The Monasteries of Meteora, Part—1
While researching a different trip … I came across some articles about the monasteries of Meteora in Central Greece. Not only do they have a fascinating history, but being precariously perched on the tops and sides of cliffs, they compel visitors to examine them more closely.
I am writing this in the Athens airport waiting to take a short flight to Istanbul. I have never been to Turkey and now I will have over a month to get a taste of this country.
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.
Since I am visiting so many different countries, it would be useful to know (and keep track of) basic information about each one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
So…I am in Mexico…in the Midst of a Pandemic
Being a permanent nomad can be a bit confusing. I often am asked, “Where are you from?” and I find myself in a pickle. How do I answer? Especially now…when I am supposed to be “home”—wherever that is
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.
On this particular night, there were three of us in the room. About ten p.m., a young lady arrived to claim a bunk over one of the beds. I was relieved it was not mine. She left her luggage and departed.
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.
Two years of travel adds up to a LOT of photographs and video footage. Today, I am going to put together a kind of montage of a few of my favorite very short videos and tell the stories behind them. These were taken in Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan.
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.
I was enthralled—and frustrated! I wanted to wander the streets, savor the aromas—really get a feel for this foreign place. But it was not to be. “Tour 201–boarding in 5 minutes.” Uggghhh!
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.
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.
Invasion of the College Students
Imagine my surprise when seven (count ‘em SEVEN) adorable young college men walked into the room. Imagine THEIR surprise!
The crazy idea came to me when I was in Denmark in July. Once the idea was in my head, I could not shake it. I would be in south Asia; maybe I could find a good artist and it would not cost so much.
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.