Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Author Teaching English in Thailand. Photo by Will Hoberg

Travel addicts usually have seen a long and impressive list of cities and sights. Whether Machu Picchu or the Eiffel Tower, it’s hard to uncover a world wonder that some people haven’t seen. So, the question is, after many years in the business of international travel, what’s next? Long-term travel! Whether for just a couple weeks or an entire year, staying and living abroad is perhaps one of the most satisfying life experiences that someone can give him- or herself. If you’ve got the time and the interest, here are five ways to keep busy during an extended journey abroad!

1. Work: If the bad economy paired with student loans or a mortgage are holding you back from fulfilling your international wanderings, working abroad could be a viable option. Remember that great trip you took to Costa Rica, or the wonderful experience you had in Vietnam? Live it out all over again in a whole new, extensive way, all while still earning an income and having a purpose. Examples: ESL Teacher, Hotel Receptionist, Camp Counselor, Freelance Writer, Au Pair, Web Designer, International Business(wo)man, Piano Teacher, etc.

2. Work Exchange: Work exchange is a relatively popular trend emerging amongst budget travelers around the world. How does it work? In exchange for answering phones or milking goats, hotels or home stays will hook you up with a free place to stay and meals. If working on a farm just isn’t your thing, get creative! If you’re willing to lend your professional skills, create a persuasive cover letter and send it out to some hotels in the city of your next destination. They might just be looking for a web designer or consultant around the same time you’re planning your trip! Examples: Farm Hand, Hotel Receptionist, Nanny, Barista, Bartender, etc.

3. Volunteer: An issue you’re passionate about becomes much more real and powerful when you spend some time working in the field. Arrange in advance, or if you’ve got extra time, just show up and get the feel of different organizations upon arrival. Whether you volunteer in a new city, state, or continent, volunteering is undoubtedly one of the most meaningful ways to dedicate your time and connect with local community. Examples: Health Clinic Worker, English Tutor, Editor, Orphanage Volunteer, Trail Cleaner, Guitar Teacher, etc.

4. Learn: Yoga enthusiast? Cooking wiz? Salsa dancer? What better way to hone your favorite skills than to practice them at their point of origin? Jump into an intensive week-long course or get your professional certification abroad. Often, the course itself is cheaper, and allows you to step out of your normal life and focus your efforts closely on your new trade. You’ll come home with a newly developed talent and knowledge of the local context. Now that’s expertise! Examples: Learn Yoga in India, Study French Cuisine, Get your Scuba Certification in Indonesia, Study Spanish in Argentina, etc.

5. Document: Whether you consider yourself a creative or not, everyone can wield a point-and-shoot digital camera, a FlipCam, and a pen. If you want a memorable way to document your vacation for friends and family, or even the world, spending some extra time abroad can be a fun opportunity to create a final project. Pick a topic, get to capturing moments and be prepared to work until it’s finished! Examples: Make a Video, Create a Slideshow, Print a Photo Book, Keep a Blog, Freelance for Magazines, etc.

If you’re planning your next short-term vacation or hoping to get away for a while, keep in mind that there are always opportunities to connect with locals and learn, no matter how long you have! Start off with some fun Gray Line sightseeing tours to get the lay of the land, enjoy the local food, explore the museums, experience the natural beauty, and then set aside some time to learn a new skill or volunteer your time, even if you only have a day. It will give you an interesting new perspective on a place and make for a vacation you’ll never forget.

And that’s a vacation worth my time and money!

What’s the coolest job abroad you’ve ever heard of? Let us know in the comments below! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Live & Learn [Abroad]: Five Ways to Live and Work Abroad)

Image provided by Flashpacking Life

Every good traveler needs to expand their vocabulary every once and a while. Whether it’s learning a few phrases of a foreign language or mastering a local dialect in your own language, expanding your vocabulary is generally a very good thing.

I recently expanded my vocabulary to include the word funicular. A cable railway where a cable attached to a pair of tram-like vehicles on rails moves them up and down a steep slope; the ascending and descending vehicles counterbalance each other. Plus it offers great bragging rights to those who ride one.

Implemented throughout the world where steep inclines make transportation difficult, the funicular comes to the rescue.

Have you ridden a funicular? Have you encountered any other interesting modes of transportation with names as fun as funicular? (Click here if you can’t see Facebook comments: Funicular Friday Blog Post)

Photo by Author. Spicy, Crispy, Street-Side Samosas in Myanmar

Crispy empanadas stacked and sprawling emit fragrances that could make even the most finicky of travelers scarf down a plate. Pad Thai is twice as flavorful and half as expensive in Thailand, and street Kebabs after a night out in France have a higher turnover than their restaurant counterparts anyway!

Traveling offers an abundance of opportunities to sample local favorites and imported flavors. How could you turn that down? As long as you have a discerning eye, you can sample some of the best food in the world like a mad man without even losing a day to stomach grumbles.

Wondering how to eat street food without getting sick? Here are 4 essential tips for eating smart on the street:

1. Choose your Food Wisely: Sure a street ceviche and an already-cooked pork skewer look tasty, but only if you’re willing to gamble upon the food’s freshness. Typically, a smart street-eater might steer clear of meats and fresh fruits and vegetables in favor of something fool proof– fried, boiled, and seared are always good! Pick something that is stored and cooked to order for the least chance of contamination.

A couple options include Vegetarian Pad Thai, Churros, Chow Mein, Samosas

2. Follow the Crowd: Step down trendsetters, this is the time to do as the locals do. If a crowd of Mexican diners are vouching for a burrito stand, chances are it’s not only safe, but delicious. Also, the more people blowing through, the quicker the food turnover… which means less chance of a yucky stomach bug for you.

Eat at the standard local breakfast or lunch time to see the most popular places in action.

3. Screen for Sanitation: Food cleanliness is part of a huge realm of subjectivity and you’ll have to set your own standards when you see it– flies are a serious reality in many parts of the world and a quick rinse is considered “washing” at particularly busy food stalls. Use discretion and ask questions about water or cooking methods if necessary. Soon enough, you’ll develop a new standard for “clean” and knowing what to look for will make is not so scary anymore.

Watch them clean up the previous order to see if they’re using clean water and soap.

4. Eat it Anyway: Sometimes the best food comes from an establishment that looks flat out shady. If you’re brave, it might be worth taking a risk on a mango lassi or an agua fruta, as long as you know basic precautions (ie. purified water) have been taken. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and enjoy every last sip. Usually, you’ll have no problems at all!

Theres too much to sample in the world of cuisine to always stick to restaurants. Flavors emerge in an entirely new way and the breadth of local food is broadened significantly if you’re willing to experiment. If you’re new to street food, take it slow, but I’m confident your first trip won’t be your last! Enjoy!

Interested in experiencing the local cuisine? Check out one of Gray Line’s foodie tours on GrayLine.com!

Where and what was the best street food you have ever eaten? (If you can’t see Facebook comments below, click here to go to the full version of the Street [Food] Smarts: Traveler’s Guide to Eating Street Food Blog Post. 

Only in India can a quick walk to the bank be interrupted by a scuffle with a petitioner, a negative aura reading, and a near death-by-rickshaw experience…

Notorious for its touts and scams, navigating your way through New Delhi is a learned art. Whether you’re walking to your favorite spot or exploring a new part of the city, the best way to avoid any unwarranted attention is to walk like you’ve had the direction in your mental-GPS since the day you were born… and when you walk past the same street again 10 minutes later, utterly lost, you act like you just wanted to check out the area.

It’s a confidence and an assertiveness that you’ve got a direction, and usually, with the walk, you can avoid some unnecessary ventures into tour shops and rickshaw rides without even breaking your smile.

Usually, I pride myself on my ability to stay out of unwanted situations when traveling, but today, the hawkers were coming on strong, and there was no amount of poise that could get me through unscathed.

At this point, I had been a solo traveler for approximately two hours. My friends took off in the morning and I was left behind in the hotel room with a head cold, an almost empty wallet, and a nearly unplanned itinerary. I took initiative and peeled myself out of bed for a quick jaunt to the bank, but as I was reminded, nothing comes so easily in New Delhi.

I pioneered my way into my alley and was immediately accosted by a woman collecting “signatures and no money”– as usual, “no money” actually meant “some money”– but I managed to decline as politely as possible and escape her sharp-nailed grip before getting seriously trapped into anything.

I had barely strided away when I received a complimentary-yet-unwelcome aura reading from a baba pacing beside me on the road. “Hello ma’am. I want to tell you… You have a good heart but a negative energy from my three very serious problems. Very very serious. Your life is terribly out of balance. I think you are a little insane.” …Thank you? I suppose I could have paid to learn that I am oversensitive and that I lack focus, but I actually already know that, and I really just need an ATM.

“Oh Wow. Thank you sir… maybe I come back later?” I said as I quickly changed to the other side of the road.

Listen guys… I’ve got a head cold and an attitude, do you think we could do this later?  I thought. Maybe they would have left me alone if they realized I had less than $8 in my possession.

Finally, as I rounded the corner to the bank, a bicycle rickshaw sharply cut left behind me. I jumped back to find my space obstructed by a mango stall. Luckily, I made it up on my toes, pinned against the steel table and barely avoided getting my feet crunched by the passenger cart of the rickshaw. I didn’t expect an apology, or even wait for some acknowledgement of what just happened. It happens at least thirty times on a good day.

Getting to the bank, the intention of the trip was nowhere near as significant as the trip to get there. When traveling, it always takes a while to find your feet and even longer to grow your teeth. There is a steep learning curve to knowing when to talk and when to walk, when to smile and when to scowl, when to be polite and when to argue.

After today, I suppose even walking like you know where you’re going isn’t always enough, but it’s still worth a shot.

Here are a few quick tips for avoiding touts when traveling:

1. Most important of all is walking with purpose!

2. Throw on sunglasses and look straight ahead in touristy areas. Pretend not to hear the “hellos” and “where are you froms” coming out of nearly every shop if you don’t have the time or interest in buying.

3. When confronted directly by someone, simply say a genuine “No, thank you” and keep walking. If you slow down, it becomes a lot more difficult to walk away without being rude. If they are persistent, it helps to have an excuse about why you’re in a hurry.

4. Ask for information from people with no vested interest. Don’t get directions from a rickshaw driver or shopping recommendations from a silk shop owner! Instead, ask at an upscale hotel, someone on their way to work, or a fellow shopper.

What’s your best trick or tip for avoiding touts when traveling? (Can’t see Facebook comments? Click here to view the full version of the Walking Like You Know Where You’re Going Blog Post)

Myanmar is making headlines in 2012, but perhaps all of the election hype hasn’t had you daydreaming about making it your next vacation. Mysterious and rarely toured, this Southeast Asian country has slipped under the radar of even the most adventurous of travelers for years. However, if you’ve never thought about a trip to Burma, now may be the time to start. Fascinating landscapes and a genuine culture are just some of the reasons you should head to Myanmar in 2012, but get there quickly! The country is coming up quicker than a tsunami and there is no better time to experience vibrant Burma than right now.

1. Distinctive Multiethnic Food: On a walk through Yangon, you’ll pass tables full of freshly fried Indian samosas, shops dishing out steaming bowls of dumplings, and stalls serving up steamy Burmese noodle dishes. Unlike the delicious-but-often-myopic food scene in neighboring Thailand, diverse influences have created a spectrum of cuisine unlike any other. You can’t get bored when you’re changing food types for every meal, and even if you do, there’s still a small selection of Western food available. Perhaps the biggest draw of Burmese gastronomy is the local wine that doesn’t taste like juice box. Check out the vineyards around Inle Lake for some stellar Sauvignon Blancs and Merlots that rival those of Australia or South Africa.
2. Gracious Faces: Perhaps it’s still novel for tourists to make their way through Myanmar, or perhaps its just Burmese culture to deeply value kindness and helpfulness. You’ll find it impossible to get lost or stranded in Burma, as there is always someone willing to offer up advice. An experienced traveler knows that “practicing English” is often code for an elaborate scheme, but within the Burmese borders, a cup of tea or a chat on the street is usually nothing more than a curious person’s hope to learn more about another culture. If you open yourself up to a conversation, the opportunities to learn about Burmese tradition are endless.
3. Time Sensitivity: Easing of economic sanctions and a more progressive government are rapidly opening up Myanmar to foreign influence. Spikes in tourism have caused widespread increases in prices and rapid development of tourist infrastructure that tend to cheapen the authenticity of a place. Things are changing quickly in Burma, and if you’re interested, you should promote this trip to the top of your list!
4. Natural and Historical Wonders: Maybe you haven’t heard much about the best of Burma, but there are a couple of draws unlike any in neighboring countries. Bagan, the Land of a Thousand Temples, is appropriately named with temples sprawling out as far as the eye can see. If you’re templed out from a trip through the region, check out Inle Lake, an enormous body of water populated by thousands of traditional fisherman working strenuously from their leg-paddled rowboats.
5. New Experiences: Myanmar makes other off-the-beaten-path destinations seem a bit overworked. If you don’t mind sweating it out on a bus, frequent power outages, and pioneering your own route, Burma is an excellent place to do it. While there is a way to pay your way around the discomfort, there’s a lot of fun to be had in scratching your way through the country and discovering along the way. There will never be another place quite like it!

A bit rough around the edges, it’s not a destination for everyone, but if you’re a true adventure seeker, then the reasons to travel to Burma in 2012 are extensive. Hop a flight and get there while the samosas are still hot. You’ll never forget it!

What’s your favorite off the beaten path destination? (If you can’t see Facebook comments below, here’s the full Myanmar (Burma) Travel Blog page)

Armed for Songkran- Photo by Talen of thailandofsmiles.com

The moment you’ve locked eyes with your target, it’s already too late. You maintain an intense stare to hide the fear in your soul and fumble around your waist to prepare your gun.

You raise it to your shoulder and put your hand on the trigger. It feels light in your arms. Half tank at most. Will it be enough?

You choke down the rest of your hesitation knowing that this is your last moment and your only chance to protect yourself… to defend your pack… to salvage any degree of pride that you once had before this terrible game began. 

By the time you work up enough confidence, something unexpected happens.

 Attacked from behind. You hadn’t even though to watch the rear! You’re finished. Ice Water.

What is this battle royale, this sardonic hunting game, this death match? I’ll give you a hint… it’s not the Hunger Games. Its Songkran, of course!

Every April, Thailand shuts down and gears up for–the ultimate in youthful fantasies—a nationwide water fight spanning 3 days. Shelves are stocked with themed weapons, some serious enough to put super soakers to shame, all just a fill away from becoming your biggest asset for the next few days.

People of all ages and nationalities congregate into city centers throughout Thailand, and load up buckets, squirt guns, water balloons, coolers, and even water tanks in preparation for the fight. Songkran is wild and indiscriminate fun, as strangers sneak up and blast each other in the ear with sea water. Walk the streets at your own risk as, gun or no gun, you’re a prime target. Sit in a songtaew and literally get hosed by every bypasser.

Leave the iPhone in the hotel, invest in some good artillery, and join in on one the most entertaining endeavors into Thai culture. To read more about Songkran in Thailand, check out Bring Your Dry Bag ‘Cause  You’re Gonna Get Soaked!

If water fights are not your thing, then mid-April in Thailand is not your thing. However, here are a couple other messy festivals you might enjoy around the world!

• La Tomatina Festival, Spain: Food fights just got specific. An hour long tomato fight erupts in the streets of Buñol, Spain every August.
• Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea: If mineral rich dirt is good for your skin, obviously a mud slinging battle in the streets of Boryeong, South Korea for 9 days will leave you radiant. Go in July for some really dirty fun.

What’s the craziest festival you’ve heard of? (click here if you can’t see Facebook comments below)

Soaked at the Songkran Festival - Photo Credit Flickr Wyndham

If you’re anywhere near Thailand this weekend, it’s advised that you leave the Sunday best in the suitcase, and perhaps grab a raincoat instead. That is, if you don’t want to get wet. Not because the forecast calls for rain, but because today marked the beginning of the annual Songkran Festival, a countrywide celebration of the Thai New Year which has evolved into the world’s biggest water fight.

What began as a tradition of sprinkling water on to one’s elders as a sign of respect has turned into a massive, multi-day party of music, dancing, and getting drenched. This weekend, nearly every city street in Thailand plays host to this good ‘clean’ fun as locals and tourists flock to the streets carrying water pistols, buckets, and high-powered Super Soakers to get a piece of the action.

The Water Festival is so massive that the Guinness World Record was just broken in Thailand last year for water pistol fights as 3,477 eager souls gathered together in Bangkok for a very wet 10-minute shootout.

Check out this video of the water fights in the city of Chiang Mai to see a glimpse of what some may call ‘blissful madness’!

Ever seen anything like it? (click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments below)

Every morning this past week I have woken up with a smile on my face. If you know me personally you know that this is a very rare thing. Typically, I awake with a grumble and a frown. Why the sudden change? No, I’m not on drugs. I am waking up a happy woman because spring is making her debut! Spring, the season for barbeques, camping, hiking etc! I have compiled a hiking bucket list of sorts. It is short, is in no particular order, but I think it’s a great start. . .

• The Zion Narrows, Utah, United States – If you love red walled canyons and don’t mind getting wet, this hike sounds amazing! This hike is great for both the extreme and the timid. For an easier time, start at the bottom and turn back when you’ve reached your limit. If you’re looking for high adventure, do the entire 16-mile trek with the option of making it an overnight trip. Here’s more information on hiking the Zion Narrows.
• Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile – Want a variation in landscape? This is the hike for you! Be prepared for climate extremes but don’t be afraid of them. Think of it as an indicator that you are going to experience something incredible! Go here for the full scoop on hiking the Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile.
• Machu Picchu, Peru – Do I really need to give you a reason why this is on my list? Yeah, didn’t think so. This would be my ideal way to hike to Machu Picchu, you get to ride horseback, zip line, and climb your way from Cusco to Machu Picchu! Done, sold, who’s buying my ticket . . . ?
• Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii – This hike along the Na Pali coastline is so lush that you’re going to want to take your time, and you should. Just because this trail is gorgeous doesn’t mean it is for the timid, it has moments when it leans on the treacherous side. That being said, are you really going to allow a few inclines dissuade you from experiencing this feast for your eyes? Yes, I just said a feast for your eyes. Follow this link to find out more about hiking the Kalalau Trail.

If mountain trails aren’t your thing, here’s a list of “8 of the Most Unique Walking Paths in the World” from our friends at bootsnall.com. Don’t want to stop at trails and paths? Here’s a list of countries you can walk across! And finally, for an incredible list of trails around the world, including many in your own back yard, check out the incredible search tool at www.trails.com.

Tell us about your favorite hiking trail or travel story in the comments below! (click here to see Facebook comments if you can’t already)

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China - Flickr user Olekvi

Photo Credit

China has lured travelers in search of adventure and exotic culture for centuries. Today, international visitors are heading in droves to this emerging economic and cultural powerhouse. A popular destination is the nation’s capital: Beijing. With almost 20 million inhabitants, Beijing is the second largest city in China and is filled with fascinating historical sights. But how much do you know about Beijing? Here are five things you might not know about Beijing.

1. Beijing used to be called Peking. The English name was changed when the Chinese adapted a different Romanized system of spelling in 1979. The city’s name is still the same in Chinese, but the English writing of “Beijing” more accurately reflects the Chinese pronunciation than Peking. In Chinese, the name means “northern capital”.

2. Beijing Airport is the second busiest airport in the world based on passenger volume. Beijing Capital International Airport sees around 70 million passengers rolling their luggage wheels through the three terminals in an average year. It is also one of the cleanest. In 2009 it was named as the World’s Best Airport by Condé Nast Traveler, receiving praise for its general cleanliness and customer service.

3. It has a Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is the name of the imperial palace occupied for 500 years by the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Conveniently located in the middle of the Beijing, the Forbidden City is one of China’s top tourist attractions. This opulent political house was the ceremonial center for the Chinese government and today it is home to the Palace Museum.

4. Beijing is the best place to eat Peking Roast Duck. If you love the Chinese delicacy of Peking Roast Duck, then you are obliged to try it in the city where it originated. Of course, every chic restaurant, hole-in-the-wall diner and street cart offers its own version of juicy slices of duck meat with crispy skin. Be sure to try them all on your own Beijing city tour!

5. Beijing battles air pollution. The Chinese government aggressively battled air pollution in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics and continues to employ a variety of tools to improve air quality. Steps include moving high pollution factories outside the city, improving efficiency to reduce the 2,500-3,000 tons of coal used daily in Beijing, working on public transportation campaigns, and other efforts to reduce the environmental impact of heavy industry, 5 million cars and 20 million people.

Were these facts no-brainers for you? Then check out this extremely challenging quiz about China.

Share your tips and tricks for other travelers to incredible Beijing in the comments below! (Having trouble viewing Facebook comments? Click here!)

“Sonja wake up, we’re going to be late!” Jory violently shook me from the best sleep I’d had since I arrived in India four days prior…

It was 5:30 am and we had one hour if we were lucky, to get through the gates to watch the sun rise behind the Taj Mahal. Everyone had expressed to us that this was the only way to experience it. They would swoon saying, “the lighting… THE LIGHTING!” I quickly threw some cold water on my face, collected my things, and ran out the door.

“Hola, Hola, Coca Cola!” greeted Omar, the rickshaw driver we had commissioned the day before. Amazed by his enthusiasm at such an early hour, we climbed in and relayed our desperate situation. The spicy, sweaty, floral scent of Agra attacked our senses as we flew through the eerily silent city. Dawn began to break and a sense of panic started to seep in, “what if we miss it?!”

Once we arrived we quickly bought our tickets, fought off beggars, peddlers, and even monkeys – only to discover we were not the only ones to have this stroke of genius. The line moved slowly as the horizon began to lighten. After being searched by four different guards, a precaution taken in thanks to the attacks in Mumbai a few months prior, we finally crossed the gates as the sun kissed the sky. There she stood white marble veiled in a pale pink glow, blushing, as if someone had drawn the curtains too soon. The water in the pool guiding you to the entrance blinked as the light hit the surface. We stood in awe, and being a hopeless romantic, I began to tear up, not only because of its striking beauty but because it was built as a monument of love. After a moment of standing in silence I looked over at Jory and was relieved to see that she was just as moved by the experience as I was.

“They were right” she whispered.

I smiled and responded “the lighting…!”

What travel experiences have you had where timing really was everything? Share with us in the comments below! (if you’re having trouble viewing Facebook comments, click here)