Jan
19
2009

5 Common myths about travel

The Grand Tetons in Wyoming, USA

The Grand Tetons in Wyoming, USA

Myths about travel

I decided to do something different this time.  What about a Wordpress travel blog that has some sort of generic, lets-all-hold-hands “Top xx” list?  OK, so its not quite original….but then again its not exactly easy to work creative miracles when I’ve been stuck inside all day and can hear the 16 degree (F) air whistling by outside.

In fact, its not easy to do much at all.  I’m still in last night’s smokey clothes which have au de pub clinging on to them stubbornly.  Its an exotic mix of spilled Guinness, pheromones, and sweaty excitement but only pleasant to someone that shared the craic with you at the time.

As travel writer J. Martin Troost says, “that’s the good thing about sacrificing a decent living to become a writer, I can get up, walk 3 meters to “work” still in my boxers, and stew in my own filth for a few hours.”

So admist my stewing, I decided to defunct the bologna reasons why I hear that people who really want to travel say they cannot do so.  Some are from my backpacking travel website and some come from reader’s emails, etc.

Let the sparks fly……!

(Read more…)


Jan
13
2009

Traveling alone

Traveling alone
Traveling alone has its moments

Traveling alone?

A jolt of unexpected excitement vibrates through my body.  I struggle to keep it my secret.

I am sitting cross legged on a sandy bamboo mat, watching another masterpiece of a West Thailand sunset dismiss an island day.  The owner of the restaurant is making his rounds lighting torches which pop and crackle around us with puffs of gray smoke.  I steal a glance at my mysterious new friend.

I have only known my new companion for a few hours.  She is friendly, Dutch, and quite beautiful.  She has also just taken my hand for the first time.

Fate, luck, Celestine Prophecy….whatever label you give it, something brought us together randomly and since we are both vagabonding, we know that this luxurious feeling won’t last forever.  Our encounter was doomed before it started and with each day that we spend together, we know that one morning will be the last.  The Devil will be waiting for 2 promised souls when the fun is over.

(Read more…)


Posted in Ramblings | Tags: ,
Jan
06
2009

Vagabonding Packing – top 20 goodies to take

You never know where your feet might take you

You never know where your feet might take you

Vagabonding Packing List

Since 2009 fell into my lap and travel plans are monopolizing most of my cerebral activity lately, I decided to start a series of posts about real travel preparation. (plus, I need to dangle some juicy linkbait out there).

In my opinion, budget travel is far too important to be left to the professionals.  Ask 20 backpackers what they packed and the only thing they will have in common is the fact that they all probably brought too much.

These are just my personal essentials for a healthy, happy, journey.

Packing is personal just as travel is ultimately a selfish endeavor. So take it or leave it.  If you see one good new idea, this read was worth it.  I’ve picked up items over the years from books, travelers, and websites…but as you already know, experience is the best teacher.

So without further delay….this is Part 1 – my top 20 goodies to take with you on your backpacking trip!

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vagabonding © Greg Rodgers - Please don't steal my stuff!