The Best Thai Food you can eat

The Best Thai Food you can eat -

I know on Monday Post a bit of a Debbie Downer was, but do not worry, I write about traveling not done - only one being permanent nomads. So in a complete 180 from Monday post, let's talk about traveling and my love of food Thai. When I have a few weeks ago to Thailand returned from Cambodia, I went on an eating binge. Cambodia, as much as I love it, does not have much good food. It is very boring, and I missed the piquant, spicy, and spicy Thai cuisine. As I was leaving Bangkok soon, I have tried as much Thai food as I could enjoy. So as a way to all foods to remember, I ate so well how to make run to your local Thai restaurant, here is a list of my favorite Thai food:

Pad Thai

This is the quintessential Thai dish, but it is often ruined in restaurants around the world, as they standardize it to the point where it is generally held. But I love a good Pad Thai, and if you veer from the tourist destinations, it is easy to find it in Thailand. On Sukhimvit 33 in Bangkok, there is a Pad Thai stall so good that even my Thai friends it a compliment. I take every visitor to Bangkok there. Pad Thai is standard fare, but it is oh so good.

Spring Rolls

I love eating spring rolls as expressway snack. You get five for 50 cents. Everywhere in the streets of the main cities, you will find small stalls around, and for a quick lunch or late-night appetizer, is nothing like a spring roll -. Draped in sweet chili sauce, of course

Red pork noodle soup (Kuay Teow Moo Daeng)

by far my favorite Thai dish that red pork noodle soup is unfortunately found only in Thailand. It's street food (that is, not to be found in restaurants), and because of the way they make the broth, you are never outside of Thailand. The broth sitting for a long time, and the health and safety organizations emerge not really on kitchens to do that. This dish consists of noodles, a potent and spicy broth (made of boiled pork bones and onions), sprouts, bok choy, and slices of red pork. You can use it a couple of ways to eat, and I eat mine with a little fish sauce (sour), a few spoonfuls of sugar (sweet) and a small amount of chilli. It is always the first meal I eat when I return to Thailand.

Kai Jeow

This Thai omelet my breakfast of choice. It is egg mixed with fish sauce and chilies, boiled in oil, served on white rice and top coated in sweet chili sauce. I would never imagine egg, rice and sweet chili sauce would work together, but they do. It is the breakfast of champions.

Pad Kra Pao

Minced pork or chicken stir fried with basil and chilli and served over rice. This dish is a favorite of mine - but only if I'm looking for something with a little kick. Even if you get to it "not keen" to make up for a Thai, the only means that two chilis, and I end up trying hard not to breathe fire. It is a common dish, but I'll put out the night markets and street stalls, where they tend to the meat chop a little finer than in restaurants to minced.

Chicken Soup

Since the books that you have said, Chicken Soup for the soul is good - and the Thai version is too good for your taste buds , Thai chicken soup is just like any other chicken soup, but the broth (made with chicken bones, onions, ginger and garlic), as well as the pork noodle soup broth, sitting there to collect all these delicious flavors for a while. It is a taste explosion in your mouth. I love to put in it some basil, fish sauce and sugar.

Pad See Ew

This is a dish of fat rice noodles cooked with eggs, chicken and bok choy. The noodles are darkened with soy sauce, which adds a lot of flavor to otherwise bland noodles. The noodles are quite sticky, and if they are up to the fork you pick to get about half of the shell usually.

Som Tam

This dish is an integral part of Thai cuisine and a stone not throw a dozen som tam seller without hitting. Shaved Papaya is thrown in a mortar and pestle with carrots, peanuts, tomatoes, beans, palm sugar, fish sauce, and a whole lot of chilli. It's so delicious and amazing as it is fiery. It is so sharp, I just did not get it with the chillies produced. As used throughout the day, the mortar with chilli pieces and seeds is coated, so that when they make me, the residue coats my bowl with enough spice for me. But I often contact the fiery taste, because it's just so delicious. You want it to stop eating, but you can not.

Mango Sticky Rice

combined this delicious dish sweet mangoes, sticky rice, and coconut cream syrup. It's incredibly sweet, and mango cream sauce makes a great snack or desert.

Sticky Rice
Speaking of sticky rice, I could all day only eat sticky rice. In fact, I've often. It is a late-night snack. I'll find a sticky rice seller to buy a few parts of it, and go to nothing more than eating rice

Pad Fuktong Sai Kai
I'll be honest. - Except pumpkin and eggs, I have no idea what is in this dish. I should know what goes into it, because this one of my favorite foods, but all about I really do not care, the taste. And the taste is divine. It is a very sweet dish, which may be in itself a bit too sweet, so I tend to eat with rice to flavor to soften from. You do not find a lot; I see it especially in the night market near the famous Khao San Road or at the weekend market.

banana pancakes

are often associated with hikers because of their love this dish, it is actually in a lot of Thai food markets found. I usually have my in famous Thong Lor market in Bangkok. Fried dough filled with banana and topped with sugar and condensed milk (you can get it with chocolate), this is a sweet explosion in the mouth. One of my favorite snacks. It is usually one of the first dishes I try my friends when they come to visit me.

Grillspieße
Sure, barbecue skewers can be found all over the world, but Thai BBQ marinated poles from the road in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar and garlic, found nowhere else , When spring rolls are nowhere to be found, barbecue skewers work wonders, to replace them.

Massaman Curry

This is a southern Thai dish that. In Muslim origin The dish usually contains coconut milk, roasted peanuts or cashews, potatoes, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, palm sugar, fish sauce, chili and tamarind sauce. I have it. Usually with chicken, and it also comes with a side of rice Massaman curry is my favorite. I love the thick, nutty flavor of the sauce and the whole fervor of the shell. I mean, I love everything that has to do with potatoes, and the whole mixture of flavors makes me very happy.

Tom Yum

Tom yum soup is a spicy, clear soup, which burn the roof of your mouth off. I have very rarely - only when I want something with a little kick, because even if I order it "not spicy," I can still find it difficult to eat. Tom yum is characterized by its distinct hot and sour flavors. The basic broth in stock, lemon grass, lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce and crushed chillies made. You add the meat of choice, although the most popular is tom yum kung (prawn).

Thai Iced Tea (Cha Manao)
OK, not really a "food" but there is no more drink sweet and tasty as Thai iced lemon. This dark tea mixed with sugar and lime is sweet, delicious, and just a little tart. I drink a few of these everyday and were known in a train to drink the whole thing.

Thai food has a well deserved reputation for excellence, and there is nothing as good as Thai food, as in Thailand. You just can not get the whole atmosphere of the street food cuisine in the westernized restaurants. I can find a lot of international dishes outside their home countries, but with Thai food, I'm only really happy when I eat a bowl of soup at a small plastic table on a street in Bangkok.

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The Saturday City: Macau

The Saturday City: Macau -

I love to play. Some people money on televisions, clothing and sports tickets - I spend money at the blackjack table. Since I heard Macau was the largest gaming center in the world, I wanted to visit. Yes, that's right - there is currently more money in Macau than Las Vegas flows

Honestly, I wanted to visit Macau, before I knew, but learn that fact only made me want to leave !. Last month, on the way home in the States, I held in Macau. When you hear that a place the gambling capital of the world, think lights, brilliance, charm, and casinos. Instead I found a city like any other, one with some decent, interesting side streets, parks, markets, and only a few semi-sparkling casinos. I was a little disappointed.

But cities are cities, and while they often do not have the image, we live by them in our mind, they can still offer a lot of charm, character and interesting activities. But I'll be honest: I did not get on well with the charm and character of Macau. We do not have a big fight, trading insults, or anything. And it's not even because Macau took all my money - it's just that our personalities do not mix. There is nothing wrong with Macao, and I have parts of it. But it just did not wow me. It took less than half wow me.

I stayed there for four nights. While I feel like normally 4 days in each city, is too short, after two days in Macau, I was ready to get going. I had seen it. Nix moved there to stay me.

Most travelers do Macau than a day or overnight trip from nearby Hong Kong (one hour ferry ride, 125 Hong Kong dollars). Many people I have spoken seem the same way to feel - more than two days just too much. That's not to say that Macau not many worthwhile offer activities:

visit São Paulo Cathedral - This cathedral is really only the facade of the former building as the rest was destroyed long ago. But this façade is one of the main attractions in the city and a perfect place to old Portuguese influence on the city to look

Enjoy the Portuguese architecture -. Apropos, Macau be used an area of ​​Portugal, and there is a strong Portuguese influence in the architecture of the island. Half the time you went like you have to design the houses in historic Portugal. Many of the Portuguese sites in Macau are also World Heritage sites and the tourist map of the area offers a hike, so you all seem

Visit the museums Taipa -. There are two museums on Taipa Island (Macau consists of four interconnected islands made): the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History and Taipa Houses Museum. The History Museum contains detailed and informative displays of Macau Culture and Housing Museum consists of a series of colonial houses from the early 20th century. They were to show the lifestyle of the original owner, restored.

to Guia Fortress Go - The fortress and the chapel the inhabitants of the impending attack were built here 1622-1638 warn. It is the highest point in Macau and the best place for an impressive view of the city on a clear day to go

dried meat eating -. Everywhere I went I saw stores huge plates of dried meat of all kinds of animals. Provider will cut off a free trial if you want to try it. I was a little nervous at first (what should I eat?!), But after I did, I really enjoyed it. It tastes like beef jerky, so if you like this, you will like this one.

Eating an egg tart - Macau for its traditional Portuguese egg tarts is famous. They are tasty, but they did not blow me away. Then again, I do not like deserts type food, so I might not be the best judge of what is a good desert

Try the noodles -. Macau, like Hong Kong, has hidden a wealth of small noodle shops in alleyways. You smell before you see them, and the flavor of the noodles and soup would always distract me from my wanderings. Staff at most places do not speak English, but their menus include pictures, so you can point out only what you want to order

For hiking -. If you extended time in Macau, the island has Coloane some beaches, golf courses and hiking trails. It is the best way to enjoy nature here.

wander and explore - Macau is not that big, so it makes for a fascinating city in lost I enjoyed in the twists and turns of the streets lost. Stumble on temples, parks and noodle shops. I have to be lost island in Macau interesting than Taipa Island simply because of the greater abundance of zigzag streets and small alleys. Even if you get lost, the floating casinos in the skyline are good reference points, so you can easily re-find your way. And of course there is the gamble. The casinos are not as abundant as in Las Vegas, but the Venetian and Galaxy are at least a walk through value. On Galaxy there show that very melodic music and a colorful light show provides a five-minute crystal chandelier.

If you are in Hong Kong, Macau visit for a day or an overnight trip. The parks, architecture and food are wonderful, and the slow pace feeling the city can be a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. (Plus, take the ferry? You!) But do not do what I did and fly stay and for four days. I do not think it's so long enough.

There is really nothing bad about Macau. I am glad that I went there, as I am always happy to have a new place to go. But you know, sometimes places are just meh . They are not bad, but they do not blow away, too. Macau was fun; it had some interesting sights, sounds and food. And while there is nothing to make my fingers continue to say "I was there also," there is nothing I can say that I loved it. I was glad to finally visit Macau, but I doubt I'll head anytime soon.

Breaking Down Credit Card Rewards with Brian Kelly

Breaking Down Credit Card Rewards with Brian Kelly -

Long-term readers know I love credit cards because of the large number of points and travel perks they bring. (New readers know now this.) In fact, this month alone I signed for an Amex Platinum to (50,000 points) and United Airlines card (60,000 points), planned with more sign-ups in next month. Points has many advantages such as free flights, elite status, free checked baggage and priority boarding. And while I know a lot about this subject, there are people who spend their whole day to figure out how to maximize the points. People like Brian Kelly.

Brian Kelly runs The Points Guy to maximize dedicated reward programs website and credit card offers so much to get free travel and elite status as one only can. He knows the reward reservation systems, points programs and credit cards inside and out. Today Brian shares his secrets

Nomadic Matt :. How did you "The Points Guy"
Brian Kelly: I started young. I passionate about points, since I was 13 years old when I a family trip to the Cayman Islands scheduled airline miles with my father. At the time I was a sophomore in college, I was a US Airways Elite Flyer.

While working for a bank Wall Street after college I was constantly on the road, earn tons of miles and points and elite status with airlines and hotels, and that to me is a great journey of life in my spare time finance allows. I would travel to Europe for the weekend of miles and points with (I sat behind Madonna in British Airways First Class once - that was memorable), Went to a blowout luxury trip to the Seychelles with my partner for just a few hundred dollars with points , and hopped across the country.

I started blogging about news in the world points, as well as my own areas of expertise, and people began to read. Then began a lot of people to read it, and I decided to start blogging full time. That was almost a year ago, and it was phenomenal! Challenging and exciting and motivating all at the same time.

collected over the years, how many miles do you have? How many credit cards do you have to open it, must be done?
Of Credit, I have drawn in millions of points and miles. Literally. Last year alone, only through bonuses credit card application and expenditure, I raked over 0,000 points in. That took to do about seven cards.

Many people are concerned that credit card "churning and burning" is to hurt their credit score. What do you say?
I would never apply for multiple cards at once, as "churners" often someone do with less than healthy credit advice. For one thing, you probably will not get accepted. Secondly, you should first focus on fixing your credit, so you'll take full advantage of the lucrative credit card offers that are out there.

As I said, only 10% of your credit score is based on new credit - if the banks to carry out a credit application when you apply for a new card. Otherwise, the most important factors, your payment history and the amount of money you owe, the amount are combined to 65% of your credit score. So before you even think of new cards on the application, you have to your credit, to ensure and that you have a decent score.

If your credit is good, then apply for new cards, it should not hurt. Your score usually falls just a few points for a new card to open (of 850), so that the impact is minimal.

Have you cancel many of your cards or just keep going forever?
I notice some of my cards, mostly strong annual fees for the cards I'm not avoid actively or any kind of benefit from derive. But in order to take account fully close, I try, usually to ask for the bank, either the annual fee or downgrade on a no-fee card dispense so that the credit line remains open and keeps my credit score healthy ,

What makes for a good credit card offer?
The whole point of the points is to find value, so if you find a credit card that will offer something of value for you, that makes it a good deal. The $ 450 annual fee on the Amex Platinum card seems some incriminating, but others love the $ 0 airline discount you get from it, lounge access, and to collect a variety of other benefits, including points Membership Rewards, while the lower for could seek the renewal fee the Amex Premier card Rewards gold prefer-with only an annual fee $ 175, where you will receive three points per dollar spent on flight and two points per dollar spent on gas and groceries, but not those higher level reductions. Still others might flexibility, prefer to use their points to a fixed value, like Capital One, the flight they want to buy, when they want, and in a premium cabin to fly they are not, while those who fly want to shop could remain internationally or in a fancy hotel suite points in their airline rack want and / or get the hotel program of choice through a co-branded card. It really depends on what you want to do with these points, and if you have a strategy in mind, go to the cards you get there fastest.

With so many deals out there to by so many different companies, what your top would three tips for maximizing these deals for free hotels or flights
1. Strategize - Write Signing ~~ POS = HEADCOMP not easy for any card with a OK deal on. If you have a particular trip or destination in mind, focus your efforts on the cards that you get the most miles on the airline that you will get where you need to go, and the hotel where you're staying.

2. focus not only on the sign-up bonus - are the best cards are those that allow for sustainable points your spending habits to earn through. And for that matter, make sure that you can put all the costs on a points earning card, so that you maximize your earning potential.

3. Make your homework - See what bonuses that credit cards that you have in interested are offered historically and make sure that you can get the best

Did you earn points in other ways besides these sign up bonuses. ?
Of course. I travel a lot so miles of sitting the good old fashioned way in a plane and go somewhere I earn. In terms of credit, are the best, not necessarily only those with the biggest bonuses. In my opinion the best points earn cards those that allow you to get your points to obtain lucrative earn bonuses category expenditure. For example, while the current Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus offer up to 40,000 key points from its peak of 50,000 reward, I still think it's a great card, because you all double points on travel and dining expenses (basically what I do) receive, and those categories are fairly broad, so that you can earn a lot of points. You could then connect the dots with the decisive points rewarded with the Chase Freedom Card quarter spending bonus categories earn, where you earn five points per dollar spent on things like food, office supplies, gas stations or certain retailers like Amazon. Suddenly you're looking at a ton of extra points. These are the types of cards worth holding, even after you have redeemed your sign up bonus.

How many miles a year do you fly? Is it all on points?
Last year I flew about 150,000 miles, and although some of these trips were with Miles (as seen from the United States to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean via Paris), and I recently traveled to Asia three weeks United and British Airways use miles, I pay for a lot of my tickets. After all, you have to make some of these miles and elite status fly.

for one minute Explain why you think these credit card offers are so good? Is it only the points that you get, or do you get other benefits such as the elite status?
It all depends on what you're looking. If you transferable points like the flexibility that can be used on a variety of airlines or hotels, then American Express Membership Rewards and Chase would look ultimate reward programs for you while if you want to be able to buy any ticket each time and care not fly coach, perhaps a points system determined value as Capital one venture Rewards is the way to go. If you go flying a lot of a particular airline, is perhaps the co-branded card you on, how Delta SkyMiles Amex should look that gets perks like free checked bags for up to nine people on your you elite status Reservation ( a great value) discounted SkyClub goes, and 20% discount on Delta in flight food and entertainment, as well as other positive results such as hear two miles per dollar; or the newly launched United Club Card, which gives at airports not only membership in the United Club, but also perks such as two free checked bags for the cardholder and one accompanying person, priority access and elite status with both Hyatt and Avis. That's a lot of value.

What is your favorite travel credit card?
I mentioned it earlier, but I love the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. It's probably my favorite card at the moment. The Ultimate Rewards points I earn is used, it can be transferred to a variety of partners, including United, British Airways, Korean Air, and Southwest, hotels including Hyatt, Priority Club (Intercontinental), Marriott and Ritz-Carlton, and Amtrak, so can I use it for just about everything. In addition, I get two points per dollar I spend on food and travel, which includes a lot of categories, such as taxis and even parking. I transferred recently the points that I got to bulk application and uses it business class from New York to Singapore with Singapore Airlines 60,000 miles and $ 2.50 USD in taxes / fees to fly. This was a great deliverance. It is also made of metal, so it feels good and it looks cool in my wallet.

. For more great tips on how to use airline credit cards and (legal) milk the points system for free travel make sure you read Brian Blog You can also use it to follow on Twitter

Disclaimer :. This content is not provided by American Express are available or commissioned. Here opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed by American Express, approved or otherwise endorsed. This site may be compensated through the links on this page through American Express Affiliate Program.

Why cynic like Bob Will Always haters are and how you prove false

Why cynic like Bob Will Always haters are and how you prove false -

Remember last month when I wrote about Jessica and how they never to Ireland get? No? Read more about it here and then come back. I'll wait ... OK, now that you're back, I would like to meet someone like you - we call it, you are different people, but they are two sides of the same coin "Bob.". While Jessica not travel because they will be held back by the marketing travel industry, Bob's our resident travel naysayers and held back by his own cynicism

Bob (I changed his name -. Both here and in his original comment) came to my attention when he replied to my blog post about how I make money and afford to travel. He wrote:

I love this - "Anyone can do it" ... Then we found he was able to save $ 20,000 for its first flight. Most of us pay student loans while juggling rent from. See, people? There is always more to him - former high-paying job or lived with his parents were able to save money gift from parents, teaching English abroad, fired or laid off, took a trip, in the right place at the right time and got hospitality job or doctrine or gardening job. It's all very individually. There is no formula, which is why no one comes out and says. They want you to buy something. This site does not seem so big / popular enough to generate enough money to fly 25 times / year. My niece has a larger blog than this. [Matt’s comment: OUCH!!!] Like I said, everyone seems to be happy. There is always more to offer than anyone let on. I have been to 20 countries, but that's because I had rich friends / lovers and wealthy parents. I once had a job that I took places. See? I said it. That is honest. No expensive books w / secret. I try not to sound good or as I now something because I do not sell.

I do not know Bob personally. He's probably a nice guy, and I'm not here to pick on him; I just want to discuss his line of thinking, because I think that it is divided by far too many. out people like Bob assumes that someone must have first a kind helping hand that be so easy not to travel, to save money, as I seem to do it - and that I and others like me, are here only quickly make Buck through a pipe dream sale

Why Bob is a nice guy, but completely wrong

Jessica will never go to Ireland - not because they can not believe , but because it never puts the travel industry in break out of the mold. on the other hand, people like Bob could travel far and wide, but will never believe it is possible to do so without a lot of money. I call this the Sarah Palin syndrome that I have defined as:

"The persistent belief that only those who can help make parents or upper class upbringing with means a travel undertaking for any sustained start time, because ordinary people have too many bills, loans, debts or obligations to travel. "

I have designated it as such, because while running for Vice President of the United States, Sarah Palin said" I can not be one of those am that from the background was, you know, children who graduate to give perhaps college and their parents give them a passport and give them a backpack and go and travel around the world. No, I have worked all my life. In fact, I usually had two jobs all my life until I had children. I was not a part of this culture. "

Why are people like Bob wrong? has
First adopted Bob that I could afford only with the help of my original travel from my parents. This goes to the heart of Sarah Palin's syndrome: the assumption that you need a lot of money (either by a good job or helpful parents) get going, and that if you do not start with a fair amount of savings that can you 't travel. In his follow-up email, Bob told me:

I have lived in the South End. A $ 30,000 salary, in a city like Boston, especially w / school loans, does not produce $ 20,000 savings in three years. That math does not exist, pal ... unless you w / your parents live.

However, as I have already noted, the math to work on this type of content. I wrote a list of 20 months ways drastically can cut costs. These are exactly 20 tips that I used before I went traveling. It is pretty easy to save 33% of your salary if you are completely on your goal.

I think that people like Bob do not think it is possible to save money in such a hyper-consumer society. But it is. Because if you buy crap stop your bank account goes way up. I lived like a beggar and made my salary to work. And I've always said that I lived with my parents for the last six months before my first trip.

Second, Bob assumes that you can not do this while wearing outstanding debt. I'll just show my students to balance loans that I have ever paid for since I left 6 years before my MBA program. Take a look at how much I still owe .:

with debt Travel is possible , if you are your money wisely I made sure my to cover costs before I went away and put aside money to cover my loan

But the main thrust was in his argument Bob this. I am a lie to sell. Bob wrote me this after he posted his comment:

Hey, Matt - This is an answer to your About Me page. Why would anyone not everyone say how they do it? These hikers in Thailand told you how. Why can not you just share what they shared for free? Everyone wants to keep some mystery or to say, "Just decide" fully good to know the average person can not just up and leave or do not know how. You save just enough, if you arrive a flight hectic camp, hostel, look for jobs as gardeners, network? Is that it? Once the bit you have saved is gone, how to generate enough to eat and to live on? No matter how cheap it is, you must do something to generate money for food and hostels trains and airplanes. What is it that people do? Did I think it's right? Teaching English, hustle, taking odd jobs, gardening, Tutor? Can you just be real, honest and upfront? This is much more helpful than just saying: ". Look what I can do"

In response to my experience with these backpackers in Thailand, Bob shown, but that he had looked at my side clearly saw only what he wanted to see, because I all his questions answered in previous posts and have always been in advance of the practical nature of this page. But then he figured it out:

There is no secret or a book requires. All someone to say / do is exactly what I communicated very short. All you need is $ 2,000 to make stay compounds for a first trip and week. It is even cheaper from there. Once you take a trip, go for a teaching job or hospitality, hectic, network. The more you do, the more things unfold. This is the secret for most things. Just start. Figure rest from as you go.

Bob, I agree. Only the jump Here are all the times I've done that myself it .:

Why there is never a perfect time
to travel As you [yourtriptoovercomefears
Everyone says I'm running away
There is no secret, Long-term travel
Oh! The Amazing Places you go be

This is not about Bob - it's about cynicism

The world is full of cynics. The world is full of people that you want to get down. Anyone who knows for more than five minutes, that has lived. People like Bob simply believe that it is impossible to do, I do without some kind hand to help what. They scoff at the idea that travel could be easy or affordable to all. Pssh, they say you must have a trust fund. They are not the whole story to tell

Bob is not as far away as others because he knows what I have been saying all along -. It is no secret to travel. You just go do it! You need to make the jump. But he is wrong, that this leap to make to be able to, must be turned off in advance. Hard work and dedication can will get you where you need to go. I was working my butt, so I could go travel. I taught English to my bank account recharge.

But only see cynics and hear what they want. I told Bob that I had loans that mathematics worked out that I him not an unrealistic dream, connected to all the products I sold have written to share my experiences, and spoke more about my past.

I never heard of Bob Back

Sarah Palin syndrome you can not see the truth. it seeks to strengthen only your faith. After Bob knew my story (a story that I never hide, but had he not the time to learn assume), he went away. Cynics may be cynic

Bob's right -. It is no secret to travel. You just have to take the plunge. I am no bigger dream than sell. Everything that I do is that you push out the door and then say, how to save money when outdoors.

There are bound to be Bob's in your life. People will dismiss your goals, achievements and dreams. They will try to give you a sense of reality and tell you, "the whole story."

I think people like Bob can not do the impossible dream. Where Bob and people like him is wrong, that they believe that only those individuals who have hectic or unassisted life to go their dream. But your average person? You can not do it.

You are completely wrong.

Travel is possible to pay with a Job USD $ 30,000 per year in a big city like Boston. The Bobs of the world will never believe that, though, because if they did, then they would, that everything would be possible to accept.

And then she could not be unhappy and cynical.

But I like the Bobs of the world because I can go and prove them wrong. And hopefully I can inspire many of you to do the same by crushing the myth that the journey is expensive or unavailable

And then we can all say Bob :. "I know you are wrong. I will not let me down. I'll just let it inspire me to do better."

Cruise Culture: Thoughts on the Nature of mass tourism

Cruise Culture: Thoughts on the Nature of mass tourism -

Last month I have (had been previous cruises with my parents) my first cruise as an adult and found it a to be very cultural epiphany.

I broke completely from my standard of independent travel and curiously stepped trip to the mass consumer. Instead hostels to find out local buses and roads food stalls, it was planned a sumptuous cabin, endless buffets and events. Instead of young and independent travelers, it was celebrating family anniversaries, birthdays and quinceañeras.

And while you can not get to your goals on a cruise (more on that shortly), you learn a lot about people. I discovered that there is a distinct cruise culture, a culture that makes watching incredibly interesting people. Because for many people a cruise is their only form of travel, it was interesting to hear about the traveling and the world of those who it highly sterilized by and seen in the trading experience.

Because a cruise a resort-meets-Disney World on the sea.

things that make me Amazed

First there was formal night, a night in which you dress up a "nice dinner." It was prom adult as go. Everyone was spick and span - I even saw people in tuxedos. The families were portraits (including the classic "Back-to-back mother / daughter-shot"), and teenage girls celebrating their quinceañeras ran around in prom dresses and tiaras. I remember overhearing say that formal night on a cruise it is the only time of the year covered a guy. But what interested me very much, that for so many people, which seemed like a great event despite the overrated cheese factor. I can not understand why people loved so much really. There is only one formal night on a cruise. You receive lobster instead steak, and it is not like those pictures they take are free.

I felt that the people of a big deal in the night made because you were to a big deal out of it Second.

, I was amazed that cruises were such family events. My cruise buddy Jason, an experienced cruiser than I, told me that there are actually only a few boats for singles or young people. Most ships are usually of families or older adults are populated. Thinking about all my cruise experiences, I can see that. the nature of the family was What I found really interesting here: tons and tons of large, extended families. Our cabin was surrounded by a family that took seven rooms. At dinner a family took on three large tables. Everywhere I looked, I saw large families. Cruises, it seems, are where families go to travel. I think it is the new family reunion

Since cruises for as many people cost a lot, it made me wonder. Do people know that they could go for far less to Paris? Takes care of it at all? Or they do intersect, because it is a simple, organized way to get everyone in one place?

For most of the people I spoke with, a cruise was just a simple and easy way to organize a large family gathering than a massive trip to Paris.

and speak in the people, what I learned was really that travel and holidays were also words for them. That was her holiday, but in her mind, which was also traveling. Forget the fact that they are "the Resort" never left - was for most people on a cruise this trip

And I think that is unfortunate .. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a holiday but to think that a mass consumer objective headline is the same as travel is not a good thing. Just like after Vang Vieng headline and say: "I have been to Laos" is not really true, as is a cruise port headline or an all-inclusive resort. It sterilizes the goal and tucked the local culture. Experience not really Mexico, if you are in Señor Frogs, but it was amazing to me how many people brought the idea expressed that "Mexico is awesome!", While there.

I think there is a distinct difference between travel and holidays. The first is to learn about the world, relax on the latter.

The Dark Side of Cruise Culture

On the one hand, I think cruise culture is interesting, because it is always to have fun, a drink in hand keep, eat, and meet new people. It is a very happy and lively atmosphere. And that's good

But it is the dark side to cross cultural. It is insular. For many people, a cruise is the only chance to get out and see the world. It might be the only chance to experience other cultures, especially since most Americans not travel much. And what I did not like about the cruise was that it was so directed inwards, with everything designed to never look outside of the vessel. I liked how it was not focused on learning about the goals that we went.

In Haiti, my Haitian guide in Labadee when I (Royal Caribbean private resort began to wonder where a double, barbed- wire fence keeps out people and us) about life beyond the wall, he was visibly uncomfortable to discuss it as if it was a taboo to discuss "things that happen there."

Well, we do not need a discussion about Haitian to have Mexican or Jamaican policy (the three ports of call on my cruise), but I do not see why cruises not at least might have some basic information about their ports the call to. There was nothing in our daily directions to our destinations. (Jason confirmed that this has happened on many other ships.)

In a way, I like the ports of call felt completely irrelevant were. If it is to inform travelers about their goals no effort, why not just park the boat somewhere near to the beach and stay there? Why make a show of it?

We Americans not travel much. Our news programs do not seem to amount to report on what Miley Cyrus does. I know that this offensive is to appear, and I mean to not be, but cruises have a certain "Middle America" ​​to feel it. (I use this term because "Central America" ​​is often synonymous with bland, cookie-cutter consumption.) Cruises are a very commercialized and sanitized experience; They gloss over the reality of each target a bubbly, to create-not-need-to-think-about-it image. This is something I really hate about American culture. It is often very insular, and this seemed to perpetuate this attitude.

I met people who had never traveled on a cruise. People who went on cruises two or three times a year. And while there is nothing wrong with enjoying a cruise, what I have learned on the ship, is that cruises cater to a superficial, turn-off-your-mind form of travel. (Writing this post made me realize that exactly I saw the same thing on my old Carnival cruises, so I try not Royal Caribbean to single out.)

I am happy that people leave their homes. This is a step in the right direction. I'd rather have someone on a cruise than at home. But while we all need a vacation, cruise companies could at least offer to stop them some basic knowledge about the ports of call. Shit, print out the Wikipedia page for heaven's sake. Anything is better than nothing.

Instead, I felt that many of the people on cruise ships knew little about the world outside the US, and cruises were more than happy to oblige them, and support this attitude. Note: Not all cruises like these. There are many wildlife and nature cruises, have the scientists and lectures on it.

Many people write off cruises because of sanitized to Disney feel to them, and I picked up definitely on the carefree atmosphere. I will definitely go on a cruise again because I enjoyed tuning out. For once enjoyed traveling not me. (And in this vein, all-inclusive resorts are probably in my future, too.) There's nothing wrong with sitting desiring the pool with a drink in hand. That's all I wanted.

But for this family, whose only experience of the country, this is a cruise? can go, it should at least the opportunity to learn more about the local culture, so that family away beyond with some knowledge of the local that it has zip line tours, some ruins, and cheap drinks.

Then perhaps assuming again, I am that people care and want to learn more about their ports of call, instead of drowning in their brains frozen Piña Colada.

they could not, what could be why cruise ships do not offer anything more than mindless entertainment.

But this thought depresses me too much.

I rather think it would still hope.

7 Wonderful walks around Yosemite Park

7 Wonderful walks around Yosemite Park -

This is a guest post by Adam Costa.

Yosemite is the second oldest national park in the United States and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. His collection of granite domes, pastures and high mountain lakes attracts approximately four million visitors a year.

For me, it was my home for three months, as I served burgers and fries for day and wandered the vast landscape in the afternoon and on weekends. I lived in Tuolumne Meadows, seen along the eastern part of Yosemite in California

Most visitors Yosemite only to Yosemite Valley flock to the park's most popular attractions. Half Dome (a large granite dome carved in half by glaciers) and Yosemite Falls (North America's highest waterfall). Yet there is much more to the valley than just these two places. Tuolumne is the perfect place to wander at your leisure, without crowds of tourists crowded

, a summer living in and traveling Tuolumne Meadows After he, have I put together a list of my seven favorite walkers of all levels .:

Ireland See

look away from it all? Then look no further than Ireland Lake, a spectacular secluded destination of granite rocks surrounded.

The walk starts at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and the path is well marked and easy to navigate.

Ireland Lake is undoubtedly the quietest place on the track, and you can for a better view of Parsons Peak, Amelia Earhart Peak, and the rest of Yosemite before back the same way to Tuolumne Meadows around the lake meander. spent

Cathedral Lakes

John Muir years hence, the mountains of Sierra Nevada Walking through, so it's no small claim, if he follows through Cathedral peak wrote:

"I at the beautiful cathedral never tired stares It has more individual character than any rock or mountain I've ever seen, except maybe the Yosemite South Dome .... . this is the first time that I've been in California in the church, finally out here every door mercifully opened for the poor lonely worshiper. "

I am inclined to agree with him.

After seeing the Himalayas, the Andes and the Rockies, it's something that all Dom can stand out among them.

The Lakes Trail Cathedral is one of the most popular hikes along Tioga Road and is part of the John Muir Trail. And while it will be, other far from the crowds you would find in Yosemite Valley in this way, it is.

Glen Aulin

Glen Aulin begins with a descent of the Tuolumne River for a little over five miles until you reach the Glen Aulin campground. The first part of the walk down along a series of pools that branch off from the river. For the next few miles settles the track and meanders through the woods and meadows, magnificent views of the Cathedral Range offers.

The last mile before the Glen Aulin campground is a challenging descent, falling 450 feet reach. Trekking poles are recommended

Here at the campsite you have a choice: you can either turn around and head back or press on for another two miles to see Waterwheel Falls (if you have time). In my opinion it is very, very good value, but this makes for a long day hike.

Cloud Recreation

Yosemite Valley is known for its hike to the top of Half Dome, where the bottom and appreciate all may look the landscape of the valley ,

but in my opinion, to hiking Cloud Recreation (9926 ft / 3025 m) is also better . You get actually look down on Half Dome, with 360-degree views of famous landmarks Yosemite, including Tenaya Lake, Sentinel Dome, North Dome and Mt.. Hoffman

The entire seven miles distance to clouds recreation includes three routes :. 2.7 miles to Sunrise Trail 2.3 miles to Forsyth Trail, and 2 miles to Cloud Recreation Trail

Olmstead Point (the better way)

While most people just drive to Olmstead point, get out of their cars, and snap a few photos of the admittedly beautiful scenery, you can continue a step.

While all the other looking at the view from the car park, turn around. Find to see a large dome just across the street. A quick quarter-mile hike to the dome will offer some of the best views in the entire park.

you will see Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and a seemingly endless procession of granite domes. Plus, there is hardly anyone there, so you are in peace, as you stare at this beautiful scene of

Monopass

Monopass , - At 10,599 feet (3,230 m) - is the highest hike listed here. It is so high that when you come out of the sea, I would not try to propose it until you are fully acclimatized.

The first part of the walk takes you through meadows, granite domes and streams, while the second part winds through barren, rocky ground reminiscent of Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, the area served as Mordor in the film trilogy the Lord of the rings .

, the path continues over a few moderate ribs before the valley Parker Pass Creek beat. The stream winds through the wooded pines, with a wide track (without stones), which is flat and easy for walking.

North Dome

North Dome a quiet, almost challenging hike that offers a unique view of clouds peace and Half Dome.

Once North Dome are greeted with panoramic views of Yosemite. You are not many people on this hike, see so do not hesitate to take your time. I have it until last because - in my opinion -. North Dome an incomparable blend of great views and solitude

Logistics

When walking - The best time to Tuolumne Meadows hike is in the summer months (June to September) when the snow has melted and the weather is warmer. On average, temperatures in Tuolumne Meadows 10 ° C to 20 ° C are generally cooler than in Yosemite Valley

charges -. Vehicle entry to the park is $ 20 USD good for all passengers seven days. If you in the park on foot or by bicycle, it is USD $ 10 per person. For Camping, a reservation well in advance how things fill up quickly in the summer. For wilderness camping, you need a wilderness permit for $ 5 to get. It is recommended that you make your reservations in advance for the wilderness permit and even if they do so for calculating an additional $ 5 USD

food storage -. Yosemite Bear has, so you need to store your food properly (especially overnight). There are food lockers near parking lots and campgrounds

Height -. The walks are described here all at an altitude of more than 6,000 feet. You should arrive a few days early to acclimatise to. If you feel the effects of altitude sickness - from respiratory distress to severe headaches or loss of appetite - down immediately

If you are planning to visit Yosemite, give yourself more time to enjoy it .. It really is an incredible place and - travel to the past few years - it's my favorite place in the world remains for three months lived in Yosemite and plenty of walking did while he was

Adam Costa. There. He is Editor-in-Chief of Trekity.com, a crazy new travel site. You can also use it on Twitter for photos, adventure and witty commentary.

As in the US election, choose While Overseas

As in the US election, choose While Overseas -

Now that the conventions are that candidates have been nominated, and the United States presidential election is only a few months, it is important that all Americans - at home and abroad -. cast their ballots

elections are important events, and if you do not choose, you do not have a say. I hate it when people do not vote complain about politics. If you do not participate, you will not complain. And I want to involve the people.

people not to choice often go traveling or living abroad, because they do not know how, do not think about a fixed address, or that there is a lot of work. During the last election in 08, I did not know how while to vote overseas.

In the age of the Internet, it turns out that it's easy to vote in an election, while abroad. With just a few clicks you can get the ball rolling, and there is still time to get to do before the election in November

Here's how to vote in this US election .:

step 1 - register to vote. If you already register for the election, awesome! Step head to 2. If not, it's a free and simple process. You can personally choose login at the DMV, or by e-mail. Here is a list of the polling station of the state, that you go to more information about where are:

Find

If you have your polling station already abroad, you will be printed from the must be listed on your state's election website and send them to your polling station forms.

or , you can can visit the Federal voter Assistance Program, fill out the voter registration form online, and send it back to them with Porto. It is a much faster and easier process

Here is a good resource coordination :. General Voting resource of the federal government

Step 2 - After you vote registered, there are two ways to submit your choice overseas:

(a) can opt for a foreign election apply through your state's election office by mailing in a form sent with the ballot to you, and mailing it then surviving a complicated process

Or you can do it the easy way :.!

b) go to the Federal Voter Assistance Program website and do it all online

Step 3 - to FVAP and click on the state you're registered to vote for country-specific information

If you have to choose on FVAP registry, you can send in your application. and ballot at the same time. (You can also print only the forms and manually write down your answers.)

Step 4 - printing download and PDF forms

step 5. - your ballot in an envelope, beat some postage, and send it in

step 5 -.! Celebrate the fact that you have chosen

The last choice you needed much more mails, do forms. It was a lot more work. This choice is much easier. You can fill in all online, print, and send it in. It is all legal, and it's all valid. I love the Internet age!

This is one of the most important elections in the years, so make sure you get your choice and vote.

overseas is not an excuse, when all you have to do, in some forms is go online, fill out, and mail them home for free. So it is going to do.

Airline Industry Interview with Scott Mayerowitz

Airline Industry Interview with Scott Mayerowitz -

I fly love. Well, not take off and land, because every bump and I think we are down, but I love sitting in the plane, a movie, and relaxing. I love to be in the airports. I love the overall experience, and I a lot about the consumer side of air travel, now talk interview I Scott Mayerowitz, an airline reporter of Associated Press, about the business side of the aviation industry.

Nomadic Matt: Tell us what you do for AP
Scott Mayerowitz .: I write long-form enterprise and investigative stories about the airline and travel industry. Some are fun features - such as where you end your lost luggage - and others are much more serious, such as an in-depth look at how the airlines are combating rising fuel prices. I once spend three days around the country with some frequent flyers fly, which chartered a jet. That was an unforgettable experience.

I talk a lot about the consumer side of the trip. As an airline reporter, what are three things that people on airlines from business point of view may not know
1: How hard is it, is the cost of a flight to find out. Many people book now tickets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The airlines have no idea what the price of oil will be then, but you have a guess and set prices accordingly. Fuel is about 40 percent of the operating budget airline. If they guess wrong, they lose a lot of money

. 2: $ 5 Hike not really people flying stop in ticket prices. Therefore, all fees and add-ons are we are seeing today. If rates are too high, people will not fly. If they are too low, airlines are not making money. By adding on all charges the airlines may make rates look low and still make money

. 3: do not get baggage fees, taxed by the US government. Airlines pay based on ticket price by 7.5 percent excise tax. This is in addition to the $ 3.80 per domestic segment tax - the tax covers one takeoff and one landing - and the 2.50 security fee September 11 $ for every time you board a plane. However, the government is not in the $ 25 to collect them from the control Airlines each way for your suitcase. The airlines get every penny to keep them, so they are an incentive to increase fees on fares.

Where do you see the industry going in the next few years?
I think we begin, a gap between the airlines to see which business travelers and those who meet to offer to vacationers. This gap is likely to grow in the future, how many families priced obtained from the older, legacy airlines flying. The cost of flying in the middle of summer vacation is to force some families to go to other destinations. Airlines have by reducing the number of domestic flights profitable they will offer. I do not see that reverse in the foreseeable future.

Why costs are rising so much? You said that oil represents 40% of the cost of their budgets, but why is it that the airlines can not only seem to make money? As Warren Buffet said, "If a farsighted capitalist had been present at Kitty Hawk, he would have done his successors a huge favor by shooting Orville."

Let's start with fuel. Airlines were for fuel in 00 to 80 cents per gallon to pay ($ 1.07, when adjusted for inflation). Today they average $ 2.96 per gallon. US airlines burn about 16.4 billion liters of fuel per year, so that every change has a dramatic impact. partly because the passengers have to bargain prices then used the economic downturn after 9/11 and - not increased fares as quickly. The average round-trip flight cost $ 339 in 00 (adjusted for inflation). Today it is $ 373rd That's a 10 percent increase, but fuel prices have shot 177 percent over the same period. US airlines flying burn an average of 22 liters of fuel per 1,000 miles per passenger. At $ 2.96 per gallon, airlines currently spend $ 322 per passenger just on fuel for a 4,950-mile transcontinental round trip. Include in the salaries of flight attendants and pilots to purchase plus the cost of a new aircraft, and you will quickly see how losing the airlines money. That's why we see all these baggage fees. That and the airlines have cut flights unprofitable. You no longer need the largest route network, but only the most profitable

American Airlines. Will it merge with US Airways
If I knew the answer to this question? I'd work on Wall Street. Or maybe winning big at the casino. But my sources generally think a deal will come together at some point. They just are not sure if it occurs before or after the US will happen from bankruptcy protection and what form would such a combination. But that does not mean it will happen. Both airlines CEOs have said, could survive as a stand-alone carrier.

Why?
The reason for the merger need be. The combinations of Delta with Northwest and United with Continental so created major airlines. The only way that American or US Airways offer a large enough route network to compete and secure business is by merging. Americans bring some lucrative international routes to the deal. US Airways has a strong domestic feeder network, mainly along the east coast, which would feed in these flights. Why not? Now, each airline has its own unresolved issues. Merging could only add to these headaches. Moreover, I do not see necessarily give up their jobs, CEOs of American or US Airways, and one of them would be likely to go in a merger.

How do you think the 787 will change the passenger experience flying on that?
I was the first on 26 October 2011 at the 787 commercial airplane, and I must say, it is an impressive aircraft. The windows are larger. Thus, the overhead bins. There is more moisture, and the cabin is pressurized to a comfortable level. A higher ceiling - at least the perception of - reduces claustrophobia. That is, each airline controls how much passengers get legroom. Some are more generous than others. The real change with this level is the fuel savings, and that will open new nonstop routes that passengers can really benefit

is Let's face :. People hate really fly. I recently read that while consumers complain about the experience, they shop solely on price and therefore have to change airlines no incentive. What do you think about this statement?
The industry trains us for the best deal to look and has done a miserable job of differentiating their products to the public. This has happened is located by the growth of Internet searches, where the only variable is the price, and evil by decades tariff wars who have trained us that the price is what matters most. Even if today you see ads, Airlines for the most part focus on flight. It can only be distinguished in the front of the cabin, where they try to service and product. I do not see that changing in the foreseeable future.

comes on the other side that Virgin America has done really well, so that customers are clearly willing to pay for a pleasant flight experience. Does this mean that there is hope for the future?
Virgin America has pumped a lot of money a different experience to offer in their planes. You do not have to make a profit. If they made money, I would say, there is hope for the passengers. But until that happens, I do not see follow many airlines.

Is there really something consumers can do to "win"? It seems to fly, unless you are in the front of the plane, a glorified bus has become.
The passengers need to remember that they speed at 500 mph around the world. Do not let us perspective that lose. But yes, flying is be quite unpleasant for many. First airline credit cards can help with the fees and ensure that you are not the last person to board a plane. might pay a few dollars for more legroom for long flights worthwhile. Otherwise, wear comfortable clothes, some water and bring a snack, smile and be kind to your fellow travelers. We are all in this together.

What would you say are the biggest mistakes consumers when dealing with airlines?
passengers often feel that the airlines they are. In fact, the airline workers probably missing the correct information. You'd be surprised how difficult it to know for a person with an airline, what is happening outside their small splinter surgery. If I have a delay, I always look for alternatives and they offer to the airline agent to help me. I expect never to know of all routing options or alternative airports that I am ready to fly in to.

What are three tips that you would anyone in relation to the fly?
1 Have your papers in order. That is, to know your confirmation number, sometimes called a Passenger Name Record. This is how the airline followed your ticket. Make sure that the number that you have one of the airline is not for the travel agency, which often have their own tracking numbers. It also helps to have your ticket number, usually found a 10-digit number on a receipt, have decided as a flight. You may never need it, but if there is a problem, these numbers will help speed you. To a resolution

2: Print your itinerary and put it in your luggage. Bag tags receive all the time ripped off. If your luggage is lost, in your pocket is personal information that will help to accelerate his return. By including your itinerary, the airline knows exactly which flights you are and how to find you

. 3: Insert a small pocket in your carry to valuable items. More and more passengers are forced to check baggage at the last second. If this is the case for you, the smaller bag can you even take, valuables and other items with you on the plan must Medicine.

Okay, last question. Let us break out your crystal ball. Where do you see the domestic US market in five to ten years go? No kid aircraft? Payment of fees for everything? Mergers? Fewer options? Higher ticket prices? Take a guess!
We have been fewer opportunities for travelers, thanks see mergers. Other small towns are losing air service - or it is unaffordable for all but those are expensive to the company expense accounts. This means that people get into remote areas 150-0 miles on a plane to have to drive. For all others: higher fares. That's a given. The only question is how high. At a certain point, people will fly trap. It is less vacation and more business will take over videoconferencing. We could see low-cost carriers fight for tourists and the legacy airlines fight for business and international traffic. Oh, and it could be mobile phones in aircraft. But that's a whole can of worms that I do not want to open.

At Scotts products to the aviation industry, read his side on the Associated Press to read, and you can find him on Twitter.

I'm going on an African safari the next month!

I'm going on an African safari the next month! -

In a strong deviation from the last week post, let's talk about something more uplifting. Since I started learning about the world, I have dreamed of visiting Africa. This desire only increased when I started traveling. I always imagine this great journey: a few months to East Africa on Safari (plus a long hike Kilimanjaro), spices in Zanzibar, and spending as long as possible to discover relaxing on the beaches of the Seychelles. That's my ultimate dream trip. But I save this trip for when it is to take someone.

Fortunately, there are many more than just these sights in Africa.

On 28th of this month, I will fly to Cape Town for a three week trip to South Africa, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana with G Adventures.

I do not really know what to expect from this trip. I've never been to Africa, and I do not know much about the countries that I will visit others than what I have read online (well, I know a little about South Africa). Maybe that's a good thing. In this way, I will have to overcome any preconceptions or prejudices - I can only assume the countries, as they are. Preconceived ideas to ruin a place.

This will be a "basic" trip, many camping in the bush means that sounds totally awesome. As Internet freely, while I'm there, that concentrate on leave, what is really important. Not to be eaten kicked by an elephant by a lion or feet

Joking aside, how excited I am about going to Africa

?

JUMP ON A COUCH LOVE IT!

And I think, which is very cool, I is counting down on this trip that even after six years constant travel, I can still butterflies in your stomach get a new place to visit. Will I make it to the hotel alright? What will be the food? What scams I look out for? What is malaria?

Of course, I learned long ago that all these fears and questions of course are unfounded. I'll be perfectly fine. I'm going to make it in one piece to my hotel, I'll be sure I will see amazing things, and my time it will be perfect. But in a way it is comforting to know that no matter how much of an "expert" you are new places yet you can take back to the first travel moments where you boarded the plane and thought of himself, everything will be fine or I'm crazy to do this?

Yes, yes I am. I'm crazy to do after all this. Crazy like a fox! Africa continent # 6 be for me. I really hope that I see on the condition the famous Honey Badger - these things are Badass. How Badass? This video shows how:

But even if the honey badger me eludes, I'm three weeks Safari spend a long-held dream into reality. It may not be my last African dream trip, but it's still a dream come true.

Merry Christmas early to me!

Success Stories: Two their fears San Diegans Conquer and go around the world

Success Stories: Two their fears San Diegans Conquer and go around the world -

Greetings from Africa! Somewhere at the moment, I try to grab a photo of a lion without being eaten. Meanwhile, this week I want to share stories from readers who my tips and advice used to realize their travel dreams. If you have to think for a while about traveling, let these stories inspire readers and show that the Council here can work for all!

my new series Go to meet travel success stories, today we are Katie and Steve Nauman, a 30-year-old couple from San Diego. Katie and Steve spent a year for their 11-month journey to save before they leave their jobs and went out into the world for the majority of 2012

Nomadic Matt: Tell everyone about oneself .
Katie and Steve: We are two 30-year-old from San Diego, California. Katie had some trips abroad experience before our trip, and Steve had essentially no, but we really wanted to get into the world before we have children, so in January this year we leave our corporate jobs, rented our apartment, and took on a year around the world.

What kind of trip you were planning to do?
We planned a 11-month trip around the world. We left on February 1, 2012 and have been to South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. We plan to return home, just in time for Christmas.

Do not be afraid, if you decided to do this trip?
Yes! We typically make conservative decisions, but we have, if we pulled a massive leap of faith the trigger on this trip. We read articles on your website that gave us general sedative, and it also helped encouragement from friends and family to hear who know us personally.

We have an entire blog post about how our feelings changed as we got closer to our date.

How this site help you to overcome these fears and plan your trip?
your insights and advice helped us during our planning phase, as we in dove what RTW meant and how to do it. We have investigated at least six months, to pack everything from weather patterns and routes to budget and how our backpacks. There is so much that a trip to the planning goes like this: insurance, visas, flights, vaccinations, and so on. It may be solid overwhelming if you are already nervous about the whole enterprise. Your article has us comfort that it is possible.

There were other ways in which you have helped, too. From your book $ 50 / day, we have the coupons to save money on multi-destination flights Airtreks. And we chose our diving certification Store (Master Divers) in Koh Tao, Thailand, based on a discount in the same book. The dive shop told us we were the only people who have the coupon ever redeemed! We also bought a Tiger Airways domestic flight in Australia on the basis of one of the travel deal links in your newsletter.

How you have saved for your trip?
Every month we highlight some of our paychecks into a travel budget, so that we had enough for our trip and also for a cushion when we get back. We rented out our apartment, which also helped us on our mortgage break. And money go now on issues such as car insurance can be used used for bus, train and airplane tickets.

When we announced our trip to our friends, we were really surprised that almost everyone's first reaction had something to do with money. But it is not as expensive to travel as everyone thinks. We read a lot of blogs on a limited budget and have have to find our research the correct air tickets, tour operators, hostels and discount cards to make everything possible. It takes more work, but it pays off.

What is surprising about life on the road you the most?
We were surprised how much we with the word "traveler." Identify It is a funny but clear designation between "Travel" and "vacation." Prior to this trip we had never distinguished between the two, but now we are absolutely sure that we are on the road. Guests stay in beautiful places and spend money on fashionable dinners and bottles of wine. Travelers all costs be petty ... and many times with the real experience at the end. No doubt, it is more difficult to travel than it is to vacation. But we think the challenges make it worthwhile.

How do you stay on budget when you travel?
We travel as cheaply as possible. We stay in hostels, usually dormitory when we. In a country where private rooms are also affordable We do a lot of research on our activities to ensure that our dollars as far as possible. We take public transport. closer to the road trips is better anyway because more interaction with the locals and you have a real experience.

We also use the cash Trails app, for every cent we spend, to login. We mark our items by country and type (accommodation, food, nightlife, activities, transportation, etc.), so that we keep a good overview of our budget. be

What a thing that you thought would be a challenge proved not to be?
traveling through countries where the language we do not speak not as impossible as we were initially concerned. Sure, it can sometimes be difficult when the language is very different (that is, character-based), but for the most part we have this be too large for a stumbling block, not found. People are usually patient when communicating. Hand movements and a smile go a long way.

What advice would you for other people who want to travel, but might not think they can?
We were the people. We talked about a trip like this for years and asked if we could ever do it. But if you ever wonder that you never do

When we the news of our journey into our family, friends broke, and employees, the answer was always the same :. "I wish I had done that." We did not will look back in 20 years and say those dreaded words to us: ". We wished we had done the"

The most difficult part of the initial commitment is , We know it is the most difficult part, because hardly anyone does it. First, you are there to celebrate in your own mind. But then you are forced to get it to commit in a tangible way - it is a deposit or a plane ticket. Once you pull the trigger this, there is no turning back and you have no choice but to go. It is the most exciting gift you'll ever give.

*********

What I loved about Katie and Steve story that there are many concerns that I hear from potential travelers echoes. The Nauman does not have much travel experience and were not risk takers really, but took the plunge anyway and were amazed at how everything turned out to be. Many people have this fear - I! But you realize when you start traveling, that the hardest part is not the journey, it is the courage to go always. I hope this article help give you some of that courage.

If the next success story

is one of my favorite parts about this job travel stories do people. You inspire me, but more importantly, they also inspire you. I travel in a certain way, but there are many ways to finance your trips and travel around the world. I hope these stories that show that your trip to reach more than one way to travel, and that it is within your reach goals. Here other examples of people who gave a typical life, to explore the world:

• Olivia and Manny the cabin leaving their passion to follow
• Why Trish everything sold in possession travel
• have like Helen successfully traveled and volunteered we all come from different places around Africa

, but we all have one thing in common :. we all want to travel more

How to travel around the world and Eat Your Way

How to travel around the world and Eat Your Way -

This is a guest post by Jodi Ettenberg, foodie extraordinaire and author of The Handbook of Food Travelers . She is one of my favorite travel bloggers, and it's an honor to have her guest post here while I am in Africa!

The beauty of the world of travel is that you in the things you are most curious about the topics or that bring you joy. Home For many people, this means climbing adventure or volunteering or as many mountains as possible. To me it means my way around the world to eat and learning about food.

I never started in this way. I planned last a year until my lawyering job in 09 in New York expected back by as much as I could to save my trips, I started a website Legal Nomads , always document to whatever adventure came in my own way. I never thought that I would be writing years later, and certainly do not expect to have written a book about the food.

Somewhere between Mongolia and China, I found that what I was eating would be more of a focus for my trips. Growing up, the food was never a big part of my life, but as time went on and I began to travel, it was obvious that my target selection and daily schedules planned for my palate. I also wanted to travel so that I could learn what people were eating and why. It was not just to enjoy a meal or two, but went much deeper. How was it that these food and traditions that I am fascinated me along for the countries to make the historical backdrop, only began to explore? The food was an endless source of wonder (and delicious meals).

Chicken gizzards in Istanbul, Turkey

But for those who want to do what I do, there are some legitimate concerns. How to eat safely, without getting sick? What you need before you helps you to pack to go on your tasty Travel? And what do you need to know about an itinerary based around food to build?

I wrote a book, to answer the of food Traveler manual these questions and more, and Matt asked me to post my thoughts here, as I eat the world

here's my five tried and true tips and tricks for discovering the hidden secrets of foods .:

start with the basics: the dishes themselves . to begin one of my favorite places, is Wikipedia, specifically his side on national courts. Jumping from the landing page to the therein mentioned components or a historical footnote that fascinates you, means that you can take on a trip, although the anthropology of a life of the country before. Own way For example, recognize many travelers not that ketchup origins thousands of miles away from America are, in Fujian, China. By learning about this history before setting off on a trip to China, you are a very different lens through which granted you can view your adventures. A delicious lens on!

pork floss corn muffins in Chiang Mai, Thailand

you eat will appreciate more if you also learn about the etiquette and social mores that accompany them. Learning Part of the fun about eating in trying also to understand and / or the cultural and dietary habits of the countries you visit imitate. I found locals about their traditions and habits table to ask is an excellent conversation starter. For example, in large parts of Asia, the chopsticks in rice staking perpendicular frowned upon because it is to smoke a Buddhist ceremony for the dead in a bowl of rice on the altar. And turned to ask at a dinner on this topic in a long discussion about the many other foods quirks in our respective countries in Bangkok. Pre-trip, a good starting point for learning is Etiquette Scholar 's, divided international cuisine etiquette section in regions.

Two short packing tips. Whether you travel with or without food, a good first aid and medical equipment is important because my recommended packing essentials like a spotlight, doorstop and whistle are. For my first full contents of the aid kit, see my resources page. But what travelers for food packaging? Special features include the following:

• I never leave home without portable chopsticks, size, where food is fresh, but the courts of the street stall may not be as clean as you want. An alternative brings baby wipes or wet wipes to wipe with you the utensils. That's not to say that I walk around all utensils disinfection, either! But for those street stalls with a quick turnover, but less exciting washing process, it is always good, that extra step to do.
• I also a point-It transported Dictionary, easy to use, if the language barrier in the way. You can indicate the animal, spice or other element in the book and a minimum guaranteed of communication. For those with iPhones, is an alternative ICOON, a picture dictionary.

Steamed Pork and mushroom spring rolls topped with fried garlic in Muang Ngoi, Laos

not ignore breakfast offered. Be it Nasi Lemak in Indonesia or Mohinga soups in Myanmar, breakfast is often an ideal time for you to explore your destination culinary options. Another option, especially in Southeast Asia and South America is to find fresh food markets at dawn - they will almost always have food stalls attached where the buyer on ingredients for a meal to stop stockpiling. The turnover is quick, the food is fresh, and it is almost always cheap.

What is food safety? street stalls and markets are the best way to try food and not break the bank, but their safety is a concern for many people. To be honest, I have sicker of restaurants were more often from roadside stalls on my travels. The beauty of the street is frequenting restaurants that are open and accessible; You can see how the food is treated and cooked, and how clean the barn -. or not

harira soup in Marrakech, Morocco

More tips:

• I strive with stalls where the person cooking, the money is also not the approach, and if they do, they are handling the money. to cook with gloves, take them off, the food
• I take a look how the city or country eats; if a large meal for the locals at lunchtime is, that would be my choice for new meat or exciting dishes to experiment, if the food is freshest.
• To avoid having food allergies or restrictions, such as meat or dairy products, Select has Kluger allergy and / or food stamps, you can print out and take with you in the local language. Very useful for a celiac like me, gluten, wheat, barley and rye has to be avoided!

These are just a few tips that can help you safely, delicious result and inexpensive eats while traveling. While food was not a priority when I started traveling, I have an excellent addition to what already found a fulfilling experience. By focusing on food, I have some interesting stories added, found great new friends, and - of course - eaten some tasty meals. If you have food issues, I would be happy to answer them at [email protected] or in the comments.

Bon appétit!

Jodi Ettenberg since April their way to eat around the world to 08. is the author of the recently published food Traveler's Guide . She is also the founder of Legal Nomads , the global travel and food adventure chronicles, and she is a contributing editor for Long Reads . She gets the trembling when she goes too long without eating sticky rice.

24 Stunning Photos from my trip around southern Africa

24 Stunning Photos from my trip around southern Africa -

My last trip through the southern part of Africa with G Adventures was absolutely stunning. My tour group was a blast, the guides were super fun and knowledgeable, and the country itself was ... well, can beautiful beyond words. And the locals (except for the guy who duplicated my credit card and went on a shopping spree in several countries) were as warm as the people had said they would be.

Africa Zoo God. The eye-opening part of the trip is to observe the animals was up close in their natural habitat. It makes you realize how raw life and nature really are and how isolated from them that we have in our modern lives. My appreciation and reverence for nature increased dramatically because of this trip. And as I have already talked about how Africa changed me, I think it's time to let them speak for themselves, do nature. Here are 24 stunning photos of my trip through Africa:

Sunset, Fish River Canyon National Park, Namibia

A lone tree in savannah, Namibia

A lion cub, Namibia

Hippopotami peaking out of the water, Botswana

Playing with perspective with members of my tour group, Deadvlei, Namibia

Desert moon, Namibia. It's amazing how clear the sky at 9 pm!

rock paintings, Namibia

sunset in Etosha National Park, Namibia

A bush woman from Namibia , She taught me a lot about the use of native plants.

A lone zebra on the savannah

An elephant in Chobe River, Botswana

A Elephant, hippo and water buffalo in Chobe River, Botswana

camel thorn trees and dunes, Deadvlei, Namibia

A bush woman and child, Botswana

an elephant chowing, Namibia

the famous dune 45, Namibia

A giraffe posing for the camera

Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe

side
A lizard in the desert

A sleeping Lion cub, Namibia

thirsty Zebra at the waterhole

sunset in the bush

red dunes Duplicate of Deadvlei, Namibia

the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Rainbow at the Victoria Falls, page [Zimbabwe

This is just a small selection of my photos Africa. I have so many that I have a photo Post do next week. There are just too many to share good. But something tells me you will probably not mind.