Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 11:09AM 
I made this travel site a place where I could post travel tips and advice that I come across as I explore the world. Being that my income fluctuates greatly from year to year, I often find myself low on funds when I am high on time. I'm sure that's the case for many. However, I normally don't let that stop me from exploring. Even if it is just a short 2 hour roadtrip out of the city.
Over the years, however, I have come to recognize some psychological traits that make one unable to travel. I have come to recognize some traits that don't allow one to have good experiences. You see, often times, it is not a lack of money. Travel is not for everyone, sure. But good travelers come in all ranges of wealth. There are things that set some travelers apart, and I'm going to attempt to name a few of these traits and personality types here:
1. Workaholics
These are the people that not only never want to leave the office, but make themselves feel overwhelmingly guilty when they finally do. There is always work to be done, there is always something else that has greater priority, and there is always a deadline to meet. Even when there is no deadline, these are the organized individuals that set deadlines for themselves so that they can be disappointed in themselves up when that deadline is not reached. This attitude doesn't work for traveling because there is always something more "productive" you could be doing than strolling down an unfamiliar sun-drenched road and interacting with people. One way to avoid feeling guilty about taking time off, is to train your mind to see travel as productive. Being organized is not a bad trait to have. A strong work ethic is not a bad trait to have either. The key here is to not make yourself feel bad for feeling good.
Start slowly. Take a trip that involves something you could trick your mind with to make you think you are "being productive". I have a friend who is an actress and counts watching TV as being productive. She claims she is familiarizing herself with different names, and acting styles. This can work for traveling too. If you are in marketing, perhaps getting out and meeting people in your demographic can be counted as being productive. Seeing what people are interested in around other cities, states or countries. When you come back into the office, you will come back armed with new experiences to tap into, and a great feeling of accomplishment.
2. Shoppers and Trinket Collectors
These are the people that absolutely must stop in every souvenir shop to buy a shotglass, a t-shirt or some other overpriced object that will collect dust. These are the people that travel more for the ooh-la-la's they will get from their friends back home. This is not a very satisfying way of travel and ends up costing you a pretty penny in the long run. Try focusing more on the scenery, the experience and the interactions with foreigners. You can always take pictures. And besides, once you stop wanting to shop, your face changes, and suddenly you don't look like such an easy target for rip-offs when you're waking down market lane.
3. Impatience
Do I really need to explain this one? If you can't stand waiting for a subway train for 5 minutes, angrily look at your watch and huff when in line for a crepe, or throw a tantrum when you find out your hotel doesn't offer free shuttle service, then you have no business traveling. Travelling is better enjoyed with the slow passage of time. Remember that.
4. Complainers
These are the people that complain about the food. The weather. The language. It never ends. Each place is unique. Prepare yourself on what to expect before arriving to a place so that you are not disappointed. Remember, it's not always sunny in Paris!! And even with proper planning, allow room for any unexpected contingencies. Go with the flow, and enjoy a place's nuances and quirks.
5. Heroes - Psychics - Victims of the World Types
These are the people with lifelong altruistic goals to save the world from itself. These are the people with an overwhelming desire to end starvation, poverty and the general evils of the world. I often find these people as self-appointed victims. They are always on the look out for the next problem and often find themselves in the middle of it. These people get a kick out of volunteering, only to find themselves victims of circumstance. The intentions are good, but the logic is fail. It's hard to snap one out of feeling the weight of the world. People come in varying levels of sensitivity. If you are one of these types, then the person who can best help you is yourself. You probably don't take kindly to criticism, so I'm not going to try and play wise owl on here. However, there are few tips that can get you on your way to stress-free travel (and even life). A good start is to start trusting. Trust is the hardest thing to master for many people (myself included). A lot of people either trust too little, or trust too much. Finding a balance is the key to happier relationships and interactions with others. Listen to your intuition, but allow plenty of room for error. Often times, we don't know what makes us feel bad about something. "I just KNOW", we say. Sometimes, we can be right. Being right once, can even make us feel more clairvoyant the next time around. However, many times, our reason for not feeling right about something is due to a subconscious element that is making us feel a familiar way. Perhaps furry eyebrows remind you of someone that robbed you in another country, and now you don't trust anyone with furry eyebrows. Or perhaps someone is shy and you feel they are withholding information. Perhaps traveling scares you because you saw movies like "Taken" one too many times. The important thing to remember here is to always keep safe and proceed with caution, without limiting your experience. Listen to your intuition and use it a precaution. Not as your psychic power.
As for saving the world, remember other's problems are other's problems. Do not allow yourself to fall victim to trying to help another victim. You can start saving the world by saving yourself from falling victim. And don't forget the road to hell is paved with...........
(exactly.)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 08:34AM 
People who score deals are generally people with patience and manners. Etiquette may not seem to go along with traveling on a budget, but I assure you, learning how to act gracefully will get you farther than you think. If you want to be bumped to first class, you must learn to act like you are first class.
The following tips are from Etiquette and Life Skills Expert, Lisa Gache. Follow these tips and explanations and watch how you not only earn respect, but also make friends who can give you better rates, etc.
Enjoying a flight experience can be quite a challenge these days, especially when we are bombarded with so many negative elements that make it virtually impossible. Here are a few helpful reminders to restore safety and civility and set us soaring in the friendly skies.
1. Dress for yourself and your fellow passengers.
Forget the flip flops and short shorts and put on something decent for the plane! Years ago, passengers and flight attendants would "dress" for flying. It was all very civilized. Over time, comfort became the norm and all of the sudden everyone started looking disheveled. Nowadays, it is entirely possible to appear quite chic while still being comfortable. When it comes to shoes, select something closed toe and easy to slip off at the security gate. Don't forget to wear socks. Nothing is worse than stepping barefoot on the airport flooring. Wear deodorant, but go easy on the cologne and perfume. It's a good idea to pack some lip ointment and hand creme to combat dry skin. Ladies, put a little lipstick on for goodness sake! You never know who you're going to meet on a plane.
2. Take a chill pill.
If you have a severe aversion to standing or waiting in line, do not fly! Unless you hire a special airport greeter or are flying business or first, you must be patient and grin and bear the cattle calls. Getting agitated only makes matters worse. Bring a magazine or book so you can read passively while waiting to check your bags or go through security. To pass the time, you can always fill out your luggage tag. Keep your identification card handy as well as your boarding ticket. You will be asked to show proof of both repeatedly.
3. Be prepared for small annoyances.
There is no way to avoid the safety ritual of walking through security. Everyone must remove their shoes and jackets and risk a pat down by a security officer. To make things easier, wear shoes and outer garments that are easily removed and quickly organize your belongings and place them in the open containers for the x-ray machine. Make sure to separate your laptop in its own container for easy viewing. Remove all jewelry and accessories that may set off the alarm.
4. Avoid confrontation.
Make it easier on yourself as well as the flight attendant by not attempting to stuff your entire closet into your carry-on luggage. If you cannot lift your bag and place it in the overhead bin on your own, the flight attendant will be forced to help you and may question its size or weight, especially if they see you struggling to jam it into a small compartment. Avoid going down this road and either pack lighter, check your bag or call a delivery service, like FedEx, to deliver your bag in advance. It's not worth getting in to an argument on this one, the airlines will always win.
5. Respect personal space.
In this tube 30,000 ft. in the air, everything is exaggerated. Some people do not wish to engage and prefer keeping quietly to themselves. Be respectful towards those around you and read their signals. (a) If you are bringing your own food on to the plane, keep it simple. Do not stink up the plane with smelly cheeses or a really pungent dish. (b) If someone is reading a magazine or book, do not engage them in conversation as they may not wish to be disturbed. (c) If you are tired, rest your weary head on your own chair with your blanket and use only one armrest for your arms. (d) Make sure to use the restroom before being seated to avoid musical chairs throughout the flight. (e) Before reclining your seat abruptly, check behind you to give your fellow passenger a heads up. They will appreciate it.
6. Curb the cell phone conversation.
There is nothing that equally worries and annoys fellow passengers and flight attendants than someone who chooses to ignore the FAA's rule to turn off all cell phones and other electronic equipment while in-flight. The jury is still out as to whether the radio signals from these devices can interfere with flying equipment, so for the safety of everyone, cut it out and follow the rules!!!
7. Check yourself, not just your bags.
If you are in a bad mood, take a few breaths and calm down. The airport and flying experience is hard enough without the attitude. Present a cheerful face, always be courteous saying "please" and "thank you" and be helpful and accommodating. This will smooth over any extenuating circumstance or accidental wrong-doing.
Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 01:07PM Many travelers on a budget have found a way to combine their love of frugality and philanthropy through what some call, "voluntourism". As I've stated in a previous post, volunteering is a great way to experience a new territory. You get a closer look at the culture of a particular area and are left with a feeling of accomplishment and meaning.
Unfortunately, many overseas volunteer programs cost a pretty penny to join. Costs cover meals, boarding and donation. These costs normally don't include airfare either. For a traveler on a tight budget, this can seem out of reach. However, there are other ways to volunteer abroad (or even in your country of residence) that won't cost nearly as much and may even allow for a longer stay. One of those ways is through volunteering at an organic farm. This is perfect for the traveler that wants to get out of the city and into the rural areas where a lot of the old fashioned culture is found. As a volunteer farmer, you are able to stay with local families in exchange for work on the farm.
Of course, depending on the farm and the nature of the work that needs to be done, this type of volunteering is not for the physically weak. You must be physically able to handle whatever tasks need to be done to keep the farm going strong.
In exchange for all this, you get to eat organic foods, and get a place to lay your head. A lot of families are even willing to teach you their language. This is a great way for the ethical traveler to eat fresh indigenous foods, and to experience the life of a local farmer.
As someone who has just finished her stay on a beautiful farm in the Santa Cruz mountains, I can assure you, even in just 2 short weeks, it is an experience that will teach you more than you thought you ever could learn.
The following is a video from the wwoof.org :
(A site definitely worth checking out if you are looking into this type of travel!)
WWOOF: The Movie Trailer from Ashley Terry on Vimeo.
Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 08:17PM 
This year, Earth Day brought a lot of buzz about eco-friendly businesses. Companies around the world are seeing green as the way to go. And we're not talking about money here. Businesses are seeing eco-friendly practices as not only a way to a healthier environment, but also a way to attract more tourists and gain more respect from customers and guests.
Take the Hilton in Patagonia, Argentina for example. The hotel (which is due to open in 2011) will provide an efficient use of energy and water, plans to provide the largest private plant of liquid waste water treatment available in the area, and with it's green roof, even blends into the mountain!
A lot of hotels everywhere are making conscious efforts to at the very least, create an appearance of being "green". Many consumers are concerned about climate change and global warming. Tourists want to do their part, and the hospitality industry feels the same way.
So how do you travel green while not wasting a lot of your own green? Here are some tips to follow for helping the planet (on a budget!), so you can enjoy more of what our beautiful earth has to offer:
LEED certified hotels are a good place to start. In order to possess LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the hotel must be verified from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that the building project meets the highest green building & performance measures.
This four-star hotel is located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. It is the first LEED certified hotel in Chicago! Enjoy a luxurious stay downtown for 40% off regular rates through these dates: April 25-29, & May 2, 6-13, 16-20, 25-28! Book Online and ask for "Felix Special"!
Oregon is known for green enthusiasts, and this hotel does not disappoint. The Avalon is just a stroll from the riverside trail. (A lovely place to go for a jog!) When Booking Online, be sure to click on "corporate rates" at the top of the page and enter TravelZoo's code: "Tzooleed" for 40% off rates!
What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than to lodge at a LEED certified hotel in the rockies?! This deal provides you with complimentary breakfast and a 3rd night free! Book Online and enter code: "Tzleed" in the comments box.
For more deals on LEED certified hotels & resorts, check out: TravelZoo.com/green
Eco-friendly travel gadgets are always in style. Pack your bags with some of these handy little things:
These batteries are about $20, but at 500 recharge cycles, they are definitely a bargain!
Skin by Monica Olsen has a travel kit that includes facewash, shavegel, aftershave, night and day cream, deodorant, lotion, shampoo & conditioner for $34.95. The company donates proceeds to its own alternative energy resource fund and Healthy Child Healthy World.
How sweet is that?!
A few more eco-friendly travel tips?
What are your tips for cheap green travel? Feel free to include any ideas or products you may have seen in the comments below! :)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 02:30PM 
Every new year we make a list of all the things we would like to accomplish in the new year. Most of these these lists usually involve something like "traveling more". However, if you are like most people, by February you have already spun off track and made a few excuses for yourself as to why you can't take that big vacation this year. It's February, and you have already given up.
Instead of putting your travel goals on stand-by this year, try whipping up some short term travel goals. You don't have to book a first class seat to Prague in order to "get away" this summer. Even a short trip to Big Sur or Connecticut is considered travel. Want to feel a little more cultured? Learn a new language. Take up an African Dance class. The main goal this year should be to expand your horizons. Not just physically, but mentally as well. Remember, it's never too late to start. Even if you've already gone off track last month. Think of this as an early start to next year!
Here are some suggestions to get you started!
Roadtrip with a Pal
I am definitely an advocate of solo travel. However, for the sake of saving some green this year, it's helpful to consider hitting the road with a pal. Roadtrips are always fun, and the more people you bring, the less gas is going to cost you, not to mention splitting hotel costs, etc.
Make sure to choose your travel buddy wisely. Embarking on a journey where you will have to spend endless hours with someone who urkes you for whatever reason is not only unwise, it's inpractical. The point of a vacation is to enjoy yourself. Team up with someone who's vission of a good time is very similar to your own. That goes for musical taste (you will have to compromise on tunes when you're on the road), and budget.
Take More Photos!
Memories are priceless, and what better way to capture them than with dynamic photos. Some of us find ourselves taking amazing trips, only to find all we have from the trip is a keychain and maybe one of those rolled out pennies with a destination engraved on it. Maybe you feel like the photos you take aren't anything special.
What seperates a good image from a great one? A few courses in photography can point you in the right direction. Here is a link to a free online photography course that will have you snapping shots like a pro in no time!
Jodie Coston's Free Online Photography Classroom
Last Minute Jet Setting
Many of us have been told that the earlier you book a flight and hotel, the less change of prices increasing. While there is truth to that statement, it's worth looking into last minute deals. For instance, sometimes you can find a roundtrip ticket from LAX to DC for around $150. If you have the flexibilty to just pack up and go, it's worth doing a search. Think of that invigorating sense of spontaniety you will gain from a last minute adventure! Call up hotels and ask if they have last minute availabilty. Don't be shy when asking for a last minute discount! Smaller, boutique hotels are usually known to have these type of discounts if you just ask. This goes for renatl cars too. Don't be afraid to ask!
Travel, goals, photography, resolutions, roadtrip, vacation in Tips Email Article Print Article Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 05:39PM Below are some of my favourite new gadgets and apps for travel. Some are new, some are old, and some are due to launch very soon! Enjoy!
Google's New "Near Me Now" Feature
Google has this great new feature where you can search for stuff near you right from your iPhone or Android. Convenient? Yes. Original? No.
With sites (and apps) like Yelp, Urbanspoon, and local.com, the geo-search tool is far from being anything avant-garde.
However, regardless of the existence of similar services, Google was going to have to launch this feature sooner or later. Think of it, as a new place to search when you're really on the go!
Easy WiFi Network is a good quality, free WiFi network with tons of locations locally and across the globe. The app makes it easy for you to log into to any WiFi network with out going back and forth from Safari to SMS.
You can personalize the app to include all of your hotspots accounts. This logs you in automatically into any of your networks and even updates the Easy WiFi app to include these hotspots. Over 2,000 commercial and community networks are supported, and the best part of all is, the app is FREE!
The National Geographic Travel Phone
The
If you already own an international phone, they also offer SIM cards for $29. Over all, being able to make calls and receive texts abroad is not just convenient. It can be a real life saver.
For me, this isn't exciting because I am in the market for a tripod. This is exciting because now I can mount my camera on practically ANYTHING to take a picture of myself! Ok, I know that sounds hammy. But it's nice to have photos of all your trips, and strangers aren't always around (or willing) to take a picture of you. The Gorillapod allows you to take the pic you want, at the angle you want it.
It's hard to get good pictures of yourself on trips you take by yourself, and this lets you do just that. Just wrap your digital cam around a tree branch, or an uneven rock, or even wrap it around a fence. Then set your camera's timer and voila! Look for this handy little gadget in my Gypsy Boutique!
So many new gadgets and apps are out this year! Are there any you would like to add or give a review on? Leave a comment below! :)
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 11:31PM 
© androidandme.comHalloween is a time of fun, candy, and lavish costumes. It's also a time of vast spending. However, having a good time on All Hallows Eve doesn't have to mean a frighteningly empty wallet!
Here are some tips and free/low-cost events for a ghoulish holiday on a budget!
Free Printable Pumpkin Carving Templates
Free Events in Southern California:
*ETERNAL REST CEMETERY
414 Rose Avenue
Venice, California
Phone: (310) 755-1586
E-Mail: Bunchastuf@aol.com
Saturday, October 31st, 6:30pm until…?
PRICE: Free!
INFORMATION: This annual yard haunt is described as an “Professional outdoor haunted Halloween environment” that may “be too scary for very young children.” 2009 will feature a “small walk through area to the side of the house (not intended for kids) which is a winding walk through the dark hallways of the mortuary.”
*FOREST OF MIRRORS
6124 Lederer Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367-1329
Phone: 818-932-9491
Email: internet@pbergeron.com
Website: www.forestofmirrors.com
October 31, 5:00pm to midnight
PRICE: Free!
Description: Located in a house once owned by silent movie comedian Buster Keaton, this Halloween yard haunt features a cemetery that seems endlessly extended thanks to strategic use of mirrors.
Free Events in San Francisco:
*Monster Bash
When: Saturday, October 31st
Where: Beauty Bar (admission is free by RSVP through the link)
Address: 2299 Mission Street San Francisco , CA
Free Events in Chicago
*"The Fog" at Delilah's
A free screening of this John Carpenter classic starts at 6 PM; stick around afterward for DJ Mike Meyers spinning "killer rock and roll." 2771 N. Lincoln Ave, 773-472-2771
Free Events in NYC:
Monsters Ball - A Fashionable Halloween Event
When:Sat 10/31 (10PM)
Where: No. 1 Front Street
Address: 1 Front Street Brooklyn, NY
FREE Admission if you are in costume or at the very least wear all black
