Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

The Scene at Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech, Morocco. Photo by Author.

Sitting on the upper ridge of North Africa, Morocco has developed its personality with influences from the leisurely Mediterranean, bustling West Africa, and the devout Middle East. It may be no destination for tranquility seekers, but Morocco delivers a fascinating experience to anyone with energy for and interest in discovering a new perspective. Whether you primarily hit major cities or try to stay off the beaten path, there are several very distinct regions of Morocco that you can’t miss. If you’re looking for the complete Morocco experience, you’ll have to strap in for the medinas, gear up for the mountains and prepare yourself for a vacation you’ll never forget.

1. The Atlantic Coast: Whether you make it to Agadir, Essaouira or Casablanca, the Moroccan Atlantic Coast is an undeveloped stretch of beach towns, forts and harbors that sit outside the inland chaos. You’ll have the chance to remember what stillness feels like as you face away from the street and wait for the hazy neon sunset to come.

2. The Medina: The medinas of Morocco are walled cities that house everything essential in Moroccan daily life. From the chaotic souks (markets) selling dates by the kilo and lavishly decorated leather shoes, to the more tranquil hamams (baths) and mosques, half the fun is in getting lost. Whether you’re wandering around the medinas of Fes or the more manageable Marrakech, the journey is actually quite fun as long as you have a major landmark, some extra time and a big sense of adventure.

3. The Sahara Desert: The Sahara Desert has a certain prestige amongst deserts. Still hosting generations of nomadic groups who continue to live by traditional survival methods, the desert has managed to remain very much the same in a rapidly urbanizing world. A trip to the Sahara is mysteriously alluring for visitors to Morocco. In spite of the harsh climate, its absolute vastness and true remoteness gives you a chance to see something that you really can’t imagine without being there yourself.

4. The High Atlas Mountains: This tall mountain range in Central Morocco spans east toward the Algerian border. While this North African mountain range is an interesting spot for climbers, there are also plenty of opportunities for the less vertically inclined. Its steep peaks can challenge even the most experienced climbers, but the High Atlas also offers a chance for travelers looking to escape the city or connect with the country’s Berber population on shorter trips.

It takes the right kind of attitude to enjoy, but if you’re ready for a big change of–pace, scenery, climate, and altitude–Morocco will deliver.

Ever been to Morocco? What was your favorite spot? (Click here if you can’t see the comments below: Mountains, Medinas, & Other Must See Morocco)

An Especially Untimely Visit to Bangkok during the Floods of '11. Photo by Author.

The mistake of visiting Southeast Asia during monsoon season or Northern Europe during winter is one that you only make once. You may not even realize just how much the weather can affect a vacation until you make a serious misjudgment. Traveling during unfavorable times of year can affect anything from opening hours to availability to comfort, but there are some advantages to visiting during the down season. Before you travel next, at least check this list, then check the weather to make sure you’ll get what you’re looking for from your vacation:

• Stuck in the Hotel Room - In some countries, the changes in season are so severe that even the locals head to the hills (or the beach) for some refuge. Be sure to check online for drastic weather conditions in the country you’ll be visiting to ensure that you time it right.
• Is Anybody Home? - Certain countries take what seems like a nationwide vacation during the “bad” seasons of the year. If you visit Spain in August, you can expect the majority of stores to be vacant or the hours of operation to be cut short so the vendors can escape the heat. Check in advance that the activities you want to do are actually available during the time you plan to travel.
• The Jumbo Suitcase - Traveling light is an amazing thing. The first time you travel with JUST a 10kg bag for your week long vacation, you might never lug a huge bag again. However, weather conditions mean the difference between packing winter parkas & rain boots -vs- tank tops & flip flops. If you want to pack light, it’s best to travel during times where no jacket is required!
• Your Crystal Ball – Check out BestTimetoGo.com for comprehensive advice about… well… the best time to go to your vacation spot.
• Finally… forget all my other advice - There is a good part about traveling during “unfavorable” times of year. NO tourists. Imagine yourself wandering alone through world wonders that are normally packed. Sure, you may be covered to your knees in mud, sweating profusely or unable to feel your toes, but it’s still kind of awesome.

Ever been trapped in a tropical storm or caught underdressed in a blizzard? Tell us about your most ridiculous weather story from your travels in the comments below or on Facebook! (Can’t access the comments? Click here for a link to the full story: The Highs & Lows of Traveling with the Weather)

Photo of the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan from photopedia.com

…I apologize in advance if you’re expecting a desert survival guide; I think any advice I gave on the topic would be more likely to leave you dehydrated, burned, and withering away. But what I can tell you is what to expect on a Bedouin camping trip!

If the idea of spending a day four wheeling through an expansive desert past camels and rouge rock walls doesn’t excite you, you haven’t seen Aladdin or Gladiator recently enough. There is something incredibly vast and mysterious about one of the world’s harshest biomes, and something unnerving about camping out underneath a finally-visible universe of stars above.

What to Expect from a Desert Camping Trip:

As with anything, what you can expect on a Bedouin camping trip varies significantly depending on the price and the country in which you’re traveling. For the lower end trips, you can expect basic provisions—a guide, a car with a usually-functional engine, a simple tent and facilities, a heavy dinner, and all the tea you can drink. On the other end of the spectrum, there are more expensive camps that can offer up hot showers, an air-conditioned vehicle, and even electricity.

A day in the desert is best described as long, hot, and dusty. You’ll spend a lot of time in the car traversing to different natural landmarks, a lot of time resting, and the remainder of the time at the camp sweating out gallons of water. Bring a book, cards, plenty of snacks and water, a flashlight, and comfortable (conservative) clothes to wear for your downtime at the camp in between outings. Believe it or not, there’s not a whole lot to do if you don’t bring it with you.

As night falls and the air chills, you’ll revel in slight relief from the heat. Expect a meal heavy on carbohydrates and protein, but low on fresh fruits and vegetables–you are in the desert after all. That being said, most of the camps stock up on modern items like Laughing Cow cheese wedges and pita bread. Before heading to sleep, your mind will wander as you forget any discomfort and watch the sky illuminate with a million stars above. This is the part that’s really worthwhile.

If you’re traveling somewhere arid like Morocco or Jordan, there’s no better recommendation than to just embrace it and head right into the desert… with a guide of course. It may not always be comfortable, but it is certainly a fascinating and thought provoking way to pass a few days of vacation. Have you ever slept in the desert? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments section below! (Can’t see the comments? Click here for the link: How to Sleep in the Desert)

Part of the Author's Geocaching Team

Ok, I’d admit it. I was late to the Geocaching party. Fashionably late but still, I was late. I’d heard people talking about geocaching and didn’t understand the language they spoke. They wrote things like TNLN, TFTC and FTF? Their Facebook pages seemed alive with interesting activity. Intrigued, but still confused, I wondered if I too could be one of these treasure-seeking players?

The truth is anyone can go Geocaching. It’s great for travelers of all ages and it can be enjoyed almost everywhere.  It’s free and easy to figure out and requires very little in terms of knowledge or equipment. In other words, it’s perfect for my family! I recently took my 3 kiddos, my mom and my nephew geocaching in rural Iowa. It was a huge hit. Our first find was an easy one, which built confidence in our newly formed team. With a successful find under our belt, we headed near my childhood home where the website boasted 2 nearby caches. The terrain was too difficult (think no trail, waist high foliage and 4 kids) so we abandoned those finds. We were not to be discouraged and headed out again to a new destination.

Everyone had such a great time; we are planning our next adventure and have gained participants who want to join us and get in on the action too.

If you haven’t tried Geocaching, you should give it a try. Try it on a trip, try it in your own hometown, but definitely give it a try. If this entire post seems like a foreign language, start by checking out our recent post about Geocaching to get the basics of this fun-filled adventure game: Geocaching Fever.

Are you a Geocacher? How many finds do you have under your belt? Share your experiences in the comment section below or on the Gray Line Facebook page. (Click here if you can’t see comments: Catching the Cache)

Photo courtesy of Cachemania

Are you still a Muggle? Or have you caught the Geocaching bug yet?

Geocaching seems to be everywhere. Literally everywhere. Currently there are over 1.8 million locations worldwide and that number is growing daily. I kept hearing about geocaching but wasn’t sure what it was so I decided it was time to do some investigating into this new pastime.

In a nutshell, geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game for adventure seekers of all ages around the world. Players have hidden millions of “caches” for you to find literally in every corner of the world. A cache is a small container (not always small – they do vary in size) which contains a log sheet for you to record your team’s arrival and the date that you found the cache.  If the cache is big enough it may contain a small treasure. You may take the treasure as long as you trade it for something that you have brought with you of equal or greater value.

Players find the hidden caches by using GPS coordinates and often additional clues to narrow the search further at the location. With a GPS unit or GPS enabled smart phone players navigate their “team” to the hidden spots and try to locate the cache. A team can be one or more people – it’s totally up to you.

Once you locate the cache in its secret hiding spot, you put it back exactly where you found it for the next team to discover and leave a note online for the cache owner detailing your visit for them and future visitors to read about. You can also leave notes indicating if you could not find it, if the cache needs maintenance or anything else that might help future players.

And the best part? It’s free. You can sign up for a free account on geocaching.com,  create a user name and start locating treasure near your current coordinates (there is also a premium service available for a fee).

Keep in mind that you definitely need a GPS enabled device. I also decided to download the Geocaching App for my phone and that made things super easy on the go but it’s not mandatory. As a novice player, I would also recommend tennis or hiking shoes (no flip flops!), bug spray, a pencil and maybe even a hat as you are definitely outside and some of the terrain may require you to tromp off trail. We have also learned to read the description of the cache you are seeking carefully as some are out in the open and easy to find making them great for younger seekers and others may require that you hike off trail or though difficult terrain which make them a better fit for those without small children.

You can also plan a trip using geocaching to break it up along the way. So far my family has found caches along a roadtrip we have taken though the middle of America to great success and new experiences. Kids and adults have both enjoyed the “game” as we have played it. It’s a nice way to see your own destination in a new way or experience a destination in a way you may not have expected. You may also meet other players along the way which is a great additional benefit we have discovered.

Have you tried Geocaching yet? What’s the most unique cache you have found so far? Share your experiences in the comments below or on the Gray Line Facebook page. (Click here if you can’t see comments: Geocaching Fever)

View of Barcelona from Park Güell

Big bonny boulevards bend around Gaudí’s grand Güell and grandstanding Gothic genius. Museums, Monserrat, Modernisme and mosaics create a Catalonian cloud nine.

Now I’m no poet, but Barcelona just lends itself to alliteration.

It’s a city engrossed by the sea, settled along the hills, filled with history and bustling with modernity. To put it simply, Barcelona is almost perfect. Whether you’ve got a couple of days or a couple of weeks to explore this Catalonian capital city, there are more than a few things that you shouldn’t miss. Here are the 6 best things to do in Barcelona:

El Dragon at Park Güell

1. Experience Gaudí: Two of  the most famous works of Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia, are among the most impressive sights in Barcelona. Their grandeur alone demands a visit, but their appeal extends past their size alone; the works of Gaudí are not only innovative and quirky, but quintessentially Barcelona.
2. La Boqueria at La Rambla: Though it is deemed the main tourist drag, Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is a comprehensive–albeit a bit inauthentic–way to experience the cuisine of Barcelona. La Boqueria serves up a visual smorgasbord of fresh fish, gourmet tapas, dried fruits, cured meats, aged cheeses, and other Mediterranean favorites.
3. Montserrat: The mountaintop monastery at Montserrat, just outside the city, is a fascinating way to spend a day. Save your breath by making your ascent by bus or cable car, and lose it again as you look out across the sprawling city of Barcelona. For the views alone, this day trip is well worth the trek.
4. Tapas y Bebidas: As a food lover and wannabe Sangria connoisseur, tapas are probably my very favorite part of Spanish culture. Eating these bite sized appetizers–typically composed of a toasted piece of bread and some configuration of cured meats, fish, cheeses, and tomatoes– is probably one of the most delicious (eh… important) activities for any traveler in Spain. Check online ahead of time for special promotions like 1€ tapas on certain nights of the week!
5. Visit a Museum: You didn’t think  I was going to let you leave Barcelona without visiting an art museum, did you? Museu Picasso is the most popular museum in Barcelona and houses many of Picasso’s early works. If Picasso’s sketches are not your style, there are plenty of other museums for every interest like el Museu del Futbol Club Barcelona for “soccer” enthusiasts or el Museu de la Música for instrumentalists and music lovers.
6. Hit the Beach: Perfect sand, perfect waters… no further explanation required. Go.

The Beaches of Tel Aviv Overflowing on the Weekend. Photo by Author.

Although Israel is a truly tiny country, with glimmering Mediterranean coast lines, a slew of contemporary cities, a collection of biblical ruins, and an awesome cuisine, it certainly holds its own on the global scene. Israel is fascinating semi-European country with Mediterranean influences dropped into the culturally rich Middle East which makes it quite a versatile vacation destination. Are you backpacking on a budget or balling? Retracing your roots or escaping your routine? Seeking day trips or nightlife? Israel has really got it all. If you get the chance to get out here yourself, here are some of the best places in Israel for your vacationing pleasure!

A Side Street in Akko

4th of July at the Dead Sea

Top 5 Places to Visit in Israel

1. Jerusalem: Best Historical Sights in Israel

• The Old City of Jerusalem is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most important places on earth in terms of religious, political, and historical relevance. You can explore the origins of the Abrahamic religions at the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, and the Dome of the Rock while enjoying some of the best falafel in Israel. Sounds like a good day of sightseeing to me!

2.Tel Aviv: Best Place to Luxury Travel in Israel

• If you’re looking for a getaway with class, you can’t go wrong in Tel Aviv. With tons of ritzy restaurants, five star hotels, art museums, and cultural shows, Tel Aviv excels in upmarket offerings. Spend your days at the beach and your evenings wandering around in search of THE place to be.

3. Dead Sea: Must See Sight in Israel

• While a dip in the Dead Sea is not necessarily as refreshing as one in the Mediterranean, this salt lake is a must visit for travelers in Israel. Float around or give yourself a mineral-rich mud treatment that would break the bank on shore!

4. Akko: Best Place to Chill Out in Israel

• Akko is an up-and-coming fishing town in Northern Israel with a well preserved history and a beautiful coastline to boot. While it lacks the restaurant and bar scene of other Israeli cities, it is a good chance to escape the cities and relax. Get there now for an authentic perspective on Israel’s Arab culture and the UNESCO World Heritage Sights!

 5. Haifa: Most Beautiful City in Israel

• Sea views, the Baha’i Gardens, and the tree-covered slopes of Mt. Carmel make Haifa more than just another concrete city. While the city’s cultural and art scene is still developing, a visit to Haifa is necessary if you want to experience natural beauty without getting too far from the city.

Provided by playpianoking

Oh Smokey the Bear, how I mocked you as a child. You made it so easy for me and my friends to twist your words into something inappropriate.

This, however, is no joking matter.

Having grown up in New Mexico, I know what it’s like to live in a dry climate. Colorado can be much the same. And unfortunately, this year is one for the books.

Our gorgeous state is in a state of emergency. There are currently fires in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Boulder.

• 32,00 People were evacuated in El Paso County near Colorado Springs as the fire came down Waldo Canyon.
• Flagstaff fire is about 1.5 miles from the Boulder city limits.
• 90,000 acres have been swallowed up by the The High Park fire in the Fort Collins area. With containment not expected for TILL JULY 30^TH!

We haven’t had any rain, we have extreme temperatures (reaching 106 in the Denver metro area), and high winds. All of these things equal disaster.

So what can we do?

• The Denver Post has provided resources and information on how we can all help in all 3 areas.
• Here is a full list of county bans and restrictions.
• There is a ban on all private fireworks.
• You can only have a campfire if it is in a developed campsite with a metal fire ring.
• DO NOT, I repeat, do not smoke outside!!!!

Fires can happen anywhere. Caution should be exercised everywhere you go. If you are unsure of what preventative measures to take our old friend Smokey the Bear is here to lend a helping hand.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

Do you have any updates on the situation? Can you provide any tips on how to prevent fires? Let us know in the comments below.

Image provided by Flickr Rob Sinclair

What do you think of when you hear the words Rocky Mountains? Jagged mountain ranges? Big open skies? Breathtaking views?

What if I told you that not only could you get all of the above, but you could also throw world-class entertainment into the mix? Pack your bags, you now have another reason to visit Colorado, aka the Rocky Mountain State. What is it? Well, Red Rocks Amphitheater of course!

What is Red Rocks Amphitheater? It is a geologically formed amphitheater that provides acoustic perfection! It is the only one of its kind in the world! Based on that alone, it’s not hard to understand why we Coloradans are obsessed with Red Rocks. You can literally fulfill all of your summer needs here.

• Exercise: This is one of the best places to get your fitness on. Once the weather starts to warm up there are so many Boot Camps that you can partake in. Join a group or go alone–running the stairs at Red Rocks is no joke. Best part is as long as there isn’t a show or festival going on the park is free!
• Hike: Walking around the Amphitheater can be a trek in itself, but the area surrounding contains some great hiking trails.
• Film on the Rocks: Wait, what?! Yes, during the summer Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Denver Film Society, and the Arts & Venues Denver collaborate to bring iconic movies to the masses at an affordable rate.  You can find me this year at the showings for Spirited Away and (ahem) the Notebook – Ryan Gosling – I’m just sayin’.
• Concerts: I mean hello! Red Rocks is a favorite place to play for so many artists. And I am going to say it; there is no such thing as a bad show at Red Rocks. Seriously, Yanni, would be amazing here – no offense to the Yanni fans out there. You have: your favorite bands, the massive, awe-inspiring sandstones that give the venue its name, panoramic views of Denver and guaranteed amazing sunsets!

I can go on and on but it won’t do you any good. This is something you need to experience for yourself.  Trust me, one show here and I am certain you too will prefer to spend your summers on the rocks.

Check out their website for more information about the history, geology, and events at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Who would you love to see at Red Rocks? Better yet, what was your favorite show at Red Rocks?

Image Provided by Flickr Lali Masriera

I have received a record number of wedding invites this year, which can only mean three things – I’m getting old, I will soon be broke and it’s wedding season! Love is most definitely in the air. While I myself am not getting married, I have to admit I cannot help but think about what my own wedding would be like. My thoughts range from the food that will be served, the flavor of the cake, the dress (obv), and (drum roll please) the honeymoon! Ok, so based on those topics, maybe I just want to have a great meal in a beautiful dress while on a beach – the wedding can wait. For those of you who are preparing for your upcoming nuptials but are not quite sure where to go for your honeymoon, here are a few ideas to get you started:

According to the travelchannel.com, some of this year’s Top Honeymoon Hot Spots for 2012 include Botswana, Bali, the Virgin Islands, Italy, Mexico, and Greece. Although I have to say this unique list of Honeymoon Choices for 2012 caught my attention which includes Croatia, Mozambique, Boracay, and Buenos Aires to name a few. As much as I love laying around and being a bum while I’m at home, I prefer to be as active as possible while traveling. I’m sure my hypothetical honeymoon would be much the same!

Here are some exciting things to do in a few of the countries listed above:

1. Bali, Indonesia: Definitely spend some quality time on the beach, but then get out and about. Here’s a list of a wide variety of Bali tours available to satisfy your travel dreams, be they cultural, leisurely or adventurous! You can enjoy the beauty of Kintamani while experiencing two forms of traditional Balinese dance, go white water rafting on the Ayung River, or my personal favorite, ride an elephant ride through the countryside!
2. Mozambique: For an easy, comprehensive guide to Mozambique, Lonely Planet is the place to turn to. They have created an itinerary for a 14 day vacation to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. Go fishing on Lake Chicamba and you are likely to spend your day checking out the Zebras that tend to hang around. Go on a game drive at Kruger National Park for a chance to see the famous “big five” animals: lions, elephants (my favorite!), leopards, cape buffalos, and rhinoceros. And when you’re tired of adventure, kick your feet up in Vilankulo, a paradise that promises glistening sandy beaches and gorgeous coral reefs.
3. Boracay, Philippines: Did you know that Bulabog Beach in Boracay is known for being the best kitesurfing destination in Asia? You do now! This island in the Philippines has so much to offer and is said to rival the best beaches in the Caribbean. Which is OK, I mean, if you are into that sort of thing. Check out White Beach, Puka Beach, Baling Beach, and after you’ve had too much sun, escape into the Bat Cave. Not to be confused with Batman’s lair, but it is home to insectivorous bats.

OK that’s all for now. Now go, get married… or dream about getting married! What would your dream honeymoon look like? Let us know in the comments below! I know you think about it, if you didn’t, Pinterest wouldn’t exist… just sayin. And if you’re already married and want to brag about your amazing honeymoon, tell us what you did! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Honeymoon Ideas in Time for Wedding Season)