Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Try picking just ONE (Photo by Slightly Everything on Flickr)

Once upon a cold day in Frankfurt, I was miserably bogged down by a 40lb backpack and a 15lb shoulder bag while scaling a steep hill questing for a hostel. I took massive pity on myself and imagined myself as a Sherpa hauling heavy supplies up Everest (something tells me I was really just acting like a big baby) and let my grumpy mood develop accordingly.

If you’ve ever packed an uber-heavy bag, you know what a burden taking the stairs, changing hotels or checking bags can be. You also might know how many t-shirts you have to unpack to lose any weight in your luggage. However, there is one heavy item that almost all travelers pack that you can use to dramatically change the weight of your bag. Books!

At an average of .75lbs each, books can quite literally weigh you down! Here are a few travel tips for lightening your load while still having the chance to read on vacation (because when else do you have the time to catch up on  your reading!).

1. Grab an e-Reader. A Kindle or Nook are the most obvious options for saving weight in your bag, though you should be aware of international downloading restrictions before your vacation.
2. Only bring a book you think you can finish. This is not the time to start a hard-covered copy of War & Peace. The extra 500 pages are probably not worth the weight–it’s not much of a beach read anyway.
3. Consider buying books in-country. While not all countries have English bookstores, they will often have a small section of English books mixed in with the local offerings.
4. Leave behind books that you finish for other travelers. You can read while you’re there and cut the weight on your way out. Plus just think of all the bonus karma.
5. Swap books with traveling companions… just don’t get too pushy after you’ve finished your first read and they’re still leisurely thumbing through theirs.
6. Read newspapers or magazines instead. If you don’t think you’ll be reading a lot on the trip, but want something casual to pass the time, newspapers and magazines are a great way to pack light. In flight publications are usually free and interesting, or pick up a paper or magazine to stay up on current events or industry happening while on vacation.

Ever made the mistake of bringing a book on vacation that you wouldn’t even touch at home? What was it? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments below! (Click here if you can’t see the comments)

In my imagination, my traveling self looks fabulous. I’m traipsing in front of the crowd-free Taj Mahal rocking perfectly pleated linen pants and a crisp white button down with sun-kissed skin and long-and-flowing-yet-tastefully-tousled hair.

However, mirrors and photos show otherwise. It’s usually me with bed-head, wrinkled oversized shirts, frumpy food stained mom jeans, and some sort of tropical rash that has taken over my sensitive skin. That’s certainly one to be framed and set on the mantle for all of eternity, eh?

After a few months of backpacking, I started to notice the trend of me looking… sloppy and plain? It was too late to change wardrobes, however I did find a way to style my hair so that even on the most pillow smashed days, I could look at least a little more framable.

So here are a few recommendations for 4 super easy travel hairstyles that can be pulled together with no styling tools and in two minutes or less!

1. The High Pony Tail: Maybe you think the high pony tail died with the aerobics fad, but when you’re traveling, anything goes. Flip your head upside down and pull your hair up into a loose messy high pony tail, pulling out pieces at the front to soften the look. Of course, you’ll still want to avoid a scrunchy, but this look can be modern or even glamorous when paired with a scarf or earrings.

2. The Low Bun: The low bun is the easiest and most versatile travel hairstyle. If you want a messy look, pull out face-framing pieces at the front then pull the rest into a low bun at the nape of your neck. For a more elegant look, try twisting pieces and clipping them with bobby pins into a surprisingly easy updo.

3. The Half-up: If your hair is a bit too flat or funky to wear down, the half-up hair style is the next best thing. You can brush back your part and clip up with bobby pins for a voluminous half pony tail or loosely twist back pieces and secure with bobby pins for a more relaxed look.

4. The Braid: A braid can be a good styling technique or a look on its own when you’re without your styling tools. Whether you sleep in a wet braid for more dramatic waves or pleat your hair into a simple side braid to clean up your look, the braid is a classic finishing touch on any outfit.

Whats your go-to style on the road? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments section below! (Can’t see the comments? Click the link for the full story: Quick & Easy Travel Hairstyles for Women)

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)

Sick Day. Photo courtesy of Claus Rebler on Flickr

Your worst travel nightmare has happened…

You’re FINALLY off and away on your one week of fun and relaxation that you have been been working so hard for and planning for months… aaand now you’re sick.

First of all, don’t freak out. I know that getting sick on vacation is no fun. I’ve been there, and I want to help you get better. Depending on where you’re at, your resources will vary, but here are a few things to remember if *knock on wood* you get sick while on vacation:

1. Don’t Freak Out: You’ve heard the horror stories about malaria and Japanese Encephalitis, but chances are you’re fighting off a simple flu or stomach bacteria. Keep an eye out for the warning signs of something more serious, but don’t let your mind wander early on.

2. Stock Up on Supplies: The environment may have changed but the rules are basically the same. Pick up water, bananas, tea, white rice/bread, 7Up/sparkling water, and a local version of noodle soup should be available in just about every country. If you’re staying at a nice hotel, ask if they can provide it for you! Otherwise, send your travel companion out to a local pharmacy for some ibuprofen, vitamin C, oral rehydration salts, cough syrup, tissues, and any other basic medications that you can comfortably prescribe yourself.

3. Sleep: If you’ve been traveling cheaply, now’s the time to splurge. It may be worth paying for the private room just so you can sleep, sleep, sleep as long as it takes for you to feel alive again.

4. Waiting is OK but Then Call the Doctor: If I’m not deathly ill, I usually prefer to wait a day or two to see if it’s worth the hassle. Getting a taxi to the hospital can be half the battle on some vacations, but if you still feel just as terrible after some time has passed, get checked out by a doctor to be prescribed any necessary medications. Don’t forget to save a copy of the bill for reimbursement by your travel insurance company (note travel insurance is included with some credit cards).

5. Get Back Out There!: You don’t want to totally waste your whole vacation! The moment you feel well enough to walk outside, give it a try. I don’t recommend you try to scale the highest peak in Latin America on your first day out of bed, but you can at least go for a walk or dip your feet in the water. Sip tea at a cafe or read on a bench in the sunshine so you still feel like you’re on vacation, even if its not exactly what you imagined.

Ever been sick abroad? Whats your best remedy? Tell us about it on Facebook or write us in the comments below! (Click here if you can’t see the comments: Sneezy, Sick & Sleepy: How to Save Your Vacation When You Get Sick).

Carb-o-loading Abroad. Photo by Dave Pullig on Flickr

I’m not an addictive person for the most part. I’ve never seen the allure of cigarettes and I usually find a good moment to stop when alcohol is involved. I do, however, suffer from one serious addiction.

I am a snacker.

Even if you feed me a filling five-course meal after Thanksgiving lunch, you’ll probably still find me rummaging in the cereal box or digging through the fruit bowl before bed.

Sometimes this can be a problem, but for the most part, I swap out large meals for small ones and snack healthily to accomodate this compulsion. But, this also means that my supply for a snack bag on any bus/plane/train journey exceeding 2 hours is enough to supply a 1950′s fallout shelter.

On my travels, I have found that shopping in foreign markets can be confusing and that offerings aren’t always the same. Granola bars can be sparse while cookies, chips and overpriced in-flight meals are plentiful and tempting. So if you’re a snacker like me and panic before a long journey on vacation, here are a couple of healthy snack items I have found almost universally available to get your snack fix on the road:

1. Bread: Though the shape may differ from loaf to bagel to pita, nearly every culture integrates bread into the diet. Bread is easy to store, easy to pair and good to have around if you want a snack between meals.

2. Fruit: The variety of fruits available in foreign countries is perhaps one of the most fun food-related things to observe. Swap out your usual apple for a rhombutan or pomegranate, and enjoy!

3. Nuts: Nuts are high in protein and healthy in small portions. They are portable enough to keep in your bag on day trips or long journeys and sold almost everywhere.

4. Yogurt/Spreadable Cheese: While dairy is not a central part of the Asian diet, I have found that nearly everywhere in the world you can find yogurt or spreadable cheese wedges readily available. It’s not the most practical for long journeys, but if you want some protein, try to find some dairy.

5. Local Snacks: Look no further than the streets for the greatest variety of snack items. From momos to samosas to baklava, local food vendors are often cooking up interesting snack foods right under you nose. Walk slowly, browse the offerings and buy bravely.

What are your favorite travel snacks? Tell us about them in the comments below! (Can’t see the comments? Click here to link to the full story: The Traveling Snacker’s Guide to Long Bus Rides)

Author & Friends Cooking Shrimp Chile Rellenos from Scratch in Mexico. Photo by Steve Hoberg.

As a recent college grad on a big trip, I’ve become a budget travel aficionado more out of necessity than desire. Now that you know How to Save Money on Flights and How to Save Money at the Airport, its time to start saving money while you’re actually on vacation. Even if you’re not traveling on a tight budget, read on. Sometimes it can be fun to try out a local place or cook your own meals while abroad! Here are a couple of ways to cut back your spending on food while traveling abroad.

Eat Where the Locals Eat: Almost anywhere in the world, you will find that you get a serious discount by avoiding the popular tourist restaurants and eating where the locals eat. Avoid the main road and find a little pub or noodle shop on a side street. Then you’ll finally understand how much local food should cost!

Stay Somewhere with a Communal Kitchen: Cooking is almost always cheaper than going out to eat for every meal. If you’re settling down in one location for more than a week, look into short term rentals with a kitchen so that you can prepare a couple of simple meals during the day rather than heading out to eat because you don’t have options. Many hostels also offer a communal kitchen for young travelers. Not only will this help you save a bit of money, but it can be a fun vacation activity to stage cooking contests and trade off cooking responsibilities during your trip.

Buy Snacks at Grocery or Convenience Stores: At theme parks, historical sites and world monuments, there are many people waiting to capitalize on your desperate thirst and hunger. The idea is that once they’ve got you cornered, you’ll probably overpay… willingly. However, if you come equipped with a couple of snacks, you’ll not only be eating what you want, but you’ll be getting it for a fair price.

Drink Less Beer: If traveling on a budget, you’ll start to realize that your alcohol tabs run up dinner bills significantly. “But I’m on vacation!!” I know. BUT If you’re looking to spend an evening out within your budget, why not have dinner first and order drinks only after you’ve finished eating. This option will provide a couple of extra hours of entertainment at no additional cost to you. If you’re trying to be really classy (I wish there was a sarcasm font), you can also buy drinks at a convenience store or grocery store and drink them in your room before heading out.

Skip Meals: I’m not advocating anything crazy, but I do know that the three-square-meals-a-day folk need some persuasion on this issue. If you sleep in or get off to a slow start, it IS ok to skip breakfast and go for an early lunch! If your day trip runs long, eat around 4pm and snack for dinner that night. Going with the flow regarding meal times and snacking in between can help you accidentally save a bit of money.

Whats the most terrible thing you ever ate because you were on a tight budget, at home or abroad? My roommate’s spaghetti with ketchup and green beans tops my list. Tell me about it on Facebook or in the comments section below! (Click here if you can’t see Facebook comments below: Budget Travel Tips: Saving Money on Food)

There are as many different travel styles as there are travelers. Some like to fly by the seat of their pants entirely, some need a to-the-minute itinerary planned and paid for months in advance. Some need every second scheduled, some might want to strangle their over-planning travel partner–I definitely fall into the role of the laid back (or, some may say, disorganized) traveler.

A leisurely Saturday morning in a new or rarely visited city spent exploring streets, neighborhood shops, restaurants and candy stores–and people-watching–is my idea of a dream vacation. This is why I’d argue that for travelers who share my point of view, the absolute best place to get to know a city is by attending their local farmer’s markets. You get to learn about what seasonal and regional produce is available, the culture of the vendors (are they peddling organic wares? trendy small-batch food fads? homemade cookware from local materials?), and get a feel for the city’s residents. Not to mention the samples!

Check out a review of one of Vancouver’s busiest markets here.

What’s your favorite farmer’s market? Let us know in the comments or on facebook!

Photo of Author & Friend Being Tired/Ridiculous After Too Many Consecutive Days of Travel in Europe

Its easier to blame recurring vacation flops on the taxi driver that ripped you off or the roachy hotel, but as the saying goes… if you cant identify the problem, its probably you.

Whether in the name of safety or health, fashion or reputation, time or comfort, travelers often manage to ruin their own vacations by avoiding the abundance of unexpected experiences as they would the Bird Flu. Vacations are a time to get swept away, not to hunker down within the confines of a hotel room! On your next vacation, keep these things in mind for an overall more memorable experience.

Best Meal at a Local Restaurant India

1. Never Eating on the Street: When we’re talking about the intersections of Bangkok or the side streets of Sayulita, expensive food doesn’t always mean better food. Sometimes eating below your budget is an experience unto itself. Start by trying local restaurants that don’t cater to foreigners and you’ll probably eat your best Som Tham, wondering why you ever paid the premium.

2. Trying to Fit too Much into Too Little Time: Ambitious itineraries look fabulous on paper, but it doesn’t take long to realize that making time for everything leaves you time for nothing. Try to be selective with your sightseeing and spend more time at the places you enjoy. Over-scheduling leads to stress and that’s not much of a vacation at all!

3. Sticking to the Major Sites: Every destination has a long list of must-see sights, but an even longer list of untraveled wonders just waiting to be found. Of course you’ll visit the Eiffel Tower, but venture down a side street and wander into a sleepy cathedral or bakery for an oh-so-French pastry at half the price. It will not only make your experiences more unique, but more memorable.

4. Getting Around Exclusively by Air: The journey is often far more fascinating than the destination. Sure flying is becoming a quick and increasingly cheaper way to travel around, but insert an overland route here and there. Out of the tall glass windows of your bus, you’ll see fascinating countryside farms, quaint towns and expansive landscapes you’d have missed otherwise.

As if Getting Around Isn't Hard Enough on Its Own...

5. Packing too Much: It happens to everyone at some point in their explorations. The cream cashmere shrug that you ‘couldn’t do London without’ starts to itch when you’re wearing it around in the mid-day heat with a bag too full to zip. You don’t have to go sloppy, but pack smart for a more enjoyable hauling experience. There’s nothing worse than hauling a 5 piece luggage set up and down the staircases and tunnels of the Paris Metro system. The less you’re lugging around, the more free you’ll feel.

6. Following a Plan: At the very most, you should have a framework of expectations for your trip. If your expectations are specific, you’ll almost always be blindsided. If you’re stuck with a plan, you’ll miss out on a lot of the opportunities that arise sporadically. Try your best to travel freely to get the most out of any and all time abroad. Take it all in!

It’s ok… everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Just don’t let it happen again.

How did you sabotage your last trip? Let me know in the comments below! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: 6 Ways to Sabotage Your Own Trip)

View from a Perfectly Comfy & Free Chair at the Beijing Airport. Photo by Author.

You’ve planned your big trip and you’ve worked out all the details… mostly! When I travel, my budget ranges between “Super Thrifty” to “I Can’t Even Afford to Fly Home,” and I usually land somewhere in the middle. It’s always those sneaky expenses that you would rather not pay for in the first place that really break the bank. Even if you’re prepared to shell out a lot of cash on a big vacation, it’s still painful to invest in an $8 airport latte. While this list of recommendations for saving money while traveling could span pages, I’m going to focus on one specific aspect of travel budgeting today: Saving Money at the Airport.

Explore Transport Options: Hauling around a load of bags is unappealing enough that most travelers are willing to splurge on a taxi or private transport when headed to the airport. However, before you give in, I would like to tell you, almost every country I have visited has a fantastic bus, metro or shared taxi system that runs convenient, frequent and pretty darn comfortable routes to the airport. Check to see if the city you’re visiting offers a public transit option, and save yourself some money!

Bring Snacks: Every time I make the mistake of thinking I’m not really that hungry before I head to the airport, I end up buying a $6 bag of trail mix and a sad toasted sandwich. Security must think I’m a mother with the quantity of snacks I carry around in my bag… nuts, fruit, chocolate, granola bars, crackers, or even string cheeses can make for great airport snacks. Be sure to eat before leaving home, even if you’re not hungry. Also pack both salty AND sweet so you aren’t tempted to buy a complementary overpriced snack at the airport!

Making the Rookie Mistake of Checking in AT the Airport. Photo of Author.

Print your Documents at Home: Not only is waiting in check-in lines one of my least favorite past times, a few carriers have started to charge passengers for NOT checking in online. This tip will save you not just money, but time and you’ll be glad you have your documents in order to avoid any seemingly pointless fees. Having to wait in line could even result in missing your flight which could cost as much as a whole new ticket at last minute rates, talk about getting off to a bad start…

Pack Light: Oversized baggage charges are the worst. These baggage fees add up and if we’re trying to save money while traveling, that’s not a good start either! Remember to put all liquids and prohibited items in your checked bag so you don’t have to pay the exorbitant shipping fee to salvage your grandfather’s pocket knife. Make sure that you know the restrictions before leaving home if you’re trying to save money later. Or avoid this issue entirely by intentionally packing underweight.

Looks Enticing, But Don't Even Think About It. Photo by Author.

Avoid Extras: Internet, lounges, book stores and massage chairs are just a few of the many temptations faced by the weary airport traveler. If you haven’t been seduced yet, perhaps you haven’t had a long enough layover… You can end up saving a little money here and there by simply avoiding the extras. This means bringing enough entertainment to easily survive downtimes without even thinking about buying that magazine in the airport gift shop because you’re too caught up in your newest book or ipad game. And don’t you dare rent a sleeping pod at the Delhi airport when you can lounge for free!

Considering buying airport or in-flight Internet to do some computer work? Just use the “work offline” feature of Outlook or Apple Mail to take care of everything with zero distractions (and for once you can actually cancel that unintentionally snarky email before it gets auto-sent the next time you have access!). Really though, resist the urge to splurge because just about any work can be typed up in your favorite word editor to be put online later! In fact, that’s exactly what I’m doing right now.

Have any great ways to save money at the airport? Tell us about them in the comments below! Click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments below: Budget Travel Tips: Saving Money at the Airport

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.