This post is part of the Ask Alex, Travel Question Wednesdays weekly series. To see previous questions click here.  To submit your own; tweet it to @AlexBerger, ask it in a comment on this post or send it in by e-mail.

A quick introductory note – When I began authoring VirtualWayfarer in July of 2007 I never expected that I’d still be blogging on travel, adventures, study abroad and everything that goes with it nearly five years later.  Over the years I’ve had a lot of questions and luckily my friends, network, and more than a few random strangers have gone well out of their way to answer those questions. While I still find myself asking questions on a regular basis I’ve found that I can also pay it forward as a resource for friends, my readers, and strangers alike.  In an effort to share what I’ve learned from my various adventures I’ve launched Travel Question Wednesdays. I’ll be answering one reader-submitted question every week.  You are all encouraged to submit, and all past questions will be archived and available as a resource for readers of this blog. I’m going to take a very open approach to the topics I’ll cover, so feel free to ask me just about anything , just keep it somewhat travel related.

This week’s travel question is from Elisa A. she asks,

Q. “Where and how easy it is to buy bus tickets?”

A. – The answer to this question will vary widely depending on which region you’re in. While bus travel is perhaps the most common and prolific form of public transportation out there it varies significantly from country to country. In some countries travel by bus can be on par with-if not more comfortable than flying first class with reclining seats, personal video screens, food and beverage service etc. (eg: my experience in Argentina). In others, such as my Guatemalan collectivo experience, you can find yourself with 24 people packed into a small van with a grown man sitting on your lap.

Typically the ease of looking up bus time tables and purchasing tickets tends to tie directly to how well organized the country you’re visiting is in general.  If a country tends to have a fairly limited web presence you’ll find that booking and research is best done in-person.  Conversely, if you’re in a country with a well established web presence, or which is being serviced by a major bus provider then you’ll likely find all the information you need online. Ultimately booking bus travel is typically fairly similar to booking rail travel, just slightly more difficult because a country is often serviced by numerous providers.

Depending on the bus line, tickets can often be bought online in advance, in person at a ticket office, or on the bus itself.  Similar to rail and airfare price tends to vary based on demand, trip distance, and proximity to your departure date.

As a general word of caution; because bus travel tends to be less rigorously regulated than airfare and rail travel it is important to research the bus company you intend to use.  When preparing for my upcoming trip to Zambia, I quickly learned that it was important to be extremely careful which bus companies I booked with, as drunk driving is fairly prolific and many of the bus lines have sub-par bus safety records.  While this is far from common, it always pays to do a basic web search about the country and bus line you’re planning to travel with before booking your trip.

At this point in time I have not found an exhaustive list of bus lines by country.  If any of my readers are aware of one I’d love to learn about it – please share it in a comment!

Elisa, thanks for a great question!  To my readers – have a question of your own?  ASK IT!   Want to see previous questions? click here.

I recently had the pleasure of contributing a photo to the launch of Hostel Booker’s fun travel photo game which showcased 7 exciting travel photos across 7 categories from 7 different travel bloggers. Now, it’s time for me to dive into my archives and to pull out 7 photos before nominating 5 of my fellow bloggers!  Please enjoy, and let me know which is your personal favorite?

A photo that…takes my breath away

Located about halfway between Croatia’s Capital, Zagreb and the coastal town of Split is Plitvice Lakes National Park. I had the opportunity to visit the day before first snowfall and quickly fell in love. A UNESCO world heritage site, the area is easily one of Europe’s most beautiful national parks. While the main waterfall featured above was impressive, the 6-8 hour hike along the river as a whole was filled with incredible beauty.

A photo that…makes me laugh or smile

I find penguins hilarious.  They’re odd, inquisitive, horribly awkward on land and generally fairly adorable.  Which is why  I can’t help but grin and chuckle every time I see this photo from a small island in the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.  Located just a few hundred miles north of Antarctica and in the world’s most southern continental region, Tierra del Fuego is a fascinating land full of amazing wonders and highly entertaining inhabitants.

A photo that…makes me dream

Taken in the summer of 2011 this shot is from the back side of Shark’s Tooth Pass in southwestern Colorado deep within the San Juan Mountain Range. Every time I see this photo i’m reminded to dream of new adventures, of new accomplishments, and to close my eyes and remember the wonderful adventures already experienced.

A photo that…makes me think

The FDR monument in Washington, DC is one of my favorite monuments in the world. It is powerful, compelling and offers amazing quotes based in great wisdom. I snapped this shot of a random woman in front of one of the quotes during a visit in April 2011.  It always causes me to pause and ask myself – what have I done to help those who need it today?

A photo that…makes my mouth water

Outdoor markets are one of the things I love most about traveling outside of the US. During a recent visit to Dublin I swung by a wonderful little market square located just outside the heart of Temple Bar. Once I stumbled upon this booth I couldn’t help by sample several of the wildly different offerings – each of which had a strong, delightful taste the memory of which makes my mouth water to this day.

A photo that…tells a story

One of the things I love about travel is the opportunity to stumble upon delightful moments that capture the imagination and tie into our inner self. It can be a reminder of our childhood curiosity, simple delight in every-day things, or a sense of wonder at things we would otherwise be blind to. During a trip to Bergen, Norway I was lucky enough to have my camera out during one of these moments as a young boy wandered away from his parents to boldly march up to a doorway that had piqued his curiosity. For me, this shot embodies my perpetual re-connection with my inner child while on the road.

A photo that…I am most proud of (aka my worthy of National Geographic shot)

There’s something about this photo that just moves me. It is of a random photographer in-front of the Perito Moreno Glacier in the Patagonia region of Argentina after an all-day glacier trek. Despite being snowed and rained upon for most of the trek the clouds lifted and the rains paused long enough for me to capture this special moment. In particular I like how it conveys that sense of wonder that strikes from time to time – causing even the most committed photographer to lower their camera, pause, and take in the wonderful beauty that surrounds them.

Join the Game

1. Choose 7 of your own photos, one for each of the following categories:

• A photo that…takes my breath away
• A photo that…makes me laugh or smile
• A photo that…makes me dream
• A photo that…makes me think
• A photo that…makes my mouth water
• A photo that…tells a story
• A photo that…I am most proud of (aka my worthy of National Geographic shot)

2. Write a short description for each image.
3. Write somewhere in your blog post: ‘I am taking part in HostelBookers 7 Super Shots‘.
4. Tell us you have participated and tweet the hashtag #7SuperShots
5. Nominate 5 other bloggers by including a link to their blog in your post.
We will be retweeting and sharing the best posts from participating bloggers.

Nominations

I would love to see the fantastic photos the following bloggers come up with, so to each of the following I nominate YOU to post your own 7 Super Shots.

• Pommie Travels
• Travel Yourself
• Sol Del Mar
• Ken Kaminesky
• Brendan’s Adventures

Head on over and see the 7 Super Shots guidelines post which features a number of fantastic photos.

Located in the heart of southern Patagonia in Argentina the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world which is currently growing. Perito Moreno is part of Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz Province. Unlike many of its siblings which are covered in a thick layer of black dirt Perito Moreno tends to be a fairly clean glacier. This means easy access to beautiful white glacial ridges and the chance to see the deep blues of glacial ice that is at times thousands of years old. The glacier is approximately 19 miles long, can be up to 550 feet deep, and has an average depth of around 240 feet. This Andes-fed glacier system is part of  the third largest fresh water reserve in the world.

I took this photo of the side of the glacier near its calving edge during an ice trek which wound up along the side of the glacier, past several waterfalls and finally out towards the center of the Perito Moreno. After pausing for lunch in a light snow storm we worked our way back down towards the glacier’s leading edge.  The entire experience was stunning.

To view previous posts in the Friday Week Travel Photo Series click here.

This post is part of the Ask Alex, Travel Question Wednesdays weekly series. To see previous questions click here.  To submit your own; tweet it to @AlexBerger, ask it in a comment on this post or send it in by e-mail.

A quick introductory note – When I began authoring VirtualWayfarer in July of 2007 I never expected that I’d still be blogging on travel, adventures, study abroad and everything that goes with it nearly five years later.  Over the years I’ve had a lot of questions and luckily my friends, network, and more than a few random strangers have gone well out of their way to answer those questions. While I still find myself asking questions on a regular basis I’ve found that I can also pay it forward as a resource for friends, my readers, and strangers alike.  In an effort to share what I’ve learned from my various adventures I’ve launched Travel Question Wednesdays. I’ll be answering one reader-submitted question every week.  You are all encouraged to submit, and all past questions will be archved and available as a resource for readers of this blog. I’m going to take a very open approach to the topics I’ll cover, so feel free to ask me just about anything , just keep it somewhat travel related.

This week’s travel question is from Galen E. he asks,

Q. “What is the best bag for a two week trip? Why?”

A. - The easiest and shortest answer to this question is to take a small and medium-sized backpack combo.  For a more in-depth break down of different baggage types check out my Lugging Luggage, The Quandary post.  Ultimately, the answer depends on what type of trip you have planned and how valuable mobility will be to you.  With ever increasingly restrictive luggage policies I prefer to fly with only carry-on luggage, especially for shorter trips in the 1-2 week neighborhood.  The added flexibility and convenience of a backpack is hard to beat, and if you’re moving around a fair bit, facing cobblestone streets, or taking public transit between the airport and your hotel/hostel it can be wonderful to have the mobility a backpack offers.  On the other hand, if your trip will consist largely of an all inclusive resort, taxi rides to and from the airport and a bucket of beer on the beach, then what luggage you take is largely irrelevant.  I’ve assembled a number of user generated and personal packing videos on my Ultimate Packing List site which should give you a better frame of reference for how some of my readers typically pack. View the packing videos here.

At the end of the day keep in mind that most year-long, round the world travelers opt for a mid-to-large sized backpack with a small daypack as their preferred form of luggage.  While packing for a two week trip, it’s often easy to pack about the same amount as those traveling for 10-20 times that.  Even the most experienced traveler falls victim to this easy overpacking. Consider what you need, what you want, and what you’re comfortable going without and then choose an appropriate bag for your trip.

Enjoy!

The beauty of a seaside sunset is pretty hard to beat.  Especially when that sunset is from a tiny island in the middle of Central America, just off the coast of Belize.  I snapped today’s Friday Photo from a small wooden dock on the  island of Tobacco Caye.  The island/caye sits just off the tiny coastal city of Dangriga and is situated along/just inside the world’s second largest barrier reef.  The snorkeling off the coast of the island was unreal and full of incredible reef life which ranged from large barracuda to spotted eagle rays.

If you have the opportunity to visit Central America and want something a little less polished than the finery of Cancun’s hotels, I suggest you consider heading further south to Belize and its amazing series of small islands/caye’s  (keys).

To view previous posts in the Friday Week Travel Photo Series click here.

Special thanks to Waikiki hotels for helping make this post possible.

This post is part of the Ask Alex, Travel Question Wednesdays weekly series. To see previous questions click here.  To submit your own; tweet it to @AlexBerger, ask it in a comment on this post or send it in by e-mail.

A quick introductory note – When I began authoring VirtualWayfarer in July of 2007 I never expected that I’d still be blogging on travel, adventures, study abroad and everything that goes with it nearly five years later.  Over the years I’ve had a lot of questions and luckily my friends, network, and more than a few random strangers have gone well out of their way to answer those questions. While I still find myself asking questions on a regular basis I’ve found that I can also pay it forward as a resource for friends, my readers, and strangers alike.  In an effort to share what I’ve learned from my various adventures I’ve launched Travel Question Wednesdays. I’ll be answering one reader-submitted question every week.  You are all encouraged to submit, and all past questions will be archived and available as a resource for readers of this blog. I’m going to take a very open approach to the topics I’ll cover, so feel free to ask me just about anything , just keep it somewhat travel related.

This week’s travel question is from Felice D. she asks,

Q. “Clarify the best way to get and spend other currency: credit union card? no exchange fee but processing fee? bank card? atm? pay with credit card? cash? and….how to recoup VAT sensibly”

A.p2 - I’ll start with your VAT (Value Added Tax) question first, as it’s the hardest to answer. Unfortunately, it’s not something I have a lot of experience with or have been able to find a good resource for. The way I travel most of my expenses are not eligible for VAT refunds. The process for claiming VAT also tends to vary widely from country to country and is dependent on the type of travel you’re doing. VAT for tourism and personal travel is different than VAT reclaim options for business travel. One of the best writeups I’ve found is tailored to Italy but should offer insights for reclaiming VAT in most places. Head on over and check out WhyGo Italy’s “How to get a VAT refund in Italy” post. On the flip side if you’re a business traveler one useful guide I tracked down is Deloitte’s European VAT refund guide 2011.  At the end of the day you’ll need to spend some time running a few web searches on the specific VAT policies of the country you’re visiting.  Consider how obnoxious the process is (eg: Italy) and how high the threshold is (eg: Denmark’s ~$50 minimum per shop). Also keep in mind the items that qualify for a VAT refund and if it makes sense to pursue.  In most cases you’ll probably find that it’s not worth the hassle.

A.p2 - Circling back to the first part of your question – there are a lot of different options for converting your cash to a foreign currency.  Which is right for you will depend heavily on the nature of your financial situation.  Different banks charge significantly different fees.  The fee structure also tends to vary between Checking/Savings and Credit Card accounts. I’ll answer these questions tailored to US bank accounts, but the advice will be similar for international readers as well.

When using a Credit Card abroad it is not uncommon for many users to get hit by 2-4 fees simultaneously.  For Checking/ATM withdrawals these usually come in the form of an ATM service charge for out of network use (as much as $6 per bank) and a currency exchange fee (often 3%). When using your Credit Card abroad many charge 3% per transaction, while many vendors will also charge a point of sale surplus charge of up to 3%.  Never use your Credit Card for a ATM cash advance abroad, only use your Checking/Savings cards at ATMs while traveling. Also, for fraud prevention reasons I suggest only using Credit Cards (not debit cards) for point of sale (non-ATM) purchases.  Despite how expensive the ATM/Credit Card combination is, it’s actually often the cheapest option and the one I prefer.

Luckily, if you’re smart about it you can cut many of these fees out. Unfortunately, it may require kicking your bank or existing credit card to the curb.  FlyerGuide maintains a fantastic list of different bank’s and their card fees. Different cards provided by each bank will also have different fees. For international travel CapitalOne has made a reputation for itself by waiving the 0% international transaction fee on its cards. This in turn has started a trend which is being duplicated by some of the other banks.  For low-fee, or waived-fee ATM use abroad, you’ll likely have to go to a Credit Union or carry a large balance in your accounts. While this can cut the fee, it can also limit where the card can be used, so do your research ahead of time.

I suggest avoiding the use of traveler’s checks. While they can still be useful in some limited situations, the general consensus within the community is that they’re typically far more hassle than they’re worth.

Similarly, avoid currency exchange booths whenever possible.  Not only do these tend to charge obnoxious fees, they also will give you extremely bad exchange rates.  It’s not uncommon to see people leave 6-10% of their cash value at the currency booth when using these vendors.  Regardless of the various promises they may make or claim.

Money wires tend to be extremely expensive.  Unless it’s an emergency you’ll want to avoid these wherever possible.  If absolutely necessary explore online services designed as disruptors such as PayPal and its competitors.

Another option is to purchase your currency before your trip. This can be done through your bank, or a third party and is usually relatively affordable. Unfortunately, it also creates a huge problem for travelers traveling over an extended period of time or with healthy travel budgets.  If you expect your trip’s cash based expenses to be more than $1,000 USD (which is probably conservative for most of you), keep in mind that you’ll be stuck carrying that money during your trip.  If you get robbed, lose a bag, or somehow are separated from that currency you’ve lost far more than the 3-5% max you might have paid using a carefully selected Debit/Credit Card combination. For this reason I almost never travel with more than $200-300 USD in local currency on me (and usually have far less on my person).

Ultimately the best approach will also depend on the region you’re visiting.  Keep in mind that different banks and card services (MasterCard, Visa, etc.) are accepted to varied degrees from country to country.  Similarly, your cash will go much further in some countries than it will in other’s requiring fewer ATM withdrawals.  The level of crime in a country is also a key factor when deciding how much money you should keep on your person.

Hopefully this helps you as you prepare for your next trip.  Did it lead to a more specific question?  Feel free to ask in a comment below.

Please keep in mind that the above are general suggestions based on my personal experiences and research, not financial advice.  The material covered in this post is constantly changing, so make sure to do your own research using what I’ve shared as a foundation and a baseline to help you in the process.

Felice, thanks for a wonderful question!  To my readers – have a question of your own?  ASK IT!   Want to see previous questions? click here.

With its origins dating back to the 9th century, Budapest was officially formed in 1873 when the cities of Buda, Pest and Obuda were unified.  Once hailed as the heart of Europe and the Pearl of the Danube, it can be easy to overlook  Budapest’s rich and influential history.

I didn’t know what to expect. I knew that Budapest was a mecca for backpackers and that just about every person I’ve ever met who visited fell in love with the city. Many described it as similar, but uniquely different, from Prague in the Czech Republic, a city I visited in 2007 and found to be absolutely charming. On the other hand I had heard stories of Budapest as a somewhat run down city suffering from significant economic hardship and the post-Soviet woes that came with the USSR’s collapse.

The reality of the Budapest I found was a combination of both. As luck would have it, I was in Budapest during Hungary’s independence day which celebrates their attainment of independence from the Soviet Union in 1989. The city was decorated with special Hungarian flags. As you’ll notice in the photo above, taken in front of the Parliament Building, all of the Hungarian flags on display had a circle cut out of the middle to commemorate the removal of the Red Star when they gained independence.

BUDAPEST’S CHARM

While it is obvious that the city is suffering from significant economic woes, it is also nowhere near as dirty, poorly maintained, or shabby as I had been led to expect. In truth, I found the city’s beauty to stretch far beyond the usual tourist attractions bleeding over into the old historic districts. It has a number of picturesque tree-lined boulevards, wonderful old buildings, great parks, and an exciting mixture of architectural styles. It’s also a gorgeous city at night, with many of the buildings boasting well-lit facades that give it a charming, romantic feel.

Mixed in with newly renovated structures and modern buildings there are definite signs of economic woes, but these are being repaired or at the very least, casually maintained. One example I stumbled upon was a largely abandoned shopping mall dating back to the early 1900s – the Parisi Udvar or Parisian Aracade. Every inch of the interior was crafted for beauty with stained glass and marble decorating and lighting nearly every inch. While not something you’ll see in the tour books, a stroll through the building’s main hall is well worth a detour. It can be found at Petofi Sandor utca 2, Budapest 1052, Hungary just off the Ferenciek Tere station.

Budapest’s skyline was one of my favorite aspects of the city. It is often colorful, full of character, and has a vibrant flare to it that really differentiates it from many of the other European cities I’ve visited. It also reflects the feeling of the buildings and city itself – which left me feeling as though I’d partially stepped back in time to the late 19th and early 20th century. It’s hard to put into words but Budapest just has this wonderful romantic feel to it.

The city is also home to a number of fantastic hotels with rich histories and a captivating late 19th century ambiance and class. These include the Hotel Astoria (1914), and Boscolo Budapest (1894) which was formerly known as the New York Palace.

The nature of transportation in Budapest only serves to add to that historic feeling. It boasts the usual mixture of modern vehicles, mopeds and the rare bicycle. Where it really sets itself apart, however, is its public transportation. The metro lines are small, narrow, and have an aged feel to them which makes sense given that the oldest of the lines, Line 1, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to 1896. While a good bit newer, most of the cars – especially those on Line 1 – tend to have a very historical feel. They are small, cramped, extremely narrow, old, loud and completely charming. I would guess that many of the metro-cars date back to the 70s and 80s.  The city also has a series of excellent surface trams which make for easy transport once you figure out the somewhat odd and out-dated paper ticket punch-card system. In short, to use it you buy a paper ticket with 6 boxes at the bottom. Then upon boarding there’s a hole-punch which you use to validate the ticket while trying to avoid tearing it.

I highly suggest a trip to the city’s Central Train Station located on the Pest side of the city. This old building is still in active use and has a lovely feeling to it. While due for restoration, it showcases a mixture of historical design elements and repairs which combine the modern, not-so modern, and old into a delightful mismatch. If you’re like me and love old train stations, I think you’ll get an absolute kick out of this one. Just don’t confuse it with the city’s other train stations which are more modern and far less charming.

THE DANUBE

The Danube plays a significant role in Budapest’s history, serving as the boundary between Buda and Pest.. The two sides are very similar in many ways, but each has its own unique flavor.  As a major actor in the region’s history, the Danube also serves as home to a mixed assortment of great places to explore.  A walk along the waterfront is an absolute must.  What you’ll find is a number of barges and old riverboats which are semi-permanently moored along the river’s banks. Many have been converted into pubs, restaurants, night clubs and dance halls.

As you wander down along the riverfront, you’ll eventually come to the Chain Bridge. The bridge was the first permanent bridge across the Danube and was opened in 1849. Several changes have been made to it over the years, including massive repairs after the Siege of Budapest in World War II. It offers a wonderful view of both Buda and Pest as well as a chance to pose with its famous guardian lion statues.

Located just to the north of Chain Bridge is the Hungarian Jewish WWII monument. This monument was incredibly touching, especially given the day’s bleak, rainy weather when I stumbled upon it. A series of bronze shoes are left at the side of the river to commemorate the genocide of Budapest’s jews during WWII. As the story goes, the jews were escorted to the edge of the Danube where they were required to take off their shoes and then shot at the edge of the water so they fell backwards into the Danube which in turn washed the bodies away. The monument was simple, small and sent shivers down my spine.

CATHEDRALS AND MUSEUMS

What would a post on a great European city be without mention of the city’s grand cathedrals? While Budapest boasts a number of beautiful religious structures one of my favorites is Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Named in honor of Hungary’s first king  (975-1038), the Cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in Budapest and was completed in 1905. Perhaps the most fascinating, and in my opinion disturbing, fact about the Cathedral is what it holds. The Hungarians have held onto St. Stephen’s right hand, the mummified remains of which, are housed within the Cathedral and available for viewing.

If you’re up for a few steps (364 to be precise), don’t miss the bell towers and dome. One of the interesting aspects of St. Stephens is its exposed double dome. Viewers interested in a spectacular view of the city should head up into the dome and make sure to opt for the stairs for the final leg. The metal staircase winds up through the infrastructure and allows you to look at a cavernous room which features the Cathedral’s inner dome on the bottom, and then it’s free standing upper dome several stories above. Of the many cathedrals I’ve seen, very few actually allow the opportunity to see the exact nature and structure of the building’s dome(s).

Once you’ve had a chance to view Budapest from above, head back down into the Basilica and enjoy the beautiful interior. I’ve always found that some cathedrals feel larger from the outside, and others from within. Saint Stephen’s Basilica falls into the second category and is bound to leave you feeling awed by it’s impressive size and scale.

Another must visit is the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts. A palatial building with a beautiful interior it not only boasts a impressive collection of fine paintings, it also serves as home to the second largest Egyptian collection in Europe and a wonderful mixture of Roman and Greek pieces.

A beautiful sprawling building built with high ceilings, grand halls, and an abundance of open space, the walls of the Museum of Fine Art are filled with works from some of history’s greatest names including El Greco, Bellini, Velazquez, Goya, Raphael, da Vinci, and Rembrandt among many, many others.

Budapest is a fantastic city to wander. During my week there I sampled many of its delightful charms, but lacked the time or good weather to properly explore many others. I can tell you one thing for certain – I fell in love with Budapest and cannot wait to return. The food was good, the city beautiful, and its winding, historical streets an absolute delight. The people were friendly and helpful.

Stay tuned for the next post in my series from Budapest during which I share my days spent exploring Budapest’s castles and palaces! Also, make sure not to miss my post Caving Deep Beneath Budapest – My First Brush With Claustrophobia.

Have a question or considering a trip to Budapest?  Let me know and I’d love to answer it!

Today’s Friday Photo comes from Preikestolen, Norway also known as the Preacher’s Pulpit.   This incredible rock formation overlooks the Lysefjorden and consists of a rock outcropping which is about 82 feet by 82 feet and projects out into empty space over the fjord.  As you can see from today’s photo the view down is pretty stunning.  What you’re looking at is about 1,982 feet of fresh Norwegian air between the ledge, my boots and the fjord below.  Due to the nearly square nature of the pulpit and the sturdy nature of the rock which forms it, most visitors pause to look over the edge before dangling their toes out into empty space.  As someone who isn’t a huge fan of heights it definitely pushed my comfort zone but was a wonderful experience, and one that helped me partially overcome my fear of heights. There are no guide rails, ropes, or other safety devices in place.

To reach Preikestolen there’s a semi-rugged 3.8km hike which climbs about 1,000 feet. However, the path tends to rise and fall several times as you hike along ridges and past a number of small lakes.  While parts of the path are very easy and well maintained others tend to be pretty steep and be made largely of small boulders.  If you find yourself in Norway, I highly suggest making the trip.  The closest major city is Stavanger, located in the South West of Norway.

Remember you can see Friday Photos from previous weeks here.

This post is part of the Ask Alex, Travel Question Wednesdays weekly series. To see previous questions click here.  To submit your own; tweet it to @AlexBerger, ask it in a comment on this post or send it in by e-mail.

A quick introductory note – When I began authoring VirtualWayfarer in July of 2007 I never expected that I’d still be blogging on travel, adventures, study abroad and everything that goes with it nearly five years later.  Over the years I’ve had a lot of questions and luckily my friends, network, and more than a few random strangers have gone well out of their way to answer those questions. While I still find myself asking questions on a regular basis I’ve found that I can also pay it forward as a resource for friends, my readers, and strangers alike.  In an effort to share what I’ve learned from my various adventures I’ve launched Travel Question Wednesdays. I’ll be answering one reader-submitted question every week.  You are all encouraged to submit, and all past questions will be archived and available as a resource for readers of this blog. I’m going to take a very open approach to the topics I’ll cover, so feel free to ask me just about anything , just keep it somewhat travel related.

This week’s travel question is from Greg L. he asks,

Q. “What do you look for in travel partners? In other words, how can you gauge travel compatibility with people before the trip?”

A. This is a great question and one which a lot of people tend to overlook. Especially those eager to travel, but uncomfortable, unwilling or uninterested in travelling solo.  It’s no easy task to find a friend to travel with.  There are conflicting schedules, budgetary conflicts, personal events, destination preferences, commitment issues etc. that inevitably come up and hinder the process. Even something as simple as dietary differences and preferences is important.  Picking a good travel partner is a lot like picking a good roommate. Only, instead of having an apartment which you’ll be sharing while going about your daily lives, you’ll likely be spending 95%+ of each day together for at least week and often much longer.  Over the course of that time you will both be in a wide variety of emotional states – tired, sleepy, nervous, jet-lagged, excited, happy, whimsical, stressed – take your pick. Depending on the length of your trip this can be difficult, even with someone you really like and are a great match with.

Picking the wrong travel partner can not only ruin a wonderful trip and destination, it can also lead to resentment and frustrations which can sabotage otherwise great friendships.  On the flip side some places are just better when experienced with someone else. When it works and you find a great travel partner it can strengthen your relationship significantly and result in incredibly rewarding shared experiences. So much so that I’ll definitely be using an extended trip (at least one month) with a future significant other as a way to both strengthen, and explore my relationship before marriage becomes a possibility.

I recently wrote a post that is dedicated to answering this very question in depth and provides six key factors to take into consideration when picking a travel partner.  You can view it here: How to Pick a Travel Partner and Avoid Killing Them.

At the end of the day keep in mind that travel is a significant emotional, time, and experience investment. As a result it is very important that you’re not only honest with yourself about what you expect out of the trip and how your relationship is with your potential travel partners.  It also requires that you’re honest with yourself about how you behave, and engage with people, the type of individual you are, and where you are in your evolution as a traveler.

Greg, I hope this information helps and thank you for a fantastic question.  Safe travels and open roads!

Though its bigger brother the Grand Canyon gets all the attention, the Little Colorado, located just around the bend, has its own beauty and allure.  Today’s Friday photo was snapped at one of the overlooks along Highway 64, the Cameron to Grand Canyon ring road in Arizona.

The photo was taken as I paused at one of the small Indian jewelry stands that decorate the area.  Stiff from a few hours of driving I got out of the car to stretch my legs and check out the Little Colorado.  As I did I was greeted by these two curious individuals enjoying the view from their horse trailer. It would appear that these two horses found me even more interesting than one of Arizona’s natural wonders.  To think – I didn’t even get a chance to try out my, “So a horse walks into a bar…” jokes.  Perhaps it was for the best!