• Parking is a free for all and wherever you can fit your car it seems people will park. This means there is a great possibility you will find cars parked behind you and with just enough space on the side you might not be able to open all of your doors. I suggest taking up a lot of space when you park (parking diagonally works great) that way it will be very difficult for other drivers to get too close and when it’s time to pull out there will be extra space for your car to maneuver back to the road.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. This should be a no-brainer when driving anywhere but I cannot stress the importance of this tip enough until you actually see for yourself. I used to think NYC was pretty crazy when it came to traffic but at least it was organized! Drivers do not always keep their cars in one lane and stop signs are not at each and every four-way so cars can literally come from any direction.

• There are tons of extremely narrow side streets that are meant to be two-way roads. However, because cars are parked on both sides of the street only one car can fit through there. If you come across a street like this, which is more than likely, use some kind of hand signal or light flashing technique while pulling to the first available open spot to pull over so they can pass through. Make sure to slow down while driving on these roads and if you notice the other car hasn’t noticed you beep a few times to get their attention.

• If you decide to visit this beautiful city and opt for public transportation taxis are the way to go. From what I’ve seen bus schedules are not always accurate and without any notice the bus may not come at all. There are plenty of taxis driving around and if you’re close to a main road this will make it even easier to find one. Rates are quite cheap but if the driver realizes you are a tourist some may overprice it a bit.

Have any of you been to Amman and witnessed their crazy traffic or been to a place and have your own traffic experience? I would love hear some of your stories!

Thanks for reading, Tiffany.

This article is a post from my personal blog Tiffany’s Traveling Journal if you’d like to read more about my own life check it out at: http://tiffanystravelingjournal.blogspot.com/

by Darcy McCarty

You’re single, solo, alone, whatever you want to call it, maybe just free! You want to escape the confining restraints of the life you know, the the life that defines you every day. The life that has become stale and boring. It’s time for New Zealand for One – doing it solo.

New Zealand is the perfect place for those traveling solo. What makes it perfect? For starters, no language barrier, simple travel arrangements and well marked hiking trails make your outdoor adventures easily accessible. It just feels friendly, you’ll see.

It’s a beautiful, breathtaking place where you can inhale the scents of untouched forestry and gaze longingly at rolling green hills. Crystal blue waterfalls, streams, lots of green, fresh air and a call to your adventurous side all await you.

Did we mention the adventure? I think we did but seriously, if you are a traveler who craves adventure and not so much the typical touristy locations New Zealand is your place. It offers every sort of adventure-seeking activity you could possibly imagine. From hiking a mountain to scuba diving and getting a glimpse of the beautiful creatures under the sea, your thirst for excitement will be quenched when you book your visit to New Zealand. Even though New Zealand is travel friendly there are still some things you should keep in mind.

1) Be Safe – Whether you’re a man or woman, safety while traveling should be the top priority when going to another country. This is why safety has taken the number one spot in things to keep in mind. Make sure your accommodations are located in a safe, populated area of the neighborhood. While out, keep a clear eye on your surroundings. This doesn’t mean to be paranoid about every passer-by, but to be aware of who’s around you, what’s going on, is a vital part of traveling alone.

2.) Talk to People – Just because your traveling alone don’t mean you have to stay alone. If it’s not really your thing to talk to random people while out and about make it your thing! You will be glad you did. Seriously, you want to hike alone? That’s Dangerous and what about when it comes to drinking, nobody likes to drink alone.

So next time you find yourself on that cramped bus turn to the person on your left and just introduce yourself and start asking questions. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and it will break the ice and you may find yourself some temporary travel companions or who knows, life long friends.

3) Financial Needs – Before digging up some late deals and hopping on a plane to start your adventure, you have to look at your budget and the prices of the country you’re traveling to. Is it more expensive or less expensive than your home country? What do you want to do while in New Zealand? These questions will help you decide how much money to bring on your trip.

4.) Accommodations – If you plan to stay in a backpacking type hostel which usually are not bad by the way keep this in mind. Hostels range from the younger party crowd out to have a good time with the drinking (late teens to 25 or so) to the more relaxed YHAs. YHAs generally attract a good mix of people ranging from old to young but less interested in partying.

5) Location, Location, Location – No matter where you go in New Zealand, there is always something to do and something to see. If you want a culture-shock, you can visit museums or talk to locals about their history. New Zealand’s history is fairly recent but there is history in the first tribes that settled here. If you want to bungee or take a relaxation day at a spa, there are countless ways to entertain yourself while traveling alone.

Taking these ideas with you while you travel to New Zealand will guarantee you a safe and happy trip.

Therefore, I began the journey to determine just what my health insurance covers and what I could anticipate if some unforeseen mishap occurred while fishing off the coast of southern Mexico. Two thousand dollars and 80% of any medical ambulance including a MedVac flight back to the States was what I could expect, I guess it’s something.

Now, the question was what kind of coverage did my traveling buddy have, who in this case just happened to be my daughter? Although, I asked this question, I got no answer. Did she investigate? Here is the story.

Overseas travel insurance from two American insurers is as follows: $32 for eight days for $100,000 coverage including 100% medical evacuation or $159 for the same eight days for $250,000, also including 100% medical evacuation. Travel insurance from HBF can improve these numbers somewhat since inherent in their package is a 10% discount to members.

So, have you ever heard of gallstones, OK, I’m not going to get into the details of it but lets just say $32 dollars could have been the best $32 dollars she ever spent!

Now these numbers are for a mature adult, age approximately 45 years of age, which she was, for travel to Mexico. For the approximately 850 miles to Houston, TX which was determined to be the closest and most convenient hospital complex, the cost of medical evacuation by LearJet was just under $25,000 not including cost for services of attending physician and his return to Ixtapa. Add to that the services of the clinical personnel in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, the entire billing from the insurance company was just under $50,000; her portion was very close to $10,000.

This proved to be a very expensive fishing trip which not only left her with perforated ulcers and gallstones needing treatment, but the cooler containing our 100 lb. sailfish could not be fitted into the tail section causing us to have to donate all that good fish to the workers at the clinic.

So, when considering the need for overseas travel insurance remember that disaster can strike—and does. In many cases the cost of the catastrophe far exceeds the cost of the insurance, so ask yourself if you have the resources to pay for the unexpected, if you are traveling in an area where access to good health care is available or will there be a need to be airlifted out, and finally, if you are able to withstand the stress or worry of financial reverses while recovering from the medical emergency. No one can answer these questions better than you, and the questions must be asked. Keep that in mind.

The place to start is at the Kyrenia gate tourist office. Here you can pick up your Blue Line map which is the perfect guide and all you need to explore Nicosia. A broad blue line painted on the road or footpath takes you on a circuit around the city taking in all the places of interest along the way. The reverse of the map gives you pertinent or historical detail of the twenty places along the route. The walk itself stays within the walls of the old city and can take up to four hours or more depending on your level of fascination with the places visited.

One of the more unusual places of interest is the Mevlevi Lodge, the museum of the Whirling Dervishers, no 20 on the map. First built in the 17th century, it provided some accommodation for the pilgrims when they came to pray. It was closed in 1954 but restored and reopened in 2,000. There are 16 very interesting tombs still in the mausoleum and models showing the Dervishers at prayer. Dervishers still come over from Turkey from time to time and use Mevlevi lodge for prayer. Invited audiences are allowed to witness their whirling in silence with absolutely no clapping.

The Buyuk Han, or the Great Inn, built in the Ottoman period is one of the major attractions. Originally an inn for itinerant traders, there were rooms on the ground floor to house their goods and camels with merchants sleeping quarters upstairs. Nowadays these rooms have been converted into shops, largely selling handicrafts, and some into restaurants.

Few people will want to miss Arasta, the very traditional main shopping street where the traders allow their goods to spill out onto the street creating a colourful and busy atmosphere.

For further information visit: North Cyprus holidays

Holistic Bill of Health

Long before the time of modernized health care and the convenience of local pharmacies, the people of India relied on the ancient medical science of Ayurveda. Ayurveda has been practiced for over 5000 years, defining health as a dynamic balance of mind, body, and soul.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally means “life” and “knowledge,” and is recognized as the “science of life.” This holistic form of treatment, takes an individual on a journey of self recovery, by utilizing a wide range of healing processes, including: massage, meditation, exercise, herbs, diet, and cleansing.

Don’t worry you don’t have to find a guru or apply for a fellowship at an ashram to receive the restorative benefits of Ayurveda. Luckily, there is an alternative option for those of us who desire a relaxing yet authentic rejuvenation experience.

Satisfy your Soul

Listen to your soul speak at SwaSwara (which literally means “self-sound”), the perfect oasis for the spiritual junkie. Offering a delightful blend of services, that address every aspect of your physical and personal health. Imagine yourself practicing sun salutations on OM beach, or dining on organic locally grown meals that are specially prepared to balance your personal dosha . Take advantage of the resident artist, as you let your creative juices flow on the canvas or at the pottery wheel. Maybe all this rest and relaxation has re-awakened that prana (a.k.a ability to breathe deeply & focus energetically) you’ve so desperately been craving? Seize the moment by wandering down one of the property’s wilderness trails, while you appreciate the raw beauty of nature, taking the time to give thanks for this opportunity of self discovery.

Sustainable Spiritual Satisfaction

It’s hard to believe that such an incredibly self indulgent experience can be sustainable.

At SwaSwara, supporting the local community and maintaining the natural environment are top priorities.

The staff at SwaSwara are a vital component in maintaining the authentic experiences that this resort has to offer. Comprised of Indian natives, each member follows the lifestyle that this spiritual resort has to offer, making them experts not only by traditional standards, but also by devout practice and genuine wisdom.

The resort itself is spiritually interconnected with the earth that supports it. Rain water is harvested, organic solid wastes are produced into biogas, and the remains are used to cultivate the farm.

You can do your part in respecting mother nature, by utilizing the tools that SwaSwara has to offer. Trade in your prescription for an Ayurvedic treatment that uses medicinal plants instead of harsh chemicals, treating your body to the purest form of healing. Maybe you’ll have a YOGasm, when you realize that you treated yourself to an internal cleansing, without imposing any harm on the environment!

Does sustainable soul searching in India ignite your inner prana? Fill out a custom trip request form , and you’ll be one step closer to hearing the sacred sound of OM in the land where it all began. Not your cup of herbal tea? Fear not, we’ll uncover the sustainable splendor of Indonesia soon!

During your journey to travel enlightenment, what better way to increase your good karma then by contributing to the local communities and preserving the environment. This goal can be accomplished through many unique, educational, and not to mention, tasty activities. Indulge in 5 course meals organically produced from local farms, escape inside a tree house surrounded by lush tropical jungle, or spend a day exploring the pristine natural habitats at a national park.

Over the next few weeks, we shall follow in Gilbert’s (and, insert infectious belly laugh here, Julie’s) footsteps and emulate her journey, while adding our own sustainable twist. We will shed light on the expansive value sustainability has to offer the community, the environment, and also most importantly, you!

From Farm to Fork

When I think of Italy, one of the first things that comes to my mind is food. My mouth waters just thinking about the delectable feasts full of alluring aromas, eye catching displays of fresh produce and authentic flavors.

Taste buds aside, few of us take the time to ask ourselves, “where exactly is this food coming from?” Is the food being imported internationally? Is the produce genetically modified or drenched in pesticides? What are the ethics and standards of the farmer who provided the components of this meal? No one’s perfect. Gilbert doesn’t pray for answers about the origins of her pasta, Julia Roberts doesn’t stare pensively at the pizza crust. It’s natural that these questions get overlooked when our innate drive for immediate gelatto gratification takes over.

But remember, this book/movie is about self-improvement and growth, and no one said those things were easy. So, maybe it’s time to ponder these questions with the same ferocity as you would an Italian wine list. Food is an important component of sustainability, in terms of preserving land and supporting the local economy. Not to mention, maintaining your own health and piece of mind by keeping those unpronounceable mystery ingredients out of your system!

You can rest your mind at ease while enjoying your stay at the Locanda della Valle Nuova, a unique property that lies within its very own 185 acre organically run farm. This quaint accommodation rests just outside the UNESCO World Heritage recognized town of Urbino, where it holds quality at the highest of standards not only in food preparation but also in energy conservation, and waste management. They are doing their part to “tread lightly on the earth,” by growing their own wheat, vegetables, and fruit as well as raising their own livestock on 100% natural feed. Satisfy your palate with delectable home made bread, pasta, jams and wine all completely sourced from the property and prepared traditionally.

After you’ve recovered from you’re belly-busting indulgences, burn those calories by taking a nature hike through the nearby Risera Naturale Gola del Furlo. Or, seize the opportunity to ride horseback and relish in the natural beauty of the charming countryside. The Locanda offers a wide array of activities for you to reconnect with nature in one way or another.

Does sustainable eating in Italy hit a sweet note with your earth-loving taste buds? Fill out a custom trip request form , and we’ll have you on your way in a flash of a toothy Julie Roberts smile! If not, stay tuned; we’ll cover sustainable praying and loving in India and Indonesia soon!

I’m talking about a different kind of travel buddy that you will want to avoid at all cost.  I’m talking about something so opportunistic that it gives a whole new meaning to the word “mooch”.  These guys aren’t your buddy at all.  These guys are true parasites.

After this photo I'm going to get a drink.

1.) Giardia Lamblia – Topping our list as one of the most common is this guy.  He might have you go-go-go but it’s always to the same place, the toilet.

Somewhere along the trail you came into contact with infected feces, ut-oh.  Most likely it was in the form of contaminated food or water.  The Route of infection, fecal-oral – eww!

If your traveling in developing countries where poor sanitary conditions, water quality control and overcrowding are prevalent then you are at increased risk.

Also at risk are campers and backpackers.  This is particularly true in mountainous regions where streams can be infected with human or animal waste and carry Giardia cysts (resting stage).  Always treat your water.

Once you ingest the cysts the acid in your stomach activates the cysts and releases trophozoites (active form of parasite in your body).  From this point it’s all fun and games for the parasite as it attaches to your small intestine and starts to reproduce.  As you pass feces it now contains more cysts waiting to reinfect another.

In the meantime you are blessed with sudden explosive foul smelling diarrhea, excessive gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, tiredness and loss of appetite.  When you think about the parasites method of infection your symptoms are great for its survival and desired goal to find more human hosts.

Preventive Measures for Travelers -  Practice good hygiene, follow food and water precautions (appropriate water filtering), avoid accidental water intake during swimming.

Fun History -  Giardia is often referred to as “Beaver Fever” due to the high occurrence of campers getting the disease from drinking contaminated water inhabited by beavers.

Not Funny

2.)  Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous – This next one is going to have you feeling like the stinker.  Why?  Because once people catch site of your ugly lesions they are gonna avoid you like the plague.

This travel buddy can be picked up in southern Europe as well parts of the tropics and subtropics.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 90% of the world’s cases of CL occur in eight countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria (Old World); and Brazil and Peru (New World).  Over 75% U.S. civilian cases are acquired in Latin America, including popular tourist destinations such as Costa Rica.

Travelers at increased risk for CL include adventure travelers, bird watchers, ecotourists, missionaries, Peace Corps volunteers, soldiers and anyone doing research outdoors particularly at night.

The vector-borne culprit is an infected female phlebotomine sand fly.  Risk for infection is highest from dusk to dawn as they are night feeders.  Although less active in the day, they may bite unsuspecting hikers that brush against tree trunks or other resting places.

The event of infection can go completely unnoticed.  Sand flies make no buzzing noise, are about 1/3 the size of mosquitoes and don’t have a wicked mean bite.  It’s what comes after that will remind you of your friendly new travel buddy.

Preventive Measures for Travelers -  Reduce contact with sand flies.  Avoid outdoor activities especially during the hours from dusk till dawn.  Wear protective clothing and barriers.  Use a repellent with DEET.

Fun History- That was the good kind.  Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar or black fever is the most severe form of leishmaniasis.  If left untreated it will certainly cause death.  Here’s the bad news,  the World Health Oganization reports that in southern Sudan, “the number of cases from September 2009 until now is more than six times higher than in 2007-08.” and “more than 6,000 people have been infected and over 300 have died in the last year.”

It's just a Mosquito Bite

3.)  Malaria – genus: Plasmodium -  The good old standby.  If you travel abroad, come home and fall ill everyone will be quick to say “you probably have Malaria”.  So do you?

According to the CDC there are about 1,500 cases of Malaria in the U.S each year, mostly from returned travelers.  Sub-Saharan Africa travelers are at the greatest risk for both getting malaria and dying from the infection.  However, any country where malaria is present results in a risk for travelers.

A great tool for you to use is the CDC Malaria Map Application.  Users can search a interactive map and get information about malaria endemicity in any particular region.  What’s great is it recommended medications for malaria prevention for that particular area.

Mosquitoes are the culprit carrying the parasite that causes Malaria.  Mosquitoes are also the thing you want to avoid to avoid picking up this new travel buddy.  Can you imagine that, heading out camping realizing there was a real legitimate risk of contracting Malaria.  People in the States often joke, “Probably got Malaria” after being bit a bunch but we don’t really think we have it.

But what if the circumstances are right?  You were in a high risk area, you got bit by mosquitoes.  Did you know you could come down with symptoms up to a year later.  Anyone that has traveled abroad should seek immediate medical attention up to a year after any possible exposure if symptoms present.  Malaria is always a serious illness and sometimes deadly.  Symptoms of Malaria include fever and a flu like illness.

Preventative Measures for Travelers –   Avoid contact with mosquito bites through the usual means including protective clothing, repellents, insecticide treated bed nets, etc.  If you know you are traveling into a high risk area you should consider bringing malaria prevention medicines.  Consult the Malaria information by country table list to see the CDC-recommended options.

Bringing your own medicine will give you some peace of mind and in the event you are diagnosed with Malaria abroad.  This will ensure you have immediate access to an appropriate high quality anti-malarial treatment plan.  Not doing so could leave you in a bad situation.  In some countries where Malaria is present it is not unheard of to receive counterfeit or sub-standard drug treatment.

Fun History – The word “malaria” comes from the Italian mala aria, and means “bad air.” It was believed that malaria was actually caused by breathing in bad air—namely, foul vapors emanating from swamps, latrines, and so on. The stagnant water provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes which was actually the responsible culprit capable of spreading the parasite.

We Found This Inside You

4.)  Ascaris lumbricoides- This is the largest nematode (roundworm) that can parasitize the human intestine and it’s also the most common.  This thing can actually grow 5 to 35 inches long and produce more than 200,000 eggs per day inside the body.

Infection occurs worldwide but is most common in tropical and subtropical areas.  Developing countries where sanitation and hygiene are poor result in higher risk.

Ascaris Infection occurs when a person accidentaly ingest ascaris eggs found in soil.  Common routes of infection include contaminated food or touching your mouth with your hands after coming into contact with the eggs. 

Once in the small intestine the eggs hatch into immature worms.  The larvae migrate to the lungs and then to the throat where they are swallowed. When they reach the intestines they develop into adult worms.  The adult female is responsible for laying eggs which will eventually pass into ones feces.

Symptoms can be mild (adominal discomfort) to none.  Slow weight gain or growth is often associated with Ascaris infection.  If your thinking this sounds like a great way to lose way think again.  Heavy worm infections have been known to cause a intestinal blockage.

Preventative Measures for Travelers- Telling you to avoid contact with soil that may contain human feces sounds redicoulous but make sure you do this.  If possible don’t deficate outdoors.  Always dispose of diapers properly.  Wash hands with soap and water before handling food and avoid any food that may be contaminated with soil.  Wash, peel or cook your food throughly before consumption.

Fun History-  Has anyone heard of the  new weight loss craze in Hong Kong?  Apparently, certain Chinese-language websites have been promoting the use of products that contain Ascaris worm eggs with the promise of fast weight loss.  Did you see what I said at the start of this article, these things can grow up to 35 inches long.  Don’t do It!

Aside from the obvious gross factor these worms can cause serious complications including death.  No more needs to be said.

BONUS BUG)  Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) - These guys are the real travel gurus.  If they talked you would likely get a earful of how they traveled harder, further and just plain better then you ever did.

You would likely hear stories of how they hopped one backpack in a crowded metro car to another and then got a free stay in a 4 star hotel after two nights bumming in some filthy flat.  The next day they decided to travel again with some complete stranger they picked up in bed and ended up on a 7 day cruise.  Not ready to go home yet they hopped bags at luggage in the airport and were on their way to Tahiti.  Wow, What a life.

For more on Bed Bugs please visit our full post on Bed Bugs and Traveling.

Bonus Fun About Parasites- Did you know most parasites need a host, often more than one different kind to complete thier life cycle.  Check out this cool video on how the clever parasite gets it done.

Welcome to the land of hot pot, noodle soup for breakfast, Peking duck and wonderful veggies cooked in clay pots.  Throughout a lot of SE Asia, you can get away with just using a spoon.  But as you work your way east, you’ll want to be proficient with chopsticks.  Hold the first one resting on your middle finger and in the cradle of your thumb.  Then use your thumb and index finger to control the second one.  You will have more control if you hold them towards the top rather than the bottom, though I found this counter intuitive.  Practice on some slippery items – tofu, tomatoes, boiled peanuts – and you will quickly become an expert.  Once you’ve grown accustomed to using them, the idea of putting a sharp metal object in your mouth seems kind of gross.

You will soon be impressed by the versatility of the chopstick.  I’ve seen people use the fat end of a chopstick to open a bottle of beer and a woman I traveled with used one to hold her mop of curly hair up in a bun.  (She did not recommend wearing one to bed, telling me once, “You can’t sleep in a chopstick.”)

There is also some great street food.  I enjoyed dumplings, sweet potatoes and tea eggs in the north.  And in the south, they have the cleverest way to cut a pineapple I’ve ever seen, making it into an easy to carry, easy to eat popsicle-like snack.

If you are told that a restaurant is “not appropriate” for westerners, you might want to heed the advice.  One place we visited had quite an assortment of pickled animals in bottles including a small dog.  You will be able to eat authentic and delicious Asian food, but there might be a limit to how native you want to go.

Squat and stare

Okay, now you know how to eat, but what goes in must come out.  Using a squat pot is not particularly difficult, but it does take a little practice.  It’s not a bad idea to start building up those squatting muscles before you go.  Once you get there, you’ll be glad you did because, trust me, you won’t want your hands to touch anything.  One tip- the ceramic platforms with foot holes are designed for Asian-sized bodies.  You might find that you need to adjust where you put your feet according to the length of your legs or you’ll miss the target.  Once you’re used to using a squat pot, you’ll probably find them preferable.  If a place is going to be dirty, better to have your shoes touch it than your bare skin.

The second part is harder to get used to.  If you travel in China, you will have people watch you while you do your business.  At first this is really weird, but by the time you leave, you will probably be so used to it that your bladder won’t be able to release unless someone is staring at you.  Weirder still is the fact that you will have to stand in front of a stall that has no door and stare at someone else while you wait your turn.  I know you can’t imagine that you’d ever do that, but in a country of 1.6 billion, you do what you have to to keep your place in line.  So, look straight ahead and imagine something- anything (practice Mandarin characters in your head, try to memorize a map of Beijing, calculate how long it will take you to reach your next destination if the train travels 100 km per hour and has 6,000 people on it each of them carrying a bucket of 26 live crabs…) so that you’re not really focused on what you’re looking at.

Take a cold shower without getting cold

This is a practical skill that you will find useful in many parts of the world. The secret is to wash your hair and your body in two separate maneuvers. First assemble all your stuff, soap, shampoo, towel so that you don’t need fetch anything.  Then leave on your pants, and a tank top while you bend forward into the shower to wash your hair.  Wrap your clean hair in a towel and then undress and wash your body.  Not having wet hair dripping icy water down your back will keep you from getting that big chill.

And finally…

Travel means going places, which means you’re going to have to cross the street. Remain vigilant! Do not be sucked into a false sense of security based on the fact that:

• The cars have a red light and you have a walk signal
• You are surrounded by locals
• You are currently waiting on a sidewalk

Look in every possible direction before setting forth.  Then keep looking as you walk across.

Your street-crossing savvy will be put to the test in Ho Chi Minh City.  Study a map and plan your time in the city to avoid crossing major thoroughfares as much as possible.  When the time comes and you have to cross take the following steps:

• Stand on the corner and reflect on what a good life you’ve had, how lucky you’ve been to be able to travel this far
• Make sure that you really are that keen on visiting that museum on the other side of the road
• Pray to whomever or whatever you pray to.  I’m a confirmed atheist, but there’s a time and a place for everything.
• Chin up and walk slowly forward.  Your pace should be crawling.  Snails whiz by. Turtles would leave you in the dust.  You are unhurried, poky, even sluggish. The slower you go, the more time you give the gazillion-and-one motorbikes to see you and go around.  Easy does it.
• Enjoy the museum and take a taxi back to your hotel

1.     You can do it (but start somewhere easy)! If you haven’t been a vagabond traveler before, or if its been a decade or two, start by going somewhere easy.  Freshly divorced and thirty-six years old, I dug my backpack out of the basement and escaped to New Zealand.  It was the perfect destination for someone who had been bogged down by “real life” and hadn’t traveled for fifteen years.  Every town had a public restroom that was so clean you could eat off the floor, one or more well-marked hiking trails, and an information kiosk which could tell you where to go, how to get there and even book your accommodation.  New Zealand is so easy to travel in that if you bring your brain, you’ve over-packed! The combination of no language barrier, easy travel arrangements and accessible outdoor adventures make it the ideal destination for getting your feet wet and building your confidence.

2.     It’s the antidote to cynicism. What with climate change, war, global economic meltdown- it’s easy to be pessimistic about the future.  You’d have to really have buried your head in the sand to not be cynical by the time you reach middle-age. Traveling restores your faith in human-kind.  Cluelessly wandering the other side of the planet, I am totally at the mercy of strangers and they always take care of me.  Sure, once in a while someone will rip you off, but everyone could do this, and only a few do.  Other travelers are inspiring and the fact that most of them are younger makes it better.  When you are surrounded with young people you enjoy, respect and admire, it gives you a sense faith in the future.  That alone is worth the price of the ticket.

3. Travel is richer when you’re older and wiser. You have the perspective that comes with more life experience.  Sometimes you even get to show off your wisdom.  For instance, I’ve noticed that a lot of young people haven’t been sick enough to know their meds the way we old farts do.  I heard one girl describing Pepto, Tums, and Imodium as different strength cures for the same symptoms.  Indeed, I’ve gained notoriety among my younger friends for spreading the gospel of Gas X.  I’ve also had more time to study the places I visit, met more people from there, accumulated more background information and more interests. (Yes, I now engage in bird-watching.  No, I don’t knit.)

4.     Even if you’re still poor, you’re probably not as poor as you used to be. When you’re 20 you really haven’t had a chance to earn any money yet.  At 40 you have.  You’ve also had a chance to pay down those student loans, and accumulate more stuff than you’ll ever need.  I’m still a shoestring traveler, but I don’t skip a cool sight because the admission is $10.  And when I’m feeling crabby for no reason I splurge and get the room with hot water and television.

5.     Okay, some things are harder than they were when you were twenty, but that’s even more reason to do them. Of course I felt old and fat climbing pyramids with all those healthy youth, but extending yourself is the only way to improve (or at least maintain) your physical fitness.  What’s the alternative – sit in the office eight or ten hours per day as your butt slowly spreads to overflow the seat of the chair?  Unfortunately, the extra challenge is not limited to physical activity.  Sitting in Spanish classes I often lament the fact that try as I do, I just can’t pick it up as quickly as most of the younger students.  Here again, this is even more reason to do it.  Must exercise the gray matter. I do have the advantage having all those hours that I can’t sleep at night (bienvenida a menapausia!) to study.

Bottom line: don’t let age stop you.  People will even yield seats on the bus to you once those gray hairs start to show.

“Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

I know I didn’t really know what a bed bug was to be honest.  I mostly thought of some type of insect lurking underneath my bed.  It was like a spider, it would come crawling under my covers as I drifted into sleep.  Then it would suck my blood or perhaps crawl into my unguarded mouth and take residence in my brain.  Yeah, I was a kid with a active imagination but it turns out my brain imagery was not so far off.  Sleeping with vampires is real!

Much like the vampire they come in the night, find a appealing spot to bite you and begin to suck your blood.  Your completely oblivious to the attack due to a anesthetic the bite delivers.  With a serious infestation many of these little blood sucking vampires can bite you hundreds of times in one night.

So whats your chances of having one of these unwelcome intruders?  Don’t you have to invite a vampire into your home anyway?  Well, turns out these pest don’t need a invitation and guess what, they like to travel.  Perhaps your traveling with one now.  Luck you, lets recap where you’ve been and take a quick look at the top 15 Bedbug infested Cities in the U.S.  as compiled by Terminix.

Top 15 Bedbug infested Cities

1. New York
2. Philadelphia
3. Detroit
4. Cincinnati
5. Chicago
6. Denver
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. Dayton, Ohio
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Los Angeles
11. Boston
12. Indianapolis
13. Louisville, Ky.
14. Cleveland
15. Minneapolis, Minn.

This picture don’t jog any recent memories of the last hotel you stayed in does it?

You see, this is a problem for the traveler because bed bugs aren’t real picky when it comes time to choose a victim.  Upscale, downscale, high rise, low rise, 4 star, 1 star it just don’t matter.  As long as your breathing and exhaling CO2 then your a nummy treat.  Everyone becomes Sookie Stackhouse and guess what, Bill the vampire,…err i mean bed bug is coming over for dinner.  So what can you do?

1.)  Accept that your bed bug traveling pal has seen more of the world than you.  From the hostel in Europe to the hotel in the U.S and then back again to that home in Italy.  Bed Bugs are well versed little travelers and definitely part of the exchange program.

2.)  Look for signs.  Its unlikely that you will actually see the critters themselves as they are expert hiders but look for signs.  Bed bugs typically leave tiny reddish or black streaks on sheets.  Also lift up the seam of the mattress and check for dark spots of dried excrement, eggs or even bed bugs themselves.  Nothing yet?  Keep checking everything from the pillow case linings to the box springs.  If you see signs ask for another room or leave the hotel.  The headache now will save you a much bigger headache if you end up bring them home.

3.)  To late for the signs above?  Then we are looking at bites.  Bites typically look like a small red welt and normally burn and/or itch.  Wash the bites with soap and water and then apply a ice pack.  You can also apply some no-itch or antihistamine cream to the area.

4.)  Don’t put your backpack on the bed, chair furniture, etc.  If you can try to hang it from somewhere like a suitcase stand, rack, hanger or whatever you can find.  Be careful hanging it around any crevices in the wall though, they like these.  If you can’t find anything consider the tub, I have.  Make sure you close everything when not in use and keep articles of clothing off the bed, floor and furniture.  Everything should be packed away.  This is a precautionary measure.  If you see signs of bed bugs then like above, ask for another room.

5.)  It’s to late, I spent the night sleeping with vampires.   It’s OK, sometimes it happens.  Traveling can be exhausting and sometimes you just get to the end of the day and you want to crash and you don’t care if your sleeping with pit vipers.  Still, your gonna have to do some clean up now.  Vacuum every possible nook and cranny of your suitcase, backpack, camera case, etc including seams.  Wash all your clothing you were carrying in hot hot water.  This should be all done before you consider bringing the traveled items into your home.

To late, they are in my home.  Eww, I’m sorry but that’s gross.  Maybe if you weren’t such a sloppy person.  No, I’m just kidding but I do feel bad for you.  The safety and comfort of your house can feel like its taken away.  Unfortunately bed bugs can be a terrible nuisance to eradicate from ones home.  People can spend a ton time and money exhausting methods before finally calling in a exterminator.  You will have to strip everything down and the exterminator will likely give you some instructions on what you should do before he/she arrives.  You may just end up having to toss heavily infested mattresses and furniture.  Peace of mind is priceless.