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Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit

Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit

June 18th, 2013

By: itravelglobal

Category: Destination Guides, Mexico

Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit It may be a clichéd vacation and you may not be exploring pastures that have never been walked before, but that doesn't mean that a trip to Mexico wouldn't be an unforgettable adventure that will open your ey...[Read More]

Other Places’ Politics

Other Places' Politics

June 17th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Experiences, Cultural Exploration

A short, gray-haired man was on the television yelling emphatically in Hebrew.  Of course, I couldn’t understand a word he said, but the news broadcast I was watching had commentators who spoke English.  They explained that he was a member of the Kne...[Read More]

Birds, Brews and the Boy Next Door: A Visit to Lago de Yajoa

Birds, Brews and the Boy Next Door: A Visit to Lago de Yajoa

June 10th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Honduras, Nature, Sightseeing

“Are you Bob?” I asked reaching out to shake the hand of the owner Bed, Breakfast and Microbrewery at Lago de Yajoa.  “And is it true that you’re from Timber?” He looked at me quizzically.  “I’m from Gales Creek,” I added. Then he looked at me ...[Read More]

¡Vive Lucha Libre!

¡Vive Lucha Libre!

May 30th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Experiences, Mexico

“We’re going where?” I asked.  I’m always up for new things, but this seemed a little incongruent.  Here was my cultured, sophisticated, intellectual guy, a man who reads in three languages, a classical musician, a connoisseur of art films.  And now ...[Read More]

Killer Keens: When Good Gear Goes Bad

Killer Keens: When Good Gear Goes Bad

May 22nd, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Gear Spotlight, Travel Tips

“I’ve got your shoes,” my friend's said in an email. “Great!” I replied.  “ Send them down as soon as you can.  I need the freezer space.” I’m a big believer in good shoes, and for me Keens are the perfect travel shoe.  And now that I have ...[Read More]

Recently in Adventure Travel | View More

Hiking the Magical Trail at Silver Falls

Hiking the Magical Trail at Silver Falls

May 15th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Destination Guides, Hiking, Trekking, Walking, Nature, USA

“I changed my mind about tomorrow,” he said. “I think we should just do this one again.” I was a little bit taken aback.  We go hiking together a lot and returning the same way we came is practically against his religion.  And now here we were in Sil...[Read More]

Hiking – You’re Never Too Cool for Trekking Poles!

Hiking - You're Never Too Cool for Trekking Poles!

May 8th, 2013

By: Michael Falk

Category: Adventure Travel, Gear Spotlight, Hiking, Trekking, Walking

So I showed up for the hike with my shiny brand new trekking poles and was met with a little bit of laughter. My sister and brother, hiking companions for the day, scoffed at me and made jokes about finding a good stick. "We're surrounded by hiking s...[Read More]

Make the most of a White Desert adventure

Make the most of a White Desert adventure

April 30th, 2013

By: itravelglobal

Category: Adventure Travel, Egypt

It's fair to say that most travelers book holidays in Egypt to have their fill of pharaohs and lost civilisations, pyramids and tombs. While the diversity of this country should come as no surprise to anyone who's ever sailed the Nile, climbed Mount ...[Read More]

Volkswalk: Mini-adventures for Every Weekend

Volkswalk: Mini-adventures for Every Weekend

April 13th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Hiking, Trekking, Walking

We set out into the dark December night with a mission and a fork.  Given this choice of tool, you might surmise that our mission involved eating.  On the contrary, it was all about exercising, specifically walking. My friend, Cindy, had volunteered ...[Read More]

Tips on investing in your first SCUBA diving gear

Tips on investing in your first SCUBA diving gear

April 8th, 2013

By: Elmer Cruz

Category: Gear Spotlight, Philippines, Scuba & Snorkel

One of the reasons why people are reluctant to get into SCUBA diving is the cost of the equipment. This was one of my fears and it kept me at bay from even doing an intro dive for more than 10 years, knowing that I am a gadget freak and get overly ex...[Read More]

Recently in Cultural Exploration | View More

Other Places’ Politics

Other Places' Politics

June 17th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Experiences, Cultural Exploration

A short, gray-haired man was on the television yelling emphatically in Hebrew.  Of course, I couldn’t understand a word he said, but the news broadcast I was watching had commentators who spoke English.  They explained that he was a member of the Kne...[Read More]

Birds, Brews and the Boy Next Door: A Visit to Lago de Yajoa

Birds, Brews and the Boy Next Door: A Visit to Lago de Yajoa

June 10th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Honduras, Nature, Sightseeing

“Are you Bob?” I asked reaching out to shake the hand of the owner Bed, Breakfast and Microbrewery at Lago de Yajoa.  “And is it true that you’re from Timber?” He looked at me quizzically.  “I’m from Gales Creek,” I added. Then he looked at me ...[Read More]

¡Vive Lucha Libre!

¡Vive Lucha Libre!

May 30th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Experiences, Mexico

“We’re going where?” I asked.  I’m always up for new things, but this seemed a little incongruent.  Here was my cultured, sophisticated, intellectual guy, a man who reads in three languages, a classical musician, a connoisseur of art films.  And now ...[Read More]

The Mother of All Words – Dissecting “La Madre”

The Mother of All Words - Dissecting "La Madre"

May 12th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Experiences, Mexico

Happy Mother's Day! In honor of the day, honoring that most important of persons – Mom, the local newspaper here in Guanajuato published an article listing the uses of the word “madre” (mother) in Mexico. I learned a lot, and it seems to illustrate ...[Read More]

Mines, Masks and Mirós – Sight Seeing in Zacatecas

Mines, Masks and Mirós - Sight Seeing in Zacatecas

April 26th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Exploration, Destination Guides, Mexico, Sightseeing

My mind was being assaulted with unexpected visions of devil masks and Picasso pictures; flashbacks of peyote-induced yarn paintings.  My friend and I were completing our second day in Zacatecas and we were both suffering severe cases of PMED – Post ...[Read More]

Recently in Gear Spotlight | View More

Killer Keens: When Good Gear Goes Bad

Killer Keens: When Good Gear Goes Bad

May 22nd, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Gear Spotlight, Travel Tips

“I’ve got your shoes,” my friend's said in an email. “Great!” I replied.  “ Send them down as soon as you can.  I need the freezer space.” I’m a big believer in good shoes, and for me Keens are the perfect travel shoe.  And now that I have ...[Read More]

Hiking – You’re Never Too Cool for Trekking Poles!

Hiking - You're Never Too Cool for Trekking Poles!

May 8th, 2013

By: Michael Falk

Category: Adventure Travel, Gear Spotlight, Hiking, Trekking, Walking

So I showed up for the hike with my shiny brand new trekking poles and was met with a little bit of laughter. My sister and brother, hiking companions for the day, scoffed at me and made jokes about finding a good stick. "We're surrounded by hiking s...[Read More]

Tips on investing in your first SCUBA diving gear

Tips on investing in your first SCUBA diving gear

April 8th, 2013

By: Elmer Cruz

Category: Gear Spotlight, Philippines, Scuba & Snorkel

One of the reasons why people are reluctant to get into SCUBA diving is the cost of the equipment. This was one of my fears and it kept me at bay from even doing an intro dive for more than 10 years, knowing that I am a gadget freak and get overly ex...[Read More]

Four Favorite Pieces of Cheap, Simple, Indispensable Travel Gear

Four Favorite Pieces of Cheap, Simple, Indispensable Travel Gear

March 15th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Budget Travel, Gear Spotlight, Travel Resources, Travel Tips

Travel gear has certainly come along way.  However, I sometimes find that the best things come in humble packages.  Some of my most useful pieces of travel gear are even homemade. iPod Holder My dear friend Cindy knitted this for me.  The o...[Read More]

Down to a Daypack: Tips for Packing Light

Down to a Daypack: Tips for Packing Light

February 4th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Gear Spotlight, How To, Travel Resources, Travel Tips

“Wow, that’s impressive,” the other traveler said, admiring my daypack as I boarded the bus to Orange Walk.  “Of course, a lot of my stuff is diving gear.” “I’ve got a mask and snorkel in there,” I replied.  Admittedly, I was pleased by the comple...[Read More]

Recently in Personal Growth & Travel | View More

Does Travel Make Us Liars?

Does Travel Make Us Liars?

May 4th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Personal Growth and Travel

The taxi driver is mad at me.  He flips a switch to open the trunk, but does not get out and help me with bag as is customary.  He doesn’t reply when I wish him a good day.  Is this a case where it would have been better to lie? I had gotten the taxi...[Read More]

What Musical Artist would you Travel Across the World to see Live?

What Musical Artist would you Travel Across the World to see Live?

March 6th, 2013

By: Michael Falk

Category: Cultural Experiences, Personal Growth and Travel

Certainly there is music that transforms who we are when we listen, music that just picks us up and sweeps us away to far off places.  It's a common feeling depending on my mood, but some artist seem to do it for me every time.   Somehow they are uni...[Read More]

Yes Actually, You Can Run Away From Your Problems

Yes Actually, You Can Run Away From Your Problems

January 21st, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Personal Growth and Travel

Over and over again, I see other travelers, as well as myself, get accused of trying to “run away” from our problems. (Why else would someone choose a life of expanding horizons and constant adventure when they could be enjoying a mundane desk job, s...[Read More]

The Big Bad Review – The Business of Blogging

The Big Bad Review - The Business of Blogging

January 17th, 2013

By: Michael Falk

Category: Personal Growth and Travel, Travel Resources, Travel Writing

Recently a review is up for Gear Up and Play which includes myself, Jenny, Wynna and Elmer as well as anyone who has graciously put time and effort into the site.  Many just stop by and offer a blog post and we become friends.  There are many great t...[Read More]

Toilets of the World – My Adventures “Going” Overseas

Toilets of the World – My Adventures “Going” Overseas

November 19th, 2012

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Adventure Travel, Cultural Experiences, Personal Growth and Travel

Happy World Toilet Day! No, I’m not making that up. There really is a World Toilet Day and it’s purpose is to bring attention to the 2.5 billion people in the world who lack appropriate sanitary facilities (ie. toilets).   That’s actually a pretty s...[Read More]

Recently in Regions | View More

Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit

Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit

June 18th, 2013

By: itravelglobal

Category: Destination Guides, Mexico

Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit It may be a clichéd vacation and you may not be exploring pastures that have never been walked before, but that doesn't mean that a trip to Mexico wouldn't be an unforgettable adventure that will open your ey...[Read More]

¡Vive Lucha Libre!

¡Vive Lucha Libre!

May 30th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Experiences, Mexico

“We’re going where?” I asked.  I’m always up for new things, but this seemed a little incongruent.  Here was my cultured, sophisticated, intellectual guy, a man who reads in three languages, a classical musician, a connoisseur of art films.  And now ...[Read More]

Hiking the Magical Trail at Silver Falls

Hiking the Magical Trail at Silver Falls

May 15th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Destination Guides, Hiking, Trekking, Walking, Nature, USA

“I changed my mind about tomorrow,” he said. “I think we should just do this one again.” I was a little bit taken aback.  We go hiking together a lot and returning the same way we came is practically against his religion.  And now here we were in Sil...[Read More]

The Mother of All Words – Dissecting “La Madre”

The Mother of All Words - Dissecting "La Madre"

May 12th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Experiences, Mexico

Happy Mother's Day! In honor of the day, honoring that most important of persons – Mom, the local newspaper here in Guanajuato published an article listing the uses of the word “madre” (mother) in Mexico. I learned a lot, and it seems to illustrate ...[Read More]

Does Travel Make Us Liars?

Does Travel Make Us Liars?

May 4th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Personal Growth and Travel

The taxi driver is mad at me.  He flips a switch to open the trunk, but does not get out and help me with bag as is customary.  He doesn’t reply when I wish him a good day.  Is this a case where it would have been better to lie? I had gotten the taxi...[Read More]

Recently in Travel Resources | View More

Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit

Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit

June 18th, 2013

By: itravelglobal

Category: Destination Guides, Mexico

Why Mexico? Top Five Reasons for a Visit It may be a clichéd vacation and you may not be exploring pastures that have never been walked before, but that doesn't mean that a trip to Mexico wouldn't be an unforgettable adventure that will open your ey...[Read More]

Killer Keens: When Good Gear Goes Bad

Killer Keens: When Good Gear Goes Bad

May 22nd, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Gear Spotlight, Travel Tips

“I’ve got your shoes,” my friend's said in an email. “Great!” I replied.  “ Send them down as soon as you can.  I need the freezer space.” I’m a big believer in good shoes, and for me Keens are the perfect travel shoe.  And now that I have ...[Read More]

Hiking the Magical Trail at Silver Falls

Hiking the Magical Trail at Silver Falls

May 15th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Destination Guides, Hiking, Trekking, Walking, Nature, USA

“I changed my mind about tomorrow,” he said. “I think we should just do this one again.” I was a little bit taken aback.  We go hiking together a lot and returning the same way we came is practically against his religion.  And now here we were in Sil...[Read More]

Mines, Masks and Mirós – Sight Seeing in Zacatecas

Mines, Masks and Mirós - Sight Seeing in Zacatecas

April 26th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Cultural Exploration, Destination Guides, Mexico, Sightseeing

My mind was being assaulted with unexpected visions of devil masks and Picasso pictures; flashbacks of peyote-induced yarn paintings.  My friend and I were completing our second day in Zacatecas and we were both suffering severe cases of PMED – Post ...[Read More]

My Worst Night in a Hostel

My Worst Night in a Hostel

April 5th, 2013

By: Jennifer Choban

Category: Budget Travel, Israel

My worst night in a hostel happened over twenty years ago.  I’ve done a lot of traveling since then.  To maintain a record for that long you have to go beyond the standard dorm-room annoyances.  Beyond snoring and body odor.  Beyond bad breath and be...[Read More]

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