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27 tips to travel cheaper

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27 Tips To Travel Cheaper

One of the biggest myths of traveling is that it’s expensive. Of course it CAN be expensive — especially if you want someone to bring frothy coconut drinks to your ocean-side lounge chair. But if you’re keen with bread and cool with hostels, traveling abroad can cost you less than $10 a day in some places in the world. There are a thousand tricks to keeping your trips to the ATM minimal. Here are 27 that I’ve learned:
1. Travel Off-Season

Traveling on June 15th will usually cost you about $200 more than traveling on June 14th. Why? Because mid-June marks the beginning of high traffic travel season. Travel off-season, and not only will your flight be cheaper, but so will your meal and accommodation rates (and you won’t have to make reservations weeks in advance).
2. Book Your Ticket Through Student Travel Agencies

If you’re a student, or under the age of 26, you are eligible for substantial discounts (hundreds of dollars) on both flights and Eurail Train Passes. Both STA Travel and Council Travel have extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff that have consistently and reliably assisted me in planning and purchasing multiple trips.
3. Buy Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is special insurance you can buy to cover multiple emergency situations including, but not limited to: stolen luggage, accidents, trips to the doctor, cost of medicine, trip cancellation and emergency cash. The policies are actually quite affordable. The two plans that I purchased through STA Travel and Council Travel (on different trips) covered the full purchase prices of two of the three digital cameras that were stolen from me. After filling out my claim forms, I was sent checks (not even one week later) that covered the full price of the stolen cameras. If you’re traveling in countries with high rates of violent or petty crime, I HIGHLY recommend investing in travel insurance.
4. Travel to Countries Where the Cost of Living is Low

In Guatemala, it was easy to find hostels that charged $2-3 dollars per night. Now given, this price usually only includes four walls, a cot and a lamp (if you’re lucky), you can’t really complain when you’re paying less for a room than a sub sandwich. From my experiences, I’ve found Central and South American hostels to run in the $3-$12 dollar range. Europe was more in the $7-$20 dollar range. I suggest checking out HostelWorld.com to get an idea on the price of hostel accommodation in your destination country.
5. Buy an “Around the World Ticket”

A ticket to Australia, from the States, runs a little over a grand right now. That SAME ticket, stopping in Tahiti, Banhkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Auckland & Brisbane along the way, can cost you almost the SAME price. They are called “Around The World Tickets” or “ATW” tickets, and with movable dates and destinations can really be a fantastic deal. I haven’t purchased one yet, but I probably will for my next trip. You can learn more about ATW tickets on Airtreks.com.
6. Work While Abroad

The monetary benefits of this tip are pretty obvious. But what I have found MORE beneficial than the actual cash-in-hand I receive at the end of the night, is the PERSPECTIVE it gives me on the value of the local currency. By working abroad, you stop converting all prices to US dollars and start recognizing local prices as they relate to local value. For example, buying a souvenir t-shirt in Mexico might at first sound like a good deal when I covert the price to $10 US dollars, but if I instead covert the price to my 8-hour shift working at the bar (in Mexico) — purchasing that shirt suddenly isn’t so alluring. Get it? Finding work is also not as difficult as it may seem. In most countries, if you’re just working in some type of service position (waiting tables, bartending, working at a hostel) you can work under the table and don’t need a working permit or visa. The key to FINDING a job is taking initiative. Ask around, follow the leads people give you, and ask around some more. Eventually, if you’re really looking, you’ll find something — or something will find you.
7. Stay in Hostels

Hostels are hotels for the budget traveler. They differ widely in style, offerings, atmosphere and price. Check your guidebook (LonelyPlanet, RoughGuides) for short descriptions, prices and addresses or just ask around. Hostels usually range in price from $3-$25 dollars per night. They may include any range of amenities and/or services including; dorms, internet, laundry, TV, phones, bars, hammock decks, bathrooms, hot water, community kitchens, food, transportation, guided trips, camping space, information desks, bedding, libraries, lockers, bunks, activities, parties, lock boxes, etc. Or they may just include four walls and a bug-infested matt. Regardless, they are significantly cheaper than hotels, motels and other accommodation options.
8. Be Flexible

Flexible with dates of travel. Flexible with modes of transportation. Flexible with food. Flexible with positions in bed (…just checkin’ to see if you’re really reading). Being flexible might allow you to catch a last minute flight that has extra space for half price or to hitch a ride with people that have an extra seat in their car instead of paying for a spendy train ticket. Flexibility with travel will always provide for cheaper travel options.
9. Eat on the Street

Albeit riskier, eating on the street is almost always cheaper. Opt for foods you can see being cooked at high temperatures on grills right in front of you instead of items that probably need refrigeration or look like they have traveled great distances to meet you.
10. Exchange Services & Trade

Try offering some service of yours in exchange for food, board or something you need. Ask a farm if you might be able to put in a few hours with the cows each morning in exchange for a bed. Or ask a hostel manager if you can work the front desk for a few weeks in exchange for accommodation. Trade your guidebook on Ecuador for someone else’s guidebook on Bolivia. Mend someone’s pants in exchange for giving you a guitar lesson. Lend your hammock to someone for the weekend and borrow their tent. You certainly aren’t the only one out there on a budget, and you may find that this exchange of goods and services is much more rewarding than passing cash.
11. Sleep in a Hammock or Sleep Sheet

Many hostels do NOT provide sheets on their beds and charge extra for the use of sheets/pillows. Bringing with you your own “sleep-sheet” (essentially just two sheets sewn together) will avoid these costs and also keep you safe from suspicious sleeping surfaces. On the coasts and islands of Central and South America (as well as many other places), hostels sometimes offer the option of using a “hammock deck” for a very minimal fee ($1-$3 US). But really, anywhere you can find two strategically placed palm trees can be called “home” for the night.
12. Cook Your Own Meals

Find some friends, hit the local market and have a dinner party in your hostel’s community kitchen. Stirfrys, pasta and rice dishes — with fresh veggies and simple spices — can make some fantastic meals. And in the company of great new friends, you might also cook up some of your favorite memories. Invest in a bottle of wine or liquor and you’re still guaranteed to come WAY under the total tab you would have otherwise spent at a restaurant.
13. Stay With a Local Family

Hit your local “I” booth (Tourist “Information” Booth) to see if the option to stay with a family is possible. Sometimes these “live-in” situations are unbeatable. You can get a taste of the real food, culture, language and life of the locals at costs even less than the hostels.
14. Avoid Guide Book Hot Spots

Since all the travelers are carrying around the same book (usually Lonely Planet), it only makes sense that the first hostel listed in any guidebook is also the most likely to be booked and to have raised its prices. Likewise, the first bar, disco, coffee shop and Internet cafe are ALSO most likely to have raised their prices in accordance to their new popularity. Also, in general, the farther away you get from the main square, plaza, parque or piazza — the lower the prices of food, drink and board.
15. Learn Low Maintenance Habits

If you’re on the road for longer than a week, you will quickly learn how to spot-wash clothing, shower quickly, dress with a limited wardrobe and primp sans hairspray and hairdryer. Scaling down to a more “simplified” life is always easy on the budget (and pretty much inevitable).
16. Bring a Flask

Alcohol is probably the #1 drain on the savings account for many travelers. Cuervo, in any bar, is just a budget-basher. Learn to take advantage of happy hour, ladies nights, student discounts and early bird specials. As mentioned before, get a group of friends together and find a bar that is NOT listed in Lonely Planet and you’ll find substantially marked down beverages. Or go in together on a big bottle of the hot stuff and share your firewater with friends BEFORE hitting the discoteca. Investing in a flask pre-trip can also save you cash.
17. Buy a Water Filter

Bottled water will always be expensive, especially because it is produced for and marketed to the tourist industry. They KNOW you, the “rich” tourist, can afford it — and price it accordingly. In many countries (throughout Central America for instance) it really IS necessary to drink cleaned water in order to avoid gut-wrenching-diseases like Giardiasis and Amoebic Dysentery. I have met travelers in such countries who invested in a water filter, a bulky but useful devise that you hook up to any tap to purify water into drinkable form. They can be a bit of an expensive up-front investment, but can save you piles of cash in the long run.
18. Be Prepared & Be Rational

Some of my most budget-crushing moments stemmed directly from “I’m desperate and deserve…” situations. For example, coming off a 14-hour train/bus ride, you want nothing more — and (convince yourself that you) DESERVE nothing less — than a fine three-course meal, a bottle of wine and a cushy hotel room with private bath. You slap down the plastic, sign on the dotted line, and don’t give it a second thought… until the VISA bill comes in the mail a month later. Indulge every once in awhile (especially if you’re sick) but try to be prepared the rest of the time. Pack a bag of peanuts or some energy bars so you can appease those food-pleas before they get desperate. Think twice before buying a round of drinks for the bar. And make sure you’ll be able to justify that Prada knock-off next month when you get the bill.
19. Buddy Up

When you arrive at a hostel, ask if there is a dorm room that you can stay in. Dorms are always significantly cheaper than private rooms and a sure way to meet new interesting folk. Or ask around and see if anyone would be interested in buddy-ing up to share a double room. When looking into guided tours or adventure activities, you always get cheaper rates as the number of participants increases. If you want to go horseback riding or skydiving, get a group together and then hit a travel agency with a total group number and haggle down to a discounted group rate. If you’re at a hot tourist spot and see an “already-formed” tour group, pull the tour guide aside and ask him/her if you can join the group for a special tip. The guide has to give the tour regardless of how many people are going, and often times will be happy to accept the tip to accommodate “just one more” follower. Likewise with transport from hot tourist destinations; The tour busses have to return regardless. Pull the bus driver aside and give him a price. If he has the extra seat, he’s likely to give it to you for any price. Also, if you bring a large group of people to a restaurant, ask the manager for a discount or free meal for “bringing” the business to his establishment.
20. Hitchhike/Carpool

Hitchhiking is a very legit means of transportation in many countries. I don’t recommend it for single females for safety reasons, but if you’re in a small group, hold a black belt, or are particularly fearless, hitchhiking can be a really exciting way of seeing the land (especially in the back of a pick-up truck). OR if you’re thumb-shy, find four people you get along with and rent a car. Splitting the cost of car and gas can be much more economical AND more adventure-full than a tour bus, train ride or flight.
21. Haggle

You can haggle with almost anyone; tour operators, hostel managers, shop keepers, ice cream vendors, adventure-activity directors, and certainly those selling goods in the local market. Ask for student discounts, group discounts and youth discounts. Shop around and get different estimates so you know what range is really appropriate. Walk away from your haggle session for the most immediate and price-dropping results.
22. Follow the Locals

Follow the locals to find the best markets, restaurants, events and bars. Or better yet, just ask! Just as you know your own hometown best, so do they know theirs. Ask them for advice or directions to the best places in town. If you ask respectfully, they will usually happily comply. You might even make a new friend.
23. Avoid Pre-packaged Tours

Pre-packaged tours have to turn profits and they do this by selling a complete, pre-arranged package of events and activities at a significantly marked-up price. Great, if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of figuring out those details yourself. However, IF you ARE comfortable with arranging your own adventures, I suggest just going to the travel agency and talking personally with one of the guides. Get an idea of the trip of what it entails and then make those arrangements (transport, meals, lodging, activity) directly yourself (beforehand, or as you go) for half the price and twice the thrill.
24. Go Digital

Avoid super expensive international phone calls by doing all your communication online. Internet cafes are virtually everywhere these days, and service is relatively (to phones & snail mail) cheap. A digital camera can also be financially advantageous in the long run. Although there is a higher up-front investment, money saved in terms of the cost of film, development and scanning can amount to more in the long run.
25. Make Friends — Both Local & International

Local friends know all the best things a place has to offer. Take advantage of their knowledge of area and activities. Take up opportunities to spend holidays with their families and accept invitations to stay at their houses. Just be sure to express your deepest gratitude and make it clear that their kindness would be happily reciprocated should they ever journey into your own land. Likewise, your friendships with fellow international travelers could provide fantastic opportunities to exchange invitations to each other’s homelands.
26. Restrain Your Urges to Purchase Silly Souvenirs

Have you ever walked into an American Souvenir shop in the airport and wondered, “Who actually buys this crap?!”. Remember this when you’re abroad; That souvenir shops are NOT necessarily reflective of the culture of a country, and are more likely to just be full of over-priced and outrageously stereotypical and useless gadgets made in Taiwan.
27. Smile

Be nice. Be respectful. Smile. And be kind. You’ll be amazed at what offers of hospitality will arise, and the monetary advantages of such acts of kindness, will be the LEAST of the rewards.

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disclaimer: read this before you travel

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Travel Disclaimer

Should one decide to drop one’s current life, in pursuit of something unknown, and specifically (in this case) in foreign lands for variable amounts of time — it should be warned than any of the following may result, and that such effects are the full responsibility of the person, and that the world (nor solbeam or her affiliates) may not be held liable for these consequences.

1. Humility as an American. As you learn the devastating and solely self-interested role the hand of the American government has played in the destruction and corruption of every country you travel in, you may feel immense shame, as well as anger and despise for the Government and Media that has hidden this history from you. You may suddenly become aware of the “Ugly & Ignorant American” stereotype walls that you will have to peacefully break down in every interaction with someone of a different nationality. And you may suddenly feel immense guilt for the wealth of your nation upon the acknowledgment of how that wealth was acquired and of the alarming rate of how it continues to selfishly consume the world’s resources.

2. Self-dependency. Traveling takes courage, passion, endurance, independence and an immense amount of self-dependency. Although these qualities within may not be initially recognized, it takes all of them JUST to get on the plane. And then, through continual and rigorous on-the-road application – these traits begin to strengthen and solidify. You might suddenly find yourself feeling STRONG, solid, complete and incapable of nothing. You might find yourself adverse to old ideas of finding someone else to “complete yourself” and instead find a new passionate relationship with life that fills an emptiness that you may have once misidentified. Self-recognition as a complete and whole person, in need of no thing or other person, could bring unlimited personal freedom.

3. New taste for the simplicity of food. Physically seeing (maybe for the first time) where food comes from and watching (or partaking) in the harvesting of it may give you new respect for the beauty of that process. You may become suddenly disturbed by the idea of eating anything that is plastic-wrapped, “instant”, or chemically manufactured. Instead, you might be more inclined to chose those items you can pick off trees and out of the ground — those foods that you can see whole and were naturally made perfect for nourishment. Also, traveling through countries where people who have so little food, and witnessing their heartfelt appreciation of what little they DO have — may inspire admiration, if not a change in your own relationship with something you may have been previously taken for granted.

4. Questioning and redefinition of Religion. As you come face to face with, and find yourself in serious respect of, people of other cultures who practice religions of entirely different beliefs, you may begin to: 1. Question the authoritative forces in your life that defined for you what exactly is “right” and what exactly is “wrong”; 2. Realize that there is no “evil”, “devil” or “hell” and only that there are two different perspectives and forces acting on the end of every spectrum and question – none being more valid or less “good” than the other.; 3. Chose to reject and/or redefine for yourself new laws of living life.

5. Disinterest in materialism. After traveling, you may find yourself holding a pair of nylons or a tie in your hand, staring at it quizzically and asking, “why?” Material possessions may lose their logic…and therefor their luster. Excess of money may be seen only as “binding” to responsibilities you no longer desire. Cars and houses and other such items may become commitments you no longer want to agree to. On the road you may even acquire a renewed interest in bartering. You may begin to take greater joy in the personal exchange of services for services and find new respect for the beauty of putting “love” into something you make, and receiving in compensation, something that was MADE with “love.”

6. Discovery of new passions that could certainly change, and possibly consume, your life. You may be subject to any of the following: foods you’ve never tasted before, music you’ve never heard before, landscapes you’ve never seen before, cultures you’ve never smelled before, freedoms you’ve never felt before, and people you’ve never realized existed before. One or more of these new awarenesses could possibly spark something inside of you that could level everything else in your life to menial. And one of these passions or persons might even go so far as to claim itself as your “destiny” in life, prompting you to disregard or deny your *former* life as it was known in pursuit of something that “speaks to your soul.”

7. Respect for the intelligence of nature. Being subject to both the beauty and power of nature may change your personal relationship with it. Finding yourself at its mercy at some point in your travels — is entirely likely. And this confrontation may justify a new overwhelming respect for life. In the midst of jungles, oceans and deserts — witnessing the ecosystem at work first hand — may bring to mind a list of unanswerable questions in regards to who or what is really orchestrating this melody of intelligence. You may be subject to a renewed interest in the cosmos, and the questions behind it. You may no longer need Ansel Adams in your living room, for after witnessing such glimpses of beauty regularly, you may recognize his gallery as petty…. at least in comparison to the one now in your living mind.

8. Conscious Living. As a direct result of placing yourself in completely foreign and unknown environments, you may find yourself with heightened awareness of your senses and life. Because everything (sights, smells, touches, tastes) in a different place IS different, you will actually notice and appreciate those differences. You might actually even feel as if you are “awake” for the very first time. This new heightened awareness, or conscious living, might even be carried BACK with you when you revisit those places you thought yourself familiar with. Things may not have changed, but your perception of them might and though your physical travels may have discontinued, your new appreciation of life may tread onward.

9. Increased concern for the environment. As you begin to experience the innumerable pleasures of this Earth, and for the first time witness the devastating effects the human race’s misuse of those resources, you may become seriously concerned about the future of the environment. When, for instance, you walk out of jungle trek, and see acres of it being ripped from it’s roots; or when you see a Whale Shark, and then learn that their population has decreased by 90% due to water pollution; or when you witness the crippling diseases of an entire community of people because of air pollution — not only may you begin to question the endurance of this earth, but also your personal responsibility to care for and maintain it. Any one of these causes might also prompt recognition of a role that “needs” to be fulfilled by you.

10. Belief in Magic. Las Vegas, Disneyland, Seaworld and other such amusement facilities may suddenly lose their charm when such realizations are made as: the Luxor Pyramids actually DO exist — in Egypt; that castles ARE real — and exist is misty mountains throughout Europe; that dolphins spin, flip, smile and squeal all by their free selves in all the wild oceans of the world; and that all “performed magic” is really inspired by, and in immitation of, some greater “natural magic.” Those said American establishments may begin to take on the flavor of imitation crab and your refined tastes for experiencing the originals may become insatiable. On the road you may also personally witness the “miracles” and “magic” of life and nature personally. Such experiences may include, but are certainly not limited to: erupting volcanoes, phosphorescent underwater light shows, asteroid showers, overwhelming remains of ancient civilizations, natural hot springs, towering waterfalls, and animals you’ve never seen behind cages at zoos. Simply because things are new, and because they lack explanation, they may become nothing less that an act of magic, or of God. Your interest in life may become more childlike, and your new perception, delightful. Your new belief in “magic” may even evolve into into the theory that we each, individually, with only a slight change in perception, have the power within to make everything in life mystical and/or magical.

11. The possibility of a major change in career or educational direction. Your formal education and/or training may suddenly feel very low in value. As you recognize and appreciate it for it’s role in bringing you to the place you are now, you might feel that your “learning” has just begun and that your continued schooling may NOT take place in a classroom. While traveling, you may receive your most important lessons from teachers who are not literate or you may make your most startling realization in complete silence while watching a sunrise. You may even be moved to work for something you are intuitively inspired to pursue. And you may realize your unlimited potentiality, and begin to feel obligated to live up to it.

12. Addiction to constant stimuli. At first, new worlds may feel overwhelming. But as you begin to recognize patterns in them and become accustomed to the constant bombardment of new stimuli – you may find yourself becoming “comfortable with being uncomfortable.” You may even become addicted to the high of having your limits pushed and may find yourself craving that constant and ever-upward learning curve. A former lifestyle — and it’s habits and customs — may suddenly become scrutinized, and may no longer be worthy of your attention or energy.

13. Heightened sense of intuition. As your prior concepts of everything “that the world is” are suddenly confronted with conflicting realities, you may begin to lose faith in the world your senses have created thus far. As you realize that not all things are as they appear, you may increasingly rely on how you “feel” in response to things – seeking direction within your intuition. And if this “feeling” proves itself trustworthy, you may become increasing dependent on IT to find Truth in everything.

14. Feeling “different”. Society and it’s players may subject you to the titles of “weird”, “crazy”, “irresponsible”, “lost”, “nuts” or “odd.” The fact that you have chosen to pursue something that 99.99% of world doesn’t have the opportunity, or desire, to pursue, will forever and irrevocably make you “different.” This feeling, when analyzed while under the influence of the paradigm of a particular society, can lead to feelings of discomfort BUT, on the road, and in the presence of other like soul-seekers, nothing (and I mean nothing) will ever feel so right, or so good.

15. Questioning Authority. As you begin to witness first hand the international issues of prostitution, poverty, religious prosecution, political corruption, environmental destruction, etc. you may begin to question every “fact” you’ve been told, every “statistic” you’ve heard quoted. You may begin to wonder how this overwhelming reality presenting itself to you right now could ever be contained to one quote or statistic. How the rest of the world could NOT be immediately concerned, or even aware, of what is happening might become baffling. And more importantly than questioning what you have been told, you may begin to seriously question what you HAVEN’T been told – and WHO has and hasn’t been telling you those things. In addition to questioning all the “authorities” in your life, you may come to the decision, that the only conclusions you can have faith in, are those that you know intimately yourself.

16. Emphasis on the Present. A lack of concern for the past and the future, and a concentrated interest on only the “now” may begin to predominantly influence your decisions in life. As already mentioned, while traveling, you may feel “awake” for the first time. You may love your history for bringing it to this point now, and love your future because of your confidence in yourself to make it beautiful, but appreciation for this very moment in time may become the only that concerns you. You may also find yourself more in tune with those senses that perceive the “now”: the wind breezing across your shoulders; the songs of different birds in the trees; the feeling of body that is NOT in pain; or the warmth of the sun on your face. And your breath; You may find yourself acutely aware of that life giving force that is the difference between this world and the next.

17. Mental freedom. As you begin to really LIVE your life, fear of dying loses its influence on you. You may begin to think, “If I died tomorrow, at least I died living.” The words “I could” and/or “I would” may be replaced in your vocabulary with “I do” and “I am.” A growing history of personal conquests may give you a silent confidence that you will be able to confront, succeed, and learn from all those challenges that life chooses to present before you. Every event, every person, every place – becomes an opportunity for self-discovery. And simply knowing that you tried, and gave it all the chance you could — may lead you in conclusion to the realization that the “outcome” was — all along – inconsequential. And finally, direct and unrelenting pursuit of your personal potential in this life may result in a sense of peace that may completely overwhelm your being.

It should be noted that this disclaimer was created only via the perception of one *young & naive* person and her, specifically, “travel-oriented” perspective. It is entirely likely that these same effects may be attained through other, different — but entirely equal in value — activities. The boundaries of this earth and all that one can do within it are limitless. Those individuals choosing to pursue their potential in life and the adventures wherein, will be held entirely responsible and liable for all such activities conducted through those experiences. Those said individuals — will also — hold the utmost respect and admiration on the part of the author of this disclaimer.

Editor’s Note: This disclaimer was composed as a direct response to one questioning reader. If you have any questions or issues that you would like to see answered or addressed, please let me know by sending me an email (solbeam@solbeam.com) for I am always looking for new ideas to contemplate!

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international job hunting sites

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What IS she doing?

“Where ARE you?”, “What are you doing now?” and “Where are you going next?” seem to be the theme of all the questions in my inbox.

Right now I am in Portland, Oregon; Catching up on a year of friends, family and life. And yes, preparing for ANOTHER year of adventures abroad.

The 4 W’s (where, when, what & with whom) of that next overseas adventure are what I am currently brainstorming. So I thought this the appropriate time to share some of the sites I have found helpful in my search for work abroad:

International Job Postings on Monster.com — International.Monster.com

Divemaster Positions From Around the World — DiveJobs.com

International Job Postings — EscapeArtist.com

Job Listings Overseas — OverseasJobs.com

Jobs Abroad — JobsAbroad.com

*More* Jobs Abroad — GoAbroad.com

Teaching English In Korea — EasterSchool.com

Global Volunteer & Jobs Opportunities — Idealist.com

Working the Club Scene in Ibiza, Spain — Ibiza-Spotlight.com

Volunteering for the United Nations Information Technology Service –UNITeS Volunteers

For those of you *along with me* that are also currently searching for jobs abroad, I suggest creating a simple online resume via Yahoo (free & no programming skills necessary) which allows you to send a simple and short LINK to all those requesting resumes or CVs (you can see mine as an example).

In addition to this search, I’ll be continuing to post travel tales each week documenting the adventures I didn’t have time to write about while on the road.

AND, in addition to the search and stories, I’m am SUPER excited to announce that MercuryFrog.com‘s “Make Dreams Come True For Solbeam Foundation” has so very kindly offered to completely redesign Solbeam.com. So a new, updated and broken-link-less site will be coming soon. *YEA! YEA! YEA!*

I’ve never said “Thank You” so many times to any one person in my life — BUT not a single one (of the thousands) has less meaning than the first. So, “Thank You” Merc. AGAIN.

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sol stewart

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“Sol Stewart”

Okay…I swear, I’m about as close to the anti-martha as it gets, but I’m pretty stoked about my latest project and thought I’d share. They always tell you in travel guides to bring pictures of your family and friends to share with local people you meet on the road, but I’ve just never justified the use of that space in my backpack during my shorter trips. Being that I don’t even have a return date set for my departure from Central America, I thought it might be cool to do something to keep me from forgetting the lovely faces of the people I’ve left behind in the States. I got one of the those mini-polaroid cameras (Izone Sticky Cam) and took mini-mug shots of all my friends and family. Then I just glued the suckers into the front and back of my travel journal. Shizam. Instant miniature photo album!

**********

Meet teen-sol’s partner in high school crime: Kat.

*The daisies are deceiving props, she isn’t NEARLY as innocent as that sweet smile would suggest.*

I know she’ll be visiting this site for the first time today, and just thought I’d freak her out by posting her pic.

*waves*

“Hi KAT!”

*okay….that’s a little weird*

*********

ONLY TWO more days before I get on the plane!!!!

*tick, tick*

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packing list additions

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“Pack It Up, Pack It In”

So, wondering how you pack everything you need for a year into one backpack? Some people find this process challenging and stressful….but I LOVE IT! Travel stores are like Disneyland for me. I can get lost in the isles of water filters, country guides and travel toys for HOURS. (I got offered a job during my last escapade at Adventure 16.) There’s, of course, a lot of research that goes into picking each item that claims precious space in my pack. Learning how and what to pack from the process of trial and error is not fun when you’re abroad, which is why I put together my packing list after my last trip. But I’ve made a few upgrades since then and wanted to share three of my most recent travel trick discoveries….

Silk Sleep Sack: Oh man. THIS is a luxury. If you’re staying in hostels, you should have *or make* a sleep sack. You can make one by just sewing two sheets together or you can pick one up at any travel store. Many hostels charge you for renting sheets, and you can save cash by bringing one of these. They also keep you safe from “suspicious” sleeping quarters. You don’t want to hear the stories of the things some travelers have “caught” in hostels. *cringes* I also jumped in mine on long train rides, while sleeping in stations/on ferries and stuffed it as a pillow on bumpy busses and the like. So my starchy cotton one worked swell, but it wasn’t the most comfortable, it didn’t keep me warm and it took up a lot of space in my pack. Solution? The Silk Sleep Sack. *rolls eyes in ecstasy* Silk insulates you better, cleans easier, takes up NO space at all in your pack…and FEELS absolutely incredible. Yes, it’ll cost ya about 40 bucks more than the cotton one, but if you’re doing serious traveling, it’s totally worth the cost for the extra comfort and added space in your pack. (You can order one from REI online.)

Super-Absorbent Travel Towel: Most of my toys revolve around saving space in my pack, as this one does. You can get one of these towels at some travel stores and they usually carry them at those fun high-tech stores like Brookstone. Regular towels take up a LOT of space in your pack, take forever to dry and start smelling rank fast. These special towels are super-absorbent, are super lightweight, and dry super fast. I got the smaller sized one in green (try to avoid white completely when it comes to packing) and tried it out yesterday after my shower. I give it four stars *out of four*.

Chaco Sandals: Traveler or not, these are the BEST sandals on earth. You have to have a bit of an arch to wear them, but I guarantee if you CAN wear them, you will LOVE them. They have them everywhere in Oregon, but you might have to do a little searching in other parts of the nation, and you can always order them online. And once you have them, you are automatically in part of an elite group of Chaco lovers. When you see someone else on the street wearing them, make sure and give them the “Chaco nod” acknowledging the finest of taste in footwear. You really have to try them on to appreciate their value, but these sandals work for beaches, showers, water, and won’t even slip when you’re hiking in mud. Perfect for traveling.

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This time next week, I’ll be in Guatemala. This recent realization kept me rolling ‘round in bed last night in nervous excitement. Funny how all of a sudden it just hit me. It’s like this whole last three months, of packing, organizing and arranging…was like chugging up that slow slope of a roller-coaster. And I just got to the top…and now I’m lookin’ straight down, throwing my arms into the air and filling my lungs up for one hell of a scream.

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