Tag Archives: tips

Published on January 16, 2013

Traveling for a Hobby

Ever wish you could really immerse yourself in local culture while traveling or have an adventure that gets you far beyond the touristy sides of town?

One way is to align your travel plans with events and festivals – especially ones that cater to your interests and hobbies. This is a surefire tactic to catch a glimpse of authentic, real life in another place, participate in it and make new friends along the way.

Here are some examples:

 Are you a music lover?

If your favorite band is playing in Amsterdam, Sardinia, or Buenos Aires, that’s the time to plan a trip. You’ll be rocking out with locals in a positive atmosphere where you’ll likely find it easy to make friends.

Are you a Comedy seeker?

(Continue reading…)

Published on November 21, 2012

How-to: 7 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

There are many different programs out there to learn a language on your own like Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, Fluenz, Transparent, Living Language, Mango and others. These can be quite effective for some people – just not for me.

I have developed alternative ways to learn a language that I find more dynamic. First of all, I believe that to learn any skill the first step is to value the skill by finding relevancy for it in your life. The next step is owning your learning process, taking it into your own motivated and creative hands.

In this article, I’ll share with you the creative methods that served me well in becoming fluent in 3 languages – Spanish, French and Italian (Continue reading…)

Published on October 5, 2012

7 Tips for Traveling in Large Groups

Over the summer I was really lucky to go on two extended trips with big groups. One was a family vacation (with 11 people) and the other was with friends (30 people). While both were a ton of fun, I have to admit traveling with so many personalities can be a challenge.

At any given moment, there are variable hunger levels, energy levels, and agendas. Tensions sure can run high. And after trial and error, I learned that successful group dynamics are all about managing expectations.

With this in mind, here are 7 tips for a successful group trip. (Continue reading…)

Published on June 14, 2012

Tips for Choosing a Travel Companion

Choosing your travel companions is a form of commitment.

You are going to be in close quarters with this person or people for extended amounts of time. Your itineraries will be intertwined. You’ll have to make important decisions and trouble shoot obstacles together. And you are going to want it all to be enjoyable.

So here are some questions to ask yourself before you extend an invitation or as you anticipate an already planned trip: (Continue reading…)

Published on January 26, 2012

Travel Tips: How to Look Like a Local (Video)

Blending in while traveling is a tool used by the smart and seasoned traveler. Not only is it a safety precaution to avoid being a target for pick-pockets and other unwanted attention, you will also be less likely to get ripped off. And I bet you’ll might find it easier to make local friends. 

Here are the basics…

What about you? Do you have any tips for blending in with the locals?