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Travel Agencies

Top 10 Best Travel Books For You: Perfect For Travel Junkies

Best travel books

When it’s 1 a.m. and your eyes are so heavy they start drooping, you know deep down it will feel so good to turn off the light and drift into slumber. The only thing stopping you is the amazing book in your hands. This is a book about a person’s travels; it could be a cross-country expedition, a global chase, or a trek through the wilderness. Regardless of the specifics, the subject matter has grasped you profoundly, and you put off sleep for another chapter or two.

If this situation sounds like it could easily take place in your own bedroom on any given night, you are probably a travel junkie. There is absolutely no shame in this proposition either, for while your obsession may seem intense, the passion you exhibit for traveling and for great travel stories is entirely healthy and a good indicator of an adventurous spirit. However, even expert travel readers run into a wall every now and then where they can not seem to find the right book to read. This article will help you if you find yourself unsure of where to look and will outline the top 10 best travel books you can purchase.


Frequently Asked Questions


1. What Is a Travel Book?

While there are very helpful nonfiction informational books out there about the logistics of travel, this article will focus on books with a narrative: a travel story. This could be a fictitious account of some explorer’s journeys or it could be a biographical re-telling of a real person’s expedition. Regardless, for a book to appear on this list, it has to have a story to tell. Seeing as this is how a travel book will be defined for all practical purposes, there will be several books with the subject of travel that will not make an appearance, such as the Lonely Planet travel guide series. A fantastic series, no doubt, but because each book serves as a guide to a certain area of the world, it does not meet the requirements for this list.

2. Where To Buy?

There are many places where you can buy a good travel book. The first to come to mind for most people is a bookstore, as this is a pretty obvious location for buying a book. Barnes and Noble is one of the largest and most well-known bookstore conglomerates there are, and you can bet that it carries whatever book you’re looking for, if not in your local store then available for ordering by request. Other local bookstores in your area will provide more options if you have trouble with the big retailers. Besides these options, online booksellers like Alibris and Bookoutlet have an extensive travel section and can often deliver the product to your door. Finally, Amazon offers an alternative for buying practically anything nowadays, and the reputation it has built for easy browsing, no-hassle purchasing, and quick delivery applies to the wide selection of books available as well.

3. How Much Do They Cost?

Travel books do not cost much, and they really don’t differ in price from general novels. The most expensive books to buy are usually textbooks, followed by large novels, and all the way down the ladder you’ll find travel books. Chances are you’ll end up spending anywhere from $5-$20, depending on the book and the dealer, so overall this will be a relatively cheap purchase. All prices given in this article are based on the Amazon asking price, as this is one of the most popular marketplaces in the world, and its prices are often within a standard deviation of the price you’ll find anywhere else.

Bias Guarantee

This article was written with the sole intention of providing the reader with detailed analyses of 10 travel books. Even though at the end there will be a consensus as to which of the 10 is the best, there was no bias involved in the writing. Research methods used to obtain all the information in this article were pursued with great effort and extensive fact-checking.

Price Range

As mentioned, the price range for a good travel book is typically from $5-$20. Usually, if a product is more expensive than its competitor, it has more features, better quality, or a combination of the two. However, the real determinant of how much a book costs is often the page count, as in a capitalist economy, supply and demand control the prices, and with more material needed to copy more text, the production price and the subsequent selling price will be higher.

It is now time to list the top 10 best travel books for you travel junkies out there. Keeping in mind the bias guarantee and the price explanation, read on to learn about these 10 fantastic books and what they each have to offer.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Starting off with a classic, Huckleberry Finn is a fantastic travel book, and one that has entertained audiences for over 130 years. Written by Samuel Langhorne Clemens, AKA Mark Twain, this novel takes place mainly on the Mississippi River as protagonist Huckleberry Finn floats down on a raft with companion Jim, an escaped slave. As the book was written in 1884, Twain drew influence from first-hand accounts of a pre-Civil War southern United States. Besides telling the amusing story of Huck Finn, Jim, and Tom Sawyer, Twain satirizes US society and the racist people he’d met in his life. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an immensely popular book, a great read, and a purchase of just $6.00 on Amazon.

Marching Powder

Marching Powder

Rusty Young is the author of this book, a young Australian who gained fame after releasing the true story account of Thomas McFadden. In 1996 in a Bolivia airport, McFadden was arrested for smuggling five kilos of cocaine and was sent to San Pedro prison after being betrayed by his lawyers. The subsequent adventures he had within jail cells and out in the Bolivian countryside were superbly chronicled by Young, who stood by McFadden’s side throughout the entire ordeal. A finely crafted work of nonfiction released in 2003, Marching Powder has sold quite well and has gained a favorable public reception, even warranting a possible movie deal with Brad Pitt’s entertainment company. It sells for $15.69 on Amazon and is a great eye-opening read.

The Island

The Island

This book was published in 2005 in the United Kingdom and quickly became a top seller overseas in the United States as well. It tells the story of a young woman who travels to Crete to uncover her family’s secrets, so it appeals to both the travel junkie and the mystery junkie with great success. The author is Victoria Hislop, and she gained fame especially in Britain after this novel topped the charts at number one in her home country. Readers will find vivid descriptions of the beautiful Greek islands where the story takes place, and if the scenery isn’t quite enough to pull you in, the protagonist’s quest for discovering her family’s true identity will surely captivate you. Costing $13.47, this is a lovely novel that will please a great variety of readers.

The Bridges of Madison County

The Bridges of Madison County

Perhaps you know of this story because of the extremely successful film adaptation, but it started out as a novel written back in 1992 by Robert James Waller. One of the few travel books out there where the protagonist is stationary, The Bridges of Madison County is as widely known for the photographer character’s nomadic spirit as it is for the affair that takes place in the Iowa farmlands. The passion exerted from this book comes in the form of steamy romance as well as the form of wide open plains and a traveler’s delight. Critically acclaimed as one of the best books from the 90s, The Bridges of Madison County sells for just $7.17.

Eat, Pray, Love

Eat, Pray, Love

As a memoir depicting the author’s post-divorce journey, Eat, Pray, Love is a deeply personal story. Elizabeth Gilbert had just ended her unfulfilling marriage in 2006 when she decided to embark on a world journey, traveling first to Italy, then to India, and finally to Indonesia. Each leg of her travel was characterized by some important aspect of her time spent in each location. Italy’s fine food and drink inspired the “Eat” portion of the title, India’s spiritual awakenings inspired the “Pray” portion, and a romantic interest sparked in Indonesia inspired “Love”. This is a fantastic travel story, as Gilbert’s portrayal of each location is filled with immense passion, and you can order yourself a copy for just $7.19.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Transitioning from a spiritual journey to a drug-fueled bender, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is perhaps not too different from Eat, Pray, Love in that the characters in both stories had some sort of metaphysical experience. Of course, Gilbert achieved this through meditation and prayer, while Hunter S. Thompson, the author of Fear and Loathing, got there through a mind-boggling amount of drug use. A counterculture classic, this 1971 novel focuses greatly on the drug-induced adventures of a man and his lawyer as they travel through the Nevada desert to Vegas. Not only is this a classic and a bestseller, it is the first use of gonzo journalism, a style created by Thompson that combines fact with fiction in often muddled scenarios. The paperback edition will only cost you $10.20, and it is highly recommended that you read the book before seeing Johnny Depp portray the main character in the 1998 film of the same name.

Shantaram

Shantaram

This 2003 novel combines action and travel adventure as the protagonist escapes from a prison and flees through Bombay. Gregory David Roberts wrote the book with some real-life influences playing a role in story development, and released his masterpiece to much critical acclaim. His protagonist is a former heroin addict and bank robber who breaks out of prison and lives the next 10 years in India, many of them in the volatile city of Bombay. As is the case with many books on the list, Shantaram will attract a multitude of readers with different tastes and can be bought for $12.23 on Amazon.

Around the World in Eighty Days

Around the world in eighty days

Jules Verne already had Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea under his belt when he wrote this classic in 1873. He had established himself as a prominent French writer, one of the best of the 19th century, so selling this novel to the public was no difficult task. Verne tells the story of Phileas Fogg, a wealthy man who makes a wager with his country club comrades that he can make it around the circumference of the globe in 80 days flat. The narrative takes the reader across several continents through different terrains and mishaps, and it a truly captivating read to the end. Amazon lists a $7.00 price for this book, and it is well worth every penny.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist

Brazilian author Paulo Coelho takes the reader on a complete journey of the mind through his protagonist’s trip to the pyramids of Egypt. Here is where the shepherd protagonist believes he is to find treasure as foretold in his dreams, and the ensuing journey through the desert to the pyramids is written superbly by Coelho. English versions of the novel are translated from the original Portuguese dialect, and thankfully much of the intended rhetoric transfers over seamlessly. The 1988 novel has sold thousands of copies and has been adapted to theater and film alike. A great deal if there ever was one, The Alchemists goes for $10.19 in Amazon.

The Kindness of Strangers

The kindness of strangers

Last on the list is an autobiographical account from a well-known BBC correspondent named Kate Adie. Since 1969, she has worked for the network as a journalist and has traveled the world multiple times, often going to war zones or areas of decimation to broadcast the chaos over the airwaves. Her 2002 book has several different settings, among them Ireland, Vietnam, and the Middle East, and each location has a distinct travel vibe to it. Perfect for anyone wishing to travel without a destination, or anyone who wants to incorporate every place possible into their journey, The Kindness of Strangers not only reinvigorates the travel junkie’s passion, it restores some faith in humanity as well. $14.98 is all it takes to purchase this exemplary book.


Comparison Table


TITLE

AUTHOR

YEAR PUBLISHED

AREA TRAVELED

PRICE

Adventures of Huckle
berry Finn
Mark Twain
1884
Mississippi River
$6.00
Marching Powder
Rusty Young
2003
Bolivia
$15.69
The Island
Victoria Hislop
2005
cRETE
$13.47
The Bridges of Madison County
Robert James Waller
1992
Iowa
$7.17
Eat, Pray, Love
Elizabeth Gilbert
2006
Italy, India, Indonesia
$7.19
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Hunter S. Thompson
1971
Las Vegas
$10.20
Shantaram
Gregory David Roberts
2003
INDIA
$12.23
Around the World in Eighty Days
Jules Verne
1873
Europe, Asia, North America
$7.00
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
1988
EGYPT
$10.19
The Kindness of Strangers
Kate Adie
2002
Ireland, Vietnam, China, Middle East
$14.98

Verdict

After much consideration and analysis, the winner of the best travel book for travel junkies has been decided. The number one spot goes to Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, a masterpiece of travel fiction. Reasons for being number one include the grasping narrative, the intriguing characters, and the fantastic imagery displayed by Verne in each and every one of the many regions this book covers. Furthermore, the adventures that protagonist Phileas Fogg and his servant Passepartout get themselves into are incredibly entertaining and gripping all the same. Pick up this classic bestseller for a mere $7.00 from Amazon today!

How to Differentiate Good International Travel Agencies from Bad Ones

Like many things of the old world, Travel agents have also become a punch line that is often categorized as being unnecessary, obsolete and pointless. As you can probably imagine, nobody wants to have their profession insulted, but the truth is that from a certain perspective, the concept of a travel agent has become a dying breed, but not in the way that you would imagine. It is true that the internet has given us the opportunity to research valuable information on our own,  but this doesn’t mean that we are also equipped to organize it efficiently.

international travel agencies

Travel agents, who would basically book flights and arrange trips in the past, have been forced to evolve. While they may have been nothing more but service marketers for airline companies in the past, nowadays they can offer valuable insights, and create complex itineraries for people who don’t want to waste their time with the planning process of a trip. At present, they act as personal advisers who provide their clients with much needed information to enhance their travel experience. In a letter addressed to the White House, ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar wrote that “Thanks to their in-depth knowledge, experience and industry connections, travel agents are able not only to save their clients money, but their most valuable possession: time”

 

Even if many online publications have tried to discredit the profession, the truth is that a decent amount of travelers are still considering the advantages of using a travel agent. And why wouldn’t they? Knowledgeable international travel consultants can take care of everything from planning to safety measures and itineraries. Of course, there are still those who are only interested in ripping people off. So how exactly can you differentiate Good international travel groups from bad ones? Here is a checklist for both good and bad travel agencies that will help you make the right choice.

good travel consultants

1. Good International Travel Agents / Consultants

When planning an international trip is vital to pay for value. There are many travel agents that offer value, and it is quite easy to spot them. There are many advantages to hiring a travel agent, but you must first find a reliable company.

 

  • A good travel agent Will Help You Save Money: You are probably asking yourself when to use a travel agent. Usually, when you want to cut down on costs and not bother yourself with trip planning. A capable travel agent can help you create a good itinerary and establish the best routes to help you save money.  In other words, instead of getting lost in unknown territories, you will benefit from the help of a professional.

 

  • Look for Agencies that have CLIA and IATA certifications: Professional companies are required to have International Air Transport Association or Cruise Line International Association access. This will enable them to book airlines through their booking source, and therefore avoid extra costs. There are some airlines that are not registered on these booking agencies, and this means that the consultant will have to book tickets through a third party source, like a hotel or resorts. This will add to the cost of your traveling package.

 

  • Focus on Specific Destinations for which they have First Hand Experience: What sets decent travel agents apart from brilliant ones is the level of their knowledge. While they may help you with plane ticket bookings, this is not their main objective. Nowadays, a travel agent is supposed to take into account the traveler’s desires, and budget, and come up with a personalized itinerary to transform his vacation into the experience of a life-time.

 

2. Bad International Travel Agenciesbad travel consultant

For those travel agents that are ethical, we raise our hats. Sadly, they are not  representative of all consultants in the industry. There are countless of so-called agents who do nothing but try to deceive people. Here are five things that will help you spot bad companies:

 

  • Will not tell you about refunds and cancellation policies: many bad companies think that it is a great idea to hide information that would normally be useful to a traveler. For example, in the past it was travel agents that could cancel a trip. At present, online travel sites will offer money back, even on airfare drops, as long as the booking was made at least one week before the flight, an 24 hours after the booking. This neat piece of information is something you won’t be hearing from sneaky agents.

 

  • Will Force you to make Travel Insurance even if it isn’t Necessary: If you have health insurance, you will also be covered for emergencies overseas. In addition, credit companies usually cover lost baggage, emergency assistance, and canceled trips or dismemberment. There are some international travel consultants that like to push travel insurance because it will increase the overall value of a vacation package, and therefore, will also increase their commission. Don’t be fooled.

 

  • They are asking for “bonus fees” for their services: We are not saying that all travel agents are doing this, but there are certain companies or consultants who are trying to ask for more money than they are entitled to. For example, some companies ask for commissions from their clients, but also take bonuses from the hotel or airlines that they collaborate with. If you feel that they are trying to influence your travel decisions, or influencing you to choose a particular destination/hotel/service, it might be because they have a higher commission with them. According to Donna Cambridge, co-owner of Chesterfield Cruise & Travel in Springfield, cruises are being bought. In addition to this, many international travel groups add an unjustifiable booking fee to the total cost of airline reservations.

 

The bottom line is that you may not need a travel agent to plan a dream vacation; however, if you are pressured by time, or the sheer amount of information, it might be wiser to have an expert plan it out. The question remains if you can differentiate a good international agency from a bad one.

 

 

Are Travel Consultants Still Useful? When to Use a Travel Agent

Travel consultants may have been put on the list of “most useless professions” in the world, but this doesn’t mean that many intrepid travelers have decided to stop visiting them. It may sound simple to plan and book your own trip online, but the truth is that there are certain advantages of using a travel agent. Many of us are familiar with the brick-and-mortar shops selling trips to Europe with dreamy discounts, but the concept of travel agents has significantly changed in the past few years.

when to use a travel agent

While some still offer their services from the comfort of their shops, more and more specialists have transferred to the online medium. As a matter of fact, the travel agents of yesterday were usually nothing more than agents to the airlines, who served more as order takers than consultants. Information that was once accessible only to travel agents is now easy to find on the internet. Everything from airline tickets, hotel deals and premium packages are sold on the World Wide Web. Surprisingly enough, statistics show that one in four airline tickets are still sold through brick-and-mortar travel shops. How is this possible? People still need international travel consultants.

 

Travel Agents Now Focus on Service-Oriented Experiences

The only reason why this seemingly useless career has survived is because the modern travel agent has learned to adapt to the new age. There is a special “breed” of travel agent that can put together an itinerary (for wealthier consumers) like no other. They have become experts of the destinations that they offer packages for. In other words, they know everything there is to know about the field in which they excel. Instead of selling deals all over the world, they focus on particular continents or destinations of interests.

Hand Holding Toy Plane

How much do you know about the place that you want to visit? Chances are that you don’t know the best restaurant to enjoy local cuisine, or what places you should visit. International travel groups that specialize on specific areas can create a complex itinerary that will not only save you time and money, but will ultimately make your trip more enjoyable.

 

Do You Need a Travel Agent?

It greatly depends on your desires. Apparently one out of five travelers with 100.000$ or more household income still find them useful. Of course, this largely depends on your destination and budget. Professional travel agents differentiate themselves from regular ones: they are no longer responsible of setting up flights, but they can tell you what to do and how once you are there. They focus on service-oriented experience, they offer services 24/7, and are prepared to meet up with clients as soon as they step off the plane.

when to use a travel agent

If the idea of getting stressed out from planning a trip sounds unbearable to you, why not let a travel agent take care of it. Alternatively, if you are taking simple trips to well-known destinations, like Rome, it might be wiser to search for flights, cars, travel packages and accommodations yourself. Internet savvy individuals who are prepared to scour the internet far and wide to find the cheapest packages do not need a travel agent, but those who are comfortable, or visiting places of the beaten track might require help from a seasoned travel agent.

When to Use a Travel Agent

  1. When You Want to Save Money: Contrary to popular belief, a travel consultant will not waste your money, but actually help you save it. Saving money is less about price and more about value, and most tourists look for value. There is nothing glamorous about saving money and being miserable. If you do not pick the right hotel, the right location or the right restaurant, chances are that you will not enjoy tour trip very much. This is where the travel consultant becomes useful. He can provide you with a discernible difference by qualifying and providing you with relevant suggestions based on your needs. He will also optimize your itinerary and take into consideration all travel, accommodations, visiting and partying costs. So if you want to travel for less, with a complete traveling checklist, hiring a consultant is a good idea.

 

  1. When You Want to Save Time: Many people give up on the idea of traveling because they simply do not have enough time to plan their trip. This is probably one of the most common reasons why people all around the world require the services of a travel consultant in the first place. The truth is that it does take a lot of effort and time to plan a vacation, especially when you are thinking of multiple destinations. Wouldn’t it be so much easier to spend this time relaxing, and have someone draw out the perfect itinerary, make reservations and book flights for you?

 

  1. When You Want Answers about Your Safety: Leisure travelers have always been concerned about the security aspect of their trips. It would be irresponsible to visit a country that you have no information about, especially since there have been so many cases of terrorist attacks. Obviously, one cannot pretend to know anything about a destination, especially international, if one does not have access to up-to-date information (which can be related to politics, health, terrorism, international airline or weather). Knowledgeable consults can provide with much needed information on a timely basis, and put your mind at ease.

 

  1. When You Have Too Much Information to Sort Through: As we already mentioned the Internet is formidable tool that you can use to plan a trip, but sometimes the information is just too much to sort through. After a few nights of researching through different bookings, hotels and cruises, you might feel overwhelmed by the amount of information, and simply “scream” for help. The experience, resources and education of a travel agent can prove invaluable, and essential to relieving your head pains after intensive research.

 

  1. When You Want to be Taken Care Of: The whole point in taking a vacation is relaxing. There are many tasks in this world that we could do ourselves, but choose not to, in order to save energy and time. Not to mention that a professional will probably do a much better job. If you enjoy having someone take care of your needs, you should definitely hire a travel consultant who has your best interest at heart.

Focus => Attention => Experience => Happiness

Travel-Agent-CartoonFocus becomes Attention. What you pay Attention to shapes your Experiences.  And Experiences are much more likely to be remembered fondly and provide a sense of Happiness.

Some people travel to foreign lands in search of bargains or unique gifts.  Some people travel half way around the world to lay on a beach which is not much different from the one much closer.  One assumes they are seeking the Experience inherent in travel.

That is what an International Travel Consultant can do for you.  To help you find those unique experiences that you will remember and talk about forever.  But this is not your father’s travel agent.

With today’s breadth of information available on the internet, the trip to Las Vegas for a week at one hotel is pretty much a do-it-yourself (DIY) adventure on the internet.  You can make your own trade-offs between price and convenience, and read to your heart’s content about the amenities one hotel offers over another.  And you book both your airfare and hotel online, probably getting as good a price as any travel agent.

But when you begin to complicate the scenario above with either the addition of many more people or multiple locations on the same trip, then the trip planning takes on a new dimension.  I have coordinated trips with up to a dozen friends, but have never been responsible for the booking of each person’s requirements.  And I routinely plan as many as couple dozen stops on a single trip, with planes, trains and automobiles, but just for my wife and myself.  If someone has put you in charge of getting an extended family reunion with 20 kids, parents and grandparents, moving among even 3 or 4 locations, then you may be in need of an international travel consultant.

And particularly if your are interested in providing that unique experience that the whole family will talk about for the rest of their lives: perhaps an international travel consultant would be the right path for you.

An example of what an international travel consultant might do:

  1. Arrange the flights for your group of 6 good friends to Rome from multiple points in US
  2. Arrange transportation from the airport to a hotel in Rome
  3. Provide a guide with a van to transport the 6 of you on a one day orientation tour of Rome
  4. Arranging for hotel rooms (having offered you a variety of prices and experiences) and then leave you on your own in Rome for 2-3 days,
  5. Arrange transportation and a hotel in Naples
  6. Arrange a dinner at the most amazing restaurant in Naples
  7. Arranging a van to take you on a guided tour of the Amalfi Coast
  8. Arrange an internal flight from Sorrento to Florence (Firenze)
  9. Arrange orientation tour of Firenze
  10. Leave you on your own in Firenze for 2-3 days
  11. Arrange a visit to a fine Chianti winery, including dinner with the winery owner, your 6 friends and several of the winery owner’s friends, for a memorable feast to complete your trip
  12. Then arrange your trip home.

Could I have done that on my own?  Maybe, but with a lot of effort and more coordination of 6 people than I would normally enjoy.  Could I have found the amazing restaurant in Naples.  Probably yes, but with a lot of searching.  And the dinner with the wine maker and his friends?  Not likely, as I don’t have the contacts.

Will you pay more than I typically do for a two week trip.  Probably, although depending on the size of your group, and the “smallness” of the places you want to visit, an international travel consultant might be able to get you a better deal.  And the primary reason that your bill might be a bit higher, is that you are buying some unforgettable experiences.  And we all know that great experiences lead to more happiness.

Checklist for Traveling Overseas

The list below is arranged in categories, with some description of the issues for each category. This is a generic list, that is, it tries to cover the required ground, and should give you ideas for what you want to add, but is not comprehensive.
shutterstock_102143875
Planning: Is this your first trip overseas? Planning to travel around the world?

  1. Travel Agent: When to use a travel agent: Is this your first trip overseas?
  2. Passport: What countries do you need a passport for? For US citizens, the answer is almost everywhere. You can get away in Mexico and Canada and on some cruises with a Passport Card, but why do something that has limited usage.
  3. Budget: Estimate the basics: flights, other transportation, accommodations, food, visas, immunizations, insurance
  4. Where to Go: How to decide where to travel. If it is your first trip overseas, go somewhere easy: somewhere that speaks your language, someplace that has a culture similar to your own.

  5. Passports & Visas: What countries do you need a passport for? Now, the answer is almost always. Exceptions: Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Caribbean cruise travel, beginning and ending on same ship, does NOT require a passport. Travel by Land or Sea to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean islands – you still need at least a Passport Card. Regarding Visitors Visa questions: FIRST check the consular section for each country you are thinking about traveling to. Then decide if you need help with your visas. If you do, try a site like https://www.visahq.com NOTE: visas can be expensive, especially if you use a service like VisaHQ.
  6. Do you need immunizations?: check out the CDC at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
  7. Review the best international travel sites: www.TripAdvisor.com is certainly one of my go to generic sites. I also use www.wikivoyage.com when I know the country I’m interested in, but want an overview of the places within the country I might be interested in.
  8. What will you do with your home, bills and other obligations while you are away?: Turn off newspaper delivery, put a hold on mail, make arrangements for your pets
  9. Insurance: Do you need medical insurance to travel abroad? Does a travelers insurance policy cover everything I need it to?

  10. Check you own medical insurance policy to see if you are covered overseas.
  11. Make your own determination of your likelihood (probability, usually expressed as a percentage chance) of needing trip protection.
  12. If you need medical insurance for travel abroad or a travelers insurance policy, use the internet to do a search for what you might need.
  13. Packing: Luggage packing tips abound on the internet, and on this site. My maxims are:

  14. To pack as light as possible to give me the most flexibility and the least hassle.
  15. To plan on doing laundry, so pack far fewer clothes.
  16. Try to get away with 2 pairs of shoes, the ones you wear to the plane and one more.
  17. If this isn’t your first rodeo, then keep a list of all the things you forgot on previous trips.
  18. If losing a particular piece of gear would leave you unable to do what you want, AND you think it would be difficult to replace on the road, consider a backup. Eg., I do not take a backup computer plug if I’m going to the capitals of Europe, but I do when going to the mountains in Sri Lanka.
  19. Flying: It’s a long way to Tipperary. I don’t use the miles I earn on various credit cards and airlines to get free trips. I use those miles to get upgrades from Economy to Business Class. It makes all the difference in the world on a 10 hour trip.

  20. If you travel once a year overseas, or multiple times inside your home country, you should try to maximize your loyalty miles on one airline and/or one credit card that gives you miles.
  21. Accommodations: This is likely to be the most expensive item for your trip; more than the flights. Spend your time here making sure you know what is important to you in the place you stay, and looking for deals.

  22. www.booking.com has become my go to site for checking prices and amenities for hotels. They offer decent prices, sometimes very good prices, but importantly they allow me to select by amenities, and location, and review score AND they have one of the widest selection of hotels in very small locations.
  23. But particularly when I expect to stay in one place for a week or more, I have gone with www.airbnb.com , a home sharing/renting site. I’m not much into sharing a bedroom in someone’s home, the least expensive, but renting an apartment outright is often much less expensive than a hotel.
  24. What to See & Do: Spend some time, just reading about the place you want to visit. Read from enough different sites, that you begin seeing the similarities and the special places that one site might mention. Keep in mind, that if 2 or 3 different sites mention a place to see, that you are likely to see many other tourists there.

  25. The aforementioned sites: www.TripAdvisor.com and www.WikiVoyage.com are excellent places to identify key sights that you don’t want to miss.
  26. BUT, don’t go to far down their lists. Instead map your own adventures to try to find out how the locals live. Transform yourself from Tourist to Traveler. One of the best ways to do that is to find “interesting” restaurants, but make it an adventure trip that takes you through neighborhoods and stores and places where locals do their daily business.
  27. What to Eat: If you enjoy eating and trying new foods, this can be the most important part of a trip abroad. If you are a picky eater, then try to read about local foods ahead of time, to find the menu items that do appeal to you and those that don’t. But enjoy the total restaurant experience of new foods and trying to communicate with waiters what you do and don’t want. It is part of the adventure.

  28. You have travelled thousands of miles to see and experience this new culture and place. McDonalds is not going to give you that feel for a new country that is probably the reason you went in the first place.
  29. Find out what the local specialties are: try a Google search with the country name and the word “foods”, eg, “Sri Lankan foods”
  30. Then in your search for restaurants, look to see what mentions they give to the foods you found in your search.
  31. Recording Memories: Maybe you are going to share them with the person you take the trip with. Maybe you will run it as a screen saver on your TV or computer. Or maybe you just want something to jog your memory of a memorable experience. Taking pictures or videos (and sometimes voice recordings) is easier than ever.

  32. In my early years traveling I had an SLR camera and multiple lenses, filters, etc. and the camera bag to tote it all with. But the issue became, the hassle of carrying it everywhere. So now I travel with my iPhone, that I carry anyway, and my pics are shown to friends on my 56” TV in my home suffering no problems from being blown up. My phone/camera is always available, and I’m able to take a pic on a moments notice. And video too.
  33. Sharing with Friends: I find that developing a sharing format, also makes it much more likely that I will review the trip for myself at a later date. Keeping a journal or writing just a simple comment about each picture, also provides a context that becomes more valuable the further away from the trip I get.

  34. Do you remember years ago, a friend would invite you over to see their slides from a recent trip, and you would sit through hundreds of slides showing Jimmy in 6 different poses? Unfortunately that left a bad taste in peoples mouths. But today, we do a Marco Polo Club and get about 30 friends together to share one or two people’s experiences. A more complete description of our Marco Polo Club will follow on another post.
  35. Another way I share larger slide shows with friends is to set up my TV with my computer and use AppleTV or a screen saver or other such mechanism to simply do a continuous slide show as a background with music to have a group or a few friends or a group over. When someone sees something that particularly catches their eye, they might ask about it, but otherwise it is just background.

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