TIP #1 - PLAN YOUR TRIP

 

"The best travelers aren't those with the fattest wallets, but those who take the planning process seriously. Structure rewards the traveler with freedom, and 'winging it' can become a ball and chain of too many decisions, too little information, and precious little time to relax."

- Rick Steves, Europe Through the Back Door

 

I'm not talking about planning every minute of every day, or even every activity. The most important things to plan for are transportation and lodging. Winging it, especially with regards to lodging, can be both expensive and stressful. Expensive, because you missed the best online or early-bird deals, and many of the best rooms where you wish you'd stayed will be unavailable. Stressful, because now you don't have a place to stay and it's getting dark.

 

Having a general idea of what you'd like to see, or where you'd like to go, is also an excellent idea. It's good to have a Plan B as well, especially if your activities are dependent upon weather. If an activity requires/accepts advance reservations, it's a good idea to make them. Inquire about their reschedule or cancellation policy as well. The worst regret you can have is returning home and discovering that you missed something you would have truly enjoyed.

 

I don't plan for transportation or lodging until I know what it is we want to see or where we want to go. Guide books are very helpful for this, as well as online resources. A $20 guide book can more than pay for itself in less than a day of travel. And Google is a great, free tool. Just search for "Must see places in Venice" or "Best Caribbean reefs for snorkeling" and you're on your way.

 

I use Kayak to search for plane tickets, although I purchase them directly from the airline website once I've found the best deal. And I use Google Maps or AirBnB for all of our lodging, once again booking directly once I've located the best place to stay.

 

Tip: Clear your web browser's "cookies" and restart your device before you book a hotel room. Some websites track your visits and increase the price each time.

 

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TIP #2 - PACK LIGHT

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"I've never met a traveler who, after five trips, brags 'Every year I pack heavier.'"

- Rick Steves, Europe Through the Back Door

 

With few exceptions, we only travel with one carry-on bag each. It contains five days of clothing. Don't pack everything you "might need." Pack only those items you can't live without. You can purchase most basic items anywhere in the world.

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Learn to do laundry, or have your laundry done, while traveling.

 

We always bring a clothes line or two, and a packet (liquid or dry) of laundry detergent. It doesn't take much time. And trust me, no one will care if you wear the same outfit two or three times. In humid or cold climates, non-cotton dries faster. And long pants that unzip into shorts provide two options in a single piece of clothing.

 

We always try to wear our bulkiest clothing when we're traveling so we don't have to pack it. If you're bringing shoes and sandals, pants and shorts, and a light jacket, wear the shoes, pants and jacket on the airplane and pack the rest. Compression bags can also come in handy when you're traveling with a lot of bulky items such as Winter gear.

 

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TIP #3 - BE PREPARED

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C'mon boy scouts, you should know this one. Research travelers insurance, emergency medical care, and notify your bank you'll be using your bank cards overseas. Know your options, or suffer the consequences during the 1% chance when you may have a crisis. You'll want more peace of mind and less stress as you travel.

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If you've reached your maximum allowance of carry-on liquids, purchase sunscreen or toothpaste after you arrive. Traveling to a tropical developing country? Bring medications that aid in the treatment of diarrhea or repel mosquitoes. Traveling by boat and prone to seasickness? Bring along some Dramamine. Understand where you're going, what they have, and what they charge if you don't bring your own.

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Traveling some place cold? Thin layers, and many of them, might be a good idea. You can wear the outer layers more than once, so don't assume you'll need a check-in bag for cold weather clothing. Plan on snorkeling, scuba diving, skiing, etc.? Know whether gear is provided, can be rented or purchased, or if you should bring your own.

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For electronic devices, such as cameras or mobile phones, bring a fully charged spare battery or at least a portable way to charge your device on the go. A spare memory card can also come in handy, especially if you plan on taking many photos or video and won't be able to offload them to another device.

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TIP #4 - PERSONAL SECURITY

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Surprisingly enough, I've found that the major cities in the United States and Europe have some of the highest rates of pick-pocket theft. You can wear a money belt under your clothing to keep valuables safe. Don't put more than a days worth of currency, and NEVER carry credit cards, a mobile phone or passport, in your open pockets or purse.

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Wear clothing that has zippers or buttons on the pockets, or a zipper or similar closure on your purse. Attach your backpack, camera bag, or purse to your chair when you sit. Never leave your mobile device out in the open. We sew velcro closures on our otherwise open pockets. And I've read that putting a thick rubber band around your wallet can make it more difficult for someone to remove from your pocket.

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TIP #5 - LEARN THE LANGUAGE

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This can be daunting for someone who isn't comfortable with languages. But a few useful phrases, and a lot of pantomiming, and you should be okay. I consider it courteous and respectful to at least try to communicate in the local language. Don't assume everyone speaks English. They don’t. How would you feel if a German tourist came to the United States and only spoke to you in German?

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The most useful things to learn are 1) asking for and receiving directions, 2) making purchases and 3) ordering food. "Where is the national museum?" or "How many yen does it cost?" Be prepared to understand the answers as well, such as, "Three blocks ahead, then turn to the left."

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Here are a few universal words and signs you can use:

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• Instead of “bathroom” --> use “toilet”

• Instead of “picture” --> use “photo”

• Instead of “medicine” --> use “pharmaca”

• Instead of “subway” --> use “metro”

• Instead of “downtown” --> use “centro”

• Instead of “money” or “cash” --> use “dollar”

• A universal sign for “How much does it cost?” or “The check, please” is rubbing your thumb against your index and middle fingers

• A universal sign for “What time?” is to tap your finger on your wrist, where a watch face would normally be located

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The Google Translate application can also really come in handy. You can download an entire language dictionary to use offline. And I love using the Duolingo app! It's a free app that really makes me feel like I'm beginning to understand a language.

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TIP #6 - MONEY

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The easiest and best way to get foreign currency is at a local bank automated teller machine (ATM). Using a currency exchange provider will cost you much more, as their exchange rates are not usually competitive and they charge an additional service fee. Banks will give you the best exchange rate using an ATM. After you arrive at your destination, find the nearest ATM and withdraw some cash. Since you will likely be charged for using the ATM, it’s better to withdraw larger sums and less frequently. We usually withdraw anywhere from $200 - $500 USD equivalent at a time. I use the Unit Converter Pro application on my smartphone. It can give you the current exchange rate, as well as convert information like kilometers, kilograms and temperatures.

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Only carry with you the cash you think you’ll use for the day. Keep the remainder some place safe, preferably not on your person. Keeping your wallet away from your back pocket, our out of your purse, is always a good idea. See my theft tips above.

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Many places accept credit or debit cards, but some smaller shops and restaurants don’t. You will almost always get a better deal if you pay in local currency. If they ask if you’d like your purchase converted into USD, politely decline. Your bank will give you a better exchange rate during the transaction.

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TIP #7 - CULTURE, RESPECT, AND BLENDING IN

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This one can be tricky, but it’s definitely important to know and understand. This is also where a good guide book comes in handy.

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Each country and region has it’s own unique culture and beliefs. Though you may not agree with them, you must respect them while you’re there. You are a visitor, a guest, in a foreign country. Be a polite one. If something strikes you as odd or uncomfortable, don’t make a big fuss about it. Is the bus really crowded? Are there long lines at a bank? Is roasted scorpion on a stick not something that appeals to your pallet? It’s normal for locals and simply part of their way of life. Take a deep breathe, acknowledge it, and accept it. This is part of the beauty of international travel.

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Here are a few good ways to blend in:

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• Wear clothes that actually fit and are more formal than you’d wear at home. Sweat shirts/pants and t-shirts are easy clues that you’re from the U. S. Many countries also don’t wear shorts, regardless how warm it is. And wearing more muted colors will also help prevent you from standing out in a crowd (See Personal Security above).

• Softer voice, slower pace, and smaller portions. Don’t “yell” at each other when communicating. A soft, hushed voice, almost like a whisper, travels farther than you think. Don’t be in such a rush. Dinner isn’t a 30 minute affair abroad. People usually spend hours at a restaurant, and will serve you with that expectation. Tapas (small plates) and small drinks are normal. 32 ounce drinks are unheard of elsewhere. Your waistline will thank you.

• Keep calm. Jumping up and down with excitement, shouting, pointing, and taking photos/video of everything in sight can be quite shocking and rude to others around you. Contain your excitement. Step out of the way and be as discrete as possible when taking a photograph. Remember, everyone around you is not on vacation and has to continue with their daily life.

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TIP #8 - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

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Public transportation is not only cheaper than renting a car or paying for a taxi, but more of a cultural experience as well. Even though a multi-day/multi-transportation agency pass might not necessarily be cheaper than paying per ride, it sure is a lot more convenient. One card, one tap takes you anywhere you might want to go - by boat, rail, or bus. And remember, tons of locals are using this mode of transportation daily, so it can’t be that difficult. But never be afraid to ask for help.

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We use Uber or Lyft instead of a taxi, and Google Maps or Moovit for urban bus and rail transportation.

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PACKING LIST

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While I don't actually write a "list" of items to bring, I usually begin packing things like electronics and toiletries two weekends before we leave to help ensure I don't forget anything. Charging camera batteries, refilling bottle liquids, remembering that rain poncho or wool hat, etc.

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1. Dry goods bag - we have a mesh bag, approximately one gallon in size, which contains the following: toothbrushes, dental floss, fingernail clippers, razor, dry stick deodorant, tissue, wet wipes, chapstick, Dramamine tablets, Imodium AD pills, band-aids, Ibuprofen, bar of soap, dry laundry detergent, safety pins, rubber bands, clothes line, small scrub brush.

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2. Liquids - since we only travel with a carry-on bag, we have to abide by the TSA travel allowance of one quart-sized bag each, with no individual container larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). Here's what our two bags contain: toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, shampoo, liquid soap, shaving cream.

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3. Clothing - this, of course, depends on where we're going. In our carry-on bag we almost always have: 5 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks, 5 shirts, 5 pairs of pants, rain jacket, light jacket, hat, sandals, slippers, laundry bag. We'll wear shoes, pants, and the light jacket when we travel so we don't need to pack them.

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4. Other stuff in our suitcase or carry-on backpack - passports, gallon zip-lock bag, photos of our credit cards and passports (digital), medical coverage form, beard trimmer and charger, camera equipment, laptop computer, data cables for cameras, phone chargers, camera battery chargers, spare camera batteries, electrical plug adapters, travel power strip.

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TRIED AND TRUE ITEMS WE USE

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1. Tilley hats - their broad brim hats offer great protection from the sun, air ventilation, are collapsible and easy to pack, waterproof, and come with a lifetime guarantee.

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2. Osprey packs - both our travel day pack (Daylite Plus Daypack) and our day hiking backpack (Talon Pro 20) are Osprey brand. Tough, durable, comfortable, compartmentalized, and water resistant.

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3. eBags Carry-on luggage - expandable, rugged, and well designed. Some of their carry-on bags also contain backpack straps. We've been using the Mother Lode Carry-on rolling duffel for years! The wheels have traversed dirt, rocks, cobblestones, sticks, etc. without a scratch.

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4. Kuhl Liberator Convertible Pants - comfortable enough to wear anywhere, these pants are nice enough to wear to a concert and rugged enough for hiking. They also convert into shorts, also good for swimming.

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5. Teva Sandals - great for hiking in relatively open and dry areas, sightseeing, and most importantly wading through water with jagged surfaces like rocks, coral or seashells.

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6. Repel Plant-based Insect Repellent - no Deet, which can stain clothing and harm you if ingested. Tested and approved in the primary rainforests of Costa Rica, Tanzania, and Sumatra without a bite on us. And we accidentally walked around without any repellent just to ensure there were actually blood-thirsty mosquitoes. :-/

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7. Alba Botanica Hawaiian sunscreen - SPF 45, water resistant, biodegradable, and contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate which can harm coral reef environments.

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8. REI Sea to Summit clothes line - it packs small and light, and has rubber beads to hold clothes in place without the use of clothes pins. And it has hooks so you can easily wrap it around anything.

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9. Laundry bag - some people forget that they'll have dirty clothes when they travel. This also doubles as a great laundry basket once you've washed and folded your clothes.

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AIRPORT SECURITY, VACCINES & HEALTH

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We've been members of the United States Global Entry program for over a decade. It gives us TSA Pre-check status for domestic flights, allowing expedited security checks. And it grants us the ability to bypass U.S. Customs and Immigration lines when re-entering the country.

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Our health care provider uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website to determine any vaccines and medications we may need prior to our travels to a specific country. Their website also provides tips for staying healthy while abroad, recommended health items to pack, and any health related travel notices.

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OUR PERSONAL TRAVEL PREFERENCES

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When we travel

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We prefer to travel mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday). Ticket prices are usually cheaper, and airports are less crowded. We also prefer to travel during the shoulder season to avoid tourist crowds and high prices.

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Lodging

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We enjoy staying at a bed & breakfast. They’re usually cheaper than a hotel, in quiet residential neighborhoods, have more character, fewer guests, the owners know your name, and breakfast is included! Plus you have the added bonus of a local to talk to, and it can be a great way to meet fellow travelers as well. Some of our favorite bed & breakfasts have been Miller Tree Inn (Forks, Washington), Manor House Inn (Bar Harbor, Maine), Mossman Gorge (Mossman, Australia), Casa Caminho do Corcovado (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), Green Gables Inn (Pacific Grove, California), Aloha Guest House (Captain Cook, Hawaii), Fateh's Retreat (Sawai Madhopur, India), Second Home Peru (Lima, Peru), Dar Chams Tanja (Tangier, Morocco), Rollestone Manor (Shrewton, England), and Killiane Castle (Wexford, Ireland).

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If we can't locate a bed and breakfast, we prefer local boutique hotels or lodges. Some of our favorites have been Aguila de Osa (Drake Bay, Costa Rica), Isla Marisol Resort (Glovers Reef, Belize), Villa Torretta (Lake Como, Italy), Kiboko Lodge (Tanzania, Africa), Guilin Yi Royal Palace (Guilin, China), Papua Paradise Eco Resort (Papua, Indonesia), Alam Indah (Bali, Indonesia), The Seascape (Matara, Sri Lanka), Tariq Boutique Hotel (Cusco, Peru), Inn at Rose's Landing (Morro Bay, California), Kasbah Tebi (Ait ben-Haddou, Morocco), White Swan Hotel (Stratford-upon-Avon, England), and Granbell Hotel Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan).

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No groups, cruises, or exclusively gay

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No large tour groups or cruises. We don’t enjoy being surrounded by large groups of people, and prefer to set our own itinerary and pace. We are travelers, and try to immerse ourselves in the culture. We stay in one place for extended periods of time.

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No exclusively gay resorts or excursions. We feel that associating with only gay-friendly locales limits our influence. How could we ever get the world to accept us if we never interacted with the rest of the world? We patronize public establishments just like everyone else. Most people we meet realize we're just another normal couple.

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What we enjoy while traveling

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We are eco-tourists. We love the flora, fauna, and scenery of the great outdoors! We always try to minimize our impact on the natural environment. Hiking, snorkeling, bicycling, and kayaking are favorite activities when we travel.

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We appreciate local culture and cuisine. Traditional costumes and dance, indigenous music, and traditional regional foods all appeal to us. We also enjoy the local markets, parks and architecture.

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We are adventurous! We’re not afraid to try something new, like hang gliding or rappelling, and actually seek out new experiences each time we travel. A few of our favorites thus far have been parasailing (Avalon, California), cave rappelling (Waitomo Caves, New Zealand), paragliding (Queenstown, New Zealand), and hang gliding (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil).