When I took my career break to travel a couple years ago, volunteering was a big part of my plan. I saw volunteering abroad as a chance to give back to local communities, immerse myself in the local cultures and build some valuable skills that I could then list on my resume when it was …
Volunteering Abroad: How to Find the Right Opportunity for You Read More »
I stepped out of the Otogar metro station in Istanbul and looked around me in awe. I had no idea where to go next. I was expecting a single bus station with a few dozen buses sitting out front – not over 100 offices for various bus companies forming a circle around the metro station. …
I recently read a post on Traveldudes called Hostels 101 – What Makes Hostels Tick, What to Do and What Not to Do. As I scanned through the post, much of it seemed unfamiliar to me, despite the fact that I have been staying in hostels for much of the last eight months – 18 …
Financing a career break or other long term travel is not easy. For me, it required a combination of cutting back on spending and saving more, earning extra money, and dealing with at-home expenses that would remain while I am on the road. I own my condominium and still have student loan debt, but I …
I first thought of taking time off from my career to travel back in 2006 – a full five years before I finally made it a reality. When I got serious about planning my current trip, I had never even heard the phrase “career break.” I didn’t know anyone personally who had done anything similar …
E-Book Review: How to Take a Career Break to Travel Read More »
While losing your passport on the road is probably a traveler’s worst nightmare, I would guess most would agree a lost ATM card is a close second. I experienced that sinking feeling last week. I nonchalantly inserted my Capital One debit card into a Russian bank’s ATM machine in the center of St. …
A Traveler’s Second Worst Nightmare: The Lost ATM Card Read More »
“Random attacks cause concern in Chicago.” “New mob attack reported.” “Mobs of teens thought responsible for four assaults.” “7 arrested in mob action.” These are all headlines that have graced the pages of Chicago newspapers in the last month and, after 10 years of living in the city they normally wouldn’t merit a second glance …
Where Are We Really Safe? Thoughts on Safety at Home and Abroad Read More »
Budapest is probably one of my top 3 or 4 cities in Europe, up there with Rome, Berlin and Paris. I could easily go back again and again. And while you probably wouldn’t think of Hungary as providing an excellent culinary experience, two of my five favorite things about Budapest are food-related.
If you have ever been to Europe, chances are you have probably taken a train at some point. They are generally a quick and easy way to move between cities (or countries!). But when you are planning your train travel, how do you know you’re getting the best deal? It seems a lot of first-time travelers to Europe automatically assume that getting a rail pass or otherwise booking your train tickets through Rail Europe is the way to go. Sure, it’s easy – the web site is in English, the currency is in dollars and you can feel secure that you are all set ahead of time.
This week marks exactly 10 years since I loaded up a moving van in Minneapolis and drove seven hours south to make a new home in Chicago. In the decade that I’ve lived here, a lot has changed but one of the constants is that summer is undoubtedly the best time of year in the …
