break. First traveling with a group of close friends and staying near them during your vacation is recommended. There really is safety in numbers and you and your travel companions are wise to stay together during your trip. Also, you should carefully monitor your alcohol intake while on spring break. Alcohol has been proven to weaken your inhibitions and too much alcohol may result in you making faulty decisions. Also, alcohol combined with the heat and humidity of the location could make you prone to severe medical problems including dehydration and heat stroke.

Spring break in Cancun is a dream come true for some and a complete nightmare for others. If the spring break atmosphere is not something you enjoy, you would be wise to avoid this area during the spring months when resorts are likely to be overcrowded with college students looking to have a good time. However, if you are searching for a place to enjoy a stereotypical spring break, Cancun is the place for you.

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A better option: If you want all purpose tool this flat, credit card shape tool is usually well under $10 bucks.

5. Ginourmous neck pillows. Ugh! Really? Then you have to lug the thing around the whole trip! These always seem like a good idea, but they’re pricy and bulky. I’d say skip it.

A better option: A super comfy fleece jacket, that you can use as your outer wear during cold nights and folds up into a make-shift pillow, when you travel.

6. Travel kits of any flavor. Travel nail files kits, travel shaving kits, travel toiletries kits. If it says kit, drop it. Most kits have tons of crap in them you’ll never use, and as soon as you pull it apart, you’ll start losing pieces left and right.

A better option: Figure out what you’ll really need, buy an empty kit bag and store it in there. Add a couple of unused large zip lock backs to keep your toiletries separate or to store small items that you pick up as you travel.

7. More than one guidebook. They are big and heavy and frequently outdated. Take a general guidebook or one for the country you’re spending the most time in. Most hotels and hostels have some spare copies if you need to look something up, so save yourself the trouble and leave em at home.

A better option: Use Lonely Planet’s pick and choose by chapter shopping, where you can compile the information you’ll really need, and leave the read at home.

8. Multi-purpose monstrocities: anything that claims to be a alarm clock/radio/Panini grill, is just looking for an excuse to charge more without a whole lot more value.

A better option: Need an alarm clock? Will your cell phone work? Or your watch? better to set an alarm on something you’ll have with you anyway.

9. Every single thing at Brookstone. Period.

A better option: Cash.

10. Complicated hydration kits or water purifiers. You’re going to Europe, not the Sahara. There will be clean water or bottled water. Relax.

A better option: Instead create a small first aid kit, with all the essentials: aspirin, band aids, tape and gauze, a small sewing kit, safety pins and sunblock.

And you? What’s on your Christmas (un)list?

Post from: Europe String

Sanibel Island has a large variety of lodgings for you to choose from for your vacation in this unique barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida. The Sanibel Island lodging may include luxury hotels, resorts motels, small inns and cottages that are all located on the beautiful Florida beaches or on the marinas on the bay. Also, some of the Sanibel Island lodgings include private homes and condos, as well as some great facilities for camping.

Below are some of the most well-known Sanibel Island lodgings that offer wonderful beach view, dazzling sunsets, and of course great shelling:

Resorts and Hotels

* South Seas Island Resort and Yacht Harbor – This is a 330-acre full service resort that redefines the luxury resort experience with more than $140 million in renovations taking place throughout the property-slated to reopen March 2006. This place offers a complimentary Sanibel Island lodging, as well as a new Gulf front golf course, and new dining options.

* Best Western Sanibel – Here's is another well-known place for excellent Sanibel Island lodging – the Best Western Sanibel. Reviews have it that this Sanibel Island lodging site is a beachside haven where sky and sea meet for the most beloved Sanibel Island's sunsets. As a notable Sanibel Island lodging site, Best Western Sanibel offers finely renovated rooms that are well-decorated and with a perfect atmosphere for your vacation paradise.

* Song of the Sea – Completely renovated Sanibel Island lodging resort, Song of the Sea is but an intimate seaside retreat. This resort is nestled along the Gulf and its environment blends with serenity with touches of personalization. Also, at this place you can enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and breakfast served al fresco.

Small Inns, Cottages and Motels

* The Blue Dolphin – Beachfront, tropical and secluded, this Sanibel Island lodging site offers fully equipped studios and one bedroom suites with sundecks directly on the Gulf off West Gulf Drive. Also served at this Sanibel Island lodging site is complimentary continental breakfast, bikes, lounge chairs and beach umbrellas.

* Gulf Breeze Cottages – This is a historic Sanibel Island lodging place located near the lighthouse end of the island. The Sanibel Island lodging cottages at Gulf Breeze Cottages are all remodeled, refurnished and ready to rent for a few days, a week, or a month. Here, you will surely love the quality, comfort and value of a Sanibel Island vacation.

* Tropical Winds Motel and Cottages – Here, you will surely enjoy the white sand beach and ultimate shelling experience. You can also stay at their Sanibel Island lodging cottages for island's serenity and sunsets. This place is secluded, yet beautiful.

* Castaways at Blind Pass – Of all the well-known Sanibel Island lodging sites, this is but the most beloved for this is where paradise meets paradise, or to put it simply, Castaways at Blind Pass is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet at the beautiful Blind pass. This place offers charmingly beautiful Gulffront and Bayfront accommodations, and you can also enjoy the sugar sand beaches, marina, heated pool and a lot more.

If you are interested to know more about these Sanibel Island lodging sites, you can check them out online.

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