Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

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.)

While messing around on Facebook last night I came across an app titled 100 Foods to Eat Before You Die – The Food List Challenge. I like to think of myself as an adventurous eater, I will try anything once, so I had to click on it. The list had dishes like alligator, paella and (my favorite being from New Mexico) frito pie!

The app got me reminiscing with friends about the “strangest” things we have eaten while traveling; things like pigeon fois gras, steamed silkworms and in my case, goat eyeballs. Why would we eat these things? Part of it is to say that you have, I mean come on, but really most of it is out of politeness. In many cultures it is considered extremely rude to not eat the food that has been given to you. What may seem strange to our American sensibilities are considered delicacies in other lands. So what do you do when your host hands you a plate of blood sausages? Smile, say thank you, and you never know, you might like it! Either way, you have a great story to share with your friends when you get home. You only live once right?

Head Cheese - Image Provided by Flickr Stu Spivack

If you are inspired but not quite ready to eat crickets, headcheese, or tongue tacos, you can certainly find some fun food themed tours in your own city to help expand your palate. Are a few in the US to help get you started!

• In Chicago, Illinois: http://www.grayline.com/Chicago/Your_Love_of_Food_Tour
• In Newport, Rhode Island: http://www.grayline.com/Rhode-Island-Providence/The-Providence-Riverwalk-Gourmet-Tour
• In Boston: http://www.bostonfoodtours.com/

And if you were wondering, I scored 81 out of 100 on the Food List Challenge. Did you see the app? If so what was your score? Better yet what are the “strangest” foods you’ve tried on your travels? Let us know in the comments below! (Don’t see Facebook comments? Click here to view the full 100 Foods to Eat Before You Die 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

In a somewhat infamous episode of the television show No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain proclaims the Icelandic delicacy hakarl (fermented shark) to be the absolute worst thing he has EVER eaten. This is no small statement, considering Bourdain’s job is to travel the world eating rare and often unpleasant-sounding regional delicacies.

Not all Icelandic food involves 5-month-old meat that purportedly smells like urine, however. The cuisine of this Nordic country, like most others, revolves around seafood, dairy and meat from local livestock. Here are a few must-try foodstuffs on your next trip to Iceland:

Skyr - Technically a cheese, this yogurt-like dairy product is made from skim milk. Healthy, semi-sweet and pleasantly refreshing, locals eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hot Dogs – If you’re not familiar with these, you’re probably wondering how hot dogs ended up on this list. Different than your run of the mill Oscar Meyer variety, Icelandic hot dogs are made with lamb for a little added gaminess, and have a nice snappy skin.

Brennivin – A spicy black licorice-flavored liquor, brennivin will warm you up for those cold days. It’s also traditionally served after a bite of the hakarl, so if you’re feeling really adventurous, go for it!

Have you ever visited Iceland? What’s your favorite local flavor? (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Tasty Treats in Iceland Travel Blog)

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)

Isla de Sol, Peru - Photo by Author's Awesome Friend Alia

For those of you that haven’t figured it out yet – I love South America.

Whether it’s haggling with cholitas on the street markets of Bolivia, embarrassing myself in Colombian salsa clubs or simply enjoying an afternoon yerba mate in Buenos Aires – South America is a captivating continent that you MUST visit.

For those of you preparing for your next trip to South America (or if you just love a good book) here are five literary masterpieces to look for during your next visit to your local bookstore.

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Marquez (1967)

“Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” With one of the best opening lines in modern literature, Gabriel García Marquez earned his rank as the Admiral of the South American literary fleet. Marquez’s descriptive adjectives and similes fill sentences that stream until the end of the page.

The Gringo Trail by Mark Mann (1999)

South America is full of adventure, exotic landscapes and incredibly diverse cultures. Still, pretty much all tourists follow the exact same route (myself included). This book follows Mark on his adventures through the nooks and crannies of the backpacker trail, taking the reader from the Andes to the beaches of Colombia. Whether you traveled around the “Gringo Trail” in the early 1990s or just wish you had, this book is a must for any adventurous backpacker.

The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey by Ernesto Che Guevara

Che Guevara is South America’s favorite rebellious son. His iconic and frequently copyright-infringed silhouette is plastered on the white-washed kioskos and chicken buses around the continent. His journey to political stardom began in 1952, when this middle-class Argentine drove off on a motorbike heading north. The Motorcycle Diaries movie starring Gael García Bernal is a solid substitute for the book.

The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende (1982)

Isabel Allende is the educated and fierce Chilean queen of South American literature. In 1982 she came out swinging with her debut novel, The House of Spirits. Establishing her whimsical and mystical style Allende follows four generations of the Trueba family through their complicated lives in Chile. Amazing.

Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent by Eduardo Galeano (1971)

Uruguay’s proud political voice, this book was written in the 1970s but it is still extremely relevant to modern politics. (How many political thinkers can say that?) Exploring the history of colonization – both ancient and modern – Galeano is not shy about sharing his point of view from where he stands in the Southern Hemisphere. A must read for anyone interested in the politics and development of Latin America.

Are you planning a trip to South America? Let us know! (click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments)

(Click on the infographic below to enlarge)

Travel Ideas infographic from HomeAway

What type of traveler are you? What are the most essential pieces of luggage you can’t live without? (Click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments)