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)

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. 

Image Provided by Benson Kua

Hello springtime!! April showers have brought May flowers and the allergies to go with them. Sneezing aside all is forgiven thanks to pool parties, patio cocktails and my new favorite – food truck season! Yes, that’s right folks, I said food truck season. A lot of local restaurants are taking to the streets to promote and convert new customers by way of food trucks. It’s a win:win – restaurant quality food with the ease of street food. Food trucks are nothing new; they’ve been around forever, like taco trucks which have been popular since way before it was cool. I can recall an early 90′s Simpsons episode in which Marge’s pretzel stand was outdone when a falafel truck invaded her territory.

Food trucks are great because not only are you getting fed, it’s like a scavenger hunt because you never know where your favorite truck will be posted up. Now there are even food truck parties and festivals! This a great way to diversify your palate, get to know the food your city has to offer, and take in the sunshine with those who love to eat as much as you do! This can even be a money saver while on vacation! For maximum fun factor, try an open top double decker hop-on hop-off tour which will give you a great opportunity to hunt down local food trucks while taking in the sights!

Here’s a list of food trucks in some popular cities and tips on how to find them!

• Denver: http://www.denfoodtrucks.com/
• LA: http://www.findlafoodtrucks.com/sea
• New York City: http://www.nycfoodtrucks.org/
• Chicago: http://www.foodtrucksmap.com/chicago/
• Seattle: http://www.seattlefoodtruck.com/
• San Francisco: http://roaminghunger.com/sf

 
What’s the craziest or tastiest thing you’ve ever eaten from a food truck? (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here to view the full version of the blog entry: Keep on Truckin’ – Food Truckin’ That Is

Airport Traveling - Photo Credit Flickr - jencu

I kinda love the airport…

Not because it’s a particularly fun place to hang out, but because it’s such a melting pot of people. I’m able to relax at my gate for 30 minutes waiting to board my flight and in that time, see travelers from literally all walks of life pass me by. It’s fascinating to me, so I’ve narrowed down my Top 10 favorite kinds of airport travelers:

1.  THE BUSINESS TRAVELER – This ain’t their first airport rodeo. You can usually tell who the weekday warriors are because 9 times out of 10, they’ll be carrying an over-the-shoulder laptop bag, compact carry-on suitcase, and hanging bag. If you’re lucky, you may also hear a company merger in the time it takes to throw your suitcase in the overhead compartment.

2.  THE SLEEPER - When I think of the kinds of people that have life figured out, I think of the sleepers. If their flight is 2 hours 16 minutes, they consider this a 2 hour 15 minute nap and will board the plane with 3 things: an eye mask, ear plugs, and a head pillow. Whether they look cool or not, it really doesn’t matter because they’re off snoring in Happyland before the pilot can even welcome you aboard.

3.  THE REALLY IMPORTANT PERSON – This probably needs no explanation because these people are REALLY important.

4.  THE PROCRASTINATING MINIMALIST – Let’s face it, they’re lucky to have even made it to the airport on time. These are the guys (errr, people) that pack a couple things in a trash bag and then arrive at your house and ask if you have an extra toothbrush they can borrow. I’m pretty sure I met this guy (errr, person) in college a time or two.

5.  THE OVER-PACKER – On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the over-packer. This person is literally rolling their entire closet down the airport terminal.  It may only be a 2-day weekend getaway, but “How do you know what you’re going to want to wear?”  Well, the 22 tank tops, 12 sundresses, 4 pairs of jeans, and 8 pairs of shoes in your two giant suitcases might be just a wee bit excessive. But hey, whatever floats your boat as long as I’m not the one carrying it.

6.  THE BACKPACKER – I’m convinced the backpackers have special super powers.   You’re standing behind them at the check-in counter, they’re carrying ONE fancy REI backpack, and you overhear that they’re going to South America for 3 months.  Really?! I say this as the highest compliment, but they’re freaks of human nature. I can barely fit all my toiletries in one backpack, much less everything I’ll need for 3 months. They pack smart and practical, love rolling their clothes, and adore little compartments.

7.  THE MOM – Bless their hearts, you’d think they have 6 arms because they’re somehow carrying their purse, the diaper bag, the Scooby Doo duffel bag, and their child as they make their way to the security line. All the while, pulling 2 suitcases with their other kids riding them like shopping carts. This is only after they’ve already checked a car seat and their husband’s suitcase, who just so happens to be ‘parking the car’.

8.  THE CARIBBEAN CRUISERS - Gathered around the morning flight to Ft. Lauderdale, the cruisers may as well already be on the ship sipping cocktails. Dawning  their favorite Hawaiian shirts and a little extra room in their pastel ‘St. Maarten’ carry-on bag for Duty-Free shopping, it’s quite obvious who’s going on a sunny beach vacation and I must admit, I’m always a little jealous.

9.  THE MUSICIAN – The musician prints his boarding pass at home and skips right past the check-in counter because this guy is NOT handing his guitar over to anyone.  Last time the airline forced him to check it, they threw it around carelessly, broke a string, and he had to spend “half his day retuning it”. This guy may have only brought 2 shirts, but no matter. As long as he has his trusty guitar by his side, he’ll make it to the next gig, man.

10.  THE PASSIONATE SPORTS FAN - They’re probably the most entertaining bunch at the airport. Whether they’re on their way to the game, coming home from the game, win, lose, draw, forfeit – they’re in their gear and they’re excited. The avid sports fan stops at every airport bar down the terminal to catch a few seconds of the game. Any game, really. It may just be a commercial on but they’re squinting to try to see the score anyway. They also love making best friends. I’m from Texas, and we definitely like our sports in Texas. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Longhorn fans bond at the airport for the simple fact that they’re both wearing burnt orange. I’ve totally done this myself and I’m not afraid to admit it.

I would guess that the majority of us fall into at least one or two of these categories, whether we like to admit it or not. Depending on the circumstances, we may be #1, #6, and #7 all within the same year. The beauty of traveling is that it’s a different experience each and every time, and an entirely different experience for each and every person. Whether you’re headed to see the grandparents in Boston or to teach Spanish in Guatemala, or any other place the world may take you, just make sure to enjoy it and appreciate all of the differences around you …also, do yourself a favor and make sure that you’re never #5.

What type of traveler are you? Tell us in the comments! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, go here for the full Top 10 Favorite Kinds of Airport Travelers Travel Blog Post.)

Beautiful Canyonlands National Park in Utah - Photo Credit Flickr jphilipg

Spring has sprung! It’s time to say farewell to the beloved winter couch and hello to the fresh air  as this weekend begins National Park Week. From April 21st – April 29th you can visit any of the 397 national park areas in the US for FREE. Admire the abundant wildlife that roam the wide open ranges, sweat out your worries on a hike through the forest, or heck if you’re tired, just go for a drive and appreciate the beauty of the park through the car window. It’s estimated that just under 300 million people from around the world visit US National Parks each year, and with those kind of numbers, you know there must be a reason. To find out which of the participating parks tickle your outdoor fancy, click here.

If you’re a rock geek, make your way to Utah to see the natural red rock formations that make up much of the landscape at Bryce Canyon or Arches National Park. Believe me, it’s loads of fun to spend a couple of minutes contemplating whether the rock in front of you looks more like Abe Lincoln or George Washington.

In the Southeast, visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the US with approximately 6-7 million visitors a year. Spanning from North Carolina to Tennessee, explore the 800 miles of maintained trails in this land of wildflowers and majestic rolling hills.

Out West lie two of the most beloved and well-known parks in the US – Yosemite and Yellowstone, as they are host to some of the most stunning views of nature in America. At Yosemite, east of San Francisco in the High Sierras, visit Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall. Yellowstone, spanning through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including herds of bison and elk, wolves, moose, and grizzly bears. The oldest national park in the US, Yellowstone, also contains the majority of the world’s geysers, including the famous (and still erupting) Old Faithful.

The opportunities to explore are literally endless. And what better time to do it than now during National Park Week?  Grab your water bottle, your backpack, your hiking boots and a map, and go see what America has to offer!

What’s your favorite National Park? If you can’t view Facebook comments, go here for the full National Park Week Blog Post!

Image by Kristal Kraft

When many people think of my hometown of Denver, they think of a cowboy boot wearin’, steak and potatoes eatin’, gone skiin’ or gone fishin’ kind of city. If you’re one of those people, you’re in for a surprise because Denver has a lot to offer culturally. We have an ever evolving, diverse and exciting downtown area. We also have a great art scene with several art districts and the impressive Denver Art Museum, or “DAM”. Architecturally inspiring, DAM also houses a wide variety of unique exhibits. We also have some pretty great things do in the great outdoors (gasp!). With places like Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Boulder Flat Irons and Hanging Lake to name a few, it’s not hard to understand why Denver is consistently rated one of the happiest and healthiest cities in America.

Click here to read the full story featured on Gotsaga.com

Easter Egg Fun

I’m not going to deny that I love Easter Egg Hunts as much as the next 6 year-old. And I have to admit that a wee little part of me died inside a few years ago when I was told on Easter morning that my job is now to hide the eggs instead of find them. Sure, I was almost 30, but giving up my spot in the family Easter Egg Hunt was a tough pill to swallow. After all, elbowing your way past your siblings in order to find little plastic eggs filled with pieces of melty chocolate is one of life’s little pleasures.

The good part about getting benched is that I’ve learned that it’s just as much fun watching my nieces and nephews run around like sugar-crazed cute little maniacs as it was doing it myself. I’ve also learned that there are lots of other fun things to do on Easter besides tote around a wicker basket and steal my brother’s eggs.

Here are a few Easter activity suggestions:

Attend An Outdoor Sunrise Service – Check your local parks and recreation for sunrise services in your area, which are generally open to the public and free. If you’re near Denver, CO, head to Red Rocks Amphitheater to be one of the 10,000 early-risers who attend this service each year. Another great one is Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC which draws a crowd of nearly 5,000 for their sunrise Easter service, an event that is open to the public. Click here for a list of other celebrations around the world.

Volunteer – Perhaps your neighborhood needs somebody to play the part of the Easter Bunny, or if you feel so inclined, call a shelter and see if they need extra help serving a meal. It will make you feel good, and will make others feel good too on this special day.

Participate in a Fun Run – What’s better than being stuffed on HoneyBaked Ham, candy, and other assorted goodies on Easter? Feeling healthy… are you with me? Sign up for a race with friends or your spouse and kids. You’ll find Easter Fun Runs in many cities across the US from San Francisco, California to St. Paul, Minnesota – Check out this list for a few favorites!

Easter Brunch – Maybe you’re not feeling the Fun Run. I totally understand, Easter is a holiday and on holidays, we EAT. If you’re not the cooking (or running) type, check out which Easter menus in your area look the tastiest and call the restaurant in advance to make a reservation.

See the City – Easter falls on a weekend, and I’d bet the majority of you have the day off of work or are lucky enough to be on vacation. Why not plan a day seeing the city? Visit a museum, head to the park, or even let Gray Line show you around. Many cities offer guided tours such as the Inside Chicago Tour or family discounts like the ones offered on the Miami Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus.

So I definitely still encourage you to have the Easter Egg Hunt, your kids love it and it’s always fun finding that colored egg hidden behind the toaster sometime in July…  but, if time allows and you’re looking for something new to do on Easter this year, there are many Eggcellent options!  (Sorry, had to do it).

Think back to your favorite Easter memory… now tell us about it in the comments! (click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments below)

Not so fast...

Your trip has been planned for months. You’re finally at the airport counter, placing your suitcase on the scale (48.4 lbs!), and the ticket attendant requests your boarding passes. “No problem, got them right here.” She grabs the passes, starts typing away on her computer, and then asks you for your passport. You reach into your purse and slap that little blue freedom booklet on the counter with a smile.

Please, for your sake, your spouse’s sake, your friend’s sake, and your sanity’s sake, be prepared. Find out what travel documents you will need to show as soon as you start planning your trip. Research whether you will need a passport, a travel visa, a birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, or all of the above.

If you are traveling internationally from the US by air, land, or sea, a passport will be required. There are a few limited exceptions, but as with most things in life, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. First-time applicants can obtain a passport for around $135.00 US, and receive it in the mail in about 4-6 weeks. Expedited options are available as well for an additional fee.

One important rule to note is that passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the last date of travel. This means that if you are, for example, traveling in June and your passport expires in August, you will still need to get it renewed. If you have a passport, go dig it out right NOW and check the expiration date.  If it needs to be renewed, go ahead and get it over with. It’s a simple process and can be done for around $110.00 US. Plus, you’ll need every penny you’ve got come vacation time so get it out of the way now!

Don’t be that person that shows up at the airport and can’t board the plane because you don’t have the necessary documents! You’d hate for your friends and family to go without you.

This happened to a friend recently and right at the airport, not willing to leave the family member behind, they had to change their entire family trip to visit Puerto Rico instead of Cancun. It was an extremely stressful and expensive last minute change that could have been prevented with a little planning.

Please take a minute of your time and Click Here for more information on Passport and Visa requirements. You’ll be glad you did.

Share your Passport/Visa horror stories or tips with us in the comments. (click here to see Facebook comments if you can’t already)

Park City, Utah

I recently returned from Park City Utah, where the snow was soft and plentiful, the skies were blue and the lift lines were empty. To say the least we experienced great conditions. Whenever I return from a successful ski adventure, I have ski fever and I want to test my luck elsewhere. Therefore the following weekend my boyfriend and I drove up to Winter Park, Colorado and to our dismay the conditions were the exact opposite. The hills were icy, the moguls were monstrous and there were crazed children whizzing past only to crash right in front of us. We called it quits by noon.

Although I was disappointed by our unsatisfactory day, I did realize that since the end of the season is upon us, huge discounts off of this years’ merchandise is right around the corner! Hooray! If you’re like me, then your ski gear is either mismatched and/or hand-me-downs from friends and family. I don’t think I can sport my brother’s baggy snowboarding pants from 1999 any longer, so it’s officially time for a new outfit. Don’t miss out on the incredible upcoming deals, because pricing for ski gear won’t be as forgiving come this fall.

There may be some great local deals in your area, however if ski/snowboard shops are scarce in your area or you prefer online shopping then these websites are a good jumping off point for discount shopping:

• Backcountry.com :: Warehouse Sale up to 60% off
• Altrec.com :: Up to 50% off
• Outlet.altrec.com :: Up to 70% off
• Untracked.com, Al’s Discount Ski Deals :: Up to 70% Off
• Mountainwarehouse.com :: Up to 40% off
• Dogfunk.com :: Up to 50% off

Where do you get your gear for the cheapest prices? Share in the comments below! (click here if you can’t see the comments)

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)