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)

Gray Line Hop-on Hop-off Bus Cruises down one of Madrid's Wide Boulevards

A few weeks back, I had the chance to take a Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour in Madrid and write about for Gray Line. Cool, right? (To read my write up about the full tour, click the link: Hop-On, Hop-Off, Hop Into Madrid). However, by the time I wrote the piece, I was already in a rainy Moroccan mountain town typing from a touch screen phone, so I had to skimp on the pictures. But have no fear, the photo blog is here! Now to avoid showing you the Madrid photos you’ve probably seen 100x before, I decided to amp up the contrast to make the pictures more interesting:

Step #1: Pick up your tickets and hop on a bus outside of El Museo Nacional del Prado (or other location)

El Museo Nacional del Prado - Accessible via Banco de España and Atocha metro stops

Step #2: Select your language option on the audio tour… I know you speak at least one of these.

Step #3: Alright…. let's go!

Step #4: Enjoy the Ride Around Madrid!

What’s your favorite spot in Madrid? Tell us about it in the comments below! (Can’t see the comments? Click here for a link to the full story: Photo Blog: Color Saturated Highlights of Madrid)

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)

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?)

"...Counting Cows as I Drift Off to Sleep." Photo courtesy of public-domain-image.com

Despite my professed apathy for a straight cup of cow milk, I truly love cheese, ice cream, yogurt and all other milk byproducts. That’s what made my transition to the travelers diet quite heartbreaking. In spite of spicy noodles, savory stews and tangy stir-fries, I couldn’t stop thinking… where’s the cheese?

October 20th, 2011 - Indonesia: “…Amazing! I love Asian food. Dumplings, sate, and fried rice galore. Saw some American guys eating hamburgers at McDonalds… heh. What a cop out! I could eat this kind of food forever.”

January 3rd, 2012 - Thailand: “…I’m slipping. I have reverted to my old ways of yogurt and cereal for breakfast even though it has nearly doubled my daily food budget. Yesterday, I bought a block of cheese that tasted more like salted plastic and grass than cheese–I ate it anyway. My idea of a diet is only having one Chocolate Royale cone a day. I also ate from a block of goat feta that my friend’s family carried to Thailand in a suitcase on a 17 hour flight. Desperate times have already fallen, and 10 months remain.”

April 27th, 2012 - India: “…Paneer is cheese! But it’s spongy and wet. Hmm… this isn’t too much like cheese after all. Where’s the cured cheese? The ice cream is usually freezer burned and the yogurt sits in unrefridgerated pyramids with the excess dripping down the bottles… I tried my luck with the ice cream. I got sick. I guess now I really have to wait”

June 30th, 2012 - Israel: “Yogurt and spreadable cheese wedges! Ice cream is still outlandish, but I think we’re definitely moving back into milking territory. Staying with a family friend that buys REAL cheese. Life couldn’t be better.”

August 8th, 2012 - Spain: “Milk, gelato and cheese, woohoo! Cream soup, cream cheese, cream sauce, oh no. I think I’m going to be sick.”

October 20th, 2012 (Prediction) - USA: “Checking out at the grocery store with a cart full of ingredients to make Pad Thai… my bottle of fish sauce costs three times more than my block of swiss cheese. Oh, how things change.”

Alright, foodies. What food do you miss the most when you travel? Give me your most vivid description in the comments below or on Facebook. (Can’t see the comments below? Click here for the link: Dairy Diaries of an International Traveler)

Podcasting in the Park. Photo by Author.

Travel is usually mentally stimulating enough, but sometimes you might find yourself bored with relaxing and completing basic tasks. After more than a week of real relaxation, I am eager to learn anything, whether it be numbers, news, vocabulary, or science.

Of course, on vacation, your best option is to head out to a historical site, cathedral, or to simply take a walk down the street. However, if you’re bound to a resort, recharging for a day, or just looking for a more structured way to learn, and you’ve got an iPod or other mp3 player, here’s your boredom solution:

The Podcast

While most people have heard of Podcasts, most people also don’t realize how to use them to their full potential. If that sounds like you, read on!

What is a Podcast? Podcasts–like those available on iTunes–are FREE audio or visual “channels” available on nearly every subject. From yoga to computer programming to Arabic to biology to French history… there’s a Podcast for that. You can pick almost any topic that interests you!

How to Download iTunes Podcasts? Go to the “iTunes” store, and type in a keyword in the upper righthand corner to browse your options. Find the channels you want, then “subscribe” to the channel.  After you’ve done this, the channel should appear in your Library on the left hand side of your iTunes under the “Podcasts” tab. Click through the episodes and download the ones that most interest you. Sync ‘em up with your iPod, and there you go!

Next time you’re bored on the beach (yes, it is possible), pull out your iPod for a lesson on natural resource depletion or a video on the history of the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza for a little bit of education to re-engage your uber relaxed brain.

Do you use Podcasts? What channels do you recommend? Tell us about it in the comments section below! (Click here if you cannot see the comments for: Learning on the Road with Podcasts)

The Streets of New Delhi, India. Photo by Author.

Traveling in India is as taxing as it is inspiring, as frustrating as it is easy, and as intriguing as it is overwhelming. Laden with a deep culture that cannot be observed and that is never talked about, its hard to understand what’s going on around you as a traveler in India. So how do you get to the bottom of it? Read!

Indian authors with experience abroad or expats that have spent years in India are often best able to convey these complex themes in the form of literature. Whether you’re about to embark on a journey to India, have always wanted to, or are simply looking for a good read, here are 5 books about India for you to dive into:

1. The White Tiger - by Aravind Adiga: The White Tiger is a tragic yet humorous tale of one boy’s rise in India’s impenetrable social hierarchy through hard work, perseverance, and… murder.
2. The God of Small Things – by Arundhati Roy: In The God of Small Things, the author sheds light on the country’s adoration of Western values through the story of one Indian family. The novel traces the evolution of the family structure as the family grows apart after a tremendous loss.
3. Life of Pi - by Yann Martel: The son of a zookeeper is set adrift on a life raft with wild animals when their trans-oceanic ship sinks. Though the majority of the story is set at sea, the reader is exposed to various elements of Indian culture through stories from the protagonist’s childhood in India and how life circumstances changed.
4. Holy Cow! - by Sarah Macdonald: A cynical recount of one young woman’s return to India after a miserable Indian backpacking experience in her youth, Holy Cow is interesting if not the most serious of reads. While the tone is often sardonic and a bit harsh, Macdonald doesn’t hide any of the details or critiques of modern India.
5. Shantaram - by Gregory Roberts: Shantaram depicts one man’s moral development in India after escaping from an Australian prison. This book is SUCH a page turner that it won’t take you as long as you’d think to read its 900+ pages.

Have any great books about India to recommend to other travelers? Tell us about them in the comments section below or on Facebook! (Click here if you can’t see the comments: Trying to Understand India: 5 Best Books about India)

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?)