Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Oh the Places You'll go for a Good Cup of Joe. Photo by Umers30 on Flickr.

Hardly able to crack a smile before noon without coffee? Of the opinion that Nescafe is probably better for paving roads than human consumption? Willing to travel anywhere in the world to find a good cup?

If this describes you or a loved one… don’t worry. There is a vacation solution.

Whether you’re a java connoisseur or a simple devotee to the morning routine, there are places in the world that true coffee lovers simply must go to get their fix. Maybe your next vacation will take you to the coffee plantations of Asia or have you yelling out your order at a vicious espresso bar. I can assure you though, if you book your next vacation to one of these spots, you won’t be drinking instant:

1. To Nature (Indonesia): The famed Civet Coffee is primarily produced in Indonesia. Not familiar? Civet Coffee is made from a bean collected from the stool of the Civet monkey, then (thoroughly washed, I hope) and processed into one of the crappiest (haha), most expensive cups of coffee you’ll ever drink.
2. To the Farm (Hawaii): Hawaii has one of the best set-ups for coffee tourists. From the Kona Historical Society to the farms themselves, you can have an informative vacation full of bean-related information.
3. To the Table (Italy): If you’ve never had practice elbowing your way in and yelling out an order, perhaps 8 o’clock in the morning is not the time to try. Things can get aggressive at the Italian coffee bar, but they sure do take their brew seriously. Don’t expect any under frothed cappuccinos or non-fat lattes here. Your options are simple, straight forward, and absolutely delicious.
4. To the Jungle (Costa Rica): The fertile tropical rain forests of Costa Rica have produced some of the world’s finest coffee for centuries since the bean was introduced from Ethiopia in 1779. Follow the production process from planting to brewing where your tastebuds will discover why coffee is among Costa Rica’s top exports. (Take a Costa Rica coffee tour)
5. To a New Take (Turkey): Though its origins are in the 15th century, Turkish coffee might be new to many Western coffee drinkers. The preparation method in a pot (cezve) is perhaps the most interesting part, but the unmistakable clove flavor makes for a completely different take on classic coffee.

Where did you drink your best cup of coffee? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments section below! (Can’t see the comments? Click here to link to the full story: Oh the Places You’ll Go for A Good Cup of Joe: Coffee Vacations)

How Much Would you Pay for a Turkey? Photo by Edsel L

It’s Thanksgiving time again, and while family gatherings, turkey, pumpkin pie, parades, and American football are the staples for most, the holiday takes different forms for everyone. Sometimes it can even take the form of watching cricket and eating pumpkin curry if you’re not in the United States.

Some celebrate Thanksgiving by flocking home, mashing potatoes and putting on the T.V., while others flee family obligations for the islands and pretend that it’s just any fourth Thursday. However, there is also a group in between–the people that are away from home for the holidays, but really wish they weren’t. They will spend November 22nd seeking out an American sports bar and roasting a “turkey” (or any bird-shaped meat for that matter) to be shared with anyone who’s interested.

Last year, I fell into the latter category during a teaching contract in Thailand, so this Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful to be home and with my family for the celebration. It did make me wonder, though… how do people who live abroad permanently celebrate at this time of year? Is Thanksgiving abroad depressing? …unimportant? …better than at home?

NPR had the same question last year and surveyed travelers, expats, and service members about how they plan celebrate Thanksgiving from abroad. One contributor writes that roast ostrich might be on his dinner table in South Africa while others vow to recreate the full experience with expensive imported goods. While most have the food down, it seems as though the hardest part for many is figuring out how to catch the game… Check out NPR’s Interactive Map of How Travelers, Expatriates And Service Members Spend Thanksgiving.

How do you plan to spend your Thanksgiving this year? And, how much would you pay for a turkey to make your Thanksgiving abroad authentic? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments section below. (Click here for a link to the full story if you can’t see the comments below: Cricket Games and Pumpkin Curry: Celebrating Thanksgiving Abroad)

Honoring our Veterans. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade.

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” -Cynthia Ozick

While Veterans Day is an especially good time to honor the men and women that have served the United States, their honorable sacrifice is one that should be revered year round. There are hundreds of benefits and discounts for veterans as a small form of thanks for your service, but with so much information, perhaps you don’t know exactly what’s available. If you are a veteran or have a family member who is, here are some veteran travel resources to help you benefit from your veteran status on your next vacation.

• Get your Veterans Advantage Card: Veterans Advantage is a benefits program designed to offer veterans and their families discounts on everything from electronics to travel. Veterans holding a Veterans Advantage membership card are eligible for major discounts on all things travel. With airline, train, bus, cruise, hotel and rental car partners, Veterans Advantage can save money for a veteran with a love of travel.
• Discover Exclusive Military Discounts before You Travel: Check out exclusive veteran travel discounts at Military.com before planning your trip to find out where you can stay, what you can do, and how you can travel at a discounted rate.
• Travel Space-A: If your itinerary is flexible, travel “Space-A” rather than on commercial airlines. Space Available travel is an way for veterans to travel by flying from one base to another on an open seat basis. Sign up on the Air Mobility Command website. While openings can be unpredictable, it’s easy to register your spot and save money on vacation.
• Use Military Lodging as a Hotel Alternative:  Find an Army, Navy or Air Force base near your vacation spot through the Department of Defense list dodlodging.net or call the centralized reservation systems for the U.S. Army (866-363-5771), the U.S. Navy (800-628-9466) or the U.S. Air Force (888-235-6343) to book. (Source: USAToday)

Find out more about veteran benefits on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website. Travel safe and Happy Veterans Day to the men and women who have served in the United States military!

Say your thanks to the veterans in the comments section below or on Facebook. (Can’t see comments? Click here for a link: Happy Veterans Day! Veteran Travel Discounts)

Are you Ready for Halloween? Photo by Author.

Halloween is creeping up again, and I have to say… it might just be my favorite holiday. Every year, I construct a ridiculous, elaborate, and random costume, then wait for the response. Sometimes, I win prizes, while other times I just end up squeezing myself through crowds restricted by a large trash can lid and overexplaining my costume for the few people that might ACTUALLY get it.

If you too love travel and Halloween, I’ve thought of a few clever and funny travel-related Halloween costume ideas for 2012. Sure, you could be a scantily-dressed cat or lazily constructed ghost again, but wouldn’t you rather choose something different this year? Read on for a few funny unique travel-themed Halloween Costume ideas!

1. The Rude Flight Attendant: The angry flight attendant is a great reference, because just about anyone who’s ever taken a flight anywhere can relate. Find a well tailored polyester dress or suit, over-coif your hair, and accessorize with a silk scarf, a pair of wings, and a little hat. The angry part can involve a beverage cart which you wield around recklessly, some miniature wine bottles, and snarky comments about seat belts and luggage. Don’t forget your fake smile for this one!

2. The Backpacker: The backpacker look is one that can be appreciated with anyone who’s traveled in the hostel scene before. Wear wildly patterned genie pants, a tank top advertising Southeast Asian lager, and a pair of obnoxiously colored Ray Bans. Mess up your hair a bit, and equip yourself with a smartphone, a lonely planet, and an REI daypack. Complete the look with a tribal tattoo, bare feet and a 40oz beer.

3. The Tourist: The stereotypical tourist is a travel reference that anyone will identify. Throw on your most obnoxious floral printed or “I ♥ …” shirt with a pair of khakis, high socks, and walking shoes. Sling a fake jumbo camera around your neck, fill your pockets with boarding passes and a crinkled map, and throw on a huge straw hat.

4. The Travelocity Gnome, Priceline Negotiator, etc.: Pick the travel commercial spokesman of your choice and build your own Halloween costume. Throw on a suit and your best William Shatner impression, or deck yourself out in a gnome hat and white beard to be the Travelocity gnome. Get creative, and rest assured that even your non-traveler friends can get this joke.

If you’re not up for the sarcasm, you could always be a pilot, tour guide, or even the hotel maid. For other ideas, think of all the people you meet on vacation and get creative!

Have you ever worn a travel-themed Halloween costume? Was it a success or a flop? Tell us about it in the comments below or on Facebook! (Click here if you can’t see the comments below: Funny Travel-Themed Halloween Costume Ideas for 2012)

Coney Island

I just got back from a trip to NYC. I hadn’t been to the city in a while and was really excited to catch up with old friends, eat some great food, and of course see a show. With those 3 things in mind, I’m happy to say it was a successful trip.

I got to see Once the musical and if you have an opportunity to see it, DO IT! It’s easily one of the best shows I have ever been to and the venue is a gem. If you happen to run into Paul who works security, be nice to him. He is THE MAN! Seriously though, he let my friend and I leave during intermission to make a bathroom run, despite the fact that we lost our tickets! Not only that, there is literally a bar on the stage(!) that you can order drinks from!! They may be expensive, but they come in Once sippy cups (adorable) and they don’t skimp on the pours…

My last day in the city, I was invited to go to Coney Island for a friend’s birthday. I’ve never been and I was eager to get my hands on a Nathan’s Famous hotdog and stroll down the boardwalk. Little did I know that the highlight of my time there would be a roller coaster – The Cyclone!

Image Provided by Flickr User: Loozrboy

Heard of it? Of course you have! If you haven’t, well now you know. The Cyclone is a national landmark and was the first wooden roller coaster in the US.  It’s THE standard to which all rides are held. Here are some facts:

• The Cyclone made its debut in 1927 and is one of the oldest roller coasters still in operation
• Height: 85 feet
• 1^st Drop: 85 feet at 53 degrees
• Top speed: 60 mph – feels faster
• Number of Drops: 12(!)
• Changes in Direction: 16
• Number of 180 Degree turns: 6
• Number of Elevation Changes: 27
• Duration: 1 minute 50 seconds

There was something so terrifyingly wonderful about this ride. Don’t let the fact that it doesn’t look too intimidating from the ground fool you as it did me. I was not expecting so many steep drops. You know how most roller coasters are, they start you off with the steepest drop and then it’s smooth sailing from there. Not the case with the Cyclone. Once you have recovered from the last drop, you are jerked to the right and you find yourself falling again – lifted out of your chair – stomach in your throat – holding on for dear life. They say if you’re sitting in the back car you can actually feel the coaster lift off the tracks!

Once the ride was actually over, the #1 comment everyone made was how long the ride felt! Regardless of length, I can honestly say my equilibrium was off and I couldn’t hardly stand, as you can see in the photo:

If you are in the city, you should really take some time to hop on the train and head out to Coney Island to ride the Cyclone – it would also be a good idea to wait to eat your Nathan’s hot dog until afterwards… jus’ sayin.

And seeing as how New York is known for its food, here’s a plug for a restaurant you have to try. If you are in the East Village, check out the chic new restaurant Ducks Eatery at 351 e 12th street, New York, New York, and tell them Sonja sent you. Great food (especially try the jerky, pig ears and wings), great drinks and great people. I may be a little biased on the last one, seeing as most of the staff is from my hometown of Taos. And finally, here’s a shout out to Alie Valerio for providing the uncaptioned photos !

Have you been to Coney Island? What was your favorite ride? What did you think of the Cyclone? Share your comments below! (Click here if you can’t see Facebook comments: We All Know About the Twister But What Do You Know About the Cyclone?)

Image Provided by Flickr user Nick Ares

Ok, you know the feeling. You’re sleeping, probably having great dreams about skipping through lavender fields, puppies, and Ryan Gosling as your own personal cabana boy (wait sorry that’s just me). Then slowly the sunlight hits your eyelids and you’re jerked away from your state of bliss – and into a state of panic. Your heart drops as you reach for your phone to realize – it happened – you missed your flight.

Groannnnn… (insert every curse word you know)

And it’s not as if you are making a solid attempt to be there, ie: running for the gate “Home Alone“ style, boarding pass in hand screaming “I’m coming” as your name is being called out over the intercom.

No.

You are in bed while the plane you should be on is flying over Nebraska. Why Nebraska? Because this literally just happened to me. I was visiting a friend and we BOTH over slept!!!! I didn’t barely miss my flight, I full on missed it. What was the result? I dished out over $200 to get back to CO so I could make it to work on time that night.

Not cool.

So here’s my advice:

1)   DON’T MISS YOUR FLIGHT! Just kidding – but really, don’t do it. Set two alarms if you have them.

2)   Accept It – It happened, it’s annoying, but get your head together, you have somewhere to go.

3)   Act quickly – Get on the phone with an airline rep and know your options. Some airlines will give you a 2-hour grace period if you have had car issues – ie: flat tire, broken down, etc. The next flight out might be 30 minutes away and the one after that might require an overnight stay.

4)   Be Patient – The airline rep wants to help and is trying his or her best to get you on a plane, so be NICE.

5)   Understand – If you booked your flight through a service like bobscheapflights.com, a low-cost european airline, one time charter flight deal, etc, you’re probably going to have to just suck it up and pay for a new flight.

6)   Accept It – Yes, I know that I already said it but it’s true. Flip the situation and choose to see it as a vacation extension.

7) Think Outside the Box – If time is of the essence and there are no more flights out or it’s ludicrously expensive, don’t forget to check into trains, buses, car rentals, ride sharing websites, ferry boats, etc.

We’ve all missed flights before and every situation is different. At the time it can be frustrating but on the positive side, there’s always a good story to tell. What did you do? Do you have a funny story to share? Tell us about it in the comments below! (Click here if you can’t see comments: You Missed Your Flight – Now What?)

Baking cookies is also in the job description. Photo by author.

Puppet shows, hair braiding sessions, and sing-alongs are all in a day’s work. I feel like I’m living the life of a modern day Maria… Maria Von Trapp, that is.

I’m an au pair for three little girls in Spain, but I feel more like a very involved big sister. What else do I do? I hang out at the pool, enjoy Spanish style three course meals, and create far more crafts than the average twenty three year old. I also help with English homework and speak English while playing pretend and reading aloud. I spend my days living in and learning about Spanish culture, my evenings taking a language course, and my weekends exploring a foreign city.

Who knew this was a job?

What is Au Pairing? Au pairing is a cultural and language exchange for young adults. In exchange for board, lodging and a small weekly stipend, the au pair helps the family with childcare and light household tasks. Au pairing is not the same as nannying or housekeeping.

Who Should Be an Au Pair? Becoming an au pair is a great opportunity for young people to learn another language and experience another country through living with a local family. Au pairs should be kid loving, patient, open minded, willing to teach their native language, and relatively free of additional financial responsibilities. 

Where Can I Au Pair? There are families seeking au pairs in nearly every country in the world. While the hours, pay, and responsibilities vary slightly and the experience varies significantly, you can work as an au pair almost anywhere. Check out some of the listings on Au Pair World.

Why Should I Au Pair? If you want to live abroad, gain childcare experience, or study a foreign language in-country, there is hardly a more affordable option. Along with valuable life skills, you learn a lot about how real families function around the world, and it can be a great experience to fully integrate yourself into another lifestyle for a period of time.

What are your thoughts on this kind of cultural exchange? Do you have any questions? Have you ever done anything like this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! (Click here if you cannot see the comments: Au Pairing Abroad)

To Shake, or not to Shake? Photo from photozoujp.com

If you’re more comfortable with the distant wave or firm handshake, traveling often requires you to get closer and more personal with people you meet along the way. I am, of course, talking about cross-cultural greetings. A cheek kiss or a bow feels a bit unnatural and rigid at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be initiating kisses and nodding first to new friends without looking awkward. Though the greetings vary significantly depending on the familiarity and formality of the setting, you have to start somewhere. Whether for work, travel, or fun at home, here’s a brief guide to international greetings:

Greetings in Asia: While the bow varies in style from country to country, it is a very typical greeting throughout Asia. How do you bow? Well, the Thai wai looks best with elbows in to your sides and your hands just below your chin, and the Japanese ojigi is typically a bend initiated at the waist rather than at the hips. It seems simple, but I’ve found the bow to be one of the more difficult greetings to master. It’s probably worth asking a local friend for some tips.

Greetings in Europe: Europeans love their kisses–sometimes just one, sometimes three, some beginning on the left cheek, and others on the right. Typically, its more of a cheek to cheek touch with a “smooch” sound rather than a drooly lip plant on your new friends cheek. Spain’s two cheek kisses usually go from right to left while the faire la bise varies in number by city.The best guide to European kissing is to just watch it happen in the streets a few times, then go for it.

Greetings in North America: North Americans are well-known for their excessive grins and firm handshakes. There are entire books on the art of the perfect handshake, but here’s a quick overview United States handshake rules: always use your right hand, apply enough pressure, make eye contact, and don’t let it linger too long. My advice is to practice it on a few people, feel their grip, and try to apply it on your own shake.

Greetings in South America: Many countries in South America have a visibly touchy culture, so it only makes sense that the greetings would be a hug and a kiss. Typically, Argentinians give one kiss on the cheek, while Brazilians give between one and two kisses depending on the region. As always, watch and learn, then go for it.

Ever had an awkward greeting abroad? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments section below! (Click here if you can’t see comments: French Kissing and Other Casual Greetings)

Hatch Green Chile Image Provided by Flickr user vxla

Autumn pulled back her cloak this morning and gave us the shoulder. A crisp reminder that summer is coming to a close. For a brief moment I was saddened but then I was reminded that this time of year means one thing – CHILE ROASTING SEASON!!!

It’s not a secret that I am indigenous to New Mexico and that I am incredibly proud of it. If you have ever met anyone from NM, and talked food, then you know there is only one kind of green chile – Hatch green chile. We take our green chile seriously.  We will put it in EVERYTHING. It’s true, I need an I.V. drip. If it ain’t Hatch green chile, I really don’t want anything to do with it.

Growing up, August and September was that special time of year in which the air becomes saturated with the glorious smell of roasting Hatch chiles. We would pick up bushels, line the table with newspaper, a bowl of water, and Zip Lock bags for days. No gloves though–if you use gloves you don’t get it. It is as if summer is giving you a kiss goodbye. You have to feel the heat in your hands, it needs to seep in your pores – this is a ritual.

Since I have left home, I have deeply missed this time of year. Fall just doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t smell right. Luckily there is always someone willing to bring a cooler up to me so I can stuff my freezer with this vital life source.

If you haven’t experienced this you have to! Go to New Mexico and just smell the air. It’s something so special, unique and tasty! I mean, even Anthony Bourdain (my dream man) agrees that you will never have green chile as good as Hatch green chile. So go support local farmers, grab a bushel and get a taste of heaven.

Do you have a favorite green chile recipe?

Do you disagree with me?

Let me know in the comments below!

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)