Is that really travel?

Is that really travel? -

In the last three months I have to go Australia, visit New Zealand, Fiji and Australia (for the second time). I noticed something interesting - a lot of travelers I see young (18-24) out children and most never leave into account, it is only the older Travellers anywhere else also want to seem to dare "to the beaten path." ,

Do not get me wrong - I am in traveling people happy. proverbially Whether the tour, cruise, car or on foot, to make the first step is an achievement in itself. The fact that someone bothered is amazing. Not enough people do it.

However, it is disconcerting to see so many young travelers stick to the same places. Popular locations are popular for a reason, and there is nothing to go wrong with them. I go to them. But if you have nothing but time, you do not really have to skip the lesser-known destinations an apology.

The majority of break travelers always seem to want, in the big, popular places to stay. You do not even try to see or experience something else. Although I prod and try to convince them, the trail to step out, they seem uninterested. They just want to follow any other, because "that's where everyone else is."

Take Western Australia, for example. Not many backpacker travel there. Almost all travelers I speak to say that they do not have enough time there to fit in, even if they spend months in Australia. Many have just no real answer to the question why they did not go.

But Western Australia is one of the most beautiful parts of the entire country. Even Aussies will tell you that, when you see the "real" Australia, in the west. It is much less developed than the east and incredibly beautiful. However, I have most travelers do not even speak consider. You just stick to the very touristy and overrated Sydney-to-Cairns route.

I see this pattern a lot of other places also. In New Zealand Travelers backpacker buses and almost never follow the head of the main tourist centers. In Fiji, they just go to the Yasawa Islands. In Laos, go tubing Travelers drunk in Vang Vieng, and then declare that they have seen Laos.

There has always been travelers who the beaten track just stick. Some people just do not bother to find something new - they just want other people go to meet, have a good time, and get drunk. But if you came to get away in another country to get drunk, what is the point of going away? Stay and get drunk cheaper.

And based on the conversations I have had with people in tourism, this trend appears to be growing steadily in the trip.

Backpacking seems "to have become industry" one in this part of the world. Everything seems to do everything to be aligned for the traveler. There are special backpacker buses. Hostels you will pick up from anywhere. There are special activities, special dinners and tours. Hostels even have their own bars you have to keep in one place. Overall, there always seems to be to take the work out of the long-term trip and it like a long vacation. It's cheap packaged tourism.

Backpacking has about independently has always been. I love how you have to figure it all for yourself. Find your way and in the process, you find out for yourself. You need to find out, to move trains, languages ​​and from point A to B, it is involved in a trip.

In Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, everything is done for you. I feel like it's more like a guided tour to be that you have to stay in hostels instead of hotels. It is anything but easy. You just need to show up and your hand is kept for you.

But travel is more than just going somewhere. , Is to my world travel go to destinations, new things to experience the people and places. It is about an insight into new cultures to win to try local specialties, and, yes, getting drunk at the local watering hole, while locals teach you. Slang and swear words in their native language

Traveling is not just about the always wind ~~ POS = TRUNC, is deposited in a hostel, and then to be reshuffled on a backpacker tour and then a backpacker bar. The aim is not to always stay on the beaten path. It's have not always kept on your hand. But the more I see these young travelers to simply accept this kind of travel, the more I get discouraged. Is that really what traveling is?

Then again, maybe I'm an old fuddy duddy complaining of an idea about traveling that existed only in my head.

Editor's note: My goal here was not the man to disparage a particular way traveling. How do I say here, all travelers are the same. It does not matter how you are traveling. However, that does not mean that I saw people otherwise do not want, or the fact complain that backpacking has become more of an industry than an adventure in solo travel. Everyone has their own opinion. Remember that popular targets are large, but they are not the only things that exist. Most people on an extended trip have the time to see a mixture of places.

9 reasons for your trip to Volunteer

9 reasons for your trip to Volunteer -

to get all the time is exciting, but after months of changing location several times a week, a traveler can for a place to keep their pockets different for a while and try to unpack anything. Volunteering internationally is the way I choose the backpacker trail to step away, and it is enriched both my life and my travels. I am to give my time and energy people who need help, but I'm getting in return so much that it almost feels as if I'm the one who will benefit most. Volunteering is to give a chance again and again while you are traveling. Here are nine reasons to make part of your next backpacking trip voluntarily:

• in the local community involved Get - As a volunteer, you will often see great from the footpath and immersed in a world that never knew a traveler would ~~ by POS = TRUNC. This is much to be able to participate more in local events such as pig hunts, voodoo festivals, fishing trips, local football invites in people's homes, at weddings, trips to beautiful spots, which are not only in the pages of your guide, and, and all kinds of really cool events
• Find new friends -. a little time to spend volunteering, it allows you to meet all kinds of people you would otherwise never crossed paths with have and work together. be aware of socially toward a common goal, to put it simply makes friends
• - is often done in parts of the world volunteering, who are very poor, could with people living less than for home to spend back for coffee. Life different from your day to day life at home could help you your priorities re-evaluate and be socially aware
• gather Experience -. Volunteering any kind looks good on your CV and international volunteers looks good for anyone interested in the development, disaster relief, education, social work, and many other professions. It is not paid work experience, but it will give you something bolster your resume, which is especially useful for students or graduates
• to learn a new language -. Spending time in a submerged foreign community is a great opportunity to bring the local language. If you are in a remote area voluntarily, you will be a lot of people who can not speak English with practice
• Save money . - If you find a capable volunteer opportunity where the living costs are covered, you probably will not spend much money. Volunteering for weeks or months at a time, could allow cheaper than you would be living at home
• Get fit -. Not all volunteering involve physical work, but there are many out there for you if you are interested in getting sweaty. Disaster relief and farm work are both ideal for fit and challenging, physically
• Have a base for further travel -. Volunteering is not all hard work, and often you will be given during evenings and weekends off. This leaves plenty of time to explore the area and meet local people. It's a great way to get as much talk the local experience travelers about
• Help people - With all the other benefits that you get by volunteers, it is simply the greatest of all to Forgot .: satisfaction that even if only a little comes from the aid. While people volunteering have different motivations, one thing they all have in common is that they are to help people in need, and that brings a great sense of satisfaction.

There are many people out there who need your help, and many local organizations with volunteers. You do not need thousands pay voluntarily, you have to find a little more difficult to search for placements that are a reasonable cost of living free or charge. Spend to bother, a part of your next backpacking trip voluntary. You will not regret it!

Kirsty leave Canada in 01 and has been traveling, working and abroad voluntarily since. She has spent 11 months in the last two years as a volunteer to do disaster relief. She has an ebook called The Underground Guide to international volunteering written that she hopes to inspire other people. You can follow her travels on her blog, Nerdy Nomad.

How to get Around Oz on the cheap

How to get Around Oz on the cheap -

Last update: in March 2016

With Australia more than seven million square kilometers, it takes a long time to get the land. Given the long distances, it's no wonder few people the whole country-there to cover too much ground on a short trip to travel at the end is. These long distances can lead to high transportation costs, and it can often be difficult, cheap to travel around the country. Here is a look at how to travel to Australia cheap:

fly

This is the most expensive, but easiest way to get Australia. Limited competition among airlines means that flights remain here very expensive. While there are some smaller airlines are the targets out-of-the-way serve, Qantas (and its subsidiary Jetstar) and Virgin are the two great major airlines that service most destinations in the country. Budget carrier, Tiger Airways, has often a lot of fare sales and budget deals (such as Sydney to Perth for $ 99 AUD each way). When I fly, I see it more than any other airline.

But serve with so few carriers the country, unless there is a big sale, the tickets are often expensive (Sydney to Perth for $ 300 + per way). The hour flight to Melbourne can cost over $ 100 AUD !!

If you book early can save on fares, but otherwise I would try to avoid flying in Australia. If Australians joke about it is cheaper to fly to Bali than to their own country, they are not kidding - she is completely serious.

backpacker buses

There is a backpacker bus company in Australia: the Oz Experience. Oz Experience operates mainly along the east coast and the center of the country. But unlike the Kiwi Experience, I did not really like, even though both companies are trying to do the same thing to do. While the Kiwi Experience in claim took a long time people introduce one another and offer free activities, the Oz experience has not. Granted, this is Australia much larger than New Zealand, but if the Oz Experience is an expensive Greyhound (and a few driver told me this!), What's the point where it's at? Not once in my journey each driver must make an attempt to come to talk to each other people. We had no free attacks or walks. I did not like the Oz experience. Just as many, if not more, take Travellers Greyhound bus. I tell the greyhound take to save some money, and learn to say "hello" to strangers on buses.

Public buses

On the east coast, this will be your least expensive option. On the west coast, buses are surprisingly expensive. There are not many people moving up and down the coast, and there is limited competition. It is often easier and cheaper to fly in Western Australia. But on the east coast, you can find really cheap bus tickets, especially if you book in advance. Greyhound Australia is the largest company in Australia, although there are Premier and McCafferty. All three companies sometimes offer $ 1 rates, but for the most part, the buses Ticket prices are around $ 30 (night buses are usually around $ 60-70 dollars). From Melbourne to Cairns, a Greyhound Pass cost $ 500 AUD.

This is my preferred transportation option in Australia.

Trains

trains cover much of Australia, but their use is not so widespread. In fact, most of the trains are very expensive, even with the backpacker fare (one way from Sydney to Perth is $ 0 AUD!). It's not really a cheap option so, unless you are looking at a scenic route with your significant other (or just love trains) to splash out, I would skip this.

Car Share

If you really want to save money and travel cheap to find some other friends, a car or RV rental and drive throughout the country . In this way you can reduce the cost to share with others (and if you rent an RV you give a place to sleep). There is much to be much cheaper than any other travel option. You can look on hostel bulletin boards, to see that. For people who connect their Road Trip You will always find someone, and it's a great way to make new friends.

It's really easy in Australia Carpool. Each hostel has a bulletin board where travelers booking trips and the websites Kangaride and Gumtree have actively Carpool sections where people are looking for car or rider. It is really robust. I recommend this way, if in the country of travel!

(Alternatively, you can a car from backpackers to buy the land or the locals leave selling used cars. Rental services like Jucy quite expensive and would only be good as a last resort can. You can usually find a used care $ 1-2,000 AUD. Although this sounds expensive, you can make these costs with other travelers to share in the second cheapest way to travel!)

If you are planning to travel Australia, make sure you budget as for the transport. Outside the busy eastern corridor between Melbourne and Brisbane, traveling is expensive. You will pay much more than you think. If you have a lot of money to save car share or to get the wind pass.

For more information about Australia, my guide to Australia travel visit

Disclaimer . OzExperience gave me 50% off my Brisbane to Cairns bus pass.

Photo Credit: 2, 5

My Favorite Australian Hostels

My Favorite Australian Hostels -

Based on my post about my favorite hostels in New Zealand, it is time to talk about my favorite hostels in Australia. I'm a "Best Hostel 2010" edition does this throughout the year, and at the end of the year will continue.

Base St Kilda (Melbourne)

I have said in the past that the base as the McDonald 's hostels. You get full, but you're not really satisfied. But McDonald 's (base) outdid themselves with their Melbourne hostel. It is my hostel in Australia. The bar is open every evening alive, and there are BBQs and events during the week. In addition, look at the rooms and bathrooms are very nice and clean. But people come here for the atmosphere and location. This is the first party hostel in Australia. It is located in St. Kilda (a large entertainment district), and because the people come here to party, everyone is very social and seek with people interact. Within moments of my arrival I had to spend time with a group of friends. I was there during my first trip to Australia and this year went back to see if it was still good. It has my memories justice.

Wake Up! (Sydney)

Wake Up! is in many ways like a backpacker hostel (à la many base sites). With its eight floors hyper look trendy and clean and small public areas, you might think it would be hard to meet people. It seems like outside your dormmates, people here only ships in the night over. But that's only half the story. The size makes it a kind of hard to meet people outside the public areas or in your room, but the large bar downstairs (biggest night is Monday), you can take all the people see you coming and going. I liked my time there and I especially enjoyed the high water pressure in the showers and uncreaky beds.

Surf N Sun Hostel (Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast)

located in the Gold Coast, you will receive at this point both surf and sun. A converted motel This hostel has very friendly staff, a pool, a central location and is directly opposite the beach. All good things. They also offer a free pick up from the bus station. The owners are this old backpackers hanging once in a while in the hostel and are very friendly. Another plus point: at the time I was there, it was the only hostel in Surfers Paradise who did not have bed bugs. They often have free drinks and BBQs for guests. I ended up an extra week staying there, only because I had such a good time. has

Tinbillys (Brisbane)

This place has a great location- right across from the train station Brisbane. There is nothing that really makes this hostel fantastic. In fact it is not even on my list of favorite hostels in the world. But that was the staff friendly, the location was great in Brisbane, the facilities were good, and the bar had great specials that also attracted locals. Bunk is also nice, but their lack of a common area, it simply does not work for me. Tinbilly that's the only place I stay in Brisbane.

The Kimberly Klub (Broome)

The hostel is amazing. They have a huge pool, a large outdoor area, a large kitchen, an excellent location close to the beach, and a small, cozy bar, which you can order great meals from. Moreover, when the heat of Broome really comes to you, there are hammocks to lie. They offer shuttle service to the famous Cable Beach for free, and the hostel is a close walk to town. What I really love is the large kitchen. Even during the peak time cooking time, you have enough space to move around. I hate cooking dinner in rooming houses, because there is never room and you always encounter to cook in other people. Not here. I wish all hostel kitchens of these were large.

Witch (Perth)

The Witch's Hat is located near the main party area in Perth, Northbridge, and near many good restaurants. The staff is very friendly and can really help you with any travel bookings or questions. There is a large kitchen and lounge here and there is a barbecue area, comfortable dorms and a very sociable atmosphere.

These six are my favorite hostels in Australia, but I have stayed in other hostels I found good and enjoyed. Good runners include Base Magnetic Iceland (ugly hostel but amazing pool, exterior and location), Nomads Noosa (friendly staff, lively nightclub, big pool) and Calypso (great staff, decent pool and good food, though a little far from the city) in Cairns.

When in Australia, I recommend you stay in these hostels. For me a good hostel all the amenities a budget traveler, friendly staff, a good interactive environment and comfortable beds has required. These hostels fulfill all these requirements. This is probably why they are always so busy!

For more help you plan your trip, check out my guide to Australia travel.

How to travel Africa

How to travel Africa -

This item is from fellow travel bloggers, Caz Makpeace. She has spent time in Africa (I did not), so she agreed to write this article.

Africa is a continent known for its wild animal encounters, dramatic landscapes, exotic cultures and stunning beaches. There is a travel experience that gets under your skin, captivating you return again and again. However, traveling around Africa for travelers a difficult and daunting experience. The most popular Backpacking Trail starts by Eastern and Southern Africa in Cape Town and ends in Cairo. The question most travelers wondering is, There are many different transport possibilities in Africa, "How am I to get going?":

Overland Africa Safari Tours

Overland safari tours are organized travel packages in Africa and are short-term travelers who without a hassle Africa want to see filled. It is not what I would call an "authentic" experience in the field, but if you a little intimidated, are on their own about traveling Africa, this may be the best option. Overland travel is more expensive, but the food, transport and accommodation costs are included. Seven days all-inclusive trips start at $ 750 USD and go to $ 6,000 for a 63-day "Kenya to Cape Town" tour.

Baz Bus

The Baz Bus is a transportation company in South Africa with designated routes that travel the track usually follow. It is a hop-on, hop-off style bus to pick you up and take you to your hostel. You select the desired route and buy the ticket. You can buy a ticket for a certain number of days or an open, flexible ticket. Prices range of $ 175 to $ 500 $, depending on the type of ticket.

Public buses

traveling by bus enables you to be a part of it to be other passengers everyday. Our bus rides were often filled with laughter and conversation with the local Africans who went out of their way to make sure that we, as visitors were made as comfortable as possible. The children were plonked on his lap and entrusted us, and very often the head of an adjacent Hahn would stick threateningly at our faces and cock-a-doodle in our ears. Public buses (USD $ 3- $ 32) are taken away usually for longer trips and on the borders, where there is a good network of paved roads. These buses are convenient, safe and spacious generally. Places that less or no paved roads have old buses which often break and are overcrowded.

minivans

How many people think you can fit in a minivan? Africa is the place that defines the boundary of this response. Just when you think that they could possibly fit another person in, they have to stand on the windowsill outside the van. Minivans are to handle a very cheap way and are taken up to six hours in a country (usually about USD $ 0.20- $ 8) usually for trips. They do not leave until they are full, so jump on a waiting hours to go and ready to avoid looking, until it is full.

Hitchhiking

More and more people tend to hitchhike across Namibia and South Africa than other East African countries. Hitchhiking always brings risks, but it is an easy way to get around. If you from the side of the road hitch, it is to wave the best hand thumb up and down as sticking is rude in Africa. Craig and I hitchhiked from Namibia to South Africa, because other transport options were limited. A Namibian hats, for a small tip, drove us halfway to share stories with Craig over Namibian life while I was sleeping comfortably in his bed. Chinese students drove us the rest of the way to Cape Town for the price of gas.

Car Rental

to a car is to rent a small bump put in your budget, so make sure you know which game parks and where the best viewing areas are going to go, so you can plan accordingly and reduce fuel costs. We rented cars for safaris in Namibia and South Africa that made Safari for a flexible, relaxed and comfortable. We also rented a car to experience the beautiful Garden Route, a popular and scenic stretch of the South African coast. Car from South Africa can for as cheap as $ 30 per day, to be found especially if you book online. In other parts of Africa, it ranges from $ 75- $ 100 per day. If you are planning to long-term travel in Africa, you can even consider to travel your own 4WD sale in the continent. South Africa would be the best option for the purchase, or search for a departure travelers willing to sell up.

When African travel adventure plan carefully your budget and security interests take account forever. While public transport is cheap and authentic, it's uncomfortable and less secure than other options. Renting or buying a car is the more expensive option but gives you more freedom as well as keep an authentic experience. Overland safari tours will be expensive and less authentic, but give you an all-inclusive package and the greatest sense of security. No matter how you get around Africa, you will find the experience memorable.

comes

Caz Makpeace from Australia and traveled Africa with her husband Craig. You can read about their adventures and travel tips in her blog Y Travel more.

Why I'll never stop ...

Why I'll never stop ... -

The last weekend was the second annual Travel blogging conference (this year in New York City). During one of the panels, they showed a video about traveling. More specifically, it was about backpacking but the thoughts, ideas and issues apply to all travel. Sometimes I think, "maybe I need a break." Sometimes I feel like I'm over it all. Sometimes I'm just bored with it. Then comes something like this, and I'm refreshed, renewed and inspired all over again.

(Video of SMU Travel Bug, which is unfortunately no longer updated!)

I got the link to the video, have seen, I probably a dozen times. I felt a little down on traveling lately, but now I'm set correctly, and I realize that I will never change my life. I love what I do too much.

Ghosts

Ghosts -

Last month, Chasing, I drink with a known travel writer and how two soldiers discuss battle wounds from the same war, we talked about the cycle of traveling to a time to be for many years on the road, the highs, the lows and everything in between. As we wandered the battlefield of memories, we got on the topic Friends and re-visit places. I complained to him of my last exit of Ios, a place I had fallen in love and a place that back there pulling me even now. I think Facebook status updates from friends to see, and it makes me depressed. But I can not go back there, what I miss is the memory, he said, with this as he will be redirected his own experience. Yes, he was right. At the end, he and I talked really was, as we hunt ghosts travel.

As travelers, we have many fond memories. Once in a while, we are lucky, life changing moments on the road to have. This time and place where everything is magical and perfect and the people just go together like yin and yang. These are moments that we wish forever might last. And the places always seem to drag us back to them. I have these beautiful moments- my first stay in Amsterdam, lives in Ko Lipe, Thailand had a month, and lately, a lot of time on the island Ios. In all three of these moments, I found paradise. I found location that I, no matter where I am still vividly remember in my head and still draw me to it in the world. although Above all, I found the people I. with connected and is a life long stay with me

But like all things, those moments come to an end and all of us move to different locations and different life, everyone adheres to this piece of paradise.

We live those memories in our minds often. They are prominent memories in our lives. Every time I we meet the people from this period reminisce always about how great and changed the lives of these experiences were. I stay sometimes in contact with these people more than I do from childhood my friends. I visit them, they visit me, I go to her wedding.

We are talking about back to the places. Reliving those moments. After leaving Ios, could wait until I no longer back. "Next year!" My girlfriend Jill and I said: "We'll be back." After Ko Lipe, I have always tried to return, but could never quite make it.

Maybe fate is.

I know deep down I will not go back to Ios. And I'll never go back to Ko Lipe. And I just back to Amsterdam, but over the years, I have spent so much time there, I have no such thing as a life.

But to Ios or Ko Lipe or La Tomatina in Spain back all I would do to chase the ghosts of past travel.

I would be hunting memories. The sites I went to did not matter. It was the people that I counted this was. While the seats were great, the memories that I had made with the people. It was together that the magic was made. I have refused to go to the island Ko Lipe back, because I would never be as before knew. the following season was back a friend of mine and said it was not the same. She lamented the development, felt people-everything just not right. She has not been back. Like so many, she went to hunt ghosts and came up empty handed.

Whether we try places like Ios or Ko Lipe or head to experience back to hostels we enjoyed the first time, we're just chasing ghosts. I love to visit cities again and again. I love Amsterdam, Thailand, Italy and countless destinations. But back to experience heading moments and places not explore deeper just to chase the past. We try that the initial feeling like a drug addict regain chasing his first high. But we can never get back. Because we never get back the people.

The next year I will be back in Europe. The next year, I could be in Greece. But unless my friends return to Ios, I will not be back. I would be easy to hunt ghosts and disappointment when I would rather be hunting new experiences.

People

People -

One of my favorite parts about traveling is meeting here and there, the ability to produce a wide range of people to meet. In hostels, on trips, in buses, sitting in cafes or bars, on the street, it is easy to make new friends. So simple that sometimes, you feel Friend overload. There's always someone. On the road you will also find very little pretext. Nobody has their guard. No one questions your motives or wonder what you're after. There is only you - as you are at this moment. A simple hello and before you know it, you travel with people for months.

But back home, I find the contrary. In or on the street, say hello or foreigners engaging in conversation is usually met with a look. "Why does this person for me? What do they want?" Setting up the man-made barriers and make designs in question. No one is as open as they are on the road. Once I was at home in Boston at a bar with my friends. While there I discovered a guy the quintessential Vietnam wearing backpack shirt - a red shirt with a yellow star on his chest. Anyone who has ever been to Vietnam and you will spy on hundreds on each trip around Southeast Asia.

among travelers, there is a certain camaraderie. We understand each other. We used to talking to strangers. That's exactly what you do. So I stopped and talked to this man about Asia Backpacking. It's not often you meet Americans who have been in the region. I think I on both hands the number of Americans are, I've met. He was friendly and we hit it off. It was almost as if we had traveled together. While we talked, I glanced at his friends over and around the confusion could see on her face. Why I said her boyfriend? Did I know him? Was I beat him? As our conversation ended and I returned to my friends, they asked the questions. No, I did not know him. We just talked about Vietnam. My friends, confused by this, replied with one word: strange. I had some social control to do just broken what travelers do around the world every day.

to girls is even worse in the conversation. Your first thought is always "what this guy wants? Is he trying to sleep with me?" An innocent conversation in a bar is never innocent, even if it is. But on the travel lane, I have to see and tons of innocent conversations between the sexes, and turn everything everything. Striking up a conversation with a girl does not have a hidden agenda, it is easy to make new friends.

come to this mentality back home has been difficult. They are used to the openness of travelers and conversations with perfect strangers. It's a friendly environment. But back home, these situations do not easily replicated. Every Sunday I go to a bar in New York City East Village HBO True Blood to see. Once after the show was over, I tried to talk some of the people. They made small talk, but it seemed in a hurry these strangers to get out of their midsts. I have the note.

Then I think maybe it's me.

Perhaps this is. In my head, and I'm just really socially awkward Maybe I smell. But when I ask other people who have to reintegrate into life back home, they say the same thing. They speak of the strange looks they get, and the walls set people. Readjustment is removed after a long time already difficult and this just makes it harder.

One of the greatest pleasures about traveling the world, that it with strangers you talk makes comfortable. It makes you open-minded and more comfortable. We get well to new friends.

Coming home on the opposite mindset is quite an adjustment. One that I do not really like. It's daunting. You have to work to break down barriers. People always think the worst. Few people seem interested, have only one call from a call in interest. When on the road, which is never a problem.

And after seven weeks in America, it makes me long for the road.

Win the wonders of travel

Win the wonders of travel -

A few months ago I was in a crisis. After 4 years on the road, I burned a bit. Since my last "rest" I had a solid traveling for 11 months. That's a long time to go without a breather. I wrote about how I had lost the wonder of travel. As I said:

"The more I travel, the more I realize trip the only thing I want to do, and I would never act my lifestyle for a cell But ultimately therefore leads to repetitive -. more trains, more waterfalls, more beaches, more, more, more. I've lost, I've done the hostel, I went on the trains, I have jungle explored seen bridges, and got drunk with people from all over the world. I partied, I slept, I have thousands of faces I met'll never see again, I made day trips and exploring ruins -. In short, I've done about all these activities and over again and that repetition can sometimes take the gloss from the journey. "

the only remedy that works, if I feel that way myself a break. Sometimes when you do something so much, it can gloss take it. It is ... work. Travel was working for me. I knew it was getting boring, and soon everyone told me the same thing. "Stop and relax," she said. "There is no reason to shirk." And they were right.

I spent the summer of flying in New York City and the months. It only seems like yesterday that I ended City for TBEX in New York. Now comes August end and I'm heading to see family in Boston. I am sad to leave New York. But it was a great break.

One thing I am willing to travel to again. a non-nomadic lifestyle Life was great. It gave me time to relax, to do some work to catch up with friends, and again be a local. For me, traveling is not to move. It's about getting to know a place. I have to know better in New York a bit this summer.

But my true nature is that of a nomad. I love life on the road. It's part of who I am. After two months in one place, I am willing to be outside. My mind is churning with new travel ideas. I have planned trip to tour. There are a million ideas again by the head race. In October I sling my backpack and hit the open road again. I have to prepare a month and attend a conference, and before I know it, I'll be back out. The countdown begins.

My friend Scott once said that if something is a grind, it is not worth to do more. You need to take a break. He was right. Whether you're a painter, teacher, travelers, office workers or programmers on a task too much time is not good. The brain and body need a break. Otherwise will receive burned. That happened to me. I burned out on trips and I needed a break.

Travel burn happened. You do not need to be a four-year travelers to feel it. Even on a short trip, can burn to run continuously lead to travel. If that happens, it is often best to stop and relax. Stay in one place and get to know them. Soon you will again get itchy feet travel. After a while, things may start as just "another." Another waterfall, another town, another one of these, and to feel another. And when that happens, you lose the wonder and beauty of traveling. In a way, it is meaningless. You do not appreciate where you are or what you do. For me, I was just going through the motions.

a break when you're on the road you can win the wonders of travel again. Now I've had my rest, and I'm ready to get it out. It's time again to explore the world. If taught in New York me anything, it is that there is nothing wrong with taking a break. To be a traveler, you have to be, not always on the move. You can be easy to discover something new. After a while, you can move back and appreciate how beautiful the journey really is.

Top Signs you're a frequent flyer -

Top Signs you're a frequent flyer - -

With all the flying I've done lately, I've come to realize I can fly too much. I feel like Ryan Bingham from Up in the Air, or at least Johnny Jet. In the next six weeks I will be both traveling to various destinations in Canada, the US, UK and Australia for business and pleasure. It is a hectic travel schedule and one that definitely me a lot of frequent flyer miles will rack up to help. I'll fly more time in 6 weeks than I have most of this year. While I, I'm not 100,000 miles per year, as the true elite can fly flyer enough in the air pull even a frequent flyer into consideration to me. Here are some signs that you perhaps: ..

you have your passport number memorized by heart

refer to cities of their airport code

The flight attendant know you by name.

you have elite status with any airline alliance.

you think airline food is not so bad.

aircraft wine? Yes, please!

There are several airline credit cards.

They went through a special security process TSA, so that you get in quick safety line.

Immigration greeted by name.

you invest any money, if it does not do not give airline miles.

you to sign up for new credit cards if they offer deals mile.

They named a plane for you.

you know the type of food each airline serves.

Even pilots how to fly so much.

you are in aircraft more than in cars.

You know exactly how long it takes from your house to the gate ... to the second.

you do all your shopping from SkyMall.

are you know that in fact the name of the in-flight magazine writers.

you know the interior design of each type of aircraft.

you saved airport layouts.

, you can identify only to watch planes through them.

You know, airlines, just by the logo looking on the tail.

You're on the second pass ... .this year.

Hosteling for Baby Boomers

Hosteling for Baby Boomers -

This is a guest post by Barbara Wiebel Loch Donut Cultural Travel.

When I tell people that I usually in hostels during my travels around the world is astonished horror bordering remain the first reaction of most baby boomers.

"Are not they dirty?"

"Do not you know a bunch of drunken twentysomethings, the Party have all night to endure long?"

"Are they ? really sure "

Based on the number of budget hotels and motels available in the US and the lack of a backpacker culture here, hostels have never really, as captured in other countries; only about 100 of the 31 752 hostels are listed in the Hostels.com located in the US

started My preference for hostels out of necessity; As a corporate dropout redetermined in an independent travel writer and photographer, I had to watch every penny. I went on my first round the world trip in early 07 arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with a reservation in a cheap hotel for the first two nights, it did not take long to find me the backpacker district and change She digs for cheaper. Although I worried about unclean conditions, bugs, and is kept awake by boisterous hostel colleagues, my accommodations were always clean, error-free and fairly quiet.

During this first trip I opted for private rooms with shared bathrooms instead of dormitories with shared bathrooms and showers. That they also have private facilities, is one of the best kept secrets about hostels. Most people I say, are shocked.

It is now four years later, and I have become so enamored with hostels I stay elsewhere rare. This year for the first time, I decided to stay in dormitories, private rooms instead. At first I was worried that I would not be accepted. I pictured a bunch of twenty and thirty year olds think, "What's the old broad in our dorm room?" I soon discovered that this fear was only in my head. I have developed wonderful friendships with people of all ages from staying the dorms.

Each hostel offers different sleeping habits. Some have dorms with up to 16 bunk beds, although eight- and four-bed configurations are much more common. Guests can often between same sex dorms or mixed dorms available. I slept in two and never felt the slightest bit uncomfortable. Many hostels offer family rooms for up to four people. One of the biggest hostel secrets I've discovered is that you can book a two-bed dormitory, and unless it's a holiday or other high-traffic period, you will almost always space for itself have alone. For some reason, hostels hesitate a second person reserve in a two-bed room when available alternative beds.

hostels are safe, well-staffed, well-located, as a rule, and usually offer a complimentary breakfast. Most have metal lockers to secure your property while you are away for the day, but be sure to bring along your own padlock. While more and provide more towels, invite many additional or have any towels, so it is a good idea to carry with you a camp towel. Most hostels provide communal areas for unwinding and other travelers and a fully equipped kitchen socializing where you refrigerate food and prepare your own meals. Some have a laundry and travel libraries where travelers can exchange books. A few that I've stayed in even had hot tubs, barbecues, beaches and at their front doors.

Despite the persistent stereotypes, I have never thought of drunken partygoers. For the most part have been wonderful and considerate my dormmates. As for creepy crawlies, I have never seen even a bedbug. Hostels generally clean, some more than others. To ensure the cleanliness of the facility, customer reviews should be read before booking. What we think of hostels comes from outdated notions of hostels looked like in the 60s and what we see on television or in movies.

of solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together, the age range from late teens to seventy somethings, hostels offer a wonderful, eclectic experience, but for me the biggest advantage is that I on street have stayed longer. These days, I measure the cost of everything from the price of a bed in a hostel dorm. Your cheap let me stay on the road longer.

After years working on jobs that paid the bills, but brought no joy, baby boomer Barbara Weibel walked away from corporate life in 07 to pursue writing, photography and travel: only things that they would ever want to do. These days, she discovered the world, a culture at a time, for nine to ten months a year. Follow her journey at Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel.

The Saturday City: Las Vegas

The Saturday City: Las Vegas -

I like to play. A lot of. Poker, blackjack, and more recently, Craps (although I find the game a bit boring). Since the hard truth, I avoided my life Las Vegas. I knew that every trip to Las Vegas would lead to much gambling and that the easiest way to conquer my addiction was to deny battle. But one day I knew I. Up there with a heavy and tired heart, last week I finally went to Las Vegas

BlogWorld Expo, the annual conference on blogging and social media, was held there and I wanted to attend the conference. There are a lot of bloggers wanted I wanted to meet in person eventually and I wondered if I would walk away with some tips to make my blog better.

I thought, with a conference that button and all the events and parties that go with it, I would take too much time to play not. I was very wrong, but I control myself, or more specifically, I have my friends to control me. I walked away with money in your pocket. I also went super Las Vegas was thinking away.

There is a playground for adults. The casinos are more than hotels - they are palaces! Arie, the Venetian and Bellagio among the most beautiful. They are filled with amazing clubs, shows and delicious food. Oh the food. I could definitely get fat life in Vegas. Vegas rocked my world and I will definitely go again. I won at blackjack, I ate at great sushi, I was floating in Mandalay Bay Lazy River, and thanks to Abby the Jungle Princess, I take Kim Kardashian's birthday party to crash. Vegas was amazing. I plan to go back. Roaming Sin City, trying my time to occupy and avoid the blackjack tables, I came up with this list of non-gambling things to do:

• Take in a show (or seven ) - Vegas does entertainment better than elsewhere and are some of the best acts in the world can be found here. It is also a better way to spend your money than the casino. It is often a good idea to book tickets with your accommodation as it can work cheaper.
• Hoover Dam & Lake Mead . It's worth a few side trips while in Vegas and 35 miles south of the city make Hoover Dam find. The dam is a massive curved wall, towering 726 meters above the bedrock and acts as a connector between the cliffs above 9trillion liters of water to hold back in the Lake Mead, which created by its construction largest reservoir of the country.
• Grand Canyon - Yes, although the Grand Canyon is located 250 miles away, the people are going to do day trips there. Prepare a very long and tiring day, decide when you go. While you can do it, I would say that it will make a night activity, to get the most out of the space. The Grand Canyon is amazing to see in one day, but it will get you away from the slots
• Sratosphere! - offers the best views of Vegas, Stratosphere is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. If you feel brave, then look at one of the extreme rides at the head of a go. The aptly named X-Scream drives you headlong 27ft over the edge of the tower and leaves you hanging about 850ft in the air. Admission to the tower and all journeys $ 40
• Clubbing - clubs in Vegas are some of the most prestigious (read: challenging). In the world, so you can expect to wait in line for a long time, pay outrageous prices for drinks and entrance to the club, and will be rejected if you are not dressed smartly enough. However, the clubs are amazing inside and the top DJs in the world can often be found behind the decks
• Shop -. If you do not want to lose money gambling, they spend shopping. Each brand imaginable has his own shop. You can especially find some really good stuff at the Palazzo in the Venetian. I could definitely serious harm here
• food -. If you do on the cheap Vegas, you can visit many all you can eat buffet, see where you can eat all day. But with so much food in Vegas (and the buffets to be so bad), if you really want your time to fill, go to pork from some delicious food. The casinos and the Strip amazing, mouth watering places to eat.

Vegas is an adult playground in the world and, after finally see, I can see why everyone loves Vegas. If you are like me and like to play, go with friends who can keep on you each eye. Vegas may be artificially and cheesy, but it's with a lot of opportunities to relax fun. Vegas is a vacation. Traveling does not always have to be to learn a few deep cultural meanings. Sometimes travel is to have fun about mindlessly. And if I can give you one last tip for Vegas, it is not to stay in Luxor. This place is a dump. There are many better cheap hotels to choose from. And this comes from someone whose stay in hostels full of cockroaches. Oh, and remember that in Vegas, what happens now, goes on Facebook and Twitter. I think that's two peaks.

Saturday Location: Darwin

Saturday Location: Darwin -

Back in 07, I was traveling in Australia and landed in Darwin, the main top of the city and the gateway to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks , I do not spend much time in Darwin, while I was there to do without the city for the park that surrounds it. But from what I saw, I was intrigued. The architecture seemed new and hip and the city had a youthful atmosphere.

A few weeks ago I was back in Australia and actually spent more time in the city, to see if my first impression was correct. One of the things you noticed almost immediately via Darwin, is the architecture. The building in Darwin have an industrial look to it. With sharp corners, exposed images, a lot of metal and strange angle But in this view, they also take a lot of beautiful and bright colors. It makes the buildings look very modern and makes Darwin look very nice.

as a place to visit, most of the action in Darwin happens outside the city in Litchfield and Kakadu Park. Tourists are usually come for a few days, spend the most time in the park, and then leave again. obtain Those who stay longer hospitality jobs or end up working on farms and ranches. Backpacker work makes this city function. It also keeps the city young, so there is a vibrant nightlife is. But for those who want to stay in the city, what it really is to see?

Well, a few things.

. For starters, it is a very green city with many parks The sunsets over Bicentennial Park are amazing. This is a very large park and there is also a lot of space for a picnic on. Plus, there's a beach below, where you can swim during the dry season (although I think the yard area for the better). You can also run on the East Point Reserve for stunning sunsets, good running trails, hiking and nice dinner at Pedro to the point. The only drawback is that this area is a little outside the city center. There is also the amazing botanical gardens, gardens, and a ton of "oval" (Read Aussie public field speak). In short, Darwin is a city for people who really like parks. Moreover, I find all this green area of ​​the city feel natural and makes open.

For history buffs, you can spend a good half day to walk around the historic sites to visit. Darwin was attacked more than 100 times and the famous Christmas Cyclone Tracy left the city devastated in World War II. These disasters not only create a lot of history, but for many reconstruction permits and modernization that is so prominent in the city. Several buildings incorporate the old building into it. You can see many of the old buildings. Through its sandstone walls (Or the fact they are half destroyed ruins in the middle of a park.) The area of ​​the Parliament has the most ancient of these buildings. If you want a good hike, I recommend Darwin Walking Tours. The tour lasts a couple of hours (you can even do on your bike) and gives you a good detailed history of the city.

A recent addition to the city is the wharf area. In recent years, Darwin cleaned their old wharf area, making it an environmentally friendly place to live and play. There are nice looking apartment buildings, great restaurants, cafes, a little lagoon for swimming and even a wave pool ($ 5). It is a popular place all year round. Backpackers especially like it because in this expensive city, it's free.

The disadvantage Darwin not cheap city. Its distance from everything keeps costs high here and food, drinks, and tours to eat into your budget. Most hostel rooms start around $ 26 AUD a night. Private rooms are around $ 80 AUD per night. Multi-day Kakadu and Litchfield tours cost around $ 300 AUD. However, with all the parks, historic sites and free the quay, you can do a lot here for very little.

This second trip to Darwin cemented my love for the city and confirmed all my first impressions. The city is young, energic, has beautiful buildings, many green spaces, and is home to some of the best national parks throughout Australia close

The editorial Note. While I paid for my own journey in 07 the trip was in October after Darwin paid by Tourism Australia.

As four days at Boston to spend

As four days at Boston to spend -

as one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston has to do a lot of interesting things. It is not as big as New York or Chicago, and it often feels like a huge city as a city. I think this is a plus because Boston has all the advantages of a large metropolis without the intensity and fast pace of New York.

Boston is not a city to rush through. Unlike many other locations, people who visit Boston rather not do in a day or two. It's as if they know that this is a relaxed city that deserves a little more time. I think you get a very good feeling and an overview of Boston during a four-day visit. Here is a route that will allow you to see the best that Boston has to offer:

Day 1
Freedom Trail

the Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walk through the historic Boston. It takes you through all the major attractions and monuments. To view all the sites to see on the track, expect it to take most of the day. In all of the foot, which is involved, this is the only type I would of the day. You want to take your time and see all of the pages. After all, Boston has a very long history. It can "Super touristy", but it does an amazing job, the story of one of America's oldest cities presented

Packed in Faneuil Hall -. Quincy Market in Faneuil Hall is to stop the place and eat lunch on the Freedom Trail. There are about two dozen different places to eat. You can from Greek into sushi sandwiches just get everything here and more, since you are in Boston, try the clam chowder, a local specialty New England.

Day 2
Boston Commons

in Boston Commons Begin your day, a huge park, which many people warm summer days looks. There are many different ways to go, even to the Frog Pond, where children and adults can cool. In winter it is on the pond skating. Boston Commons is also a great place to go people watching.

Boston Public Gardens

After early morning walk, head across the street to the public gardens. You can in the middle of the gardens take a swan tour of the pond, or you can just go for a walk and some nice flowers see

walk around the Back Bay -. The end of the park meets Boston Back Bay, our version of New York's SoHo and the West Village. This is where Boston's elite and rich life and near Newbury Street is our Madison Avenue, with many expensive shopping. The handsome brownstones and tree-lined streets make for a quiet, leisurely stroll. Keep sitting at the park on Commonwealth Ave and people and cars go

lunch on Boylston -. Moving toward Boylston Street and lunch on the terrace of one of its many restaurants. If you want to spend a bit more money, eat on Newbury Street. Stephanie is good for both food and emptying your wallet. Snappy Sushi has great lunch specials and Kashmir has delicious (and spicy) Indian food

Copley Square and Trinity Church -. Copley Square is a great little park where you can buy discount theater tickets, listen to musicians, and the views of the Hancock Tower at. You can also go in Boston Trinity Church, which is the provision of one of Boston's oldest and most beautiful churches.

Charles River

Double back toward the Charles River and walk the river. If it is summer, you can go to a free show at the Boston Hatch Shell or sailing on the river to catch. If not, it's still a nice walk along the river, where you will meet runners, playing children, and people in sports

Museum of Science -. At the end of the bank of the river is the Museum of Science. If you are not too tired, check the museum and the Omni Theater inside. Although many are of the exhibits for children, it is still one of the best museums in the country. Your Space exhibition is excellent

Day 3
Visit the Aquarium -. Boston Aquarium is one of the better ones I've ever been. It's really well done, the fish in a few small tanks, all of which are not overloaded, and there is a lot of information on how to protect the oceans.

Explore the North End

historic North End is the heart of the Italian community in Boston. You will hear as much Italian as you are the accent Boston. In the morning you will see little Italian grandmas shopping, while the grandpas have their morning espresso. It's almost like in Italy. You find here the best gelato outside of Italy

Head Up to Prudential Tower -. Once you are out of the North End, go back to see Prudential Tower in Copley. You can climb the tower and a bird's eye view of the city.

Arnold Arboretum

About 260 acres of free public space are from sunrise to sunset. There are walkways, gardens, open lawns, and tons of flowers from around the world. Relax under the plant and a step back from the fast pace of the city. This place is much quieter than the public gardens and offers a greater variety of plants. They also have a large bonsai tree collection

to a game See -. Boston is a sports town. During the year you will find the sports teams. Boston are stubborn about their teams, so you are sure that some intense emotions to experience, if you're going. If you really want a Boston sports experience, go to a Red Sox game. If you can not get to hang around the bars of near Fenway. Just never, ever, ever root for the Yankees!

Day 4
Take a free tour of Harvard

Founded in 1636, the oldest university in Harvard's the USA. Head to join his home in Cambridge (Harvard Square train stop, red line) and a free tour. Find out more about the university's history, architecture, programs and myths. When you're done, wander around and experience eclectic offers of Harvard Square. There are a lot of good to hear street musicians. (Tracy Chapman got their start here.)

Hang in Harvard Square

See the mix of life in Harvard Square. Walk around, strolling mix in antique shops and coffee shops and watch artists vagabonds, locals and students. There are some cool little shops in

Take the Sam Adams Brewery Tour "The Garage". - After four days of sightseeing, you deserve a beer or five. Sam Adams brewery offers free tours of the brewery. Sam Adams is a big brewery in Boston and locals drink it widely and frequently. Tours begin in the afternoon and depart every 45 minutes. You get a couple of free samples along the way. If you are under 21, do not worry. You can still go, you can not just drink.

Boston is a great city, and I say that not just because I grew up there. I have never met a person who did not like. Come to Boston and find out what is a big city. The four-day itinerary will give you a good overview of the city on a beautiful, relaxed pace. They will move around a lot, though, so make sure you get an unlimited "T" pass (train-pass). If you have more time, you can squeeze some other activities. But why so hurry a nice place?

For more information on the United States, please visit my country and city guide travel to USA.

The Saturday City: Seattle

The Saturday City: Seattle -

I connect Seattle with three things: Starbucks, music and hippies. It is a city filled with cafes, where musicians and artists entertained while the residents are talking about saving the world. It is a liberal city; it is an alternative city, but it is also a cool city. It is clean, sitting next to water and nature, and it has good food and an exciting nightlife. I expected all these things when I went to Seattle. Over the years I have heard people talk about Seattle and its charm. Seattle had to be cool, I thought. After all, everyone loves the city.

When I went to Seattle last month, I discovered that it was not what I thought it would be. I thought Seattle was a great place to visit, but I would not live there. For me, the measure of a truly amazing city, if I could see myself living there. I could live in many cities, but I do not think I want to live in Seattle. It was too small for me.

But that's not to say that I did not enjoy my time there. I found that there was a lot to do, and there were some amazing food to eat. Some of the things I enjoyed were:

Pike Place Market . Pike Place Market is located right in the center near the waterfront and is one of the most important "things to do" here. The shops open early and you will produce the sale of all kinds of fish, food, jam, flowers and gifts for the people. The market is filled with people all day, so no matter masses expect when you go. There are some great food, but expect to pay more than you would elsewhere in the city. Do not forget to see the famous fish throwers. It's fun to see!

Woodland Park Zoo. Woodland Park Zoo, which is spread over 65 acres has more than 1,000 animals from 20 species. While I'm not a big fan of zoos (I do not like captive animals), this zoo has a nice job, the animals of the treatment offer better and more detailed educational information for visitors.

Mount Rainier National Park. There are hundreds of miles of walking in this National Park, outside the city. Find to find the best weather in the summer, but the fall foliage is something not to be missed.

Space Needle. probably best known landmark is the city, the Space Needle offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains from above. Space Needle elevators travel at 800 feet per minute, which is as fast as a raindrop falling earth. There really is not much more to the needle, it is just a place for a nice and panoramic views.

Seattle Art Museum downtown. A 48-foot Hammering Man sculpture outside this huge highlighted Museum. There are many good art exhibitions, with a strong focus on modern art. There are always special (when I was there, it was Picasso). Try to visit their special Museum Nights, where the museum live music, drinks and interactive art activities. There is a better way than to spend an evening at the bar.

Japanese Garden . I love Japanese Gardens and I was impressed by the in Seattle. It is peaceful with a waterfall, koi carp and turtles, rock gardens and bonsai trees. It is a good place to relax and to look at life. It is in the Arboretum on the east side of the city.

Ballard Locks . The locks provide a link for boats between the Puget Sound and the ship canal. Locals and tourists alike see happen the parade of boats because the water levels are adjusted 'locks. I recommend the fish stairs, lets the salmon between fresh and salt water. There are glass plates below the waterline, to watch the fish as they swim. It's pretty cool.

Pioneer Square . Located right near the Metro Tour, Pioneer Square is where Seattle began. They are old gold rush buildings, large spaces and lots of history. I liked to see the old brick buildings and salons. The area has a certain old time charm. And supposedly the best coffee in town is at the nearby Zeitgeist coffee shop.

Boeing Museum of Flight . If you like airplanes, this place is a must. You will see planes through the times and get the chance, the original Boeing to see "Factory." They also watch the original Air Force One. Remember, this place is out of the main part of town.

Fremont Troll . Located at the north side of the Aurora Bridge (where else would you find a troll?) This troll was given as an art project of Fremont in order. The troll an original Volkswagen Beetle and visitors to eat encouraged to climb on the Troll and have fun.

The Underground Tour. I've heard mixed things about this tour, but I really liked it. You learn a lot about the early history of the town as it was built and what life was in the 1800s as back. They are taken below the current, to the original walkways, as originally Seattle was 14 meters lower. The jokes can be corny, but I highly recommend it for the history lesson that you get.

For those who save money, the bus is a free ride zone in downtown 6:00 to 19:00. If you are looking for cheap food, head to Chinatown for dim sum and dumplings cheap. On the corner of Second Ave. and Pike's Osaka Teriyaki, doing for $ 5 great lunch specials. It's pretty good.

If you want to explore the bay, but not much money, you take the ferry to Bainbridge Island pay. It is only 6 dollars and you see part of the port without paying the huge price of the tour boats.

While I do not get all the hype around Seattle, it's a good town. You should visit because it good food, the city is nice and clean, and it is set so that it is right perfect for nature lovers in the mountains. While the city does not cater to the hype, I would like to come back one day and discover more. Finally, any city deserves a second chance.

The Saturday City: San Jose

The Saturday City: San Jose -

When I first went to San Jose, Costa Rica in 03, I thought it was a dirty city. It was not a place I wanted to spend a lot of time. There was trash everywhere, the buildings were run down, and when compared with other Spanish cities, there can be found no post-colonial charm. After the city visited again for the second time, I still feel the same way. San Jose is a charming town. It is still stony. It's still dirty.

The city has changed in recent years, but not in a good way. In 03, I remember seeing me no fast-food restaurants on the occasional McDonalds. Now there are roads with fast food fed. I even saw a Quiznos, and I never see them anywhere! Granted, the local fast food seem to love. Each Taco Bell I saw was filled with diners. But the overall impression of the city - a mishmash of people in a gritty hard place - was still there

Nevertheless, here are a few highlights you should not miss when you visit San Jose just.

National Center of Art and Culture - This sprawling museum occupies an entire block and it houses the offices of the Ministry of Culture and several performing-arts centers, it is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and design, where you can see the cutting art of Costa Rican and Central American artists. This is the place, contemporary dance and theater in San Jose to see

The Gold Museum -. The "Museo del Oro" is part of a three-storey basement complex next to the Plaza de la Cultura. The museum has an extensive display of the use of pre-Columbian gold as viewed from the indigenous societies and there are hundreds of exquisite glittering pieces to admire. There is also a museum about the history of their currency with

Jade Museum -. The Jade Museum is located on the 11th floor of the largest building in Central America, the National Insurance Building. The museum has the largest collection in the world of pre-Columbian jade pieces from 500 dated AD BC to 800th Thanks to recent upgrades to the lights; You will see them in all their glory. The museum also offers an excellent view over San José and the Central Valley

Mercado Central -. is to find the central market in San José in a bright yellow building on the Avenue headquarters - you can not miss it. Buy your souvenirs or visit local food among the hundreds of colorful stalls. There are many good restaurants here. Make sure you try the sorbet course in the middle of the market. Words can not describe how delicious it is

Barrio Amos -. This is the old colonial part of town and it is to migrate my favorite part. There are many quiet streets and beautiful houses in this area. It is a perfect image

Parques -. San Jose has many parks. They are not huge, or even some of the best in the world, but they're worth a good walk and, after a long day of walking a nice place to sit and relax his.

Poas Volcano - Poas Volcano is no longer active, but it does a sulfur water-filled crater feature. The water is so quiet and aquamarine, you might think it is wrong or that it was painted. The area has some good hiking trails and you will get images that make jaws drop. This is definitely the best day trip out of town.

If you do find yourself in San Jose and you are on a budget, the Mercado Central has great food and cheap local rates. The plates of the day are 1700 colones, or half the cost of what to find in the main tourist areas. In addition, avoid taxis at all costs. At least they will cost you about 5,000 colones to get around the city. They are just not worth it, as everything you need is in a central location.

San Jose can be avoided, but the chances are you will pass through it at some point, as you crisscross Costa Rica. It is easier to go through it as making your travel plans around it. San Jose is not a "terrible" place; it's just a sleazy place. After you have seen the major sites, and made some day trips, it is best to conduct the better parts of the country.