I am a travel addict through and through. In my mind, there is nothing more exciting than exploring new places and cultures. My worldly adventures have provided me with countless insights to share with future travelers. As your travel guru, I will provide tips that can immensely benefit your vacations!
I can personally attest to the benefits of helping others abroad. While volunteering at a nursing home in Cartago, a small town just outside San Jose, Costa Rica, my passions for travel and helping others merged. Assisting those who truly needed and appreciated my help while getting to see a new part of the world was a dream come true. Working alongside nurses who redefined compassion inspired me more than words can express. Taking care of people at an age that we will all reach eventually humbled me and changed my perspective on life. I not only learned a substantial amount about myself, but about the Costa Rican culture. My time there was so rewarding that upon my return, I instantly craved to have a similar experience. Thankfully, the company with whom I traveled, the International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ), sends volunteers to numerous destinations, and I set my sights on India. Whether via films that may or may not accurately portray Indian culture, books, or my addiction to Indian food, my love of the culture abounds in my life. It seemed only natural that I would go there one day, but upon the realization that IVHQ had a program in India, that day became sooner rather than later. I only had to decide what to do for my volunteer project this time around. Since last time I assisted the elderly, I opted for the other end of the age spectrum and signed up for child care of the children of Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala, a small town in Northern India.
Volunteering abroad is a fantastic opportunity provided by many organizations. When selecting the one that is right for you, it is important to thoroughly research as much as you can about your different options and read reviews of former participants. I had an immensely positive experience volunteering with IVHQ, an organization based in New Zealand that sends people to many different countries. Cross-Cultural Solutions and IS Volunteers are two other reputable companies with high ratings that assist in volunteer placements. Another consideration when selecting an organization is what kind of volunteering you wish to do. Whether you enjoy healthcare, childcare, conservation or construction, there is bound to be something for everyone. Most volunteer organizations are staffed with people eager to help set you on your journey!
Granted, there are fees associated with the experience to cover costs of food and housing provided by local families, which can act as a deterrent to potential volunteers. Thankfully, there are online fundraising services available such as GoFundMe, an organization through which you can raise money to support my next adventure in India. YouCaring.com and Razoo are other sites that provide a means for fundraising. Some of these sites take a small percentage of donations for their service but conveniently transfer donations right into your bank account. Another option is to ask friends and family directly to support your cause.
Now known by many as the "Stoner State," many now flock to Colorado to take advantage of its legalization of marijuana recreationally. Additionally, the state is a popular destination for sports fanatics and nature lovers. Boulder, the eclectic city at the base of the Foothills, is conveniently located a short drive away from ski resorts and Rocky Mountain National Park, and has extensive activities sure to please any visitor.
1) Attention, runners! Thousands of runners flock to Boulder's streets on Memorial Day each year dressed in garb ranging from traditional workout wear to the most bizarre costumes you can imagine. The Bolder Boulder race is 10 kilometers, or about 6.2 miles, and participants can decide to run, walk, jog or maintain any pace they wish during the course. The race takes place in Boulder's streets and finishes in the stadium at the University of Colorado.
My father and I after the Bolder Boulder 2014
2) Visit the Rockies- whether it be the baseball team or the National Park, visiting one or both of the "rockies" is a must while in Boulder. At Rocky Mountain National Park, you can hike, camp, and will surely see a variety of the wildlife for which the park is known. After visiting the park, be sure to stop in Estes Park for food, shopping, and perhaps a visit to the famous Stanley Hotel, featured in the film The Shining. To see the Colorado Rockies play, take a trip to Coors Field in Denver. Just be sure to check the schedule first!
3) Tough decisions for foodies...Boulder's famous walking mall, Pearl Street, is home to a multitude of fine dining options. Frasca, Riff's Urban Fare, and Centro are just a few topping the list from which to choose. Many of the restaurants offer fixed price menus, and can cater to any sort of dietary restrictions. In addition to the fine dining establishments, there are dive bars and casual eateries offering fantastic food. 4) If you choose to toke... learn as much as you can about the new rules and regulations regarding recreational marijuana. For starters, out-of-state residents can buy a quarter of an ounce whereas Colorado residents can buy up to an ounce at once. Also, for first time users, be aware of the strength of edibles- there is still much debate as to how they should be regulated and they can be extremely strong, so use caution.
Toledo is unlike most European cities in that it appears untouched by time. The architecture still resembles that which was prominent in the Medieval ages and the narrow streets are made up of cobblestone. Toledo was home to the prominent Spanish painter El Greco, so a visit to his old house is an unforgettable experience.
1) Planning to go out at night? Be aware that unlike in the United States, people do not begin their evenings of clubbing and drinking until 11 or even midnight. This also means that Spaniards stay out into the wee hours of the morning. Spain runs on a different schedule, often not eating dinner until at least 10 P.M.
2) If you only see one attraction...make it the Toledo Cathedral. Its construction commenced in 1190 and features impressive spires and other architectural marvels differentiating it from other European structures. The interior artwork spans decades and are perfect representations of different artistic ages. Mass is still held in a small section of the cathedral and attending is free, but if you wish to enter the main part of the impressive building, there is a small but worthwhile fee.
3) Tapas, tapas, tapas! If you enjoy dining at Spanish restaurants, Toledo will seem like Heaven. At most bars, including Enebro and El Trebol, each beverage you order is accompanied by a small plate (or tapa) of delicious food. These food and drink combinations come at an extremely reasonable price, so you can get your fill after just a few without dropping too much money.
Examples of typical Spanish tapas
4) Souvenir shopping? Make sure to pick up their typical demascene artwork or perhaps a sword or two. If you have the opportunity, watching an artist create demascene artwork before your eyes is an amazing sight to behold.
Known for its natural beauty, simple way of life and numerous Buddhist temples, the north Indian village of Bir is truly a hidden treasure. Bir and Delhi are polar opposites. Delhi bustles at all hours in a state of mass chaos whereas Bir follows a slower, calmer schedule. Also, its people are almost entirely Tibetan refugees and Buddhist.
1) Getting there is not easy... but it's worth it. There are two options to get from New Delhi to Bir. If you opt to fly, know that there is a significant risk of a flight cancellation or delay due to unpredictable weather. The other option, the bus, takes about 12 to 14 hours and generally makes only one stop. The bus is substantially cheaper as well, and not an uncomfortable ride. The modern buses feature seats that recline completely, air conditioning, free water bottles, blankets, and occasionally a typical Indian movie.
2) Jump off a cliff! For an extremely reasonable fee, a trained paragliding pilot will help you soar through the air and behold the beauty for which Bir is renowned. It may seem daunting and frightening at first, but the experience is well worth the nerves!
The view from above
3) Consider volunteering- living with a host family and teaching young monks enriched my experience in Bir tenfold. The home cooked meals, hearing about Tibetan culture from those who practice it every day and living in an authentic home all while helping their community flourish is immensely gratifying and humbling and widens your horizons vastly. A particular program I recommend, one which takes care of everything you need during your time as a volunteer abroad, is that which is hosted by IVHQ.
4) Visit nearby Dharmasala- this larger village near Bir boasts gorgeous views, offers savory food typical of the area, provides extensive opportunities for high-quality souvenir shopping at reasonable prices, and is home to a beautiful monastery often visited by the Dalai Lama himself.
Who Should Go?
Bir is a perfect destination for anyone wanting to experience a more peaceful and calm pace to life. Try to go in the summer for a break from Southern India's sweltering heat.
Manuel Antonio, a little beach town located on the west side of Costa Rica, is a popular tourist destination for its beaches and national park. Within the park, lucky visitors can spot a variety of wildlife including monkeys, reptiles and small mammals.
Know Before You Go:
1) The park is closed on MONDAYS! Don't try to go on a Monday or you will be
sorely disappointed.
2) When walking through the national park, walk slowly and look up at the
trees. That is where the sloths, monkeys, etc. are hiding.
3) Bring your swimsuit into the park- there are beaches that you can easily
walk to. 4) Prepare for rain! It is very likely you may not get a good beach day.
Restaurants to Visit and Those to Avoid: Restaurante Manuel Antionio: This little establishment provides a mediocre experience at best. If you do
happen to go there for breakfast, do not order the eggs and tomato unless you
want to feel like you were just conned out of 5$ for a portion the size of your
fist that resembles something that had already been eaten. After that
experience, I'm not sure what drove us back there for lunch, but some
mysterious restaurant gods brought us back there and I ordered the ensalada
verde or green salad which, thankfully, included a hearty portion of greens and
avocado. To sum up, if you hit up this restaurant, only do so for lunch or dinner
and skip breakfast there unless you like to waste money.
Restaurante Nuevo Amanecer:
The fact that this centrally-located establishment does not serve alcohol
likely contributes to its lower lunch and dinner prices. However, if you don't
mind not getting tipsy with your meal, it is not a bad spot. Being so close to
the ocean, it is a good idea to try the fish at least once, so I ordered pescado a la plancha (grilled fish) with
veggies and rice, though other side options included fries and salad. I
received a decent portion for the equivalent of $8. Another perk to eating there was their free Internet.
Italia & Co.:
Don't miss this place. The waitress treated me with exceptional kindness while
serving generous portions at dinner. It's not only a great choice for lunch
and dinner; sweet tooth cravings are easily cured by their selection of fresh
gelato and sorbets. Never have my taste buds felt so spoiled by a tasty treat. Their fresh fruit sorbets lack an
overwhelming amount of sugar, making them the perfect amount of sweetness and
truly to die for. I returned for dinner upon spotting their reasonable prices for salad
offerings and ordered the salad with corn, mushrooms, carrots, peppers and
tomatoes. Only minutes later the waitress brought a bread basket accompanied by oil
and vinegar as well as a huge bowl of salad for a very reasonable price.
Backpacker's Paradise Costa Linda:
Tucked away inconspicuously off the main route, this is the only restaurant
offering mind-blowing prices for breakfast. Mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, insert
shock-depicting adjective here. Literally, never go anywhere else for
breakfast. Their other prices are just so-so, but for only 4$ they serve
bottomless coffee and tea, a pancake, fresh banana, pineapple and watermelon,
beans and rice, bread and eggs. We got the eggs minus everything else and paid
more the morning before.
New Delhi is a crazy amalgamation of poverty and excess, wandering animals, beautiful architecture, and home to millions of people. The savory food is unparalleled in quality (but make sure you buy bottled water). Below are just a few of the tips that can improve your trip to this chaotic but fascinating city.
1) Be in my photo!You will feel like a Hollywood celebrity hassled by
paparazzi all day when being asked repeatedly to be in photos by Indians.
Often, allowing them to snap a photo clearly makes their day. However, be aware
that they occasionally swarm around white visitors and snap photos without even
asking. It’s hard to get used to the gawking, ogling and staring. It is
especially apparent for blondes; Indians view the golden hair as an
irresistible beacon. The men especially want photos with foreign women at all
times and in various poses, shaking hands a particular favorite.
2)
Enough honking already! Indian traffic puts to shame that of
the most congested cities in the United States. Essentially, every driver lays
on their horns at all times so there is a never-ending beep invading your ear
canals. There is an eclectic combination of cows, bikes (both standard and
motor), pedestrians, tuk tuks, rickshaws and cars following an unwritten set of
traffic rules. There are generally no speed limits and hardly any traffic
lights. Initially, I thought the insanity on the roads meant awful drivers, but
the lack of accidents among such chaos made me realize that they are actually
incredibly skilled. Indian drivers would laugh in the face of those complaining
about Los Angeles traffic. The takeaway here is not to attempt driving
yourself. Cab and bus fares are extremely reasonable and Indian drivers
knowledgeable.
3)
Akshardham Temple- deciding which of the many iconic
sites to see in addition to the Taj Mahal around New Delhi, especially during a
short period of time, can be overwhelming to say the least.
The fact that Akshardham temple was
built only 13 years ago made me a bit unsure if it was worth a visit, as it did
not lie beneath the shroud of history that surrounds other sites. However, just
one Google image convinced me to make an afternoon trip. The temple is truly a modern marvel. It was built by about
10,000 architects and artists in five years and I don't even want to know how
much it cost. The architecture is easily some of the most beautiful my eyes
have beheld- detailed animals adorning every wall, golden statues inside the
main temple, paintings... everything was immaculate. One
thing to note is that cameras and phones are banned on
the temple grounds. Trying to sneak in these devices is essentially impossible
due to intense security checks, so it's best not to try.
4)
No monkey photos! If a monkey jumps on your car, don't
take it's picture. Its handler, someone who has taken it from the wild and
trained it for this purpose is right behind and ready to harass you for money.
And by harass I mean actually open the window and reach inside while yelling
"money, money!" It is truly best to avoid this rather frightening
situation.
5) The importance of socks- It surprised me the amount of times removal of shoes was necessary when visiting temples, mosques, churches and other religious sites. In order to avoid obtaining a foot fungus or other unfortunate ailment, it is a good idea to wear socks during all of your sightseeing.
Who should go? I do not recommend New Delhi for travelers who want to relax in a calm and scenic location. However, it is the perfect destination for those on a budget who are adventurous and don't mind roughing it a bit!
Disney World. Universal Studios. Sea World. These theme parks only bring one place to mind: Orlando, Florida. This popular vacation destination boasts more theme parks than you could ever hope to visit during one trip alone and therefore endless ways to fill your time.
Know Before You Go:
1) Are there rotten eggs in the water? One of the first things I noticed upon arriving at my hotel in Orlando was the strange taste of the water. I figured it was just that one particular faucet, but at the end of the weekend realized that drinking fountains, faucets and most other sources of water all produced H2O with the same, sulfur-like taste. If you want to save money on water at theme parks, you will likely have to deal with the rotten-egg taste of the water. Don't worry, it is harmless- the cause simply occurs due to hydrogen-sulfide in the water throughout Florida.
2) Public transportation? What's that? Be ready to drop substantial dollars on cab fares, as they are often the only option to get from point A to B in Orlando. When booking a hotel or resort, be sure to check that they offer a shuttle service to the park or parks you plan on attending- otherwise, it is highly likely that you will have to take a cab.
3) Resort stays aren't all they're cracked up to be... The second I saw the Groupon offering an Orlando resort stay for around $100 a night when it is generally $300, I jumped on the deal. However, I wish someone had warned me about just how isolated resorts are. Also, despite the low fare per evening, since there were no other dining options in walking distance, we were forced to eat at the overpriced restaurants on the resort grounds.
4) Visiting a theme park? Choose wisely. Orlando is undeniably skilled at one thing- breaking the bank of those who visit. A day spent at just ONE theme park of the many can easily top $100 for the ticket alone. The numbers an entire family would spend at the Disney World Resort would cause me to cringe on the spot. Prior to my trip, I naively assumed that a ticket to Disney World meant a ticket to all of Disney World. However, my $99 ticket only permitted entry into the Magic Kingdom, which is essentially the Disney Land equivalent. A five-day ticket, allowing a visit to a different Disney park per day, is around $300. The longer you stay, however, the cheaper the ticket is per day. For a ten-day stay, the ticket is &354. It is important to note that many of the tickets do not allow "park hopping" (that is, going from one park to another in the same day. Therefore, if you plan to just visit one park in Disney Land, be sure to do substantial research on your options to find the one that best suits your needs.
5) Check the weather for the day you plan to visit a park. Especially if you do during the rainy season in summer, it is almost guaranteed to rain or storm for at least a small part of the day. Be prepared by bringing a cheap poncho or umbrella to theme parks (or be prepared to pay through the nose once inside). If you don't end up needing the rain-repellents, most parks have lockers for rent for a small fee. Thankfully, as these weather events are the norm in Orlando, the main attractions are prepared for storms and rarely close down.
Who should go?
Due to the high costs of transportation and theme park entry fees, I would not recommend Orlando for the budget traveller. Orlando offers the perfect destination for families, however.
