We realized early on during our first excursion to Europe that for any and all future visits we would want to stay as close to locals as possible. We had hoped to enjoy that same intimate yet eye-opening experience we had staying with Peter and Traude in Austria. Hotels would be used only as an…
Author: Travielpursuit
The Law of Attractions…
To belabor the ongoing physiological metaphor, attractions are a trip’s nervous system. It is the nerves that allow the traveler to feel the cool, smooth solidness of a Baroque-era statute or give the daredevil the adrenaline to run with the bulls through the narrow streetways of Spain. But it is also the same system that…
Head in the Cloud…
Sometimes, it is daunting to keep everything straight in your head. DAY 1. The plane lands at 9:25AM in Rome on August 3. Pick up the Roma Passes at Terminal 3 between 8:00AM and 7:30PM. The Order Number is 136813 and the Confirmation Code is 3LVR9J5P. Remember to pull out €300 at an airport ATM….
[Optional] How to Excel at traveling…
Microsoft Excel was and still is a valuable tool for us when planning our trips.
[Optional] Gearing up for the trip…
Packing smart and light is synonymous with independent international travel. It’s all about being able to pivot if an earlier train from Rome to Florence suddenly becomes available or to fit in an extra hour or two of sightseeing since you were luckily able to stow your baggage temporarily at the train station. We were…
Travel Tips (Anatomy)
Before leaving on your trip to a foreign country, inform your credit card company and debit card bank that you will be traveling outside of the US. They will typically ask what countries and when. Avoid the money exchange kiosks at the airport if possible; withdraw cash at ATMs in the foreign country as they…
Travel Tips (2012)
Withhold judgment as best as possible. Accept that some advertised tour packages have an ulterior motive (i.e. to sell you local products or optional add-ons). Memories are not the only thing you can take back home. If you find a souvenir that you like, can afford, and will fit in your suitcase, buy it with…
F Your Diet (China)!
Say What (Chinese)?
Ni hao – “Hello”/”How are you?” Xie xie – “Thank You”
Avoid the middleman, buy direct…
If you were to host someone from a different country, what would you highlight to show off America? Would you bring them to the Statue of Liberty and impress upon them that the US is a melting pot of many different cultures? Would you visit the Grand Canyon or the Great Lakes and regale them…