1) Do you want to make friends?

Making friends through travel is almost synonymous with hostels. Most hostel-goers are young and on a budget, meaning that they are generally more open to meeting other international travelers. To make friends before your trip even starts, inBed.me is a good option. Unlike other booking sites, you are able to see who is staying at each hostel and connect with them before the trip starts. I find this especially useful for solo travelers looking to find potential travel buddies before arriving in a particular city.

2) Is location important to you?

If you are simply looking for the cheapest hostel in town, you can easily compare prices on HostelWorld or other similar sites. However, if your goal is to be in the city center, it’s worth paying extra money and doing a bit of research. Centrally located hostels might be pricier but they will also be much closer to museums, popular restaurants and city attractions. Keep in mind that most cities have public transportation so even if you are farther than you would like, it may just require a few minutes on a bus or train.

3) Do you care about environment?

For me, atmosphere is the most important element of hostel booking. My goal is to feel comfortable where I’m staying, even if that means I’m sharing a room with five other girls. Hostels that have nice outdoor patios, bars or free daily tours are things that I find useful. Some of the best hotels I’ve stayed at were not the most social or the cheapest option, but I felt at home. More and more, hostels are taking this cue from travelers by upgrading their common spaces and creating local activity programs.

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La Candelaria

Most travelers passing through Bogota stay in the historic downtown district of La Candelaria. Partly due to a surplus of affordable hostels located here, it’s also the center for art galleries, museums and cultural centers. Museums worth checking out include Museo Botero, Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), Casa de Moneda and Museo Nacional. Bike tours are also offered through La Candelaria and other parts of the city. Bogota is the third most street-art heavy city in South America and this is best seen by foot.

Monserrate

Ask any local and they will tell you to make the trek to Monserrate, the highest peak in Bogota. The adventurous have the option of hiking up and down the mountain but the more common route is by cable railway. Once you reach the top, there is a chapel, a market and various restaurants and cafes. The market vendors sell traditional beverages with Aguardiente and typical street food. It rains quite frequently in Bogota so make sure plan your visit on a clear day for the best possible view.

Chia & La Calera

Both located north of Bogota, Chia and La Calera are two towns with endless personality. On the dirt roads leading you to La Calera you find traditional style restaurants and outdoor excursion activities until you find the main hub of Calera. Chia is home to Colombia’s most famous restaurant, Andres Carne de Res. The landscape alone is a vast difference from the city building that comprise Bogota.

Guatavita

Another small town outside of the city is Guatavita which has a very interesting story. The town was literally relocated to make room for a huge reservoir aimed at generating electricity. The town offers a slew of restaurants, market shops and a spectacular view of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. A short drive away is the Lake Guatavita which is definitely worth a visit to learn more about the lake’s legend of El Dorado.

Guasca

Not far from Guatavita is an indigenous town called Guasca. Here you will find the typical Spanish-style main square, old-fashioned bars and restaurants and impressive ancient statues. There is not too much to do in Guasca but it’s an ideal example of local like outside of Bogota. Families gather here to listen to music, eat desserts from street vendors and enjoy the simpler things in life.

Zipaquirá

Home of the Salt Cathedral, Zipaquirá is not terribly far from Bogota. There are daily tour operators that take travelers to and from the salt mines providing information about the history of the town along the way. Although a heavily-visited tourist attraction and even a wedding location, it is worth fitting this half-day trip into your schedule . The Salt Cathedral is open daily for visitors and generally costs COP$17,000.

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May: Israel 

This spring I’ll be spending two weeks in Israel on behalf of Israel Tourism. As part of their blogger trip, we will be traveling to Tel Aviv, Haifa, Galilee and Jerusalem. I’ve decided to stay a few extra days to enjoy the beaches of Tel Aviv and to also visit Nazareth and Bethlehem.

June: Finland, Germany, London

I’m off to a busy start to my summer in June when I’ll be spending a week in Finland followed by close to two weeks in Germany. Visit Finland‘s “Blog around the clock – during Finnish Midnight Sun” even involves a Bohemian evening, which I’m naturally very excited about.

Germany Tourism has a fantastic global art and culture itinerary in place, covering Dresden, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Frankfurt and a few added days in Berlin. I’m then off to spend a week in London just for fun. London is my second home so I’m looking forward to seeing my old friend again.

July: Paris

The first week of July will be my actual “vacation”. To celebrate our one-year anniversary, my boyfriend and I are spending a week in Paris, eating as many crepes as we please. While it’s hard for me to switch from travel writing mode to holiday mode, we are both going to try our very best to do just that.

There is a high probability that I will be in Jamaica near the end of July, although I’m still confirming everything.

August: Norway

It appears that I simply can’t get enough of Norway which is why I’ll be going back in August on behalf of Visit Norway. Having missed out on an art and architectural themed trip in early July due to scheduling conflicts, my individual trip will cover the same basis. Norway has quickly become one of my favorite countries and I can’t wait to see the country without snow.

September: Austria, Spain

This September, I’ll be headed to Austria on behalf of Austria Tourism for my first official individual press trip. I will be traveling through Vienna, Salzburg, Graz and the Wachau Valley. I’m particularly looking forward to my days in Graz, as it has a distinctly mediterranean flair and architectural contradictions.

I’m then planning on attending TBEX in Costa Brava, Spain. I’ll be missing the Colorado event this June so I’m very much looking forward to spending a few days in Spain and meeting other bloggers in real life.

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Going back to my previous post about the most notorious restaurant in Colombia, Andres Carne de Res does not disappoint. They are especially known for their selection of meat dishes but there are a number of vegetarian options. The original restaurant is located in Chia but there is a second location in Bogota. Eating here is more of an experience than anything else. Plan at least a few hours and come hungry.

In the countryside outside of La Calera, I was able to experience a traditional Colombian breakfast dish called Calentao, consisting of scrambled eggs, beans, potatoes and vegetables. We also tried a few corn tortillas called arepas, alternating between sweet and sour flavors. My favorite part about eating at this small and very local restaurant was getting to watch the cooking process.

Wherever I go, street food is generally on my mind. While you can find vendors just about anywhere, this photograph was taken in a neighboring town called Guatavita, one of several aboriginal towns in Colombia. Common foods are sausage, potatoes and corn. All are heavily salted or buttered but despite the added elements of unhealthiness, these foods are a good representation of Colombian local cuisine.

Anyone who has read my previous posts on South America are well aware of my newfound love of empanadas. While the small town of Concepción (part of Tucumán, Argentina) is my top pick for empanadas, I thoroughly enjoyed the ones I tasted in Bogota. The consistency is different, but that’s true with any country in Latin America. There are a number of restaurants in the Santa Barbara part of town in the north of Bogota, which is where this particular picture was taken.

Colombia is known for its coffee but things aren’t always what they seem. Since the majority of the good coffee produced in the country is exported, it’s more likely that you be let down by the quality served at most local joints. However, if you go to a coffee house, you will still get to sample the good stuff. This cappuccino I ordered at Café Color Café on Calle del Embudo had sprinkles, which is hands down the most exciting cup of Joe I’ve tasted.

It’s often the most least expected local restaurants that end up leaving the biggest impression. When I stumbled into this small pub also located in La plazoleta del Chorro de Quevedo in La Candelaria I wasn’t anticipating a memorable meal. However, this cheese, mushroom and chicken crepe was one of my absolute favorite dishes in Bogota. Accompanying my crepe was Colombia’s local beer, Club Colombia (I prefer the blonde brew).

Crepes & Waffels is not just for the French. This popular Colombian chain was recommended by every local that I met so I knew I had to see what all the hype was about. The menu is pretty extensive, meaning that there is something for everyone. I chose a chicken crepe and our group split two different desserts. Both were delicious and had a creative presentation. Despite being a chain restaurant, the quality is great and the prices affordable.

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Despite the borderline frightening moment I’m about to explain, I find Colombia to be a safe and happy place. From my experience, it is far from the dangerous city it was in recent history.

While I still have another day in Colombia, here is my most Bohemian Moment in Bogota

Unlike in the United States, where workers celebrate Labor Day by eating and drinking, the same cannot be said of Colombia. Here, the day is all about protesting the government. Deciding to meet Robert from Leave Your Daily Hell on this particular day turned out to be an unwise decision. Hundreds of policemen with guns and shield protectors lined the streets although I didn’t witness much protestation from the workers. (Again, this is not normal in Bogota the other 364 days of the year)

While leisurely sipping my cup of coffee and chatting with Robert about our love for travel, all of a sudden we looked up and saw about 50 people panically sprinting in our direction. People inside the coffee shop started yelling and scrambling to find a hiding spot. To be honest, I thought there was a rogue protester on the loose with a gun in hand. For a split second, I feared for my life.

The next half hour involved us moving from one part of the coffee house basement to the next to avoid the effects of tear gas. In between the bursts of tears and panic, everyone seemed to go about their normal business, making small talk and laughing about the absurdity of it all as we moved further into the building’s basement. It was a strange yet thrilling thirty minutes to say the least.

So where is the silver lining in this story? Well, it took this “faux trauma” for me to finally speak Spanish without fear of making a mistake, however broken is sounded. I even began speaking in Spanish to people who were talking to me in English. Also, tear gas is a much better alternative than anything involving weapons. During the whole experience, I met some pretty interesting locals. One woman lent me her cell phone and even offered to drive me home to my apartment.

Most Ironic Line: My boyfriend came looking for me and was stopped by a guard outside the coffee shop.

“Hello, there was an American girl here.”

“Oh, yes, we have her in the basement.”

Again, looking back, this was not as extreme as it may sound. I’m sure that far worse things happen on a daily basis in New York City. In fact, I’m positive they do.

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Since I’m trying to learn a foreign language, Kaplan‘s current blogger competition sparked my attention. They are interested in knowing our view on the best tips and tricks for learning English. While I pretty much have the English language down, many of the same principles can be applied to any foreign language.

The Best Way to Learn English

In my opinion, immersion is the best way to learn a language. However, I think that in order to grasp new concepts one needs to understand basic vocabulary and grammar structure. This can be done easily via in-person classes, online schools or even YouTube videos. I chose to sign up for actual classes because I knew that I needed to be forced to speak Spanish aloud rather than mumbling words to myself. Others are more prone to learning online so it definitely varies from person to person.

The Best place to learn English

While I have several friends who have learned to speak English in New York City, I recommend a more neutral location. New Yorkers speak fast and locals are either NYC natives or foreigners, meaning that the amount of English accents one hears on a daily basis might overwhelm. While it’s important to understand different accents, learning and understanding the most standard accent will most likely make the process easier. I recommend Washington, DC or perhaps scenic Colorado.

TV, Films, Music and Video games

I’m not huge into video games and I don’t own a television but I do think that these media outlets can greatly help a language learner grasp new vocabulary and concepts. For me, I have more difficulty understanding straight audio but if I can actually see a person’s mouth and even better, a theatrical way of expressing these words, this is extremely helpful. I’m also a big fan of foreign films with subtitles.

Infographic: How to learn Englishvia Kaplan Blog

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Who doesn’t know Sardinia, its white beaches and crystal sea? Obviously, the Sardinian coasts are the most famous aspect of the Island but there are a lot of ways to enjoy the second largest Island of Mediterranean sea.

That being said, if you are looking for a new point of view for your travel experiences, enjoy this Top 5 Most Singular Villages to visit during your Sardinian voyage.

1) Orgosolo
Located in the centre of Sardinia, Orgosolo is a small but fascinating village due to its location and history. It seems covered by a strange silent atmosphere; maybe it is a way to still fight against its controversial past and to let the turn to the 350 Murales spread out all over the streets. Murales are wall paintings with a striking effect to visitors not only because their giant size and vivid colours, but also because their political purpose. A kind of peaceful strategy after years of violence and disorders.

2) Benetutti

Why should you visit this village in the province of Sassari? Because Benetutti sounds in English as “we are all well”! It is a so positive name able to influence you at first sight. Benetutti is also a good location for a slow break thanks to its thermal springs and the renowned wine production.

3) Carloforte

Carloforte is the only municipality of the Island of S. Pietro, one of the few fishing villages in Sardinia and a sister city of Tabarca (Valencia, Spain). In this pretty oasis, only reachable by boat, two big and “tasty” festivals take place. Chefs and food experts from all over the world usually participate to The Tabarkan Cous Cous Festival, dedicated to a local recipe of Cous Cous and, The Girotonno dedicated to the tuna fish. During the Festivals, Carloforte offers a sparkling atmosphere with cultural appointments, music, shows and obviously, wine and food tastings.

4) San Salvatore di Sinis

Do you remember the “Spaghetti Western” movies by Sergio Leone? A lot of its intense scenes were been filmed in San Giovanni di Sinis! This village, near Oristano, has been transformed into a Wild West town with low houses, narrow streets and even a saloon. During the summer season, the high temperature and the steam that rise from the streets give you the impression of strolling throughout a Mexican village.

5) Baradili

Baradili is the smallest Sardinian village and one of the least populated of the whole Italy. It consists of only 51 habitants and, as in a big family everyone knows your name. Located in the Province of Oristano, Baradili preserves ancient traditions and interesting archaeological sites in a good state of conservation.

Silvia Pe is an Italian travel lover and a compulsive reader living in Sardinia. She works in tourism field for CharmingSardinia.com and runs the blog CharmingItaly.com, where she shares information about Italy. You can reach her on Facebook, Twitter, Stumbleupon. 

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About thirty minutes after sitting down at our table, we were greeted by a band playing instruments and singing a song in Spanish that I couldn’t quite understand. My boyfriend and I were then chosen as “honorary guests of the house” and I was given a crown to wear, thoroughly exciting my inner 5 year-old self.  We then put our dancing skills to the test when the band peer-pressured us into putting on a show for nearby diners.

Part of my being crowned Colombian Queen was doing a little dance at our table. Although the entire charade is something one might find at a tourist trip, the majority of people who come to Andres Carne de Res are locals. This is partly due to it being outside city limits and the general fact that Bogota is not a top tourist destination. An interesting addition to the restaurant is an outside bar specifically designed as a hangout for the celebrity bodyguards.

The menu itself is more like a book or special edition magazine so deciding exactly what to order was a bit tricky. I stuck for my favorite cocktail – Chile’s Pisco Sour and for the main course, we ordered one of their famous meat dishes. There was also red wine, a milkshake tropical cocktail and a whole lot of dancing involved throughout the night. By the time we were finally ready to leave, I felt vey much like a Botero painting.

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While rain is not exactly my favorite weather condition, it’s completely normal for Bogota residents who don’t let a little bad weather ruin their day. In an effort to fell more local, I put on my game face and braved the great outdoors for what turned out to be an anything but ordinary Saturday afternoon.

Heading for the hills, we made our way to Colombia Xtrema, an outdoor adventure space that hosts a variety of extreme sporting and leisure activities including zip-lining, paintballing, bungee jumping, horseback riding and ecological hikes.

Since Bogota is not your quintessential tourist destination, more often than not, you will find locals here, which is a great opportunity to get the scoop on other city escapes. An easy drive from Bogota makes it a popular weekend excursion.

Testing my own limits, I started the day off with a quad ride through several miles of hills and farmland. Be prepared bumpy roads, mud-stained clothes and potential collisions with cars driving the opposite way. Your competitive side is sure to come out, making speeding and swerving hard to resist.

Rivaling the excitement of an open road is the equally captivating landscapes that surround the trail in every direction. Although I’ve only been in Bogota a few days, I’m guessing this view is hard to beat. The silence alone is enough for any urban traveler to feel as if they are in unknown territory.

In true “low-season” form, our group was offered heavily discounted prices for the three-part zip-lining course. Being that my level of Spanish fluency is next to nothing and that I’m extremely afraid of heights, naturally I agreed.

Surprisingly, the biggest challenge for me that day was the steep hike up to the highest zip line drop. Alas, I also managed to forget to pack sneakers so my climb was done in ballet flats.

So if you find yourself in Bogota and looking for a bit of adventure and landscape, testing your physical limits in the pouring rain may be your best bet.

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Every year there are thousands of bloggers with the same hope and only a few come out on top. Another tricky thing was that I wasn’t actually going on a Round The World trip as many new bloggers do, which meant that I needed to be creative with the content I did publish and think of a long term goal. Here are 5 things I wish I knew from the start.

1) Anonymity is not always the best policy
When I first came up with the idea behind Bohemian Trails, I wanted to find a photograph of mine that didn’t really look like me at all. Instead, I wanted to create a brand image that could be “any bohemian traveler“. While this certainly has helped get me get noticed, I realized weeks after launching that readers want to have the personal connection with the writer. While I structure my content as more of an online travel magazine, there are benefits of writing blog-style posts and I’m still figuring out the best way to leverage these two tactics. I’m naturally shy but am making a conscious effort to make my recent posts more personal to better connect with readers.

2) Welcome criticism with open arms
While I try my best to put up a tough front in business matters, I can be pretty sensitive when hearing criticism. However, going into travel writing with no real knowledge of the industry, I put all that aside and actually welcome feedback, regardless of whether it is good, bad or indifferent. I am the only one running the site, which makes feedback incredibly essential to its overall growth. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always easy to have someone insult you and welcome it with a warm smile.

A few months back, I met with a start-up who wanted to include me in their company launch. After them pitching their product to me, sending me screenshots of what the product will look like and receiving emails about their excitement about having me on board, I was confident as I came into an official meeting. Once there, they essentially insulted my website for nearly two hours. I was clearly confused by their change of heart but I took their feedback regardless.

3) Stick to your vision but allow it to evolve
Receiving criticism leads me to my next step. While you should evolve as a writer, it’s integral that you stick to what you believe is right for your brand. At the end of the day, nobody is going to fight for the success of your blog or company more than you so it’s important that you remain confident in your vision.

I’ve definitely made a few changes since launching Bohemian Trails, but my overall vision remains the same. I write for readers who view travel as I do – with open eyes and with an appreciation for global art and off the beaten path destinations. My biggest challenge has been finding a way to further target that audience. Finding your specific niche and speaking directly to that market plays a huge role in building loyal readership.

4) Put your readers first
This is something that I have to remind myself of quite often. While I know a solid number of amazing travel bloggers that regularly read my posts and make insightful comments, the majority of people who come to my site are not bloggers but rather regular travelers looking for travel tips and inspiration.

It’s hard not to compare yourself to other blogs from time to time but you must remember that you are not them and that finding your own voice and using it should be a top priority. If you simply follow what other sites are doing, you will always be one step behind and competing for their readers. By creating your own path, readers come to you first because they know you are providing tips that are relevant to their next trip.

5) Realize you will never know it all
I learn something new every single day and I wouldn’t have it any other way. While it’s frustrating to feel like you are in the dark, this ultimately gives you the extra push you need to find out the necessary information and apply the knowledge to your site. I try to stay updated on forums and make a point to read other travel blogs daily. I’ve found that the travel community is one of the most encouraging communities out there. I’m continually shocked by the extend travel bloggers and publishers help each other and this comradery keeps me trudging along.

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Who: Mickey Mouse

Despite being 25 years old, many times I revel in my days as both a 2 and 5 year old. I’ve told this particular story before but Mickey Mouse and Disney World Orlando had a lot to do with my travel inspirations. So did Bob Barker from The Price is Right. I’ll quickly recap the latter. When I was a kid my sister and I used to sit in front of the TV during the summer and watch The Price is Right. Sometimes, contentants competed for trips all over the world and I couldn’t help but become curious about these exotic destinations glimmering through our television.

Now back to Mickey Mouse. I’ve always been a huge Disney fan but it took getting a fake passport on my first trip to Disney World Orlando‘s Epcot Center that really inspired me to travel. My Dad saw how excited I became as I visited each of the pretend countries so he bought a fake passport in one of the gift shops and from there I spent the rest of the day getting fake stamps. In many ways I really felt like I was traveling but at the same time I knew that I wasn’t. As a result, my travel inspiration deepened.

When: London, Spring 2008

During my junior year in college I decided to study and work abroad. This was actually harder than I anticipated. Double majoring in Psychology and English made it difficult to complete all my classes on time let alone get credits approved across the pond. So what did I do? I took summer classes two years in a row to make my dream possible. I also chose to enroll in a program not affiliated with my school so that I could meet new people and do things my own way.

Spring 2008 in London marked my first time traveling outside the country and in many ways, this was the only real learning experience I needed. Suddenly this small town girl found herself thriving in a big city world and what surprised me the most was how comfortable I felt in the chaotic streets. I also made a point to travel to several other European countries while based in the rainy city.

What: Anonymity

I’m well aware that some people won’t agree with me on this but there’s something very alluring about the anonymity of traveling to a new destination, starting over and living a life different than your norm. I remember deciding to go by “Meg” rather than Megan when I was in London. It felt so daring to chop off nearly half of my 5 letter name but in reality it was much more than that.

Not that I’ve every been a controversial or interesting point of conversation, but starting over in a new place was the remedy to my shyness. Suddenly I had the power to do and be anything I wanted. In reality, there was nothing stopping me before, but traveling definitely demonstrated this to me. I felt the same surge of motivation when I moved to NYC jobless and bright-eyed only two weeks after graduating college.

Where: New York City

When I was a child my Dad used to take the whole family on his business trips to the Big Apple. We’d stay at the swanky Marriot Marquis right in the middle of Times Square and we took taxis…everywhere. For a long time I assumed that this was the real New York City and it was simply too crowded and dirty for me. While the crowds and grime haven’t lessoned since I moved here myself nearly three years ago, New York continues to be my biggest source of inspiration.

This also goes to show that your own backyard (even if it is a huge global city) can be just as eye opening as traveling half-way around the world. Although I have my days of frustration with the city, New York has quickly become one of my best friends. I love hearing ten different languages on the subway and meeting people from countries I have both visited myself or one day hope to check off my “travel bucket list”.

Now it’s Your Turn – forgive me if any of you have already done this

Leave Your Daily Hell
1000 Fights
Bohemian Traveler
Butterfly Diary
Jessie on a Journey

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Where in the World?

For a variety of reasons including work, family, depressing bank account statements and lack of frequent flyer miles, most of us don’t have the luxury of unlimited time and money for travel. Meaning we’ve got to get picky when it comes to planning our next trip and make the most of our short sojourns.

So how should a bohemian traveler choose their next vacation spot? To determine my upcoming international escape—I finally settled on Ireland!—I followed the tips below.

Fellow bohos, behold:

Family Ties

Let your ancestors inspire your next trip. Your father’s side of the family is German? Hit up Bavaria in March or April for Heidelberger Frühling (Heidelberg Spring). Mom’s part Croatian? Sit seaside in the picturesque Dubrovnik this summer. Knowing that you are connected in some way to whatever country you happen to be visiting makes the experience even more rewarding.

Traveling with others? Learn more about their roots—I once visited a little city in Italy (Lucca) because a fellow traveler’s family was originally from there. When mapping out our itinerary, I was inclined to choose the more well-known Florence, but was pleasantly surprised by how charming Lucca was. Fun fact: the tiny town has a big Mafia presence. Shhh.

Phone a Friend

And not a very good one. You’ve likely heard all about your BFF’s recent stay in Mexico and feel Cancun’d out. Try asking a casual acquaintance or a work colleague if they’ve traveled anywhere interesting recently, and what they did there. A former co-worker of mine once took a bicycling trip to Lord Howe Island in Australia that sounded amazing.

Australia’s obviously a popular tourist destination, but I wouldn’t have thought of signing up for a biking expedition. After seeing her pictures, I’m convinced there’s no better way to see the seven-mile-long spot—or anywhere else, for that matter.

Ask an Expert

Frequent travelers and us bohos, or fans of “off-the-beaten path” type trips, tend to turn up our noses at travel agents, incorrectly assuming they cater to uber-tourists. But a travel agent’s job is to literally know the entire world and to tailor trips for their customers.

Why not take advantage of their knowledge? Start off by sharing with them the tone of your trip—whether it’s a low-key backpacking exploration or a high-octane party weekend. Besides being able to recommend places you might have never heard of—anyone been to Tusheti, Georgia?—agents are usually able to help you get good deals on flights and accommodations.

Definitely use a local agent, though; online agents may be hard to track down later, when and if there’s a problem. There’s actually been a surprising uptick in the use of travel agents lately, despite the crappy economy. If you prefer not to pay someone else do the legwork for your trip, remember that an initial conversation with an agent is free—many of them are happy to offer gratis advice on where to go, even if it doesn’t lead to a sale.

These three tips led me to my decision to embark on my upcoming Irish excursion. I owe my fair skin to my Guinness-swilling ancestors; a long-lost friend’s gorgeous Facebook photos of County Cork’s Shiplake Mountain Hostel has moved the spot to the top of my to-stay list (guests sleep in painted wooden caravans and shower using fresh spring water!); and, I definitely intend to drop by a local agency to see when might be the best time to plan my trip for.

If all else fails, you can always go with the old “throwing a dart at a map of the world” option. It works for this couple.

Photos via Kay Boatner and Lord Howe Island Tourism

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Unsure of where to stay? Try one of these Waikiki hotels.

Learn to Surf

I’ve always wanted to learn to surf and since I have yet to do so, Hawaii seems like an ideal place to start. In many ways surfing is synonymous with Hawaii so finding group or private lessons takes little effort on your part. With so many surfers around, water traffic is inevitable so watch out for those around you. Another thing to note is sharks. My Mom actually learned to surf in Hawaii and very nearly had a run-in with a huge Tiger Shark, so keep this in mind before doing something borderline dangerous.

Dance at a Luau 

If you are shy about dancing I suggest you test your limits in Hawaii. Luau’s are held throughout the island and seem like the perfect way to have fun while learning about the Polynesian culture. These performances are all throughout the island and usually accompanied with some sort of dinner or drink special. If you want to learn more about the art of the luau, taking a hula class might be just the thing to feel more local.

Explore the Island

I remember my Dad telling me how many residents get “Island fever” after a year of living in Hawaii because it doesn’t take too long to explore the whole Island. For the rest of us who don’t live here, there’s never a shortage of things to do and see. While Hawaii is the “Big Island”, there are other smaller and equally interesting islands including Maui (the Valley Isle) and Molokai (The Friendly Isle). Oahu (the Gathering Place) has hiking trails that will give you the ultimate reward – an amazing view.

Drink your way to Exotic

If surfing scares you and aren’t the most talented dancer in the world, I suggest you head straight to the bar. I generally order wine or champagne in my everyday life but when I travel, trying a few local drinks is a boozy way to feel exotic. These are some of my favorite tropical drinks and ones I’d definitely taste in Hawaii: Mai Tai, Lava Flow, Blue Hawaiian, Hukilau and Aloha. You can order these at any bar or make them yourself if you are feeling particularly adventurous.

See Art After Dark

As an avant-garde traveler, it’s not just the sporting and cuisine of Hawaii that is of interest. The Honolulu Museum of Art hosts a monthly ArtafterDark art party which takes place the last Friday of each month from 6-9 pm. If you miss this during your time in Hawaii, make sure to check out the museum during the day or try stopping by Kailua’s Second Sunday art gallery walk. The Honolulu Academy of Arts has an extensive collection of Asian paintings and Buddhist statues.

Image via USFWS Pacific‘s flickr stream

*This post made possible by Aqua Resorts.

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1) Social Media 

There’s no way around it. We all love social media and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. While Facebook and Twitter are ideal methods for keeping in touch with our loved ones, I try to keep the use to a minimum. For one thing, a lot of places around the world don’t have the best internet connection so there may be times when you don’t have the option of posting a picture or messaging a friend back home. Try designating a time and place (either in the morning or evening) and take the rest of the day to enjoy your surroundings.

2) Postcards

Let’s be honest. Everyone loves getting mail especially since so much is done these day via the web. No matter how hard I play it off, I can’t help but smile when I receive a letter or postcard in the mail. Another reason to opt for the old-fashion but never out of style postcard is because a lot of people actually keep a collection. It’s a way to make your friends and family involved during your trip (if not a bit jealous – although that shouldn’t be the reason to send one). I used to collect postcards simply because the pictures were way better than any my camera could take.

3) Calling Cards

Don’t underestimate the Calling Card. While Skype and other internet dependent technologies are affordable, you won’t always have an internet connection and investing in a calling card is a good resource to use. NobelCom sells prepaid phone cards and they do a good job of tailoring their prices to the younger market, which is always a perk if you are on a backpacking budget. At the end of the day, this method of calling home saves a ton of money rather than paying for an international plan and paying high fees.

4) Enjoy the Moment

Technology is a great thing but it should’t overpower your trip. While it’s tempting to tweet that you just bungee jumped or swam with sharks, the tweeting and Facebook picture posting can wait. The focus should be on the experience and not the response. Travel is about living in the moment and learning more about yourself through your surroundings. This is easier done away from your computer. That said, as a travel writing “bohemian”, I do understand the need to use these technologies to engage your readers.

5) Try Talking

One might think that this is another obvious choice but a lot of times people don’t even feel like communicating with a real person. I know people who purposely call others when they know they won’t be available. I’ve also seen the dreaded “oh no – a live person answered and not an automated recording” face. Personally, despite being naturally shy, I’ll always pick the human person over the fake recording. The same should be true during travel. It’s better to ask a local about where to eat and drink than looking in your guidebook designed for tourists.

*This post made possible in part by NobleCom.

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Ships

If you are curious to how a real pirate ship was designed, a visit on the Elissa is an ideal way to envision life as a bootlegger. The ship stays docked at Pier 21 and admission is $8 for adults. Guests can see the captain’s quarters, the engine room and even pretend to steer the ship themselves.

Planes

The Lone Star Flight Museumis history, vintage and adventure all mixed up and served to you fast. While the museum itself consists of restored war aircrafts that still run, they run bomber and trainer flight experiences in their B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, T-6 Texan and PT-17 Stearman planes. I’ve always wanted to experience flying a plane, so I might have to come back and test it out myself.

Automobiles

I happened to find some pretty hip looking cars while walking down Post Office Street (home or art galleries, quirky shops and The Grand 1894 Opera House). Whoever painted these is pretty talented in my opinion. The other cars roaming around the island are more mainstream but this one definitely represents the vibrant personalities of the local residents.

Art

If you are looking for the art scene in Galveston, head straight to Post Office Street. The foot traffic is less and there are several international art galleries showcasing impressive exhibits. Every sixth Saturday there is an Art Walk in which locals browse through the galleries, wine in hand.

*Affaire d’art (2227 Post Office Street) is a gallery I highly recommend visiting. 

Shopping

In true bohemian fashion, I had a field day exploring the many vintage stores on Post Office Street. I also met some eccentric store owners who served as my entertainment for the afternoon and also found some very interesting items throughout the different shops.

*I recommend visiting La Maison Rouge Antiques (418 22^nd St.) and the Twins Antiques (2120 Post Office St.), run by two lovely twin ladies from Peru.

Nature

If it’s nature you want, it is nature you will get in Galveston. Besides the popular birding tours, the most interesting form of nature takes the form of a tree sculpture. In the East End Historic District, there are incredibly detailed tree carvings of animals, mermaid and even the Toto and the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. The sculptures were created from Oak trees destroyed by Hurricane Ike.

*The Pod of Dolphins & Mermaids sculpture is at 902 Ball and The Geisha is at 171 Ball.

Architecture

The Victorian architecture represented in Galveston is one aspect of the island that immediately caught my attention. A walk through the historical district is the best way to really appreciate all that has taken place here. Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace are two museum-style attractions that take you inside these old homes so visitors can visualize life years ago. Audio guides are offered and it is a good way to get a grasp on the history of the island.

Food

It’s hard to visit Texas and not enjoy the local cuisine. I was only in Galveston for a few days but I still managed to eat my way through town. Gumbo Bar is an affordable dining option that samples different gumbo recipes while La King’s Confectionery is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and candy factory offering an assortment of treats. EatCetera has the most bang for your buck, with unique soup, salad and dessert recipes created by owner Andrea Hunting, a European trained nutritionist.

*For local seafood with an international spin, try Olympia Grill (Greek), Rudy & Paco (Latin) or Gaido’s (a 101 year old Texas Tradition).

Festivals

Galveston Island is home to numerous festivals and many of them that appeal to avant-garde travelers. Some of these include Mardi Gras (third biggest party in the country), Reggae music festival this April and a sand castle competition every June.

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For a long time, I eschewed Hawaiian cuisine. Years of ill-fated attempts to enjoy the gravy-laden plates of rice and Spam in the Hawaiian restaurants of the mainland had taught me that the cuisine of the islands was greasy, flavorless and uninspired. But, as a budding foodie, I’ve learned that you have to go to the source to find what makes a cuisine amazing, and I was pleased to be proven wrong with Hawaii.

What’s really brought me out of my shell was witnessing the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine movement. It started more than 10 years ago, but it resonates today with the nationwide push towards local, farm-to-table food. The delectable offerings are available all over the islands, most notably in some of my favorite Honolulu hotels like the Modern Honolulu, which feature seamlessly integrated ingredients.

Challenging my long-held beliefs, Hawaiian cuisine is actually incredibly diverse. Blending the flavors of the multiethnic influences of Hawaii –including American, Polynesian, Portuguese, Chinese, Filipino and Japanese – the resulting fusion is unique, creative and delicious. The Hawaiian Regional Cuisine culinary movement emphasizes using the freshest island ingredients: cattle that was raised grazing in the upland pastures of Hawaii’s Big Island, fruits and vegetables grown from rich, volcanic soil in Maui and, of course, some of the highest quality seafood in the world.

flickr stream by Upsilon Andromedae

My two favorites in Honolulu have got to be Alan Wong’s Restaurant and Hoku’s. Both are partners of the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine movement, and both expertly blend the aforementioned unique ingredients with chic dining experiences.

Wong’s showcases the contemporary style of cooking, marrying all of the ethnic influences found in Hawaii. Standout dishes include Tomato ceviche, seafood lasagna and ginger crusted onaga, but what drew me here was learning of the chef’s embrace of local farmers and agriculture. Wong and his staff have been meeting with farmers well before the restaurant’s start, appreciating each farmer’s philosophy and passion.

Hoku’s has an outstanding view to back up the savory cuisine. Utilizing the imaginative foods of the Pacific, Hoku’s has won many accolades including best Sunday brunch in Oahu and best views. The multi-tiered dining area features breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, meaning there are no bad seats in the house. Known for their salmon croquette amuse bouche and ahi musubi, it continues to be a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

Alan Light’s flickr stream

Get the full appreciation for the island cuisine is by following the farm to table process. Taking a walking tour of Upcountry Maui is a beautiful way to witness the upland farms of Maui. The fruits of the chef’s labors are featured in fabulous restaurants of West and South Maui.

Gabriel Amadeus’ flickr stream

Located 4,000 feet about sea level, the fertile fields of Kula make a perfect farm tour. The rich volcanic soil is responsible citrus and produce, including the famous Maui sweet onion. Along with produce, the gorgeous fields of Alii Kula Lavender Farm is a periwinkle paradise of more than 25,000 lavender and other exotic flowers. Rounding out the Kula experience, head over to Surfing Goat Dairy to learn about the cheese-making process and even – if you are feeling adventurous – try milking a goat.

There are endless ways to enjoy the fruits of Hawaii, and I am happy to say that I have just begun what will be a long and delicious journey.

*This post made posible by Aqua Resorts.

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Although I’m not a birding fanatic by any means, I certainly adore watching them fly and with over 300 species of birds residing on the island or simply passing through during migration, Galveston is the perfect place to do so.

The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council led us on a bird-watching excursion and despite not seeing too many ourselves, I did learn about an interesting and very bohemian-worthy tour company called the Artist Boat, which involves both kayaking tours combined with eco-art where you can actually take a break from rowing to create your own art by the water.

I’d also recommend visiting Moody Gardens, an architectural dream in its own right but which also houses hundreds of species of birds, monkeys, butterflies, plants, herbs and spices from around the world. Having visited Iguazu Falls in Argentina, the vast array of wildlife and the realistic rainforest recreation was quite impressive.

Having this experience proved to me just how assessable it is to find international culture in destinations all over the world. The species at Moody Gardens represented countries in Africa, Asia and South America.

The Gardens are held inside a huge Pyramid-shaped building, very similar to the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. It turns out that this was only a coincidence but I liked reminiscing about Egypt as I entered into the rainforest.

The most fashionable bird of the day.

Just hangin’out.

Why so blue?

Two parrots in love.

I found a bird with Red Eye as bad as mine.

The bold and beautiful. 

A bit of Monkey Business.

Gecko spotting.

 A check off my bucket list – holding a butterfly in my hands.

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Hurricanes 

Impressing me most, however, is the history associated with the area. September 8, 1900 marked what is still the most devastating natural disaster ever to strike the country, a massive hurricane killing thousands and essentially destroying numerous buildings, houses and trees.

After building a 17ft wall around the port to protect the island from future storms and re-building the city several feet higher than originally constructed, Galveston then survived another hurricane fifteen years later and then the more recent Hurricane Ike (damage featured below). Despite these major setbacks, the locals are more in love with their hometown than ever before.

Pirates

My personal favorite part of Galveston history centers around the legendary Pirate Jean Lafitte, who stayed in the city for a time. After Lafitte established the colony of Campeche in Galveston in 1817, he was forced to leave the island. He did leave Galveston Island but not before burning his town on his way out. I’ve always secretly wanted to be a pirate given my bohemian tendencies and learning about the notorious Lafitte helped me realistically understand what it was like to live a pirate life.

Ghosts

If you’ve ever wanted to see a real-life ghost, you may have luck in Galveston. Although I stayed at the beautiful Tremont Hotel ghost free, there have been one or two cases of spirit activity. It’s more likely you will spot on at Hotel Galvez, an equally stunning architectural masterpiece. During the month of October they offer ghost tours to the public and if you are a guest there the tour is always available. If you need a little liquid courage before wandering around searching for one, I recommend their Sunday brunch. It’s amazing and living in New York, I’m a picky bruncher.

 Mansions and Palaces

Surprisingly, despite the tremendous devastation that Galveston has suffered through, their historical district is very much in tact, mainly due to local tenants restoring houses to resemble their original form. Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace (designed by Nicholas Clayton and depicted in the photo below) are two perfect examples of Victorian architecture and Gilded-Age extravagance. Audio guides are available and are a good resource for someone interested in the history of Galveston.

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Top 5 Orlando Attractions for the Kid at Heart

1) Theme Parks Galore

Clearly, if you are a themepark junkie, you need no convincing to head straight to Orlando. The sunny Florida city is home to Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Dinosaur World, Gatorland and Legoland to name a few. If you are in Orlando for just a weekend it’s best to pick one of these instead of trying to cram in two or three. Whenever I would visit Disney World with my family I’d drag my Mom or Dad with me to Sea World but by the end of the week I was thoroughly exhausted.

2) Drive to the Coast

Orlando is not too far from the coast so the city can easily be a weekend getaway. There are daily shuttles from the  Orlando airport to Cocoa Beach that coast $45 per person or $80 round trip. Renting a car for the weekend is a more extensive option but might offer more flexibility in your schedule. For a bit more adventure, take a kayak lesson or sign up for a boat tour. You can even see the space launches from the beach.

3) Feel Exotic in Arabia

If you like majestic horses, romance and over-the-top theatrical productions, Arabian Nights is the perfect way to spend a night in Orlando. The 90-minute dinner performance has been voted “Orlando’s Best Dinner Attraction” by locals and with 60 horses and 20 acts to aimed to entertain, it’s easy to see why. A ticket includes a three course meal and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks.

4) Get Wet ‘n Wild 

If a day trip to the beach isn’t in your itinerary, you can still beat the summer sun by spending a few hours at Get Wet n’ Wild water park. Highlights include the park’s Disco H2O retro raft adventure which plays upbeat 70s jams throughout the ride, The Black Hole and The Next Generation. For those who want a more relaxing experience, stick to the always enjoyable lazy river.

5) Channel Alice in Wonderland

Alice is one of my favorite Disney characters so there’s no better place to channel the famous cartoon star than wandering through fields of flowers at Harry P. Leu Gardens. The 50-acre attraction costs about $7 per person but there are select hours when entrance is completely free. The gardens are also close to downtown Orlando, so when you are finished looking for the White Rabbit, you can chill out at a local coffee shop or bar.

*This post made possible by Thomas Cook – little fares from the big travel company.

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Here are 5 Tips to Avoid Homesickness

1) Prepare in Advance

I’ve often found that whenever I’m packing for a trip, the last thing on my mind is homesickness. Missing your loved ones is nothing to feel ashamed of so knowing that this may happen is the first step in facing it head on. This way, when you start to miss your best friend back home, you will already have a mental list of how to get back on track.

2) Embrace the New

Travel is all about new experiences and a lot of times when we feel overwhelmed by a new environment our first tendency is to clam up and retreat. When we turn inwards, it makes us miss home more than usual. Recognizing this natural human behavior and making a conscious effort to excitedly welcome our new surroundings often cuts down on the change of feeling homesick.

3) Take Advantage of Technology

We live in a tech driven world, which can sometimes bring more harm than good, especially when trying to disconnect to better experience a new culture. Take thirty minutes out of your day and Skype, Facebook or google chat with your friends back home. I’ve found that evening is a good time, especially when you take time zones into account. Sometimes hearing your mom’s voice or seeing your boyfriend’s face is all you need to keep on trekking.

4) Make New Connections

It’s often the people we remember from a trip more so than the destination itself which is why making new friends is essential for avoiding homesickness. Make an effort to meet other avant-garde travelers by staying at a social hostel or chatting with locals at the nearby coffee shop. Some of the people I’ve met while traveling I still keep in touch with today. Each person has taught me something new about the world and about myself.

5) Change Your Attitude

As a psychology major in college, I always enjoyed over analyzing behavioral patterns in hopes that I would solve the puzzle of the world. It never happened but one thing that i do know is that attitude plays a huge role in how we view ourselves and those around us. Traveling to a new city or town is the perfect opportunity to get out of a funk or to see the world with open eyes. If you catch yourself being negative, do whatever it takes to turn your frown upside down.

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For some reason, I always assumed I would like cruises but after just two days, I was ready to head back to port. However, here are a few tips for getting the most culture you can out of a cruise.

1) Take Advantage of Excursions

Our cruise was only a few days so we didn’t have too much time to explore. However, I made sure to book a Maya Ruin tour that took us to a few historical sites in Cozumel. Our guide was very informative and I learned more about the ancient Mayan traditions and their famous calendar.

2) Observe the Art Fair

Our boat had an art gallery where guests could browse through the international works and potentially win a painting during a bidding. I remember seeing a lot of different styles of art represented and there were some that definitely caught my eye.

3) Interact with Locals

We only had a few hours in Key West but we certainly made the most of it. Docking early in the morning, I was shocked by how many locals were already guzzling down beer at the nearby pubs. It was a short stop in Key West but I certainly was entertained by all the interesting people I met there.

4) Eat Traditional Food

Although Mexican food is pretty accessible anywhere in the US, eating Mexican food in Mexico is far times better than the average “cuisine” served on many cruise ships. I enjoyed trying a couple different flavors of margaritas and eating guacamole and chips to my heart’s content.

5) Use your Free Time to Reflect

When you are sailing from one destination to another, most people fill their days with tanning, eating or drinking. If your primary goals are to indulge and relax, then these options are perfectly fine. However, I recommend using the beautiful nature and the open sea to find inspiration within yourself and get creative. Whether it’s writing, taking photos or introspecting, it’s a great use of your downtime.

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Here are 5 Tips for First Time Travel to Madrid

1) Become a Local from the Start

While it’s always a good idea to research a destination before you arrive, it’s hard to find real local hubs from a guidebook mainly targeted toward tourists. A good first step in finding local bars and restaurants is to ask your hotel or hostel attendant. These people are here to help you so don’t be afraid to use them as a resource. Tell them the atmosphere you are looking for and they will steer you in the right direction.

2) Take Advantage or Free Tours

If you are looking for a brief overview of Madrid, check out the free or discount tours that many hostels offer daily. Not only will you meet other culturally curious travelers, but you will learn about Spain’s capital city straight from a local. If you are on the hunt for a specific tour, these are also offered and not terribly hard to track down. A variety of short breaks at a low cost are available through various tour operators.

3) Bike Your Way Through Town

Biking is a popular form of transportation throughout Europe and Madrid is no exception. It’s a fast and eco-friendly way to really experience a city. I recommend picking three to four neighborhoods that interest you and coming up with a route for that day. La Rosaleda garden and Parque del Buen Retiro ideal attractions to explore by bike.

4) Don’t Save Museums for a Rainy Day

If you are on a budget, a great way to experience global art and culture in Madrid is by taking advantage of the city’s many museums. Prices aren’t terribly expensive and if you are traveling during the hot summer months, you will need a break from the heat. The Museo del Prado is a good place to start because they have free entry on select evenings.

5) Get Your Siesta On

Finally, going back to the beginning of this post, partaking in a little siesta is the perfect way to live like a local. Most people in Madrid don’t have dinner until around 9 or 10pm, meaning the real partying goes well into the morning hours. The artsy triBall neighborhood is perfect for the bohemian traveler.

Planning a future trip to Madrid? Research affordable holiday apartments and start planning your trip!

*This post made posible by Wimdu – travel like a local 

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Sorry, boys…this one is primarily written for the ladies.

Chunky Scarf: For winter travel, this is a must-have item. During spring or even summer, depending on where you are, bringing along a thin scarf always adds a bit to an outfit. Before leaving Istanbul, I made sure to purchase a thick scarf from a local vendor. This particular scarf is multi-colored so it goes with pretty much my whole wardrobe.

Knit Hat: Again, this is essential for winter weather but it’s bohemian enough to wear all year round. I have a black knit hat that I bring almost anywhere. They are comfortable and barely take up any space in your suitcase. It’s great for dressing up a casual ensemble or dressing down a more elegant dress or skirt.

Light-weight Blazer: I’m slightly obsessed with blazers because I think they are effortlessly bohemian. I’m big into the “layered” look and blazers work perfectly for this style. In warm weather you can just wear a shirt or tank underneath and in colder weather, wear a thick sweater underneath.

Maxi Skirt: This may sound like a strange item to pack but maxi skirts are stylish without being constricting. I actually climbed a mountain in Jujuy, Argentina wearing ballet flats and a maxi skirt. Despite not being properly dressed, I was certainly the most fashionable traveler that day on the mountain.

Ballet Flats: Speaking of shoes, ballet flats are ideal for fall, spring and summer. I used to pack heels but after one or two trips I quickly realized that with so much walking, they were the last thing I wanted to put on my feet. For winter weather, find a pair of boots that are functional and fashionable.

Slouchy Bag: Usually when I travel these days, I’m carrying around my laptop backpack rather than a full-on purse, but I do prefer slouchy materials because they are easy to pack in your luggage and they actually hold a lot of items. Eco-friendly bags are another personal favorite. I have a few handmade bags from my time in Peru and they travel very well.

Avant-Garde Accessories: Bohemian travelers are trendy without even trying so accessories should reflect your personality. I tend to adore vintage necklaces, hats and scarves so I usually pack one or two of each. The great thing about bringing along jewelry and accessories is that they can completely transform an outfit.

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I’ll start off with one of my favorite Travel Quotes: If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home. – James Michener

Not Associating with Locals

During my semester abroad I decided to visit a friend of mine from my high school days who was studying for a year in Sevilla, Spain. I planned on spending most of the weekend with her, but since she was already sick of the tourist traps and I could not pass up a visit to the Alcazar palace, I spent most of my time solo. When we did meet up for some bar hopping on my last night in town I was so excited to speak to some locals. Granted, none of them spoke English and I knew absolutely zero Spanish.

When I asked my friend if she knew any locals who she could introduce me to she responded with a “oh we don’t bother with them.” Not only did this remind me that I was no longer in High School, but I was shellshocked that she had lumped these interesting people into the boring category. That night I made friends with a few Spanish men and women and we communicated in French. It always amazes me how much of a language rushes back to you when you really need it and of course after a few drinks.

Taking Smiley Photos in Inappropriate Places

On a trip to Munich, Germany with my Mom, I had convinced her to come along with me to the nearby remnants of Dachau which was one of the most severe concentration camps. I figured since we were so close, there really was no legitimate reason why I shouldn’t visit the site and learn more about the tragic history that took place there. As soon as I stepped off the bus I immediately felt a negative energy surround me. It bordered on suffocating.

What I couldn’t understand was why travelers were jumping up and down and posing next to these horrific torture devices smiling ear to ear. I guess they wanted something to capture the memory but it seemed wrong to me. I personally don’t like being in photos at all, but even if you are not as camera shy, I think it’s a good idea to recognize when a historic site requires a certain level of respect.

Eating at Fast Food Restaurants

I still remember stepping foot in Venice, Italy. Everything charmed me – the busy streets, the singing gondeliers, and the endless blocks of traditional Italian restaurants. What I wasn’t impressed with was seeing a McDonalds in what is one of the most magical and cultural cities in Europe.

Making matters worse was the amount of people actually eating there. I generally try to stay away from fast food restaurants in the first place, as I’m sure we all do, but it just seemed unnatural that a city like Venice would be tarnished by a restaurant chain, let alone a mass marketed fast food company.

If you are on a tight budget and not ready to splurge on a 5 course meal at a trendy restaurant in town, you can still find delicious food from local vendors on the street or in small cafes and bistros. The best meal I had in Italy was actually a slice of pizza from a tiny shop in Venice.

Following Rigid Schedules

No matter how far ahead I used to plan for trips, I was never able to fit everything in and knowing what I missed out on made me view my experience as incomplete. This is not a good way to travel. While doing some research and identifying sites and museums that you don’t want to miss out on, sticking to a flexible schedule has worked for me. It allows me to explore a city and go beyond the tourist destinations, meet locals, and gain more perspective on my overall journey.

I’ve gotten lost in Peru, Argentina, Luxembourg and countless other places, and while I don’t always recommend purposely getting lost, it did work in my favor and luckily I have yet to have a shady experience by using this method (knock on wood). Finding a balance between your must-do itinerary and your lets-wander list is a good strategy to stick to while traveling.

Megan getting lost in Cochabamba, Bolivia

Technology Oversharers

As a travel writer who needs the internet to produce content, I’m still playing a game of tug of war. Before I needed to blog and tweet in real time during a trip, it was easy to get annoyed by travelers who walked into metal poles because they were trying to send their friends back home a picture of them dancing in front of the Louvre. We live in a technological driven society which has its pros and cons but I think it’s very important to keep the smart-phone use to a minimim.

I don’t understand when travelers are more interested in tweeting a picture than looking at the real thing. For example, when I was in Egypt I saw tourists literally glued to their phones as they tried to locate a signal to email photos back home. They could have done this at a more appropriate time. You can always send a photo but you are not always going to see an Egyptian sunset over the Pyramids.

Breakfast: Waffels and Jam

Shortly upon landing at Oslo airport I was greeted with a delicious breakfast that many Norwegians eat at the start of their day. Not exactly healthy, but it was just what I needed to satisfy my sweet tooth. Toppings included cream, jam, butter and similar spreads and waffles are often eaten rolled up like a burrito. This is often accompanied with a low-fat yogurt and fruit bowl.

Lunch: Seafood Sandwiches

I ate several different seafood dishes in Norway, especially in Oslo which is located right near the water. On this particular day, we were served a variety of sandwiches comprised of meats, seafood and vegetables.

Perhaps my favorite lunches were actually the soups. In Norefjell we tasted three different soups. One was meat-based, another moose and the third was Jerusalem artichoke and potato. Soups are Norway’s version of “fast food” and the fresh seafood soups I ate in Oslo were among my favorite.

Dinner: Reindeer Filet & Aquavit

My last dinner in Norway was a sampling of reindeer filet with three different game sauces. The glasses in front of each plate contain aquavit, a traditional Nordic alcohol. Aquavit has a very strong taste but you can disguise the flavoring in fruity cocktails, which I did the night before.

Dessert: A Taste of Home

Norway certainly had several traditional desserts but this particular night I chose to keep it simple with macaroons and tarts. Creme Brulee, sorbet and lemon custards are other popular desserts often offered at local restaurants.

Cocktail anyone? Here’s a shot of me at the Ice Bar we visited in Lillehammer.

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Here are 5 Reasons to Visit the Guinness Factory:

1) This is the Real Deal

The first time I tasted a Guinness was back in college and my initial reactions were not positive. However, when I was in Dublin in 2008, I actually enjoyed the taste of Guinness. Whether you are at the factory or at a local pub, you won’t have to worry about bad-tasting brew. Guinness drinking means serious business to Dubliners.

 from AaronPhelps’ Photo Stream

2) Learn the Perfect Pour

Whether you are a beer fan or not, by the time you leave the factory, you will be well-versed in the art of Guinness brewing. Take advantage of the educational aspects of the tour and learn the art of the perfect pour. Just don’t be surprised when you see your local bartender back home pouring Guinness incorrectly.

With Guinness Brew Master, Fergal Murray last year. 

3) The View is Free and Fabulous

If you are looking for the best view of Dublin, the view from the top level bar comes pretty close to perfect. The circular bar is lined with windows, giving you a 360 degree view of Ireland’s capital city.

4) It’s the Perfect Pre-game

If you are on a bohemian traveler budget, the Guinness Factory is the perfect pre-game. There are a few samples given out on your way to the top level and when you to reach the top, you are rewarded with a free full-sized beer. It’s also a great spot to meet other travelers.

  My trip to the Guinness Factory in  February 2008

5) Order Another the Right Way

Once you have a good Guinness you will want another. Go straight to a nearby pub and order Ireland’s best selling drink like a true Dubliner by using the local slang: “Arthur G”, “Arthur Scargill”, “Pint of black stuff” or “Pint of plain”.

Planning a future trip to Ireland? There are several hotels in Dublin that you can easily book and that are centrally located to the city center.

*This post made posible by Octobus.com – Hotel booking made easy

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Marius Arnesen: Olympic Ski Coach

Marius gave our group a personalized ski lesson during out stay at Norefjell. Besides being a professional skiier himself, Marius has led the Olympic Ski team to not one but three Gold Medals. Arnesen is currently taking a break from sport scene to spend more time with his two young children but plans on reclaiming his post as coach in the next few years.

Jens Stoltenberg: Prime Minister of Norway

This was definitely a surprise encounter but one that made my Norway trip even more memorable. Our first Prime Minister spotting was at the Grand Hotel in Oslo but it wasn’t until our first night at the World Snowboarding Championships that we had the chance to speak briefly with Norway’s leader. Especially after the After the tragic events this past summer I was very impressed with his eagerness to interact with the locals at the event. He seems to really resonate with the Norwegian people.

Angry Baby: Vigeland Sculpture Park

Perhaps the most famous sculpture in Oslo’s Vigeland Park is this quite angry baby. Gustav Vigeland spent the last two decades of his life creating every sculpture with incredible detail. The statue is called “Sinnataggen” which translates to “The Furious Kid”. Over the years this statue has been a favorite among travelers.

Henrik Ibsen: Norwegian Playwright 

Norway is home to several talented writers, painters and composers including Henrik Ibsen, Edvard Munch, Bjornstjerne Bjornson and Rikard Nordraak. Ibsen’s “A Doll House” was one of my favorite reads back in high school so I was eager to see his grave at the Oslo Cemetery. Ibsen also ate breakfast at the Grand Cafe which is connected to the Grand Hotel. I made sure to snag his famous breakfast table each morning in hopes he’d drop me some inspiration.

Sondre Lerche: Singing Sensation

Lerche is a famous Norwegian singer who currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Clearly, you should always try to look decent even if at the airport because you never know just who you will be on your flight. I’ll make sure to note this for next time. Sondre was very friendly to all the fans that approached him that day. He was returning to Brooklyn after a month of filming the Norwegian version of “The Voice”.

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A few months ago, I made an early New Year’s Resolution:
This is the year I will become bilingual.

But much like any resolution, seeing it written on paper is so much easier than having that dream come to fruition. However, I pride myself on not being a quitter, and therefore have accumulated a bag full of tricks I’m implementing to make this bilingual thing happen in 2012.

These are the tried-and-true tips and tricks that I’m using so that I can update my Facebook status to: Languages Spoken–English and Bosnian.

1.)  Sign Up For A Class. I was initially trying a do-it-yourself approach to learning Bosnian, when I quickly realized that my progress wasn’t where it should be. Call it lack of structure, but I thrive in an environment that holds me accountable for my progress. With a language as uncommon as Bosnian, it was a little tricky finding a class, but I finally came across the International Bosnian Language Course that not only offers affordable classes with flexible scheduling, but they can all be done from the comfort and convenience of my own home. That’s right: all you need is a computer and Skype, and you are set to learn.

2.)  Flashcards. A bit antiquated, perhaps, but as a teacher myself, I know that the old-fashion drill-and-kill works like a charm. These are great for the person-on-the-go, because they can be pulled out anytime, anywhere. Some of my best studying gets done as I’m wedged between a gaggle of people on the subway during rush hour, but the point is, it gets done.

3.)  Immerse Yourself in the Culture. Learning a language shouldn’t be all work, no play. In fact, some of my best experiences learning Bosnian have been social experiences: going to see a Bosnian film, trying a new Bosnian food, reading a Bosnian book…you get the idea. There are many great ways to connect with people of the language you are learning through websites like Meetup.com, or an international pen-pal site, such as GlobalPenFriends.com.

4.)  Write Study Time In Your Calendar. I’m the type of person that is constantly overbooking myself for everything.  That being said, when I’m having a particularly hectic week, it’s easy for me to push the studying aside until “next week”. Unfortunately, that already puts me a week behind, and then next week gets busy too…and low and behold, I still can’t speak Bosnian. Therefore, I’ve been carving out chunks of study time and writing them onto my calendar as appointments. Much like a doctors appointment or a happy hour gathering with friends, once it’s on the calendar, I make every effort not to reschedule.

5.)  Reward Yourself. The teacher in me knows that students succeed best when there is a reward for all their hard effort. For 1st graders, this reward can take form as a gold star sticker, a Jolly Rancher, or a positive letter home to Mom.  For grown-ups, find what works for you best (a massage? dinner and dessert at your favorite restaurant? a new outfit?) If you meet your language goal for the month (learning 50 new words, conjugating verbs properly, or finally saying a sentence that makes sense), then treat yourself to something that makes you happy, and will in turn further that motivation for next month.

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Here’s the first picture I took at the Maihaugen Open Air Museum in Lillehammer.

I couldn’t help but adore the quirky chandelier hanging in my suite at Norefjell’s Quality Resort & Spa.

Here’s my view of the mountains from my bedroom in Norefjell.

Here’s a picture of Oslo at night. The Grand Cafe is attached to the Grand Hotel which was our home for a few nights. My literary hero Henrik Ibsen ate here every morning.

I could have spent hours at Vigeland Sculpture Park. Here’s another image to help illustrate the incredible detail involved in each sculpture.

Our ride through the forest outside of Oslo was truly unforgettable despite less than stellar weather. Our sleigh ride was followed by a warm campire with traditional food and drinks.

Here’s a shot of a snowboarder completing a round of flips, turns and tricks.

A view from the boat tour in Oslo.

Local hipsters our for their afternoon coffee.

After about an hour wandering through the cemetery, I finally found Ibsen’s grave.

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It’s been about five years since the last time I skied so I didn’t want to challenge my skills too much. I’ve only ever skied in the US and most of those times involved artificial snow as opposed to real snow in Norway. After a few runs on the Bunny Slopes, I started feeling more confident and eventually moved on to slightly more difficult hills. In Norefjell we had the opportunity to take a class with a former professional skier and Olympic coach, Marius Arnesen (his coaching abilities led to three Olympic Gold Medals for his team).

Traditional – Rump Racers

When our Lillehammer tour guide for the day handed us our Rump Racers I wasn’t quite sure what she intended us to do with it. She then demonstrated how to squat on the wooden plack and ride down the mountain. While this looked difficult at first glance, once I gave it a try I realized it was easy and highly amusing. Local kids in the area and throughout Norway use Rump Racers as a fun snow activity.

Local – Kick-Sledge

Kick sleds are a very traditional mode of transportation for Norwegians young and old. It’s basically like a scooter you use in snowy weather and since Norway has snow on the ground most of the winter, these sleds are very useful. I took a turn driving the sledge and also sitting along for the ride down a small hill. In everyday life, kids take these to school and adults use them to run errands.

New and Exciting – Bob Rafting

I took a few pictures of this before and after the 2 minute raft ride but I think this video illustrates it much better than I can put down in words. Luckily two journalists from our press group were able to capture the whole thing on film. It’s been a few years since I’ve been on a roller coaster and this ride definitely tops any theme park attraction I’ve every encountered.

Indoor – Rock Climbing 

Upon our arrival at the luxurious Quality Resort & Spa at Norefjell, I immediately noticed a large rock climbing wall on the floor below. After some interest from a few other members of our group we successfully added rock climbing into the itinerary. Travel is all about adventure and challenging yourself both mentally and physically so I was eager to give this indoor sport a shot.

Surprisingly Challenging – Tobogganing

Tobogganing is a typical winter activity for local Norwegians but for this bohemian, it was a completely new experience. After watching several children skillfully ride down the corkscrew-style hill I assumed that tobogganing would be relatively simple. However, I quickly realized that it wasn’t as easy as it looked but by the end of the trail I had channeled the Megan who used to  horseback ride lessons and treated the sleigh rope like reins on a horse. he trick worked and I completed the ride in style.

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World Snowboarding Championships

Although my trip to Norway was about a week, our main focus in Oslo was the World Snowboarding Championships. I’m certainly not a snowboarding pro by any stretch of the imagination but I must admit that watching the riders twist, turn and do tricks up close and personal was exhilarating and  definitely a new experience for me. We watched the Men’s Quarter Pipe and the Women’s Halfpipe competitions. I skipped the Men’s Halfpipe but heard that they were phenomenal.

Meeting the Prime Minister

Norway kept surprising me everyday but meeting the Prime Minister was definitely the most unplanned and exciting part of the week. He was there to watch the Men’s Quarter Pipe competition and a few of us happened to be standing near his vehicle. After seeing one of us trying to snap a photo of him he he actually walked over and offered to pose with us.

The poor man didn’t know what he had gotten himself into because we quickly thrust another four cameras into an innocent bystander’s face and held him up for a good five minutes. Jens Stoltenberg was a great sport about it and I even chatted with him in between shots. Despite his security team, I was pleasantly surprised by his friendliness and willingness to interact with locals (or visitors in our case).

Kvelertak Performance

It’s been about a year since my record label rock concert-going days but being in Oslo, there really was no excuse not to check out a local band in town for the Snowboarding Championships. Kvelertak is about as heavy-metal as you can get. To be honest, I really enjoyed their music. I’m not generally a hard-core metal fan but the band has some undeniable talent.

The most interesting part of the concert was observing the fans below. There was a huge mosh-pit right near the stage and people were throwing their beers all over the place. It was inspiring to see how passionate their local fans are and how this genre of music influenced the atmosphere throughout the venue. (This is a good time to note that Rammstein was also in town and staying at our hotel)

Horse Sleigh Tour Through Forest

The whole time I was in Norway I kept saying one thing: “Wow, I feel like I’m in Narnia”! As silly as that sounds to the non-literary nerds out there, this is one of my favorite things about Norway. Nature is everywhere around you and since it’s winter right now the snow-covered mountains, lamp posts and and winter coats had me feeling like I might spot Mr. Tumnus at any moment. Our horse sleigh ride through the forest followed by a traditional picnic and campfire only solidified my Narnia daydreams. Making the situation even better, we had shot of alcohol from a bottle we found in the mail box.

Sculpture Garden

I visited a few different museums during our days in Olso but it was the Sculpture Garden that really blew me away. Gustav Vigeland designed the park with impressive creativity, detail and execution. This particular series of sculptures depicts the “youth” stage of life, which is followed by adolescence, adulthood and finally death. I found Vigeland’s positive depiction of youth a fascinating contrast to that of Edvard Munch’s 1894 “Puberty” painting of a scared and confused young girl.

Boat Tour

As a travel writing bohemian traveler, boat tours are sort of an essential piece of the puzzle – at least for me. In my opinion, sailing represents freedom and even though I’m not steering the boat myself, I still get to feel a bit like a pirate for a few hours. Viewing the city from the fjord (inlet with glaciers) on my day in Oslo made me realize how much I’m going to miss this country.

We did have a bit of a Titanic moment about mid-way through the tour. We hit a block of ice below us and the boat shook from side to side. I’m sure this happens quite a lot considering our captain was laughing at our scared reactions. Regardless, it added an extra element of surprise to the excursion.

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Reconnecting with Nature

The drive to Norefjell from Lillehammer was a scenic three hour bus ride and from the Oslo airport it takes about two hours (1.5 from the city center). Perhaps the thing I enjoyed most about Norefjell was how close it was to nature and how far it was from the rest of civilization. Sometimes you need a few days to disconnect from the outside world and rediscover peace within yourself.

On our second day here, we spent a few hours skiing and this photograph was taken at the top of the mountain. I actually had to stop in my tracks just to snap a few quick pictures. The view from my hotel suite was equally stunning. It was extremely motivating for me to wake up and see the sun rising over the mountains and neighboring cottages.

Time for Relaxation

After a long day on the slopes it’s always nice to give yourself a little reward. For me, that came in the form of a massage at the resort’s impressive spa. I also made sure to check out the other amenities including the pool, sauna and hot tub. As an avant-garde traveler, I genuinely appreciated the unique design that went into not only the spa facilities but the entire resort. It helps set the mood for a quiet retreat.

Cooking Class

I’ll be completely honest – I’m not the best cook in the world. It’s the patience I lack but I’m hoping to improve my skills this year. One option that Norefjell Resort offers guests in the ability to take cooking classes in a separate kitchen and dining area. After you prepare and cook the food you get to eat it in the next room. I’ve never done anything like this and I found it thoroughly rewarding.

Home Away From Home

Last but certainly not least, my suite became my home away from home. Unlike some hotel rooms that can feel cold and isolating, I  honestly felt comfortable and cozy inside my not so little room. The bathroom, kitchen, living space and master bedroom were decorated as any bohemian traveler would appreciate and the view from the bathtub overlooked the snow-covered mountains in the distance.

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As a result, Oksana Baiul quickly became my favorite contender so I was extremely pleased that she took home the gold medal that year.

A Look at the 1994 Olympic Ski Arena

During our time here, we were able to drive all the way up to the top of the mountain for an amazing view of Lillehammer just before sunset. We could also see where the main ski jump was and the spot where the Opening Ceremonies took place. It was a surreal experience for me and one that I will remember for years to come.

Maihaugen Open Air Museum

Another major stop in Lillehammer was the Maihaugen Open Air Museum. This authentic experience took us through the history of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley as we walked through typical Norwegian houses from the past 300 years.

The landscape is very spacious and the fresh air and quiet surrounds gave exactly the sort of peace one needs after spending a winter in New York City. We went into timber-built farms to learn about how families worked off the land and finished our tour with a more modern house from the 1950s.

The museum is divided into four parts:

1. The Rural Collection (timber-build farms, the stave-church, the summer-pastures and the lumber-camp)
2. The Town – illustrates like between World War I and World War II
3. The Residential Area – seven single-family houses from previous decades of the 20th century
4. The Landscape – demonstrates how the fields were used as a source of food during the 1890s.

Trolls, Fairytales and an Ice Hotel + Bar

Norway is known for their trolls so our time in Lillehammer would not hav been complete without a little time learning about Norwegian fairytales. After a day skiing with our guide from Hafjell Ski Center, we took a tour through Hunderfossen Winterpark. Although the park is generally only open to the public during the summer months, they do allow guests to stay at their popular Ice Hotel. As for our lodgings in Lillehammer, we stayed at Rica Victoria Hotel.

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After checking in for my flight to Oslo, I preceded to security where I assumed I would go through the usual process of placing all my items and liquids through the machines. When I went up to the man to show my boarding pass and Passport, I was greeted with a confused stare. Let’s call this man John. So John was not convinced that this was actually my passport.

I’d like to also note that I watched this man shamelessly flirt with the woman in front of me so at first I assumed he was trying to be “cute”. Regardless of his initial intentions, I was now confused myself so I offered to show him two other forms of picture ID.

Apparently, this was not a good move on my part because John now thought that I had the ID of three different people. He said that he had to call in an expert to make sure that I am really who I say I am.

As it turned out, no such “expert” was on duty so one of John’s superiors came over to help. He asked me to step aside as he instructed me to stare into my eyes (very unromantically), smile as it shows on my Passport and to pull my hair back to show my ears. Luckily, he agreed that I was in fact whom all three of my IDs state that I am and I was allowed to continue on my way.

As much as I appreciate John doing his job, the fact that I could do nothing to prove my identity other than hope that his superior realized that this was a picture of me.

Although my hair is back to its natural brown color and I chose to rock a straightened look rather than my normal curls, I’m a bit alarmed that these officers expect me to look exactly as I did back in 2007…when I had a fuller face, bleached hair and parted my hair down the middle.

US citizens are only required to update their passports every decade, so I hardly think that we should be expected to look identical to how we did when the picture was taken.

My saving grace was my license picture, which thank goodness I decided to update when I renewed it back in November. If I did this process through the mail, I would have had my 16-year-old self to show John and I doubt this would have helped my case.

Despite the hitch, I made it to Norway safe and sound.

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Although every middle child is different, the general gist of having Middle Child Syndrome is that you feel left out, awkward and overlooked. I’ve definitely experienced all three of these feelings, but who hasn’t? Surviving Middle School alone faces all three of these challenges on a daily basis.

The interesting thing about my situation is that both my parents were middle children (my Dad #2 of 5 and middle brother and my sister #3 of 5 children). My Dad technically had it worse because he is the middle of two males, where my Mom is the oldest daughter but the third child. The order makes a different, but I won’t bore you with that.

Because I grew up as a middle child by parents who understood what it felt like themselves, I probably had it better than most. My Dad would surprise me with gifts and my Mom would listen to my school girl worries as if it was the most interesting and important world crisis. But as I grew older I started realizing that I did have many of the symptoms of a middle child but instead of moping around about it I actually look at my birth order as a positive thing. Here is why:

Ambition: Middle children often grow up to be ambitious adults. Perhaps it’s because we never received the amount of attention we wanted as children or maybe it’s just because we feel an unquenchable desire to prove people wrong. Whatever it is, I think I fall under this category although I’m by no means an extreme case. I’m naturally shy, yet here I am in New York City and traveling the world whenever I get the chance. For many people, moving to a crazy city like NYC is unimaginable. For me it was what I craved most.

In the 2.5 years I’ve been here, I’ve sat front row at New York Fashion Week, hung out with the Gossip Girl cast at Silvercup studios, chatted about Brazil with my music idol Amy Lee of Evanescence and traveled to three continents. This is in no way meant to sound boastful but rather to explain how even the shyest child can benefit from having larger-than-live desire to achieve a dream. It’s also to remind myself that I should keep going. Many times I find myself afraid to take the next step because I’m so afraid to fail. What I think it’s important to remember is that without the fear of failure one lacks the motivation it takes to succeed.

Social Relationships: A middle child often feels like the odd one on their family, which results in them placing less value on their familial relationships and more on relationships outside of the family unit. Growing up, there was a time when I was clearly my Dad’s favorite. My mom always gravitated toward my younger brother and it was my sister who was in some ways the odd one out. However, once I hit about 7th grade, this all changed. I constantly fought with my mother and defied my father in any small way I could. I began placing more importance on my friends at school or at my local job.

This ability to go outside my comfort zone and meet people when I travel has made each foreign jaunt more memorable and fulfilling. In some ways I feel more comfortable talking to complete strangers because I don’t have to worry about them judging me because after all, I don’t know them so I don’t place as much emphasis on their perceptions of me. I’ve found that sometimes it’s these random conversations with locals that lead to more personal revelations about your own view on life. You guard is down for a minute and you can look at the world with a clear lens.

Observation: Ever since I was a young girl, I always observed what was going on around me. The main reason for this is because I was so shy and watching other people live their lives seemed like a safe option. Being observant has both helped and hurt me. While I’m so glad to know that my friends, family and even strangers I meet on a trip value my opinion and appreciate my eager ear to their problems. What I need to remember is that living in the moment is more important than observing others live their moment and simply being a spectator in their movie.

It can also be a frustrating habit when the wheels are reversed. In the weeks before starting Bohemian Trails, I really needed to talk to someone and I was having a really hard time finding a local NYC friend who cared to listen. If you are always the listener, you unconsciously teach others that this is your role and the ones who are not your true friends will use you for their own need to be heard. I’ve learned to be more vocal about my feelings instead of holding things inside. Travel has helped tremendously because through observation, I’ve taken in more of a particular location’s culture.

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So this week, I’m reviewing SellMyTimeshareNOW which allows travelers to either buy or rent a timeshare or sell their rental to others. I find this housing accommodation particularly useful to frequent travelers who do want  to feel at home in a particular destination. For backpackers, this is probably not an option worth looking into at this point in your life.

What is a Timeshare? In case you are foggy on what a timeshare (or vacation ownership) is, here’s a quick recap. Buying in on a timeshare means that you are one of several owners of the property and each tenant stays at the residence at a different time of the year. It’s a way for people to have a second home without actually paying for the entire year.

What is SellMyTimeshareNOW? In a nutshell, it is a global platform and service that allows timeshare owners to advertise and resell their timeshare properties while also showcasing housing options to interested renters and buyers.

First Impressions: From my experience, if a website is visually unpleasing, I very rarely stick around to discover if the content also falls along those lines. SellMyTimeshareNOW seems to have a good sense of their audience and have created a user-friendly configuration that is both easy to navigate and not overwhelming. I also get the sense that the company functions more like a close-knit start-up rather than a large group of mass marketers. The local feel of the company, as described in their Company Info page makes me feel more comfortable booking through them.

 What They Offer: If you have a residence that you would like to rent or sell, you can create a listing and reach a large number of potential renters. If you are on the hunt for a timeshare to join, you can browse through their extensive list of options, keeping in mind your budget and location preferences.

Don’t Forget the Dog: One feature that SellMyTimeshareNOW offers renters and sellers are Pet Friendly Timeshare accommodations. This is ideal for people who travel frequently and don’t want to leave their furry friends behind.

Options for Different Financial Situations:

• Traditional timeshare ownership - ownership is usually tied to a particular unit or unit type and falls between a specific week or season each year.
• Fractional ownership - purchase of a much larger increment of time and is a good for travelers who are able to vacation for more than one or two weeks a year.
• Points-based ownership – a system where owners are allotted a specific number of points per year which can then be exchanged for accommodations at a number of in-network resorts

Overall Conclusions: As a frequent traveler, I like the timeshare options and also the flexibility of the different rentals. I find their service particularly beneficial to travelers who travel to a specific destination often and want to feel like a local. Sometimes it’s nice to feel like you are “home” even if you are just renting. With any budget traveler, however, you must make sure it fits into your budget.

*This is an honest review of the services offered by SellMyTimeshareNOW, made possible by their support of Bohemian Trails.

Here’s my second home – London!

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Pursuing a career in the arts already puts me at a disadvantage compared to those who have a more stable and safe job. I sometimes feel that my family and friends don’t completely understand my life and while I am fully aware that I’ve taken the road less traveled, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here are some misunderstandings about being a travel writer that I wish other people realized.

Press Trip Assumptions:
I’m sure that other travel bloggers can vouch for me when I say that press trips are not easy to come by. Every year there are thousands of new bloggers who are either starting a Round the World trip, going on an extended vacation or just eager to get their foot in the door of the travel industry. Whatever your reason, the competition is stiff.

Still a newby myself, I’ve researched tour companies, sent countless emails, sent follow-up emails, attended networking events and taken advantage of meeting people who also live in New York and work in the travel industry. Without this added effort, I doubt that I would have had a shot securing a press trip. The majority of Tourism Boards have had their budgets slashed this year, making my odds even slimmer.

So whenever I hear someone say “oh Megan has another one of these free trips coming up” I cringe. It’s not like I’ll be laying on a beach basking in the sun. I will be working while I explore, writing as I travel. I find these statements, although perhaps meant as compliments, insulting.

Making Sacrifices:
Making the leap from the music industry to the travel industry can definitely be seen as jumping from one failing industry to another but this should not mean that my sacrifices lack significance. Right now I’m renting a small room near Columbia University and freelancing from local coffee shops. For me, this is the ideal situation for my current lifestyle. Freelancing gives me the flexibility to travel while giving me time to grow Bohemian Trails, which is a full-time job in itself. Not being attached to a lease means that I can move to Paris at the drop of the hat.

When I mention this to my family and friends back home, they are immediately horrified that I’m living without a TV and that my flatmates speak Spanish better than English. Sometimes their faces are so distraught that I have to remind myself that I’m living in a decent apartment and not a sewer in a third world country. One day I want to feel more settled and have a nice house with a picket fence but for right now I want the ability to travel and make any city my home. While this is certainly unorthodox, it doesn’t mean that it’s wrong.

My life at a coffee shop

Not Being Able to Stop:
Since I stopped working full-time for someone else and started working mainly for myself, I’ve found it hard to stop working. I’ve heard other travel bloggers express similar concerns. In fact, I actually feel guilty if I’m not tweeting, writing or marketing my site. There is always something else to do. Although I went home to Virginia this past Thanksgiving and Christmas, I spent a good chunk of my “time off” catching up on freelance projects and getting ahead on my writing.

Sure, I could technically take a break or vacation whenever I want, doing so would not benefit me in the least. While this sort of lifestyle is difficult, I ultimately feel more fulfilled because I’m doing something that I love and therefore I’m willingly put in the time. Finding a balance between working and enjoying life without being connected to the Internet non-stop is a skill I hope to better master in the coming months.

Searching for Balance in Chile

Travel is Priceless:
I think the main worry of a parent with a travel writing daughter is wondering how I will support myself. While I understand and appreciate this concern, I believe that if you want something bad enough, you will make sacrifices to make it happen. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m living simply, not over-spending on things I don’t need and have been doing a good job of finding paid work that is not only in the travel industry but also allows me to work from any destination.

Although there is nothing wrong with having a stable job and income, I want to allow myself to be as bohemian as I please before I have a family to support. The experiences I’ve had while traveling are truly priceless and I’ll keep going until it is no longer a top priority of mine.

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I worked at an international record label so naturally, it was a social environment and luckily most of my co-workers were pleasant to be around. However, I’m an introvert my nature and found myself sometimes leaving the office during my lunch break just to walk around or sit on a park bench. I craved alone time and since my life was busy before, during, and after work, it was hard to find time for myself.

Fast forward to nearly a year later and I can’t believe how much my life has changed and I’m grateful to say that these changes are all positive. My ultimate goal was to find a way to do what I love most: travel and write. I wanted a lifestyle where I could live wherever I wanted and where I didn’t have to report to an office each day. After working harder than I’ve ever done in my life to launch Bohemian Trails, find paid writing gigs and market myself as a brand, I’m finally starting to see the rewards of my efforts.

Yet, now that I spend most of my time alone, I’m often in need of more social interaction. After a summer spent visiting family back home and then traveling to South America and Mexico, I could not wait to return to New York City to see all my friends. When I first moved to New York more than two years ago I knew absolutely nobody and I was forced to make friends the hard way – by putting yourself out there and leaving your shyness at the door. I managed to make quality friends who I was eager to re-connect with upon my return.

I’ve been back in New York now for about four months now and I’ve barely seen any of these people. Most of them came to my 25th brunch party but one-on-one time has been limited. While I wasn’t necessarily expecting people to fight over my time, I also wasn’t expecting that I’d be the only one constantly reaching out. I could blame it on the busy schedules that all New York City residents have, but I’ve found that when you want to see somebody or do something, you find a way to make it happen. It’s sad in a way, although I don’t fault my friends for having other priorities.

I first wondered if this was happening because I have a boyfriend. I’ve had friends in the past who had trouble balancing their love life with their social life and as a result, I felt ditched as a friend. Because I’m sensitive about this, I’ve tried really hard to not be that girl and to reach out to my friends whenever I can. At the same time, it’s hard to keep extending my hand and receiving nothing in return. On the other hand, there are times when I feel too anti-social to see people myself, so perhaps it does go both ways.

So who am I spending most of my time with? Well other than myself, I’ve been meeting people at my Spanish classes and at my local coffee shops. I’ve also established new friendships with people in the travel industry – both in person and online. It’s nice being located in New York because a lot of travel related events take place here. I regularly meet with Galding, NOFF, Tripfilms and other bloggers.

What I never expected was to establish solid friendships through social media and emails with other bloggers. Spending so much time alone yet having this support system has been invaluable to me. Maybe these new friendships have formed because my own priorities have also shifted. I’m working for myself now and working harder than I ever imaged I could. Meeting other people in similar situations helps me think that maybe my dreams aren’t so crazy after all.

Press trip to Los Cabos, Mexico

My only hope through all of this is that I continue to appreciate the truly important people in my life and never give up on trying to re-connect. This bohemian will be traveling a good deal this year and I’m determined to maintain my friendships at home and make new friendships abroad. Despite feeling lonely sometimes, the New York City streets somehow soothe my saddest thoughts. This is the same when I travel. A simple walk around a new city or town helps me in ways that other things can’t.

At the end of the day I’m happier than I’ve ever been and the people I value most in this world are who I keep close.

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Temple Tube Stop, London: As you already know, London holds a special place in my heart. I studied, worked and breathed in every part of this city, so much that I considered moving back after college graduation. My favorite view (which I actually don’t have a picture of) is on a little bench right outside of Temple Tube stop. I remember sitting beside the Thames River, staring straight ahead at the London Eye that shone in the distance and promising to return once I finished school. I was full of purpose and drive in this moment, which is why I recall it so clearly. Two years later I returned to the same peaceful place and told the city that I had found a new love – New York, and that I would not be around for awhile. It was as if I was saying hello and goodbye to an old friend.

Discovering a London sign in the West Village, Manhattan

Alcazar Palace, Sevilla: Visiting Sevilla, Spain was one of my spur of the moment weekend trips. I had a friend studying there and after having to cancel a weekend in Barcelona to attend my Grandmother’s funeral back home, I decided to give Spain another try. After checking into my hostel, I began to explore the area and almost managed to completely overlook the entrance sign to the Alcazar Palace. Thank goodness the small line outside caught my eye because the palace is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have ever stepped foot. As I wandered through the grounds I felt as though the palm trees were my shield against the hot sun. The Moorish architecture truly transplanted me back in time, so much that I could actually picture myself living here years and years ago (you never know – it could have happened).

Tintern Abbey, Wales: Tintern Abbey is a perfect example of when a destination exceeds your expectations. My study abrad program had organized a tour that took us through South Wales and while the grass was certainly green that day, the drizzly weather made the trip seem less than extraordinary. However, once we arrived at the ruins of Tintern Abbey (destruction ordered by Henry VIII) I experienced the most intense yet effortless pangs of peace. It’s hard to describe exactly how I felt in that moment but just standing in what was once a grand cathedral connected me with its history. Naturally, I went off wandering through the ruins solo and almost missed the bus heading back to London.

Santa Lucia, Santiago: A few months after starting Bohemian Trails, I decided to travel through Chile and Argentina for a month. I was still very much in transition mode. I was no longer working 9-5 and I was traveling but I hadn’t figured out a way to actually make money again. It was frustrating to say the least but my month in South America helped me grow as a writer and more importantly, as a person in pursuit of her dreams. There’s a hill in Santiago, Chile that has the most spectacular view of Santiago, which is an architecturally intriguing city. The hike up the hill is definitely worth it and the surrounding gardens and creeks make Santa Lucia truly heaven sent for a traveler in search of a good writing spot.

The Nile River: Egypt has gone through some very tough times this year and while chaos looms in their past, hopefully their future will be as calm as The Nile River. During my trip to Egypt I took a few felucca rides. Our tour group actually spent a day and night sailing on a small felucca boat rather than the larger cruise ships. Being close to the river made all the difference. I felt connected to nature, completely clear-headed and open about my worries. I spoke to our tour guide for almost the entire day and although our lives were drastically different, my emotional openness allowed us to have a conversation that allowed me to vocalize my feelings, concerns and ultimate goals in life.

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Anyway, here are 10 signs you are a bohemian-at-heart. 

1. You are rocking the messy hair look not because you are trying to fit into the current trend but rather because you barely slept after drinking with locals the night before. You also can’t seem to locate your hairbrush and are beginning to question whether you packed it in the first place.

2. You are covered in various winter fabrics and have no intention of explaining your fashion choices of the day. A bohemian never needs to think about his or her outfit. If you are cold, then wear as much wool and knit as you can. Nothing is more unfashionable than a traveler who is cold, tired and grumpy. Plus, the layered look is always a popular winter trend.

3. You randomly stop in the middle of the street because you happened to spot a really cool brick wall covered in local street art. This always makes me stop in my tracks, especially if it’s colorful and quirky. Just be careful to look both ways before attempting to cross the street again.

4. You can’t manage to find anything of relevance in your backpack or purse because you find beauty in the non-traditional. You might have forgotten to throw your passport in your bag but you still have the number to a cool bar scribbled on your notepad and a coffee shop that specializes in organic blends.

5. Being broke doesn’t stop you from exploring. Whether you have $5 or $500 to spend each day, there are often endless free activities and cultural sites that require only your camera and walking shoes. If you are a girl, chances are pretty high that your drinks that night will be paid for by a regular.

6. You find yourself in situations you are not prepared for and get involved anyway. In Jujuy, Argentina, I decided to climb the Hill of Seven Colors even though I was wearing a long maxi skirt and ballet flats that had zero traction. I may not have dressed appropriately for a jaunt with nature but I made it up the hill regardless.

7. You crave alone time almost daily. Whether it’s to reflect on your surroundings, write a poem that’s been floating in your head all week, or to jot down ideas for your next creative project, this is a normal and you should not fight the urge to brainstorm ideas and use your inspiration for the greater good.

8. You wear sunglasses and over-sized hats not because you secretly think you are a celebrity but because you want to feel a little bit invisible as you observe the local culture. Hiding behind your sunglasses doesn’t mean you are avoiding contact with people. You simply came prepared for all weather conditions.

9. You put your street performing abilities to the test by singing for passing tourists in the main square or doing your best imitation of a local dance style. You may not make any money and you may not be doing it for the money in the first place. Going outside your comfort zone and giving it a shot is something every traveler should try at least once.

10. You feel an itch to get back on the trail and continue your journey. A bohemian traveler never stays in one place too long because they know that there are more cities and towns that need exploring. Our boots keep walking and lead us down the path we are meant to find and explore.

Megan in Santiago, Chile

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