Comments on: Turning Vacations into Adventures – Part II

By: Ashely

Ashely — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:46:13 +0000

I love the volunteering part of this post. I would never even think to volunteer while on vacation. It seems like the perfect way to get to know the locals. The soccer and cricket games sounds amazing, I would love to do stuff like this. Thanks for these great tips!

By: Carter

Carter — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:48:40 +0000

The ten year rule is great.

Always have a goal of going somewhere new and writing your story instead of doing the more familiar alternative.

P.S. I would love to find that “travel lighter” advice in a women’s magazine or blog. That is where my plans of traveling lighter are usually destroyed.

By: Justin Hamlin

Justin Hamlin — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:11:02 +0000

The 10 year rule is a very interesting concept. I refer to the same thing as the “what if…” syndrome.

I don’t ever want to look back on life and ask myself “what if I would have done ”

With that being said, embrace adventure, seek out the impossible and challenge yourself every day, whether you are travelling or not.

Keep up the great articles, love ‘em.

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:14:37 +0000

I would love to be able to travel lighter…. take everything I need in a backpack…. put it in carry-on, not checked luggage…. EXCEPT I like to take my trusty Swiss Army knife, and my Zippo lighter… or my Leatherman multi-tool (you know for those emergencies). Trouble is they won’t let me on a plane with these things…. and I don’t feel like paying the $60 to purchase them everywhere I go…. if I can even find them.

By: Bryan Schatz

Bryan Schatz — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 01:43:04 +0000

@ Jason – Sometimes all it takes is finding a new hobby/activity to get involved in that can keep you having adventures close to home. For example, before long I’ll be moving to CO, will be staying stagnant in terms of having opportunities for travel, and therefore intend to look into “adventure racing.” Though, with a kid on the way, I imagine you’ll be in for a whole new adventure.

@ Marc S. – Google “volunteer abroad” and you should find plenty of options. I’d recommend getting in touch with people that have done the programs you are interested in before signing up though. There were a bunch of people doing volunteer programs when I lived in Ecuador that were pretty unhappy with their situations…

By: Matt Boynton

Matt Boynton — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:30:55 +0000

I love the 10 year rule. A rule I’d add is to walk as far as possible without thinking ahead or giving yourself a reason to return at any certain time, get lost on foot, bring just enough cash (if any at all) for sustenance, and you can end up in some really interesting places and circumstances.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:04:23 +0000

Great Article! I think the overall idea is to be a traveler and not a tourist. Get off the beaten path and look for something unique.
DON’T BE SCARED!!! Just because a place isn’t popular doesn’t mean that it isn’t safe or doesn’t have anything to offer- it might have a lot to offer BECAUSE it’s not a popular spot. Conversely, popular doesn’t equal safe (I was excited about Morocco, my girlfriend was just the same about Majorca -Spanish resort isle in the Med.- a few weeks later we watched the news carry stories of bombings and murders in Majorca, while she commented about how gracious and welcoming everyone was in Morocco).
And I totally agree with getting to know some locals. Try to learn at least a little bit of the language, it goes a long way… no one cares about the um-teen-hundredth person who belittles them by asking, “Why don’t you talk American?!?!” CAREFUL though, my friend mentioned her grandmother’s “family” name in Sicily (we were living there, spoke the language and knew the culture- and it was still iffy). We had a great time, but as our newly appointed private driver whisked us around to private beaches and HEAVILY discounted fancy restaurants, I reminded my friends that it could have just as easily gone the other way!
Bring a smile, an open mind, and common sense.

By: Pete Cooper

Pete Cooper — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:59:58 +0000

I have only been reading AoM for a few months but think this is your best post. Keeping it real. Thanks heaps.

I live in Sydney Australia and often offer tips to travellers that are simple local things we enjoy doing that you simply can’t do elsewhere in the world.

Cheers, Pete.

By: Marc S.

Marc S. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:46:05 +0000

Great article!

Does anyone know good website to find adventurous travel/volunteering?

Thank you

By: DY

DY — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:10:22 +0000

Awesome post and great ideas… I hope to trip like you someday.