BootsnAll's Blogspot

Rediscovering New York (for the First Time)

2009-09-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

For the past several years, the word "travel" in my world has almost exclusively meant "overseas travel." In fact, the vast majority of the stamps in my passport lately are ones I received on trips to and from Italy, as I've ventured back and forth pursuing the necessary paperwork to move there. But this summer I got to do some non-family-related domestic travel for the first time in a long time, and I was reminded what a cool country I live in.

I spent a few days in Chicago in July to attend two conferences (BlogHer and TBEX), and although I did basically nothing even remotely touristy while I was there, I really enjoyed my stay. My only prior visit to Chicago had been en route back from France in 1999, when we had a long enough layover that we zipped into the city and up the Sears Tower before zipping back out to the airport and our flight home. This was, clearly, in the days before extended waits at the security line which probably would have made that 2-hour layover long enough for, well, nothing. But that's another topic for another article.

When I was planning my trip to Chicago this year, I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of costs. It's not the tourist destination that New York or Miami might be, but it's certainly a big city with lots to offer. So I was pleasantly surprised to find that airline tickets to Chicago from Portland weren't crazy expensive, even in the summer. And not only did I find a good selection of Chicago cheap hotels that I could choose from, the one I ended up in was Italy-themed (never a bad thing in my book), a mere 3-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile and way more upscale than I'm used to - while still being a bargain.

As I said, I was in Chicago for conferences, so I didn't really get out and explore much - but I really loved the feel of the city center, and walking to and from the conference sites from my hotel was a pleasure. The architecture is beautiful and varied, and I was impressed with the amount of green the city planners had incorporated into a busy city center. I know in my head that Chicago's a big city that stretches far beyond the little part I was covering daily, but somehow taking the city in bite-sized pieces like that made it feel small enough that I felt comfortable immediately (regardless of my unfamiliarity with it).

These thoughts got me thinking about my relationship with America's #1 big city, New York. It's not as positive a story. Yet.

My dad, who grew up in New York City, drilled into my head from a very young age that New York was dirty, scary, crime-filled, and a place I definitely did not want to spend any time. I really don't know what the city was like in my youth, but I have no doubts that it was pretty bad when my dad was growing up - in other words, I don't think he was trying to instill unfounded fear into his kids' minds to keep us safe. Unfortunately, however, no matter how many years have passed since he issued those warnings, I still find myself on edge most of the time when I'm in New York.

As a kid, we'd go into "the city" on a regular basis to visit relatives or for eye doctor appointments (before you ask, yes, there were plenty of perfectly fine eye doctors where we lived in Connecticut, but the New York one was a relative, and that's the way my people do things). As an adult, I've been to New York only a handful of times, and I've had really nice experiences there. So why is it that when I think about traveling I never consider going back to New York?

I think my plan of attack needs to be similar to what I did in Chicago - I need to go in without expectations, take the city in bite-sized pieces, and (above all) relax. Just like with Chicago, I know there are cheap flights to New York from Portland, and the array of cheap hotels New York has to offer is downright astounding (although I'm not so sure some of them wouldn't sour me on NYC permanently). I'm not typically a package tour kind of girl, but I might just look into what New York vacation packages include in their itineraries so I can potentially add some of those things (the ones that aren't obvious, anyway) to my to-do list. Sometimes, those vacation planners come up with nice lesser-known attractions and activities that can make a trip feel unique, which is always welcome in a heavily touristed place like New York.

Last, but certainly not least, I'd consult my now vast network of contacts who either live in or used to live in New York. I like and respect these people, and they like NYC, so there's got to be something there. Between their recommendations and the family friends I have who still live in Manhattan, I'm pretty sure I could come up with a good enough customized NY travel guide that would help me get over my childhood aversion to the city.

At the very least, I'm eager to give my theory a try.

V Australia launches fares to Thailand and South Africa

2009-08-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be invited to go on a press trip to Australia this past May. Along with 5 other American journalists who were brought to Queensland in an effort to promote the Working Holiday Visa now available to Americans and backpacking in Queensland in general, we were flown on one of Virgin Australia’s new trans-Pacific flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane.

>>Read about the V Australia flights from Kathleen Crislip, one of my fellow journalists on the press trip

As much as I was dreading the long haul flight (and turning around and doing the same flight on the way back just one week later), I was totally impressed (and surprised) with how easy the whole flight felt on Virgin. Not only did we get great treatment in our Premium Economy seats—the food wasn’t horrible, the wine was free flowing and there were so many great entertainment options there was no way I was going to see or listen to all that I wanted on the 12+ hour flight.

In other words, I was impressed with Virgin Australia and would recommend that not only other travelers consider them for their flight to Australia, but me, the budget savvy girl, would even go so far as to say that it might even be worth spending a few extra dollars to fly Virgin than one of the other airlines (if you are going to be stuck on an airplane that long, you don’t want the whole thing to be that unpleasant of an experience).

Because I had such a great experience flying on V Australia, I got excited when I heard news that V Australia would be launching fares to Thailand and South Africa. V Australia launched operations on the competitive trans-Pacific route from Los Angeles to Sydney last February—which prompted fare wars between Virgin and Qantas and drove prices down on flights to Australia by almost half of what they had been just one year before and which made for some insane deals on flights to Australia.

While Virgin still took a hit last quarter (the travel industry has been hard hit by the economic recession and fewer people traveling by air), apparently the airline is not backing down for opening new routes and breaking into new markets. V Australia is also hoping to dominate a corner of the market—as it will be the only airline offering direct flights from Brisbane to Phucket and Melbourne to Phucket.

While the V Australia flights to Thailand will only be departing from Australia, those looking for airfare to Bangkok should be pleased that Virgin is entering the market. Not only does it have the potential to drive down fares in general to Thailand (especially from Australia), but it also offers up another great carrier option for those looking to travel to Thailand.

I met many backpackers (some American, some assorted Scandinavians, and a whole lot of Brits) during my trip to Australia and many of them had just been to or were headed to Thailand as part of their extended travel plans and around the world trips. Hearing about all of the great, cheap hotels in Bangkok, the Full Moon parties, the beaches and the food (oh the food) made me pretty envious my trip to Australia was ending with a flight back to the U.S. and not to Thailand.

>>For those headed to the World Cup in 2010, V Australia will also be launching new routes from Oz to Johannesburg in March just in time for the worldwide soccer event. The airline has also sent an application asking the International Air Services Commission for permission to operate flights between Australia and Fiji-which means that V Australia fans could soon be able to fly from Oz to nearby Fiji.

Atlantic City must be seen to be believed

2009-07-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

I know it’s been a while since I rapped at ya, but with a friend of mine currently thinking about a trip to Atlantic City, I just had to say something. I’ve been to Atlantic City many times and I do think it’s misunderstood, and figuring out how to get there is one of the bigger mysteries.

There is an international airport in Atlantic City, but it’s only served by 3 small airlines, and it only has incoming flights from a handful of cities, mostly in Florida and in that region. There are no flights from New York, since it’s faster and cheaper to drive or take a bus or even hire a taxi for the journey from that city.

What you want to do is look for flights to Newark, and from there it’s only about 60 miles and an easy drive. There are pretty good bargains on rental cars in Newark, at least compared to the airports in New York City itself, so you can be in Atlantic City about 2 hours after your plane lands, without spending a fortune.

The other tricky part is where to stay. By now I think everyone has heard the story that hotels in Atlantic City are almost all either attached to fancy casinos, or they are complete dumps. There are actually some places in between these days, and some of them are located only a block or two from the casinos, so those are good places to look if you are on a budget.

You also have to consider that pretty much all hotels are really hurting for business these days, so all of them are offering great promotional deals, and many of them will give you an even lower price, or a nicer room, if you pick up the phone and call them to ask. Hotels in this area that used to charge over $200 per night are often going for about half that this summer, even though it’s supposed to be peak season.

The boardwalk in Atlantic City is nice, and worth a stroll, but once you get two or more blocks away from it things change for the worse, often in a big way. I wish this was no longer true, but really the city is kind of a mess except for the big casinos and the boardwalk, and even some of the fancy hotels are having tough times too. Still, all of this means that it’s a great time for a visit, so the odds are in your favor.

How Leonardo Dicaprio made me want to go to Thailand

2009-07-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have long wanted to travel to Thailand. One of my mother’s best friends has lived in Bangkok for years and every time she returns to the states for a visit, she is full of exotic stories of Thailand, the food and the people. I became immediately curious about this far away and enchanting place of spices, beautiful beaches and a rich culture. However, I have to be honest that it was more than just Marsha’s tales from Bangkok that inspired my desire to travel to Thailand. It also had something to do with a movie. And a bad one at that.

In 2000, when I was the tender age of 15 (and still carrying around a pretty big crush on Leonardo DiCaprio), the movie The Beach came out. The scenery was stunning and when I found out the movie had filmed on the beaches in Thailand I knew I had to go there. It’s 9 years later, and while I have developed a serious affection for Thai food during those years, I have not yet visited Thailand or the beaches that enthralled me from the cheesy DiCaprio love flick.

As it turns out, this year may finally be the time for me to pack up my favorite swimsuits and head to Thailand. With airfare to Bangkok, Thailand cheaper than it has been in years and plenty of great offers and deals to be found at cheap hotels in Bangkok, there is little reason not to book my ticket and head out on a Thai vacation of my dreams. In fact, with the economy down and almost everything in the travel industry discounted, now is a great time to also save money while traveling. Not only will you find your plane tickets are cheaper, but you’ll also find plenty of hotels offering cut-rate rooms and specials on tours and other tourism related activities.

Plus, while Thailand certainly has it’s fair share of nice resorts and fancy hotels, it has also been a major backpacking destination for hot spots, meaning you’ll have no problem finding hostels in Bangkok or in the many beach towns popular among travelers. With the dollar usually quite strong against the Thai currency, you’ll also find yourself spending a lit less money once you are over there than you may have anticipated, making Thailand a very budget-savvy choice right now.

Since work and other adult obligations have me grounded for the time being with no Thai adventure on the near horizon, I’ll probably have to satiate my desire to travel to Thailand by visiting my favorite Thai restaurant in Portland called Pok Pok-- woofing up their delicious dishes seasoned with lemon grass, cilantro, limes, chilies and coconut milk until I can make a trip to Thailand myself and eat the real deal.

How to travel more without going broke or getting fired

2009-06-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

It will not come to a surprise to anyone that I love to travel. As a travel writer by profession, this is probably something you’d expect. There is something about being away from home and the daily grind—whether it’s on a weekend trip to the nearby Oregon coast or a 6-week backpacking trip through the jungles of Panama—that invigorates my senses, wakes me up to new experiences and satisfies my desire for adventure. It’s not that I do not enjoy hanging out in my beautiful hometown of Portland, Oregon, it’s just that I feel most alive when I’m on the road discovering new things and opening myself up to the possibility of the unknown.

Unfortunately, work and finances prevents me from gallivanting the globe on long term trips (not yet at least), so sometimes I am forced to get a little more creative with ways to get away without a) breaking the bank and b) losing my job. Weekend getaways are a great way to satiate your travel bug, while still remaining gainfully employed and with money in your bank account.

Especially with summer here, now is the perfect time to think about weekend trips where you can get away from home, unwind, enjoy the warm weather and forget about responsibilities of home for awhile (without spending much money). Here in the Pacific Northwest, this will mean weekend road trips to the coast and mountains, camping trips in the Cascades and maybe even a rafting trip down the Rogue River.

My mother was definitely the one who instilled a love of travel in me from an early age. Growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, her weekend trips as a child usually involved heading to the beach in the summer and to the Pennsylvania mountains for skiing in the winter. With so many great little beachy hotels in Virginia Beach (and a great beach), it is no wonder this was a favorite weekend getaway spot for my mom and my grandparents when she was growing up.

Another great way to make more weekend trips is to take cheaper trips. This means staying in hostels, cutting down food budgets and finding ways to save. If you spend less on each vacation, you’ll have more money in the bank for the next trip. Whether you are new to hostels or their old hat, reading up on the hostel blog can help you not only find a hostel, but also what to expect (for example: did you know more and more hostels are offering private beds or want to know the most notorious hostels in Europe?).

Until the day I either win the lottery, discover gold, or marry a multi-millionaire I will continue to scheme up ways of saving on each and every trip and how to get out and hit the road as often as possible.

Find Hostels in Europe this Summer

2007-05-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

We recently re-designed out Hostel section and are quite happy with the update. Hostels are one of the oldest sections on BootsnAll. I think we put it up in 2001 or so since independent travelers are into hostels bigtime.

Anyway, Hostels are busy in Europe during the summer and 100's of thousands of people crash on cheap bunks as they make their way around Europe. Some of the most Expensive European cities have tonnes of Hostels like London, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam making it super affordable for the average traveler to visit.

Check out our new city hostel pages.

Hostels in London
Amsterdam Hostels
Hostels in Paris

We link to most of the hostels in those cities and in the content bit, try to highlight some of the most popular ones to keep your browsing effcient. So get planning and booking as many of these major cities do not have hostel beds waiting for you if you stroll up at 5 pm on any given day!

Best of the Boards for the week of February 5, 2007

2007-02-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

Check out the topics currently being discussed on the BootsnAll Travel Forums:

Some travelers never pick a guidebook up, others never put them down. Most of us fall somewhere in between. VickyNewell wants to know why some backpackers are so reliant on their guidebooks? Are they all first-time travelers who need the safety net? Are they afraid to step too far off the beaten path? What do you think?

Bargaining is central to some cultures, and is therefore a key part of many travel experiences. But not everyone is comfortable haggling. Do you bargain when you travel?

There are often questions on the boards about whether people going on long trips should bring their laptops along, and there is rarely a shortage of opinion on both sides of the issue. If you don't want to bring your own computer with you, you might still want to visit internet cafes every couple of days. On the other hand, you might take your travels as the perfect excuse to get away from email and cell phones. So, when you travel, how connected do you like to stay?

Often, people who go on RTW trips have been working like dogs and saving money in order to quit one day and fund their trip. Lucky me wants to know how much you're willing to give up money-wise to fulfill the dream of long-term travel.

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of January 29, 2007

2007-02-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Check out the topics currently being discussed on the BootsnAll Travel Forums:

Complete this sentence: "If I never went RTW, I..." Quimby has posed the question, and provided a few answers already. They're great, including, "If I never went RTW, I wouldn't check for creepy crawlies in my boots every time I put them on." So, how would you complete that sentence?

Mono loco is back from 2.5 years of traveling the world, and is offering his assistance to anyone who's interested. He was traveling for 2.5 years without working, too, so the main question so far is, "How did you save all that money before you left?"

Most people - and certainly most frequent travelers - have an opinion on this: Where do you like to sit on an airplane? And further, what does said preference say about you?

So, you tell your friend you'd really like to go to Pisa. He tells you it's not worth it. Where does that leave you? Rawjer asks, "Can you skip an attraction just because some say it's overrated?"

Those of you who are lucky enough to have traveled for long periods of time may find it a bit depressing to come home, get a job, and then only take two-three week trips. Cherie's feeling this way, and wonders if anyone else has gone through something similar. If so, how did you cope?

Are you one of those people who takes pictures of the toilets you encounter around the world? If so, don't be shy - you're not alone. Post your bathroom pictures here!

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Best of the Boards for the week of January 22, 2007

2007-01-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

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We'd all like to find the perfect job that earns us money while allowing us to be permanent vagabonds, if we so choose. KPG thinks she may have found it - hairdresser. What do you think? Could it work?

Some might say traveling is a gamble. So why not try your hand at the local games while you're out and about? Willis wants to know what foreign casino experience you've got. He's interested in checking out casinos in Central and Eastern Europe.

It's time to help settle a domestic dispute... Katerina Urda and her boyfriend can't agree on how much they'll need to save for their year-long trip. He thinks she's overestimating with her $20,000 number. What do you think?

Smells can evoke powerful memories - and not always good ones. Quimby wants to know - what's the stinkiest place you've been? She's voting for the open sewer in Sukhumvit (Bangkok). What about you?

Jaydeschizo is trying to decide - now that he's nearing the end of his undergraduate career, should he get straight to work to collect some "travel money," or go to grad school (which he'd like to do eventually anyway) in order to be better qualified to make more money down the road?

Would you rather save for retirement so you can play when you're done with work, or work until you're unable to do it anymore, playing all along the way? Or is there another option?

Does your pantry look like a travel guide? Can you whip up foreign dishes with the right spices at a moment's notice? Do you bring home food-related souvenirs when you travel?

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Best of the Boards for the week of January 15, 2007

2007-01-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

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Struggling with what to get for that vagabonding friend before their next round-the-world adventure? How about the Globetrotter's Logbook? Seriously, this thing looks pretty cool. And it's not prohibitively expensive, either!

Most of us like to travel on the cheap, and that usually means staying with friends on occasion. Maybe we've even played the host role as well. The thoughts in this thread will help make sure that you're always invited back after a stay on your friend's couch. You could also pass it along subtly to the last person who shaved her legs in your living room when she stayed with you. (And no, I'm not kidding. Read the thread.)

Now that airlines don't always offer the "freebies" they used to (full meals, in-flight movies), are you one of the people who springs for the "extras" when you fly?

Unless you're very, very lucky (or perhaps you've made a deal with the devil), you'll experience jetlag after a long flight. Are there any tricks to avoiding jetlag that actually work?

What are the best ways to get around that nasty currency conversion fee bank and credit cards charge? What cards have the lowest conversion fees?

Returning "home" can be a serious adjustment after a trip, especially if you've been away for a long time. What are the best ways to cope with the returning-home blues?

Smells can remind us of places we've been, and so can food. What's the best food you've ever eaten, and where were you? Come share, and make all our mouths water.

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of January 8, 2007

2007-01-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

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There are a few things that everyone has to deal with the world over, regardless of nationality, income, race, education... And one of them is using the toilet. Poochythedog has had some trouble with squat toilets in the past, and is looking for pointers. (Warning: Don't read this thread if you've got a weak stomach.)

It's that time of year again... When people are planning their summer European backpacking adventures! Get educated on your Eurail options, and read one person's Eurail tips. You could save yourself money and headaches if you're well-informed!

What is your travel personality? Find out and post the results!

Bigmaude wants to take her three teenagers backpacking through Europe this summer and wants to know if she's nuts to even try it! She thinks she's going to have to drag them kicking and screaming because they want to go to Disneyland instead... There are already plenty of volunteers ready to stand in for her kids if they don't want to go! Can you offer any advice for her to get her kids interested in the trip?

Time to reminisce - what was the first stamp in your passport?

Madhu met a young American filmmaker while traveling who's making a film about aid, volunteerism and the passion that makes NGOs work - and also fail. This gal thinks that "2 week volunteer programs where you pay to go teach, or similar ones where you volunteer for a very short period fail...they harm more than they do good." What do you think?

An oldie but a goodie - if you need inspiration to pack your bags and get outta dodge, this video should do it.

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Best of the Boards for the week of January 1, 2007

2007-01-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

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Sean posted a great list of the cities he visited in 2006, which inspired me to create my own. What does your year in cities look like?

I've got a serious sweet tooth, so it's no wonder my favorite part of the grocery store is the candy section. What are your favorite foreign sweets?

This is a timeless thread... When we're not able to travel, most of us like to dream about our next trip. What books help transport you when you're stuck at home?

Do your experiences of "deja vu" increase when you're traveling? Houseblend says it's not necessarily the been there, done that kind of deja vu, but more of the "I've dreamt of this place before" kind of feeling. Is she the only one?

Finally, scubamama's New Years resolution is to not date anyone who doesn't have a valid passport... Her date the other night asked if she'd ever be content with a life where she wasn't planning another trip. Yeah, I'd say that's a pretty red flag, too.

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of December 25, 2006

2006-12-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

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Not everyone is comfortable eating alone in a restaurant... So for you solo travelers, does it bother you to do that when you're on the road?

So - where are you going in 2007? File your travel plans here.

What would you put in a travel primer - something for everyone to learn from, not bashing any particular culture or nationality, just the basics everyone leaving home would be well to consider before stepping out the door?

Do you know the touristy things to do in your hometown? And have you visited them? Orangelad wants to know.

And to round out this last week of the year, trekker has started a thread asking for photos that tell a story or inspire you in some way. Her picture of the incense-selling woman at Angkor Wat is really wonderful, it certainly made me smile! What photo can you contribute to the thread?

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of December 18, 2006

2006-12-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

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At this time of year, it's fun not only to make "to-do" lists for next year, but to review the things you've accomplished this year. KPG did the latter, and it's a great list. What things are you excited to have checked off your list this past year?

With the sad loss of life recently on our very own Mt. Hood, the question came up about how the sometimes extensive (and expensive) searches are paid for. And please, folks, remember to over-prepare for potentially dangerous excursions.

Would a handbook help the proverbial "Ugly American" be less, well, ugly overseas?

If anyone's going to South America - or is interested in going - and would like to film an independend travel show, check out Ptown Travel Hound's post... He's had the idea, just needs someone now with a little expertise in the whole filming department.

Philip Blazdell asks another perfect year-end/year-beginning question: Where do you think will be "hot" in 2007?

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of December 11, 2006

2006-12-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

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Joey might think he's being cheesy, but I think his "thank you" message on the eve of his RTW trip is really, really cool. I can't wait to check in on his trip as he makes his way through Africa & Asia. Bon voyage, Joey!!

So, what are your packing habits? Are you a hyper-planner, getting stuff in the bag months before you leave? Or do you randomly grab a few items as you rush out the door? Landire's put up a poll, let's see where you fit in.

In the US we've gotten used to being able to find vegetarian options at most restaurants these days. But we know that's not true the world over. Will xxhughesxx have trouble avoiding meat in Europe (Western & Eastern)?

Though watching television might not be at the top of many to-do lists when traveling, there are inevitably times we're drawn in by something on the boob tube, only to find out it can be a real cultural experience! KateL57 asks, "What are your favorite ads from abroad and at home?" She's shared a few of hers, and others have joined in. What are your favorite commercials? And can you find links to them so we can all have a giggle?

I read an article talking about how an unexpected one-night "stopover" in Bulgaria turned into a three-day "stop" because the town turned out to be so charming. So, have you had any experiences where a place you thought you'd just be passing through was so wonderful as to make you change your plans and stay awhile?

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of December 4, 2006

2006-12-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

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As sz points out, "there must be as many different reasons to travel as there are readers here" - if not more! So, what's your motivation for traveling? Do you have a list of things you want to see in the world and you're checking them off as you go? Do you dream of finding the perfect spot in which to one day retire? Do you keep track of your whacky experiences in order to write them all down in your memoirs? What's your reason for traveling?

Gerrit is wondering if politics have ever had an influence on your travel itinerary. Would you, for instance, not visit a country because of the actions of that country's government? Or have you ever been ashamed of your own country's politics?

An oldie but a goodie, skobb is the man with all the information on the U.S. Foreign Service. Check out this thread if you're interested in applying, and to read what others have to say about the process. It's an information goldmine!

Obviously the name for every country isn't in English... So what are some names for countries in other languages that threw you for a loop or were, in general, interesting in some way?

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of November 27, 2006

2006-12-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

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There are occasionally threads on the boards about the "best of" some activity or sight around the world. Stemming from that, elAdi has started his list of "Personal Must-Do's" - those things he simply must see and do in his lifetime. What are your must-do's?

Stoo's curious what your favorite holidays are the world over - he's being picky, as he only wants the obscure ones (what the hell is wrong with Thanksgiving?!?), but still, it's a fun list. Be sure to add your favorites as well.

Stoo is also wondering what interesting factoids you might know about the country in which you're living and working. He's in Switzerland, where they have a "religion tax." What's your country's odd little trivia?

So, if you're on your dream trip - your year-or-more-long RTW trip - are you going to go nuts if you don't give yourself a day off every once in awhile? Is traveling like work? Orangelad wants to know.

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of November 13, 2006

2006-11-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

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It's the age-old quest (at least around BootsnAll) for the perfect boot. It is, in fact, one of the reasons BootsnAll was founded! Phillipao is trying to make his decision now, and his concern is that he'd like to go dancing - and can't imagine doing it in hiking boots. Please pass along your sage footwear advice.

Elis wants to know if anyone else feels the way she does - that she's not really "from" any one place. And if you feel the same way, what are the advantages and disadvantages? Are you more independent? Better with languages? Friends with people all over the world? Do you end up with a place that doesn't feel like "home"? Have trouble saying goodbye? Crave a sense of roots? Come share your experiences.

Travel can be eye-opening - can it also change your life? GingerSpesh wants to know if anyone experienced a significant change in life direction as a result of travel.

GingerSpesh posted another great question, for those of us who are into long-term travel - far from home - how do you cope with leaving loved ones behind?

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of October 30, 2006

2006-11-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Check out these topics currently being discussed on the BootsnAll Travel Forums:

Wayward Angel started a discussion about the very real and very sad issue of human trafficking; what can we, as travelers, do about it? If anything at all?

Gardkarlsen gets to the heart of the matter - toilets. We've all got horror stories of the worst toilet experiences we've had on the road, and some of us even have great toilet experiences! Why not share yours? (Warning: Do not read this thread while eating.)

It's an old question, but it's still a good one - Zopa asks, "How do you make a flight more pleasant?" What are the things you bring along to pass the time on those long overseas flights?

Here in Oregon, we take recycling for granted... But, Landire asks, what about when you're on the road? Do you recycle out there? What do you do when the option isn't even available?

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

4 New Travel Blog

2006-10-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

BootsnAll Travel Network is always thinking of new ways to share travel information with independent travelers. We have launched a series of new travel style blog dedicated to different styles of travel, written by a local expert.

Do you consider yourself a eco traveler? Read Eco Travel Logue.

Are you someone that’s headed on a desert adventure across the Sahara? Read Adventure Logue.

Dreaming of teaching English in Spain? Read TEFL Logue.

Spend 99 percent of the time traveling for business and 1 percent traveling for pleasure? Follow our Business Travel Logue.

Watch out soon for more of our destination travelogues in the next few weeks.

India Video: New Feature on BootsnAll Travel Network

2006-10-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

India is one of the few countries that defies a stereotype. It's such an intensely populated, vast country, filled with different types of cultures that one could travel through the whole country and never really experience one characterization.

Around the BootsnAll Travel Network, you are going to see many more videos like this, to help you plan your adventures around the world. Find videos on Costa Rica, Thailand, and many other havens for the indie traveler.

Powered by Travelistic

Best of the Boards for the week of October 16, 2006

2006-10-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Check out these topics currently being discussed on the BootsnAll Travel Forums:

KPG is trying to avoid a repeat of last Christmas, when her well-meaning family sent her things she didn't really need... Which, of course, she then had to find a way to accommodate or get rid of whilst away from home. Her folks are already asking what she wants this year, and she doesn't think they'll like her answer. So - what's your ideal travel-related gift?

In these days of heightened airport security, EmmaEgg is concerned that the metal she wears as body jewelry will set off the detectors. And while she'd be okay with demonstrating it's a piercing and nothing more dangerous, she doesn't want to have to take it out - especially at the airport! Got any first-hand experience with body piercings at the airport?

Who knew we'd need a new Seven Wonders of the World? Well, apparently someone thinks we do - and we're being allowed to vote on what we think the wonders should be. See what other folks are voting for, and have your say!

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

Best of the Boards for the week of October 9, 2006

2006-10-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Check out these topics currently being discussed on the BootsnAll Travel Forums:

Not everyone has that enviable gift for language - most of us try to get by with a few mangled words in the local lingo to get by. JetGirl's trying to narrow that list down even further - what's the most important word to know in any language? So what's your word of choice? And how do you say it in every language you know?

It's all about practicality... When you can't shower, Zopa asks, how do you clean yourself? Gonorth has posted a step-by-step guide. What's your method?

This thread has been around for awhile, and it's still going strong - it's the "where is this place?" thread! You can jump in at any point in the game, and post your own question as well, making it fun for everyone. Test your geographical know-how! Here's the most current photo for identification.

Even among a group of people who all love to travel, eveyrone's going to have a least-favorite part of the experience. Whether it's packing, airline travel, overnight bus rides, missing family or simply coming home - KPG asks, "What's the worst part about travelling?"

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

BootsnAll Launches Travel Gear Blog

2006-10-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

Bootsnall Travel Network has launched a series of new travel blogs, written by experts from different destinations or experts in certain types of travel.

One such blog is our Travel Gear Blog

Travel Gear Blog provides reviews, news and up-to-date information of outdoor and travel products. It's perhaps one of the most comprehensive sites for getting previews of new products that are relevant to travelers. Travel Gear Blog decides what gear is worthy of your money - the good, the bad, the bullshit, and the stuff you can put on your Christmas list.

I would encourage you to bookmark Travel Gear Blog, send it to your "gear head" friends, and read it on a daily basis.

Read our new press release for more information. And, if you have any questions, feel free to email me at donovan (at) Bootsnall (dot) com.

Best of the Forums for the week of October 2, 2006

2006-10-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Check out these topics currently being discussed on the BootsnAll Travel Forums:

Missa25 asks the question many people who've got the travel bug ask: "Do you ever have to choose between 'stuff' and travel?" Zopa chimes in with her travel and work history, and how she's balanced the work/travel equation. It's a fabulous lesson for anyone who thinks they can't afford to travel - Zopa's here to prove you wrong! There are some great examples of the paths people take toward achieving their goals - it's a thread everyone can learn from.

Nevermind culture shock overseas, Keppie's feeling it at home! A visit to a mall recently made her head spin... Do you experience more shock at home or abroads?

Please contribute your thoughts and comments to these threads! And if you're not already a member, sign-up here - it's free!

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2004-05-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

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