Category: Travel Tips

What is a Flashpacker?

Flashpacker means different things to different people.  For me, flashpacker means a backpacker who goes a little “flash” – not always staying in the cheapest place, or taking the cheapest form of transportation.  While I like to travel on a budget, and have done really well on a budget, as I get older I’m willing …

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Travel with a Stranger

Traveling with a stranger may be a good option if you can’t find family or friend to travel but you don’t want to go with a larger group.  I highly advise you get to know your travel partner’s travel style to make sure you’re compatible.  There are many ways you might find a travel partner …

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Travel with a Tour Group

In the exercise of listing the pros and cons of the different types of travel, I was surprised to discover group travel has both the most advantages and disadvantages of all types of travel. Advantages: If you are new to travel, this is a great way to get your toes wet. Convenience.  If you don’t …

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Travel with Friends or Family

Traveling with friends or family can be a great time but can be rotten if you travel with the wrong person.  Travel compatibility is extremely important.  If you’re unsure about your travel buddy’s travel style, encourage them to take my Travel Survey. Advantages: It’s great to share amazing sites, events, and meals with a good …

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Traveling Solo

Traveling solo is a challenge for some.  It can be the worst of times but also the best of times.  I’ve traveled solo many times – sometimes by choice and sometimes by necessity.  Whether you’re a life-long single like me, or recently divorced, or anything in between – solo travel can be extremely rewarding.   …

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Disconectado (Disconnected)

Let’s face it.  The internet has completely changed the world and is a powerful tool for travelers.  I’ve seen it expand from it’s infancy… my first e-mail address in college in the early 1990’s, chat and internet shortly thereafter.  By the time I took my first sabbatical in 2004, not only did I do quite …

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Airbnb – A win-win for Cuba & Tourists

If you would like a $40 discount on your first Airbnb stay, please click HERE.  (full disclosure: I get a $20 credit) My friend and I traveled in Cuba in November 2017 on an independent people to people tour.  As  President Obama had lifted many of the restrictions, and direct flights from the US had …

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Cuba Travel Tips

Cuba Travel Tips: Get familiar with the two currencies.  Read more about it here. Get small change that you can use to pay for toilets, tip musicians, etc. Be prepared for touristy sites.  There were times that I felt totally surrounded by tourists, especially in Trinidad it was impossible to escape.  The tourist train was …

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Cuba Currency for Travelers (A Tale of Two Currencies)

One of the most unique things about Cuba and something I’ve never experienced in my many other years of travel, is a country with two of their own currencies.  Sure, there’s the occasional country where they have their own, but US dollars are a second currency, especially used for larger transactions and tourism.  The following …

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Cuba

I had the fortunate chance to visit Cuba with a friend on an independent people to people tour in November 2016. General tips & stories: General Travel Tips for Cuba A Tale of Two Currencies Airbnb – A win-win for Cuba & Tourists Disconectado (Disconnected) Destination guides: Havana (El Captitlo) Vinales (Country Roads Take Me Home) Trinidad …

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