tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16883082930140098102024-03-14T03:09:02.827-07:00Travel & CourageGiving you the courage to travel cheaper and betterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-66525947861733858962014-05-07T18:35:00.000-07:002014-05-07T18:36:43.877-07:0014 Reasons Why New York City (NYC) is the Greatest City in the World<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/premshree/2379613630" title="New York City Dusk by Premshree Pillai, on Flickr"><img alt="New York City Dusk" height="423" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2179/2379613630_007d9f1b02_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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1. 24 hour subway system. Be jealous.<br />
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2. You can have mexican food for breakfast, indian food for lunch, and chinese food for dinner. ALL. IN. YOUR. NEIGHBORHOOD. God bless your bathroom though.<br />
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3. You like sports? We have about 4,894 professional sports teams. Our underwater chess team kills it every year.<br />
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4. The chances of you meeting that special someone increase when you are in NYC. There is like 15 million people here! If you don't find anybody that understands you then yes—it is all your fault.<br />
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5. Seamless. All those food place in your hood deliver. Fat people unite. And once again, God bless your toilet.<br />
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6. Get a plunger.<br />
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7. Starbucks on every corner.<br />
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8. No other city has Central Park. And Central Park is by far the best 1.317 sq miles of land on earth.<br />
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9. Justin Bieber doesn't live here.<br />
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10. Smart people are the norm, not the exception<br />
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11. Two-dollar, eight to ten piece dumplings in Chinatown. Warning: might contain gluten and subway rat meat<br />
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12. Museums are pay as you wish<br />
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13. You can still watch Netflix even though you live in NYC. It's not like we outlaw it or anything. 'Merica.<br />
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14. Anything you want, you can get it. 24/7. 7 days a week. 365 days a year. You just gotta know the right guy.<br />
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If you'd like to add anything else, feel free to comment and share below!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-61856676641810124872014-05-07T17:58:00.003-07:002014-05-07T17:58:17.065-07:00What Cities to Visit in PolandBefore I start, Poland is my home country so yes, I am biased. With that being said, Poland still amazes me. It's beautiful, it has history, and it's more developed than you think. Here is a list of must visit cities in Poland.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ntrinkhaus/11170905233" title="First Light on the Kraków Main Square | Poland by Nico Trinkhaus, on Flickr"><img alt="First Light on the Kraków Main Square | Poland" height="426" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/11170905233_ff7c2d04b4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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KRAKOW</div>
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Krakow - This city captures you. It survived war after war ever since it was built, yet it is still beautiful. The Old Town Square in the center of the city is known to be one of the prettiest town squares in Europe. Plenty of restaurants and coffee shops are scattered around the city, waiting for you to indulge in. And better yet, this city comes alive at night. Basement bars are full of vodka and friendly locals who might even invite you for dinner at their mom's house the next day<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39997856@N03/5572814902" title="gdansk water reflections by mariusz kluzniak, on Flickr"><img alt="gdansk water reflections" height="426" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5226/5572814902_aeab5016e4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>GDANSK</b></div>
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Gdansk - A city located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Imagine the chilly wind blowing your hair out while you are out of breath, having just climbed a 14th century tower. You look down, and you see the prettiest Old Town you have ever seen. It's as if you can finally picture what living during the Middle Ages was like. You walk back down 400 steps—apparently elevators didn't exist in the 14th century—and you turn left. You enter a restaurant on a whim and asked to see the menu. On the menu are pierogis and polish sausage. You die from excitement as this couldn't get any better. Hey, at least you spent your last day on earth in Gdansk<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wilthnet/4128762154" title="Dusk in the center of Warsaw by wilth, on Flickr"><img alt="Dusk in the center of Warsaw" height="431" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2768/4128762154_dae90fdf8c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>WARSAW</b></div>
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Warsaw - This is the capital of Poland and you would know it just from setting your foot in this place. It's bustling capitalistic spirit, combined with all that is good about old Poland and its culture, make you never want to leave. Hostels are cheap, and even though it's the capital, you can get a great meal for $7 or less at any point in the day. If you want to experience the city lifestyle for cheap, I can't think of any better places in Europe than Warsaw.<br />
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As always, share your thoughts in the comments section below. And also, get weird.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-50349282582914044292014-05-07T14:20:00.003-07:002014-05-07T14:47:42.189-07:00Why I Chose to Travel Europe by Car<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/9997826654" title="Travel by Moyan Brenn, on Flickr"><img alt="Travel" height="409" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/9997826654_dd26d2875f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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As some of you may know, this summer, I will again <a href="http://travelandcourage.blogspot.com/2014/04/its-official-im-backpacking-around.html">backpack Europe</a>. Nothing beats a good old road trip. Just you, Penelope (your car), and a couple of good friends driving through miles and miles of road, rugged terrains, and stunning views. The freedom that comes with driving is unmatched by any other mode of transportation. Now I don't understand why whenever people decide to travel in Europe they completely abandon that option and decide to use crammed buses and airplanes.<br />
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That bus of yours in uncomfortable, you most likely try to fall asleep the whole way there, and the bus driver sure as hell won't stop until he reaches the destination or a pitstop. Now let's bash on the cheap airlines. Sure you can find a deal sometimes, but not always. Plus, make sure you add on the baggage fees, carry on fees, high prices of airport food, and the price you pay for a taxi to and from the airport. Not so cheap anymore, is it? Moreover, even if you book a one hour flight, the time you wasted in airports waiting for the plane, checking your baggages, and taking a taxi back to the city, you can never regain. That's why the best way to travel Europe is by car.<br />
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Train are also a good, comfortable option, but they are just a tad more expensive than driving a car. And you lose the freedom of being able to stop wherever and whenever you want. That train won't go off the unbeaten path, it won't give you the chance to drive up a mountain in Switzerland that really caught your eye. If you are truly planning on backpacking Europe, and not just going to two or three countries, investing $400 in a cheap car that will get you from Point A to Point B is the way to go. You will have a better time, save money, and create more memories that will last a lifetime. And isn't that the reason you are backpacking Europe anyway?<br />
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Tell me what you think about the best way to travel Europe in the comment section below!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-52929250682372320712014-05-05T17:02:00.002-07:002014-05-07T14:54:22.437-07:00Top Cheap Countries to Visit in 2014<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sebadella/8246272951" title="Cerca del Palacio Real · Phnom Phen · Cambodia by Seba Della y Sole Bossio, on Flickr"><img alt="Cerca del Palacio Real · Phnom Phen · Cambodia" height="425" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8246272951_060a887c0f_b.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br />
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<b>CAMBODIA</b></div>
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Since travelers have been raving about how great and cheap South East Asia is, prices in countries like Thailand and Indonesia have gone up for tourists. Yet, Cambodia is still a relatively unknown country to most. A dollar will get you really far in here ($7 hostels) and the mix of Buddhist culture within bustling cities like Phnom Phen is an adventure for any traveler.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosz/4099331883" title="La Paz, Bolivia by Pedro Szekely, on Flickr"><img alt="La Paz, Bolivia" height="453" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2505/4099331883_efeaf45128_b.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br />
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<b>BOLIVIA</b></div>
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Bolivia is still a very poor country (even for South American standards). It is, nonetheless, a very beautiful country. Outdoor adventure seekers will have a blast in these mountainous terrains. The combination of natural beauty and the fact that it is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in South America makes this a must see destination for budget travelers.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gionnibravo/12202236583" title="Budapest by Gionni Bravo, on Flickr"><img alt="Budapest" height="426" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/12202236583_4e75bf84f7_b.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br />
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<b>HUNGARY</b></div>
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Budapest is by far my favorite city in the world. The architecture is beautiful, the food is great, and the nightlife is amazing. But the best thing about Budapest is, that compared to other cities cities, it's dirt cheap. You can easily find hostels for under $20 a night, and $15 will buy you three delicious meals throughout the day. And did I mention that Budapest still has aristocratic public bath houses that are actually clean and located in gorgeous buildings? <b> </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nikzach/4948519901" title="GREECE by Nikos Zacharoulis, on Flickr"><img alt="GREECE" height="425" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4113/4948519901_03242a7ecc_b.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br />
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<b>GREECE</b></div>
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Because Greece suffered a devastating recession, it's now a great destination for budget travelers. You can easily find hostels for $10 to $20 a night and food is not that expensive either. Plus, since tourism has plummeted in the last few years, you going to Greece and spending a few dollars will help revitalize Greece's economy. You will not only enjoy some of the most breathtaking views and water on this planet, but feel good knowing that your hard earned money is helping the people of Greece get back on track.
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These are just 4 options. If you know any more great cheap countries to visit in 2014 please share them with me and all of our readers in the comment section below. Much love.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-32609012600412954642014-05-05T13:59:00.000-07:002014-05-05T14:58:05.473-07:00Best Travel Backpacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/topgold/6470479333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Big Bag by Bernard Goldbach, on Flickr"><img alt="Big Bag" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6470479333_d75b816b82_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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When planning a trip, one of the big decision is: what backpack will I use? A lot of travelers swear by larger 60 or even 80 liter backpacks. As a minimalist, I tend to disagree with them. I recommend getting a smaller pack (35-50 L) for various reasons. First of all, you will have to carry the thing on your back for a whole year! Once you go over the 50 L mark, you will not be able to carry your bag for long distances as it will simply be too heavy. By getting a smaller bag, you will also avoid baggage fees at airports. When flying shorter distances, a lot of airlines will charge you fees for checking in a bag. You can avoid this by getting a smaller bag and taking it on as a carry on. This will save you money that you can spend on all the amazing experiences and activities you are traveling for anyways! Please, for the love of God, buy a smaller backpack.<br />
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With backpacks, there are hundreds of choice. Well what an awesome thing that you read this blog because here, I will narrow those down for you. Make sure your backpack opens up like a suitcase. Since you whole life is packed in the thing, you don't want to have to get through everything in order to get to the bottom. Makes sure the zippers are sturdy as this is the part of bags that tends to break the most and can cause you pains in the future. Make sure the dimensions of the backpack don't go over the carry-on maximums for major airlines—you will thank me later. Make sure the bag is made out of some kind of water resistant material as you will likely be caught in the rain as some point of your trip.<br />
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Here are a few great options that I HIGHLY recommend:<br />
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Osprey Porter 46 - $99<br />
Tortuga Travel Backpack - $199<br />
EagleCreek Digi Hauler Backpack - $120<br />
Minaal Carry-On Backpack - $299<br />
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Either one of these options will work great as they all fulfill the requirements I talked about earlier in the post. I personally carry around the Osprey Porter 46 and am very satisfied with it. Which backpack do you swear by? Let's further discuss in the comments section!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-54981646684395183922014-05-05T13:36:00.002-07:002014-05-05T14:55:05.767-07:00What to Bring for a Trip Around the World<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/another_point_in_time/5570034108" title="Guess I've Got That Old Traveling Bone by Ian Iott, on Flickr"><img alt="Guess I've Got That Old Traveling Bone" height="424" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5145/5570034108_e94412254b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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When backpacking around the world, I recommend packing light. You will have to carry everything you bring on your back and if you bring too much, you won't be able to walk long distances with it on. Here are a few items that are absolutely essential to bring on a year long trip around the world:<br />
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<li>Kitchen utensils (small pot, one plastic bowl and cup, and a spork) - you will need these if trying to prepare meals by yourself in order to save money</li>
<li>Long underwear pants and shirt - since you are packing light, you can't bring a huge jacket and these long underpants and shirt are the best alternatives</li>
<li>Rain jacket - make sure it is light and waterproof. You never know what weather you might hit so invest in a decent one</li>
<li>Quick-dry travel towel - these are magical. They dry in about an hour, are thin, and absorb a lot of water. Get a larger one so that you can take it to the beach or on a picnic and lay on it</li>
<li>Warm hat and gloves - keeping your head warm will keep your body warm in lower temperatures. Buy a wool hat and a durable pair of gloves to keep you comfortable</li>
<li>3 shirts, 3 pants/shorts, 3 pairs of socks and underwear - pack light. 3 of each will be plenty enough. You can always hand-wash your stuff in the sink or tub</li>
<li>Fleece - bring one fleece or hoodie to wear around the city, on airplanes, and at night. I always feel more comfortable with a fuzzy extra layer on, and a nice lightweight fleece does wonders</li>
<li>Medical kit - bandages, malaria pills, stomach flu pills, and some ibuprofen are ALL essential. They will keep you feeling better and help you continue your trip</li>
<li>Miscellaneous - (lighter, duck tape, handkerchief, headlight, whistle, nail clipper) these items are mostly needed when things don't go according to plan. That is why it is important that you have them with you at all times</li>
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Packing your life into a backpack can sometimes be overwhelming. I hope that this list gives new travelers some helpful tips on what to pack for a year round trip. Please comment with items that you find useful, as everyone is different, and I'm always open to new suggestions :DAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-77652300900723306052014-05-04T12:28:00.001-07:002014-05-07T14:52:51.536-07:00How to Crowd Fund Your Trip Abroad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/howardlake/4986288875" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Funding by Howard Lake, on Flickr"><img alt="Funding" height="359" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4104/4986288875_12a50c06c7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Couple weeks ago I wrote a piece on some <a href="http://travelandcourage.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-live-abroad-for-year-5-ways.html">easy ways to live abroad for a year</a>. One of those options was crowd funding. With a bunch of crowd funding websites on the internet, having others help you out is definitely the easiest way to fund your trip. But you can't just post your trip up on GoFundMe and expect great results right away. You need to optimize your content and make people fall in love with you in order for the campaign to be successful. But don't worry I'm here to help you.<br />
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First, you will need to choose a crowd funding website and create your profile. If you are not planning on starting a business while traveling, I wouldn't use Kickstarter. Kickstarter is more focused on products and services, and is your best bet if you want to create a new travel magazine or a new backpack while traveling. Otherwise, there are better options. Indiegogo for example, let's anybody start a crowd funding campaign and allows users to crowd fund for whatever they wish. GoFundMe is another option but your campaign will not be easily found so this option if better if you just want your family members and friends to support you. If I were you, I'd use Indiegogo.<br />
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Now that you chose a website, you need to focus on the content of your campaign in order to get people to donate. You need to make people fall in love with you. Talk about all the hardships and work you put into making this trip happen; how bad you want it to happen. Think about the amount of choices people have to donate money to—make yourself stand out from the crowd. Give the donors something tangible to donate too. Write thank you notes for $15, and if you have a particular skill, use that skill to make something for them if they donate a big enough amount. Be creative and be concrete. There need to be lots of details about the trip, and yourself. People do not give money to vague ideas. If you are able to hone in with concreteness and stand out from the crowd, your crowd funding campaign will be a success.<br />
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If you have any specific questions please let me know by commenting below. Good luck!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-64739766045662550522014-04-20T18:07:00.001-07:002014-04-20T18:10:15.866-07:00It's Official: I'm Backpacking Around the World for a Year
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/zsoolt/2648660017" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Croatia - Stari Grad by zsoolt, on Flickr"><img alt="Croatia - Stari Grad" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2277/2648660017_87dce397d6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Nightime Picture of Stari Grad, Croatia</div>
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See you later New York; I just booked my ticket. I've decided to take a year off school in order to explore this beautiful planet. I've been working my butt off and saving up for this trip for a good two years. And now, my dream will finally come true. It feels good to say that.<br />
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I will start my trip in Poland. Most of my family still lives there and I'm excited to get a chance to break bread with them again. My little brother will be coming with me for the summer, and while in Poland, we are planning to buy a cheap car that will get us from point A to point B—and back. We are planning a hippie-like road trip across Europe (mostly western and central Europe) from the end of June till the end of July. At this point, my brother will be going back to the States as he is starting his first year of college. And I will continue my trip. Exciting times for the Tomasiewicz family :D<br />
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Once my brother leaves, I plan on picking up a friend and driving to Budapest, as well as Croatia, and staying in these places for a couple months. Budapest is my favorite city in the world, with its beautiful architecture and public bath houses, and I've been wanting to go back there ever since I visited in 2012. I also want to explore Croatia, as I've heard it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I can't wait to swim and cliff-dive into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. But what is my next step after Croatia? Who knows. Maybe India? Maybe Southeast Asia? I'll go with whatever feels right and as a matter of fact, I'm glad I don't know yet. The ability to go wherever the wind takes you is exactly what makes travel so exciting and beautiful.<br />
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If you have any suggestions about places to visit during my road trip around Europe please comment below. I would love to hear your recommendations!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-35218761769253855262014-04-10T11:09:00.002-07:002014-04-10T11:29:40.409-07:00Best Travel Movies and TV Shows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spe_pics/4446819990" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="EAT PRAY LOVE by Sony Pictures, on Flickr"><img alt="EAT PRAY LOVE" height="333" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4072/4446819990_47247a409e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love</div>
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You already hate yourself for the amount of time you spend watching TV or Netflix instead of doing something productive. And no matter how much you try to tell yourself, "I need to get off this couch," it never actually happens. This is why I want to point you in the direction of best travel movies and best travel TV shows. These will not only entertain you but inspire you to get out of the gentle, yet life sucking, chokehold of your comfy couch.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Idiot Abroad</b> </span>- This is by far my favorite TV show of all time. In it, Ricky Gervais' best friend, Karl, a simple, settled, and pessimistic man is forced to travel around the world. The purpose of each trip is to make Karl realize that there is more to this world than just sipping a cup of tea in England. Karl hates almost every single minute of it, and it is hilarious to watch him do things he would never in a million years do if it was up to him. Warning: you may die of laughter.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eat Pray Love</b></span> - What is not to love about this chick flick. It deals with independence, adventure, love, food, and it shows some stunning views of this magnificent world. The storyline follows a woman who decides to quit her job, and travel around the world for 9 months. Yes, it might not be the best and deepest movie of all time but if you are up for a fun flick, grab some popcorn, get settled, and watch this movie.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Into The Wild</b></span> - A movie based on a true story about a man, Christopher McCandless, who decided to drop everything in his life, and embark on a hitchhiking trip to Alaska. His story, as well as the people's he meets, is sure to resonate and stick with you for a long time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations</b> </span>- Anthony Bourdain is an awesome man. He's a phenomenal writer, a former cook, and a travel enthusiast. His show, No Reservations, incorporates all of those qualities. In this series, Mr. Bourdain travels the world and explores each culture through its food. The writing in the show is excellent, and I don't think anyone can describe the taste of food better than Anthony Bourdain. If you are really into food—which I know you are—please watch this show. Better yet, watch it in HD. You will start salivating.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Up</b></span> - I simply love this Disney movie. In it, an elderly man loses his wife. She dies. In the beginning of their relationship, they used to love adventures and travel, but as life kicked in they have stepped away from that. Now that he is all alone, the older man decides to fulfill his wife's and his final adventure. During his journey, he encounters some incredible experiences that make him realize just how good his life has been. Tissues recommended: you will tear up<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>180 Degrees South</b></span> - this documentary follows a group of friends traveling to Patagonia. The beautiful,vivid, imagery of nature, tied in with a strong message against materialism, sucks you in right from the start. After watching this movie, you will start recommending it to all of your family and friends. And if you live in New York, the occasional people you meet on the subway. We have all been there.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life In A Day</b></span> - I don't really know how to describe this movie. Amazing seems to come to mind. On July 24, 2010, the world was asked to film short clips of their day. Over 80,000 videos from 192 countries were submitted. This film compiles these short clips and stories into one, heartfelt, touching, motion picture. It shows you how similar, yet different, life is when you break it down to its fundamental basis. We all go through hardships, moments of happiness, and we all long for love. This movie shows the complex beauty of human life.<br />
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What are some of your favorite travel movies and TV shows? Please comment and share your favorites as I am always up for a good flick. Thanks!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-51260035705357358092014-04-07T18:21:00.000-07:002014-04-25T09:34:14.067-07:005 Easy Ways to Live Abroad for a Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9cY2o2jVRNnYjtz12rrOjI7VXbtxXsFU1VZBvUgOyDeiyByh3H87bQu9sIE1snqgfcGkKkkK7A0mgBJGcREyL00krINdeEKUckI_LCmTwPYbtEYYx7IOKf-eOEj5c-5EyTW_5UdMUS6i/s1600/Picture+of+friends+in+Kamakura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9cY2o2jVRNnYjtz12rrOjI7VXbtxXsFU1VZBvUgOyDeiyByh3H87bQu9sIE1snqgfcGkKkkK7A0mgBJGcREyL00krINdeEKUckI_LCmTwPYbtEYYx7IOKf-eOEj5c-5EyTW_5UdMUS6i/s1600/Picture+of+friends+in+Kamakura.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip to Kamakura with Friends (From my year abroad in Japan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Living in a different country and doing the same day to day tasks as a local in that country is a life changing experience. In this day and age, where understanding other cultures is so critical, I believe that everyone should challenge themselves and just spend a year in a country of their choice. You might even learn a language. Here I'll give you the 5 easiest ways to live make living abroad happen.<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Teach English</b></span><br />
This is by far the easiest way to do it. Almost any developing country in the world is looking for English speakers to teach their children. You will most likely need a certificate in order to be able to teach but how easy is that, you already speak English. And better yet, a lot of times you will get paid, or have accommodations taken care off. Teaching English is the cheapest way to live abroad.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Study Abroad</b></span><br />
If you are studying in college or university, this is your best option. Since a place to live will be covered in your tuition, you probably won't have to pay anything but the airfare. Close your eyes, imagine yourself eating lunch at a food market in China, or taking a tour of the Heineken Beer Brewery in Amsterdam. Now open your eyes and just go!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Crowd funding</span></b><br />
In the days of the internet, it is very easy to crowd fund your trip abroad. You can't use Kickstarter, as Kickstarter is more for businesses, but there is a website called Indiegogo which allows people to fund almost anything. Offer to write thank you cards for $15 dollars, or sing a song for $40. Get creative and make people fall in love with you. If you succeed, you can spend a year abroad for free.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Work in Hospitality</b></span><br />
There are resorts in every country and city in the world. If you are able to find a job working in a hotel as an attendant or waiter, you have gotten yourself a stable income and can definitely explore the country of your choice in your time off. There is always someone hiring as people usually don't work long careers in these sectors.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Volunteer</span> </b><br />
This is one of the other great ways to live abroad for a year.<b> </b>There are plenty of programs that let you volunteer in almost any country in the world. You will have the chance to explore a new land with the satisfaction of helping others and making this world a better place. For most programs, you will need to apply before hand. The process might be lengthy so make sure you plan this in advance. And if you don't have the money for a plane ticket, jump back up to point 3. and crowd-fund for your volunteering efforts.<br />
<br />
So, how to live abroad for a year? I've just given you 5 easy ways to live in a foreign country for a year. Use this information to motive you, and see that with just a little effort you could make your dreams come true. And if you know of any other ways to earn a living abroad or simply live in a country for a year, please share these in the comments! I would love to hear your input.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-44799062269933206872014-04-07T09:53:00.000-07:002014-04-07T18:28:32.201-07:00Sunday in Central Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U-afdaZHw8E0Rxgo4mjgdrFpM4ciRvZSPWjZgJEK5tRqGZuk9Ts_SdoHhUPfzDAEFytadTHf5NpOC9FHqxBDxexgnFKtK1Uf5XSyjjM1_rT2Q1KNfED8scRLJm5nr60orO0t4mSBUmX1/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U-afdaZHw8E0Rxgo4mjgdrFpM4ciRvZSPWjZgJEK5tRqGZuk9Ts_SdoHhUPfzDAEFytadTHf5NpOC9FHqxBDxexgnFKtK1Uf5XSyjjM1_rT2Q1KNfED8scRLJm5nr60orO0t4mSBUmX1/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sheep Meadow in Central Park, New York City</div>
<br />
Instead of giving you a list of things to do in central park, and all central park attractions, I will show you how I spent my day in Central Park yesterday.<br />
<br />
It was 2:00pm. I sat down on a bench, slowly sipping my large sized iced green tea, and just watched people<br />
<br />
While sipping my tea, a group of larpers (Live Action Role Players) caught my eye.<br />
<br />
I made a 90 degree turn in my bench, stared at them, and could not look away as they fought with swords and shot each other with Nerf guns.<br />
<br />
I was so enchanted that I didn't even realize that my large, 32 ounce, tea was now gone.<br />
<br />
I stood up and walked away from the bench. I walked towards a roller-blading party.<br />
<br />
There was music, there was booze, and there were weird people dancing and rollerblading to an electric beat.<br />
<br />
Once again, I loved it. I could not look away. There was even a dancing baby with shades on.<br />
<br />
I looked at my phone at it was now about 4:00pm. I must have stood there and enjoyed these people for over an hour.<br />
<br />
I then decided to spend $2 on a Turbo Rocket popsicle. Yes it was delicious, and yes it did turn my tongue blue. Don't judge.<br />
<br />
I walked over to the East Side of the park. I took a few photos with my iPhone while walking, and stumbled upon a jazz band.<br />
<br />
Passersby enjoyed a soft jazzy tune that went perfectly with the first spring weather Sunday of the year.<br />
<br />
Once again, I stood and took it all in. A three year old kid tried to throw four one dollar bills into their basket and three of them did not make it there and landed on the ground.<br />
<br />
Instead of picking them up, he just shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I giggled.<br />
<br />
I looked at my phone again, and it was now 5:45pm. I decided to end my Central Park adventure and walked out by 6th Avenue.<br />
<br />
I had the best Sunday ever, and the only money I spent were my impulse buys, iced tea and Turbo Rocket, which amounted to a staggering $3. Visiting Central Park is by far one of the best free things to do in New York City.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Central Park<br />
<br />
<br />
I would love to hear your stories and your favorite things to do in Central Park or in New York. I encourage you to leave a comment with anything you would want to share.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-53009725927938287462014-04-03T19:54:00.000-07:002014-05-07T14:51:19.979-07:005 Cheap Things to Do in Boston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cherrylet/9194640523" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mike's Pastries by Bing, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike's Pastries" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/9194640523_4a3b28249a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chocolate chip cannoli from Mike's Pastry</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
You've made it to Boston. Congratulations. Here are a few things to do in Boston for cheap.<br />
<br />
1. Harvard Square - not only do you get to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Harvard University, but you also get to see hundreds of street performers work their craft. There is nothing better you could do than spend a few hours walking around the square and taking it all in. Tons of coffee shops and places you could grab a beer as well. Best part of it all: IT IS FREE. This is by far the best free thing to do in Boston<br />
<br />
2. Fenway Park - Go to a ballgame! The atmosphere at Fenway Park is incredible. And even better, you can get tickets on for only $15. Fenway Park is small enough that even with cheap tickets, you can see all of the action.<br />
<br />
3. Walk through North End - Do you like old fashioned neighborhoods? Cobble brick roads? Do you like sugary and fattening cannoli that make you happy as soon as you bite into them? I thought so. While in the North End, make sure to stop by Mike's Pastry for the most delicious cannoli ever. Heck, even Bill Clinton has had one.<br />
<br />
4. Charles River Esplanade - This is a beautiful walking/jogging path alongside the Charles River. The river separates Boston from Cambridge, and on the Boston side, the Charles River Esplanade captivates visitors and locals alike. When you walk past tall trees and vast fields of greenery while seeing the reflections of the sun in the pretty river, you almost forget that you are in a modern, 21st century, city. And yes, the last time I checked walking around is free—even in America—so why not take advantage of it.<br />
<br />
5. Boston Public Library - I am not a huge architecture buff, but this place really stimulates your senses. The acoustic structure of the building gently echoes the sounds of people's steps as well as their conversations. The old book smell follows you in and out of almost every room, and the rich details of the ceilings and walls captivate your eyes to the point where you can't look away. They even have a garden with a fountain where you can enjoy a good novel or a good meal. This free tourist attraction in Boston is a can't miss.<br />
<br />
There it is folks: 5 cheap or free things to do in Boston. Now book that flight and visit this truly great American city. And if you know of any other great things to do in Boston please let me know by commenting below!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-61446356822424695652014-03-25T07:19:00.000-07:002014-05-07T14:49:43.711-07:00When in Boston, Go to Fenway Park<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />
When you think of saving money, Fenway Park is usually not
on the list, but let me explain. I took my girlfriend to a Red Sox game and
paid $40 for a pair of tickets—they were worth every penny. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all, I’m not the biggest baseball fan in the world.
I think that obesity is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in most cases, </i>a
self-inflicting disease and I don’t think a sport in which obese people excel
at can be called a sport. Nevertheless, my girlfriend loves baseball and is a
huge Red Sox fan so I surprised her with a pair of tickets. It was both our
first time at Fenway, and she seemed a little more excited than I was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we first entered Fenway, the place buzzed with
excitement. People wearing red and white shirts pounded beers and hot dogs left
and right. Everybody looked happy and glad they were there. Even I felt it, as
my girlfriend looked and smiled at me. I’ve been to baseball games before in
Chicago and Kansas City but they never made me feel anything. A Red Sox game in
Fenway Park brought me joy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was ready to forget about work and school, and just enjoy
these next couple hours. It was now time for the national anthem. We stood up,
and I looked around the stadium. I saw the Green Monster stands and an American Flag
the size of half a football field hanging from the top of the bleachers. I
saw the stands filled with people removing their hats with smiles on their
face. I saw thousands of camera flashes going off within split seconds of each
other. Once the woman started singing and everyone at Fenway Park joined in,
for the first time in my life, I was proud and thankful to be an American<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The game started after the applause. Even though we sat in
the cheapest seats, we saw all of the action and the players perfectly. As we
were rooting on the Red Sox, time seemed to fly by. It was the only baseball
game that I’ve actually gotten into, and this wasn’t due to the teams playing.
Coming into the game I had no alliances, but the atmosphere in the stadium made
me feel like I was a part of the game—I wanted the Red Sox to win. It was an experience that was well worth a trip to Boston.<br />
<br />
Have you had a good experience at Fenway before? Tell me all about it in the comments section below!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688308293014009810.post-39027040374960423552014-03-12T15:14:00.001-07:002014-05-07T14:48:52.522-07:003 Reasons Why You Should Travel<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO5TFUtZa2CV2HcAqj5PAmUmJ1DHQi_9WpXhra2zSF5oMs5OQihRHLp8tl-gvMB4nCc9ufPe1SXkP9r0d4tn_uIcNkhvhYW5F-jpJKkKkKQS47txjZLFUYwQARgO3P4USXGbf_3mnbPQn/s1600/P1020404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO5TFUtZa2CV2HcAqj5PAmUmJ1DHQi_9WpXhra2zSF5oMs5OQihRHLp8tl-gvMB4nCc9ufPe1SXkP9r0d4tn_uIcNkhvhYW5F-jpJKkKkKQS47txjZLFUYwQARgO3P4USXGbf_3mnbPQn/s1600/P1020404.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torun, Poland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_463231723"></span><span id="goog_463231724"></span>1. LIFE IS SHORT - Too many people say the following, "I will travel once I make it and have enough money." Trust me, I once felt this way too. But I learned just how wrong that statement was. You will most likely <i>never</i> have enough money: there will be kids, a mortgage, and bills to pay. Moreover, delaying something for tomorrow is plain stupid once you realize that an average person lives for about 27,000 days. Now subtract your childhood from that, about 6,000 days, and that number plummets to 21,000. I believe life to be a precious gift and cringe at our society's idea of a good life—a big house, a sports car, and money in the bank. What is the point of wasting the short time we have on material things when you can learn Japanese, skinny-dip in the ocean, or run as fast as you can for no reason instead? This is why I travel.<br />
<br />
2. FREEDOM - When I say I've never felt more free than when I'm on the road—I mean it. Travel empowers you to make your own decisions. There are no bosses or obligations. You can decide to go on a kayaking trip to Idaho and, once there, realize that you would rather hike instead because the mountains look so stunning. Travel gives you the freedom to make that decision and not feel guilty about it. You can come back from your hike, sweating and in pain, but with a smile on your face. You broke your own pattern and went all in on a completely spontaneous idea. This doesn't happen that often at home, now does it?<br />
<br />
3. HUMANS - We love people. Even I, as an introvert, sometimes need a little company, conversation, or acknowledgment. I believe that every person has a story, an insight worth sharing. Being on the road enables you to meet hundreds of individuals that might look different but are more intwined with you than you've ever imagined. This is the beauty of our mysterious universe. I guarantee that while you travel, you will hear stories and create friendships which will stay with you till the end of your 27,000 days.<br />
<br />
Therefore,<br />
JUST TRAVEL<br />
<br />
Please share and comment on why you think travel is important! I'd love to hear what everyone else has to say.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03708999006835820386noreply@blogger.com1