travel advice
All the travel how-tos, where-tos, must-dos, packing suggestions and more.
Into the Inaka
There's this feeling I have even now when I look back on the experience of leaving Tokyo and going north to Fukushima, which was the place where I would teach. It's a feeling of warmth and adventure and mystery. I remember the rolling hills that were lush green in the summer and the perfect square plots of rice fields that ran past like bars of rest on a musical piece. The city disappeared and then it seemed that there was never a city. Everything rewound 60 years. There were old thatched huts, but we were on an interstate in an air-conditioned bus and so this naturally brought me back to the present. I was with around 40 other teachers and we were all starting out the year in Fukushima. It was 2009 and just changing to the Indian start of summer. It was late summer when the green couldn't be more dark and this hinted that the next movement would be the withdrawing of chlorophyll from everything green.
By Sound And The Messenger9 years ago in Wander
Exploring the City of Cardiff
If you’re looking for an easy mini-break from London, the city of Cardiff is definitely worth checking out. The capital of Wales is a simple train journey direct from London’s Paddington station, or it's about a three-hour drive (depending on traffic). A modern city with incredible history, there’s a lot to explore in Cardiff.
By Gareth Johnson9 years ago in Wander
I Just Saved You $46,900 Excl. Taxes, or Have I Actually?
Someday soon, you will be arriving at an airport in Central America. Your 9-5 job has exhausted you and an escape began to form in your mind. Months or years of saving has left a hefty sum in your pocket and now is the time to splurge on the one thing on your mind: your feet digging in soft, pearly-white sand. An ocean breeze blows your hair back and just as you exhale and think of how grateful you are to simply be alive... a handsome man in a uniform brings you a colorful, fruity cocktail. Alternatively, a cute woman with the prettiest eyes and most intoxicating smile arrives with a stack of neatly-folded towels. A towel is handed to you as she says "Buenos días," in an accent oh-so-sweet, you imagine crossing paths later that day, only to propel yourself in a holiday-fling with her. Bottom-line: you feel acknowledged. "This is bliss."
By Thomas Rivet9 years ago in Wander
Live Like a Local and See the World
I have to admit that I am a terrible tourist. I love travelling, but I hate feeling like an outsider — I want to know where the best cafe is, I want to buy fresh bread and make a sandwich for lunch, I want to lie in a park and share a picnic with friends.
By Gareth Johnson9 years ago in Wander
Unfriendly Skies
One thing that I can’t stand is how we seem to have lost even the illusion of “customer service” with such an important industry as Air Travel. Over the years the process became more miserable, and the space became more crowded. Somewhere along the way, we became cattle that could pay their own way. I recently traveled from San Diego to North Carolina with my girlfriend, Gigi and the Wee Lad. As things fell apart en route, Southwest Airlines made no moves to help the passengers with contingencies. Our trip ended with me keeping watch over a sleeping nine-year-old and his mother, in a strange airport.
By Mickey Finn9 years ago in Wander
Canes and Cane Travel For the Blind or Visually Impaired
The next step in the process of learning how to travel independently while blind is learning how to use canes and practicing cane technique. Depending on the city you live in, your physical limitations, how much and how far you travel and other individual needs, cane usage will vary slightly. Your cane instructor will show you specific tricks and techniques that work best for you and suit your travel needs.
By Jared Rimer9 years ago in Wander
The Flow
Once I was in the flow everything happened fast. I still remember rising early in the morning in Cairns and saying goodbye at a corner to Jen and then walking to the airport. A few hours later I was in Cairns and a couple days later I was looking at the Pacific Ocean en route to California and then Colorado. The wheels were turning for Japan though. I had applied for The JET Program from Australia. At that time though I had no clue what would happen. So often my life has plopped me right back down on Main Street in Aspen, Colorado and told me to be patient and start over and so there I was. The musical ringing from Australia hadn't subsided and soon I met up with an old friend and we formed a makeshift band. I got a regular gig for apre ski and met quite a few music connections. The glitter was still pouring out that year from Australia and everything was in movement.
By Sound And The Messenger9 years ago in Wander
Queenstown: A Travel Guide
Winter isn’t a lot of fun unless you are properly equipped with some skis and a hip flask. It was only a short flight to Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand but it felt like a world away from the dreariness of Sydney. Fresh deep snow, blue skies, and the streets teeming with attractive men in expensive winter wear.
By Gareth Johnson9 years ago in Wander
Exploring the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is one of the iconic holiday destinations that Spain is famous for. Unfortunately it seems that the Costa Blanca is famous for many of the wrong reasons — over-developed conurbations, swarms of package-holiday tourists, and local cuisine being shunned by cafes and restaurants all intent on offering the all-too-familiar English Breakfast and Fish & Chips.
By Gareth Johnson9 years ago in Wander
