I am starting to love travel....

[Imajerk17]

I should note before I write this thread that I am still a traveling novice. I know there are people here who've backpacked in a foreign country, who've moved to a foreign country, who have traveled through how many countries...I could go on. Anyway I salute you, especially because I haven't done all that yet. (Although I HAVE dealt w lost bags and airline customer service agents. That has to count for something right )

 

Why? Admittedly, getting on a plane and flying far away is a stressful experience for me. I HAVE pushed myself through that though, twice this year when I went to two different continents.

 

In fact, I gotten back from an overseas trip traveling alone though, where I traveled partly for work and partly for pleasure. I learned an awful lot from the trip. Including what I want in a partner. I met plenty of women who some might call "travel obsessed" but I was really impressed with their sense of adventure, how curious they are about the world around them, and yes, their ambition (they work hard and play hard--see they fund their own trips). I realized that this was a part of me that I needed to cultivate more. Anyway, here is what I learned.

 

1. It's not what you see, it's the adventures you have along the way. I realized early on that going somewhere and taking a tour and seeing all the sights that "you're supposed to see" is not how I like to travel. (I'm not always against it per se, sometimes that is indeed the best way to see things.) What I did instead was do my research on the Internet and then just wander off in that direction and "see what happens". I'd just ask people along the way, just as I imagined doing when I was a little kid who fantasized about running away from home when I was 6. (I wasn't stupid about this though--I made staying safe first priority.) It lead to

 

--An interesting conversation w a man in his 50s who knew more about the US than 90 percent of us do, and who pointed me in the direction of one of the most exhilarating hike I have ever been on. 2000 feet down and 2000 feet back up! And a waterfall!

 

--Navigating the public transportation system in an Australian city at 4:30AM, hailing a cab in the predawn dark, and then running up a bunch of hills to see a gorgeous sunrise over the Pacific. I was physically sick but I was for some reason obsessed about doing this one morning. I realized doing this how much I always wanted to do this and now I finally got to do this.

 

--Seeing how much Australians love America, and how adventurous they are.

 

--Sharing a whole bunch of high-fives and fist-bumps in a CrossFit class being the only American. And then right after that taking a walk on the beach that night w a girl I just met.

 

--Noticing how much I really wanted to "represent well" as an American.

 

I have all these experiences and stories in the span of maybe a week, because I went out looking for them. Anyone can if they go looking for them too.

 

 

2. You will meet women... It's so easy overseas. Just walk up to someone and say "beautiful country you have here". They will ask you where you are from and then you can ask them their story. You are in a conversation! Maybe they will show you around too This actually works well on the STATE level too in the US. If you live in the East Coast go to somewhere in the West and say "beautiful state/town".

 

3. You will become more attractive to the opposite sex. I can see why many women love to travel. There is just something really attractive about someone who wants more from life than just to get by, who wants to see more and do more. I mean, isn't cool to hang out with people who have a story or two about an "excellent adventure" they went on? Wouldn't you want to have some "excellent adventures" of your own?

 

Anyway, I went from reluctantly getting on a plane before to now thinking about where I want to go next.

Edited November 25, 2015 by Imajerk17

[carhill]

Glad you enjoyed your adventures. I never had much of #3 but have made some wonderful life memories.

 

Just the other day I was talking to a aviation hobbyist about running into the Concorde, of all places, in Hararre, Zimbabwe, while waiting on a bush plane going to Hwange park to look for rhinos. Heck that was 22 years ago. IMO, life is a wondrous gift and one can do whatever they want with it.

[loveweary11]

Yet, it's exceeding difficult to find others of the same mindset, in my experience.

 

A lot of women I meet talk a good game about travel, but when it comes down to it, like most people... they're all talk. They stick in one place forever or think traveling is flying somewhere for a week and shopping at a different mall.

 

Yoga was the one true traveler I've ever been with since my divorce. She's currently in Prague.

 

It would be interesting to find more minimalist travelers out there in life.

 

Would love an OLD site for it.

Edited November 25, 2015 by loveweary11

[Els]

Happy for you Imajerk!

 

I'm not a perpetual traveler, I like to have a place to call home so I couldn't stand being on the move or living in hostels 52 weeks a year. I would travel more if I had the budget for it though - currently one overseas trip a year is as much as we can manage, though we do several domestic ones. But every single time I travel to a new place, it's a huge eye opener. The scenery, the culture, the people - even within the same country there can be stark differences, let alone different countries or continents. And I agree - most tours are a rip-off. I've found review sites like Tripadvisor to be good for finding some off-the-beaten-path stuff, along with reading blogs of avid travelers.

 

I guess I'm jealous of the folks in Europe or America in this aspect There are so many places to visit within easy reach, a short flight or even a drive, and minimal visa hassles in doing so. We're so isolated here that it takes a 3 hour plane ride to get to the nearest country... and even THAT country is pretty isolated. We do have plenty of beautiful scenery to make up for it, but that's a pretty big downside.

 

I've never understood some folks from Europe or the US who can afford to travel but just aren't interested in seeing out of their own backyard. Not that there's anything WRONG with it, just can't understand it.

Edited November 25, 2015 by Elswyth

[loveweary11]

As to having the best experiences traveling...

 

I find that actually living in the place for a month or more is the key. You become a resident. You live amongst the locals.

 

If on a short trip, don't even think of doing the things people and tour groups suggest.

 

Best tourist experience of my life was in the South of France.

 

Ex wife and I took a car and just went exploring up the mountain roads. Half an hour up a road, at the top of a mountain, we found a beautiful little village. No English spoken, so my basic French had to do. There was a restaurant over a cliff you could see all the way to rhe Mediterranean from. A beautiful clear day.

 

The locals were the most friendly, welcoming folks we had ever experienced!

 

There were probably 12-20 buildings in total, including houses, in this tiny place.

 

Exchanged many warm smiles with the townspeople, ate a magnificent dinner, had wine, drank in the view and hapoy, uplifting culture.

 

That's the stuff travel is made of.

 

This is what I cannot find a partner willing to do and it boggles my mind!

Edited November 25, 2015 by loveweary11

[Heatherknows]

As to having the best experiences traveling...

 

I find that actually living in the place for a month or more is the key. You become a resident. You live amongst the locals.

 

If on a short trip, don't even think of doing the things people and tour groups suggest.

 

Best tourist experience of my life was in the South of France.

 

Ex wife and I took a car and just went exploring up the mountain roads. Half an hour up a road, at the top of a mountain, we found a beautiful little village. No English spoken, so my basic French had to do. There was a restaurant over a cliff you could see all the way to rhe Mediterranean from. A beautiful clear day.

 

The locals were the most friendly, welcoming folks we had ever experienced!

 

There were probably 12-20 buildings in total, including houses, in this tiny place.

 

Exchanged many warm smiles with the townspeople, ate a magnificent dinner, had wine, drank in the view and hapoy, uplifting culture.

 

That's the stuff travel is made of.

 

This is what I cannot find a partner willing to do and it boggles my mind!

 

Cap-d'Ail was my fav.

[loveweary11]

My best guess as to where we were was a place like this:

 

Dropped Pin

 

near 17 Carriera Dau Gourguet

06440 Peillon

France

 

https://goo.gl/maps/pBnS8zXAi842

[LookAtThisPOst]

I've never understood some folks from Europe or the US who can afford to travel but just aren't interested in seeing out of their own backyard. Not that there's anything WRONG with it, just can't understand it.

 

Anyhow, I can't see how people do it like 5 times a year. Don't people have vacation leave to accrue? Also, you have to have a budget for that kind of thing if it's multiple times a year.

 

Where I work, you can burn through your vacation/sick leave pretty quickly...even with things outside of traveling.

 

Right...I've done my share of traveling...but I'm lucky I get to do it once every 5 years...but hey it's something, right? lol I have my cooking skills that is a selling point for the ladies. ;-)

Edited November 25, 2015 by LookAtThisPOst

[Els]

Anyhow, I can't see how people do it like 5 times a year. Don't people have vacation leave to accrue? Also, you have to have a budget for that kind of thing if it's multiple times a year.

 

Where I work, you can burn through your vacation/sick leave pretty quickly...even with things outside of traveling.

 

I did not necessarily mean huge trips to the other side of the world - those are great but I agree that most folks who have to work standard full-time jobs can't do them more than 1-2x/year.

 

For our domestic trips we mostly do it over the weekend, or if it's a slightly longer drive or a short plane flight then we might take 1-2 days leave at the end or beginning of the week so we get 3-4 days in total. And our domestic trips are great as our country has a wide variety of landscapes. so even without traveling far we can access mountains, beaches, rainforest, lakes, glaciers etc. However in many parts of the US/Europe you can just drive for a few hours and be in a totally different state/country. I envy that part.

 

I wasn't necessarily referring to what people DO, though - I understand that for some folks their jobs or children or whatever preclude frequent travel. I was referring to interest. I've seen some people who have the leave, money, are childless, etc, and just have close to zero interest in seeing new places. That's what boggles my mind.

[StBreton]

Yet, it's exceeding difficult to find others of the same mindset, in my experience.

 

A lot of women I meet talk a good game about travel, but when it comes down to it, like most people... they're all talk. They stick in one place forever or think traveling is flying somewhere for a week and shopping at a different mall.

 

Yoga was the one true traveler I've ever been with since my divorce. She's currently in Prague.

 

It would be interesting to find more minimalist travelers out there in life.

 

Would love an OLD site for it.

 

There is a site to meet other miminmalist travelers ...just not a dating site per se ...doesn't mean you won't find a mate though:)

 

It's called lonely planet ... Sign up and search the area where you want to travel and lots of people post looking for other trackers. Almost all put their age and gender.

 

Signed ... A former Let's Go traveler

[loveweary11]

. (Although I HAVE dealt w lost bags and airline customer service agents. That has to count for something right )

 

 

Another story comes to mind. This is a business travel story.

 

Once, going to Aachen, Germany via Frankfurt, my bags were sent to another country in a different hemisphere.

 

I had business meetings to attend and only had my very basic flight/travel comfortable clothing on. No change of clothes, no toiletries, no contacts, etc.

 

I tried to wait it out, went to meetings looking stupid (thank god it was Germany rather than Milan where clothing matters more) .

 

After feeling filthy and disgusting for 2 days, I took my unlimited American Express corporate card and went out on a massive shopping spree.

 

I bought an entire week's worth of new business and casual attire, toiletries, shoes, you name it!

 

Since I closed a $200,000 deal there, they didn't say a word. Same card I'd use to take out everyone all night for drinks and dinners at lavish places. ha ha ha Even my friends who came along and were not related to business.

 

Those were the good old days of international sales, before Skype reduced the number of in person visits and the economy caused companies to limit the unlimited Amex cards.

Edited November 25, 2015 by loveweary11

[StBreton]

That should read "Trekkers" too late to edit the post

[loveweary11]

There is a site to meet other miminmalist travelers ...just not a dating site per se ...doesn't mean you won't find a mate though:)

 

It's called lonely planet ... Sign up and search the area where you want to travel and lots of people post looking for other trackers. Almost all put their age and gender.

 

Signed ... A former Let's Go traveler

 

I'll try it out. Thanks!

 

I know yoga used to use a couch surfing app too. She'd land wherever and go to parties with couch surfers, meeting fellow travelers.

 

Probably should focus more on these types of things. Thanks!

[Heatherknows]

There is a site to meet other miminmalist travelers ...just not a dating site per se ...doesn't mean you won't find a mate though:)

 

It's called lonely planet ... Sign up and search the area where you want to travel and lots of people post looking for other trackers. Almost all put their age and gender.

 

Signed ... A former Let's Go traveler

 

Woohoo "Let's Go Europe!"

 

Once during my trip I made my friend visit four museums in one day...after that I did a lot of day trips alone.

[StBreton]

I'll try it out. Thanks!

 

I know yoga used to use a couch surfing app too. She'd land wherever and go to parties with couch surfers, meeting fellow travelers.

 

Probably should focus more on these types of things. Thanks!

 

My sister does the couch surfing thing. She's made some wonderful friends who've in turn come to visit her. She doesn't have to do this budget wise she just prefers to hang with the locals.

 

Maybe give it a try:)

[StBreton]

Woohoo "Let's Go Europe!"

 

Once during my trip I made my friend visit four museums in one day...after that I did a lot of day trips alone.

 

Hahaha. Yay Let's Go!!! We used to call our tours the ABC tour of Europe ...Another Bloody Cathedral. We'd hit a few a day along with a museum. After a few days of too much culture I just wanted to go to a pub or sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by. If you did the Europe thing ...do you remember when it would cost more to have a sit down espresso over a stand up espresso? Too funny.

 

I did 2 Let's Go Europe trips ... 2 entire summers. Most amazing experiences. Back 20 years or so ago us fellow Let's Goers could recognize each other on the train or train stations or walking to the hostels. Instant friends. In the digital age I wonder how the Let's Goers recognize each other ...Internet cafés maybe?

 

I miss my Let's Go days

Edited November 25, 2015 by StBreton

[LookAtThisPOst]

I did not necessarily mean huge trips to the other side of the world - those are great but I agree that most folks who have to work standard full-time jobs can't do them more than 1-2x/year.

 

For our domestic trips we mostly do it over the weekend, or if it's a slightly longer drive or a short plane flight then we might take 1-2 days leave at the end or beginning of the week so we get 3-4 days in total. And our domestic trips are great as our country has a wide variety of landscapes. so even without traveling far we can access mountains, beaches, rainforest, lakes, glaciers etc. However in many parts of the US/Europe you can just drive for a few hours and be in a totally different state/country. I envy that part.

 

I wasn't necessarily referring to what people DO, though - I understand that for some folks their jobs or children or whatever preclude frequent travel. I was referring to interest. I've seen some people who have the leave, money, are childless, etc, and just have close to zero interest in seeing new places. That's what boggles my mind.

 

I want to go to New Zealand or Australia one of these days, but I've heard that's one he** an airplane ride. lol

 

I know this one woman, single, mid-50s. Pretty...she back packed across Europe with friends. Now THAT's something to brag about. Another I know, reserved tickets to the jungles South America (a bit more risky yes? no...South America would make me nervous).

 

But, I do like trips out west (western U.S.)

[loveweary11]

I want to go to New Zealand or Australia one of these days, but I've heard that's one he** an airplane ride. lol

 

If you're on the east coast usa, the only longer trip is to the moon!!

 

I've done it, from Logan in Boston to Australia.

 

Pure hell.

[StBreton]

If you're on the east coast usa, the only longer trip is to the moon!!

 

I've done it, from Logan in Boston to Australia.

 

Pure hell.

 

My longest flight ...Western US to Singspore 19 hours. My secret ...I buy throw away pillows and bring on plane. Heavenly

[Imajerk17]

I want to go to New Zealand or Australia one of these days, but I've heard that's one he** an airplane ride. lol

 

I know this one woman, single, mid-50s. Pretty...she back packed across Europe with friends. Now THAT's something to brag about. Another I know, reserved tickets to the jungles South America (a bit more risky yes? no...South America would make me nervous).

 

But, I do like trips out west (western U.S.)

 

The plane ride(s) to AU/NZ are indeed quite long. I think the furthest you can possibly travel on Earth from the East Coast of the US is the West Coast of Australia. I don't think it really matters distance-wise if you try to get there going west or east

 

Man, the jungles of South America....that does sound really gutsy. I agree, backpacking across Europe is quite nifty too.

 

But yeah man, it does sound that life where you live (small town where everyone knows each other) can get stale. I do find myself thinking that regular travel to a new place w fresh perspectives and new people would do you good. You might even find yourself liking somewhere enough that you're wanting to move--and finding a way to make it happen.

Edited November 25, 2015 by Imajerk17

[Heatherknows]

Hahaha. Yay Let's Go!!! We used to call our tours the ABC tour of Europe ...Another Bloody Cathedral. We'd hit a few a day along with a museum. After a few days of too much culture I just wanted to go to a pub or sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by. If you did the Europe thing ...do you remember when it would cost more to have a sit down espresso over a stand up espresso? Too funny.

 

I did 2 Let's Go Europe trips ... 2 entire summers. Most amazing experiences. Back 20 years or so ago us fellow Let's Goers could recognize each other on the train or train stations or walking to the hostels. Instant friends. In the digital age I wonder how the Let's Goers recognize each other ...Internet cafés maybe?

 

I miss my Let's Go days

 

Me too!

 

The youth hostels filled with bunk beds were the best! And the trains were awesome best views ever.

 

I honestly don't even remember what I saw...I was so afraid I'd miss something so I saw EVERYTHING. I even crashed the Cannes Film Festival. I acted like I left my tickets in the hotel and was just pissed and tired from a whole day of film watching..lol..it worked. Then I snuck on a boat for an after film party. The party sucked. I drank some champagne and just left.

[LookAtThisPOst]

The plane ride(s) to AU/NZ are indeed quite long. I think the furthest you can possibly travel on Earth from the East Coast of the US is the West Coast of Australia. I don't think it really matters distance-wise if you try to get there going west or east

 

Man, the jungles of South America....that does sound really gutsy. I agree, backpacking across Europe is quite nifty too.

 

But yeah man, it does sound that life where you live (small town where everyone knows each other) can get stale. I do find myself thinking that regular travel to a new place w fresh perspectives and new people would do you good. You might even find yourself liking somewhere enough that you're wanting to move--and finding a way to make it happen.

 

It's funny, the woman that scheduled herself for South America (she's an avid long distance back packer) brought the subject of small town living.

 

Apparently, she used to be a part of that and go to talking about how her now 50-something friends and older from high school are STILL hanging out in their own social circles years later.

 

Of course, their time is taking up with family of 4th or 5th generations that date back to the founding fathers of those smaller towns. So they are more busy being aunts and uncles to the children of brothers and sisters.

 

Their entire social circle is just families and friends from high school.

 

Of course, she doesn't live in the said state like her friends still do, but she said she couldn't imagine being among her friends socially like that anymore.

 

But...she is unattached/single...so that explains a lot. There's always that one in the family that goes their own direction while the other remains a "townie" lol. I used that word with her and she laughed and said, "I never heard that word."

 

In actuality, even the idea of Meetups (the site) doesn't appeal to them. The idea of making NEW friends does not appeal to them whatsoever. Fishbowl communities can be rather click-ish. The idea of even commuting by car for an hour is nothing they desire.

[Imajerk17]

It's funny, the woman that scheduled herself for South America (she's an avid long distance back packer) brought the subject of small town living.

 

Apparently, she used to be a part of that and go to talking about how her now 50-something friends and older from high school are STILL hanging out in their own social circles years later.

 

Of course, their time is taking up with family of 4th or 5th generations that date back to the founding fathers of those smaller towns. So they are more busy being aunts and uncles to the children of brothers and sisters.

 

Their entire social circle is just families and friends from high school.

 

Of course, she doesn't live in the said state like her friends still do, but she said she couldn't imagine being among her friends socially like that anymore.

 

But...she is unattached/single...so that explains a lot. There's always that one in the family that goes their own direction while the other remains a "townie" lol. I used that word with her and she laughed and said, "I never heard that word."

 

In actuality, even the idea of Meetups (the site) doesn't appeal to them. The idea of making NEW friends does not appeal to them whatsoever. Fishbowl communities can be rather click-ish. The idea of even commuting by car for an hour is nothing they desire.

 

All the more reason to book a trip to get away from that.....

[LookAtThisPOst]

and finding a way to make it happen.

 

Well, my job is pretty much keeping me where I am for now...lol. But maybe that'll change. :-)

[StBreton]

"

Me too!

s

The youth hostels filled with bunk beds were the best! And the trains were awesome best views ever.

 

I honestly don't even remember what I saw...I was so afraid I'd miss something so I saw EVERYTHING. I even crashed the Cannes Film Festival. I acted like I left my tickets in the hotel and was just pissed and tired from a whole day of film watching..lol..it worked. Then I snuck on a boat for an after film party. The party sucked. I drank some champagne and just left.

 

My favorite train ride was the "Marrakesh express" from Tangier to Marrakesh... it was an overnight train and my friends and I were in a couchette ... I was the first to wake up in the morning and the the sight of the people in the golden fields waving to anyone on the train who happened to be awake at 6 am is still a treasured memory. It's like they waited for that train every day and it was their access to the outside world (this was a very remote area). We did a 3 day camel trip into the desert from Marrakesh that was truly amazing.