A Plan Sidetracked
…the reservations I had made crumbled one by one. Country borders that had shyly opened slammed shut, making a multi-country train voyage impossible.
Travel How-Tos
Tips for traveling solo, independently, and frugal. These are ideas and lessons that I have acquired through experience.
Three Days by Train in Turkey
I could have flown (ugh!); I could have taken the overnight bus (double UGH!). But instead, I created an itinerary that, in a small way is reminiscent of the way people traveled 100 years ago.
A Lesson in Staying Open
When chance encounters waylay your travel plans, staying open to the possibilities may mean that you experience something much more valuable.
Look Over My Shoulder Stage 6
Now for the fun part! I love researching potential places to go, things to do, people to meet, food to eat. I even like to research and solidify transportation options and lodging.
Look Over My Shoulder Stage 5
Since I am visiting so many different countries, it would be useful to know (and keep track of) basic information about each one.
Look Over My Shoulder Stage 4
It is time to do some preliminary research to get a ballpark idea of how much this will cost. If it is beyond my financial means, now is a good time to cut out some venues, before I get my heart set on all of them.
Look Over My Shoulder Stage 3
In Stages 1 and 2, I brainstormed my next journey and began solidifying my goals—where I want to travel and why. Now I can begin building a draft itinerary.
Look Over My Shoulder Stage 2
Today’s post is quite rambling, following my disparate thoughts from one idea to another. But travel planning—especially a lengthy journey—is rarely straightforward. And in my case, it is usually a pretty messy and disorganized process.
Look Over My Shoulder Stage 1
Sometimes people ask me if they can look over my shoulder as I make my travel plans, so now I am inviting you to do so. I will document the “steps” (including personal introspections) here in a series of articles.
My Favorite Peruvian Places & Experiences: Arequipa and Lake Titicaca
This post accompanies my LIVE YouTube broadcast on 28 March 2021 about my explorations of Arequipa and the Lake Titicaca area of Peru.
Hostels: They’re Not Just for 20-Somethings
Hostels have moved along with the times and the baby boomers. Many have dropped the word “Youth” from their name. Most have private rooms available for couples and families. I frequently meet other people over 50—especially in the rural and small-town hostels.
Movin’ On
If you are an independent traveler, it takes a lot of work to be ready to move to the next destination
If you were on an organized excursion, all this is done for you, but when you are on your own, you are on your own.
The Pros and Cons of Escorted Tours
I will give you the main reasons I don’t use escorted tours, as well as a few reasons why someone would consider them.
What is YOUR Travel Style?
It is important for each person to figure out what his/her travel style is. It may take a while, and it may change from time to time, and place to place. Don’t allow others determine what your travel style is.
Do-It-Yourself Travel
Most independent travelers like to choose their destinations and itineraries based on their own interests, and they like to do all or most of their own travel research.
Embracing Solo Travel
The main advantage of traveling alone is that you can decide where to go and how long to stay and you have all the say-so in your itinerary.
Slow Down, You Move too Fast
You won’t see as much of your destination country, but your travel experience will be much more memorable and deeper—not to mention the very special perk of meeting and becoming friends with locals.
18 Ways I Save While Traveling
I spent 13 months in Europe during 2017-18 for less than $1,300 USD per month using the tips in this post.
Is Long-Term Travel for You?
Maybe you feel that the two-to-three weeks of vacation time you get every year is just not enough. I used to say, “Gosh, if I’m going to go to the trouble and expense to travel that far, I want to stay a while!”
Introduction to My Book: Dream.Plan.Travel.
I envisioned a work that would show how I travel as well as inspire others to find the travel style and methods that work for them.