BootsnAll Travel Articles

Indie Travel in Cuba for $75 a Day

admin — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:03:51 +0000

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Mention Cuba and thoughts immediately go to Fidel Castro, his brother Raul, the Argentine revolutionary Che Guevera, socialism, embargos, and life behind a dictatorial curtain.Mention traveling to Cuba and it invokes a long lost era, with gangsters and American movie stars, elegantly dressed at a casino, heading to a music club, or driving around in classic American automobiles.When in Cuba, it becomes clear how both of these images are still in the minds of many people, and to some extent it remains a reality, making it an intriguing place to visit. Cuba conjures up images of cigars, rum, and music, and all of it is within reach.Although there are bargains to be found, traveling in and around Cuba is not cheap. It is not a budget destination in the traditional sense. Accommodations can be reasonable to expensive, transportation can be cheap to reasonable, and you can eat for pennies for a subsistence diet, or splurge on a Cubano sandwich, lobster, and more.Going as bare bones as possible, it may be possible to travel around Cuba on $35 to $40 per day. Due to the uniqueness of Cuba as a tourist destination, it is more likely a budget trip will cost from $70 to $80 a day. It is very easy, though, to blow through $150 to $200 a day, if that is your speed. There’s an option for everything in between.

Based on personal experience and research, $75 per person, per day seems reasonable. It allows for a private room in a casa particular, rather than a hotel, allows for two meals a day at budget or tourist restaurants (breakfast is generally included in your accommodation) with a few cocktails, and assumes tourist buses between the major destinations as well as a few taxis within the cities. It allows for several activities, including listening to music at some cheap locales, hitting a few museums, taking a salsa lesson, and catching a baseball game. It also includes the required tourist card and exit tax.Street food is not as prevalent in Cuba as in other countries, such as Southeast Asia or Latin America. Although available, and extremely cheap, street food is of a limited variety, and only the most budget conscious traveler can survive on the grub. Traditional grocery stores do not exist, as most local Cubans buy from ration shops, and accommodations do not have kitchens, making self-cooking nearly impossible. That said, decent meals at tourist restaurants can be found within this budget. The budget also allows for some local beers, occasional mojitos, and the famed Cuba Libre. Rum is definitely within any budget, and a bottle at a store can cost as little as $4.[social]Costs of activities can vary depending on how active a traveler you are. Museums ($5), horseback riding ($15), snorkeling ($12-$15), salsa lessons ($5-$10), a ride in a mint condition, classic American car ($$$) . . . everything is available, at a price. A night at the infamous Buena Vista Social Club can set you back $75, but a bar or restaurant with less famous musicians might cost only a few bucks, or some tips to the musicians. There is a free performance on Callejon de Hamel every Sunday afternoon, just beware of scams aimed at tourists. A baseball game costs as little as $3, problem is finding out the schedule – no one really seems to know, despite the fascination with the game.

Currency particularities

Cuba is a cash based society. ATMs are rare and will not accept US based cards even if you can find them. No credit cards are accepted, other than at a few high-end hotels (US based cards not accepted regardless). You must bring enough cash for your trip with you when you enter the country.To make things more complicated, Cuba is a dual currency country. The locals use the Cuban peso (CUP), which is also known as moneda nacional. Foreigners can exchange Euros, Canadian Dollars, and US Dollars (at a premium) into Cuban convertible peso (CUC). Most prices seen by foreigners will be listed in CUC, which is roughly equivalent to USD $1, but there is a 18% surcharge to exchange US dollars, making the exchange rate closer to 1 CUC for about USD $.82. The exchange rate for Euros and Canadian Dollars is only 10%. Still with me?1 CUP is equivalent to less than a nickel. When items are priced is CUP, you can tell. A meal might be listed as 50 CUP, or less than $2. If a dish is quoted in CUC, it usually is 4 or 5 CUC. You cannot exchange CUP for US dollars. You can exchange US Dollars to CUC, and then some CUC to CUP. Carrying a few dollars worth of CUP is handy for purchasing cheap street food, but won’t get you much else. Most Cubans wont accept CUP from foreigners, or won’t appreciate it if you try to pay them with it. They consider CUP virtually worthless.To make everything a little more complicated, locally, both currencies are referred to as pesos. Unless otherwise stated, this article references prices in USD. It is safest to exchange money at an official casa de cambio, or change house, which may involve waiting in line. Bring your passport to make the exchange. Welcome to Cuba.

Transportation

Getting inYou can enter Cuba only one way – fly. In Cuba’s hey day, it was possible to cruise to Cuba from Florida or elsewhere in the Caribbean, but today flights are your only option. Although it is possible to fly into other airports, chances are you will arrive at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. Taxis to the city run about $25.Cuba’s national airline is Cubana, with flights to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, as well as Canada, Madrid, and Moscow. Numerous non-American airlines fly to Cuba from throughout the Americas and Europe, including Air Canada, Air France, Copa, TACA, and Virgin Atlantic. One of the most common jumping off points for Cuba is the quick flight from Cancun, Mexico on Cubana or AeroMexico. It is possible to book a charter flight from the US to Havana.Although several international airports exist outside of Havana, including Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, flights are limited, and there may not be a domestic connection.Passport peculiaritiesIn addition to currency particularities, Cuba is unique with respect to passports. No visa is required for most tourists, however a tourist card is required to enter. Generally, the card can be purchased with your airplane ticket, or at the ticket counter when checking in for your flight. It is also possible to obtain a tourist card from a travel agency. The card costs about $25. Due to travel restrictions to Cuba, the tourist card is stamped instead of the passport, although it might be possible to request a passport stamp (not recommended for US citizens).When entering the country, be sure to know where you are staying while there, at least for the first night. You may be questioned, particularly as an American, as to what you are doing in Cuba, what your profession is, and where you are staying for every night of your trip. If you do not know, just tell them “casa particulares,” or make something up.A cash departure tax is also required to leave the country of CUC$25. The departure tax must be paid in CUC, although there is a casa de cambio, or money changer, next to the tax collector at the airport.Getting around

Bus: Viazul is the primary tourist bus company, offering fairly direct and air-conditioned buses to many towns of interest. A bus from Havana to Vinales takes about 3 hours. Cienfuegos is about 5 hours. Bus reservations are recommended, at least a day in advance, although popular routes also have waiting lists for last minute travel. Local buses can be found within the cities and are a cheap option to taxis.
Train: Train travel in Cuba is slow and unpredictable, with trains often cancelled. But they can be used to travel some routes, including Havana to Santiago de Cuba, or Santa Clara.
Air: Cubana and Aerocaribbean offer domestic flights between several cities, including Havana and Santiago de Cuba. There are stories of many travelers feeling less than safe on Cubana’s domestic flights. Beware if you are afraid of flying. Flights are often delayed.
Car: Although it is possible to rent a car, it comes with a headache at no extra charge. Cars are in short supply, reservations are often ignored, the condition of the car can be questionable, and the cost is fairly expensive. Once out on the road though, particularly if you drive out of Havana, traffic is non-existent.
Taxis: Taxis can be old Soviet-era, rusted out cars, fancy, classic American automobiles, or the ubiquitous “Coco Taxi” in Havana. Most have a meter, but some may be priced on negotiation.

Transportation costsViazul bus trips from Havana to other cities, and between secondary cities, range from $15-$20 one way. Although local buses are significantly cheaper, sometimes the buses are nothing more than trucks with a cattle car in the back, standing room only. Prices can be as little as $1-2 for the more adventurous for shorter distances. Prices increase for longer distances, but direct buses are hard to find. There may be restrictions on foreigners traveling via local bus, leaving Viazul as the only option.Train prices may be less than half of a tourist bus, but may take up to twice as long, if they run at all. Rental cars can range from a pricey $50 per day and up.Domestic air transportation can range from $100-$150 one way, depending on the length of the trip.

Accommodation

Hotels can range from $75 a night to upwards of $200 for a nice room at the Hotel Nacional, a historic landmark. There are no Marriotts in Cuba – the long-standing embargo prevents US companies from entering the country. A few European chains like Iberostar and Melia have hotels in Havana. Outside of the chains, hotels are of varying quality – expect dated décor and shabby interiors despite the high price.
Casa Particular is the Spanish phrase for a private home, or a homestay. A room in a casa particular will most likely come with breakfast and cost about $25-$30 a night for two people. The houses are dated, seeming to be stuck in the fifties, but generally well maintained. Along with your meal, you may receive some super interesting conversation about Cuba, its history, and field questions about your home country. You often feel like you are living in a person’s home, more than a guesthouse – meeting children and pets, and listening to local radio or the TV.
Hostels are quite rare in Cuba. Although there are a few in Havana, the casa particular is more prevalent in the rest of the country. Where available, dorm beds cost about $10-$12 a bed, but may not come with breakfast. Most do not have kitchens.
Couchsurfing is non-existent in Cuba as it is illegal for Cuban households to allow friends to stay with them, and if they do they need to register the visitor. Visitors are allowed only twice a year, so it is not a viable option for budget travelers in Cuba. There is some web traffic about people using Couchsurfing, but beware that you and the host are breaking the law.

Food

Less than $5 – It may be possible to score a day of eats for less than $5, starting with breakfast at a casa particular, included in the price of the room. For lunch and dinner hit a local pizza or sandwich stand. They have a limited menu, priced in CUP, and are dirt cheap – less than $1 for a pizza, and sometimes as little as $.35. But the pizza is not like that in Italy, or New York City, or even Des Moines. It is not all that tasty (sometimes undercooked, often salty), but gets the job done. Similarly, it is pretty easy to find a ham sandwich for less than $1, but expect a piece of ham on a slice of bread, maybe toasted. The pizzas and sandwiches are sold predominantly to locals, which accounts for the price and the quality.
Between $15 and $20 – At more tourist focused restaurants or other establishments with sit down dining, it is possible to find grilled meat, rice, beans, and a salad for between $5 and $7 a plate. A mojito, Cuba libre, or beer at dinner will add on about $2-$3 a glass. A sit down lunch with a soda followed by a sit down dinner with a cocktail or beer would come to less than $20 a day.
Over $25 – There are few fine dining establishments in Cuba, as defined in America or Europe. More interesting establishments, with multiple course meals are available for over $25, or a lot more than that at Hotel Nacional.

Highlights

The capital, Havana, is an obvious must see. Walking the Malecon with the locals at sunset, wandering through Old Town to view the four main squares, or sipping a mojito at Hotel Nacional, there is enough to keep a person occupied for a few days. Check out the Real de Fabrica de Tobacos Partagas to get an idea of how they make world famous Cuban cigars. The Communist propaganda at the Museo de la Revolucion is a must see. You can also trace Hemingway through the city, drinking where he did, but be forewarned, the drinks will be pricey.
Trinidad, the most well preserved colonial city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is most known for the practice of Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion, similar to Voodoo. Its red rooftops and brightly painted houses probably give the strongest impression of a Caribbean vibe. The historic center can be toured in a few hours, by foot or by horse-drawn carriage.
Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shares its name with Cuba’s “other” revolutionary, the lesser-known Camilo Cienfuegos. In addition to its setting along the Caribbean Sea, it retains stunning colonial architecture, and is known as the Pearl of the South. It is also a popular spot due to the Che Guevera mausoleum and museum.
Veradero is the place to go for a beach vacation. High rise hotels and all-inclusive resorts are the norm, with a side of snorkeling and water activities. Note – you are swimming in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean Sea, so it might feel more like Miami than Aruba.
Vinales, a traditional farming community, is famous for its limestone pin-cushion hills. Although tourists abound in the small town, it is a great spot for a walking tour of the countryside, to see ox drawn plows and tobacco farming.
Maria La Gorda is the go-to destination for diving in Cuba, but offers little else. It is a national park with one hotel. Dining options are limited (the hotel has a restaurant, café, and buffet), and of poor quality. But if you want to dive, or hang on a deserted beach, it’s a good spot, even if entirely isolated on the southwest end of the island.

Off the beaten path

Unlike other Caribbean countries, and unlike other tropical locales like Southeast Asia, the tourist path is not well trodden here. Vinales will seem like a tourist centered town, because it is, with perfectly painted pink and blue houses. Parts of Old Town Havana appear to be created by Walt Disney. But note that there is little to no advertising, and no billboards, outside of political propaganda.Havana has some neighborhoods that seem dodgy on their face – with run down buildings and people pouring from their steamy homes into the streets for fresh air. Most buildings in Havana, and elsewhere in Cuba, seem derelict and may give the impression of an unsafe neighborhood. But the state of the architecture is more a symbol of the political conditions in the country than anything else. Havana, generally, is a safe city where normal tourist precautions are necessary. But wander around long enough and parts of Havana will open up to you – you will be the only one enjoying a mojito in a local bar.The further east you head from Havana, the better to get lost with the locals. Making a trip to the east coast of Cuba, to Baracoa, will reward the indie traveler even more. Getting there is half the adventure.For more on traveling to Cuba, read:

Photo credits: Mauropm, caribb, all other photos courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission.

Picking Up a Hitchhiker

admin — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:03:11 +0000

Jenn Miller has been on the road with her husband and four children for over five years and is well versed in all aspects of long-term travel. Each week Jenn will bring a unique insight into extended travel, touching on topics ranging from inspirational articles to practical trip planning to family travel to education on the road to interviews with interesting people she's met along the way.We pick up a lot of hitchhikers. The clean ones, the dirty ones, the ones that look like it’s the first time they’ve stuck their thumb out, and the ones who are clearly road worn and weary. They always have a story to tell, and without fail, they’re educational for our young people. Sometimes all we get out of a rider is tales of fantastic adventure. Other times we pick up a gem, and there is depth in addition to breadth in his journey. Every time we stop, it’s a crap shoot. Sometimes we win big. Richard was a win.It was his hat that caught our eye. It takes a man of particular confidence to wear a hat like this one. A hat clearly chosen for its price and utilitarian nature. It identified him as a real traveler, one who’s more concerned with space and stretching a buck than fashion or what others think. Our kind of guy.Richard hopped into the front seat of our camper with a big, grateful smile and sparkly eyes. We exchanged pleasantries and then settled in for a long ride together.“So,” he asked, with genuine interest, “You guys meet traveling?”Now that’s a question we haven’t been asked before, and we laughed hard.“Ah, no. We met 20 years ago, on a whole ‘nother sort of trip, and those are our four kids back there!”His eyes widened just a bit, he laughed too, and then it was my turn to ask the questions!Settle into the front seat with us, you’ll have to listen with both ears to hear over the roar of our diesel engine as Richard Decal, 23, from Florida, picked up on the highway between Te Anau and Milford Sound, New Zealand, tells his tale:

Tell us your story: Who are you? What did you do? Where have you been? Inspire me!

I studied molecular biology, and after writing my honors thesis, facing my PhD, which is a five to six year project, I wanted to live a little. So I bought a one way ticket to China.I’d never been to Asia. There were personal projects I wanted to work on that I hadn’t had the time to at uni because school was full on. I didn’t speak a word of Chinese, didn’t know how to use chopsticks, knew nothing about the country or the culture, and that’s why I went: to jump into the deep end and overcome my ignorance.

People tell you your whole life that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to; you don’t really believe it until you go out there and meet people who are doing that exact thing, winging it and making it happen.

I’ve done all sorts of things I never thought I’d do. I’ve met all sorts of people doing interesting things and met people who have inspired me to do things I’d never have done, like cycle touring in Taiwan.This trip has become more and more empowering for me. I’ve been inspired to tackle big projects even if they are outside my area of expertise. People tell you your whole life that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to; you don’t really believe it until you go out there and meet people who are doing that exact thing, winging it and making it happen. It has given me a big perspective that you don’t have to be an expert in all of these things to accomplish things. It’s a truism that I never believed until I traveled.I’ve been on the road 1.5 years. So far I’ve been through China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Laos, Australia, and New Zealand.

What is the one thing you learned from travel you could never have learned in a classroom?

I’ve had a few things race into my mind: At the risk of sounding like a new age hippie - just listening to my own body and being content in my own soul. I used to be very dependent on my family and friends, and I’ve learned to be alone, to like my own company, and at the same time, to be comfortable with people I’ve never met before; like getting in this car with you and not feeling anxious at any point. A few years ago that would have been alien to me. When I hitched from Perth to Brisbane, Australia, along the coast, I had to get comfortable with that.

I am much less connected to things than I was before I started traveling. I now know how to reach out and find camaraderie in the human race.

I’ve learned to trust in humanity a lot. I was never expecting the extreme hospitality I’ve experienced. People have just given me the keys to their car and house and invited me to raid their fridge. They’ve given me great adventures and feasted me. At first those experiences really made me uncomfortable, but what it’s taught me is how to receive a gift and how to give a gift. I am much less connected to things than I was before I started traveling. I now know how to reach out and find camaraderie in the human race. I am learning to take care of people, and to let other people take care of me. I’m learning how to reciprocate.I’m learning how to interact socially. I’m a scientist; I was raised by older parents who were distrusting of humanity, and they don’t really teach social skills in science classes. I feel more human since I’ve been traveling.

How did your experience change your life upon returning to Florida?

I haven’t returned yet. At the risk of sounding like a new age hippie, again, my grandpa gave me an SLR camera when I left, and I’ve really gotten into photography. Now when I’m traveling I’m always composing shots in my mind; it never really turns off. I notice things now. I have developed an appreciation for beauty and learned to savor my surroundings in a way that I never did. I’ve found an outlet for that creative pursuit in blogging and taking pictures. I think that’s one of the best gifts I’ve gotten from this trip is learning to look around me more and appreciate the little, mundane things: colours and even rainy days, with a ray of sunshine popping through the clouds.I’ve learned to become more extroverted and reach out to people. Backpackers tend to be more spontaneous and will just start talking. There’s a global camaraderie that I’d like to take home with me, even into the work place with people who I might not have a vested interest in, necessarily.

I think we’d be a lot happier in our communities if we knew more about the people around us instead of living within our little shells. I plan to take that vision home with me.

The big thing that I’m trying to say is that traveling makes you more human, introduces you to people, and helps you to become less afraid. I’ve discovered that my natural state is to be inquisitive about others and open to that interaction. I think our communities should be a lot more like that, instead of just being friends with family and your immediate cliques, I think people should have much broader circles. I think we’d be a lot happier in our communities if we knew more about the people around us instead of living within our little shells. I plan to take that vision home with me.

What, in your opinion is the single greatest factor that keeps people from traveling?

I think it’s kind of this miedoso (fearfulness in Spanish). I think people have become very good at coming up with excuses and not taking responsibility for their lives.My friend said, “I wish I could afford to do that...”To which I replied, "I’ve spent $400 since December. I haven’t paid for accommodation or transport, my main expense is food, and I mostly live off of rice and peanuts and chick peas. You learn how to be really resourceful.”My friend responded, “I’m not as resourceful as you are.”

People think they need to be experts before they start [traveling]. They don’t. You’ll get in a few shitty situations, sure, but you’ll live and you’ll learn from it.

I responded, “I wasn’t resourceful when I got to China either. I could barely wipe my ass when I got to China, but I’ve learned. Also, as a scientist I like doing things like calculating the protein density of different foods per penny... chickpeas, really good! They fill you up! In China it didn’t matter; I was eating for thirty cents anyway!”That bike trip I took in Taiwan, it took months before I did that because I kept making excuses. And yet you just put it out there, you do the work, and before you know it you’ve done it.People think they need to be experts before they start [traveling]. They don’t. You’ll get in a few shitty situations, sure, but you’ll live and you’ll learn from it.It’s mostly mental. When people come up with the excuses, you can shoot them down."I’m broke as hell.""I have no money."But you find a way. If it's something you want to do, you’ll find a way. You don’t need to know how it’s going to work out before you start; that’s part of the fun.

What enabled you?

There’s not a very clean cut answer to that, really. When I was writing my thesis, I knew I wanted to take a break from academia. A Philippino friend of mine invited me to Philippines to do a SCUBA tour and hang with him. Long story short, he flaked out on it. So I just went to China on my own and planned to meet him in the Philippines, but that never happened. The trip just kept on getting longer and longer because I was enjoying myself. It was an external fluke. Someone invited me, and I thought it sounded like an awesome option, so I jumped at it.

I didn’t want to get stuck in this rat race where I was just working to live, living to work. I actually saved money by going to China.

It was also a good point for a break. I was getting out of uni, I had no assets, I didn’t have a job or responsibilities, so it was the perfect time to sell my car and stuff and take off. A lot of people that I’ve met, when they started traveling, that’s how they started. They were made redundant in some way and just took off to travel, got addicted, and went on with it.A lot of people reach a point in their lives where they need something new. It’s a great time to start traveling; when things didn’t go as planned and you need a break. Another thing that really helped was the economics of staying at home. I know a lot of brilliant people with college degrees, they sent out 100 applications and got one interview for selling ice cream or working the night shift at a hotel, shit work doing awful jobs. It’s a bad climate for going into the work force and a bad climate for doing my PhD, as funding is being cut for the NSA & related organizations. I didn’t want to get stuck in this rat race where I was just working to live, living to work. I actually saved money by going to China; I was living for about five dollars a day.

What was your biggest obstacle to overcome?

Planning. I started following travel blogs before I left to try to figure out how it worked. It was really alien to me because as a scientist you plan everything. I was plan oriented. One common motif in all of these blogs is that you shouldn’t over plan things. You could have an idea, but if you have a rigid plan and you stick to it, you’ll miss opportunities because you’re gung-ho about the plan. They say that if you’re in a place, and you’re happy you should stay there and savor that place, that you’ll know when you’re done and ready to move on, and that’s true.

You could have an idea, but if you have a rigid plan and you stick to it, you’ll miss opportunities because you’re gung-ho about the plan.

I’ve learned to kind of go with the flow. I’ve learned to follow the connections that I make. That’s why I’ve renamed my blog to Brownian Travel... it’s a science joke... travel is like brownian movement, you know? How particles travel in fluid and bounce around randomly. My travel is like that, I get bounced around in life depending on how molecules move me in the world. That’s a huge thing to get over though, that need to know where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and what you’re doing.

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Who did you meet on the road who changed your life? Tell us about that.

Oooh, good question! The first thing that came into my mind is pretty recent. I was traveling and living in a bus with a guy from Berlin who was an improv comedian. He was really spontaneous, very funny, witty, and off the cuff. He always dove in head first, and we got into all of these crazy situations. It was a lot of fun being around him, but there was this aspect of being an actor and having all of these different characters and hats.It made me think of the Shakespearean quote “We’re all actors on a stage,” and it made me believe that. We all have these hats that we wear in different situations, and it made me realize that it’s cool to explore those hats and try them on and off and explore who we are. It was so much fun and was a great way to live life. I’m a very not spontaneous person, at least compared to him, and it really taught me to carpe diem - seize the day.

We all have these hats that we wear in different situations, and it made me realize that it’s cool to explore those hats and try them on and off and explore who we are.

He was really good at seeing opportunities. There are all these moments in life when a door opens and there’s a moment and I’d let it pass, think it was cool, but let it go. He didn’t do that. He would make shit happen. He was a facilitator of good things and would seize those moments. I thought that was really cool. When you meet these people, it’s really good I think, to emulate them and to take the steps towards growing more like them.It gave me an existential crisis at first: “Wow, if I’m an actor and I have all these personas, then who is the real me? Do I have a real character? What am I?” I’m over it now though.We both laughed, and we were still smiling when I asked the last question.

What are your plans moving forward?

There is just so much to do and not enough lifetime to do it. I kind of want to travel everywhere, so that’s a difficulty. I want to be everywhere at once and that’s not happening. I’ve always wanted to go to Antarctica, since I started watching too much David Attenbourough. I’ve had too many plans really. I want to go to Indonesia, South America, and hitch home, I want to do an American roadtrip. There are too many things I want to do, so I’m very split and not too commital about them. I also have different things tugging at me. I really want to get my PhD; I knew I was in trouble when I started pleasure reading journal articles. I really miss using my brain, and I think I have a good idea of how to reconcile my two passions, doing science and traveling. I have a plan. Getting my PhD is definitely on the radar.To read more inspirational articles and interview with travelers, check out the following:

Photo credits: tm-tm, US Air Force, William Cho, fortherock, all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission.

Cheap Eats in New York City

admin — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:03:48 +0000

New York City. A place known for its diverse cultural mix, its rich arts scene, its amazing shopping, and some of the best restaurants in the world. While New York is one of the most highly visited city in the world, it's also known for its high cost of living.People visiting NYC on a budget often arrive with the expectation that they will spend their holiday eating nothing but street hot dogs and bagels. Not that street hot dogs and bagels aren't delicious - quite the opposite actually, they are a quintessential part of the NYC experience; however, it is a common misconception that you can't get incredible meals in NYC for a decent price. Even budget traveler-foodies can experience all the amazing culinary masterpieces that this city has to offer. Ok, maybe not all, but there are many opportunities to eat at high-quality restaurants with great reputations for less than the taxi-ride costs back to your hostel in Brooklyn.The following is a Monday-Sunday guide to excellent dinners in NYC, all for under $25 per person.

Monday

Osteria Morini You know when you're in a foreign country (in this case Italy), you have a really fantastic meal, and you think nostalgically, "Wow, if only I could get an authentic meal like this one back home." Then, months later, you hear about a restaurant that has "typical Italian cuisine," so you (skeptically) decide to try it? While most of the time you are disappointed, one visit to Osteria Morini, and you will feel like you are back in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.[social]This restaurant is fully booked almost every night, and while normally their menu is on the pricier end of the spectrum, industry nights afford you the opportunity to try some of their incredible dishes for just $10 each. Try the cappelletti with truffled ricotta ravioli, melted butter, and prosciutto, or the risotto verde with shrimp, spring vegetables, and fossa cheese, and you will feel ashamed that you even considered ordering that extra value meal at McDonalds in order to save a few bucks on your budget.Cuisine: ItalianWhen: Monday nights, anytime after 9pmWhat: Any pasta dish on the menu is only $10Location: 218 Lafayette St (between Kenmare St & Cleveland Pl), Soho

Tuesday

Agozar

Agozar offers a wide variety of traditional Cuban dishes; add to that a fantastic array of creative cocktails, lively music, and a great ambience, and your Tuesday night just got that much more loco. Traditional dishes such as Camarones al Ajillo (shrimp, double garlic sauce) and Flautas (crispy flour tortilla, beef picadillo, salsa verde, crema nata) are just a few examples of the impressive tapas dishes that you can choose from.Lucky for you, on Monday and Tuesday nights every tapas dish is half off when you sit in the bar area. Go with a big group so you can sample everything. Oh, and don’t forget to try a mojito, or a few - they have 10 different flavors to choose from. Cuisine: CubanWhen: Monday and Tuesday nights, all night at the barWhat: All tapas dishes and cocktails are half priceLocation: 324 Bowery at 1^st Street, East Village

Wednesday

Vanessa’s Dumpling House Thought it was impossible to get dinner in Manhattan for less than $25? Well, at Vanessa’s Dumpling House they do you one better. At this no-frills dumpling house on the Lower East Side, you can fill up on an assortment of dumplings, soups, and Vietnamese sandwiches for less than $10 per person.The flavors are incredible, and while the ambiance is nothing noteworthy, this is always a fantastic place to people watch. Try a sesame pancake with roasted beef and a bowl of roasted pork noodle soup, and you will probably have leftovers for the next day.Cuisine: Asian FusionWhen: All the timeWhat: Almost all dishes are less than $7Location: 118 Eldridge Street, Lower East Side

Thursday

Taka TakaNew York City is famous for its creative integration of cuisines that you would never think complement one another. Can’t decide between a taco or a California roll? Then visit the trendy Soho restaurant Taka Taka, where the bold, spicy flavors of Mexico are blended with the light and delicate flavors of Japan.Sushi, (especially for those with large appetites) can quickly make for a really expensive meal, but Taka Taka makes the sushi eating experience not only unforgettable (think sushi rolls like the Kakashi - a shrimp and chile pigu roll with mango, cucumber, cheese and avocado), but affordable. Cuisine: Mexican Sushi and Japanese TacosWhen: Monday to Friday, 3-6pmWhat: Three plates of sushi off of their conveyor belt for $12, and various drink specialsLocation: 330 West Broadway (between Canal St & Grand St), Soho

Friday

Panna IIThis little gem is the perfect start to any weekend. With its festive décor (think a ceiling covered in fake plants and Christmas lights that hang so low they almost touch your food), authentic Indian cuisine, and over-enthusiastic staff, there’s no better place to get you amped for the weekend than Panna II. Even better, its dishes are enormous, full of flavor, and its BYOB.Try the butter or tandoori chicken, the pakoras, and definitely don’t leave without a traditional lassi. Oh, and make sure to ask for Panna II by name – the overzealous restaurant next door will try to steal your patronage, but it’s not nearly as fun. Cuisine: IndianWhen: All the timeWhat: Almost all dishes are less than $15Location: 93 1st Ave, at 6^th street

Saturday

Grimaldi’s PizzaYou can’t leave NYC without trying a famous slice, and there’s nowhere that makes them better than Grimaldi’s. Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge, this famous pizzeria only sells two things – pizza and antipasto, and while the lines are always long, it is well worth the wait.A large pizza comes with 8 enormous slices and is perfect for sharing, the vino is around $7 a glass, and the ambiance is about as authentic old-school pizzeria as you can get. A tip – if you don’t mind sitting at the bar, walk to the front of the line and they’ll seat you immediately. Cuisine: PizzaWhen: All the timeWhat: All pizzas are less than $20Location: 1 Front St, Brooklyn

Sunday

Cedric’s French Bistro-BarThis cute French-style bistro hidden in Harlem is a breath of fresh air and is indicative of the changing neighborhood. With décor that is the perfect replication of a quintessential Parisian bistro, and food that is simple yet flavorful, it is worth the trip up north.Cedric’s menu offers an extensive array of authentic French dishes and cocktails that are artfully bended with its local roots. Take advantage of the early dinner prix-fix menu, which allows you to choose either an appetizer and main course, or main course and dessert. Dishes like traditional hanger steak or mussels will give you a little taste of Paris.Cuisine: FrenchWhen: Everyday from 5-7pmWhat: $25 prix fix 2-course dinnerLocation: 185 St Nicholas Avenue (at 119^th street), Harlem

Do you want to add New York to your RTW trip?

Planning a trip around the world and want to include NYC? Need some assistance? Sign up today for Plan Your RTW Trip in 30 Days and start receiving email lesson plans tomorrow - it's free!

If you're looking for itinerary ideas, check out the following multi-stop trip that includes New York. If this particular itinerary doesn't fit your travel needs, then sign up for a free account on Indie to customize, price, and book your trip!For more on travel to New York, check out the following articles and resources:

Read our New York City Indie Travel Guide
Read Around the World in 80 Days
Read Alternatives for Popular Tourist Destinations in the US
Read 6 Little Italy Neighborhoods Across the United States
Read 10 Places You Should Celebrate New Year's at least Once

Are you a local New Yorker who has hidden gems to share? Comment below and tell our reader's where to go on their next trip to the Big Apple.Photo credits: Anthony Jackson, Agozar, dpstyles, Maggie Hoffman, goodiesfirst, Instant Vantage, Randy Le'Moine Photography,

What Couchsurfing Meant to Me

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:03:51 +0000

Editor's note: There has been a lot of talk lately about the state of Couchsurfing. BootsnAll has published two articles in the past few weeks, The End of a Dream: Couchsurfing's Fall, and Re-Realizing the Dream: How to "Fix" Couchsurfing. Both articles have generated a lot of discussion, both good and bad. Brooke Allen, author of the article below, is a long time Couchsurfer who has studied what made an organization like Couchsurfing and an event like Burning Man work. There will be four parts to this series:1. The Good - What Couchsurfing meant to me (and so many others). 2. The Explanation - Why Couchsurfing was so magical. 3. The Bad - Couchsurfing's changing nature. 4. The Future - Couchsurfing's promise and how to realize it.

Couchsurfing Part 1 - THE GOOD

Couchsurfing has improved my life immeasurably. It has renewed my faith in humanity, and it has given my life a new purpose.I think I have been a good community member: a gracious host, an appreciative guest, and good company to fellow travelers. However, other than talking it up to everyone who will listen, and the $20 I sent to get verified in 2006, I have done nothing to help advance the cause.Sign up for our Daily Dose to be notified of new articles each day!But now that Couchsurfing is in trouble, it is time for me to be of use.I discovered CS in 2006, and more than just valuing it for its obvious benefits as a traveler, it sparked an abiding interest in:

How each of us can become a better person, and
What makes communities thrive.

My journey of discovery has brought me to many places and introduced me to some world-class experts in the social sciences, psychology, politics, and economics. I have developed some useful theories, and proved them in practice in my various business and social entrepreneurship ventures.Although I have plenty of complaints about how CS has evolved recently, the tone of this series is optimistic. I hope you will find my comments insightful, my criticisms constructive, and my suggestions worth considering. Although the potential for Couchsurfing has never been greater, its success is in peril. I hope my ideas can change the tone and direction of the discussion, and have some influence over what happens next. I offer my services in whatever ways are appropriate.

Heaven on Earth

To understand what Couchsurfing means, you need to understand the feeling it engenders, and to do that you need to have an experience. My experience happened nearly 30 years ago. You may wonder how this experience relates, but bear with me - no skipping ahead!I wanted to spend our honeymoon in the Galápagos during the last week of November, 1986. Why? Because Kurt Vonnegut's 1985 book, Galápagos, tells a tale of a small band of people who take a cruise to the Galápagos Islands on that particular weekend. A disease breaks out that renders everyone else on the planet infertile, and a new and better breed of humans evolves from those few surviving tourists. How romantic would it be to have our honeymoon in that place and time?I visited the Ecuadorian consulate in New York where their ambassador to the United Nations heard me ask his secretary for the special visas we would need to visit the islands. He yelped "Galápagos" and dragged me by the arm into his office. He'd just developed a huge stack of photos, taken on his own recent trip to the islands, and he described each scene with the hurried enthusiasm of a madman. All I could see in the snapshots were a few mountains here, some water there, a bit of brush, and a tree or two. After half an hour he was less than half-way through when he looked at his watch and said, "Oh my god; I'm late."He returned me to his secretary and said, "Get this man and his new bride visas for the Galápagos."A young woman sitting nearby shouted, "Galápagos! I love the Galápagos."The ambassador thrust the stack of photos at the young woman and said, "Explain it to him; he doesn't get it."She stared at the topmost photograph for a very long time.And then she burst into tears.I said, "I don't get it. It just looks like a bunch of rocks.""That's exactly what I said when first I got there." She sniffled, "This is nothing but a bunch of fucking rocks."It took her a while to compose herself before continuing. "The thing is, if you were sitting on one of those rocks then lizards would walk right up to you, birds would land on your shoulders, and animals will want to play with you.""So?" I knew that creatures had evolved to be friendly because there were no predators."So... That is when you realize what life would be like if you did not know fear."And then she burst into tears again.

Despondency

I was in London in June of 2006 to attend something called Hedgestock, which brought hedge fund managers, investors, and bankers together for a "Festival of Networking." (Theme: Woodstock. Regalia: Plastic Love Beads. Motto: Peace, Love, and Higher Returns.) Entertainment was provided by The Who as a favor from Peter Townsend to his personal hedge fund manager. I was 16 when The Who played Woodstock, and I had never seen them in person. You would think I would be excited.But I was despondent rather than excited. There was something wrong.I am a member of the Woodstock Generation, and we had thought we could change the world. However, by 2006 it seemed we had turned on our ideals and implemented our worst debt-laden, superficial, selfish, and materialistic nightmare. Most hedge fund managers spend their days making rich people richer, and calling our gathering "Hedgestock" was just too much to bear. The more successful among us might give our children all manner of goods, but were we good people?Then I discovered Couchsurfing, and everything changed.

As close to Heaven as you can get

Because I had been in London dozens of times before, this time I searched the web for a hint of a tourist experience I had not already had. When I stumbled upon Couchsurfing, I immediately signed up and invited 50 members to join me for dinner on the following Monday to explain this thing to me. Why 50? Because when I travel, I'll often try to connect with LinkedIn contacts-of-contacts to meet casually, and if I write to 50, five will be polite enough to respond, three will say they will meet me, and one will show up.Nearly every Couchsurfer responded immediately. Half of them could meet on the Monday, and so I booked a few banquet tables at a Chinese restaurant just north of Leicester Square. Everyone showed up, and for 3.5 hours I collected the most amazing stories of travel, adventure, and kindness.At the end of the evening I asked, "So. Has anyone had any problems?"Everyone shook their heads, "No.""But surely someone somewhere has had problems; a rape, a theft... something?""Nope.""How do you know?""Because there would have been an announcement."I was in shock; I had never heard of such a thing.In the 1970's I'd hitch-hiked over 25,000 miles to every state of the union (except for Alaska and Hawaii). Usually I would sleep on the side of the road, on a stranger's couch, or on their floor. I've had my share of miserable nights standing in the snow or rain. I've been propositioned by many homosexual men (and a few females). Although uncomfortable, all but one was gracious when I turned them down. I only felt violated once when a convicted felon who had been playing the "confidence game" for years drove my girlfriend and me from North Dakota to Washington State as he regaled us with stories of his various cons. Then he took us for $11 just to show us how it is done.Although nothing seriously bad ever happened, I was always vigilant.But these Couchsurfers did not seem to know fear, not because courage overcame emotions, but because they had built a self-contained world like the Galápagos where they did not have to know fear.In the early 1990's we had lived in Japan, and I was impressed that five-year-old girls felt comfortable traveling anywhere in Tokyo by themselves, and their parents were happy to let them. This is because every person takes personal responsibility for children's safety in Japan. When a parent is around, then the child can be less safe because then there are only one pair of eyes paying attention instead of many. This is as it should be; to know fear before adulthood steals your youth.Children raised this way grow up and realize that everyone’s safety is a collective responsibility, and therefore they create a world safe for adults, too. Although in New York City we had three dead-bolts on our apartment’s steel door, but in Tokyo we soon got out of the habit of locking anything. I loved Japan in that regard, but I was always aware I was not one of them; I was a Gaijin - a curiosity - an other.On the other hand, Couchsurfers had built a community unlike any other I had seen. I was immediately accepted as one of them, and I could step into their world anywhere on the planet, and at any time I wanted.

Home

A few years ago I was trying to convince an elderly relative to join Couchsurfing. My arguments weren't convincing, so I roped in my friend Kent, who is a 70-year-old Vietnam War Vet and Couchsurfer who has been back to Vietnam many times building rural libraries. I said, in effect, "Explain it to him; he doesn't get it."

I think I can speak for a community of CSers that we consider our CS as a HOME.

Kent forwarded my request to his Couchsurfing buddies in Hanoi, and within minutes one of them responded with the following note:Dears,It warms my heart to read how magical CS site is by Brooke. I have been enjoying CS so much and as the person said, CS link people together without age difference nor language barrier. I joined CS in 2006 after hearing so many good thing about it. Be honest, CS has been changing my life in different ways since I’ve learn much from travelers.CS brings me friendship, joys, chances. As a starter, I have a good pen-pal from Spain. Lots of conversation, culture exchange has made. From that on, I start to meet people all over the world and build up a close friendship that I can always be welcomed anywhere I go. And as a result, I had a CS community in Hue that often did voluntary at orphans.So, CS is not really in its black meaning: finding a couch for homeless. Above that, it is where people share their love, hobbies in the community – where only greatest people exist – where no war happens – where the safety and laugh exist. CS saves people from uncertainty and loneliness. All from CS, we start to get to know friends of your beloved CSers. For me, beside laughs, CS has brought me love, dearest Uncles, best friends.I think I can speak for a community of CSers that we consider our CS as a HOME.Love,Thao

I can see clearly now

In 2006 I was enthralled with Couchsurfing, but I could not tell you exactly why. My bumbling explanations included words like "karma" and phrases like "pay it forward."Then I began studying what made CS tick, and my explorations had me visit the collective in 2009, and the new corporate HQ in 2012. I've spent time with Casey Fenton and Dan Hoffer, and I've chatted long hours with many ambassadors and hundreds of members.Couchsurfing led me to Burning Man and into the academic world. I've talked to dozens of scientists who research how we interact and learn to trust each other. I am now on the board of the Center for Neuroeconomic Studies at Claremont Graduate University where they study how genetics and experience play a role in creating morality, civility, empathy, and trust.Many people are upset with Couchsurfing - particularly members who joined more than a few years ago. Most of my old friends are inactive, and some have left completely, often sending angry emails to all of us explaining their reasons: the new terms of service, clueless management, the idea that someone would profit off their efforts, etc.I have a complaint too, and it is very specific:Today, when I step into the Couchsurfers’ world I no longer feel I can let down my guard, and I am not overwhelmed with the feeling that I have come home.

Please help this process by limiting your responses to this part of my analysis. Part 1 (The Good: What Couchsurfing Meant to Me) is intended to be inspirational more than completely factual. I know I am being flowery, idealistic, and naïve; please don’t burst that bubble just yet. That will happen in Part 3 (The Bad). The goal of this part is to motivate you to make Couchsurfing work, and the goal of the next part (Part 2: The Explanation) is to show you how it can work. Once armed with hope and tools we will be ready to deal with problems.So for right now, I ask you please not to post criticisms of CS or negative stories; there will be plenty of time to get to that later. Instead only give comments and tell tales about:

Positive experiences and vision for CS
Ideas of how to make it happen.

To read more from and about author Brooke Allen, check out his author bio page.To read more about Couchsurfing, check out the following articles:

Couchsurfing: Tips for a Smooth Experience
10 Ways to Use Couchsurfing
5 Online Tools to Help Enrich Your Offline Travel Experiences
The Art of Keeping in Touch with Fellow Travelers
8 Ways to Travel for Free on Your RTW Trip
Fill out a Traveler Profile on BootsnAll to become part of our online travel community.

Photo credits: Collage: By author and may not be used without permission. Galapagos book and place. Book: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Galapagos(Vonnegut).jpg, Pelican and ship: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalmaritimemuseum/5074437339

Re-realizing the Dream: How to “Fix” Couchsurfing

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:03:29 +0000

Editor's note: Last week we published an article titled The End of a Dream: Couchsurfing's Fall, which generated hundreds of comments and over 5000 Facebook likes. It's clear based on the comments that a great deal of passion exists when it comes to the Couchsurfing community, both those frustrated with the current state of the organization and those who still feel it offers a service that no one else can match. Nithin Coca, the author of the original article, came across to some as "giving up" on Couchsurfing. Quite the contrary, as he would love nothing more than to see the community he once loved so much return to glory. The following article is what he would do to "fix" Couchsurfing and re-appeal to disenfranchised members. Next week we'll publish the first of a series of 4 articles from another Couchsurfing member who has been actives since 2006. He will discuss the good, the bad, and the future of Couchsurfing. If you like what you've read here, sign up for our Daily Dose to receive notification of any new articles we post.You may not have even noticed it happened, but recently Couchsurfing officially hit six million members. To some, a milestone, to others, another sign of mass popularity ruining a good idea. In fact, despite the continued growth, there is widespread discontent about the direction the site is taking, and an active search for alternative platforms.While I may have doubts about today's Couchsurfing, I also believe the time is right to embark on an even greater, more ambitious project.To do that, first we need to rebuild trust, increase openness, and recapture the idealistic spirit that spurred the sites initial organic growth. Without further adieu, my plan to save Couchsurfing, focusing on the tenets I believe are most important, from my experiences as a traveler and an activist.

Refocus on Members and Community

Facebook has users. Twitter has users. Google has users. Corporations like Wal-Mart, Apple, and HP have customers.Couchsurfing has none of those. Couchsurfing has members.In my professional life, I'm a social activist who has worked for many nonprofits and charities around the world, both good and bad. Thus, I understand how an organization builds trust with its membership. It's one of the reasons I've been so vocal about Couchsurfing's Management, who seem to be ignoring even the most basic, time-honored practices with regards to communication, involvement, and outreach with members.Members is why Couchsurfing is different than the aforementioned corporations. Members built the community, organized events, Couchcrashes, and set up groups for ridesharing, apartment hunting, camping trips, and more, often despite what was (and still is) a clunky, buggy site.The reason that non-profit status would have been ideal is that many non-profits, such as my previous employers Sierra Club and Peace Action, have a board of directors that is elected by the members. The board votes on yearly budgets, program goals, and strategy with input from members. Sierra Club has a national headquarters, but also smaller chapters and groups all across the country, and one of the main roles of HQ is to provide tools to local organizers for their own independent campaigns. Thus, the structure empowers communities, as opposed to the top-down dictating of changes that Couchsurfing has recently been doing. .I believe the structure would have better fit Couchsurfing than that of a B-Corp, and there is space for adaption too; no two non-profits are run the same way.So, what can Couchsurfing, which was refused non-profit status, learn from groups like Sierra Club? For starters, treat members as members, not as users. Build an organizational structure that empowers communities around the world, by building tools they request, not generic "place" pages that mix up cities and make finding useful information difficult. Create an equivalent of a board that can provide meaningful member input in a more accessible forum.Sound ambitious? Well, there is an even more important point, one that relates directly to corporations.

Global transparency

Couchsurfing is a global network, one that, despite its United States headquarters and American CEO and founder, finds most of its members overseas. This makes it even more imperative that Couchsurfing integrate transparency into its organizational practices, otherwise, the vast majority of its members will continue to be disconnected from HQ.Transparency is building trust through open sharing of information, a clear, fair decision-making structure, and adhering to industry standards for reporting and accountability. It seems like a slam dunk for a member driven social network to embrace transparency, but unfortunately, Couchsurfing has taken numerous steps to reduce transparency. There is no place to find staff bios, the CEOs profile is hidden, and network stats were removed with the move to corporate status. We are repeatedly told that things are happening "behind the scenes," but CS gives no way to provide meaningful input and no insight into how it operates.Companies deal with issues like this all the time, and the internet – the same platform that made Couchsurfing possible – is fostering shifts in openness and corporate accountability. Remember Wikileaks? A global movement has blossomed over the past two years, showing how we live in an era of information.There are calls to open up access to government, to widely implement tracking of corporate social responsibility standards, and now companies in some industries are required to manage their supply chains. Just this week, there was a campaign launched to force clothing manufacturers sign a pledge to ensure safety standards in overseas factories, in response to the horrific factory collapse in Bangladesh that killed over 600 people. If this was a few decades ago, we'd never have even heard about the factory, and of course, Couchsurfing wouldn't exist.

Transparency will go a long way in re-establishing the trust that the past years actions have cost the organization.

The fact that Couchsurfing is on the wrong side of this movement is a tragedy. Couchsurfing may be a corporation, accountable first to its investors, but we, the members, are the consumers, and Couchsurfing needs us. It is outdated, and frankly, a bad corporate practice, to hide behind walls of secrecy. Transparency will go a long way in re-establishing the trust that the past years actions have cost the organization.A first step would be to tell the truth about why Couchsurfing was unable to receive non-profit status and an explanation of where those millions in donations went in the years before the move to corporate status. Secondly, explain the role of venture capitalists in the organization and come clean about how management plans to monetize the site, so that funders receive a return on investment. Then, listen to members and create a more inclusive, open transparency strategy.

A Values-Added Couchsurfing

We can never return to the past. What we can do, though, is chart a path towards a greater future. Couchsurfing worked because surfers like me were empowered by their positive experiences as travelers and were excited to open up their homes to guests.When guidebooks like Lonely Planet started suggesting Couchsurfing as an alternative to hostels, travelers started looking at Couchsurfing as a way to get free accommodation instead of a cultural experience. Media stories hyped the site as all about finding a free place to stay. Hosts – like me – started getting hounded with requests around festivals and conferences – in San Francisco, the week before Burning Man was especially full of atrocious requests from empty profiles.Trust is fragile. One negative experience can cause a host to shut down his or her couch. There now seems to be an in-balance between surfers looking for hosts in certain cities (Paris, New York, Berlin) and hosts never getting requests in non-destination cities (such as Kansas City, where I am today).An idea may lie in the original hospitality network, Servas, formed in the days before the internet. It was Couchsurfing with a book that had profiles of hosts, each vetted through an interview with another member. However, at its base was a powerful ethical mission – that each friendship the organization built was a step on the path towards world peace. Hospitality exchange meant building connections between boundaries that would tie humanity together into a web of love.I'm not saying Couchsurfing should become focused on world peace, but if it had an ethical purpose, it could move beyond just being a "free place to stay" website, and events could move beyond "let's get drunk at a bar." It could be a movement.

The human spirit

In Thailand this past year, I met a young man of mixed Burmese and Indian origin the old fashioned way. From the second I met him, I knew he was someone with a good heart, a genuine person, who treated those around him with respect and love.We only spoke for a few minutes, but he immediately invited me to his university, and a few days later, I came. He showed me around the beautiful countryside and took me to one of the oldest Thai floating markets. He talked about life, family activism, and his travels. I was astonished to hear about when he was just 17, he biked around Southeast Asia, from Vietnam all the way through Indonesia, alone, with little money. I asked him, "How did you find a place to stay?"I expected the answer to be, "Well, Couchsurfing.""When I was tired, I would just find some homes and knock on their door until someone let me stay.""Was it tough finding someone?""No, I never had to knock on more than two or three homes."Oftentimes, they had no language in common, speaking in gestures or short phrases. In exchange for their hospitality, he would cook dinner. More often than not, they would become close."When I left, they would often say, "Don't go, stay longer," he said, smiling.That is why I vehemently disagree that human nature leads to hook-up oriented events like the one I witnessed in NYC, that money is necessary for hospitality exchange, that gender in-balances, in numbers and in society, are part of human nature. There was, and is, a greater, natural human spirit of sharing that breaks down social and cultural barriers, and it is that spirit that Couchsurfing needs to recapture to grow into a positive force for change.By focusing on members, establishing transparency within the corporate structure, and building an ethical base, I believe that Couchsurfing can be, again, the travel network that does change the world.For more on Couchsurfing and other travel communities, read:

Couchsurfing: Tips for a Smooth Experience
10 Ways to Use Couchsurfing
5 Online Tools to Help Enrich Your Offline Travel Experiences
The Art of Keeping in Touch with Fellow Travelers
8 Ways to Travel for Free on Your RTW Trip
Fill out a Traveler Profile on BootsnAll to become part of our online travel community.

To read more from and about author Nithin Coca, check out his author bio. Photo credits: 2 - Matt Callow, Wikimedia Commons, all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission.

Worldwide University Programs in Ecotourism

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:02:29 +0000

Our “Sustainable Travel“ series is sponsored by Global Basecamps. Global Basecamps is specialty travel company that helps independent travelers research and book locally owned boutique hotels, off-the-beaten path lodges and multi-day excursions all over the world. Whether hiking the Inca Trail, experiencing a traditional Japanese Ryokan, or relaxing on the beaches of Thailand, Global Basecamps specializes in designing completely customized itineraries to meet each travelers specific priorities and match their travel style.

Ecotourism has become a hot buzz word for caring about the impact your travel has on the environmental world and local culture. New companies that specialize in ecotours emerge every day, and entire countries such as Belize focus almost solely on this form of tourism.

But what if you want to go beyond simply taking an ecotour or trusting a company's approach to sustainability? There is a larger option to dive headfirst into this emerging field: get a degree in ecotourism.

There are more programs in more places around the world than you might think. Depending on the amount of time and money you want to put in, a range of certifications are available that will put you on the track towards becoming an Ecotourism Guide or Adventure Therapy Program Coordinator, among many other job choices.

The coolest part is that most of the programs include some training in adventure sports or hiking, and offer their own twist on sand, surf, and the great outdoors.

Here are five of the best ecotourism programs available around the world:

1) Bachelor of Applied Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership, Mount Royal University, Alberta, Canada

If you want to learn about tourism and business, environmental science and leadership, and sociocultural heritage so that you can work as an Ecotourism program planner, a Bachelor of Applied Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership from Mount Royal University might be the right program for you.

Along with classes in Sustainable Tourism and Introductory Rock Climbing (yes, really), you also take a Critical Writing and Reading class and Entrepreneurship Studies, so that you're able to take what you learn in "Mountain Bike Trekking" and apply it to the real world of business.

This program is a good mix of adventure sports training and practical business application, with a mandatory practicum for two semesters that provides real world experience, and five day expeditions on the river or in the mountains.

General admission requirements.
Cost: Approximately $7,300 Canadian for tuition, fees, and books for 1 year
Job Opportunities: Outdoor Education, Eco and Adventure Advocacy, Parks Protection, Small Business Development

2) Bachelor of Science in Ecotourism, University of Derby, Derbyshire, England

It might be studying at the 58 acre Outdoor Leadership Centre that perks your interest. Or it may be the possibility of spending up to six weeks in Botswana working on and learning about conservation projects. It might just come down to being able to study resource management and examining land-use conflicts.

Whatever it is, if you are looking for an in-depth study of the environment and ways to protect local resources and people as tourism increases, the University of Derby at Derbyshire provides a sound, internationally linked-in degree. With this undergraduate degree, you can go into Outdoor Recreation or Adventure Tourism, or specialize in responsible tourism initiatives. You'll also be connected to the Tourism Management Institute and the International Tourism Society.

General Undergraduate Admission requirements.
Cost: £9,000 per year for UK/EU students (this includes most of the fieldtrip costs)
Job Opportunities: Specializing in sustainable/responsible tourism initiatives

3) Sustainable Tourism Management Certificate, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

Understanding the impact of tourism beyond just the tourist's experience is the backbone of ecotourism. Obtaining a Sustainable Tourism Management Certificate from San Diego State University will provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and innovations of this industry. At the same time, you'll tap into the world of sustainable tourism through a tourism planning class and an internship in the field.

Beyond the Tourism Management certification, SDSU also offers a Sustainable Surf Tourism Certification as part of their Center for Surf Research. This means that if you plan to develop - or already have - a surf tourism operation, you can get certified as a business that takes into account sustainability, social, economic, and environmental impact, and cultural heritage impact. The certification also sets up international standards for responsible surfing for tourists.

English language requirement
Cost: $6,530 for 17 weeks
Job Opportunities: Working in a sustainable tourism business

4) Bachelor of Applied Science in Adventure Ecotourism, Charles Sturt University, Albury-Wodonga, Australia

Another degree in ecotourism can be found in a place intimately connected to its environment - Australia. Charles Sturt in Albury-Wodonga offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Adventure Ecotourism that dives deep into one of two areas - Outdoor Recreation or Planning and Policy. Each student chooses their specialization during this three-years full time (or six years distance learning) program.

Field-based equipment, fully equipped lab facilities, and a stocked library are found alongside classes such as "Earth System Processes" and "International Practical Experience". If you go the Outdoor Recreation path, you can impress all your friends as you become professionally trained in bushwalking, rock climbing, and abseiling.

Admission requirements
Cost: $8,400 Australian per year (Aus and New Zealand students), $22,800 International students
Job Opportunities: Adventure Ecotourism Instructor, Ecotourism Guide, Outdoor Development Trainer, Environmental Educator

5) Associates degree in Ecotourism & Adventure Travel, Hocking College, Nelsonville, OH

Though Ohio may not automatically come to mind when thinking about protecting the rainforests or oceans, the Ecotourism & Adventure Travel program offered at Hocking College in Nelsonville might change your mind. This Associates degree provides an overview of nature and ecological sciences, tour guide services, wilderness skills, and hospitality and lodging.

It also covers the whole spectrum of ecotourism management, from running the front desk of an eco-hotel to the environmental impact of any number of outdoor adventure activities. Besides, what other program out there offers "Chain Saw Operations and Maintenance?"

You'll even get a chance to lead inexperienced backpackers into a remote wilderness setting.

Admission requirements
Cost: $5,355.00 for 65 credit hours (four semesters)
Job Opportunities: Work in National Parks, Environmental Education centers, Resorts or Lodges, Adventure Camps or Therapy programs, in the Tourism Industry.

What are some other great ecotourism programs offered around the globe?

Obviously, sustainability in travel is here to stay. Global Basecamps is proud to support its destinations directly through travel. Take a peek at our social responsibility page to learn how travel through Global Basecamps helps your destinations. Whether it’s supporting a Maasai primary school with your cultural Tanzania safari, or the survival of a unique Amazon tribe with your once in a lifetime Ecuador adventure, you can rest assured that your travel is supporting localities simply by booking through a trusted travel agency.Photo credits: Declic, PhillipC, SD Dirk, aussiegall, Wayne National Forest

In Defense of Multi-Generational Travel

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:03:33 +0000

Jenn Miller has been on the road with her husband and four children for over five years and is well versed in all aspects of long-term travel. Each week Jenn will bring a unique insight into extended travel, touching on topics ranging from inspirational articles to practical trip planning to family travel to education on the road to interviews with interesting people she's met along the way.They say you don’t really know a person until you travel together. In my experience, that’s very true, or at least, you come to know people in a new way when you travel together. There is something about being thrust out of your element and into the world that has a way of revealing the true character of a person, showing you a side of one another that is often veiled by routine, and that opens doors to discuss things that don’t come up over the breakfast table at home.But is it still true with the people we know best? What about within our families? Our siblings? Our parents? I would argue that it’s even more true where our parents are concerned, and it’s one reason that I’m such a big proponent of multi-generational adventures. Does the thought of a trip with your parents seem like your worst nightmare in the making? Hear me out. Let me tell you a couple of stories, and I'll give you three reasons to take the plunge, risk the nightmare, and maybe surprise yourself and them.

You Don’t Know Them

You don’t know your parents. You don’t. You think you do because you grew up in their care, and you’ve heard every lecture they’ve ever given. You’ve made assumptions about them, as all children do, and those assumptions get carried over into your adult relationship in a way that sometimes creates chasms instead of building bridges. You’ve only known them in one incarnation of themselves: parents. There are more layers there, if you can bridge the gaps between the parent-child relationship and find equal footing, and anyone who has traveled knows what a universal equalizer it can be.The world flickered in and out of focus like an old reel to reel movie at the end of its tape. The space-time continuum shifted slightly so that I stood transfixed, in the long round hallway of the colosseum at El Jem, watching my father flicker between his sexagenarian self and a twenty five year old man who I almost recognized as the legend who raised me. With one hand tucked in his back pocket, he pointed off into the distance through one of the openings, and I overheard him talking to the boys, “Look carefully boys, the ghost of young Gramps is here... right over there, that’s where Grammy rode her first camel... she was younger than your mom, and she had on a red scarf. The town was much smaller, and we were walking across from Morocco...”The scene shifted, the world flickered again, and he was sitting on the stone stands around the arena watching his grandchildren. For an instant their Grammy laughed loud as the “lion” almost bit the “gladiator’s” head off, and then there was this young woman in her place. I recognized her bright blue eyes, and the adventure reflected in them; she had a backpack, almost like mine. In an instant she was my Mom again.Since that moment I’ve become used to the time warp feeling of traveling with my parents. Of course we traveled lots when I was a kid, but at those ages there was but one world: the one in which I was reaching hard for the sky, and my parents were two dimensional figures.

They were wild adventurers, lovers, trouble makers, hard workers, builders of the world we were born into, and seekers of truth and beauty long before they were Mom and Dad.

Their travel pictures and stories, from before my brother and I were born, have taken on new life, and I see my reflection in them. Stranger still is the reflection of my own children layered in. Once when we were looking at old color slides from a backpacking trip to Guatemala circa 1970, eight year old Ezra asked, “Mama, when did you have a yellow bikini?” Grammy laughed; it was a picture of her on a lago that the grandchild recognized. I don’t have a yellow bikini.Our parents invest 20 years in the project of raising us, and until we have our own kids, we have no concept of the cost of that sacrifice. But parenthood is not the sum total of who they are. They were wild adventurers, lovers, trouble makers, hard workers, builders of the world we were born into, and seekers of truth and beauty long before they were Mom and Dad.Do you know those people? Have you peeled back the layers and asked the questions? If you haven’t, you don’t know your parents yet. Pack a bag, and go find those people.

They Don’t Know You

Your parents might have raised you, but if you’ve been gone for any amount of time, they don’t know you. You know this, but maybe they don’t. As parents, we make assumptions about our kids, in the same way children make assumptions about their parents, and it’s hard to look past what we think we know to what the realities are. When kids grow up and out and away, it’s hard for parents to remember that they are still becoming and still changing and developing into their truest selves. Of course as adults we’re acutely aware of the differences between ourselves and the families that raised us; it’s one of the reasons that bridging those adult relationships can be so hard.My husband was not raised in a traveling family. He was raised in a hard working, traditionalist, midwestern family that was so proud when he was the first in generations to graduate from university. His parents have always been his fiercest cheerleaders, and there have been supportive even when it broke their hearts. But they haven’t always understood. They were concerned when he dropped his very good job to travel. They didn’t get why we spent so much time in the third world. When we wintered in Muslim north Africa, they worried. Then they took their first international trip to Guatemala, where we were living.

It was a lesson to me, as a mom, to remember to let my kids be who they are, even if it’s not at all what I expect, and to meet them more than half way.

They left behind everything they had known and dove into the deep end. Guatemala isn’t an “easy” first country for the uninitiated. I was wowed by their moxie and admired their bravery as they ate street food, waded through their inability to communicate, came to grips with our very “off the beaten track” community, and fell in love with our life. It’s a huge love gift for parents to step that far outside of their box for their son and grandchildren. It was a lesson to me, as a mom, to remember to let my kids be who they are, even if it’s not at all what I expect, and to meet them more than half way.The last day they were with us I was standing in our garden, watching the volcanos beyond the lake and reminiscing with my mother-in-law. After a long pause she looked at me with tears in her eyes and she said, “You know, I get it. I get it now. I never really understood why you guys traveled like you do, why you live this way. But now... I’ve seen my son in a whole new way, and you and the kids too... and I get it.”It’s those moments that make it all infinitely worth it. They continue to be fiercely proud of us, and we’re plotting our next multi-generational adventure!

Tempus Fugit

I can’t put this any other way: You won’t have your parents forever. They’re going to get too old for big time adventure. They might get sick. They are going to die. I am not looking forward to the stage of life when the two people who spun me, like a top, out into the universe fade into picture frames. It brings tears to my eyes even to think about it. I’m as determined to make the most of the years I have with my parents as I am to make the most of the years I have with my kids. And for a very few, very precious years, our three generations overlap, and the memories made on epic journeys and grand adventures during that brief window are precious beyond measure.Your parents gave the best years of their lives to the project of raising you. Give them some of that gift back by making time for them during the best years of yours. It’s hard to find the time, I know. It’s hard to reach beyond the differences and the difficulties sometimes. But ask someone who’s lost a parent what they would give for one more day, one more holiday, one more trip with their parents. It’s never a mistake to invest in time and relationships.My uncle died two winters ago. Our last visit was in his care home. He was having a lucid day and remembered me. He sat in his chair, toothless, in a diaper, a shadow of the man I remember. His daughter and I went to dinner, shared a drink, and reminisced about our childhoods and his generation.

You’ll get to know them in a way you haven’t yet. They’ll have a window into your world. You’ll bridge culture gaps abroad while building bridges between hearts at home.

“You know, I’m so glad I took him to Scotland,” she smiled her fantastic, open, smile and we toasted “the old people.” Their trip to Scotland wasn’t a cake walk. He wasn’t an easy man, even on his own turf. They fought hard and cursed one another soundly in the Scottish highlands, as is wont to happen in our gene pool. But at the end of the day, when he dried up and blew away like a leaf, his daughter had Scotland, and perhaps he took that memory into the ether.No one knows what we take out when we die, but at the very best, it’s our relationships and our memories. Is there anything else really worth investing in?Traveling with your parents might seem like a chore. Heck, it might BE a chore! Don’t get me started on my Dad and bernouce shopping in backwater Tunisia in three languages. I nearly strangled the man! But it’s also an investment, in yourself, and in the relationships that matter most. You’ll get to know them in a way you haven’t yet. They’ll have a window into your world. You’ll bridge culture gaps abroad while building bridges between hearts at home. Take a chance, take your parents.

RTW 30 for families

BootsnAll offers a free trip planning course called Plan Your RTW Trip in 30 Days for anyone interested in taking a long-term trip. We are hard at work at the moment in creating another free planning resource, this time for families! If you want to stay up to speed and be among the first to know when we launch this new product, sign up for the BootsnAll Indie Travel newsletter!For more on family travel, check out the following articles:

An American’s Guide to Visiting Cuba

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:03:35 +0000

There’s something to be said about the road less traveled. And I certainly did that as I turned a quick 90-mile journey from Miami to Cuba into a trip of over 4,000 miles. Was it worth it? Absolutely.As I uncover the secret of travel to Cuba for Americans, I’ll share with you how you can do it legally as well as under the radar, which I like to call My Way. Plus, I’ll highlight some of Cuba’s excellent food, drink, must-sees, and experiences.First and foremost, I must say that since my return, I have received so many blank faces when I mentioned I traveled to Cuba to celebrate the New Year. I didn’t know it prior, but most Americans are oblivious to the fact that travel to Cuba is difficult and highly restricted. Unless you are in the know, the press, politicians, and government have done an excellent job in keeping Americans unaware of this gem of the Caribbean. If you are like the majority, you don’t hear much about Cuba unless it has to do with the health of the Fidel Castro or a hurricane fast approaching. Am I right?So why do so many Americans stay at home with such a beautiful, spirited country only 90 miles off its shores? Let me explain the basics. Then you can decide your route to Cuba.

Legal travel to Cuba – The basics

The Cuban government does not prohibit travel to Cuba by Americans; nor it is illegal for an American to travel to Cuba with a license from the U.S. government. However, legal travel directly from the United States is limited. You need to fall into one of two groups or choose the recent “People to People” travel option. All are explained below: 1) License waived because you are:

A professional journalist on assignment
A full-time academic or research professional
A person on official government business

2) Need to apply for a specific license with the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control because you are:

A person visiting immediate family
A full-time graduate student conducting academic research to be counted toward a graduate degree, an undergraduate or graduate student participating in a study aboard program of at least 10 weeks in length, a professor/teacher employed at a US institution traveling to Cuba to teach
A person engaging in religious activities, humanitarian projects, non-profit cultural exhibitions
A freelance journalist

3) New “People to People” travel optionPresident Obama recently opened the “People to People” travel option to Americans. It’s available to Americans who don’t qualify for the other two options and wish to visit Cuba as tourists. In order to take advantage of this type of travel, Americans must go with a licensed tour operator with a cultural exchange program. These programs are full-time with a 40 hours a week schedule full of historical, religious, and cultural education.[social]What does this mean?As an American, you can travel to Cuba, but you need to fit into pretty stringent qualifiers, wait patiently for licenses from the U.S. Department of Treasury, or go with one of the licensed tour operators that book up quickly, charge a pretty penny, and make your dreams of relaxing with mojitos and cigars at the beach nearly impossible with the full-time schedule of cultural exchange that the tours must follow.

How I did it My Way

I didn’t qualify for the first option of travel. However, I could have chosen the second option, as I’m a freelance journalist. The catch was that I didn’t have the time to file with the government. I wanted to go for the ringing in of the New Year, which was in little under a week and a half. In order to cover all of my bases, I tried a few licensed tour operators. Unfortunately or fortunately, those that I contacted were all booked. So I needed another option, which required more research and a little bit of creativity.I started my investigation by contacting various tour operators in Cuba in addition to scouring the web for tips of how to accomplish such a trip. In a matter of a day, I found out that my only option, given my time constraints, was to go through a third country. Although it would have been easier to choose flights from Miami to the Bahamas and then to Cuba, I selected to work with an eco-tourism company in Havana who would provide housing, transport, and excursions while in Cuba as well as an introduction to a Mexican tour operator that could facilitate the purchase of the two separate roundtrip tickets from Miami to Mexico City and then from Mexico City to Havana.Within a total of two days, I had money wired to the tour operator in Mexico with confirmation that my tickets were purchased. I also nailed down a four-day itinerary with the Cuban tour operator allowing me time to enjoy Havana, hike and swim in Las Terrazas, sunbathe at Varadero’s beach, dance salsa, and stay with local families. The My Way trip to Cuba was underway.Next I had to prepare for money. As the embargo prohibits Americans spending money in Cuba, using a credit or debit card from an American bank isn’t going to work. That means you need cash. Unlike other trips abroad, I didn’t bring much US currency because I found out that dollars are subject to an extra 10% at the Cuban exchange services. So I set out to get a combination of Mexican Pesos and Euros. I have to admit; this trip preparation took me back over a decade ago where cellphones, ATMs, and Internet were not ubiquitous. Back then and yet again in Cuba, I had cash hidden in various shoes, a money belt, and other top-secret places.

Getting into Cuba

Whether you go My Way from Miami to Mexico City to Havana or another route, you will need to show valid international health insurance or purchase it in the Havana airport. As Cuba is known for its healthcare, the government is very careful to allow anyone into the country who doesn’t have coverage. Although I have coverage in the US, my plan is only accepted domestically. If you're in the same situation, don’t worry; in the very same room as immigration, you can quickly arrange for health insurance for your stay in Cuba. The charge was minimal at roughly $3 USD per day. I received a small piece of paper and proceeded to the immigration line. The official did not stamp my passport, but she did stamp the visa that I would show upon exiting Cuba.After passing immigration, there are various checkpoints at which numerous guards and officials questioned me as to what was my purpose in Cuba, where I was staying, and if I was bringing credit cards. As I speak Spanish, the interview process was easy enough to explain that I was a freelance writer coming for an educational and research trip.Although it shouldn’t have mattered to the Cuban officials if my trip was educational or for R&R, the questioning continued. I found out that they were more concerned that I had already arranged housing, which they wrote down and investigated. They also asked if I had large camera equipment; I imagine this was for political reasons. Finally, before letting me proceed, they asked if I brought my credit card. I said I did not as I knew it would not work. They then asked how much money I brought with me to Cuba; I fibbed.Once through immigration, I proceeded to exchange my Pesos and Euros into CUC, which is the currency of tourists. This is not to be confused with the national currency is CUP. In fact, you may not even see CUP in a tourist visit. I did not.

How to exit Cuba, enter Mexico, and enter the US

Exiting Cuba is rather easy. During your stay in Cuba, you will be presented with many items that you would like to purchase; however, if you choose a route to Cuba without a license, it is in your best interest not to purchase anything as proof that you were in Cuba. As a reminder, you can’t mail postcards or purchases to the U.S., you will need to wait until a future visit or hit Calle Ocho in Miami.Once you arrive at the airport in Havana, you will go through your check-in process, pay an export tax, and exit through security and immigration. You will get your visa stamped, which they will keep, and your passport remains without Cuban evidence. When you enter Mexico, despite what other people say and suggest, the immigration officials will stamp your passport even if you ask them nicely not to and have a cute smile. So I would suggest that you be well traveled with a very decorated passport in order to do the double entry stamp through Mexico. I had a quick trip so two stamps within a short time period was a little questionable; however, I have dozens of stamps and visas cluttering up my passport. Conveniently, my second stamp was on my final page and covered by an existing visa from another trip.To eliminate the double entry stamp, when I do this again, I will do one of two things. I would go for a much longer time period so that I could justify two stamps into Mexico spaced out by weeks or a month. Otherwise, I would fly to Guatemala and continue to Havana with a return from Havana to Mexico, which would eliminate the double stamp.Regardless of how you do it, when you arrive to the United States, you will want to put on your poker face. You were traveling to Mexico or whatever country you choose for pleasure. Additionally, as a precaution, I would make sure that you don’t have anything that would be incriminating on you (like Cuban souvenirs). I would go so far as to hide all of those camera memory cards that have you in Old Havana in the Hemingway Hangout with a mojito or at Revolution Square with Che and the Cuban flag in the background.

What could happen if caught?

US citizens caught traveling to Cuba without a license are not denied re-entry to the US. However, they may be subject to civil penalties of several thousand dollars and/or criminal prosecution. The most important part of this is to do everything to not be caught - go through one or two other countries, bring back no evidence, and have a well-traveled passport when you do it. And if caught, do not incriminate yourself further by lying. Remember the Fifth Amendment.Whatever the case, Cuba is absolutely a spectacular place. It is impressive that it has survived without any assistance from the US over the last fifty-four years. I did not know that I would be in Cuba on the anniversary of the revolution, which is New Year’s Eve. I certainly appreciated seeing the Plaza of the Revolution, the only form of billboard advertisements from the government, and getting some feedback from the Cubans about their hopes for open trade and more American tourism.It was an eye-opening experience to see such happiness in a culture that in comparison to mine has so little. With that said, there is a very important life lesson to be learned. Perhaps only having the essentials has led to the long, happy lives that I saw first-hand. I still remember seeing a ninety-year-old man dancing across the floor mid-morning before I hiked in Las Terrazas. Later that evening, I met him, as he was my host. He was the owner of the home that I was staying in. Perhaps dancing every morning to salsa in a rural community, having a Cuban coffee to start, and enjoying some rum throughout the day is the answer. He seemed to be doing better than just OK. I would have to say that he had more spring in his step than many of my peers.Here’s to uncovering more of Cuba’s secrets! Salud (with a Cuba Libre in hand of course)!

Travel Resources

Havana

Fort and Cañonazo - Upon landing in Havana, I dropped off my things at my casa particular to only be whisked off to the Fort of Havana. Within a half an hour of landing, I was at Havana’s Fort witnessing the Cañonazo (firing of canons). It just so happens that each night at exactly nine o’clock they reenact the ritual of hundreds of years ago. At the time, the firing of canons signified that the city and its walls were closing. The actors and costumes donned white wigs and military uniforms to look the part. On any night of the week, the Fort is the best people watching with a parade of beautiful 1950’s cars of all colors outside that are primarily taxis to take both locals and visitors home.
Old Havana Cigars & La Bodeguita - Just like many ports around the world, Havana’s buildings are colorful; granted some lack years if not decades of attention, but the architecture is striking with wrought iron details, beautiful windowsills, and impressive archways. Take a taxi or another popular local transport, the bici-taxi, which I nicknamed the “suicide taxi” to near the port. Once there get out and walk the narrow streets of Old Havana and make sure to make the rounds and stop at one of the four plazas. You will see various women selling cigars as well as men selling fedora hats. Do stop to take in Hemingway’s Old Havana hangout La Bodeguita and have something with the national drink, rum. I like Cuba Libres, but if a refreshing mojito with lime and mint is more up your alley. Dale!
Revolution Square - If you don’t see enough political propaganda on the only permitted billboards in Cuba, on t-shirts, or even in people’s living rooms, you can step into Revolution Square. This is where some of the most important announcements of the Revolution took place. If you didn’t realize it previously, Che was and continues to continue to be a hero as seen from the building size portrait at the square and on all of government propaganda.
Taxi ride in an old car - The phrase ‘pimp my ride’ takes a whole other meaning in Cuba. It is the norm to have a 1950’s Chevy, Buick, or other in wild colors like purple, pink, bright green, or let your imagination run wild. It is like you have taken the DeLorean back in time just like Back to the Future. What I found was interesting is that many of the taxis in Cuba are shared taxis. These taxis are going in the same general direction. You will see people hailing a cab and join existing passengers.
- I would note that you need to watch out as all modes of transportation from buses, semis, motorcycles, horse and buggy, bicycles, and taxis all use the same narrow, rough roads peppered with potholes. It is common that in order to pass a slower moving vehicle a simple ‘beep beep’ signifies a polite get out of the way and move to the shoulder.
Nature Hike through Pinar del Rio - Do a little hiking in Pinar del Rio and if you get lucky you will see the Tocororo, the national bird. It is ironically just like the Cuban national flag with perfectly patterned reds, whites, and blues.

VaraderoIt is no wonder that Americans flocked to Cuba in the 1950’s. It was the Las Vegas of the Caribbean before we even knew what Las Vegas was or would become. However, one of the invaluable assets of Cuba is its coastline. The beaches are powdery, white with gentle turquoise waters found only in the Caribbean. Talk about a paradise.Whether you are driving or riding to or from Havana, do not forget to stop in Matanzas at the bridge and overlook. There is a small outside bar that serves the absolutely best piña coladas I have ever tasted. In fact, you can’t even use a straw. They have so much natural pineapple and coconut, you almost have to eat them. Que rico!

Eating and drinking in Cuba

Cuban coffee - I like my coffee strong. This is the country for strong, small shots of coffee. If you don’t want sugar, too bad. You’re going to get it. And, in this culture there is no rush. There is always time for coffee as well as what I like to call the Cuban national pastime, people watching or watching the world go by.
Cuba Libre - The typical Rum and Coke with a lime. It is the national drink. It never tasted better than overlooking the Morro of Havana. Prices ranged from 3-5 CUC.
Crystal - A light Cuban beer best served cold with roasted pork, rice, and beans. Prices are very cheap. Don’t pay more than 1-2 CUC.
Roasted pork on the BBQ - Over a fire with palm frowns or other to naturally smoke the pork and slow cook it to fall off the bone. Prices were very reasonable which typically included beverage, full meal, dessert, and coffee for on average 10 CUC.
Mojitos - Light, refreshing mint, sugar, and lime cocktails. Prices vary, but had 3-5 CUC prices even in touristy areas.
Ice cream – Dulce de Leche - The best ice cream to date. I thought Buenos Aires was the winner. I have to place Buenos Aires as second.
Cigars - When in Rome, do as the Romans. When in Havana, take your time and people watch, while smoking a Cuban and perhaps drinking a coffee, mojito, or Cuba Libre. Sorry beer commercials, it doesn’t get better than this. Cigars start as low as 3-4 CUC. Remember you can’t bring them back with you.

Tour Operators

Ecotur Cuba - Provided transport to and from airport, guide through hiking, beaching, educational tour of fort and Old Havana, and housing with local Casa Particulares
Multicolor Travel - Provided the roundtrip airfare with Interjet, visa, and logistics from United States to Mexico and on to Cuba

Accommodations

Hotel La Moka in Las Terrazas in Pinar del Rio
Casa Particular Alberto y Angelica Calle 196 Nro. 116A; Phone: (537) 2712917
Hotel Nacional de Cuba - Iconic hotel right on the bay of Havana that has a hall of history showing some of the best of the 1900’s-present artists, actors, and musicians that have visited the Hotel Nacional

FlightsYou can use Indie to plan your flights to and from Mexico City or whatever city you go through before going to Cuba. However, you cannot use Indie to book your flights to Cuba, so you will have to look through other avenues and not use a United States based airline or website.

Estimated Costs

Note: Costs are based on the author's trip to Cuba in December 2012/January 2013

Airfare with 2 separate roundtrip tickets Miami to Mexico City and Mexico City to Havana costs roughly $800. The holiday and New Year are peak times. At other seasons the costs may be cheaper.
Casa particulares, which are independent homes open for travelers, are very inexpensive. You can receive an independent room with bathroom and breakfast for 30-40 CUC a night.
Hiking tour of Terrazas, breakfast, lunch, dinner, night in Hotel Moka, and private transportation with Ecotur cost for 2 days $300
Tour of Matanzas and Varadero, breakfast, lunch, and private transportation for 1 day $125
Tour of Old Havana (day), Fort (night), Dinner, and private transportation over 2 days $125
Other spending: Visa in Mexico to enter Cuba $20; $25 CUC upon exiting Cuba, Health insurance is $3 per day of stay.

For more on traveling to Cuba, read:

Ten Places You Can Drink Like Your Favorite Writer
10 Difficult to Visit Places and How to Get There
Top 10 Destinations for Indie Travelers in 2012
Stay tuned for our article on Thursday - Indie Travel in Cuba for $75 Per Day - to find out more practical details of what to do in Cuba and how much it will cost to travel there.

To read more from Heidi, check out her author bio.Photo credits: Nathan Laurell, all other photos courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission.

How Two Totally Different Travel Styles Come Together

admin — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:03:41 +0000

Are you a couple thinking of planning a RTW trip? Lost on where to start? Sign up today for Plan Your RTW Trip in 30 Days and start receiving email lesson plans tomorrow. It's free, and you’ll be on the road before you know it!

Nick and I grew up in the same city but we might as well have grown up on opposite ends of the earth.

His father was an avid outdoorsman (he taught a hunter's education course for over a decade), and his mother is more than happy to partake in any excursion (on her first bow hunt she snagged a buck). The stories of his childhood make me jealous and cringe simultaniously. He was constantly climbing trees, handling snakes, walking across frozen bodies of water, and just generally getting into trouble. He was lovingly dubbed “nature boy” due to his penchant for running around stark naked, neighbors be damned. His family was always on the move- hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. He practically grew up in the forest. His free spirited nature has certainly boiled over into his adult life. Nothing seems to frighten him, and he is constantly on the lookout for new adventures.

My parents were home bodies, and as such, opportunities to get outside were scant. I grew up in a rougher part of town than Nick did - I wasn't allowed on my front porch after a neighbor was attacked, and I wasn't allowed in my backyard when a new pitbull appeared in the yard adjacent to ours. My parents did their best to shelter us from the reality of our situation, but I knew something was off. I would always sleep with the light on and every night ended up in their bedroom. Causation or correlation- I'm not sure which- made them very cautious people. The opportunities to get dirty, mess up, and get hurt weren't prevelant in my childhood. As I've grown, I've developed an outright disdain for anything “dangerous.” Nothing adventurous seemed worth the risk.

Except for a brief stint in my early adulthood (when I was living proof of the underdeveloped prefrontal cortex), I've always been this way. It is a strange dichotomy - I fear just about everything yet long for adventure. Even though I was hesitant, Nick and I started traveling together almost immediately at the start of our relationship.

Differing travel philosophies

Nick calls himself the big picture guy. He envisions the most epic of trips and leaves it up to me to fill in the blanks. His life list trips include Mount Everest (I tell him if we ever have $30,000 lying around he can go), Alaska (grizzy bears, ugh), all of the fourteeners in Colorado (without proper equipment) - the list goes on. He loves coming up with ideas, but he's not a planner. He feels as though planning will hinder his ability to go where the wind takes him. When he takes the reins, this approach usually works. But that doesn't mean I like it.

[social]

It is in my nature to plan. As soon as our flights are booked, I start on our itinerary. I have food, lodging, and activity options for each location. The first day I set aside for getting the safest car possible (on a recent trip it took us 2 hours to rent a car) and heading to an outdoor outfitter to buy safety equiptment (first aid kits, bear mace, a knife). Redundancy abounds when I'm in charge. I find emergency contacts for each of the state or national parks we'll be venturing to, and I proceed to plug them into both of our phones, on the itinerary I've made, as well as on a sticky note in my pocket. I'm okay with a brisk hike in the woods. Nick's better when he's “on a mountaintop breaking a trail through fresh snow.” Because our personalities and travel styles are so different, we have very interesting, passionate discussions when it comes to planning.

When we first start to plan, we have a general idea of where we want to go, but as far as activities are concerned, we'll make seperate lists on our own time. When we bring our lists to the table and start to discuss them, our exchange typically follows this format:

Playful banter. We will flat out ignore what the other says. Nick will say he doesn't want to do x and I'll say that it's settled and we're doing x then, and that I'm glad he agrees that it is a good idea. We were always good at banter, and travel planning is no exception. There is truth in jest; however, so the exchange continues:
Guilt. We'll claim that one of us doesn't want the other to have any fun. We're still kind of joking.
Pleading. Nick will ask me to just get over my fear of whatever it is he's trying to do. I will ask him to get over me not wanting to.
Defeat. The conversation usually ends for the night with one of us exasperatingly saying that we won't do anything at all because we can't come to an agreement. We agree to revisit the discussion later.

I have a bad habit of saying "No" immediately. If Nick is trying to do anything that has even a scary word involved, it is all too easy (and almost reflex) just to say no. I feel as though we have both missed out on some epic opportunities because of my instinct to flee. I try to look back on those missed opportunities as motivation to say yes the next time. It also helps to reconfigure what meaningful travel means to each of us individually. Even if an activity doesn't sound like me, there is still something to be taken from the experience. This could simply be that I'll never do it again or that it completely changed my outlook.

After we sleep on it, we'll come back together the following day at which point we've both waned in our absolute must do (or not do) criteria. We realize that travel is something we want to experience together, so each feels a responsibility to the other to make it happen. This is only our planning phase, mind you. It is easy enough (though not very easy for us) to write something down on a piece of paper, reserve online, and be done with it. What we ultimately agree to (and then pay for) doesn't feel real yet.

The roadbumps we experience when traveling are a true testament to our ability to bend to meet each other's needs - and this is where it is extremely helpful (necessary even!) for two complete opposites to travel together. If you are part of a traveling couple who has vastly different ideas of what makes a great trip, check out the following 4 tips to come together.

Push your partner

On a trip to Colorado, Nick and I had the pleasure of being exposed to bedbugs. I have never seen Nick so defeated - he was ready to throw everything away, eat the cost of a new return flight, and get the hell home. Although I broke down for a time myself, I decided that there was no way I was throwing away upwards of $700 on gear plus the cost of a new plane ticket plus a completely ruined vacation. I bucked up, made mental notes in my head on what to do first (it's like a “chicken or the egg” scenario - cross contamination was a serious threat, and there was no way I was bringing those suckers home), and implemented my strategy. $20 in quarters later, 5 loads of washing and drying, two new hotels, two new duffel bags, a new rental car, and we were on our way. That trip ended up being one of my favorites. Nick still says he was so glad that I took charge, or he would have just gone home.

Push yourself

I'm very good about forcing myself to do things that I don't want to do. I'm not very good at forcing myself to do things that frighten me. Nick being there with me makes me feel more badass. Even after 8 years, I still try to impress him. This seems like an extention of pushing your partner, but this is a completely internal process. Whatever the motivation, traveling with Nick makes me more apt to do things that frighten me. While hiking to Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York, I was faced with a decision in the form of a smooth, granite rock face. Of course, I'm scared of heights and falling (made worse by the fact that there was seemingly no grip whatsoever). It was going to be a low to the ground, on all fours, flat out scramble. Nick gently asked me to take a minute to think about it, and if I still wanted to go back down we would turn around. We were literally minutes away from the summit, and we had about 7 miles invested in Mount Marcy. It wasn't going to be me that ruined our shot at our first 46er.

Though he was incredibly understanding, my hardheaded nature told me that I needed to prove to Nick I wasn't a wuss. I sucked it up, got low to the ground, and started scrambling. The first few steps were akward and robot-like, but soon the natural human ability to climb kicked in. I was in the clear and at the highest spot in New York state. It felt awesome, and I can say with certainly I would have just turned around if Nick wasn't there. Little did I know, I'd have to dig deep again on that same hike. I had worn brand new boots (what an idiot!) and developed some very painful blisters on the way down. Because of my akward gait, my knees started aching. I proceeded to go into zombie mode where I didn't talk to Nick at all. I was determined to get down, and I made it. At the end, my new boots were soaked through with blood from my heels, and a couple of weeks later an x-ray told me I had tendinitis in my knees. Still totally worth it.

Be each other's backbone

At Chautauqua National Historic Landmark in Colorado, Nick was adament that he wanted to take a hike to the only naturally occuring arch in the state - Royal Arch. We were supposed to head to the Rocky Mountains later that day, and we had just flown in the night before. I made it clear to him that I was not in the mood for an involved hike, and he seemingly obliged. We walked across a meadow to view the flatirons, where Nick asked if we could just walk up the trail a bit to get into the woods. I agreed. Before I knew it, we were an hour and a half in with no food, 10 ounces of water, 30% less oxygen then we are used to, and no arch in sight.

We continued on and finally made it to the arch, where each of us proceeded to feel ill. Empty stomachs and no water to combat the altitude made me feel like I was going to pass out. Internally, I was freaking out because of how I was feeling, and I wasn't sure if we would make it down. Nick also started complaining about feeling woozy (and he never complains). I put aside my own fear of what felt like dying and kept talking to him to make sure he was okay. Later on he told me that he had slightly exaggerated his symptoms because he knew worrying about him would help me. We made it back to the car wherein I proceeded to tell him about how ill prepared we were for a hike like that, and had I known we were going to go anyway, I would have at least brought us some water. Even though we would have never been in that situation if it weren't for Nick's “arch fever,” we made do and got each other through it. I have never admitted to him that the views were incredible, and I was glad we pressed on.

Be flexible

I had made mention earlier that the bedbug trip was one of my favorites. After disinfecting our belongings, we were faced with a choice, and a decision needed to be reached quickly. We could continue on with our plans in Colorado, visiting places we'd already seen, or we could go north into Wyoming. We decided we would take the 8 hour drive to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to go snowmobiling in Yellowstone. Nick had talked about doing this for years, and I always said no. Bears and bison, the caldera, and crazy snowpack were always at the forefront of my mind during these discussions. Our trip was already a disaster, so I said to hell with it and booked a tour. When you don't have time to harp over your options, you're much more likely to say yes. When it comes to traveling, I'm rarely flexible, but flexibility allowed to us experience an entire National Park almost completely by ourselves, countless bison, a bald eagle, Old Faithful and other geologic features. It was awesome.

It's not always easy for the two of us to come to an agreement about what to do, but it is always worth it. We've conquered our fears. We've pushed ourselves well beyond our comfort zones.

It's not always easy for the two of us to come to an agreement about what to do, but it is always worth it. We've conquered our fears. We've pushed ourselves well beyond our comfort zones. We've proven to ourselves and each other that we are capable of doing anything we set our minds to.We've tested and reinforced how strong our relationship is. Travel is about so much more than going to the far flung places you've always dreamt about, and Nick and I are reaping all of the benefits.

I'd like to offer some advice for those of you who think you could never travel with your partner - you must become a master at compromising, but most importantly, you must become a master at just saying yes.

For more on couples travel, check out the following articles:

Photo credits: Pembleton, all other photos courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission.

The Stopover Secret: How to Get More From Any Trip

admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:03:16 +0000

Are you planning a trip and want to make the most of your flight and travel budget by adding a stopover?Did you know that you can often add a popular city into your flight itinerary, whether it's a round trip flight or a long-term, round the world trip, for very little additional money (sometimes none at all, and sometimes even less!).

What do you know about stopovers?

Many travelers don’t know much about stopovers. When flying internationally (and often regionally), most airlines have to stop somewhere en route to the final destination. This could mean a layover of an hour or so, but in some cases it could reach half a day, or maybe even overnight. Most travelers just accept this by staying in the airport or getting a room at an airport hotel before flying on to their final destination.But what if you’re traveling through a city that you’d love to explore? What if you are passing over a place you’ve always wanted to visit? Did you know that with many itineraries, you can stopover in certain cities for a few days with little change to your budget (you can sometimes even add an extra flight for less!)?Want to check out Dubai but don’t have the funds to spend more than a few days there? How about a few days in Hawaii en route to Asia? Want to see the Great Wall but don't think fitting China into the itinerary makes financial sense? Want to see what London has to offer but don't have the budget for more than a day or two? Looking into your stopover options gives you the opportunity to see more for less.

Want to maximize your stopovers when planning a big trip? Sign up today for Plan Your RTW Trip in 30 Days and start receiving email lesson plans tomorrow - it's free!

Finding cheap stopover flights

There are a few ways to find free or cheap stopovers when planning your trip. Our multi-flight booking tool, Indie, is adept at quickly finding stopovers, and below we'll dig into how to use Indie to maximize your airfare. Indie is not the only way to find stopovers, so we'll outline other ways to find them as well.1. Go directly through the airlinesMany airlines offer stopovers for free or a nominal fee, it just might take a bit of digging to find out how to do it. You can find some information on airline websites, but often a call is necessary. While travel agents aren't all the rage anymore, this is a time when one can come in handy. Travel agents know the ins and outs of the airline industry and will be able to tell you if stopping over in a certain destination is feasible. Keep in mind that national airlines are most likely the ones who allow stopovers in their home country. For example, Emirates Airlines cover UAE, British Airways cover London, Singapore Air covers Singapore.2. Search multi-stop flightsIf you’re having trouble finding an airline that will stop over in a particular city or country, you can often find a multi-city flight on a site like Kayak or BootsnAll's Indie for the same price, or sometimes cheaper, than a one way or round trip flight. Flight prices are ever changing, and you never know when you can find that one crazy deal, so be diligent in checking all your options. If you can't find a good R/T or multi-city flight, try piecing together a series of one way flights.An online tool for finding stopoversBootsnAll's multi-stop flight tool, called Indie, allows you to craft up to a 25 leg trip and get an immediate, bookable price. So if you want to add a stopover somewhere during your trip, it's quick and easy to build routes and get a price back right away, without having to wait to talk to anyone. Of course we also have experts at the ready to help you should you need a few tips.Register for a free Indie account to start building, pricing, finding stopovers, and booking your trip!Choosing smart stopovers Many times a stopover is just an extended layover. Chances are when you've been searching for flights on whatever site is your favorite, you have seen that most long, international flights have a layover in a certain city. This is a good chance to make that couple hour layover into a couple day stopover. If you see that a flight to Berlin stops in Amsterdam for a layover, search that same flight but add an extra stop in Amsterdam. Many times the price is just a little more expensive, the same, and sometimes even cheaper! We'll outline some real examples of this odd phenomenon below.

Below are some cities that make fantastic stopover options for those flying across the world, and we will give you multiple options on how to take advantage of these.>> Discover ten things you should know about booking RTW tickets

Dubai

A city that has been built out of virtually nothing in the past few decades, Dubai is a place that many travelers would love to see. The expense of travel here, in addition to it being out of the way, is the reason why most simply dismiss it. But there are ways to see Dubai without having to break the bank to do it.Using the airlines to visit Dubai on a stopover: If flying Emirates Airlines from most places in Europe to Asia or Australia (or from the US to elsewhere in the Middle East or North Africa), you may have a layover in Dubai. Emirates offers stopover packages and encourages its customers to stop in for a night or two and see the city. To book a stopover through Emirates, you have to visit a local Emirates office or go through a travel agent.Using an online booking tool to visit Dubai on a stopoverThe above trip cost $3521USD at the time of writing. The same exact itinerary without Dubai actually cost $79 more, $3600 at time of writing. Sometimes it's a matter of just playing around and trying different route and city combinations. Remember that dates and days of the week (Tuesdays - Thursdays are typically cheaper) can change a price dramatically as well.Things to do and see in Dubai on a short stopover: You won’t be bored on a stopover to Dubai as there are plenty of things to see and do. Fancy skiing or snowboarding in the middle of the desert? You can do that in Dubai. If shopping is your thing, there isn’t a better shopping mecca in the world than Dubai. Want to see the world’s tallest building which also houses the world’s only (self proclaimed) 7 star hotel? Dubai has it. Desert safaris, beach fun, and just observing the lavish lifestyle of some the wealthiest people in the world are all on offer in Dubai.

Iceland

A stunningly beautiful and unique country that offers an incredible array of landscapes, Iceland is usually not on the tourist radar, especially for those traveling on a budget.Using the airlines to visit Iceland on a stopover: Iceland Air makes it easy for tourists to check out this beautiful country, if only for a few days. Iceland Air offers customers the option of stopping over in their country at no extra charge. Look into flying Iceland Air and you can get a free stopover in Iceland to explore. They offer services to Iceland from Boston, New York, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul, DC, Orlando, Halifax, and Toronto.You can book an Iceland stopover online at Iceland Air. We searched a multi-city flight from Seattle to Stockholm, with a four-day stopover in Iceland, and the price at the time of writing was $870.Using an online booking tool to visit Iceland on a stopoverWe also searched the same exact flight, Seattle to Stockholm with a stopover in Iceland, same dates, on Indie. The price at the time of writing was $70 more at $940.If you're planning a longer trip and using Indie, you can sometimes add Iceland to your itinerary and save money, like in the trip below.At the time of writing, the above trip was $2725. Taking Iceland out of the itinerary altogether actually made the price jump $385.Things to do and see in Iceland on a short stopover: If you’re into the outdoors, Iceland delivers a plethora of outdoor activities to keep you busy on your stopover. Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Europe, where you can see mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. The Blue Lagoon Spa is a geothermal spa in the middle of the lava field, certainly one of the more unique spa locations in the world. Ice climbing, glacier climbing, and hiking is amongst the most beautiful in the world, and the multitude of volcanoes creates a landscape like no other.>> Book hostels in Iceland and learn more about the cost of travel in Iceland

Singapore

Travelers to Southeast Asia are used to great travel deals and rock bottom prices. Singapore is one of the places in the region that doesn’t subscribe to the same theory. While thrifty travelers can still get by on less here than in places like London and New York, it’s still not the same as traveling in nearby Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. But it would be a shame to miss this pristine country. Using the airines to visit Singapore on a stopover: There are many ways to stop over in Singapore, whether you are heading to Europe from Australia, vice versa, or from the US to various places throughout Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. For example, Singapore Air offers holiday stopover packages in Singapore for as little $59 for accommodations, return airport transfers, and free admission to major attractions.If you go to the flight booking page and search a multi-city flight, simply add Singapore in the itinerary either going to or coming home from your destination. We searched a flight from Sydney to London, with a stopover in Singapore on the way there, with a cost of $2333. We also searched a round trip flight from Sydney to London, and the cost was about $50 cheaper, at $2283.The real savings come from the hotel, transfer, and site-seeing deals Singapore Air offers once you get to the shopping cart page of your booking confirmation. Add the Singapore Stopover Holiday to the shopping cart to get packages as low as $59.Using an online booking tool to visit Singapore on a stopoverUsing Indie, we were able to find a round trip flight from Sydney to London, with a stopover in Singapore, for cheaper than what was offered on Singapore Air - $2253. Of course you cannot utilize the hotel, airport transfers, and site seeing discounts you can get from Singapore Air.Kayak offered the lowest fare of all, through China Southern, for $2028.Things to do and see in Singapore on a short stopover: Beaches, culture, food, and shopping dominate a Singapore itinerary. The blend of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Arab cultures combine to create an interesting and unique country. If food is important to your travel experience, you’ll have no problems finding top notch cuisine in Singapore. Dining in fine restaurants is possible, but if you’re looking to eat amazing food at super low prices, hit up the street carts that litter the city. If you’re traveling with kids, the zoo and bird park would be great options, and the shopper will be in paradise, particularly if you’re looking for electronics.>> Check out these indie travel tips for Singapore.

Tokyo

Tokyo never makes the list for budget friendly destinations, but it would make a fantastic stopover destination. This futuristic city should be seen by any travel lover, and it’s the perfect place to spend a few days en route to another destination.Using an online booking tool to visit Tokyo on a stopover: We did have trouble finding an airline that offered free or low price stopovers in Tokyo, but it is still possible to find a multi-city flight that stops in Tokyo for a few days for a slightly higher price than a round trip flight.We found fares for multi-city flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo to Bangkok to Los Angeles on Kayak for $1083. A round trip flight from LA to Bangkok cost marginally less, $1022. The costs using Indie were a couple hundred dollars more at the time of writing (but airfares are always changing, so it pays to check all options before actually booking).Things to do and see in Tokyo on a short stopover: The most populated metro area in the world at 35 million, Tokyo has plenty to see and do while on a short stopover. The food in Tokyo is a major highlight for foodies, as fresh sushi and fish are available everywhere. Ornate temples, the Imperial Palace’s gardens, the Tokyo Tower, and the Meiji Shrine are great places to visit for those in town for a short time. If you want to view the impressive skyline, you have many options, but viewing from the World Trade Center building is perhaps the best. Even if you’re only in town for a day or less, it’s possible to take a cheap bus tour that originates from the airport. If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, you don’t have to go too far as there are mountains to the west and islands to the south.>> Learn about saving money in Japan

London

It shouldn’t take any prodding to convince someone to want to visit London. It truly is one of the world’s great cities, and there’s no shortage of historic sites to see and things to do. For Americans, visiting London is brutal on the wallet. Not only is the city itself extremely expensive, but the exchange rate just adds insult to injury.Using the airlines to visit London on a stopover: British Airways offer stopovers in London on certain routes, but the catch is that you have to have miles with the airlines to do so.Using an online booking tool to visit London on a stopover:There are several ways to add London to your itinerary for a marginal cost.Let's say you were going to visit Barcelona for a couple weeks, but you wanted to visit some friends in London for a couple days on the way there. We found a multi-stop fare on Indie, New York to London to Barcelona to New York, for $991 (the same flight on Kayak was just a touch more, at $1010). A round trip fare on Indie from New York to Barcelona was $957. So for $34 more, you can add London into your itinerary.To show you how much airfare varies from site to site, the same round trip flight (New York to Barcelona) on Kayak was nearly $100 cheaper than Indie, at $856, and $135 cheaper than adding Barcelona in. So the question you have to ask yourself in this specific scenario is whether or not it's worth $135 to stop in London.Like with many of the big cities highlighted in this article, you can often add them into a longer trip with little added expense, so if you're planning a round the world trip, it pays to play around with your itinerary and see if you can take advantage of a good deal.The above trip was $2397 at the time of writing. Taking London out of the itinerary on this multi-stop trip only saved $37, making the price $2360Things to do and see in London on a short stopover: Rolf Potts managed to cram in 19 London clichés in an afternoon, and while I don’t recommend seeing the city in the same frantic manner, using his experiences as a guideline would be a great idea. The usual tourist sites of Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, London Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye are all possible to see in a short period of time. If looking to see London on a bit of a cheaper budget, check out the museum options as many offer free admissions. Seeing a Shakespearian play at the Globe Theater is a fantastic cultural experience, and if you are a soccer (football) fan, there’s no better place to see a match than in London, home to many English Premier League teams.>> Learn about free things to do in London

Istanbul

Many people add Turkey into their RTW itinerary, and while cheap, Istanbul is still considerably more expensive than destinations in SE Asia, South America, Africa, and other parts of the Middle East, so if you can’t add it in, there are options for spending a few days there while passing through to another destination.Using the airlines for visiting Istanbul on a stopover: If you can find a cheap way to add Istanbul into your flight plans, Turkish Airlines offer several free tours of Istanbul, even if you only have an afternoon or day to stop over. Best of all is that these tours are absolutely free! Turkish Airlines offers flights through Istanbul from the US to Africa; Europe to Africa, Asia, or Australia; and Australia to Europe, amongst others, but unfortunately they don't have any advertised flight deals to add Istanbul.Using an online booking tool to visit Istanbul on a stopover: The above round the world trip cost $4103 at the time of writing. Taking Istanbul out from this RTW Trip actually added $49, making the price $4152. Things to do and see in Istanbul on a short stopover: If organized tours aren’t your thing and you’d rather take a few days to explore on your own, there’s plenty to see in Istanbul. It’s a massive city rich with history and is split into three distinct areas. Most of the sites tourists come to see are located in the old city. Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque are two of the most popular and historically significant sites that are must sees when in Istanbul. If you’re a market and shopping lover, then be sure to explore the vast bazaars located all around the old city. A visit to a hamam, or Turkish bath, would be a great send off to get you ready to explore your next destination.>> Find budget accommodation in Istanbul

Other Options

The following places are possible to visit on a stopover under the right conditions. Some are a little more difficult or will take a little extra planning, but if you’re motivated to see these places, you can do it.BeijingThe visa situation to visit Beijing for a short time may not be worth it to some. But if you want to scratch the Great Wall of China or the Forbidden City off your travel list, it’s possible to do both on a stopover to Beijing.Even if you only have a half day layover in Beijing, there are tour companies offering Great Wall trips that can be done in about 8 hours. If flying from the UK to Australia or vice versa, or from the US to Hong Kong or vice versa, many of Air China’s routes offer stopovers in Beijing. There is a list of specials on their website (many of which include stopovers or long layovers) to check out.On Indie, you can add Beijing as a stopover to a round trip flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong for about $100 more than the round trip flight.HawaiiHawaii is a fantastic destination for any travel lover, and it really should be visited as part of a larger trip. But it’s expensive to reach, even from parts of the US, and it’s not cheap once arriving. But if you’re flying over Hawaii on your way to another destination, why not stop over for a few days to visit these pristine islands?Getting here on a stopover is difficult (unless you have miles with American Airlines), but it can be done. Always be sure to check all your flight options, and you may be able to piece together a couple of cheap one way flights if passing over the South Pacific on your way to Australia, New Zealand, or another destination in the South Pacific or US.The best way to work Hawaii into your itinerary is if you purchase a RTW ticket. This 7-stop round the world trip is actually $23 cheaper than when you take Honolulu out of the itinerary.

Choosing airfare and hammering out your itinerary can be a massive headache at times, especially if this is your first extended adventure. But options abound, and as long as you’re willing to do your homework, you can add in some amazing places for little or no extra cost.If you made it this far, congrats and good concentration. We hope you found this valuable. If you'd like to get more valuable Long-Term Travel information from BootsnAll - sign-up for our newsletter(s) (We respect your privacy and have never shared our names/lists with anyone since 1998).Have you ever used stopovers when traveling? Where were they? What did you do? Comment below and tell us your favorite stopover destinations.Read more about round the world travel:

Photos by: practicalowl, neekoh.fi, bosbos, AndyLeo@Photography, DustMason, dirac3000, Stephen Hill, FromTheNorth, Jakub Halun