Reasons Why I Travel the World with My Kids

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When I was pregnant with my first daughter, Kalyra, I felt as if those close to me were celebrating something other than the life growing inside me.

“So that’s the end of the travels, hey? You can’t travel with kids now.”

I felt as if I was walking a path to the gallows. Why did I have to give up my dreams and turn from a life of joy and freedom to one filled with routine, rocking chairs, and labels?

I was determined to prove the naysayers wrong. I wanted to be like the family I had met only months before on the slow boat from Laos to Thailand. They had an active 3 year old, a bubbly nine month old baby, and they were carted around in prams and backpacks. It looked challenging, but they managed. And they were happy.

“If someone else can do it, I can too.”

Kalyra, now aged six, has accumulated more stamps in her passport than most adults. My youngest, Savannah, now two, has five. In three weeks, we leave to road trip around Australia for 12-18 months.

What do you mean, “You can’t travel with kids”? Here are four reasons for why I travel the world with my kids.

1) Magical memories made while bonding with happy parents

When you go on a family holiday, you leave all the worries of your everyday life behind. There are no schedules to adhere to, no toys to pick up, no errands to run, no school to attend, no bosses to answer to, and no end of day exhaustion that leaves you barely able to mumble a “Hello, tell me about your day,” to your child.

You can even live a little dangerously, like having an ice cream every day, or staying up past 10pm.

The Makepeace family having fun in Thailand

What your children need most are loving, happy parents who spend quality moments with them. When we travel together we strengthen our family bond with shared memories of adventure, carefree living, exploration, laughter and play time.

2) We accumulate experiences, not possessions

I don’t think there is anything wrong with owning material things; it becomes an issue when we rely on them for meaning or identity.

When children start traveling at an early age they learn to live in the present. We want our kids to see life as about enjoying experiences and accumulating memories— it’s what shapes who we are and is the only thing that we can take with us to the end.

3) The world becomes their classroom

Once a child enters school, their innate desire to explore, ask questions, and goof off slowly gets shoved back into a box of rules, regulation, and conformity.

When you travel with your children, all of this is removed.

The world teaches your child based on their curiosities and interests. It’s a natural absorption of knowledge and experiential-based learning that schools can never replicate with such enrichment.

The earth becomes their classroom and all its inhabitants with varying degrees of skin colour, languages and beliefs become their teachers.

Some would call it “The village raising the child.”

4) The ability to make new friends- anywhere

My children are quickly learning that strangers can easily become friends. All it takes is a smile to break down barriers, a common connection, a few stories to share, games to play, and a laugh thrown in.

They are learning about what truly matters: connecting via laughter, smiles, and spiritual essence- not labels, traditions, and beliefs. These differences become something to celebrate, rather than fear or judge.

Savannah making friends with Alida in Vanuatu

“It is because of fear that we judge, it’s because of judging that we hate, and it is because of hating that we hurt”

My daughters haven’t had many opportunities to develop long-term friendships, but the trade off is that they never have any problems making friends wherever they may be.

Traveling with kids is not an easy decision. There are the constant fears of the possible negative impact upon their lives. Staying at home and choosing a conventional life won’t take these fears away. You’re a parent, and that comes with never-ending questions and concerns, but you can’t make your decisions based upon an imaginary future.

The challenges aren’t too different than what you would experience if you were living the settled life; it’s just in a different location, but this time you are managing it as a parent who is happy and fulfilled.

How about you? How has travel benefited your family?

By Caz Makepeace

Caz loves to help people travel more and create better memories. She (and her husband, Craig) share their travel lifestyle and tips on their site, YTravelBlog.com. You can watch their video series here to learn their top 9 travel tips.

You can follow their travels on Google+, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

The “Bare” Basics: The Do’s and Don’ts of the Japanese Onsen

You never forget your first onsen experience.

Mine was called “Spa World“, and it sounded like heaven on earth. Located in downtown Osaka, Spa World was like the Disney World of Japanese bathhouses. With ten floors, it’s one of the largest onsens in the world: it’s open 24 hours, has two elaborately themed floors of baths (one is European, the other Asian), a water park, a food court, a gym and of course a salon and spa. It was a beautiful monster.

Onsens come in all different sizes, from tiny city owned outdoor pools to fancy hotel-adjacent spa centers. The hot water is pumped from mineral springs, heated by the volcanic earth. The mineral content of the water is supposed to promote health and healing as well as relaxation.

Never having been to an onsen before and speaking exactly zero Japanese, I was a bit apprehensive. But I wasn’t about to let that hold me back from the inviting hot water, so I figured I’d reason it out as I went.

And I did… sort of. It wasn’t easy. So here’s my guide to help you navigate your onsen experience more smoothly:

Do: Follow the Crowd

The Japanese have a system for everything, which is kind of great…as long as you know what’s going on. Most onsens, even the big ones as it turns out, don’t have signs in English. Luckily you can usually figure out what’s going on by following the people around you.

Don’t: Bother Bringing a Bathing Suit

It quickly became apparent that the shiny red one-piece I’d carried along wasn’t welcome here. Yup, you will be naked. Luckily almost all onsens are segregated by sex. Once you’re in the locker room you’ll only be seeing your fellow men, or women.

There’s no sense in feeling modest- nudity is an expected non-event and most people treat it like the most natural thing in the world (which I suppose it is). Don’t bother trying to hide under your (tiny) towel, you’ll just look silly. After a while it can actually feel quite liberating to walk around without those pesky clothes.

A selection of robes you can borrow at Ooedo Onsen- photo by Ariesgirl

Do: Get Very, Very Clean

Listen up, because this is the most critical step: onsen users are very concerned with cleanliness, so before you even think about getting near the baths, you need to take a shower. There’s no use doing this at home beforehand- it needs to be in full view of everyone to confirm your clean status. If you try to go in the baths without washing first you will get some serious side-eye and possibly be sent back out.

Some onsens have showerheads; other use small vanity stands with a sink and bucket. Wash thoroughly and use the soap and shampoo. Really scrub yourself down. Once you feel thoroughly cleaned you can pick up your (tiny) towel and head into the baths.

Don’t: Have Tattoos

Exposed tattoos are a non-starter. Body art is not really done in Japan unless you’re a card carrying member of the yakuza (Japanese mafia,) so many onsens will not allow tattoos on bathers. If your tat is small you may be able to cover it with a bandage. If you have a full sleeve, you may want to check ahead with the onsen to see if you’ll be allowed.

Do: Enjoy the Hot Water

Now you can relax and soak it all in. The water can be quite hot so ease in slowly. Leave your (tiny) towel on the edge, don’t let it get wet. If you’re with friends, chatting is okay; yelling, splashing or swimming is generally frowned upon.

The bigger onsens have different types of baths to choose from. Some vary greatly in temperature (if you’re feeling brave take a dip in the cold pool before sinking into the warm- you will tingle all over).

Definitely test out all the different options. Spa World had outdoor Japanese style tubs, indoor Persian baths and even a carbonated bath!

Most onsens will also have a sauna. When you use the sauna make sure you sit on your (tiny) towel- nobody wants to sit where your sweaty butt has been!

Onsen with a view at the Kawaguchiko Hotel- photo by Composthp

Don’t: Shower Post-soak

After soaking up the waters until I felt slightly past-prunish, I jumped back into the shower. No no! A woman told me frantically, gesturing at me to get out. Apparently you’re not supposed to shower before you leave- this is when the minerals soak into your skin.

Do: Take a Nice Nap

With all of the warmth and relaxation you may find yourself getting sleepy. Do not fall asleep in the tub, trust me people will look at you funny. Many of the bigger baths have napping rooms. Get a big drink of water and then get ready for some of the best sleep of your life.

For first time visitors, the strict procedure (and the nakedness) can be intimidating, but don’t miss out on this important and really enjoyable aspect of Japanese culture.

Stephanie Yoder

Stephanie is a girl who can’t sit still. Since graduating she has spent her time either roaming the earth or saving up for her next trip, until finally quitting the rat race for good to become a full time writer, blogger and owner of Twenty-Something Travel.

You can follow her travels on Google+ Twitter and Facebook

The Real Outback: Experience Australia’s Northern Territory

When people think of Australia, many think of the Sydney Opera House and the urban activities in Melbourne, however the term “outback” refers to the other side of Australia: the Northern Territory. Nellie Huang of WildJunket gave us the scoop on all the can’t-miss sights of this continent’s northern hemisphere! Get a jump start on planning your experience and see what events are coming up.

Sprawling across the northern regions of Australia is the Northern Territory, two and a half times the size of Texas and far more remote and untouched. It’s my favorite part of the country, with so much endemic wildlife and out-of-this-world landscapes that other regions just can’t rival. The region is made up of two distinctive areas: the Red Center and the Top End.

They are almost at extreme ends — the Red Center is hot, dry and harsh, dotted with patches of spinifex and unique rock formations, many of which are sacred spots for the region’s Aboriginal people; while the Top End is a lush tropical oasis sprinkled with waterfalls, billabongs and verdant green forests.

This is the Outback at its best and Australia at its most natural. Last year I took a road trip through the Northern Territories, here’s a look at some of the best places and experiences I encountered along the way.

Watch the Sunrise at Uluru and Kata Tjuta

On a three-day camping safari, we hiked through the deserts and impressive rock formations of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, camped out under the stars and even caught sunrise one early morning over Uluru. Blinding rays of orange flashed across the vast desert like a laser light show and lit up the whole area in a kaleidoscope of colors. Sunrise at Uluru and Kata Tjuta was a stunning sight to behold, and there was no better moment to experience these two impressive sights than at the crack of dawn.

Kata Tjuta

During the safari, we explored three main sites: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon – all of which are considered sacred to the Anangu, the Aboriginal people of the Red Center. Having lived here for approximately 20,000 years, the Anangu have a particularly close relationship with their land. The trail that led us up, through, and into King’s Canyon was my favorite of all as I felt like we were truly immersed in the Outback. Anangu stories and myths just seemed to come alive here.

Hiking Kings Canyon

Wandering through the West MacDonnell Ranges

Stretching across the center of Australia, the 644 kilometer long mountain range runs to the east and west of Alice Springs. With our feisty Britz Bushcamper 4WD, we headed to explore the spectacular gaps and gorges that run through the ranges. During our daytrip, we wandered through Simpsons Gap, swam in the fresh waters of Ellery Creek, went on a short hike through Glen Helen Gorge and even climbed up the red quartzite cliffs of Stanley Chasm — it’s a stunning area that has surprisingly remained a secret among foreign visitors.

Nellie in Simpsons Gap

Encounter Wildlife at Alice Springs Desert Park

Located seven kilometers outside the city of Alice Springs is the Alice Springs Desert Park, a conservation park that showcases the Australian desert environment as its natural state. It is a beautifully sculpted area where kangaroos roam, birds fly overhead, and endangered bilby burrow underground. There’s hardly any fence around – it’s almost like an open-air playground where all of the area’s wildlife live freely.

Alice Springs Desert Park

Enjoy the Lush Greenery of Kakadu National Park

Gorgeous secluded waterfalls, rough rocky landscape and unspoiled greenery are peppered throughout the huge Kakadu National Park. This area is found in the Top End, where the proximity to the Equator gives it a humid tropical climate. Our tour through Kakadu was thrilling and exciting as we clambered over boulders to get to the stunning lookout point where we grazed upon Arnhem Land, hiked up steep slopes to find Aboriginal rock art and took respite in the waterfalls.

Kakadu National Park – Wild Junket

Try a New Kind of “Wild Game” in Darwin

In the capital city of the Northern Territory, there are plenty of choices when it comes to food. I’m a wildlife buff; unfortunately I also have a big appetite. Thankfully the animal population in Australia remains healthy and eating them isn’t going to dwindle their population. My most memorable meal in Australia remains this one in Darwin where I feasted on skewers of kangaroo, alligator and emu meat.

Are you “game” enough to try kangaroo or emu meat?

A journey to the Northern Territories redefines ‘the great outdoors,’ with landscapes and experiences that I never even imagined before my road trip. It is so vast, isolated and remote that mere words cannot do it justice. The only way to comprehend the Northern Territories is to travel through them.

Nellie Huang

With an eye for adventure and a thirst for the unknown, Nellie is a travel writer and blogger who loves to veer way beyond the conventional trail. Her blog, WildJunket is the child of all her adventures (and misadventures) around the world. Since the success of her blog, along with her photographer/designer husband, she has also launched a digital flipbook magazine, WildJunket Magazine.

You can find her online on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

How to Travel like a Princess…on the Cheap

Many girls dream of traveling like a princess, but trust funds are hard to find. What’s a budget-minded princess to do?

Actually, luxe travel isn’t so unattainable with the right tricks. Trust me on this: I love to travel in style, but there’s no platinum credit card bankrolling my trips!

1. Find the Next Big Thing

One trick for finding value-friendly vacation destinations is scoping emerging locations on the brink of becoming the next hot vacation spot. Prices can be amazing since hotel inventory and services haven’t skyrocketed.

Amador Causeway, Panama City by Saphira

So what’s the next big thing, you ask? Try Panama, home to some outstanding Caribbean beach resorts and spas as well as amazing bargains. Search for a fab Renewal Suite at The Westin Playa Bonita Panama for less than the price of a standard hotel room in the US.

Prepare to be shocked when you see what you can get for your dollar in terms of dining, excursions and spa treatments.

Of course you should head to the spa, right? At the current rates charged at The Sensory Spa by Clarins you can afford half a dozen spa treatments for the price of a single treatment in most US spas.

2. Give Your Camping Experience an Upgrade

There was a time when the words “camping trip” meant uncomfortable nights, air mattresses, doing without a restroom or shower and eating out of a cooler all weekend. It’s fun for some, but one thing was for sure: you’d come home with plenty of dirt under your nails and desperate for a bath.

These days of course gals who love the outdoors and comfort in equal measure don’t have to compromise on either thanks to the joys of glamping: glamorous camping. See what they did there? Clever huh?G

A luxury, pampered camping trip means you can enjoy the great outdoors without having to use an outhouse at the same time. Glamping definitely is not roughing it. You will find everything from Turkish rugs, velvet chaise lounges, to four-poster canopy beds.

Glamorous camping is even available in Peru. Glamping along Peru’s legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu sounds very much like what an Inca Princess would have experienced during their lifetime. The mystique of the region as you trek to the “Lost City” has an exclusive ring to it too!

3. High Tea WithOUT the Queen

There is nothing more refined than taking time for High Tea in the afternoon. You may not have the budget to stay at an urban castle for the entire night, but visiting for afternoon for tea makes one feel like royalty.

Lady Grantham herself enjoys a tea that closely resembles the one held most days at The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead.

Desserts fit for a Princess! from the Ritz Carlton Buckhead Atlanta by Kataries

The Lobby Lounge’s large fireplace is the optimum location to refresh for the afternoon like a proper lady. Don’t forget to point your pinkie!

4. Don’t Blow the Crown Jewels

Unfortunately, for all the non-princesses among us usually we have no choice but to accept that we’re going to have to stick to a budget during our trip. In this situation I prefer to book into a budget-friendly hotel but then head out to find what facilities and spas I can find elsewhere.

I know plenty of princess wannabes that stay at Disney World’s Pop Century budget resort but still feel like true royalty by making appointments at the nearby luxurious Blue Harmony Spa. The lobby has large paintings of royalty, chairs you could sink into all day and a spa with a private hot tub.

5. Every Princess Needs a Castle

Ashford Castle by MilwVon

One does not have to be a real life princess to sleep like one! How does a stone archways turrets and ancient castle charm feel for a place to lay your head? No princess should be without a castle, and the Ashford Castle in Ireland has made that happen.

The spectacular setting includes 350 acres of woodlands and gardens. The gray stone castle was once home to those who are practically Irish royalty, the Guinness family (yes the beer).

Riding and golf along with a stein of beer or two round out the most popular activities here. You can have a few drinks, since the castle rooms sometime go for as low as $139 per person per night. Most importantly, you’ll feel just like the “Princess and the Pea” in their large high rise beds with fluffy bedding.

Ava Roxanne Stritt

Ava Roxanne Stritt

Ava is a travel writer and editor of the blog Spa Travel Gal. She believes that travel, spa and skincare experiences are not a luxury, but essential to a healthy body and mind. If her family needs to find her they just call the local luxury spa.

A renowned expert in spa and luxury travel, Ava is featured in USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, Spa Week, Fox News, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, among many other publications.

You can follow Ava on Twitter, Facebook and Google+

Celebrate the End of Party Culture in Vang Vieng

Travel blogger Stephanie Yoder of TwentySomething Travel explains why she doesn’t miss this former “amusement park for western imperialism.” Find out why she will continue to visit – and why the past is nothing to write home about.

Ask any veteran backpacker in South East Asia and they will tell you it’s the end of an era. Vang Vieng, Laos, the former capital of party tourism in the region, a seven days a week blow out bash along the sleepy Nam Song river, is no more. The bars have been shuttered, the zip lines torn down and the drugs banished by the Laos government. The party is over.

Personally, I say good riddance.

Green Cliffs
by SeenThat

I visited Vang Vieng in March 2011 at the height of the backpacker boom. The town’s reputation had proceeded it throughout the region in whispers and knowing glances, absurd stories and the ever-present “In the Tubing” t-shirts. For many people this seemed to be THE reason to visit Laos. Of course I had to check it out for myself.

I arrived on a dusty school bus packed with other backpackers. The formerly sleepy Lao village had all the hallmarks of a town grown too fast, crowded with guest houses, sunglass shops and pizza places. Cafes full of hungover twenty-somethings blared Family Guy and Friends re-runs on an endless loop

The main attraction for the thousands of shoe-stringers who flocked here each year was tubing along the river. Or, more accurately: getting completely wasted at the riverside bars that line the banks, luring backpackers with free shots and thumping pop music. The place was complete and utter lawless hedonism: $1 cocktails, “magic” mushroom pizzas, opium tea and more.

Heaven for backpackers? Maybe for some, but I left unimpressed. While I did enjoy eating some western food, tubing down the river and drinking a $3 bucket or two, I couldn’t get over the sleazy dubiousness of the whole place. I was relieved to hear about the changes made by the government. I know some backpackers must be reacting with indignation, but here’s why they are wrong:

First of all, tourists in Vang Vieng were literally DYING. Drowning, overdosing, breaking their necks on unsafe swings. Not just one or two either, almost 30 backpackers died in 2011. Tragically it seems that drugs, fast running water and zero safety precautions are not a safe combination. This alone is reason enough to shutter the insanity.

Secondly, I’ll get up on my soapbox and say it: this is BAD travel. Really terrible travel: western imperialism and sense of entitlement and a local hotspot grown totally out of control. People didn’t visit Vang Vieng because they were interested in travel, they simply saw it as an amusement park for rich foreigners.

I saw some of the worst kinds of tourists while I was in Vang Vieng. Laotians are a very modest people, yet young Australians paraded around in nothing but bikinis all day long. Spoiled kids threw trash on the ground, littered the river with beer bottles and were rude to the locals. Whatever local culture Vang Vieng might once have had has been destroyed and paved over with cafes that play Family Guy all day long.

Vang Vieng
by SeenThat

Some will argue that the party crowd brought much needed business to the local economy. Yes, but at what cost? Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world, obviously the people there are going to earn whatever money they can get, but do you think it’s right that they have become reduced to drug dealers and party facilitators?

Finally, let me let you in on a little secret: Vang Vieng is still there. You can still visit. You can even still tube down the Nam Song, relax and take in the beautiful Karst mountains. There is trekking, rock climbing and caves to be explored, local villages, temples and an organic farm.

Nam Xong
by SeenThat

There is still plenty to see and do here. Without the massive drug and party culture dominating the town, they have a unique chance to reinvent themselves as an eco-tourism destination. Did you love Vang Vieng? Go support it now.

You can follow her travels on Google+ Twitter and Facebook

Seven Kickass Travel Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of

#1: Save Hundreds on Airfare by Pairing Unconnected Tickets

The Wall St Journal recently highlighted a trick that veteran travelers have known for years: you can save big on airfare by pairing unconnected tickets. It simply means that you book the connections of a multi-leg trip on your own. Using their example:

“The tactic can work best in summer when discount airfares are harder to find. For a June 11 to 18, the lowest round-trip airfare from Atlanta to Berlin was priced on Friday at $1,541. The New York to Berlin fare was $680. With discount competition between New York and Atlanta, the lowest round-trip fare to JFK was $258. That is a saving of 39%, or $2,400 for a family of four.”

Keep in mind that this won’t work for every trip or every destination and it will of course require more legwork on your part. But, if you’re a hardcore, “savings above all else” traveler, sometimes the discounts can be huge.

#2: Trick Your Body Into Eating (Almost) Anything

If you’re a picky eater, it’s possible that you just have “texture issues”. These might induce a physical reaction when your brain wrongly believes that you just can’t stomach a certain texture. For some, that might be “mushy” (think: mashed peas), for others “seedy” (think: tomatoes or kiwi) and the list goes on.

Some travelers would like to be more adventurous eaters, but their bodies simply won’t allow it. One trick is to suppress your gag reflex to overcome that psychosomatic response. And the trick to doing that is simple: form a fist with your left hand, squeezing your thumb. It’s a trick dentists have shared with their patients for years.

To be clear, this won’t work for everyone. But if you’re seriously interested in stepping outside your culinary comfort zone while traveling, give it a try.

#3: Beat Jet Lag by Fasting

You already know that the symptoms of jet lag stem from your body’s falling out of its natural circadian rhythm. The Harvard Business Review reveals that fasting can snap it back into place. In short:

Airport food: avoid it before your flight, and enjoy it after you land. (photo courtesy of LenR)

Try fasting both before and during your long flight, then eating in a pattern that puts you in sync with local time. For instance, if you’re taking a 14-hour flight from New York to Beijing, it would work like this:
•   Avoid all food from the time you get to the airport (i.e., about two hours before departure)
•   Don’t eat during the flight — but still drink plenty of water
•   Eat soon after you land, as close to a local meal time as possible

#4: Cancel Your Hotel Reservation at the Last Minute Without Penalties

Almost every hotel charges a penalty when guests cancel their reservations on short notice (typically less than 48 hours).

But there’s a surprisingly simple way around this – so simple, you might wonder why you never thought of it before.

If you need to cancel your reservation, simply reschedule your stay for a future date (say, one month out). Then call back the next day and cancel it completely. Done.

#5: Survive a Mugging Abroad with a “Decoy Wallet”

The key to surviving a mugging is to appease your assailant, and the key to that is to make sure he doesn’t leave empty-handed. Simply carry a “decoy wallet”.

Crowded markets are perfect places for pickpockets to strike. (photo courtesy of rcoffelt)

Think of it as a crappier (read: less valuable) version of your actual wallet. It needs to hold enough cash and cards for the thief to believe it’s the real deal, but not so much that you’re seriously suffering from its loss.

Toss in $100 in cash, a couple of expired credit cards, a receipt or two, and a few customer loyalty cards from places like CVS and your local grocery store and you should be good to go.

#6: Save Big By Calling the Hotel Directly

In an effort to combat dwindling profit margins from online booking sites, many hotels now offer deep discounts to travelers who call the hotel directly. Meta-travel booking sites such as Kayak.com typically offer great rates.

But take their best offer to the hotel directly and see if they’re willing to wheel and deal with you.

I’ve saved as much as 40% off advertised online rates using this method. Bonus: while you’re bending the manager’s ear, kindly drop a request about the type of room you’d prefer (corner room, suite away from the ice machines, etc.).

They’re much more likely to comply when talking to an actual person versus an automated reservation e-mail.

#7: Just Ask!

This isn’t a “hack” per se, but it’s the best possible advice I can offer: if you’re not asking for upgrades, compensation, and plain ol’ free sh*t while you’re traveling, you’re a sucker.

Hotel insider, Jacob Tomsky, lists the phrase “Sorry, there’s just nothing I can do …” among his list of “standard front desk lies””

“There are a lot of these “There’s nothing I can do” situations, when it’s quite untrue. Making a friend and having someone take care of you, it might change your stay. It’s hard to trust what the front desk is telling you because they want to make everyone happy—there are bad rooms and someone has to get them. So being nice, possibly a gratuity, calling ahead—it can go a long way.”

Make new friends with the people working the front desk- they could be your greatest ally! (photo courtesy of panda2)

There’s almost always something they can do in every situation: a better hotel room, a premium airline seat, a better class of rental car. And 90% of the time you simply have to be polite and ask.

Just keep in mind that there’s a big difference between demanding and asking. Remember that travel can tempt otherwise kind, ordinary folks to act like a$$holes.

Hospitality workers often face a daily barrage of verbal assaults and moody, impatient travelers. Be the exception to their day: whether that’s through kindness, flattery, or plain ol’ bribery.

by Mike Richard

Mike Richard is a Rhode Island native and travel junkie with an unhealthy addiction to backpacking, hiking and seeing the world. Since 2006, he has edited, written for, and kept the gears running behind the scenes as founding editor of his blog, Vagabondish. He absconded from corporate life in 2010 to travel full time and hasn’t had a permanent residence since.

He has spoken professionally as a featured panelist at the annual TBEX (Travel Blogger’s Exchange) conference. Other noteworthy credits include “Woman’s World magazine contributor” and having once been interviewed by Tyra Banks (seriously).

You can follow him online at Google+, Twitter and Facebook.

2012 UGO! Award Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 UGO! Awards. 2012 was an inspiring year for travel experiences, and we felt like we were right there with you on your journeys. Thanks to the voters, the winners, and all the nominees for another fantastic year.

Writing Awards:

Nature: MilwVon

With Kids: RoBoNC

City: PraskiPark

Food: fizzytom

Photo Awards:

Views from above: debmercury

Color and Light: lavenderdays

People: BawBaw

Overall

Best Writer: MilwVon

Best Photographer: debmercury

New Member: PeaceLoveTravel

Travel Romance – A Survival Guide

I’ll never forget my first travel romance. My plan was to spend six weeks backpacking around Europe solo, discovering the local cultures, exploring the history and gorging myself on delicious food.

What I didn’t expect was to meet Dan on my very first night in an Amsterdam hostel.

I don’t know if it was his bright blue eyes, contagious laughter or the fact we had smoked something a little stronger than cigarettes, but after an hour of intense conversation I knew I was in love. Even the next day when the smoke had cleared and we woke up next to each other, blemishes and imperfections glowing in the morning sunlight, the feeling was still there.

“I have something really romantic planned for today,” he said with a smile. “Let’s go get kebabs and some of that 1 Euro wine we saw and go listen to the hippies playing guitar in Vondelpark.”

“Sounds like the best first date anyone has ever planned, babe.”

Things moved quickly, as they tend to when you spend every waking and non-waking hour with someone. And although there were some bumps in the road, we managed to travel together for the entire trip without killing each other, even making plans to travel again in the future.

But keeping romance alive on the road is no walk in the park, as countless broken hearts will testify.

Here are a few tips for doing it right.

Set Realistic Expectations

The trick to a travel romance is realistic expectations. Meeting a sexy stranger in an exotic land is always exciting, and can lead to heightened feelings of love and a quick relationship progression. Within a week you know each other’s deepest secrets, worst habits and embarrassing smells, but it only makes you love each other more.

Although this can be an amazing experience, don’t get your hopes up if it doesn’t last longer than the trip itself.

I’ve had travel romances that continued on after the plane ride home, as well as intense flings that fizzled out quicker than Alta Seltzer. If it works out, great. If it doesn’t, at least you enjoyed the ride.

Hostels Can Be “Romantic”

When you find a passionate travel romance, realize how lucky you are and embrace every second of it. If you’re a long-term traveler, don’t get frustrated about your low funds but instead work with what you have.

For example, you don’t need to stay in a private hotel room to get some action, as hostels provide plenty of opportunities for getting it on. Think the shower, rooftops or in the afternoon when everyone is out sightseeing.

Additionally, expensive restaurants and romantic excursions are overrated. For a romantic meal, have a picnic in the park with some cheap wine or head to a local restaurant where neither of you can read the menu.

These venues are usually cheaper and can be unforgettable — especially when you order something you can’t identify. Add to the affordable romance by getting lost in a city together, hiking to a scenic viewpoint or kayaking on a nearby lake.

Remember, you don’t need to work hard to make the relationship exciting, since everyday when traveling is a new adventure in itself.

Give Each Other Space

You’re already spending more time together in a month than most couples do in a year, so give each other some space. Splitting up for the day and doing some solo sightseeing will not only keep you from getting on each others’ nerves, but will also allow you some independence and personal growth.

Cut Each Other Some Slack

Nobody can be perfect 24/7, so cut each other some slack. In normal dating situations, both parties are able to hide their annoying habits and bad behavior for at least a few weeks, usually months; however, when you’re on the road full-time together everything comes out into the open.

So his breath isn’t minty fresh every time you kiss and he didn’t pay for your lunch, and she picks her teeth and takes an hour and a half to get ready. Accept your situation and relax.

Keep The Communication Open

That being said, if there is something really bothering you, speak up (nicely). The worst thing you can do when traveling with a romantic partner is hold your feelings in until you explode.

Let your new love interest know if you need space or if there is something making you unhappy. As long as you convey your feelings in a clear and respectful manner this should only make you stronger.

Roll With The Punches

While fun, traveling can be stressful. Uncomfortable situations, missed trains and language barriers can make you both cranky. Instead of letting bumps in the road bother you, roll with the punches and enjoy every moment of your time together. Keep in mind, most issues on the road turn into funny travel stories later.

Splurge

If possible, pool some money together for a romantic splurge. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top, but one night in a private hotel room or a steak dinner can pull you both out of your routine. While everyday is exciting on the road, it can never hurt to add some ambiance once in awhile.

Trust Your Gut

So it’s been two weeks and you’re starting to wonder if maybe you rushed into things. If you start to feel like the romance isn’t what you want anymore, get out. Although it may feel like you’re in a long-term relationship, the truth is you don’t know each other that well, and you don’t owe this other person anything. Travel is selfish. It’s about having the experiences you want in a foreign land. Do what you need to make your travel experience the one you want.

By Jessica Festa

Jessie loves nothing more than her backpack. With a Masters degree in Communication she had a choice; find a steady job or live the dream. She was always going to choose the latter. On her blog, Jessie on a Journey, she covers lesser-known destinations as well as popular places from new and unusual perspectives. She also writes for Fodor’s, Gadling and the Huffington Post, among others. You can follow her travels and writing on: Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.

Vote Now in the 2012 U GO! Awards

It’s that time folks: time to vote on your favorite IgoUgo contributors in the 2012 U GO! Awards!

We’re doing it a bit differently this year due to some timing constraints, but please feel free to share the voting ballot with your friends and family!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D8RFRDS

Let’s just highlight some of our awesome contributors here for a moment, shall we?
2009 Travel Writer of the year, MilwVon is up for Best Nature writer again this year, as well as Best Overall writer. Could she take home both? Ssullivan, member since 2004, is also nominated in this category and has never taken home the prize…could this be his year?

We have some great- and might I add BRAVE- family travelers up for Best of Family writing. Fiver29 and Meggysmum are the “underdogs” here having never won a U Go! award previously, but veterans Joy S and MagdaDH_AlexH are some steep competition. Joy S is also up for Best Nature writer AND Best Overall writer.

In the Best City Writing category we have rookies two cruisers & jodeci527 competing against heavy hitters tianjinpaul & Praskipark.

RLB2 is the rookie in our Best Food Writer category- going up against some of our best veterans koshkha, Slug & fizzytom.

Go read their stuff, and vote for your favorite! NOW- onto your photo nominees!

Best Photography: Views From Above

View from the Loughrigg Fell Walk- debmercury

Notre Dame Gargoyle- tartlette

The Seine and the City- two cruisers

View of Santorini- raymond longaray

View from Aggstein Castle- Fotorunn

Best Photography: Color and Light

Olympic Village- composthp

Pukekrura Park, New Plymouth, Taranaki- auskiwi

Trafalgar Square at Night in London, England- lavenderdays

Trafalgar Square at Night in London- lavenderdays

Illumination by Lantern- Eric from Aiea

Time photography done at dark- Denton L Thaves

Best Photography: People

Entrada Universitaria 2012- SeenThat

Street Scene in New York- Dutchntasja

Marina Bay Sands Pool- Willie Wandrag

Isle of Skye- MagdaDH_AlexH

Romantic Sunset- BawBaw

Be sure sure to go vote for these fantastic photographers, and then choose your favorite Writer, Photographer & New Member for 2012.

You can also go vote through our Facebook page, and spread the word through Twitter as well.

GOOD LUCK to all the nominees! Voting ends at 12PM CST on February 15th.

Written by Julie Janak- Social Media and Content Editor for IgoUgo

Stay Here – Not There: 5 Fun Alternatives to Pricey Valentines Day Hotels

Valentine’s Day is a tough time to pick the perfect hotel given the holiday’s requisite surprise and romance. So, instead of a last-minute search for overpriced hotels, why not try a vacation rental? Prices are set and there are typically last-minute deals (that’s right…deals, not price hikes.)

To guide you on the path to Valentine’s Day vacation rental success, we enlisted an expert. Dan Weisman of FlipKey compares the best vacation rental options in FlipKey.com’s top five Valentine’s Day destinations:

1. Miami Beach, FL

For those Will-Smith-fresh couples, Miami Beach’s nightlife and acclaimed restaurants make this city the perfect destination to get tan and a little indulgent. Given its popularity, you’ll notice hotels are 2x the price in comparison to a luxury rental!

The Betsy Hotel

$695/night
courtyard pool
rooftop deck with garden and spa
two bars and restaurants

VS.

vacation rental_Miami

Art Deco Luxury

$389/night
steps to the beach
outdoor pool and spa
private terrace

2. Lahaina, HI

Couples love Hawaii, so it comes as no surprise that this is at the top of the list for Valentine’s Day. Horseback riding, surfing, and sex on the beach (the drinks!) are ideal for any romantic trip.

The Mauian

$196/per night
shuffleboard courts
coin-operated laundry
stand up paddleboard rentals and lessons

VS.

vacation rental-Lahaina

Stunning & Sophisticated Oceanfront Condo

$150/night
waterfront property near snorkeling reef
beach chairs and towels provided
jaw-dropping sundecks

3. Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs has a great mix of Hollywood stardust, outdoor adventure, and desert culture. An ideal destination for couples who want a little bit of everything.

Del Marcos Hotel

$338/night
heated saltwater pool
golf teetimes
complimentary use of cruiser bikes

VS.

vacation rental_palm springs

Your Private Boutique Hotel

$265/night
private saltwater pool
tanning ledge
two firepits

4. Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg sits next to the country’s most visited national park – the Smoky Mountains. The breathtakingly vast landscape will help you woo your Valentine within seconds.

The Lodge at Buckberry Creek
$194/night

walking trails
hammocks
rustically elegant restaurant

VS.

Vacation rental-Gatlinburg

View of the Smokies

$160/night
mountaintop views of ski slopes
fully-equipped kitchen
hot tub

5. Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is growing to be a favorite destination for travelers and this Valentine’s Day is no exception. Filled with excitement and a little mystery, the city offers luxurious at small prices, a feature any couple should take advantage of come the 14th.

Casa Mosquito

$279/night
five minutes from the beach
on-site chef and room service
terrace with lanai

VS.

3 Bedroom in Ipanema

$220/night
spacious modern apartment
five minutes from Ipanema and Copacabana beaches
nightlife, restaurants, and markets around the corner

About Dan Weisman

Dan Weisman is the blog editor at Flipkey.com. He is dedicated to the pursuit of fun, and enjoys every vacation and trip that he encounters on the journey. Find more travel ideas and tips on the FlipKey blog or on twitter.