The One About Rick Steves

If I could give you a piece of advice for traveling it would be this: ALWAYS TAKE RICK STEVES WITH YOU.

Now, I don't mean the man personally but his books, of course. His travel books are unbelievable for any traveler, experienced or novice. There are full of information, guides, travel hints, etc. I took along a book for each city I visited when I was in Italy and you can see me holding them in almost every picture taken. It is like having a personal guide there with you.

He also has a podcast which I downloaded onto my iPod before I went to France. Once there, I took a three mile walk around the city following his exact instructions and getting the best tour I had while I was there.

For more information you can visit his website: http://www.ricksteves.com/

Sometimes the best deals just arn't

There has been many circumstances recently where I have gone on small road trips and stayed in hotels. After hearing only good things about websites such as Hotels.com, Priceline.com and Expedia.com, I decided to use these resources in order to secure a cheaper room. I did so for stays in Savannah (for St.Patrick's Day, of course!) and Oxford, Mississippi. It wasn't until the last minute that I realized that it was not necessarily the cheaper deal.
I checked on the hotels websites and the price was actually cheaper there. I was also then able to use my AAA discount card and saved a little more.
The point of the story here is, don't always assume that by using these sites you are getting the best deal. You know what they say when you assume...

The one where it was my turn to choose

In the beginning of my travels my parents took care of everything. They booked the hotel, planned the activities and arranged the transportation. It was nice but I also longed to have say as to where we went, if not just once. There was once, after years of begging, that my parents allowed us to go on my "dream" vacation -- Discovery Cove. I had seen an ad for the place in a magazine and was immediately in shock. At the young age of 10 I just knew that I had to go there.

It is similar to Sea World in Orlando, Florida and actually not to far away from it. The main difference is the interaction with all the fish and dolphins. Once the trip was planned I was ecstatic and we had a wonderful trip. While we were in Orlando we also visited Sea World (tickets were included with you admission into Discovery Cove) and we spent two days at Disney World. It was my first trip that I had "planned" all on my own and it is something I will never forget!

The one with the list

In a previous post I mentioned that I had a list of places I would like to visit. I made the list because, if I could, I would want to visit everywhere! Making a list makes this overwhelming need to see the world a little more possible and a little less overwhelming.
My list has changed over the years but mostly has remained the same.

1. Paris, France
2. Venice, Italy
3. Poland
4. Cuba
5. Greece
6. Peru (Machu Picchu)
7. India
8. Australia
9. Ecuador (The Galapagos Islands)
10. Hawaii

Now, this is just the top ten on my list because it would take way to much space to list all 25 places. The only places I have been to on my top ten are France and Italy but I plan to visit all 25 eventually!

The Dream

If I could have any experience in the world it would be to go on the World Cruise with Princess Cruise Lines. This is something that I have been dreaming about for years but with a hefty (to say the least) price tag it has yet to become an option. It is an 107 day cruise, leaving from Florida and traveling to destinations such as Ecuador, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, and Italy (just to name a few).

While to some this does not seem appealing to me it seems like one of the most exciting 107 days a person could have! Years ago I made a list of the top places that I would like to visit and many are actually ports on this cruise.

For example, I have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu which is in Peru. I have also always wanted to go to Morocco and Easter Island, both on the itinerary.

I think it is important to have a dream vacation or trip because eventually that day will come and I will be boarding the World Cruise, extraordinarily happy and ready for an amazing adventure.

Budget Friendly Options

While many view travel as a luxury in which one is on some kind of vacation, there are many other options available. I can't even count the amount of times I've heard, "I would travel if I could afford it." The problem with this is not finances but purely a lack of creativity. There are many options to travel on a budget such as:
1. Travel with a group. Many places offer group discounts and if it is a car ride away, carpooling can save money on gas. Also, many trips are even better with groups such as camping, hiking, skiing, etc.
2. Travel to help. There are many programs available to those with a desire to help others and I'm not necessarily talking about the peace corps (although that is an option for those who have the 27 months available). Many organizations and foundations take volunteers abroad on mission trips in order to help those less fortunate.
3. Travel to work. There are many websites dedicated to helping people find "fun" jobs. This would include things such as working on a farm, ranch, ski lodge, etc. Coolworks.com is a great reference.

Even if these ideas don't appeal to you there are ways to save money no matter what kind of trip you go on. One big help is to pack a cooler full of drinks and food. You will be amazed to find out how much money you save by not eating out (and it is probably a healthier option as well). Also, planning ahead tends to save money as well. Normally tickets for a park or show are less in advance then they are at the gate/door.

Costa Rica...

I have been to many places but one of my favorite trips would be Costa Rica. My family had planned in advance to go but I wasn't able to because of school. I know that many people say education opens doors but in my circumstance it certainly slams those plane doors shut in my face. I can't even begin to count the number of experiences I have missed out on because of school (although it doesn't sound like it, I am actually grateful to be here and I love Southern!).
I was talking on the phone with my parents while they were packing and just realized that I didn't care how many days I missed -- I had to go on this trip!
My parents booked my flight the next morning before they left and I drove up to Atlanta from Statesboro. I left two days after I decided to go and I still remember the excitement as I boarded the plane!
It was an amazing trip full of zip lining off a 700 foot cliff (followed by 13 other crazy jumps), riding ATV's through the rainforest, and afternoons by our pool.
I realize that I am so blessed to have the opportunities that I have. I am so grateful for all the experiences I have and cherish the memories from those experiences. It is memories like these that are precious to me. I am not very sentimental about objects but I am about life experiences and this was one I will never forget.

Make your own list

There are many different resources for finding interesting places in the world to visit. One of my favorites is Howard Hillman's list of the 100 Top Wonders.

I have been to 14 out of the 100 top wonders (which to some it a lot, to others it is hardly anything) and plan to visit a few more over the summer. While there are many different lists in which to choose from I suggest you make one of your own. Think of the places that you would love to visit, practical or not, and make it your goal to make those dreams come true.

(http://www.hillmanwonders.com/)

Change of Topic...

While character qualities are very important I have concluded that writing about a different one each time is kind of, well, not interesting. So, instead I have decided to change my blog theme to something that is incredibly important to me and something that encompasses much of my life: Traveling.
Some could say that I have an abnormal obsession with travel but I would say it is fairly average. I was raised in home school which allowed me the privilege of traveling throughout high school. I heard a quote once and it says,

"The world is like a book and those who don't travel only read one page."

I find this incredibly accurate. Traveling opens up ones mind to other ways of thinking as well as other ways of doing. Just because we do something a certain way here in America doesn't necessarily mean it is the only way, let alone the best way. Another advantage of traveling is that it makes you appreciate being a citizen of the United States.
It is such an important thing to experience and something everyone should do.